Growing up in Whitehawk in the 1950s

I was born in the back bedroom of 130, Whitehawk Road on 11th October 1952. I was the youngest of 8, (6 boys and 2 girls) born to Fred and Louie Chitty. The boys were Derek, Stan, David, Denis, Terry and me Colin and the girls were June and Janice. Our house was a three bedroomed end of terrace with a huge garden which blended into the race hill below the old people’s homes on, I think it was Manor Farm. My Mum and Dad (sadly dead for many years) were one of the first families to move in during the 1930s and remembered the pig farms and allotments that filled the whole valley. I think Whitehawk Road was the first built and the football pitches were formed from all of the chalk and soil that was moved as the houses were built. My Mum used to tell me about the night she went to bed to the usual sounds of the farm across the way and woke up to find hundreds of lorries and thousands of soldiers waiting to be transported across the Channel to the French landings.

A fabulous childhood
My own memories were of a fabulous childhood in the open air. I remember attending Whitehawk Infants school at age three because my Dad had just died and my Mum had to work. She was a cleaner at Roedean School. They had fantastic play equipment including a red roundabout for two which you used to pedal and it went really fast. I can remember me and a boy called Jimmy Taylor making ourselves sick after our free bottle of milk in the morning. Miss Coo was the Headmistress and she was a twin, like my Dad.

Safe childhood days in the pool
Black Rock Swimming Pool was magic. I used to go on my own at age 6/7 or with my sister and spend the whole day during the summer holidays. Completely safe and very few perverts to worry about.  Black Rock before the Marina was great for shrimps and live bait for fishing in the rock pools and at night the groynes were great for big bass in the summer and lovely cod in the winter. I can remember a shoal of mackerel getting caught in the rock pools one summers day and my mate David Tharme and I made a fortune catching them, cleaning them and selling them for 6 for 2/6d. Sorry that was two shillings and six pence, pre decimal.

Learning about life’s ups and downs
My brother Terry and my sister Janice still live in Whitehawk today. I have travelled all over the world as a civilian and in the military. I have had over 60 different postal addresses in my 54 years, but Whitehawk was where I learnt about life, both its ups and downs. It was a hard place for the adults I think, but it was a wonderful place for kids with a bit of enterprise. Coach cleaning in the summer, fishing for profit all year, winkling at Black Rock, beach combing for money and watches, there was always something to do. If the truth be known, I don’t think I have ever found the community spirit we had back then, so it is great to read that it is still present at dear old Whitehawk. Shame the layout had to change to build more houses, but they were happy, happy days.

A very famous film
Does anyone else remember when the battlefield scenes were filmed on the corporation tip on Wilson Avenue for Oh What a Lovely War? Me and Dave made a fortune collecting the empty beer bottles used by the actors and crew and returning them to the Whitehawk Inn. They also sprayed artificial snow all over the tip, it was amazing.

Comments about this page

  • Colin, this may be a long comment, but I enjoyed your posting very much. I was born in 1922 and I lived at 7 Firle Road, just at the top of the hill from Whitehawk Road. I remember Manor Farm when it was mostly allotments and pigsties, and I was about 10 years old. My dad was a tram driver and he took me with him to Whitehawk bottoms, as we called it, when the houses were to be built, and started to dig up a small pear tree, when the “owner” came along and asked him to pay for it, which he did, about half a crown, I believe.
    I courted a girl from the houses near where you lived, named Rene Fairhall, in about 1938 or 1939. I think the Fairhalls also lived in an end of terrace house. Did you know the Fairhall family, or what happened to them? Rene would be about my age now (84), if she is still around? My friend George Whiting (now dead unfortunately), and I, used to walk over to the Brighton dump and rescue bits of bicycles from which we would construct whole bikes (called bitsas) and ride around Sussex on them.
    I went to St. Luke’s Senior Boys School, and every week we were taken to play football on the pitches at the top end of Whitehawk Road. I had three sisters and our greatest satisfaction was to climb over the wall at the Black Rock pool (we had no money) to spend the day at the pool, where I learned to swim from a man sent round by the News Chronicle newspaper.
    During the war I was a flight engineer in the RAF, flying on Liberators with Coastal Command, and after the war I emigrated to the USA, where I now live in New Jersey. Please add some more memories of Whitehawk and Brighton in the 1950s.

    By Robert (Bob) Green (10/02/2007)
  • My name is Suzanne, I am the niece of Rene Fairhall, my own mum, Maureen, was Rene’s younger sister. Unfortunatly Rene died about 21 years ago, her sister Freda died three years ago and we lost my mum Maureen earlier this year. This only leaves Ray, the baby of the family. You’re right Bob, the Fairhalls lived in an end of terrace house opposite Whitehawk Junior School. It was the opposite end of the same terrace that Colin lived on. My brother Steve and I remember Colin and his family well. My dad and brother still live in Whitehawk Road but nowhere near the football pitches. My other grandparents, Fred and Nancy Green, actually lived next door to Colin and my dad was their first foster son.

    By Suzanne Serejko (08/10/2007)
  • Hi Colin, Reading your comments has brought back many happy memories. I too remember the summer months spent cleaning coaches. If I remember correctly Jimmy Taylor’s dad was an attendant at the coach park. Jimmy lived at the bottom of Manor Hill, Number 10 as I remember. Our family used to live in the prefabs in Wiston Close. I can vaguely remember when the Cooke family emigrated to Australia. We then moved to Whitehawk Crescent, I went to Whitehawk Infants and Juniors and passed the 11-plus exams and went on to Varndean Grammar. You also passed the exams and went to Falmer School as I can remember. My mum, Lily Hale, used to work in the school canteen at Whitehawk School for many years and, regarding the filming of “Oh What a Lovely War”, I remember this very well as my dad Richard (Dickie) Hale was employed to dig many of the trenches and bomb craters with his JCB. We lived well for a few weeks courtesy of the film catering crew. Sadly Mum and Dad have both passed away but I have many happy memories of them and the wonderful start to life in a great place – Whitehawk.

    By Terry Hale (12/10/2007)
  • Hello Terry.  This is Eric, the youngest son of the Cook family you refer to. We lived at No. 7 Wiston Close. What number did you live in? It’s great to see that so many commentators refer to their childhood living in Whitehawk as wonderful and happy times, I know it was for me. Do you remember the Coronation street party they held in Wiston Close? I have a number of photos of that event and in particlar the fancy dress competion for us kids, I was dressed as a sugar cube. What were you dressed as? I’d love to catch up via email and I would be happy to send you some of the photos I have, you are no doubt in some of them. My email is eric.cristina@yahoo.com

    By Eric Cook (07/11/2007)
  • Wow, What a wonderful response. It is really strange when you get older, because you forget bits of the picture then someone else fills that part of the jigsaw. Hello Bob, Terry and Suzanne. Sorry for the delay in responding but I have been trying to find this website for some time. Suzanne, I remember you because of your Mum. She was such a lovely lady and used to look after me sometimes. You mentioned Ray. If I am not mistaken, Ray lived next door to me for some years at 129 with Fred and Nancy Green. Ray was a great guy and I remember he used to let me borrow his racing bike and I used to go for miles on it. I can remember chasing a bus full of Roedean school girls on their weekly trip by bus into Brighton on a Saturday and I nearly hit the back of it, so I hit the brakes and skidded on the newly applied double yellow lines outside The Home and Colonial Stores halfway into town. I went up the pavement into the display outside the shop. They had tins of broken biscuits for sale for weeks! Mr and Mrs Green used to keep chickens and Mr Green used to despatch them in time for Sunday lunch with an axe. That was how I learnt the expression “running around like a headless chicken”. My Mum said that once the poor headless bird ran straight at Mrs Green and ran between her legs straight in the open back door into their kitchen. She screamed “Oh Fred” and promptly passed out. I was walking my dog Trixie one night on the racehill at the back of the houses and I lost her. I went home and got a torch and was shining it around the race hill to find her. The light must have woke Fred up because the the next minute he was hanging out of his bedroom window, yelling into the darkness “I know you’re there, Nancy get my gun, I’m going to shoot a burglar”. Terry we were at school together. Do you remember David Sallis Ian Upton, Sandra Breeds Gary Field and Marion White. Did you go to the football at the Goldstone. Do you remember Mr Robinson, Mr White, Miss New, Miss Markwick?Was our childhood so unusual that we never seemed to have a care? It is wonderful to share these fabulous times. Bob, I was also in the Royal Air Force for 22 years. I was just trying to remember who lived where on Whitehawk Road, 130 was Chitty’s, 129 was Green, 128 I think was a Mrs Bartlett was 127 Maureen? 134 was Alan Gray and 135 was the Knights family. I remember Ronnie Knights quite well. Have I forgotten how many houses were in each block? Was it 4 or 5? I remember going to Tony Brazil’s boxing Club twice a week. Did any one else go? I remember “Oh What A Lovely War” because the transport manager was Joe Driscoll, my Brother in Law, Ted’s, Dad. He used to get us on set.

    By Colin Chitty (11/02/2008)
  • Colin – there are four houses in a block, when Mrs Bartlett moved out of 128, Eileen and Ken Ogle moved in with Susie and Philip. Mrs Shaw lived at 126, the Cliftons at 125 and Mrs Decatchit at 124. Fred Green was never backward in coming forward and Nancy was great as my dad was one of their foster children.  We grew up with them as grandparents and they were real colour characters as was our own Nan who went by the name of Fairy (Mrs Fairhall). The Knights are still in Whitehawk Road, as is Eileen Ogle and my dad and brother. You’re right Colin – Maureen and Al, Steve and myself lived at 127.  My brother Steve thinks you might remember the Kents from 130, the Kirby girls (we still see them), David Tharme and the Greenlands.

