Victorian fun in the August sun

For all our moans and groans we have a lot to be thankful for and I suppose our minds think of sunny days and seasides, which brings us neatly to the subject for today and the two pictures concerned.

The building of the sea front and the breakwater may have started in 1879 but it took many years to complete, with gaps caused by lack of finance or periods of stormy weather.

The two photos are dated August 6, 1883 concerning the big event of that day '“ a regatta. It would appear nature has produced true summer weather, though I doubt any speed records were broken by sailing craft that day and umbrellas were often used as sunshades.

The large paddle steamer, far left and faded, is probably the Alexandra, which began her life on our service to Dieppe, but by this time was an excursion steamer based at Hastings.

Beyond the bevy of canvas is anchored the steam hopper Trident which had the distinction of being committee boat for this great occasion.

Her presence was certainly deserved, for she was especially built for the laying of the foundations of our breakwater, by a new system, and this was the second time in the world that this was done.

The example of man's ingenuity is just creeping into the picture on the right, with many, many tedious yards yet to go and years of toil.

A strange looking wooden structure is floating a little nearer '“ this features in another view '“ where it hosted the walking the greasy pole competition.

A centre platform was in position with the necessary pole projecting, one contestant with first foot on, two others to follow and a victim in the water.

Plenty of onlookers, some in boats, to witness fair play. What a great day we had at Newhaven!

Picture No 2 shows the organising committee for the 1883 regatta, a fine selection there.

Left to right rear row, Mr Hobbs, the farmer at, I believe, Meeching Court Farm; 2 probably of consequence with the breakwater constructors; 3 Captain Phillips of the service Newhaven-Caen (three passenger/freight vessels); 4 possibly Jas Bannister, shopkeeper, his first being on site where Woolworths is now in Newhaven High Street, later on both sides of the street. Hence the question, 'Why is Newhaven High Street like a staircase?' The pitiful answer: 'Because it has Bannisters on both sides!'

Front row, left to right, 1 George Stone, miller and brewer; 2 constructors' employee?; 3 Captain White, harbour master.

Now let us return to George Stone, local born in 1821, son of William, a merchant/shipowner.

George purchased the white wooden windmill at the very top of Church Hill, eventually making partnership with Robert Towner of the famous Tipper Brewery, then behind the Bridge Hotel at the bottom of the High Street.

Although brewing ceased before the First World War, the building was not demolished until clearance for the Northway ring road.

George Stone produced a massive flour mill complex in Bridge Street from the hotel towards the east, reaching to the terrace of little old cottages, now small shops.

Some may remember the Old Mill cafe which occupied the ground floor of the last of the granaries.

There were two of these large buildings with a brick engine house and tall brick chimney between them.

On a wall was boldly printed Stone and Towner '“ Steam Flour Mill.

George had sold his windmill which was dismantled and re-erected at Chailey, where it can be seen today but is much obscured by trees.

Descendants of these two families were the 'in' people until not all that many years ago. A sad reminder of their glory days occurred as last year ended '“ the large house Saxonholme in Meeching Road was demolished.

George Stone and family were the first occupants. Then it was named Dacre Villa. A sad ending.

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. Opening hours are Saturdays and Sundays, all year, 2-5pm or by arrangement, weekdays, 2-4pm. Admission 1 (accompanied children free). Contact the curator on 01273 514760. Log on to the website at www.newhavenmuseum.co.uk