I lived at 85 Whitehawk Road from 1957 and attended St Marks School and Whitehawk School. Reading Jillians comments above reminded me of so many happy childhood days spent there with my friends and cousins (the Freemans and Washingtons). Most of the prefabs on Wilsons Avenue were gone by then I recall (although I can vouch for how great they were because my Aunt had one in Woodingdean at the time). I also have fond memories of Wilsons Avenue as I delivered a paper round for 'Lanes' the newsagent, in the summer the views from the top (as you looked down to the sparkling sea past Blackrock simminmg pool) were fantastic, however during the winter the trudge up that hill with a gale blowing at 6 in the morning is something I have never forgotten. I also remember the hours of playing football on the Whitehawk pitches or East Brighton Park, cross country runs up the racecourse hill, around the top and back down to the school, although I wish I could have caught Garry Strong or Gregory Foat just once. I vividly remember the first time I attended the old Whitehawk boxing gym run by Tony Brazil and discovered a great new sport teaching the discipline and respect that have never left me. Thanks Jillian, the walk down to Black Rock, the smell when passing the bakery on my way to St Marks in the winter, playing all day outside with your mates until it grew too dark to see, we had a great time. Many years after I left the area someone who knew Brighton well asked me if it had affected me (coming from such a tough and underprivileged area), I told them it had, but I don't think they got it!

My parents were involved with the self-build scheme in the early 1960s; their names were David and Tina Harland. I think they built in Swanborough Drive. I came along in 1963 and unfortunately they could not afford to keep the house they intended, moving on to Hartington Road, off Elm Grove. If anyone has any details or history about these days it would be greatly appreciated. By the way I saw a comment from Peter Harland - any relation to my family?

My dad and my grandad worked on the Wilson Avenue self-build project in the late 1950's.  We had houses side-by side in Sadler Way where I lived for 24 years until I got married in 1985.  My dad was Len Hubbard and my grandad Bert Long.  I also remember the Coulsons, the Graingers, the Walkers, the Bryces, the Smiths, the Olivers, the Mitchells and the Macks from the same small street.  I also remember a Jane? Horobin who lived near the bend of Wilson Avenue at the very top of East Brighton Park where Stanley Deason eventually was built.

Hello  Just returned to this website after 18 months and was delighted to see all the lovely comments about happy memories in Whitehawk. Hello Terry. I do remember your family, I think. I was born at 30 Maresfield Rd( yes, where they found a body in 2007). I  wasn't too happy to hear it was my mum and dads house. I lived there for 17 yrs and then left home but came back to Bristol estate to live for 8 eight yrs, then back to Whitehawk Rd opposite the Senior school for another 14 years, then I moved out of WH. I still see my school pals about once or twice  a year. We were born around 1959, and lots of those names you mention are probably the parents of the ones I went to school with at St. Marks and Whitehawk from 1964- 1975. I moved out of W'hawk in 2000. How things have changed.

I have many memories of Wilson Avenue, our family lived in Cowley Drive South, Woodingdean, when those houses were first built. I went to Woodingdean County Primary School and from there to Whitehawk Senior School. We later moved to Wilson Avenue as my father, Frank Fleet, was a bricklayer on one of the self-build schemes. Our house was directly opposite the New Stanley Deason School when it was first built. I was away in the Royal Air Force.   When I first went to Whitehawk Senior School we did a sort of cross country run during PT which took us past the prefabs in Wilson Avenue.  And, long after the prefabs were demolished to make way for the several self-build schemes that were underway, I spent a lot of time night-fishing on the beaches at Black Rock and remember the start of the Marina, that was during my service career.  I can also remember quite a number of people in that area.  Also my uncle, Fred Fleet, was on the Swanborough Drive scheme, someone may remember him, I could talk for hour on this subject but will end now.

Does anyone remember the Dale twins (Elisabeth and Margaret or Jane and Judy) from Woodingdean Primary or Whitehawk Senior schools.