    By Suzanne Serejko (22/02/2008)
  • Hi Suzanne,  Great to hear from you. If I remember when you were little you had very blonde straight hair?  The Kents lived next door to us at 131 and the Kirbys lived at the end of the next block down from you, and David Tharme lived at the end of the next block down from them.  I am still in touch with David who lives in East Anglia and he still goes fishing like we did when we were kids.  I remember Robert Greenland and the Akehursts on the corner by the alley that used to go up over the hill to the shops.   There was also a family called Morrell who lived next door to the Kirbys. Was it Sandra?  If I remember, she was hit by a car when she was playing in the street and she was catapulted up into the air.  She hit the lower branches of the big trees outside the Junior School and landed on the railings.  Her Dad came running out and picked her up and took her indoors to wait for the ambulance. She was very lucky to survive.  I remember Eileen and Ken very well, but I had no idea their surname was Ogle. I remember Suzie and Philip.  I also remember helping Ken, who was a milkman, delivering milk in the snow.  My God, it was really very deep one year and it was gone midday before we got finished.  I remember the sea froze that year and the pebbles all stuck together.  Do you remember a family called the Coombers?  I think they may have lived next door to the Kirbys at one time. There was a Christopher Coomber, his brother Glen and a sister Jean or Jenny, can’t remember which. There was a boy called Alan Gray who lived next door to the Knights. They were at 135 and Alan lived at 134.   Anyway, must close, will write again soon. Can we get a list of all of the tenants from Akehursts to the Boxing Club do you think?  Best wishes.

    By Colin Chitty (24/02/2008)
  • Hi Colin and everyone, I just happened to stumble on this page whilst doing a search for my father’s father ,anyway I was shocked to see the name Coomber as my father was a Coomber before his mother got married then the name was Abberley. I don’t however recall any of the names you have mentioned, but there are a hell of a lot of Coombers lol. My father’s mother (my nan) was Bertha Coomber, known to most as Dolly; other names I know are George, Alfie, Stan, Pat, Gary, Debbie, Peggie, and Stella and oh so many more I could mention. It has been really interesting to read all these posts

    By Jane Abberley (01/04/2008)
  • Hi Colin, I just read about your family. How interesting you say you have a brother Derek. Is he a lot older than you, and did he have ginger hair? Was he a great roller-skater and did he spend a lot of time at the open air rink near Peter Pan’s Playground? If you don’t know, perhaps you could ask for me as I remember the name so well. If it was him, he taught me to skate.

    By Pam (17/04/2008)
  • Hi Pam,

    Yes that was my brother Derek. He was also a brilliant swimmer. When my Dad died Derek changed his surname to Spencer, I think. I lost contact with him 40 years ago and have no idea what happened to him. I know he married and had loads of kids. His wife was Margaret and he had at least six kids, but I can’t remember their names. Gary, Janice Nicola, Sandra, I think and two others.

    He spent a lot of time on the seafront along with some of my other brothers doing the deck chairs and I think he was a lifeguard too. He taught me to swim by throwing me off the Banjo Groyne and telling me to swim to shore. I had two choices, sink or swim.

    Thanks Bruv.

    Hope this clears it up for you.

    By Colin Chitty (28/05/2008)
  • Thank you for letting me know if was Derek my roller skating teacher. It was when I got to 14 I started going to the Ritz Roller rink and went there always at weekends thanks to Derek.
    Do you think you could tell me his exact age as I’m now nearly 67 and he was taller than me, and I’m sure a lot older? He used to hold my hand and skate for ages. His hands were big and I’m sure they were covered in freckles
    Did you know the Jarvis Family at 54 Hervy Road? They are my cousins. They are Joan, Reg, Ross, Maureen and Carol.
    It was great to hear about your story.Thanks again.

    By Pamela (30/05/2008)
  • Hi Colin, the message above was for you. I didn’t put your name on header. I hope you are well.

    By Pamela (10/06/2008)
  • Hi Pamela, Sorry for the delay in replying. I have been into hospital for major surgery and am not long back on my feet. My brother Derek, must be in his 70s if he is still alive, maybe 74-75. Yes he had big freckle covered hands and was about 6 feet one tall. I don’t remember your family, but I tended to stick to Whitehawk Road. Will write again when I can. Best wishes.

    By Colin Chitty (17/07/2008)
  • Hi Colin. Thank you for your reply. I guessed there was something wrong. I would just like to wish you a very speedy recovery and all the best to you and your family.

    By Pamela (18/07/2008)
  • Does anyone remember Sheila Wheatland of 8 Findon Road, Whitehawk, an address which has since been demolished I understand. Sheila was a gorgeous, most pretty girl, with very dark auburn hair and matching beautiful figure. She remained my sweetheart for a number of years from 1945 until 1948 when I ended the relationship. I’ve been happily married to a wonderful ‘girl’ for 56 years now who would have no objection to my getting in touch, simply to hear of Sheila’s life over the years.

    By Ron Spicer (26/07/2008)
  • Hi Colin, I remember you from Whitehawk School. The names of those living near me from the bus request stop in Whitehawk Road opposite the steps to Wilsons Avenue:
    No. 76. Kitchen
    No.77 Buckles
    No. 78 Lower
    No. 79 Macdougall
    No.80 Moons
    No.81 Woolgars
    No. 82 Stapletons
    No. 83 ?
    No.84 Barbers
    No.85 Washingtons
    No.86 Dunks
    No. 87 Bluey Reynolds?
    Not really sure after that. I’m sure the Gorringes, Tharmes and the Lewseys were in there somewhere. I’m sure you could fill in the blanks to the Akehursts!  Whitehawk was a great place to live in the 50s/60s. At that time people weren’t afraid of the streets and shared the little they did have, and we didn’t have to lock our doors because nobody had anything worth nicking!

    By Keith Macdougall (14/08/2008)
  • Hello all. Dorothy (Dolly) Greenland still lives in Whitehawk Road, she is my mother in law (I am married to Robert).

    By Laine (17/08/2008)
  • Hi Keith – your comment about open house and nobody having anything worth nicking possibly contributes to the total lack of security shown in those times but, as a boy born at North Moulsecoomb where the same attitude prevailed, I’m more inclined to the idea that there was much more respect for everyone by everyone combined with a level of honesty which is absent today. Honesty and respect prevailed wherever one was, as opposed to today when even the police are subjected to extreme measures of disrespect and occasionally violence. I often wish we could all return to those days of complete safety on the streets and general happiness, even though it was accompanied by much more poor circumstances. The ‘crime’ of scrumping, with disapproval and corporal punishment from one’s parents as well as maybe a policeman’s cape lashing to start off with was easily borne with a mental state that helped tremendously in the maturing process.
    I know what circumstances I would prefer out of those prevailing today and those of yesteryear.
    Thanks for the reminder of those particular times.

    By Ron Spicer (19/08/2008)
  • Hi Colin: just a note to hope you are keeping well and on the road to recovery. All the best to your family

    By Pamela (26/08/2008)
  • Hi Colin,I lived in 84 til 1956 and 85 were the Freemans, 83 was the Normans and ‘Bluey’ Reynolds was Phil Reynolds. I was Bluey! After my mother just up and left, and lost the house, I lived with the Freemans next door to me until I was 18. They were good to me.

    By Bluey Aktins (30/08/2008)
  • Hi Pamela, I remember Mrs Jarvis. I used to be frightened of her. I used to be a delivery boy for the Co-op and one day when it was raining, I took her groceries down and one of the bags split, and I spilt the contents and she whacked me round the ear! I went out with Rhona Standbridge, who lived a couple of doors up.

    By Harry Atkins (30/08/2008)
  • keith. you missed out the Pumphreys. Remember ginger?

    By Harry Atkins (31/08/2008)
  • Hi Colin, my Nan and Grandad lived at 131. The Kents, Queenie and Jim had four kids: John, David, Doris and Violet. My Mum and Charlie my Dad are now both dead. I’m Peter, I left Whitehawk in February 1989. I also remember the battle field. Do you remember Dr Who as well? They filmed there too. I have great memories of growing up there and we still pop down to visit. I can remember the school canteen across the road from Nan’s and how nice the smell was. You made me feel old! Hope you’re OK.

    By Peter Bridger (18/09/2008)
  • Hi Harry, I remember Ginger, going down the ways, can you remember the Thwaites, Polards and Easons? Do you know if WhitehawkSchool ever have reunions? I live in Cambridgeshire now but would certainly travel if it happens. Do you remember Bluey Reynolds? we followed each other around in the army for a few years.

    By Keith Macdougall (22/09/2008)
  • Hi Ron, unfortunately we can’t turn the clock back to the good old days, but we sure can cherish our memories of a great place to live with people who thought of others not only themselves.

    By Keith Macdougall (22/09/2008)
  • We lived at 77 Wiston Road from1943, near the top of Lintott Avenue. Any news of Bert Pentecost, Bill Romain, Ernie Woolgar, Roy and Colin Ambler? I ‘m now living in Redcar, Yorkshire.

    By Arthur Dalby (26/09/2008)
  • Hi everyone, I have been a Whitehawk boy now for what seems a really short time (40 odd years) compared to you all, but my family have lived in Whitehawk for absolutely years. Does anyone remember my Dad Ron Walls, I believe he lived in either Whitehawk Crescent or Manor Crescent back in the 1930s or 40s; he had 4 brothers, Alfie, Fred (caretaker at St Mark’s school for years), Roy and Ray and 4 sisters, Daw (Dorothy), Pat, Jean & Shirley. My dad used to box for Whitehawk boys club. I am now living in the Manor and fast approaching 50, we also lived in Rifle Butt Road when I was a lad and I went to Whitehawk School, oh happy days. I have lived in Rifle Butt Road, Wiston Road, Maresfiel Road, and Upper Chalvington Place. I remember getting the number three bus from Arundel Road to Lintott Avenue in the early 1970s when all us boys fancied the big blonde bus conductress, oh very happy days. I remember many names if anyone is interested.

