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Photographed in the 1950s

This is a photograph taken in Wilson Avenue, in the 50’s before the self build scheme started. My father George Horrobin was one of the originals from the scheme – he built the fitted kitchens in all 32 houses. I have a comprehensive collection of photographs and other related information (invoices, building society documents etc.) connected with the self-build. We moved in in 1961, the purchase price of the house was £2,000. Now they are on the market for £200,000!

Wilson Avenue in the 1950s
Scanned from collection of Tricia Leonard

Comments about this page

  • My uncle, Alf Gravett, was one of the plumbers on this project and lived there until his death a few years ago. I have many happy memories of visits there after I moved away with my family to Leicester. I now live by the sea in Lincolnshire but it’s not the same as Brighton.

    By Pat Collins (26/02/2004)
  • As a ten year old girl I stayed at one of the prefabs in the late 1940s – must have been about 1948-9. I would come down from London where I lived with my Mum & Dad and sister and we would stay at the top end of Wilson Avenue in my Mum’s friend’s prefab. I found the view to the sea so beautiful with the yachts sparkling in the sunshine. Opposite there were fields where hundreds of red poppies grew and at the rear of the prefab on the right was the Brighton Racecourse. We used to walk all the way down to the Black Rock and the Undercliff Walk, passing on the way near the old Gasometer a bakery which smelt heavenly as you passed by and we would walk along the Undercliff Walk to Rottingdean and back. We would play all day outside with children from the surrounding prefabs until it was time to return to London with a last glance at the view. I never left without glancing at a green-roofed house in the distance – this was a house facing the sea, still there of course but all the little prefabs have gone.

    By Jillian (04/12/2004)
  • I lived on the Whitehawk Eastate as a kid, they were just as many prefabs as houses. Having been in both I can tell you that in the winter you were better off living in the prefabs than the houses which were very cold and draughty, no central heating in those days.

    By R H Scott-Spencer (26/01/2005)
  • Does anyone know why Wilson Avenue is so called?

    By Richard Coates (16/08/2005)
  • Wilson Avenue is so called after Wilson’s Laundry (the Wilson family business). Now gone, it was a reasonably large complex of buildings on the corner of Eastern Road and Arundel Road.

    By Peter Harland (03/03/2006)
  • I lived at the back of Wilson Avenue in Tichurst Road, number 14. We moved to the prefabs about 1950 from a single basement room and toilet at the bottom of the garden. If you have never lived in a prefab, and you ever get the chance, take it, you will not be sorry. As was said by R.H. Scott-Spencer, they were warm in winter and cool in summer. The gardens were large at the back, a small path and garden at the side, and at the front a small garden with a steep slope. My mum loved the prefab, she cried on the day we moved in, there was so much space. It had a kitchen fitted out with an electric cooker, a fridge, boiler, enamelled sink and drainer, and so much cupboard space you could not fill them. My brother and I would play hide and seek in the drawers, they were so big and so many. We had neighbours all around. You could not wish for better.

    By L. Godden (06/07/2006)
  • 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!

    By Terry Cooke (16/04/2007)
  • 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?

    By Mark Harland (04/02/2008)
  • 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.

    By Paul Hubbard (20/02/2008)
  • 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.

    By Sue Burtenshaw (27/02/2008)
  • 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.

    By Paul Fleet DipSM MIIRSM Retired (25/04/2008)
  • Does anyone remember the Dale twins (Elisabeth and Margaret or Jane and Judy) from Woodingdean Primary or Whitehawk Senior schools.

    By Elizabeth Jane green (27/08/2008)
  • 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.

    By Arthur Albrow (10/09/2008)
  • 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.

    By Carole Thayre (10/01/2009)
  • 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.

    By Sarah James (nee Goacher) (01/03/2009)
  • 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.