The Wilson Avenue self-build scheme that Tricia Leonard and Pat Collins refer to is the scheme that I was on. My name is Arthur Albrow (aged 89) and I was one of the plumbers on the scheme. There were 3 of us, the others being Alf Gravett (Pat Collins' uncle) and John (Jack) Paine.
I still live in the bungalow with my wife, Violet.
George Horrobin did build all the kitchens and my son, Roger (then aged 12) helped in his workshop.
I have lots of good memories of the scheme but it was very hard work. We all had full time jobs and then had to work evenings and weekends on the scheme for 2 1/2 years. However, it was well worth it. Other names and trades I remember were: Bob Gale (painter), Peter Reeves (bricklayer), Derek Sabbage (electrician), Dave Lumsden (general foreman), Bernie Watson (carpenter).
There were also two policemen 'Nobbie' Clarke and Dick Knight who assisted the trades.

Hello Elizabeth. Yes I do remember the Dale twins from Woodingdean. I was at Whitehawk Senior school with them, Janet Cowley and Carol Shaw from 1956-1960. Would love to know what happened to everyone. I now live in Kent but have very fond memories of Whitehawk, though I actually lived in Kemptown.

I remember being told by my grandfather that before the prefabs went up on Wilsons Avenue there were allottments on the land, both beforeand during the war! My mums family, the Adams family, lived at 41 Wiston Road. What happy times when as a child  you couild grab the key through the letter box on a peice of string! Dose anyone remember the Adams family, Primrose, Rose, Jim, George, Betty, Josie, Phebe, Emily, Tom and  Peter adams. All 12 of them lived there during and after the war and went to Whitehawk School, as my mum Primrose would loved to know.

My dad, Derek Young, was on the orignal self build scheme in Wilson Avene, along with my uncle, Ron Jameson. I've got great memories of everyone getting together before the gardens were fenced off - it was a fantastic playground for all the children. I remember the adults having lots of parties too! It was really hard work for my dad as he was also working full time and I remember him saying you were fined if you didn't turn up for work! My mum still lives there.

I lived at 81 Wilson Avenue from when I can remember, about 1950, as I was born in 1948. We played in Sheepcoat Valley and used to run from the 'parkies', not sure why as what could a 5 year old do! I live in Canada now and once met a German ex POW who built the prefabs! My aunt lives on Sadler Way in the house her husband helped build.

Hi Steve. I lived in Sadler Way from when I was born in 1960 until 1984. My dad built our house and must have worked on the same scheme as your uncle. Was he John (Suzie) Oliver?

Hi Paul, no he was Ken Elphick, at number 7.

I've just discovered this site; getting quite nostalgic. I lived at 133 from the age of 6, I often wondered why I never saw much of Dad. I didn't know what he was involved in until the day we moved. Us kids were taken out by an Uncle and Aunty for the day and arrived at the house our Dad had been building (for 3 years) to be told we live here now. I made a lot of new friends fast, Glen Surtees (now in the Bradford area), Andy Rogers (Middlesborough), Paul Evans, David Hall (Aus), Andy James. My Dad's name was Peter, he was a carpenter on the scheme (died in 1981. RIP Dad).  Other blokes I remember are Bill (Jock) Lyons, Jimmy (Jesse) James, Len Standen, "Gauger" Pitt, Kenny Ball, Arthur ?Fogden, Nobby Clarke. I went to St Mark's, then Whitehawk Sec. So many names come flooding back, so many happy memories. Endless games of football on the "shelf", on the pitches by the "White House". First to ten, then change teams and start again - the only thing that brought them to an end was total darkness. Also I remember hunting and catching lizards and slow worms on the old prefab bases. The walk down to Black Rock swimming pool in the summer, everyone was there all day. Remember "Tom" the old fella that used to take forever on the high board preparing for a beautiful dive, only to get "bombed" by kids when he surfaced. The Broadway Cafe, Lanes, the Kam Fung, The Whitehawk Inn, Manor Hill chippie (Vaughns?), Whites the bakers on the corner of Rugby Road? Lovely smells. I will visit this site from now on -too much to write in one sitting.

