Its great to see these pictures. I virtually grew up with the Horscraft family. In fact I was born in their house in South Road.
I well remember Horace, Rupert and Vivian also Theresa, who in fact I am told taught me to walk as a baby.

I worked as a child on Saturdays and School holidays with Theresa on their mobile shop which was a converted Bedford OB coach. The car pictured with the accident damage was repaired at Newhaven coach works. At that time Raymond, Rupert's oldest son worked there.
At one time we lived at the rear of their South Road shop.
Its good to see these pictures of what must be the best known family in town.
There must be hundreds more family photographs out there, keep them coming.

The last picture of the taxi with front end damage -I was driving it at the time. I was just about to drive up into Elm Lodge off the Denton Road when a motorbike came round the bend with nowhere to go except up and over the top via the bonnet. An unfortunate set of circumstances that led to a court appearance for driving without due care and attention. It was thrown out of court for lack of proof of the charge. I wonder if the poor motorcyclist is still around, I can't remember his name. I actually ended up taking him through to the Sussex County Hospital in the same taxi. I think that that junction is probably just as dangerous today - I must go have a look.

Thanks for sharing this piece of history Jim - any idea of what year that would be? Jackie - Editor

Re: Jim's photo of damaged taxi. I remember the incident well, the motorcyclist was Alan Riggs on his recently rebuilt Matchless 350. We worked together at A&M Fells factory in the old Hatchery. We had been working overtime and he had left for home to watch "Steptoe & Son".

Thats the chap Martin, at the time he lived in the convent flats on Church Hill. I felt so sorry for him that day, perhaps you can remember the year, I'm only guessing at about 1964. Do you know if he is still around. Thanks for your input Martin. Cheers.

Jim, I reckon the accident you had with Alan was around 1966-68 though cán't be certain. Haven't seen him for 20+ years as I now live in South Africa.
Regards Martin

Horace ran the taxi firm for the most part from his bungalow at the bottom of Denton Drive.  The junction with Denton Road is still a nightmare; as it was then.  I lived at the top of Denton Drive during my early years, I even went to work for Horace answering the phone calls and directing the taxis for a short while from his office in the town.

The Horscraft family bring back many fond memories to my family. I lived with my mother at the end of the war in South Road. Old Mrs Horscraft played the piano at Sunday School, Methodist Church, in Chapel Street. She made an imposing sight- a very large lady with a huge fancy hat on her head. Horace's taxis was the firm I used for my wedding in 1961. My brother Mick went to live in the same flat when he was first married approx. 39 yrs ago.

Can anyone else remember when Horace played Norman wisdom in one of the carnivals in the late 50`s or very early 60`s?

I remember Horace very when he did a lot of shows at the Christ Church Hall in South road. I was a member of the Boys Club and we did a lot of shows with him and his gang of entertainers.

I well remember Horace taking off Norman Wisdom in the carnivals. Also the amateur dramatics, as my brother John was a great friend of his. Vivien & I were in the same class & great friends. Does anyone know of her whereabouts as we lost touch soon after leaving school.

I remember Horace well. He gave me a good piece of advice once when I was looking for a new car, saying don't buy new, let someone else pay the purchase tax. Good advice at the time, he was a great chap.

I also worked for Horace and Theresa on their veg round which took in Mount Pleasant. Weighing out potatoes when I was just 8 years old. Many years later I went on to drive one of Horace's taxis. Good old days remembered with great fondness.

I lived in Hillcrest Road for years with my parents Nan and Harry Parker, and Horace was known to me most of my life. He used to sing "Saleeeee...pride of the alley". I previously lived in New Road and then Gibbon Road.  I worked with a Horsecraft at Currys in Lewes for a while - very funny man...with Horace's sense of humour. Would love to hear back.

Not only did Horace drive us to church in his taxi on our wedding day, he also took our wedding photos (with our camera). I also helped out in the shop, loaded the van up Saturday mornings, and then went on the round with Theresa. My pay was 2/6d and a packet of Royal Scot biscuits!

Hello all.

Nice to have you 'on board' Ben. Have you any information that can help complete the Horscraft family story? Andy, Editor.

Well its nice to see some old pictures of the family that I have never seen... Uncle Robert please post some more as they are interesting....and a part of Newhaven's history

Hi,  don't know if I am related but my Dad was Reginald Horscraft born in 1918 in Hackney, London.

My Grandad was Harry Horscraft and my Nan was Gladys Horscraft

I am trying to establish whether my Uncle Max L Horsecraft is part of your family. My father, Morris Smith, had a sister Lorna who married Max Horscraft who was a brilliant aircraft engineer and died at Thornlie, Western Australia. He was a great friend as well as relative. Aunt Lorna visited me in Staffordshire some years ago but we have lost contact. If this is of interest, and we are related, please contact via email. John M Smith

NOTE from editors. We do not publish e-mail addresses so if you do wish to respond, please contact the editors for his address.

Max Leon Horscraft was my uncle too. I note your interest John M Smith and would like to make contact with you. My father Rupert Benjamin Horscraft is still going strong and was one of Max's younger brothers. He is the only surviving one of that generation left.

Hello I'm looking up my family history and was very suprised to see all the comments. I am trying to reseach my family tree but there are so many of us. My grandad was Ivan Horscraft who was Horace's brother. I came across a family video of Ivan's wedding today which also has Horace showing off his taxi. Granny Win, her husband, Stephen as a baby and Rupert Horscraft.