    By Jon Walls (01/10/2008)
  • Keith – There is no longer a secondary school in Whitehawk, all the children travel out across the city once they leave primary school. Whitehawk Juniors was knocked down in the late 1980s, the Infants and Junior schools were merged in 2000 and are in the old secondary school and the old Infants school is about to be knocked down to make way for a new children’s centre.

    By Suzanne Serejko (02/11/2008)
  • My mum was a teacher at Whitehawk Infants in the 1970s. Does anyone remember her?

    By Paul Hubbard (09/11/2008)
  • My name is Vic Lander, some of you may remember me. I lived at 25 Fletching Road from 1943 till 1967, we then moved to a block of flats named Holbrook in Findon Road. I left there in 1970.  My dad was the milkman for Filkins Ovingdean Dairies until the 1950’s, his round included the whole of the Whitehawk estate.  I am now Vice Chairman of East Brighton Bygones Local History Society and reading your letters it occurred to me that many of you would be interested to join us. Most of our members are old Whitehawkers or Manor Farmites and we meet on the second Wednesday of every month at the Valley Social Centre, Whitehawk Way. Our meetings commence at 2pm. Our contact telephone number is 01273 608807.

    By Vic Lander (08/12/2008)
  • Hi Colin and family, it’s lovely to know you are on top form with your great newsletter, and you are back to good health. All the best to you all in Brighton, take care.

    By Pamela (07/01/2009)
  • Glad you are ok Colin. I enjoyed your letter. They are very happy memories. It is a shame they changed the old Whitehawk.

    By Peter Bridger (30/01/2009)
  • Hi All Whitehawkers and Manor Farmites

    I have recently had discussions with Whitehawk school’s staff in relation to the Air-raid shelters that have been preserved as a museum and contain artefacts of life during the war. As Chairman of Brighton Bygones Society I talked about our involvement in acting as guides to the museum. If you would like to be considered for the role of guide, please go here where you can read all the details.

    By Vic Lander (31/01/2009)
  • Hi Colin, your name rings a bell did you live in Wiston Road ever, and have a brother called Raymond? I was quite young but I’ve remembered that family’s name, you had alot of brothers if I’m right. And the Jones’ family lived next to you. We lived opposite the road to you, my mum was Austrian.

    By Barbara Zammit nee Dawson (19/02/2009)
  • Barbara, I’m sorry to say that I only ever lived in Whitehawk Road. I went to Whitehawk Infants and Junior schools and then to Westlain Grammar at out at Falmer. I did have 5 brothers though, Terry, Dennis, David ,Stan and Derek as well as two sisters June and Janice. All of my brothers went to Whitehawk seniors and so did June. Janice went to Westlain, like me. Perhaps you know me from the school rather than the house where I lived?

    By Colin Chitty (25/02/2009)
  • I was born in Hervey Road in 1948. Had great time growing up in Whitehawk. Went to Whitehawk infants, junior and senior schools. If anybody remembers me or my family, please answer. Great to hear about Whitehawk.

    By Gerald Henson (03/03/2009)
  • Hi Colin, you may have seen some of my earlier comments. Having read and enjoyed your new year entry it brought back memories of the Whitehawk School canteen.
    I started school at the infants in 1945 when the canteen was located at the back with an entrance from the twitten that lead from Whitehawk Road to Whitehawk Avenue.
    During my early school days German prisoners of war were used to build the pre-fab classrooms and other buildings around the schools. One of these buildings was the “new canteen” that you remember with such affection.
    This canteen came into use in 1946 and the standard of food was certainly not to the quality that you remember. In fact instead of running towards the canteen most kids ran away from the canteen. Remember that at this time, rationing was still in force so you could not expect a very good selection. It also reminded me that the “dinner ladies” all came to work with empty shopping bags that were not so empty when they went home!
    You may have seen my piece about the recent demise of our old infant school, leaving only what to you and I will remember as the senior boys/girls.
    You mentioned your mum and her memories of the build up to D-day. I remember my dear old dad getting me out of my bed in our house in Fletching Road. He took me into the garden to look up at the sky which was filled with the dark shadows of aircraft heading in a south westerly direction. The night was filled with the sound of aircraft engines and my dad said I ought to remember this as it was history in the making. The night in question of course was the 5th/6th June 19444 the eve of D-day.
    I do not remember you but I do remember your family and some of your siblings.
    I no longer live in Brighton having moved to Lancing when I married, but in my guise as Vice Chair of the East Brighton Bygones Local History Society I am in Whitehawk at least twice a week.

    By Vic Lander (04/03/2009)
  • Does anyone know the Moore and Ingham-Law family? We used to live at Maresfield Road and with my Nan at Wiston Road.

    By Denise Moore (07/03/2009)
  • I knew Freddie Moore – he was at Whitehwk School until 1955. If I remember correctly he lived in the Manor Farm area. There was also a family named Moore that lived in Whitehawk Road opposite the Whitehawk Inn, in fact I believe that Mr Moore still lives there.

    By Vic Lander (16/03/2009)
  • In reply to a number of contributors above!
    Hi Gerald – I remember you, didn’t you live above Janet Hunt, Brian/Peter Eason in Whitehawk Road? You used to cut through the gardens to get home again after we all met up a few times. How’s life? Have you heard from Brian? I have only seen him once in about 40 years since I left to join the Forces. Whitehawk certainly has changed since we were kids!

    Hi Denise – any relation to Freddie? If so, he went out with my sister Iris for a few years when we lived at 79 Whitehawk Road. I can remember helping him decorate his mum’s front room listening to “the greatest hits” on a wind up gramaphone! Great times and great memeories. How’s he doing?

    Hi Pam – I remember the Jarvis family. Went to school a little ahead of Carol, we used to live directly beneath them in Whithawk Road. Her dad used to keep rabbits and we would torment the life out of them. He used to go mad when we cut through his garden to get to our house. Still …. happy days.

    Hi Suzanne – shame all the Whitehawk schools we knew are gone. A friend here in Cambridgeshire told me he had been to the Whitehawk schools’ reunion, must have been the very last one. Still our great memories of the old days will always be there.

    By Keith Macdougall (16/03/2009)
  • Keith, Not quite all the schools that you remember have gone. See the piece I wrote elsewhere on this site about the Second World War Whitehawk Museum.  The spirit of the old Whitehawk does still live on. Partly through the East Brighton Bygones Local History group of which I am Vice Chairman. Many of our members are old “Hawkers” or “Manor Farmites” and they remember with great affection the days gone by. Best Regards

    By Vic Lander (17/03/2009)
  • Hi Vic, When do you hold the meetings? Maybe I could come to one when I’m next in Brighton.
    [Editor: Keith – click here for the EBB page on this site.]

    By Keith Macdougall (18/03/2009)
  • Keith: EBB stands for East Brighton Bygones. You would be welcome to visit us at any of our meetings as would anyone else interested in Whitehawk, Manor Farm, Kemp Town, Moulsecoomb, Bevendean or Bates Estate.

    By Vic Lander (28/03/2009)
  • Hi Keith: my dad died 1959 when I was four. My mum used to live at 69 Maresfield Road; she brought up three children up under five. My nan lived at 88 Wiston Road, her name was Edith. My grandad Jack worked at the butchers in the Co-op at the Broadway.

    By Denise Shops nee Moore (29/03/2009)
  • I lived in Whitehawk from 1952 till I got married in 1964 but my family lived there for many years. We lived in Twineham Road and then moved to Whitehawk Road. Our last name was King, my sister Jean and brother Frank and myself Shirley. If any of you remember us, drop us a line, love to here from you.

    By Shirley Teery (10/04/2009)
  • Who was it who wanted to know more about Brian Eason?

    By Gerald Henson (19/04/2009)
  • I feel that I am intruding into a Community here, I hope you dont mind, but I could not resist. I was searching the Internet for Ogle’s. I am researching my family history. My family live in Northumberland. My great grandfather was Sydney Herbert Ogle and he was born in Hove. I just wondered if the Ogle’s you speak of may have been related. We have an Ogle village in Northumberland but we know we hail from Hove. So if anyone can shed any light we would be grateful. Your memories of your childhood, remind me of our mining community here in Northumberland in our collery rows.

    By Denise Ogle (25/04/2009)
  • Hi Paul, are you Dave’s brother and weren’t you the first family to have a television (as your dad worked for Rediffusion or someone)? I seem to remember all the kids being allowed to watch The Lone Ranger and Wells Fargo in your house. I also remember all the families you mentioned and also have a picture of the fancy dress on the Coronation street party.

    By Les Kight, No. 6 Wiston Path (30/04/2009)
  • Wow, how fantastic to see a post by someone who lived in Wiston Close and path. Hi Paul and Les. This is Eric the son of the Cook family that you mention. We lived at no 7 Wiston Close. As you say we emigrated to Australia; that was in 1958 so unfortunately I don’t remember many names. I have photos of my Dad’s (George) lorry parked in Wiston Close. He worked for the railways. I think one of your neighbours, the Eves family had a daughter named Christine (I think I had a bit of a prepubescent crush on her) She’s pictured wearing a fancy dress costume made from magazines in the photos of the Coronation Street party. I have posted a few of those photos on this site. You can access them via the search function at the top of the page, type in either “coronation”, “Whitehawk’ or my name. Are you in any of these photos or do you recognise anybody? I’m in the sugar cube costume. Do you have any photos of the prefabs, or anywhere else around the area, if so I’d love to see them? I too remember the corn fields and Sheepcote Valley, especially the dump, it was full of treasures. Yes, I remember the old Army tank there which we used to play on. The turret still turned as I recall.
    I also remember building snow forts in the front yard in winter, conkers, and collecting ‘pennies for the Guy’ so we could buy fireworks. We often had big bonfires in the back yard on Guy Fawkes Night. As well as going to the Blackrock Lido all day long in what seemed like endless summers. They were very happy days.
    You can contact me on eric.cristina@yahoo.com I’d love to catch up, have a chat or maybe share some photos if you have any.
    Cheers

    By Eric Cook (14/05/2009)
  • Hi Gerald, I wanted to know about Brian Eason, how’s he doing, also Tony Kelly, Janet Hunt and her pal Ellen.
    Would be interested to know how any of the crowd around that time are doing.