I'm not sure which scheme my father, Frank Shires, was involved in, but they built houses and bungalows in Aldrich Close, Swanborough Drive and Wilson Avenue - is this the scheme you are referring to? If so, any information would be very welcome. I am very proud of what my Dad achieved. I think he was almost the oldest unskilled member of the team - he was the 'teaboy' and ran the pools syndicate.

Hello again, the scheme my Dad was involved with was the "chalet bungalows" opposite the Stanley Deason school, I believe it comprised of 36 units and took three years to finish. As with all the self build enterprises, it must have been very hard work, but the "bond" between all the "Dads" endured from that moment on, with everyone having a shared experience and just having worked so damned hard for each other.

This page brought up memories of visiting Dr. Black down the bottom of Wilson's Ave. Both his son and daughter became doctors and I think one or both took over from their dad when he retired. I remember the Freemans on Whitehawk Road but I only remember Stevie and Brenda Stevie. I went around with David Blackmore, Nigger Bassett, Charlie Bishop, Raymond Blackmore and a few others (ref Terry Cooke's comment) I also remember Geoffrey Ridpath vaguely. I lived at 62 Nuthurst Road. There were eight boys the Blackmores and the Christies all went to Whitehawk Seniors.

Alan: Was your brother David? There were also the Dunks just down and opposite Glen Surtees. The Ansbros on the bottom corner of Alan Way. There were the Pullans and the Coulsons as well as the Mitchells and the Bryces in Sadler Way. Great days on the shelf. Sledging in winter into oblivion. Football, cricket - we played the lot, as you say, until dark. Better than any computer games.

Hi Geoff, I remember you. I lived with the Blackmores, Colin was about your age and I think you played together. I used to knock about with John Smith your neighbour. What's happened with them?

Hi David Christie, I don't remember much about you, but I remember Colin Blackmore. You may remember my brother Raymond, who was older than me, he died a couple of years ago. Nigger Bassett lived next door to my nan on Fletching Road, I remember him. The Smiths family lived next door to me, Winnie, John, Mary and Margaret. John I believed moved from Woodingdean, I heard he emigrated to Canada. My brother used to go around with David South, I used to go around with Brian Wenham, and I still do, if you remember him? I moved to Woodingdean when I was about 12 years. I have now lived in Lancing for the last 40 years. Nice hearing from you.

Does anyone remember the Tyrrell family? My dad, George Henry Tyrrell, was born in November 1923 and lived with his family at 96 Whitehawk Road.

Hi Paul, yes David is still my brother, (younger) and also I have a sister Jane. Remember the Ansboro boys, John and Paul (Floppy). I'm sure we worked together with Flop on a building site in Ovingdean and also Grand Ave, 30 or so years ago- Jesus that's a long time. I remember the Pullens and Alan Mitchel-l I also had a good mate Andy Rogers, he had a younger brother Martin and a sister Ruth- they lived in Desmond Way. Do you remember Keith Ball and Phil and Dave Fisher, Dave Grainger, Dave Plant all football mad and always up for a game. I think I am about four years older than you, I know you were involved at Whitehawk FC for a while, I was involved at Mile Oak in the youth and Reserve team, having moved to Hove after getting married in 1978. I just had another name come to me, I'm sure you would know Henry Dobbin, didn't you both play for Melford along with Phil Somers and Kevin Crooks and Kev or Chris Townsend, anyway enough for now (the wife wants to get on E bay). Good to hear from you, will check this site more often.

This might not be the right place to ask this question but is the Steve Tugwell here the one from Brighton who joined the RAF briefly in 1964?

Hi Alan. Yes I remember every single one of the names you mentioned. We could have had quite a team there between us. Paul Evans was another name that sprang to mind. He lived by the bus stop in Wilson Avenue. I was never cut out to work on the building. I am now a teacher in a school in Alicante Province where I have lived with the missus and kids for seven years. All the football stuff was right, and whilst I enjoyed it, I just regret not getting out to Spain years earlier. I still stay in touch with John Ansbro, which is odd as I haven't seen or spoken to Floppy for about ten years, and we were best mates for 20 odd years. I'll be 50 in August, and have our 25th wedding anniversary in July. So it's a busy time ahead. I haven't been back to the UK since we moved out here, and don't miss a lot. I do like to remember the good times growing up in the 60s and 70s though. Nice to hear from you.

