I read with interest Tony Miller's comments. I also remember the Broadway cafe and, in the 50s, was a regular teen layabout in the cafe. I also remember Stan the governor. My girlfriend at the time used to tie her donkey up outside the cafe when we went inside for a long drawn-out coffee. They were good days and not nearly half as violent as today. And you didn't lip the big copper either.

My family moved to Whitehawk in 1932, into a brand new four bedroom house. We lived at 58 Nuthurst Road. Yes, life was quite tough in those days as a lot of the people in our street came from the slum areas. I remember some of the women fighting with hat pins and some of the little ones ran around with no shoes or pants. There was one thing you could rely on, there was always someone to lend a helping hand when needed, especially in war-time. I am an old lady now but I shall never forget living in Whitehawk.

I lived in Whitehawk (Wiston Road )from 1942-1966 and went to Whitehawk infants, junior and senior schools. My recollection of the order of the buildings is, from the top of Whitehawk Road/Lintott Avenue as follows: the senior schools (boys and girls) first, then the infants school in the single storey building with the library attached. Then there was the junior school before the church hall (junction Whithawk Road/Avenue). I am in dispute with members of my family about this,can anybody verify this, if so it would be much appreciated.

Ray, You are correct in your memory of the location of the buildings you mention. I have a 1950s map of the area which bears this out. If you get in touch I could email you the relevant part. TCS. ...tim (at) permanden .co.uk

Happy 2007 to all in Whitehawk. I have heard such negative comments about the estate but when I was kid I loved it! I was born in 7, Whitehawk Road in 1934. My Mum was Daisy and my Dad was Percy Brooke and I had one elder sister,Eva, and five older brothers, Norman, Ted, Ron, Bert, and Reg. Norman, Ted, Ron and myself are the survivors. I carry such memories of rolling down the bank onto the football field in East Brighton Park; of picking winkles at Black Rock and jumping of the groynes to the horror of onlookers. I went to St. Mark's school, was evacuated to Yorkshire, then attended Whitehawk Senior Girls on my return. Engraved on my heart are the comments of Miss Harrison (Domestic Science) who said it would be a dreadful tragedy if ever I considered marriage and a home. I have five married children, 11 married or attached grandchildren and eight great grandchildren...poor Miss Harrison ...she got that one wrong because I fostered 45 children as well and they have ALL survived!

A very encouraging reflective journal by Mr Bilangel. What are the residents doing there to promote a sense of "community"? The area had an excellent IT facility called the Whitehawk Centre a few years ago, is it still open? It is very unfair and hugely damaging for an area to labelled "bad". It is disadvantageous to the residents and deters people from moving to the area. I wish Mr Bilangel and his partner a happy life in their new home and life here.

I found this site by accident and I thought I would add to the other comments. I lived in Whitehawk from 1958 until 1969 and I too have some fond memories of school and my free time in the holidays. I worked abroad for many years and I came back one year and sat at the top of the racecourse and could see the path from Whitehawk Road to The Avenue. I lived at 50 Whitehawk Avenue for all those years. People are right - they should have modernised the houses instead of pulling them down. I used to enjoy Black Rock swimming pool, used to swim round the break water and sneak in for nothing.

I was born in Whitehawk in 1966 and lived there untill 1985. Having lived around the world, it's a amazing place to grow up. The steep hills and racecourse gave it great character. I remember riding motorbikes all over the hills and the tip and playing football on the pitches till sunset - such fun.

I am 16 and I have lived in Whitehawk as long as I can remember and, just to verify, Whitehawk Centre is still there on the corner of The Broadway. However, it is now a learning and development centre and is now called 'Whitehawk Inn'. I am doing my GCSEs now and I decided to use Whitehawk as a subject in my ICT coureswork. So if anyone has any old pictures or stories please could you write back or email me at stead204@hotmail.com Thanks to everyone.

