Now we were homeless and our lifestyle would have to change. Suddenly we heard a well known voice “Mum”, it was Marge’s daughter Viv, “thank goodness you're both alright, I've been trying to find you. You are coming home with us the car is outside”. We said “cheerio” and “all the best” to the Indian man and walked outside where we were bundled into the car and away to Viv’s home in Newhaven. There in comfortable chairs, hot drinks and eats, later we watched the TV news. With a hot meal etc. we soon relaxed and a good nights sleep on a settee bed worked wonders. Breakfast and we were ready to go up to the camp in Viv’s car. On arrival there I had to push up some twisted metal of a caravan propped up on my roof. I unlocked and got inside, not too bad front and side windows out. Most of our things were intact, but lots of broken glass about and plenty of wreckage outside between the vans covering the ponds and garden. But Marge’s van was a wreck. She unlocked the front door and went inside to find a complete shambles; windows out, and the roof completely gone. Marge and Viv stayed in her van sorting out what could be saved and collecting items to go down to Viv’s for storage; clothes and essentials for our immediate use. Meanwhile, I knowing my camera was inside the van and there were some remarkable pictures that could be taken, wandered round the camp taking photographs. Later Marge joined me and did the same. Then a ride home to Viv’s garage with our belongings. Next day it was the same routine. Then Monday we went down to the local Council Offices, the lady there said “There is only one vacancy in Peacehaven, a sheltered accommodation bungalow. It’s been done up and rewired but the garden is overgrown and no one seems to want it. I can give you the key to look it over. That is all there is going at the moment. You can go in together; but if you don't take it all that is left is bed and breakfast.”

We took the key and found the bungalow. Found the door overgrown with brambles so we found an old piece of wood and cleared it and went in. finding it suitable we went back to say we're having it and went up to the camp to collect more bits and pieces.

My old work mate Ron turned up and we loaded up his car, a Skoda, with a table and 2 deckchairs, sleeping bags etc. and took it down to our new home leaving Marge to come down with the small items and go shopping for food.

When Marge arrived home she found us seated at a table, a silver teapot, tea in cups and stuffing ourselves with sandwiches. Her remark “that's right me flogging myself to death and you lording it up”. Unbeknown of course to her two very kindly neighbours had provided it all. Marge very soon joined in. We spent the evening by torchlight. We enjoyed a fish and chip meal as we made plans for the future. Each day Ron would come from his home in Portslade and take us up to the vans. Load all our gear in the Skoda and take it over to his garage for storage. When Ron went home to roost we prepared for bed. No gas or electricity on and no heat, we slept on the bare floor wrapped up in our sleeping bag with our trusty big torch for light and in the morning it would be removal day which went on for many a day.

Also other work done was by Pam’s hubby, who used his van to bring down all our garden bits. Rocks, ornaments, garden seat and potted plants. Also transport paving stones from the local council. During all this donkeywork the profits in our local fish and chip shop must have increased!

Next, we get the gas and electricity on as we continue with the removal of our belongings to Portslade with the aid of the trusty old Skoda. Many old jokes are heard about these make of car, but we can assure you this one certainly earned it’s keep. Eventually the job was finished and now it was time to set up home.

First carpets were bought and laid by the shop and also we scouted the area for furniture etc. Seaford and Brighton; all expenses shared between us. Gradually we said as at Xmas – “it’s all in, thank goodness!”

Now we are settled down in our new life style surrounded by bricks and mortar, snug and warm, double glazing, central heating, roof and wall insulation, fridge and freezer, washing machine, all mod cons.

Recollections
In the cold winter evenings we sit in our armchairs snug and warm as we hear on TV the weather forecast and hear the raining and blowing of a gale outside we say “best thing we ever did. The hurricane did us a good turn after all. Coo! Listen to that rain lashing on the windows and the wind getting stronger; think of those poor souls up the camp”.

As our story nears it’s end, our thanks go out to our many friends who gave us their time and help in our hour of need.