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Fishing and Fishermen

Photo by By Rick Smallman

Ted Gillam

By Rick Smallman

Sunday visits

Many years ago my late father used to take my sister and I to the beach in front of the fishermens' arches usually on a Sunday. The highlight of the day was to place the pieces of timber under the boats as they winched them up the beach for which I was paid threepence, remember that many sided coin?

Uncle Ted

Ted Gillam was always known to me as Uncle Ted and it remained that way until the last time I saw him when, surprisingly, he said that I could now call him Ted. That was about nineteen years ago now when I flew back to attend my father's funeral from my home in Australia. For some unknown reason he did not come back to my sister's house for the customary wake.

Protective friends

The following day I went to the beach and asked two young fishermen if they knew where Ted was. Until I told them who my Dad was (Harry or Sailor) they were not very forthcoming, being very protective of Ted I suppose.

A pint and a chat

Explanations made, however, the mood changed and soon I was in a bar having a pint or two with Ted and chatting over old times. Before leaving I managed to get him to pose for this photograph. I, for one, am proud to have known him.

This page was added on 25/06/2010.

Comments about this page

Hi Richard You may remember me from (too) many years ago. My brother Ted told me about this photograph, and I am hoping that you can email to me a large file version of it, and any others you might have of Dad, so that I can print a copy for my mum. I have found this, and the "Photograph of Brighton seamen" page really fascinating, particularly all the old names. Your input brought back great memories, including of your dad - I always recall him as being the 'hardest' man that I knew, but kind and good fun too. Hope to hear from you. With kind regards

By James Gillam (16.12.2010)

Richard, I assumed that you would pick up my email address from the website. In case you do not: gillam@btinternet.com Thanks

[Email addresses are requested when a contributor makes a posting, but they are no accessible to the public. Comments Ed]

By James Gillam (24.12.2010)

Hi James, good to hear from you. I have sent an email with a copy of the original photograph. Please advise if not received.

By Rick Smallman (02.01.2011)

Hi Rick. You may remember me from the 1960s/70s when I used to bring fish into the aquarium. I have been meaning to contact you since I connected to the web about 2 years ago, to see if you have any more photos of Brighton fishing boats / men or your dad on the beach as he was a good friend and part of the fishing scene. If you are interested, I have found a web site with a photo of your dad "blacksanding" under the pier. Regards.

By Alan Hayes (13.01.2011)

Hi Alan, now that is a long time ago but good to hear from you. Can you email me because I would dearly love to get a copy of the photo. Dad used to throw coins on the beach to teach me the noble art of Blacksanding. That is many a year since I heard that word 'Blacksanding', what memories that does bring back. Thank you for the post. Regards.

By Rick Smallman (01.03.2011)

Hi Rick If you would like to e-mail me I can send you the photo and the site it is on. My email is alanphayes@hotmail.com

By Alan Hayes (02.03.2011)