    By Keith MacDougall (17/05/2009)
  • Hello dear fellow Whitehawkers. I lived in Hervey Road with Gez Henson, Jim Wickens, Chris Burgess, the Wheatlands Chris, Sylvia and Pauline, Vanessa Baron, Ray, Eileen and Keith Rushman, and many more true, honest, loyal friends. I played football for the boys’ club and then onto Whitehawk FC. I am so chuffed that I’ve been made aware of this brilliant website.

    By Micky Baker (26/06/2009)
  • Have read this column for some time. Interesting. Colin Chitty, I was in your brother Stan’s class. Lost touch after National Service. Am in touch with Ivy Hemsley who was a GI bride and now a Great Grandmother. Am in touch with Mike Funnel and John Tidey. I lived in 168 Wiston.

    By Ron Ford (07/07/2009)
  • Hi Colin. If I remember rightly you were the year below me at the Infant and Junior School (I moved on to Secondary Tec rather than the local Secondary School). Anyway, having moved away a very long time ago my wife is a Whitehawk girl (then Marion Lee), and I am now currently part of the Community Development support for the area. Vic (Bygones group) informs me that this year is the 75th anniversary of the opening of the schools so I thought it would be a good idea to collect some then-and-now photos of old pupils to display later in the year. So if anyone is interested to send me copies I will arrange the display (andy@silsbysilsby.com)

    By Andy Silsby (15/07/2009)
  • Hello Mick. I remember all the names in your comment about Hervey Road. I lived at 100 next door to Vanessa Baron and two doors away from the Wheatlands.  I also remember you.  Great to see all the names I remember. Love to hear from any of them: email racing_16roy@yahoo.co.uk

    By Roy Sargeant (19/07/2009)
  • Hi Andy – Reference school’s 75th anniversary. I have suggested to the school that we should mark the occasion. They have suggested doing something on the same day as the school Remembrance Parade on the 6th November. Perhaps with my connections with East Brighton Bygones and your connection, you and I should work together. Give me a call. If any old Whithawkers or Manor Farmites are interested contact me at eastbrightonbygones@gmail.com 

    By Vic Lander (24/07/2009)
  • Hi Mick, Jonny Bolingbroke here. Remember you took over my goal keeper’s job when we lived at Whitehawk for the boys club. Gez Enderson – I used to go to school with you, don’t know if you remember me and my family: Gordon, Terry, Barry & Tony - we lived in Twineham Road.

    By John Bolingbroke (26/08/2009)
  • Hi John Bolingbroke: I remember you we lived next door to you in Twineham Road. Our name was Bennett and we lived at 37; I think you were 39? How are you all?

    By Sue Beckett (06/09/2009)
  • Hey Bolly. Hubby here. How you doing? Still out in Spain, living la vida loca. Seven years now. I hear Ken Powell died recently. I can’t say he was my best mate, but not nice for his wife and kids. I don’t think I’ve ever seen his name on here which surprises me a bit. Must catch up.

    By Paul Hubbard (07/09/2009)
  • Hi John Bolingbroke. My sister used to be your brother Barry’s girlfriend. Ask him if he remembers Christine Marshall, we lived at 80 Whitehawk Avenue with our Gran and Grandad Turrell next door to the Bradfords. We were there from 1955 until 1958, then we moved to Somerset where we are now.

    By Pat Richards (10/09/2009)
  • Nice to hear from you all. I remember you. I told Barry and he remembers as well, nice to hear from you hubbs. Packed up managing at football-just a boring old fart now.

    By John Bolingbroke (12/09/2009)
  • Sue Bennett, of course I remember you. I told the rest of the family that I got a message from you. My mum and dad are still alive, my dad’s in his 90s, mums in her 80s still going strong. Nice to hear from you, best wishes! Jonny bolly.

    By John Bolingbroke (12/09/2009)
  • Hi John, glad you remember us. Do you remember Carol Wilcox? Chris wondered what happened to her. June Chapman was my best friend but I don’t know what happened to her. I loved it in Whitehawk. Are you still there? I am in touch with Georgina Didcote, she married Tony James.

    By Patricia Richards (15/09/2009)
  • I live in Hollingbury - I have lived here for 30 odd years. I do remember you, it’s nice to hear from you.

    By John Bolingbroke (17/09/2009)
  • Hi Susie, Remember John and Beryl Brown (Brakes)? How you doing? Hi Johnny Boll, long time no see – about 4 weeks. Great website this, many old friends keep popping up. Do either of you see many of the old gang? I see a few of the football boys from time to time, Lennie Brakes, Johnny Streeter, Peter Eason, Dave Sallis, Micky Baker, just to mention a few.

    By John Brown (18/09/2009)
  • Hi John Brown, nice to hear from you even though its only been four weeks. Left Whitehawk 45 years ago, shame we don’t get together - have a good night out one with a few of the old lads. Perhaps when we get a few more replies from some of the old Whitehawk lads and girls we might have a meet up one night before we all peg out. Ha! Ha!

    By John Bolingbroke (21/09/2009)
  • Ron, yes I do know Sheila Wheatland very well…..she is my Nan! She is still around and well. Your description of her was beautiful, and when I read it to her just now on the phone, it made her so happy!! Please contact me and you can swap life experiences with her!

    By Shelley Priestley (23/09/2009)
  • Hi I lived at 2 Lintott Avenue opposite the football pitches. Done all my schooling at Whitehawk. Went back a few years ago - it’s a shame how Whitehawk has altered. I have lots of happy memories of that time. Left Whitehawk when I got married in 1963. Has anyone got any photos of Lintott Avenue showing our house? I only have pictures that show the garden and a couple showing the changing rooms on the pitch. Hope there’s some people that go on this site from Lintott Ave. Some of the people that lived there were Barbara Mathews, I believe at no 6, then Linda Pannett (not sure on the spelling), Margery Laughton whom I still chat to. Bobby (?) who would have been at 12 I think and lots of others which unfortunately I can only remember their Christian names. It has been great reading the messages between you all keep it up. Judy

    By Mrs Judith Pratt nee Judy Streeter (23/09/2009)
  • Hi John (Bolly), Nice to hear from you – pleased to here your Mum & Dad are still with us and going strong. Brian (Wiggys) sends his regards. If you want to contact me sujon@tesco.net be pleased to hear from you. Give my regards to Mum & Dad Sue

    By Sue Beckett (26/09/2009)
  • Hi John, Beryl (Brakes), Sue Beckett here, lovely to see your name on this page – haven’t seen you in Sainsbury’s lately Beryl! Brian said he met up with Len a few weeks ago; how’s your Dad Beryl – still ok? I bought a book about Whitehawk,  there’s photo of your Mum & Dad in it in Twineham Rd (happy days). If you wish to contact me it’s sujon@tesco.net. Love to hear from you. Best regards to all Sue

    By Sue Beckett (26/09/2009)
  • Bolly:Micky Baker here – after all this time and you still hold it against me that I took your place in goal for the Boys Club! Great that you’ve found this website. Keep in touch John!

    By Micky Baker (28/09/2009)
  • Mick I could have made it as a professional goalkeeper, but now i’m just a humble plumber who couldn’t catch a cold.

    By John Bolingbroke (03/10/2009)
  • Hi Judy, I don’t know if you do remember me, I was Pat Marshall. I  lived in 80 Whitehawk Avenue  with my gran and grandad, next door to the Bradfords. Your name seems very familiar, did you have a brother? I seem to remember a Christopher Streeter. I have a sister Christine and I am in touch with Georgina Didcote. I went to Whitehawk Seniors when I was 13 till I was 15, we were there from 1954 until 1958.

    By Pat Richards nee Marshall (03/10/2009)
  • Hi all Whitehawkers and Manor Farmites. You all seem to have the same affection for the old estate as do the members of the history society I represent. As you will see from some of my earlier items on this web I am the Vice Chairman of the East Brighton Bygones local history society. We are arranging with other organisations based in Whitehawk to hold two Whitehawk Festivals on the 24th and 31st of this month. On our stand we intend to have contact sheets where you will be able to leave your details so that you can contact old friends. I will put more details in the next few days on the exact venues for these events so that if you are interested you can come along. Best wishes to you all especially those that remember me.

    By Vic Lander (05/10/2009)
  • I have only just found this site. As you see my name was Clark and I lived at 19 Twineham Road during the 50s. My best mate was Susan Bennett  – she still is today.

    By Maria Clark (06/10/2009)
  • I would like to invite people who went to Whitehawk Secondary School old and new. to a get together at the New Bush, Arundel Road, Brighton, on November 21st 09, 7pm till close. A small donation towards multiple sclerosis, which i myself have, would be lovely. Please pop along so we can all natter about by-gone days. My tutor was Mr hodgson and i remember Mr Hunr, Miss Osman, Miss Christopher etc, and they are coming to the reunion, Mr Hoddell was the head teache. Contact me on mikeandkatie2@msn.com speak soon, take care all

    By Gwen Walls (09/10/2009)
  • Hi Ria thanks for your comment besie mate. We have been pals since we were five or six years old. That’s the commitment you get from true Whitehawkers. What lovely days and a wonderful childhood. We had great times playing in the street until 10pm if mums and dads couldn’t find you hiding behind neighbours hedges or lampposts (happy wonderfull days). I hope to see loads of you at the reunion planned for 31st Oct Sue Beckett (Bennett) of Twineham Rd

    By Sue Beckett (Bennett) (09/10/2009)
  • Could you please let us know where the reunion is planned for the 31st Oct. Thanks

    By John Bolingbroke (11/10/2009)
  • Hi all. In my earlier e-mail I promised to give you details of the forthcoming “Whitehawk Festivals”. I can now give you more info. The festival on the 24th October will be held at the Crew Club, this is located on the old football pitches where the white groundsman building used to be. The second festival will be held on the 31st October at the Manor Gym which is located in Manor Road (near St Marks School, the new one). Both events commence at 12 noon and finish at 4.0pm. Looking forward to seeing you all. Both festivals will be the same with sideshows, demonstrations and competitions. We, the East Brighton Bygones Local History Society, will have a stall exhibiting some of our large collection of photographs of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Kemp town. We will also have a contact centre where you can leave your details so that you can contact long lost friends. Come along and join the fun and support the local community.