I was born in Brighton and moved to 109 Whitehawk Crescent in 1958 at the age of 3. I attended all 3 schools,Infants,Juniors and seniors when it was just for boys, and when it went mixed.Those were the days when people could leave their doors unlocked and kids could go out to play without parents worrying. I remember the old boxing club run by Tony Brazil opposite the seniors near the pitches, and of course the old German school Dentist aaaarrrrrggghh. We also used to hang about around the Broadway cafe. Race days were brilliant as there was a bookmaker called Nobby that would get the kids together and do a scramble,he would throw pockets of loose change for the kids to pick up.The one thing that does stick in my mind about Whitehawk is the fact that it was a very close knit and safe community, and even now I still get homesick.

Looking at the comment from Tony Mitchell, I wondered if he was any relation to the Mitchells that lived in Manor Hill. I went to school with Bobby Bliss who had a nan and granddad living in Manor Hill. He had a cousin called Gene Wilson, and an uncle who was also called Tony Mitchell, I am sure. This was in the 50s when the trolley buses used Manor Hill. If it is the same family I remember Mrs. Mitchell (the grandmother) being over the moon when I was there one Sunday Morning as there was a request for her on Forces Favourites from Tony Mitchell who was serving abroad on his national service. I hope it is

I must be getting slow in the head, I have just noticed Steve Standring's comments. I too remember Tony Brazil and the work he did for boxing and the youth of the day. Is Tony still around?  I lived in Bennett Road which was sort of on the border of Whitehawk, and being roman candle I had to go to school miles away. I would much rather have gone to St. Marks or Whitehawk as many of the kids I knew were at those schools. I get a bit frustrated sometimes because I think that there must be hundreds of people out there that would love to contribute to the website chatting about earlier times, but for some reason or other you only see comments from them once in a blue moon. When you do it is like finding a diamond. It would be lovely if there was an advert that would get to all the folk of Brighton from the past and the present so we could chat even more, or am I dreaming. Anyway the Broadway cafe was a haunt of mine when I was a teenager, and I must say that Stan was a great bloke that loved kids as well as his own, not only for the business either ( as we usually made a cup of coffee last all afternoon). This German dentist, was she the big fat German woman that also did the Nitty Nora bit?  As Steve has said, it was a close knit society and we did leave our doors unlocked. We had our arguments but those days are longed for now. Maybe one day when some jerk wakes up, the society we live in will instil some discipline and respect back where it belongs. My grandkids hardly believe the freedom we had as kids. Nice piece of nostalgia Steve.

Good luck to all Brighton residents past and present.

Me and my sister (we were Pat and Chris Marshall then) lived at 80 Whitehawk Avenue from 1955 until 1958. We lived with our grandparents Mr and Mrs P Turrell. We lived next door to the Bradfords and I remember Nanny's very good friend Mrs Marriot. I also remember the Groves family - we could see their back garden from ours. Nanny used to have a big old mangle out the back and we all had to help on wash day, holding the sheets as they went through the mangle. We also had Auntie Betty and Linda living there. I went to Whitehawk Senior School, but only for my last two years. Mrs Evans was headmistress and I had the cane. We used to play on the racehill a lot, we used to slide down on pieces of cardboard. When it was Brighton races, we would go and collect all the race tickets. I remember June Chapman, David Cage, Ronnie Coggins, Micheal Hussey and the Didcotts.

Ray Vincent - sorry to disappoint but you are completely wrong about the whereabouts of St Cuthman's Church / Hall. It was, and still is, located near the top of what was Lintott Ave with the junction of Twineham Road. One road down from Wiston Road. I remember this because I lived in Whitehawk before the devastation of the estate took place and I walked past the church every day on my way to and from school.

I also was raised at Whitehawk.We lived at 88 Wiston Road next to the electricity building. In front of our house was a large green where the kids would congregate to play. I only ever knew the new St
Cuthmans church. I was there as a brownie at the dedication. Was one of the first group of kids to be
confirmed there on March 24th 1954 on a Wednesday evening. Before the church was built we had Sunday school every Sunday afternoon at St Davids. We used to take home plaster of paris money boxes modeled as a church to collect money. I was educated at all three of the Whitehawk schools where I received a first rate
education. We had 44 children in our class and we still managed to learn (I did go on later to do a university degree). Life was hard after the war, but we were a bunch of hard working proud people. I am still proud to say I am a 'Whitehawk girl'.

