Thanks for that. I reckon you are right. Definitely expecting a delayed ko. I'm leaving plenty of time so should be ok. As my gold card is to Brighton, I am guessing that should be valid via Lewes this evening.
I'll be getting on at Gatwick, so I'd imagine I'll be on one of the diverted victoria services. Work has generously let me out early so I ma hoping to avoid the major congestion.
Not clear at all whether the Brighton services are stopping at Falmer on the national rail website. All very confusing. I shall just get a lewes bound service and try my luck I suppose, or hope that there is better information nearer the time.
I got the 6.46 cattle truck via Lewes this morning and it did get me to Gatwick in time for my connection to Dorking. So it looks like the diversion via Lewes can work, the main problem being overcrowded.
I too would also like to add my thanks to Ernest and HtS for providing genuinely useful...