In The Beginning

August/September 2008History: -
It was an easy decision to make - once it was clear that my company was closing and I would be made redundant.
My grandfather (Harry Essex) had been born in Amballa, India (Punjab) whilst his father (SQM Sgt George Essex) was serving in the British Army. Harry was born in the later 1890's. Before he was very old he lost his dad, killed whilst diving into a swimming pool - broken neck!!
Harry, his brother, sister and mother Francis (Fanny) were then transported back to Bombay to be returned to England by the army. While in Colaba nr Bombay, Fanny suffered heart failure and died - she was only 29 years old. I think that she must have died from a broken heart.
The three children were returned to England where the elder two were sent to relations in Manchester, and Harry was set to live with his uncle in Market Harborough. I don't know why the three were split up, but, I'm thankful they were or I wouldn't be writing this!

I emailed my cousin (Flip) in Australia to find out some more information as I knew she had been on at least one occasion to see if she could throw any light on any of the happenings.

October 2008
October 6th: -
Returned from Florida holiday and back to work on Mon 6th October - the place was awful, all the shop floor staff had finished on the previous Friday and now the factory was silent, not even the roof extractor fans running.
I've never heard it so quiet (even when locking up on Sunday overtime in years gone by) and so deserted. That settled it, my resolve hardned I went to the local travel agents to see what options were open to me. I'm not able to book for certain until after my final finish date (I need to ensure I have completely finished and got all my redundancy dosh) though I can make some enquiries.

October 11th: -
Had a reply from Flip - she suggested getting the Lonely Planet - India book before I embark on this adventure so went online and sourced it. Book arrived two days later, it's full of all sorts of useful info - from which hotels to stay in to sightseeing items and where to eat (even down to choosing from the menu in some instances!) So now going to get down to the nitty-gritty of where and when!
Flip also says she's off to Singapore on holiday and will try to locate something I told her about in my letter. There is (or used to be) a poster in the foyer of one of the hotels on the waterfront which features our grandfather Harry from when he was in the Royal Navy, when taking part in a boxing match aboard ship in the Singapore naval docks. A couple of people have reported seeing this but there has never been any documented evidence (photo etc). It's been a few years since the last sighting but it is something else I plan on checking out on this trip.
Found out all about the visa requirements and inoculations needed. It's looking like an early January start and with the places I want to go to, being about a 3-week trip.

October 23rd: -
Made an appointment with local doctors regarding the inoculations, met the nurse and have been through what is required.Typhoid, Diptheria, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitus "A" seem to be the order of the day, and she advised me to visit chemists for anti-malaria pills.
She also laid on countless warnings about food and hygeine (no local women for me, thats for sure!) most of it basic stuff, but all will be heeded as it was sound information. I have also started making a short list of places to visit and potential hotels. I will update on the next installment.