183 Whitehawk Avenue. When my grandmother remarried she and her new husband moved into a brand new house - 183 Whitehawk Avenue sometime about 1937. Their surname was Rubidge and they had moved from a very overcrowded house in Cambridge Street followed some years later with a move to Parkmore Terrace.

My parents moved to Whitehawk around 27 years ago and still live there in Whitehawk Road. They brought up five children, the youngest being 20 years old now. None of us ever brought the police to the front door. It upsets me that just because I live in Whitehawk, people label me as trouble or scum. Growing up is tough no matter where you are from, and I wouldn't hesitate to bring my children up in Whitehawk. Only a percentage of residents don't work and we all shouldn't all be labelled as lazy.

I've lived in Whitehawk all my life and loved it. It has always been a friendly place to live with a good community spirit. When I was small I lived in Fletching Road. It was great. I had my nan and uncle up the road, one uncle across from us and another around the corner at Twineham Road. Everyone looked out for each other so your mum could always know where you were. I'm bringing up my own children here now and I still love it. I'm proud to be from Whitehawk

This is to Tony Mitchell (if he still checks in on this site). I too lived in Manor Hill at No.47. Is this the Mitchell family who lived at No.49? I too now live in the States but would like to get in touch and catch up! keeblergirl@hotmail.com

Tony I know your cafe well; best coffee i ever tasted. I also remember big George and your sister Ann from the old school days. Good memories.

My Nan lived in Whitehawk Road from the 40's until she died in the 50's; I used to spend a lot of time with her.  I remember the 'rag and bone man' coming around pushing an old barrow full of junk; he used to have goldfish in plastic bags swinging from the rails on the barrow and would exchange one for a donation of clothes or anything else he could use.  One day my lovely Nan gave him one of her dresses so that he'd give me a goldfish.  There was a very nice family living next door called the Robbins; further up the road a man called Mr. Pumphrey used to grow vegetables and sell some from his shed.  Sundays always used to smell of roast dinners everywhere.  I briefly attended Whitehawk Infant School about 1955 when my mother was ill and I remember being very shy but the children were lovely, so were the teachers; it was Christmas time and we were learning "In the Bleak Mid-winter" for the Nativity play.  Nice times back then.  People were different.  A lot of respect and consideration .... and peaceful Sundays!

Many comments and memories about my dad Tony Brazil and my Mum Connie. It's good to know that people still remember all the good things that went on in Whitehawk and the boxing club my dad and granddad Bishop ran together. I still have the original books they kept for the subs each week and all the money that was spent on the boxing club. Many stories were told to me as a kid by my mum Connie and Dad Tony about the good old days and war years,especially about the Odeon cinema when it got bombed and the doodle bugs that were dropped by the German pilots. How they used to go over Wilson avenue and find live ammunition and set fire to them. Any way I could go on and on, but I shan't.

Does anyone know an old lady,by now,called Gladys Jackson? She lived (lives) in Whitehawk she had 3 kids, 2 boys and a girl. Can anyone help me I would be grateful.

I remember Gladys Jackson; she died some years ago from my memory. Good luck in your search for info, but sorry no comment from me, being an ex neighbour ...

I lived in Woodingdean at the Warren Farm Cottages and went to Whitehawk Senior Boys School from 1952 to 1955. Bill Scaines was the Headmaster and Joe Randell was the deputy. I now live in the redeveloped Whitehawk and its nothing like the old place. I attend St Cuthman's Church and remember the service of Carols and lessons which all the school had to attend. Whitehawk is not a bad place to live.

Message to Pat Marshall: Hey Pat, this is Georgina, I do hope you remember, you were like a big sister to me. I loved seeing you when you were at your grand parents. Please do put a message here as it would be very nice to get in touch.