    By Vic Lander (11/10/2009)
  • I’d love to come Vic, but I’m stuck here working in Spain. Maybe some details might be put on a site somewhere so that we could contact old friends. Especially those of us who have been abroad for a number of years. Gwen,tell the owners of the Bush that Hubby said hi. I must get back to visit at some time. I’ts nearly seven years now. I’m not sure I have the wardrobe though.LOL.

    By Paul Hubbard (11/10/2009)
  • Hi Bolly & all. Sorry if I’ve confused things re the Reunion but myself & a few other Whitehawkers are going along to Vic’s festival on 31st October where we are hoping to meet up with a few other old faces from Whitehawk. So maybe see you there.

    By Sue Beckett (nee Bennett) (14/10/2009)
  • I was born in 1950 at 16 Whitehawk Ave (the police house, had a police call box at the front). I had three sisters, two older, Carol and Pat, and one younger, along with two younger brothers. We emigrated to Australia in 1960. I have very fond memories of Whitehawk, particularly the Black Rock pool, catching the No.1 or the No.3 bus into town and going to the Odeon every Saturday morning (greeting everybody with a smile!). I cannot recall the names of the chidlren I attended the primary school with except for a Trevor Fox. The family that shared the semi detached house with us were named Anscome, the boy my age was called Anthony. I did visit Brighton in 2005 for the first time since I left. Caught the No. 1 bus from town and got off at the same stop opposite where our house used to be. A constant feeling of deja vu. Would have liked to meet some old freinds but the memory was too dim.

    By Bob Young (in Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia) (15/10/2009)
  • Hi Pat, sorry I’ve not replied before but forgot the name of the site and have been searching for it. Added to favourites now so I won’t have any excuse. I do have a brother, he was always known as Gordon or Gordy; also had 3 sisters all older than me – Joan, Jean and Joyce. I done all my schooling at Whitehawk – I do remember the surname of Marshall, perhaps if you could recall some school mates we could see if we had them in common and that just might jog the old memory. Look forward to hearing from you again, unfortunately I have not got any school group pictures, only one of a school play with the teacher and 3 other pupils. Looks like a mock-up of a brain teaser programme, but we all have different things on our heads. I was Mrs Mop -does any of this ring a bell with you? Just read your message again - how old is your sister because Christine Marshall sounds familiar. I was born in 1945 if that helps at all. Hope to hear from you again, take care Judy.

    By Judy Pratt (nee Streeter) (19/10/2009)
  • Hi Judy, thanks for your reply. I am sure I knew your brother. I went around with June Chapman, Ronnie Coggins, Linda Morrell, Johnny Wickenden and Micheal Hussey. There must have been some more , but it’s getting hard to remember. I knew the Bradfords next door and the Hayes over the road. I am older than you as I was born in 1942, but Chris was born in 1945. She went around with Carol Wilcox, Barry Bolingbroke, one of the Hayes and Shirley Bradford. I haven’t got any photos of school either. I can remember Miss Evans was Headmistress when I was there, and I had the cane for smoking in the air raid shelters. My cousin who lived with us was Linda Macdonald, she is a bit younger than Chris. I can’t remember anymore, memory going. I hope to hear from you again.

    By Patricia Richards (25/10/2009)
  • To Patricia Richards; I also remember Ronnie Coggins, Mick Coggins and their dad Ron. We all drank in the Clyde, my brothers Harry and Pat, Dave Ron and Den Crossweller. Very good times.

    By Roy Sargeant (27/10/2009)
  • Nearer to the beginning of this interesting column than the end, I mentioned Shaila Wheatland at 8 Findon Road, an address which has been demolished. Wondering if anyone remembered her family, I got no replies. I’ve since had a grandchild of Sheila get in touch from elsewhere within the site, informing me that Sheila is still alive but living in the Middle England area. It has led to me being in touch with Sheila after all these years; all 60 of them!

    By Ron Spicer (01/11/2009)
  • I have a lovely school photo of Whitehawk in 1952. Believe it or not Eric Cook sent it to me from Australia where he has lived for 50 years. I think it’s the infants. I must have been six yeas old. In it I can remember names of a few: Denis palmer, Daureen Burns, Beryl Hider, Raymond Pullen, Norman Brakes, Eric Cook, Colin Taylor, John Boxell and another Raymond whose name I can”t remember. I treasure it.

    By Maria Brooker (02/11/2009)
  • Hello Pat, I remember Ronnie Collins. I found the picture I mentioned, the teacher’s name was Mr Burtwhist but could have been Burtwhistle, also in the picture was David Beatty, Frank no surname, also Linda Leaney. Unfortunately Linda’s is the only face covered up -she seems to be wearing a sheep’s mask that covers her entire face.  I remembered some other names- the Dean family- one was called Pamela, the Robinson family and also Linda Powell whom I met at a friend’s party but I’m ashamed to say I didn’t recognise her but she recognised me. Also Christopher Stone, Bob Boxall used to live next door to us- he had a brother George, also I’m sure there was another brother I hope I’ve got the surname right. I find I only really remember the christian names because basically that’s all you ever used. Also another name from the past was Rosemary Woolgar. Well the old brain cells have been working overtime. I think it’s time for a cuppa. Speak to you soon.

    By Judy (03/11/2009)
  • Hello everybody, I am so glad that the web site is pulling in so many people and fabulous memories. I have a large piece I want to send you, but I am recovering from a brain tumour which has laid me low for the last three weeks. Have a couple of secondary cancers that need a good kicking, so will be in touch after Christmas. All the best to every one and will speak soon.

    By Colin Chitty (23/11/2009)
  • Hello, I was wondering if anybody could help me? I am looking for anyone who may have known my nan in the 1950/1960s. Her name was Pauline Rose Moore and she later became Pauline Castleton. All I know is that she would have had siblings called Bryan and Katherine and she was the daughter of Cyril and Rose? If anyone has any information at all I would love to hear from you.

    By Theresa hardy (23/11/2009)
  • I was very interested to read this website – not because we lied in Whitehawk Avenue, but because my husband is also called Colin Chitty and was born in Chichester, so may well be from the same branch of the Chitty tree! There are two Fredericks in my husband’s tree who were born in Sussex, but at the end of the 19th century. We are so sorry to hear that this Colin is so poorly, and couldn’t resist the temptation to wish him well. There are very few Colin Chittys, and no other Chittys at all in the frozen north, where we live! With very best wishes, Rachel and Colin Chitty

    By Rachel Chitty (03/12/2009)
  • Hi Colin. I wondered why we had not had your special letter this year. Sorry to hear you have been so poorly again. I would just like to wish you and your family a very Happy Christmas and Happy New Year also a speedy recovery – all the best. And to all you Whitehawkers: the same to you! All from someone who spent happy hours there at my cousin’s: the Jarvis family at 54 Hervey Road.

    By Pam (09/12/2009)
  • Hi Colin, hope all is well with you and you get well in time for christmas. All the very best to you, hope you have a merry xmas and a happy new year. Speak soon

    By lennie twyman (19/12/2009)
  • Hello Colin I have just found this website, I don’t know if you remember me, Barbara Woolgar I lived at 85 Hervey Road, and went to Whitehawk School Infants, juniors and seniors. I left Whitehawk in 1972 when I got married. I have a brother David and a much younger sister Sally. My cousins the Burgess’s lived next door, Chris, Geoff and Martin. It has been fantastic to read all these comments

    By Barbara Bennett nee (Woolgar) (03/01/2010)
  • Hello Barbara; I remember Chris Burgess very well. I lived at 100 Hervey Road. Nice to see a lot of names. I remember great times.

    By Roy Sargeant (08/01/2010)
  • Hi, First time for me and thanks for those who have ‘namechecked’ me. I hope to visit the site more often in the future. Can anyone tell me what’s happening shortly regarding the 75th Anniversary of Whitehawk schools and associated events?

    By Dave Sallis (12/01/2010)
  • Hello there, I lived at the manor from approx.1950-58. I lived at number 65 Maresfield Road and the neighbours there were the Holders, Colin and Veronica Britt, the Tanswells, the Woolgars (the daughter was Dorothy), almost opposite was the chimney sweep who rode a bicycle which had a wooden trailer on it and also his chimney brushes. I lived there before the Bristol Estate was built and used to walk across the site to go to the pictures in Paston Place. I too used to go winkle picking at Black Rock and had great fun at the Black Rock swimming pool. Happy Memories!

    By Pauline Gardner (nee Coles) (22/01/2010)
  • Just remembered a few other neighbours – they include the Mears family! Mrs Day who owned a dog called Dusty – the dog used to catch mice, and the Parsons.Roger Durrant lived at the top of Maresfield Road. The walk to school down the hill was a favourite place of mine – absolutely full of various species of wild orchids and “tottle grass”.

    By Pauline Gardner (nee Coles) (25/01/2010)
  • To Dave Sallis, just to remind you that I’m still alive and waiting to go to our next auction together, you know what my phone number is.