    By Val Young (04/06/2009)
  • I was born in 1943 at 6 Nuthurst Road. The Smiths, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Winnie, Johnny, Mary and Margaret, lived next door at no. 4. Mr. Smith died when I was young. My best friend was Brian Wenham, and still is. I still see him regularly as well as Barry Martin, another good friend. I attended all three schools at Whitehawk. The Senior Head Master, Mr. Scaynes, was very strict. My Form teacher was George Harbour, the Geography teacher. Both my Nans lived in Fletching Road opposite each other. I knew a lot of people, too many to name all. The Knees at no.2 Nuthurst, Sylvia and Tony. The Sharpes, Raymond (I think), Geoffrey, and the good-looking sister, Deirdre. Jackie Davis, Charlie Thorpe (who lived up the Manor), Ronnie and Jimmy Saunders, Bill Saunders, Kay Platt, Carol Hunt. Are you all still around?

    By Geoffrey Ridpath (03/07/2009)
  • 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.

    By Steve Tugwell (14/10/2009)
  • 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?

    By Paul Hubbard (22/10/2009)
  • Hi Paul, no he was Ken Elphick, at number 7.

    By Steve Tugwell (21/12/2009)
  • 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.

    By Alan Leeves (16/01/2010)
  • 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.

    By Sue Loveridge nee Shires (02/02/2010)
  • 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.

    By Alan Leeves (04/02/2010)
  • 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.

    By David (Chris) Christie (03/03/2010)
  • 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.

    By Paul Hubbard (17/03/2010)
  • 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?

    By David (Chris) Christie (19/03/2010)
  • 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.

    By G Ridpath (20/03/2010)
  • 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.

    By Linda Middleton (nee Tyrrell) (06/04/2010)
  • 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.

    By Alan Leeves (19/04/2010)
  • 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?

    By John Ward (20/04/2010)
  • 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.

    By Paul Hubbard (01/05/2010)
  • 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.

    By Alan Leeves (03/05/2010)
  • 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.

    By Jane Gray (nee Horrobin) (30/05/2010)
  • Hi is John Ward the one who was in 201st Entry? Visit http://www.angelfire.co./ca/201stentryrafhalton

    By Steve Tugwell (29/06/2010)
  • 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.

    By Paul Hubbard (09/07/2010)
  • Hi Paul, his wife’s name is Joyce, and she still lives at number 7. Ken unfortunately died after routine surgery some time ago.

    By Steve Tugwell (11/07/2010)
  • 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.

    By Jane Gray (nee Horrobin) (13/07/2010)
  • Does anybody remember Barbara and John Wilson on Central Selfbuild? I remember the Hubbards, the Ovetts. the Standings, theSweetmans and the Hilliards.

    By Eaine Mcfarlane (21/07/2010)
  • 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.

    By Paul Hubbard (28/07/2010)
  • 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.

    By Elaine Mcfarlane (05/08/2010)
  • 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.

    By Paul Hubbard (29/08/2010)
  • 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.

    By Jenny Freeman (29/09/2010)
  • 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.

    By Janet Seabourne (08/10/2010)
  • 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.

    By Jenny Freeman / Fish (18/10/2010)
  • 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.

    By Terry Richardson (07/11/2010)
  • 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.

    By Steve Tugwell (07/11/2010)
  • 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.

    By Tony Brashill (15/01/2011)
  • 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.

    By Mark standen (11/04/2011)
  • 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.

    By Paul Hubbard (15/05/2011)
  • 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?

    By Duffy Watkins (16/05/2011)
  • That was because they were only built on one side of the road!

    By Steve Tugwell (16/05/2011)
  • Does anyone remember Janet Potter, Linda Burton, Janet Daleor or Kathy Sweet. We were all in the same year at Whitehawk Senior Girls School.

    By Brenda Watson (Cox) (20/05/2011)
  • 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.

    By David Hall (17/07/2011)
  • 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.

    By Mark Standen (06/11/2011)
  • 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.