Hi Georgina. I couldn't believe it when I saw your letter. I do remember you and your brother Ernie. Chris and me always used to call for you and Ernie to go up the racehill with our sandwiches. We used to sit up there nearly all day. Do you remember the goats up there? And I remember I used to brush your hair, you had quite thick hair and it got very tangly. My Gran and Grandad both died a few years ago and Auntie Betty. Do you remember her? Her daughter was Linda. I still miss them all. I loved it there in Whitehawk, I didn't want to leave but we had to go and live with our mum. She's gone as well now. We ended up in Somerset where I am now. I am married with two children: a boy and a girl and four grandchildren. What happened to you? Are you married with children? I just can't believe I am writing to you. I often think about my childhood there. Have you looked at the site East Brighton Bygones. There are some good photos on there of Whitehawk. There's one of the shops over the road. Hope to hear from you soon.

Hello my dear Pat, I'm over the moon that you replied to me. Yes I remember all that you have said. I still have thick hair short but well groomed. Do you remember Tony James that lived over the road? Well I married him and I have 3 daughters 7 granddaughters and 1 grandson. Sadly I lost my Tony 12 years ago this year we would have been married 38 years, so now I'm living in Shoreham. I have my youngest daughter living in hove and my young brother living in Portslade, so I'm not on my own out this way. I hope to here from you very soon.

Does anybody remember the Mears' that lived in Lintott Avenue or the Boyles'? I am Julie Mears' daughter and I am doing my family tree and collecting old photos. Can anybody help?

I too have lovely memories of Whitehawk Road: the toy shop, the bus garage, the pub at the bottom of the road which we visited on a Sunday while lunch was cooking. I was born in Scotland but my father came from Whitehawk Road and I have a lovely Aunt Thelma. Hi Thelma!

Hi all. I was born at 79 Whitehawk Road in 1947, went to Whitehawk School (all of them!). I remember my mispent youth at Miller's cafe with Brian Eason and Harold Johnson playing on the footie machine in the back room. It was a great place to live - nobody was well off but we all got through OK - out in the street playing games from dawn till dusk, cleaning coaches for money and doing our best to avoid a clip around the ear from George the local copper. He knew everyone and everything that went on! Anyone remember me drop me a line. Howdo Bluey! I rememeber you from Whitehawk and the RASC/RCT.

I was just doing some research about my youth and was pleased to have found this site. Its brought back many happy memories. My family moved to Sadler Way in 1960 - Dad having been part of the self-build scheme. Mum still lives there. I attended Whitehawk Senior School. Bill Scaines was the headmaster and, I recall, very handy with the cane! For a couple of years I was a choirboy at St Cuthman's Church - in truth I was more interested in the 2/6d (about 12p) we received for each wedding than the religion. Whitehawk was a good training ground for life and I enjoyed the people. Like some of the previous comments, I also have fond memories of Tony Brazil. Andrea, you may remember that in about 1962 your father Tony spent several months in hospital. My father, who was recovering from a serious road accident, was in the next bed to Tony and they became very good friends.
Mention has been made of the local policeman Big George. That was George Ickeringill (PC 180). Me - I added to my Whitehawk education by obtaining a university degree and eventually returned to the town as Detective Chief Inspector, Head of Brighton CID (now retired and living in Horsham).

To ian, re Mrs Jackson. I knew David and Dorian, only saw his sister a few times but David lives in Uckfield Close Whitehawk hope this helps.

George Smith - didn't you have a brother called Graham and you lived next door to the Bryces? I'm pretty sure you remember me and may be surprised to know that I too improved on the many things I learned growing up in Whitehawk and am now working as a teacher in an InternationalSchool in Spain. It's a funny old world isn't it? I have to say that without Whitehawk the rich tapestry of my life would be totally incomplete.

Blimey I see some real names from the past, I remember going to school with Colleen Tutt, don't know if she ever knew that I was in love with her when I was 12 but she fancied my best mate David Robinson, I still see Michelle Moore who was Colleens mate but have been happily married now for over 30 years. I had some fantastic years at WhitehawkSchool, I remember seeing a fight after school on the playing fields between Bruce Colhoun and Glenn Scrase - the teachers just stood and watched. The head at the time was Mr Hodell, I remember a lot of the teachers, how sad is that? After I married I lived in Maresfield Road right opposite Tony & Connie Brazil, I will never forget their white boxer dog.