    By John Bolingbroke (12/02/2010)
  • Message for David Sallis & any more old Whitehawkers out there re 75th anniversary at Whitehawk school. Its on Friday 5th March 5pm/7pm at Whitehawk school - the only one left which is the old senior school. Hope to see lots of you there from Sue Beckett (nee Sue Bennett of Twineham Rd )

    By Susan Beckett (23/02/2010)
  • Sue Beckett has referred to the 75th Anniversary of Whitehawk School. The celebrations to mark this momentous event are about to commence. One of the activities is going to be a ‘History Trail’ produced by the existing school. To achieve this the school desperately needs our help as ‘old pupils’. They need access to old photos, class photos or photos of the school, and they need our stories. The get together on the 5th of March, which Sue refers to will take the form of an informal drop in where, between 5pm and 7pm you can meet up with long lost friends and allow us to take copies of your photos and record your memories. Light refreshments will be provided. Regarding the copying of photos we will have scanners on hand to scan these, so you don’t have to leave them with us. If you would like to come along please ring 07780 315752 and leave a message with your name, the years you attended the school and a contact address. It is hoped that if enough of you attend we can have a full Whitehawk re-union later in the year. If you know of any other old pupils who may not have access to a computer please tell them the number to ring. Best Regards to you all Vic Lander

    By Vic Lander (24/02/2010)
  • Hi Bolly Sorry pal forgot about you (easy to do!) Hope to see you and anyone else at the Whitehawk school on Fri March 5th

    By Dave Sallis (03/03/2010)
  • My name is Jo Cox nee Sandals often know as Josie, I lived at 138 Wistern Road from around 1944. My brother was Eddie and my mum and Dad, Amy and Mauri. My mum was a sister at Brighton General. We lived next door to the Cardens, Annie and Charlie their children Eileen, Josie, Michael and the twins Peter and Colin. I also remember the Tullets on the other side. Opposite lived Jeanie Streeter and her Mum and Brother. (I was always jealous when they used to go off hop-picking). Does anyone remember Cracknell who used to come round with his horse and cart selling vegtables? He would walk the street shouting “Cracknell”. There was also the man who used to come on a Sunday afternoon selling winkles, once bought you had to search round for a pin so you could eat the damn thing. We also used to buy our veg from the Boxalls back door at the end of Wistern Road. Fishing off the banjo groyne, Saturday morning pictures at the Odeon, bread and dripping on the way home, Peter Pans Playground so many memories have come flooding back. Mrs Warren from Wistern Road made my wedding dress she had two children Yvonne and Brian. Wilf Douthwait did the photographs also Wistern Road I think he lived near Mickie Dawson. Other names I remember are Robin Tidy, Sally Woolmer, Terry Dyer, The Winders Bonnie, Kennie, Frances and Odette, It has been so wonderful reading through all the memories and has made my brother and I laugh no end. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers Ed and I.

    By Jo Cox nee Sandals (03/03/2010)
  • Hi Bolly, sorry pal forgot about you (easy to do!). Hope to see you and anyone else at the Whitehawk School on Friday March 5th.

    By Dave Sallis (03/03/2010)
  • Maria Clark and Sue Bennet will be at the school on the 5th March. Sue has some lovely old school photos.

    By Maria Brooker nee Clark (04/03/2010)
  • Hi there all you Whitehawkers that are writing on this site. Where were you all tonight? Once again a reunion time was laid on and hardly any there. 75th anniversary Whitehawk Schools. We were there: Sue Bennett, Maria Clark, Len Brakes, Brian Bennett and David Sallies. Where were the rest of you? Thought you would made it Bolly John Brown. They are trying to arrange a bigger reunion in the summer hopefully we will see more of you then be nice to meet up again with old school pals and neihbours. Try and support it, they all go to lot of trouble laying it on. Show the old Whitehawk spirit.

    By Susan Beckett nee Bennet (05/03/2010)
  • I lived in Whitehawk Avenue with my grandparents Sid and Ivy Stevens. Grandad worked at the Sunblest Bakery at the top of the hill. He used to grow veg in his garden and Nan always wore a pinafore! The day we moved in she brought out a big tin of chocolates or biscuits for the local kids and I was instanty popular! I can’t remember any of the names except for Ian Upton who I went to Saturday morning pictures with! I started Whitehawk Infants around 1957 and I was terrified but after the first hour there I loved it! We never had to lock our doors and everyone was scared in a respectful way of the local policeman! Happy days spent sliding down the hill on an old tin tray and fishing at Banjo Groyn – swimming in the Blackrock pool – lovely memories – wish they were clearer! My name then was Linda Hedley.

    By Linda Brown (05/03/2010)
  • Hello to Arthur Dalby of Redcar, Yorkshire. You mentioned Roy and Colin Ambler from Wiston Road, Whitehawk in the 1940s. Colin was my father. He passed away July 2005. Roy still lives in Coldean, Brighton. Feel free to email me if I can help any more .l-ambler@hotmail.co.uk

    By Lee Ambler (09/03/2010)
  • Hi Susie B, sorry I missed you all at the reunion on the 5th. Bes and me were in Tenerife on our hols -will see you all at the next reunion.

    By John Brown (22/03/2010)
  • I lived at 25 Whitehawk Ave. Now aged 76, I am living in Adelaide, South Australia. I attended all three of the schools; infants, junior and senior. Anybody else out there from this era?

    By David Sutton (24/03/2010)
  • Hi John Brown & Bes, here’s hoping you enjoyed you hols. Hopefully we will see you at the reunion in the summer at Whitehawk school (after all, you started all this off, John, by putting your school photo on the site - the ones with the pinnys on). I saw Len there at the last reunion, I haven’t seen him since I left Twineham Rd - it was lovely to see him though. So hopefully we will meet up next time.  Best wishes to you and Beryl Sue Beckett (nee Bennett)

    By Susan Beckett (24/03/2010)
  • Has no one on here heard of “Friends Reunited”? My profile lists several people I’ve just seen mentioned on this page. Dennis Grier, you were in my class (4a) in 1952 as was Brian (Dibbles) Mathews. I have met up with Ken Powell (who died suddenly in 2008) and Brian Pearce (now in California). Didn’t get to see Gerald Page before he died 2007. Regularly speak to Alan Dart. Only last Friday had a drink with Brian Pate and John Kelly (meeting again 27th May at Grenadier Pub) and also Allan Avery. We’re trying to get it all together when Ray Brown comes over from Toronto, together we hope with Brian Pearce. We would like more from 1952 to come along. Seen the name Dave Christy mentioned here, where he related the story of the teacher who kept a plimsol handy for whacking you on the backside for punishment. Well, you must be the Christy who was in my class! I remember you christened Mr Cook (maths) with the nickname “japhead”. You even stood up in class and told him! I think it was because of his sallow complexion, not that he resembled a Japanese (in case anyone thinks this is dreadfully racist, please remember it was only seven years after the War). Love to hear from anyone connected from that year

    By Brian Hatley (13/04/2010)
  • Hi Colin, I remember when the film “Oh what a lovely war” was shot. I was working at the Regent cinema and they bought in the rushes to have a look. I also lived in Whitehawk when we came back from Yorkshire after the war - we were evacuated there (my two brothers John Ingham-Law And Ted Ingham-Law). Sadly Ted died. My name was Sheila Ingham-Law, we lived in Wiston Road. I joined the Air Force, I now live in Newark. I would hope to come to a reunion if I get the date early enough.

    By Sheila M Reid (18/04/2010)
  • Hi Arthur Dalby, well if you lived at no 77 Wiston Road then you must know my family. My parents lived at no 88 Wiston Road next to the sub power station and  on the other side were Mr and Mrs Tucker and next to my parents were Mr and Mrs Howells. My brothers’ names were John Ingham-Law Ted Ingham-Law and sisters Joan and Mary. There was a big green in front of our house and at the top of Lintott Avenue where we would kick a ball about and have a game of rounders. I would like to know if you remember any other people around that area. I now live in Newark. I left to go into the Air Force. Another family I remember are the Woolmers as Sally was my bridesmaid, and her brother Dennis was my brother John’s mate.

    By Sheila Reid nee Ingham-Law (19/04/2010)
  • Hi Bob Young, my sister lives in Howlong and is going to Wagga in May for two months and would like to meet up with you as she also comes from Whitehawk, her name is Mary Clarke nee Mary Ingham-Law. She lived in Wiston Road with my parents and of course the rest of the family, so come on, arrange to meet to talk over old times.

    By Sheila M Reid (25/04/2010)
  • Hi all Whitehawkers, I’m Rod Dove, born 1943, at 104 Whitehawk Avenue (doesn’t exist anymore). Does anyone remember me? Spent my early years growing up on the estate, had some good times, what a shame its changed so much. I spent my schooldays at the Whitehawk schools primary and secondary, I remember Headmaster Bill Scanes, George Harbour, Legg, maths teacher Inskip, Evans (spam). Often wondered what happened to all the others in my class, does anyone remember? Regards to all concerned.

    By Rod Dove (26/04/2010)
  • Hi Shiela Reid, I would enjoy meeting your sister when she visits Wagga Wagga. She can contact me on 0407 069 451 (mobile). I am now retired so have plenty of spare time.

