Winter misery when the sea froze over

In fact, it was claimed to be the first purpose built marina on the south coast.

Many readers still remember that terrible winter of 1962-63.

Not only was it very cold, but strong winds added to the misery. It must have been a plumber's paradise. Icicles were hanging everywhere; not many had the luxury of central heating at that time.

Before returning to Newhaven, we had rented an unfurnished ground floor flat in Queens Park, Brighton, and battled through the snow and dark to get home. All was OK until reaching the kitchen at the rear.

This, with its concrete floor was about four inches lower than the rest. We switched on the light and there was a shallow lake of black, cold water '“ a pipe had burst in a coal cupboard.

I turned off the water cock, but there was no hope of bailing it out. I got a saw and removed about two feet from the wooden doorstep, then with a bass broom I was able to sweep the water out through the gap, whereupon it quickly froze on the snow-covered earth. I won, and banged the wooden block back in place. I think it was then that I fell in love with oxtail soup!

So back to the picture. You are looking at ice floes of salt water drifting around in an English harbour '“ incredible.

The framework of piles in the background were put there (and no doubt replaced several times) as staging against which the large steam dredger could moor safely, facing into the west, with long heavy chains, which could control the vessel in the greatest of sou'westers.

Before World War II, a lot more small craft were in The Hole and one heavy chain went off to the NW and the front row of the lesser boats tied on to this for their bow mooring, with an old car engine (with rope attached) dropped aft of its stern, with a connecting line and an old petrol can for a buoy. That was all that was needed for a safe berth.

One problem faced all the craft in this sanctuary. You needed a dinghy to get to shore. A long T shaped landing stage had been built in, I think, the early 1930s from the bank near to the recreation ground toilets, passing over chalk and mud to the dredged area, so that craft moored there (and beyond) were always afloat.

These were mainly large, heavy port owned rowing boats, used by divers and ferries across the river. To these, everyone tied his dinghy; not a lot of problems as the large old boats seldom wandered!

One very definite problem did exist. This long stage went out like a capital T. At the far end, where was the cross of the T and the deep water, two vertical wooden ladders went down and out of sight.

Many a child or outboard motor made that journey up and down under the owner's one arm as with the hand of the other he had to quickly pull his body forward to the ladder as that same hand has changed rung, before gravity had time to win the challenge. I cannot recollect any accident ever happening.

Mind you, living aboard a cabin boat, as I had done some summers, there could be a lot of hilarity and no doubt close shaves, when some of the 'racey class' with their posh vessels at anchor returned after closing time from the old Sheffield Hotel, then the local yacht club, now the Harbourside.

Hilarious were some of the antics and the duckings as in the dark they made their way to their craft! Happy days and nights!

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