Hi Jon, I don't know if you remember me, Geoff Spragg and my mate john bysh? We used to knock about with Dave as well. It's great to see so many names I remember on here. Married 27 years, 2 kids and all that! Seaford has been home for many years now; whitehawk will always be part of me.

Geoff, were you the same age as Glenn Coulson, Kevin Harmer and possibly Martin Rogers? I am a bit younger but I seem to remember you and Jonn Bish (Bysh) being a year or so older.

Hi Paul, yes I was in same class as Glenn and know the other two guys as well. I left school in June 1975. I think I know you. I lived in Linchmere, one of the small brick flats right at the top of the estate. Did you have a sister? What year did you leave paul?

Hi Geoff, I remember you and recall John as well. Other names that are getting clearer are Kevin Harmer and Glen Coulson after seeing their names on here. I still live in Whitehawk, we are buying a bungalow in the Manor. We've got seven grandchildren now. Our oldest grandaughter will be a teenager next April, how old do I feel? Are you related to Darren Spragg? He played football for me a few years ago. You can email me if you like on jwallscmd@hotmail.com

I've just found this site, wonderful! I lived in Whitehawk from 1950 to 1967, our first house was on Twineham Road and then we moved to Whitehawk Road across from the school. I and sister Jean and Frank all went to that school. I live in the USA now, I look back on my childhood and it was the best time of my life. People were real back then and everyone helped each other. I used to work at the Broadway Cafe in my suumer holiday and play at the Blackrock pool if any one out their knows me, I would love to chat with them .

Hi Tony, I remember you. I used to work in the Broadway cafe serving all the people that came in on the coaches on a day out in Brighton. I live in California, USA. What a small world, Would love to hear from you.

Emma, I did know the Boyles. My last name is King and I do remember when I was small we used to visit the Boyles family. The one one I can remember is Tony, but I remember my Dad saying we were related. I live in the USA but all my family still live in Brighton and Whitehawk. I will try and find out some more information for you.

I lived in Whitehawk from 1950 to 1966. I lived on Twineham Road and Whitehawk Road. I went to all three schools. I have a sister Jean who would love to hear from any old school mates. I also worked at Millers Cafe and Ann was a good friend of mine. They were the good old days.

I was a smartarse and passed my 11 plus so I went on to Varndean and only did infants and Juniors at Whitehawk. I lived in Sadler Way opposite Glenn Coulson (he lived 5, I lived 6). Most of my mates went to Whitehawk though and my age group was Kevin King (RIP), Steve Rhodes, Dougie Greenland, Eddie Riley, Chris Newington. Tommy Murray was a bit younger. Mark Smeaton must have been around your age too. I also remember someone called "Biff". I can't remember his real name. Paul Bowley and Kevin Tubb also spring to mind, purely because of football. Neil Bryce was another.
Peter and Mark Baker I remember lived in the house next to the police box in Whitehawk Avenue opposite the boys club.

Blimey Paul, these names bring back memories. Paul Bowley and Kevin Tubb both played football for me. I know Mark Smeaton well too. I used to run teams for Whitehawk Under 10s then Under 16s before running Black Rock FC where Paul and Kevin both played for me. Oh happy days.

Wow! What a shock. Seeing all these names and comments from old school friends. Apologies to Jon, I didn't realise you felt that way. I too am happily married with five (grown up) children and nine grandchildren. I have now relocated to Newhaven. The good old days!

I remember classmates' names that I was in school with: Pauline Higgens, Jennifer Hopkinson, Rhona Chate, Tamira Bartelles. Would love to hear from them and catch up. I live in Malta now but loved living in Whitehawk: 158 Wiston Road. Attended all three schools - I am now 58 years old. Also remember George Smith in Art class with his mate.

Nothing like nostalgia. I lived up on the Manor Farm estate. Went to Whitehawk Boys Seniors 62-66. My Aunt Pat lived in the house right opposite the school entrance, on the corner of the path up the hill. Names I remember are Joe Wibley, Richard Smallman, teachers were Symonds, Yeates, Bertwhiste, Darling, Dance, Trace.