Hello Paul. Just thought I'd keep you posted. Hawks have just clinched County 1 this weekend, Peacehaven runners up (Terry Hall is now managing Haven) - another name for you. Paul Evans has had a successful career as an artist landscaper, many of his works used on greeting cards. Ironically it was me that got him started in drawing. He went on to Art school, while I am still bricklaying. Such is life. Yes the 60s and 70s were a good time: the Top Rank suite, Sherrys, plenty of pubs, bank holidays on the beach with the lads always eventful - and it never rained! I'm 56 now and have been happily married for 32 of them. Our two lads are still playing football and have been since they joined Hove Park Colts aged 6, going on to play for Mile Oak at 16 and as far as I can make out still enjoying the hell out of it - you're a long time watching! Nice to catch up with you - hope all your celebrations go better than you expect.

Hi Paul. See that you mentioned my name some time ago. Yes I remember you and Flop and seeing you both on the bus on the way home from school. Lived in Wilson Avenue till my mid twenties. Spent a lot of time over East Brighton Park and down the Broadway. Am now in Lewes so didn't move far away.

Hi is John Ward the one who was in 201st Entry? Visit www.angelfire.co./ca/201stentryrafhalton

Hi Jane and Steve. Jane, I remember that you lived near the bend where the all-weather pitches are now. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but did you lose your brother very young and tragically? Steve, I lived at 6 Sadler Way, and also 8 Sadler Way - directly opposite Ken. I can't remember his wife's name. Ken was on the same self build scheme as my dad and grandad. It was a nice place to live.

Hi Paul, his wife's name is Joyce, and she still lives at number 7. Ken unfortunately died after routine surgery some time ago.

Hi Paul, yes we did lose Allan when he was 23 in a car accident. We lived at number 97 and you are right - just opposite the new pitches - well not so new now.

Does anybody remember Barbara and John Wilson on Central Selfbuild? I remember the Hubbards, the Ovetts. the Standings, theSweetmans and the Hilliards.

Steve: Yes I remember Joyce now. They lived next door to the Coulsons.
Elaine: Did you have older brothers, Paul and Keith, and a sister called Alison? I can't place Barbara and John Wilson.

Paul: Yes Keith lives in Torquay, Paul lives in Chester, Alison lives near Oxford and I still live in Brighton. You probably know mum and dad as Barbara and Mac Mcfarlane - Mum's second hubby. I remember your mum walking the rough collies. Do you remember PC Buttons? He brought Keith home by the scruff many a time for playing over the tip.

Yes Elaine - I remember PC Button. He lived down by the Community Centre. He was never quite quick enough to catch me! Your mum used to take us to school at St Lukes sometimes if I remember. Didn't Mac used to work for Cadburys? Me and your brothers often got chased out of Swanborough flats for messing about in the lifts. Pretty innocent considering how kids behave these days.

Hi, I lived at no 1 Wiston Road. I was born in the prefab and lived there till I was five, then moved to Fletching Road. My name was Fish. Just wondering if anyone knows my family. There were five children altogether.

Hi Jenny. Yes, I remember you. We went to school together, with Shiela Bonds, Diana and Carol Young. I have been trying to find some people from back when we all left school.

Hi Janet, how are you? I have just discovered this site; it is interesting reading all the comments. Anyway, I am on facebook if you wish to contact me. I have a profile pic of a ginger cat. Hope to hear from you soon. I remember Diana and Carol, also the Bonds.

Hi Steve Tugwell. I lived at 85 Wilson Avenue two doors up from you. I remember you being born, I was 11 years old at the time. Your Mum and my Mum were really good friends. Your sister Ann was often at our house playing with my younger brother Bill.

Hi Terry. It's good to hear from you. email me at stephentugwell@gmail.com. I'd love to hear what you and Billy have been up to.