    By Alan Leeves (13/11/2011)
  • 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.

    By Lee Rolf (17/12/2011)
  • 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.

    By Barbara Etherton (Sutton) (17/04/2012)
  • I’m Sarah Evans (nee Pullen) and was actally born at 161 Wilson Avenue. I had two brothers, Martyn and David and a sister Lizzy who are sadly no longer here. My dad, Billy Pullen, was a plasterer on the self-build, my mum’s name was Lilly. I went to all three of the schools but went to Stanley Deason when it was first built. I use to hang around with Jackie McCue, Gerry Hayward, Beverley Marks, Lorraine Palmer and Nicky Day, mostly. I remember Paul Hubbard and his three sisters, the Coulsons are my cousins. I remember most of the people from Sadler Way as we were practicually on the corner of Sadler Way. We lived next door to the Cheesman’s and the Halls. I married Dean Evans (Patcham Fawcett) in 1981. We have two children and two grandchildren. Dean joined the RAF in 1985 and we moved to Rutland in the East Midlands and are still here. I’d love to hear from anyone who knows me. Sarah Evans (nee Pullen)

    By Sarah Evans (nee Pullen) (11/03/2013)
  • These bungalows sell for considerably more that £200K these days, especially the larger ones, which can be double that!

    By Stefan Bremner-Morris (12/03/2013)
  • Hi my name is Pauline Godden and I see my older brother wrote on here some time ago. I have some memories of living in the prefabs in Ticehurst Road. I remember the gardens went up at an angle and we still had an Anderson shelter in the back garden.The front garden was grassed and steep and when my uncle came home drunk once every time he got to the top my aunty hit with a frying pan and sent him rolling back down again. I remember the Middletons lived near us and an old lady who washed her sheets whilst they were on the line. My brothers used to frighten me with tales that she was a witch. I also have a vague memory of it snowing and not being allowed outside as I had just got over pneumonia. I think I was about 4yrs old when we moved from there to Whitehawk Road.

    By pauline godden (24/03/2013)
  • Hi Sarah. I’ve found you at long last after all these years. I stumbled upon this site by accident and so glad I did! Sarah you were my naughty best friend along with Lorraine Palmer and Tracey Michell. I have really happy memories of you and all your family and our holiday in your haunted House in Devon with your old Grandad! I haven’t moved very far away, just at the bottom of Wilson Ave in The Cliff. My Dad John passed away and my mum Brenda has now moved to Patcham.

    By Nicki Day-Garman (12/05/2013)
  • Hi Nicky, I think the last time I saw you was when my mum died in 1998. I haven’t changed – I’m still mischievious aged 52. I’m sorry to hear about your dad, I remember he was a lovely man. Send my regards to your mum. I’ve got in touch with Lorraine Palmer, Carol Whittington and a few others all through Face Book. So what have you been up to? I take it you are married going by your name. I don’t come down to Brighton very much now as there are too many people I have lost. My sister in law (Tina who was married to David) lives in Saltdean and I keep in touch with her. She and David have a son called Leo. He had the test done for the illness and he is clear so at least we’ve seen the back of all that. My daughter Laura is married to Sam and they have two children, Jamie and Sophie, they are lovely. They live about five minutes away. My son Ryan is getting married in July to Emma, they don’t have children yet. I’ve had a good life, Dean joined the RAF so we have travelled quite a lot. We live in a lovely village in Rutland in Uppingham. You walk down the street and know every other person. I hope to hear from you soon.

    By Sarah Evans (03/06/2013)
  • Hello to Paul Hubbard. I read about the self build in Saddlers Way and it seems that my cousin Mickey Granger lived there with my Uncle Bert and Aunt Bessie, so you must be some sort of relation. Was your mum or dad a Granger? I would like to know more.

