I lived in Preston Drove opposite Blakers Park from 1942 to 1947. Cowboys and Indians were the games played. The water reservoir was a great place to play around, and  the Clock Tower. As we had double Summer time in England during the war it did not get dark until 9.30 or so in the Summer so the park was very popular with the children. I remember a boy called David Toft who played with us.

I grew up at 187 Preston Drove that overlooked the park. From the first floor, we had a view down the length of the park and down across Brighton right to the pier! I remember sledging at night in the park, by the light of surrounding roads street lights. That is until they put the railings in, halfway down! I seemed to have spent my entire childhood playing in that park; 20-a-side football, and cricket, there was always sports equipment in our hallway. My parents Jim and Barbara Fenton bought the house in 1949 when they were first married. My Dad died in 1990 and my Mum lived there until she died in 2000. I remember a centenary celebration in 1993 or 94 with the Mayor, when she was the second longest resident from surrounding roads. I lived there from when I was born in 19'61, till 1985. My Father told me once that he remembered the children's playground at the bottom of the park being lawn tennis courts. Then they built the concrete ones and put in the playground I guess. Winter and summer, much fun was had in that park.

Simon, I think you must be David's brother. I was at Downs School with him, and played in the park with him. Do you remember Tony Harris who lived a few doors down?