Hi, my name is Tony Brashill (Brazil). I lived in a prefab at 73 Wilson Avenue from about 1952 to 1958 when they were demolished to make way for the self build scheme. We then moved to Bristol Estate at Manor Farm. My nan and grandad lived about six doors away down Wilson Avenue and their names were Trigger and Nellie Bishop. They also moved to Bristol Gate and lived there until their deaths.
Hi Jenny Freeman, I think your back garden backed onto ours and I remember your brother John was one of my boyhood pals, and somewhere I have got a picture of him and myself and my dog (a white boxer) called Rocky in the back garden. I also remember your dad Ernie and your Mum whose name was June I think. I have many good memories of that period. It seemed that the summers were neverending, playing in the cornfields opposite (where the school is now), going winkling at Black Rock, and playing over the tip. Also remember Alf Gravett who was mentioned as one of the plumbers on the self build scheme, as he was my uncle. He was my nan's (Nellie's) brother. And you, Pat Collins, are my long lost cousin who moved to Leicester with my Auntie Win and Uncle Cyril and I also remember your brother Michael who I know sadly died.

I was born at No.16 Sadler Way - and I'm still here! I remember the Hubbards, the Elphicks, Graingers, Bryces and Smiths. Also there were two lots of Olivers either side of me, Rene still lives next door to me now.

Hi Mark. How did you end up back at number 16? Sadler Way seems like a different lifetime now. I moved out in 1985. Half of my life ago. I love it here in Spain. It reminds me of England when we were kids. More laid back. Take care mate. Paul.

Noone has mentioned the Coggins/ Mears/ Whatmans of Whitehawk. By the way, does anyone remember that there is only odd numbers on the houses in Wilson Avenue?

That was because they were only built on one side of the road!

Does anyone remember Janet Potter, Linda Burton, Janet Daleor or Kathy Sweet. We were all in the same year at Whitehawk Senior Girls School.

We moved into Wilson Avenue in 1960, and my dad Tony was a labourer on the self-build scheme. The house was a dream after living in a damp basement flat with no bath and an outside toilet. And wandering in Sheepcote Valley and playing in the park (see Alan Leeves' post above - great post Alan) gave a real sense of freedom. My family emigrated in Canada in '63 and I lost touch with everyone shortly after, so it's good to be reminded of those times.

Paul: nice to hear from you, so you live in Spain now, sounds good. I moved back up to Sadler Way after my mum died: me and my family moved in with my dad and looked after him for 7 years until his death in 1999, and have been here ever since. Hope to speak to you soon.

Hi Dave, So that's where you went, I remember you used to live up the road from Paul Evans, and if I remember, went to St Marks Juniors. Did you ever get involved with the highly exciting game of "skate and book"? We used the pavement of that block. We used the old metal roller skate, took off the straps, and put an old "annual" on the skate, sat on it and rolled down the hill. I recall a good deal of skin and blood loss, but the thrill, we were all 9year old grand prix drivers, the turn into Wiston Road would now be an accident black spot! H&S would have a fit! Sheepcote tip was always a source of usually highly dangerous fun, using up the last bit of petrol in the dumped cars, there was always a bigger kid who could "drive". We would all pile in and drive around until the petrol ran out, or we were chased off by somebody. The funniest time was when about 8 or 9 of us were driving around only to be flagged down by a bloke who was "totting" and told in no uncertain terms to "get out of my f*****g car, you little b******s" ... exit 8 or 9 kids in 8 or 9 different directions, all laughing like maniacs. Looking back it's a wonder we made it to adulthood, we seemed to do our best to kill ourselves with every new "game", most of them seemed to result in injuries of various degrees of severity, some hospital trips required. I won't go into the "team stone-fights" - what on earth were we thinking! Happy days.

Anyone have any memories of Sheepcote Valley from the 1963-1970s? Or did you know of anyone who worked on the tip between those years? Thanks.

Hi Brenda. I remember Linda Burton and Janet Potter - we used to go around in a crowd during the school holidays. The last time I saw Linda was on my wedding day in 1967 when she was standing outside the Church in Preston Drove. If you get a chance, have a look at the 1953 Whitehawk primary school photo that I put on here (under the heading 'Schools' of course) - you may be able to add some names.