Does anyone remember the McDonald family at 98 Whitehawk Avenue: Daniel was known as Paddy and was a builder? His wife was Mary. His older brother Thomas lived in Woodingdean. Also James & Eileen Botting (nee McDonald) at 12 Whitehawk Avenue between 1931 and 1939 with their children Lorna, Sheila and Stanley? James was also at one time a builder but was for some time also one of the Volks Railway drivers.

Hi Tony. I remember the Broadway Cafe - used to go every night - those chip butties were great. My juke box favourite was 'Running Scared' by Roy Orbison.

It seems like most people, I arrived at this site more by accident than design! What a lot of great stories. Nearly all triggering great old memories from the past. I first lived at 6 Wiston Path (Prefabs - now Allen Way) and then on to 14 Findon Road and all the neighbours were fantastic in times of need, always someone willing to help (especially in Wiston Path). I along with twin brother Bob and brother Jeff went to all the schools (all in the same class). Definitely remember the headmaster Mr Scaines, I got 6 of the best the very first morning of the senior school just for running through the corridor! I used to go the Chip Shop on Manor Hill (Bob Durrant's dad owned it at the time) EVERY DAY!! Boy were they great chips. I played on the green outside the Boy's Club in the winter months and at East Brighton for cricket in the summer - fabulous days. Coach car park, Black Rock Swimming pool - did it ever rain?, Broadway Cafe, Brighton Races, German dentist, PC George, St Cuthman's and many other things give me so many fond memories. I sang many a solo at Christmas Midnight Mass at St Cuthman's and this was a result of my mum fancying the vicar! I also played football for Whitehawk Boys Club through their 'Glory years' when we won league and cup medals while climbing the football leagues. Probably the best bunch of guys you will ever wish to meet, honest, hard working and true friends. Finally, I am now married for the second time (never been happier) have twin daughters (surprise, surprise) and 3 granddaughters and one on the way. Love to hear from anybody.

I used to live at Nuthurst Road in the 1950s with a family called the Lorman's, they had two sons- Roy and Robin. I have since lost contact and would like to catch up with any living relatives. if you are able to help with my search I would be most grateful- (Mr Lorman had an aviary in his back garden)
Thanks in advance

I Grew up at 135 Whitehawk Avenue, with the Chapmans as neighbours on one side and the Voiyces on the other. I lived with my Nan. Dolly Slater, my mum and other family members. I left there, after going to all the Whitehawk schools, when I was 16 in 1966. I was best friends with Gloria Colley and had a boyfriend called Mickey Baker and then Ted Burtenshaw, who I later married - that ended in divorce after 12 years. Have been with my present husband for 29 years and have a son, a daughter, and 2 grand children. I remember all of the things that Les Knight remembers including him and his twin brother and other brother - do you remember me? I have fond memories of growing up there, I've just found a picture of the shops at Lintott Avenue and remembering spending 6d in the sweetshop and coming out with loads of stuff. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. I live in Hove, so nowhere exotic, - keep the memories going.

Hi Jennifer:Of course I remember you and Gloria. I also remember you and Mick, who I see him now and then and we both live in Hove! Also at the later end of senior school Ted and I were great mates who spent a lot of time together. Do you remember going to Tiffanys coffee bar in Kemptown as I certainly remember you going there once or twice? It's amazing what memories are brought back by reading these comments. Do you know what Ted is up to now? I twice married and my second wife is a dream. We have been together now for 17 years and married for 11. I have twin daughters (wouldn't you just know it!) and three grandaughters and a bump on the way. Both Bob & Jeff are still local. Say hello to Gloria if you are still in touch. It is lovely to hear from you, keep in touch, I now live at 22 Hangleton Manor Close. Cheers!

Hi Les - yes I do remember Tiffanys very well, spent loads of time in there. I tried to get in touch with Mick through friends re-united but he never responded!. Good to hear you and your brothers are OK. I haven't seen Ted for about 10 years but still in touch with his younger sister Sue, and she tells me Ted is not in the best of health at the moment, quite seriously poorly I think. I keep in touch by e-mail with Gloria occasionally. I live in Lark Hill, so not a million miles from where you are, perhaps we should try to get as many old friends as possible together and perhaps meet in the Hangleton Manor for a bit of reminiscing. I think we have all reached an age where looking back is so far away its very nostalgic and interesting. Good to make contact: my email address is: jennybreslau@hotmail.com if you want to contact me direct.

