Many thanks to Francois Ulcakar for writing from France with some very happy memories of the late 50s and early 60s in Rye. Now 78 and living on the Atlantic Coast between Rochefort and La Rochelle, he was 13 when he spent time learning English while staying with the Larkin family who ran Iden Stores. Francois is especially keen for news of the Larkin’s son, Dave.
My father was 100% clear that to speak foreign languages, and foremost English, was absolutely the key to life. So when I was rather young (I think 11 or 12) he managed to find me a family in the UK near Portsmouth where I discovered not only the English language but also the English way of life. It was an incredible shock: Campbell’s tomato soup and Heinz beans (acceptable), Marmite (dreadful), Liquorice Allsorts (so good) and the Wagon Train series tv series (moving and thrilling). Unfortunately this family moved to New Zealand, so my father got in touch with a businessman he knew and I was sent to Rye!
At the time I had absolutely no idea of what Rye was like. I didn’t even know the importance of Hastings in British history – shame on me. I think I was 13 and I remember Dave’s parents rather well. Two lovely people. I remember his father was a tall and slim man with a large moustache, very much like a British Officer in the Indian army. He wasn’t strict at all, but very welcoming. Dave’s mother was cheerful and motherly. I wish I could remember their first names. Dave was a teenager too and they all lived in a cottage near the Iden Stores.
It was a grocery shop and a post office. I can still remember the wonderful smells and flavours: tea, coffee, sweets, spices, vegetables, ham. Customers were coming in and out all the time. All were cheerful, polite, full of jokes and chatter. And for me that sums up my time in Rye, everyone welcoming, smiling, friendly and taking care of one another.
The cottage itself had a small garden behind, with beds of roses and a tiny lawn. In front there was another bed of flowers. My room was shaky! The floor and windows sloping.
Sunday lunch was always incredible. Roast beef with horseradish sauce was really something for a French guy.
I came back a second year. Dave was with the Scouts and I got asked to join them in Switzerland where I experienced scrambled eggs for breakfast outside and in the rain (unforgettable). Back in Rye we used to explore the area – as you can see from the picture of Dave and a friend on the top of the church. I think it’s the Rye church.
My time in Rye was very important to me. I still read English language books, though my English is out of practice! I learnt to appreciate British culture and your way of living during my time with the Larkins in Iden and Rye – your education, elegance, sense of humour and self derision. All things I learnt from people in Rye.
I’d love to know what happened to the family after I lost contact with Dave. I presume Dave’s parents have long passed away and may be he has too, but I’d still like to get in touch with his family to share more of my memories.
If you can help Francois with his search email info@ryenews.org.uk and we’ll put you in touch. Merci beaucoup pour votre e-mail, François. Bien amicalement depuis Rye.
Image Credits: Francois Ulcakar .