    By Peter Long (13/08/2013)
  • Hi Peter. Micky and his sister Gaye (Married Micky Patrick) lived next door to us at number 4 Sadler Way. They were my mums cousins and my nan and grandad,Bert and Connie Long lived at number 8 on the other side of us. My nan was born a Grainger but married a long. Which side of the family are you related to? I remember a Steve Long who lived in Whitehawk

    By Paul Hubbard (27/09/2013)
  • Hi Sarah. I remember you and your family. Your house was called Saeldama if I recall. Your brothers were older than me but “Libby” used to play football with us boys who outnumbered the girls in the area, and she was pretty useful. I heard about the illnesses a few years back when talking to Tina Cager. Really nasty and it must have been tough for you. I loved that old Sadler Way, Wilson Avenue, Swanborough Drive, Desmond Way and Alan Way area. I have lived in Spain for 11 years and have a daughter in her 30s and twin 18 year olds. I also have Lilly a three year old granddaughter. I am a teacher and love working with kids. I am married to Bev who I met at school aged 16. We have been together 37 years. It’s nice to know where we all ended up after the old days. All the best.

    By Paul Hubbard (01/10/2013)
  • Hi Paul, its so good to hear from you, I have got in contact with a lot of my old friends through this web site plus facebook. I left Brighton in 1985 as Dean joined the RAF. Dean said he knows you, you used to go around with Kev Wilks from Varndean School. Yes, it is very sad about my family, I don’t know if you remember a family in Desmond Way that had the same illness, anyway we have seen the back of that now, thank God! I remember your sisters, mostly I remember Dawn. My daughter is 30 and my son is 29, both are married, Laura has 2 children, Jamie 2 and Sophie 1, they are lovely. Ryan hasn’t got any kids yet, he only got married this year in July. You sound as if you are enjoying your life in Spain. We lived in Cyprus for 6 years, what a great time we had, its just a shame we had to come back! Lizzy was always a bit of a tomboy, I remember one Christmas she had the complete Leeds football kit! Well take care Paul, hope to hear from you soon.

    By Sarah Pullen Evans (12/10/2013)
  • Hi Sarah. Everybody seemed to have loads of kids in those days! I haven’t seen any of my sisters for more than ten years. We didn’t fall out, but we were always very different people. We stay in touch, but are not close. My parents are still hanging in there and come to see us quite regularly for a bit of sun. They live in Woodingdean now. Kev Wilkes was a good mate of mine many years ago. Shows what a small world it is. Take care and enjoy every day. [Paul, I have edited some of your posting due to data protection. Apologies, but I hope that you appreciate the reasons. Thank you for your support of the site. Best wishes, the editing team] 

    By Paul Hubbard (13/10/2013)
  • Hi Paul, great to hear from you after all this time! I go to Spain quite a lot, I’ve a friend whose got a place there. We will have to meet up sometime. I don’t really keep in touch with the Coulson’s, only see them at funerals now! I know they have lots of kids and grandkids! I have another grandchild on the way, that will make three. I love being a grandmother, you know you can give them back! Please send my regards to your parents, hope they are well. Hope to hear from you soon.

    By Sarah Pullen Evans (09/02/2014)
  • Hi Sarah. I now have grandchild no.2 on the way. A boy this time. My parents are both reasonably well for their age, but my mum is a bit forgetful. Years fly by don’t they?

    Oh to be ten years old again, making bonfires over the tip and riding go carts down Wilson Avenue (usually without brakes). How innocent the world seemed then. All the best, Paul.

    By Paul Hubbard (19/03/2014)
  • Hi, I’ve just been on site and seen Alan Leeves. We have lived at 133 Wilson Avenue for the last 19 years. I bought it from your Mum, Joye Leeves. We love it here. We have made a few changes over the years but forever grateful that your Mum sold her house to us. We are called Farid (aka as Barry) and Sue Ullah.