Can anyone tell me when (what year) the first occupants moved into the Whitehawk estate? Also whether Wiston Road was there at the start? Carrying out family tree research currently and my great grandmother and her family lived there. I would welcome any signposting info for further information on the beginnings of the estate. Thank you in advance.

Hi Everyone- Fantastic to read all this -  great website. I was born in Maresfield Road in 1959, I'm one of 6 (Peter, John, Sally aka Janet, Chris then me) and I know many of you here. I went to WH Infants, St Marks Juniors, WH Seniors; I left school in early 70's and moved back to Whitehawk in 1986-2000 next to the football pitch and oposite my old school! I'm now in Southwick. I miss Whitehawk - it's been 9 years! I found some very old pics on Facebook of Whitehawk, but it's not the same as before they rebuilt it, the church is the only original building apart from Wiston Road and Whitehawk Road houses where I was. I remember the cafe in the Broadway!  The good old days!

Hello Jen (Breslau), can't wait to see you, as arranged, on the 24th July, with Glor, Les and Bob. If it's not on the 24th, then anytime soon. Absolutely brilliant to catch up on the last 40 years! My e-mail is brookesbaker@btinternet.com.

Sue Burtenshaw (7-6-09) - did you live down the bottom of Maresfield Road? Was your brother Chris known as Billy? I used to live with my nan up the top, and remember people like Vonny Britt, Pat Flynn, Roger Packham, Dot Woolgar and her family. I also remember Mrs Day - was that her name - and her toffee apples. And there was a chimney sweep with tons of soot in his garden.

My Mum used to lived at 69, Marefield Road,  her name was Sheila Moore. She used to lived two doors away from Mrs Day - we used to help her make Welsh cakes when we were little. Mum had three daughters: me, Shirley and Wendy. Then she remarried, to a Thomas Saunders, then she had my brother named Wade. Does anyone remember us? We used to know Mrs Woolgar as well, and Gino, Leda and John who used to live across the road from us. Leda joined the R.A.F - does anyone remember them?

Yes I remember Leda, you must have lived next door to the Britts - Colin, Vonny etc. I remember walking up to the shops on the Bristol estate for a packet of Park Drive fags (you could get a pack of 5 for 9d), then going down to the park at the junction of Maresfield Rd and Manor Rd, where the play area was, to smoke them. You had to be careful as the police house was right at the corner.

Hi Sue, Just like to say that although you don't know me, I was a very good friend of your brothers Peter and Johnny, we were mates for years. Your dear brother Peter died on my birthday, March 7th, so I will never forget him. Incidentally, your mum used to stay with us when your dad was away in the navy, in Lavender Street, which is now no more. That was a long time ago. Your gran had the cafe up at Gloucester Road, near Frederick Gardens - many a happy hour I spent up there.

Hi Keith Mcdougall, I'm glad you mentioned me. Great days - me, you, Ginger Pumphrey, the Lowers, Andy especially. All the Johnsons, Peter and Brian Eason - remember we used to clean the coaches opposite for 2 bob a time? I can see your Mum now, calling you in for tea. Happy days.

Hi, I went to Whitehawk Secondary School and Mr Hoddell was head, Mr Hodgson was my tutor,  I also remember a Jill Osmond, a Miss Christopher, Mr Dance and Mr Hunt. I must say those were great days at my school, my brother Jon also went to Whitehawk School, and my cousin Jeff Walls., I would love to hear from anyone who went to our school; my memories of school are of the little tricks we would play on the teachers, but we always got found out in the end.

The more I sit and think of my days at school, the older I feel ha ha’ others I remember in my class were Sandra Hider, Andy Gumbrill, Kevin Norris etc. I still have contact with Mr Hodgson my teacher, and I’m holding another reunion on the 21st November 2009, at the New Bush, Arundel Road, so all who went to our school please pop along it’s from 7pm till closing. You can e-mail me at mikeandkatie2@msn.com

Re Gladys Jackson - I read a comment from someone called Ian regarding my nan Gladys. I am Dorian's daughter. Sadly my nan did pass away but I hope I can help with any answers you may be looking for.

