NEWHAVEN BREAKWATER

Today, in the Sydney Morning Herald, there is a photo of the Lighthouse with waves crashing over it in the recent gales that have been battering Sussex. Many years ago, my Grandfather, Alfie Knights, who worked on the seafront, showed me around it. We climbed the spiral staircase for a splendid view of the coast and the open sea.

I absolutely love this photo. :)

Hi Maurice. Not sure if you remember me but I used to come to see you and your brother Geoff and Barry and Pete Woolford next door. Went to visit Eve Woolford at her home in Peacehaven a couple of months ago and Barry came in while I was there. Eve still looks 30 years younger than she is. We mentioned you among our 'trip down memory lane'.

Maurice Corlett. Now there's a blast from the past. Hope you're keeping well. The breakwater will always be the iconic reminder of home. Summer was always a case of running the gauntlet of carelessly swung tackle from excited anglers. Autumn and winter, during rough weather, always meant the chance of a soaking. Being the last one to duck under the arches, before getting drenched, was a target often aimed for, but rarely achieved. Either nerve or timing went wrong; at least it did for me.

Yes, I remember you Paul and how we used hang out on the allotments at the back of Evelyn Avenue. Being the youngest of 'the gang' I used to find it hard to keep up! Glad to hear that Eve Woolford is going well - her and my Mum go back a long way. And what a good description by William Stovell of how it used to be on the Breakwater. Dodging anglers gear or waves and in summer, when the tide was in, diving off the top of the Breakwater between the rocks and the pebble beach. A rite of passage that thankfully is no more!