    By Farid Ullah aka Barry Ullah (20/10/2014)
  • Hi Farid, I haven’t looked at this site for a while, and the first thing I see is your post. So glad you’re happy at 133, winter winds are still a bit harsh I imagine. Mum is very happy in Patcham, nice little close, good neighbours, everyone looks out for each other. She has eight Great Grandchildren now, four boys , four girls. She is well, gave up driving last year, but (with friends) goes on several outings, and a couple of mini-breaks a year, so life is good. May you continue to be happy there, the whole family have very fond memories of the house and area, I will tell Mum of this post, I’m sure she will be surprised and glad to hear the news, (she isn’t interested in getting online, it wastes too much time). All the best

    By Alan Leeves (24/10/2014)
  • Hi Alan and Barry. I didn’t even realise you had both lived in the same house. Hope all is well with you and yours.

    By Paul Hubbard (13/12/2014)
  • My Uncle lived at the top of Wilson Avenue, his name was Harry Bath, and his son, my cousin, was named Bill Bath. Does anybody remember them at all?

    By Vic Bath (25/05/2015)
  • Hi Sarah, I was just checking out the site and remember you as I use to sit next to your brother David at school, he was a great laugh and remember seeing him when he was not well working in a hardware shop at the bottom of Bentham Road as I bought my first house there. I was staggered. I remember him telling me about some disease in the family. I went to the gigs where they use to play as they were all good musicians. I even remember going to your house and listening to an Alf Garnett LP with all old WW2 songs and we played it loud and just laughed! Hope you’re well.  

    By Andy Gumbrill (29/03/2016)
  • Hi everyone I live at 139 Wilson Avenue and believe it was one of the self builds which belonged to the Peckham family….anyone have any info on this? Thanks from Cath.

    By Catherine Reid (29/08/2018)
  • My family lived at 167 Wilson Avenue, and my father, Ted Wingrave, was the carpenter on this site. We moved in when I was four years old and were the second family to move into these bungalows, the only ones with green roofs. The first family were Rita and Stephen Keen and the other side of us was Jackie and Freddie Boulding.

    By Shirley Bowley (nee Wingrave) (12/11/2018)
  • My dad Jack Tyson worked on the self-build scheme but after all his hard work we couldn’t afford to stay there and only managed 2 years.
    We moved down into the Fire Brigade houses in Roedean Road afterwards. My brother Ross and I have many happy memories from living here. Go-karting, newts from Alan Leeves and the very harsh winter when the roof space filled with snow and had to be bucketed out to stop the ceilings from collapsing! Great fun for us kids though! Great memories of St Mark’s school too.

    By Lesley Orford nee Tyson (13/04/2019)
  • I remember Jack Tyson, my sister Vera Lammie and her husband Campell (Jock) Lammie lived at 11 Roedean Rd, the fire houses. My sister moved in when they were new. I used to spend my summer holidays there. 53, 54, all the neighbours were friends.

    By Terry Hyde (16/04/2019)
  • Did anyone know or live in Desmond way in the 60s. my dad was on the self build scheme. We lived at number 7 before moving to Seaford when I was about 11, his name was Leslie cobby, my name is Anne. I used to go to school with Jennifer Farmer. Caroline Smith, Wendy Francis who lived in desmond way and Lavinia Irvine who lived in Swanborugh drive.

    By Ann campbell nee cobby (14/06/2020)
  • Hi , my dad Derek Redgrave passed away last year and I’ve found photos of him and my grandad labouring on the Wilson Avenue self build . He spoke of how hard it was to work all day then work on the site especially by the time the last bungalows were built . My grandad was Douglas Winter . I believe they lived there for a short time before buying separate houses . Douglas and Elsie Winter and Derek and Barbara Redgrave.

    By Jo Turner (17/04/2021)
  • The Regency Society is preparing a project about the history of self-build housing in Brighton & Hove and would be pleased if anyone with information—especially plans, photographs and documents—could contact me (chair@regencysociety.org).

    By David Fisher (19/09/2023)

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