    By Bob Young (04/05/2010)
  • Hi Bob Young, I will pass your number on to my sister when I phone her tomorrow, she is already in Wagga and will be pleased to know you made contact. I will be back over there next year around March. Good to hear from you. Sheila Reid

    By Sheila M Reid (11/05/2010)
  • Hello Rod Dove, just a quick line to say yes I remember you. It is Dennis Tharme here from 93 Whitehawk Road – you were two years above me at school with the likes of Tony Bennett and Georgie Swaysland etc. I used to knock about with your brother David but have not seen him for years (how’s he getting on?). Hope I hear from you regards Dennis

    By DENNIS THARME (15/05/2010)
  • Hi Brian! What have you and Alan been up to since I last saw you 58 years ago? The Web has been invented just in time for you to give me an update! You remember we used to leave the classroom door ajar with books piled atop, which would avalanche down on Mr Randal when he entered; we nearly drove the poor devil crazy. I was happy to read from this web site that he became deputy head of the school, and presumably head when Scanes left. And Boniface for English – it was he who with Denham put on the school play ‘The Pied Piper’ with Ron Stace as the Piper and myself as the lame boy. What a farce! Alan Dart did a short cabaret piece which involved Ted Parkinson being ‘under the dung’! Do you recall Humpelby for Metalwork and Woodwork classes? He used to read us from ‘Tom Sawyer’ when the school was too poor to buy wood! I remember George Harbour for Geography. Nice guy. I always came bottom in that subject, though I can’t think why. The big disciplinarian was Franks, the Maths man (or Arithmetic, as it was on the timetable). He made even the school bullies feel uneasy when his footsteps were heard along the passage! He would approach a trembling seated schoolboy from behind, grab him by the earlobe and say ‘what are the factors of 15 boy?’ Most of us would give an answer such as ‘3 and 6 sir’, and would receive a whack on the knuckles from his cane. Strangely enough he was the only teacher during my schooldays who paid me a compliment! Around 1950 Franks disappeared and a year later, during a school visit to a naval training station in Portsmouth, we saw a naval officer dressing down a scared bunch of naval recruits. It was Franks! He left such a peaceful vacuum behind that I can’t recall who replaced him (was it Cook?). In 1951 I remember Scanes himself sometimes taking us for what was elevated to ‘Maths’. Whitehawk Secondary probably improved after our lot left. At the time of my leaving, nobody had ever passed even an ‘O’level exam. I remember that what nowadays would be Physics, Biology and Chemistry were bundled under ‘Science’ at a very elementary level under Mr Minchum or Minchall, a pleasant boffin type. Anyway it was all great fun which was the most important thing for kids of our age. After leaving in late ’52 I still kept contact with ‘Dibbles’, and in ’55 we got caught up in the ‘Skiffle and Folk’ craze. In 1967 I left the UK and came to live on the French/Swiss border near Lake Leman (Geneva) where I’m now writing this comment. Give my best regards to Alan Dart, Allan Avery and all if you see them. Dennis

    By dennis grier (16/05/2010)
  • I grew up in Whitehawk and lived at 119 Whitehawk Avenue, married and lived at 5 Wiston Path and when they were demolished moved to 4 Lintott Avenue. I recognise lots of the names on the site and would love to hear from some of the people who knew me.

    By Colleen Maynard (17/05/2010)
  • Hi Jo Cox nee Sandels. I do remember you, you were older than I but your brother was a pin up of the street, not mine. I was alot younger, born in 1950 at 158 Wiston Road. Micky Dawson was my older brother- he’s now in Yorkshire with four children and eight grand kids. Wilf did live next door to us . Do you remember the Towners, Pat, Eileen Pamela one more sister who lived at top of Lintott on the  corner. Who else,? Michael Alphek, his mum had a built up shoe. The Chates, Johnny and his sister Rhona. The Robinsons, Charlie and his sister- forgot her name. All that you’ve remembered I also remember. What a great childhood we had there. I am now Living in Malta but part of my heart is still in Whitehawk. I tried to find a friend who lived two streets down from Wiston Road, a Pauline Higgens. I do not know her married name. Are you still living in Whitehawk? thanks for sharing your memories , Barbara Zammit nee Dawson

    By Barbara Zammit nee Dawson (20/05/2010)
  • To Jo Cox. Hi Jo. I have been trying to contact you and Martin for a long time now. To no avail. I tried the Bournemouth email and just recently the email address on Clive Henly’s facebook. I hope you will will remember me. Not only did I go to school with Martin, but we were both involved with a Sunday football team. You used to make the tea. I wont rattle on, but if either you or Martin wish to contact me. my email is bluey.atkins@bluebottle.com. I hope I hear from you because we were very good friends at the time. Bluey.

    By Bluey Atkins (29/05/2010)
  • Hi Ron Spicer. My mother was a Wheatland, so I knew Sheila and all her relatives as they were my uncles, aunts, and cousins. I spent much of my early childhood playing with them in Whitehawk as my father’s family name is English. There’s not many of the Whitehawk contingent left now, unfortunately.

    By Brian English (01/06/2010)
  • I lived in a prefab on Findon Rd from about 1956 to 1960. Can’t remember the number but it was on the corner at the bottom, kind of elevated above the street. One summer lots of people further up the road moved out so the prefabs could be demolished, and we had free run of their gardens for a whole summer. Another thing I remember is playing hide and seek among the coaches. My sister Violet and I played with a girl called June. Will anyone admit to being her?

    By Maureen Healy (22/06/2010)
  • Does anyone know how Colin Chitty is as he was poorly the last time he was on the site and he writes so well of interesting days gone by. Hope you are keeping well Colin, from Pam

    By Pam (04/07/2010)
  • Hi Maureen, I just about remember you. You lived on the twitten to Wadhurst Rise, No. 83. Do you remember Pat Thew, Colin Brooker or Ginger English? They all lived dow the bottom near Whitehawk Road. I think you lived next door to the Powells. I lived in Whitehawk opposite the green grit bin on the coach park, near 74, the bus request stop.

    By Harry Atkins (07/07/2010)
  • I live in Whitehawk Way but my house is in one of the cul de sacs, I have lived here for 2 and a half years and personally I love it here despite people saying to me “oh why do you like it there?”! Everything you need is close by. I’ll stop waffling as I wanted to share a web site that shows the old Whitehawk as I’m really interested in pictures of it back then.  Have a look it’s totally changed now but I prefer the old road layout as it was – wish I was around then. I’m in my mid 30s. The site is http://regencysociety-jamesgray.com/volume23/source/jg_23_097.html….. click next to see the photos, you could spend hours looking!

    By Laura Pike (01/08/2010)
  • Hi Whitehawkers have just found this lovely site. I lived in Whitehawk for many years at 256 Wiston road with my mum and dad and 2 sisters Kathleen who sadly passed away at the age of 42 years and Barbara now living in Shoreham. My mother worked at Wilson’s laundry for many years, she passed away 4 years ago at the great age of 95. Us 3 sisters all attended the 3 whitehawk schools and my 2 daughters went to infants and juniors; their names were Michele and Jenny Jones. I recognise many who have wrote on this site. Colin, I was at school with your brother Stan. Ron Ford, you worked with dad at the shoe factory. Vic Lander, I remember you although you were younger and I remember your mum - a nice lady. Susanne, I knew your mum Maureen Fairhall, and your dad was in my class in juniors - I think his surname was Rogers. I will never forget the night the church was bombed. We were all in the table shelter in the front room. I only left Whitehawk in 1978 when I got married again after being widowed in 1965. It was a lovely place to live, everybody was so friendly and would always help in time of need. I will certainly be back on this site. Bye for now Whitehawkers

    By Margaret Cronin formley Jones was Beckford (04/08/2010)
  • Dear Whitehawkians, if you left Whitehawk Girls or Whitehawk Boys school in 1965/66, or if you know either Jenny Breslau, Gloria Colley, Mick Baker or Les Knight, we would love to hear from you. The reason being, we are planning a big re-union sometime next year, and it would be great to see our long lost school friends. For further details, contact Jenny Breslau at jennybreslau@hotmail.com

    By Mick Baker (11/08/2010)
  • Hello Whitehawkers, I lived next door to Sticker Baker on Findon Road – the Foxes (Mina) and the (Graham) Mayes lived there – also Terry Marchant down the end. ( We are in touch). I went off to Varndean and now run the school chat list. Angela Wright lived on Wilson’s Avenue and Alan Wickenden right behind me. His dad was a butcher I think. I Remember Brian Eason and Keith MacDougal – he called his sister Iris “Rissole”. anyone there remember me?

    By Linda Batchelor-Ballew Nee Andrews (11/09/2010)
  • Someone mentioned a Janet Hunt in their message. I am related to the Hunt family. Does anyone know where Janet went, or what happened to her as my sister is doing the family tree. The family names we need to hear about are Hunt – Emery – Fleet – Byford – Seabourne. I moved into Whitehawk in 1960 and my sister still lives there; I now live in Lancing.

    By Janet Seabourne (13/09/2010)
  • I was born in 1943 at no 6 Nuthurst Rd and then  moved to Woodingdean when I was twelve. I went to all three schools at Whitehawk. Does anybody remember the Ridpaths?

    By Geoffrey (25/09/2010)
  • Hello everyone, sorry I missed the reunion. I don’t look at this very much because it’s my grandaughter who does the writing. I just tell her what to write, as I can’t use computers. Would you let me know when the next one is? Thanks

    By John Bolingbroke (14/11/2010)
  • Hi Linda, I’m Keith Macdougall, we went to the youth club at the bottom of Whitehawk Road. Hows life treating you? Remember Freda and Stan, Brian Easen and the rest of the crowd. I left Brighton when I was 15 and not heard from any of them, have you? Angela Wright rings a bell! I now live in Cambridgeshire. If you want to share a few yarns, drop me an email plotinus77@hotmail.com.

    By Keith Macdougall (21/11/2010)
  • I’ve just recently discovered this page. My name is Tony Brashill(Brazil). There are a few names that seem familiar. I don’t know if anyone remembers me – I went to all three shools in Whitehawk 1953-1963 or thereabouts. Names that come to mind in the early years are David Jones, Frankie Bennet, Peter Swain, David Ward, Janice Regan, Susan King, Shirley Bradford, John Brown, Glynis Chapman, Helen Cobb, Eileen Diplock, Susan Hills, Susan Thomas, Beryl Brakes, David Allenby, Michael Regan, Patrick Church, Raymond Legget, Peter Bundock, Brin Backause and Harry Waters - all circa 1953. Teachers in the infants were: Miss New, Miss Hellier (the clue is in name), Miss Jowett. In the Junior School: Mr Legg (how I feared him), Mr Taylor (Headmaster), Mr Kipperwhite, and Mr Henson (saw him on the telly once cause he was a part time actor). I first lived with my nan and grandad at 82 Fletching Road (Trigger and Nellie Bishop). We then moved in with my dad’s family at 1212 Maresfield Road, along with my nan Carrie Brashill, grandad Tom Brashill, my Auntie Cal and Uncle Jim, and my dear cousins, Carol and Shirley who were always like big sisters to me. My grandad used to go to Black Rock and Cuckmere Haven at Seaford winkling and then bring them home and prepare them and then go out with a barrow (‘barrer’)around the streets selling them, and I sometimes went with him. He was also a Rag and Bone man (anything to earn a crust). Well that’s all for the time being, I will get back on this site when I have scoured the depths of my brain for more info. Would be interested with any feedback or thoughts.

