In 1957 our father, Keith, had been posted to Singapore with his Army unit and shortly after Vanessa was born there, he was posted back to Hampshire, we followed him back to the UK by army ship. To occupy the passengers, various events were organised by the crew, one of which was a fancy dress competition. Our Mum was very resourceful and managed to cobble together a costume for me. Vanessa, however was not much more than a baby and wasn't easy to dress up. However, due to the change in atmosphere, she had broken out into a nasty rash. Mum entered her, wearing only a gauze nappy as "Miss Prickly Heat" Vanessa got first prize......................

On our second posting to Singapore, we lived in a rented house near the army barracks. During monsoon season, very large open drains would fill with fast moving water to keep the surrounding estate clear from flooding. One of these drains ran across the back of the house and to keep it safe, was gated off to prevent children falling in. One day, the gate had been left ajar and Vanessa, who was by now an adventurous toddler made a run for the open gate. I saw her and managed to slam the gate shut.....on her thumb, which was nearly severed. Army medics did a great repair job, but she carried that slightly mis-shapen thumb for the rest of her life!

On our final return to the UK, little Simon, who was by now about 4, was very quick to copy big brother Paul, who was confidently riding a bike. The two of us would ride up and down the road, teasing Vanessa, who was unable to balance on two wheels. A quick crash course in riding skills from various friends and family soon had her joining us. Her enthusiasm didn't last long though, she complained that the "foot rests" kept going up and down.

Her collection of wooden dolls was legendary, I think at the peak, they numbered between 30 and 40.