Hi Ian, I am Dorian's sister, Sue. Please email me if you get to read this. Many thanks.

Hi again Ian. Sorry I forgot to add my email address. Beegees4mes@aol.com

Hello everyone. What a surprise to see familiar names from the past. Sue Burtenshaw, I don't know if you remember me - Beverley Sutton, my family lived at number 24 Maresfield Road. We were great friends at the time and I have a couple of photos of us playing in the street. You also came with us on a day trip to Butlins and I have a photo of us both standing by the outdoor swimming pool. I also have fond memories of your dog, Pluto, who used to howl his head off when we started to sing. I remember the nice old lady that made the toffee apples every year and also the Woolgars, Leda and Vonnie Britt used to be my sister, Sally's best friend. Does anyone remember Sally Sutton? She had a group of friends that used to meet up. Does anyone remember my cat, Snowball? He was a white cat and always sat on the wall by my house. He was quite famous at the time and nearly everyone in the street knew his name. I moved to the new flats in Swanborough Place in 1966 and went to all the Whitehawk Schools.

Me and my brothers and sisters used 2 live at 22 Manor Hill - Mum was called Marion and my dad passed away in 1997. Billy went to infants, junior, and senior schools with brothers and sisters; Teresa, Christopher, Angela, Katie (me), Paul, Marion and my baby sister Julie Connors

Katie - remember me? Somewhere along the line we are related. I remember all the family.

Paul was a couple of years older than me. I remember him being quite small? Julie used to hang about with the same crowd as us for a while and if I remember she was very petite and dark with a lot to say for herself LOL. She would be around 48 now?

Hi Roy, I do vaguely remember you, memory not so good as it was. Yes to Paul Hubbard, Julie is 48 now. Sorry Paul, I don't remember you. Roy, I'm not sure if we are related, get back to me on that one:katieconnors1@hotmail.co.uk

Julie was friends with Tracie Novis, Lorraine Stevens, Tina Bassett, Jill Griffiths, Debbie Dyke, Sue Craker if I remember. I was a bit older. I'm 50 this year.

Like many people I found this page by accident. I never lived in Whitehawk but went to the secondary school from 1971-75 after moving down from London. I recognise so many of the names here, Colleen (of course) John Wall, Kevin Harmer, Tony Mitchell, Geoff Spragg, John Bysh and more. Mr Hodell was the head when I was there and I ran into him last year in Burgess Hill - he hasn't changed much, I think we've all caught up with him. I went to a couple of the reunions held a few years ago, it was fun to see everyone. I agree that although they may have improved the housing when they rebuilt, the place doesn't seem as friendly as I remember, rose tinted glasses maybe.

Hello to Bluey Atkins and Keith MacDonald. What a blast from the past. Just came by this website by accident. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me from the old days.

I have just read a message from Bob Young and, yes, I remember the family very well. The policeman on the corner of Findon Road, I lived at No.7. I remember going to his house and used to play with Jackie and ride her bike because my mum could not afford one for me. What a lovely family. I married Derek Baker from No.21 Findon road. Derek had brothers: Brian the eldest, then Michael, then Kenny, the one 'Big George' always clipped round the ear, and Stan 'the man' from the Broadway Cafe where we played the juke box and I always remember the sausage sarnies Stan made - mmmm - never forgot the brown sauce. My family: Cedric Fox, Pat, June, Derek, David, me Linda, and Alan and Tony the baby. More about school etc later. By the way Brian baker now lives in Australia.

Hi Linda. Don't know if you remember me? I lived at 9 Findon Road, I lived with my gran and grandad. I used to come in your house and play cards in the candle light with your brother Alan. I live in Hastings now. Speak soon Linda. All the best.

Info for Ian Grant. When I lived at 62 Nuthurst, the Holmes family lived there. Their son Eddy was called Prof by the lads. He did all sort of chemistry in his shed. Above you were the Mathews and below you were the Morrises. Opposite were the Blows and Ovetts