Listen to Auntie '“ via a tall pole

Sadly, the backdrop of Seaford and the bay has disappeared in possibly some mist or the like. There is a very high tide in the Tidemills Creek but I suppose this effect could be obtained by adjusting the sluices which control the flow in and out of the harbour.

Activity on the East Pier suggests the 1928 period, when this was rebuilt from wood piling to reinforced concrete.

Perhaps it will be best to work across the picture from left to right.

The roofs of Fort Road are interesting, no extensions or sky lights! Notice the number or white poles dotted about; receiving national radio was quite an achievement at that period, often it was the case of the taller the mast the better the sound.

The garage with the large asbestos tiles would have belonged to Mr WG Sargeant who at this time lived at 24 Hillcrest Road and this photo would have been taken from probably an upstairs bedroom.

Left at the west bank can be seen a line of chalk trucks. They have just passed one of the loading stages, so must be destined for the second one out of the picture.

Moored at the tug stage is the powerful steam tug Foremost 22 with memories of the two great skippers, Pascoe and Fieldgate.

Much salvage work was done by this vessel and, of course, sea accidents were quite common in the days before radar and all the other wonders we have now.

The two black sheds, as I remember, were the home of Maritime Salvors, which by this time may have ceased trading for there is no sign of the great heap of anchors, chains and other gadgetry connected with this work.

Reference was made to this in an article featuring Clarence Ray a few months ago.

Other store buildings then lead to the lifeboat house, then much lower, for at this time it was an open motor boat, the Sir Fitzroy Clayton.

The roof had to be raised for the next one, the Cecil and Lillian Philpott which was christened by the Duke of Kent on July 7, 1931.

It has been said that this necessary raising of the roof prevented the building being awarded listed status as was sought a few years ago.

Just to the right and showing above the fence, is a large buoy, then a pink/orange colour. This found its way to the seafront and has been offered to the museum.

I feel it should be used as a public symbol of Newhaven's maritime history and give an identity to some part of our road system. In company with an anchor and of a suitable colour it could give us a much needed lift.

Returning to the lifeboat house, the building to its right was the harbour Watch House dismantled in the 1970s.

Here we are told we will be able to pause and admire the block of flats about to rise from the surrounds of the old mud hole.

The wooden staging leading off to the right was the lay-by berth, installed when Sleepers Hole was opened up to be able to accept idle vessels which had previously 'laid-by' above the swing bridge before the North Quay was created.

Not many years before this picture, James Dredging had taken over the upkeep of the harbour.

The little steam one, the Hinton, is at the lay-by stage and the larger steam dredger, the Newey (ex Cambois) is steaming into her berth '“ about six vertical piles and supports, plus anchor chains to pick up.

The channel steamer taking in coal is probably the Brighton IV, 1903-1930.

PETER BAILEY

Peter Bailey is curator of the Newhaven Local and Maritime Museum based in its own fascinating premises in the grounds of Paradise Park in Avis Road, Newhaven. Winter opening hours are 2-5pm Saturdays and Sundays or by arrangement. Admission 1 (accompanied children free). Contact the curator on 01273 514760. Log on to the website at www.newhavenmuseum.co.uk