    By Tony Brashill (15/01/2011)
  • Hi, I am not sure anyone will remember my grandfather as he lived in Fletching Road before 1950. His name was Leonard John Tostevin and was at one time Chairman of Whitehawk Boys Boxing Club and was friends with George Boxall. My father Leonard Olliver Tostevin used to work at the farm after school and get paid at times with goods from the farm. I did hear a story that at one time he came home with a goat. My father had a brother John and two sisters Pat and Pauline. The family moved to Norfolk in the 1940s. My father died in 2009 and as I am doing our family tree I inherited my grandfather’s and fathe’sr photos and paperwork. I have a book with details of meetings for Whitehawk boys boxing club. A picture of my grandfather in the club with boys boxing in the ring, also a picture of George Boxall. my Grandfather met up with George a few weeks before he died on a trip he took to Brighton as we still have family there. He also kept some newspaper cuttings of the club. On doing some research I happened across this website and hopefully someone may remember a member of my family.

    By Julie Dorman (19/01/2011)
  • Does anyone know Jeffrey Edwards, my dad’s stepbrother – he maybe dead now. Also Robert his son, about 55 now and a few more. Lived in Whitehawk since about 1956, moved from Edward Street area when the slums were demolished.

    By Elaine Edwards (24/01/2011)
  • Does anyone remember Iris Wiltshire, nee Gunn? Also Linda Downard who married Denis Tharme around 1968, and Christine Lockwood. All worked at Wilson’s Laundry in the office.

    By Elaine Edwards (03/02/2011)
  • Hi there Linda – this is Roy MacDougall, Keith’s brother. Hope this finds you fit and well. I left Whitehawk when I was 15 just after I left the secondary school and went into the Military College of Music in Canterbury. I have now lived in Scotland for 37 years. Drop me a line if and when you can at codex1@live.co.uk  Be pleased to hear from you.

    By Roy MacDougall (08/02/2011)
  • Sally Woolmer was my bridesmaid, she had a brother called Dennis who was a mate of my brother John Ingham-Law. We lived in Wiston Road by the sub staion. Mr and Mrs Tucker used to live on the other side. Love to hear from anybody who knew us.

    By Sheila Reid (nee Ingham-Law) (12/02/2011)
  • Does anyone know the whereabouts of Roy and Dennis Sheppard of Wiston Road, also Barry and Trevor Howells who also lived in Wiston Roa. I would love to know what happened to them, Roy was a mate of my brother John Ingham -Law.

    By Sheila Reid nee Inham-Law (15/02/2011)
  • I have just stumbled across this site ….it’s quite amazing! I was born in 1943 and grew up in Fletching Rd, number 76 at the top end. I had an older brother Mike, born in 1937, who alas is no longer with us, and a younger brother Billy who has Downs Syndrome and against all the odds is still going strong. Like everybody else who has posted a thought or two on these pages, I have fond memories of those somewhat distant days.To recall some of the names of the kids I grew up with is a lot easier than I would have thought, Micky Woolmer, Kenny Williams [long gone I believe], Brenda Buckwell, Susie Hope, Barbara Evershed…and loads more. I have travelled fairly extensively but have been settled back in Brighton for nearly 30 years. I own a couple of pubs but I must say I don’t “tend bar” anymore. If any one I knew back then wants to say hello you can find me on bluedowd@hotmail.co.uk

    By Peter Dowd (23/02/2011)
  • Hello Harry and everyone on this lovely site, I have been reading the comments on this site and what an amazing collection of memories. Not sure if anyone remembers us; I am Graham Sharp and have a brother, Geoffrey and a sister Deirdre. We all went to Whitehawk School and I then went to Varndean, my brother to Fairlight. We lived at 75 Findon Road in a prefab from the date they were built until they were demolished. Those prefabs were the height of luxury; immersion heater, heated towel rail in the bathroom, built in cooker and fridge, loads of cupboard space in every room, back boiler, and so on. In 1959 we moved to 186 Wiston Road. My parents left there in about 1976. I live in Somerset, my brother in Wales and my sister in Cranleigh, Surrey. I recall playing in those tanks at the tip, and the swimming pool at Black Rock where we spent virtually every day in the summer hols, even as I recall, when it rained! My dad taught us to catch the prawns on the rocks and even now I go back and catch them when in Brighton visiting, but now of course it has to be at Ovingdean gap. Three names I have just seen have come like a real blast from the past; Colin Brooker, Ginger English and the gorgeous Pat Thew. We all went ice skating Sunday afternoons and we fought for a chance to ‘go round’ with her holding hands. What a coup if you did! There were the Bashfords at the bottom of the road, then the Powells, us the Sharps, the Steeles, Chapmans, and further up were the Richardsons the scrap metal merchant. He used to drive off each morning in his lorry. I was in the Life Boys at the hut at the end of the coach park and still have the hat! Once you get started with these memories, tons come back and I could go on boring everyone to death for ages, so I will shut up now and give someone else a chance. Oops! Duncan Sturges name just came to mind.

    By Graham Sharp (04/03/2011)
  • Like many before me, I have just found this site, and memories of home have all come rushing back. I lived at 114 Whitehawk Road from 1949, my parents were Victor and Phyllis Eke. My brothers are David and Michael, and my sister Marion. My parents came to New Zealand in 1973. We lived next door to the Akehursts, and their son Leslie was in my class at Whitehawk Junior School, as was Dennis Chitty. There are so many names here that are very familiar to me. Veronica Baron, was my best friend. The teachers I had were Miss Laker, Mr Collins, Mr Legg, and Miss New. The Headmaster at the time was Mr Taylor. Growing up in Whitehawk was great. Does anyone remember Mr Oakley the Policeman? He was like the Pied Piper, and always had a group of children following him on his beat. He knew everyone of us by name too. I married Peter Cousins whose family lived in Cowfold Road, and we came to New Zealand in 1974. Sadly Peter died in 1995, and I have since remarried. My parents have both passed away now. Dad in 1998, and Mum in 2005. If anyone remembers me or my family please get in touch, as I would love to here from you. My email is ladybee@vodafone.com.nz

    By Barbara Cousins-Sterling (14/03/2011)
  • Hi I’m Jacqui Sheppard’s daughter, which means my uncles are Roy, Les Dennis and Barry. My uncles all still live in Brighton and are well. I will pass on this message to them.

    By Melissa Ghavam (03/04/2011)
  • Hello Barbara, I remember going to school with your brother David Eke, and your mention of others I can now recall, namely Leslie Akehurst and Mr Collins (Maths wasn’t he?), Mr Legg and Miss New. Yes, Whitehawk was a great place in which to grow up.

    By Graham Sharp (10/04/2011)
  • Hello Graham, David now lives in New Zealand too, not far from me. So I will let him know that you have been in touch. Perhaps he will get in touch with you too. Just to chat over the good old days. Looking back on the days when I was growing up in Whitehawk in the 1950’s, there was a community spirit which was so strong, and on reading all the feed back from this site, I feel it is still there. So I feel proud to be a “Whitehawker” with some real good memories. My brother Mike and I used to go ice skating every Saturday morning, it was a good place to meet up with our friends. Sometimes when the skating was finished we would stay behind and watch the Brighton Tigers practice.

    By Barbara Cousins-Sterling (15/04/2011)
  • To Dennis Grier – Hello again! Just seen your reply to my response in 2010. It’s very late and I’m about to turn in for the night, noticed the ‘puter was still on so logged in to Brighton Bygones then lo and behold found your message. I can’t stay awake right now, but promise to come back soon with lots of memories and enquiries. Shame you’re not living in UK, you could come along to one of our meetups. Alan Dart has bumped into “Dibbles” by the way, not long ago. I’ll be back!

    By Brian Hatley (23/04/2011)
  • Hi to Graham Sharp, I don’t recognise your name but my sister and I lived in the prefabs in Wathurst Rise. We were Pat and Chris Marshall and they were lovely little places. We left there about 1950. I know the name Colin Brooker and Ginger English. I used to go around with June Chapmam when we moved to Whitehawk Avenue in 1955- we lived at no 80 next door to the Bradfords. Well the reason I got in touch is I live in Somerset now near Yeovil. I just wondered which part you live in.

    By Pat Richards nee Marshall (26/04/2011)
  • This message is for Maria Clark . Hi Maria, I’v been trying to contact you for a while now and would love to talk with you. I am still living in California and hope we can hook up.

    By Shirley Terry (27/04/2011)
  • Hi Gerald. I think I knew your family, Was Bill your father, May your mother , Nina your sister? and you had an elder brother, can’t remember his name?

    By Barrie Searle (28/04/2011)
  • Hi Melissa, just seen your message, that your uncles are Roy and Dennis Sheppard. Are they the Sheppards who lived in Wiston Road in the 1950s?  My brother was a mate of Roys- his name is John Ingham-Law.

    By Sheila Reid nee Ingham-Law (01/05/2011)
  • Yes, I remember you Graham Sharpe and Diedrie and quite a few names on this page. I lived the top end of Whitehawk Rd. I now live in Melbourne, Australia. Does any one remember me?

    By John Vowles (19/05/2011)
  • Hi Graham Sharpe, I don’t remember you but Deidre was in my class at school. How is she?

    By maria brooker (clark) (06/06/2011)
  • Hi Colin, I used to live at 128 Whitehawk Road, next door to Fred and Nancy Green, we had the Fairhalls at one end and your family at the other. Do you remember the Suttons who lived at 131 followed by the Stennings at 132? Going back the other way past the Fairhalls there was the Shaws at 126 the Hobdens at 125 and the Gunns at 124. I remember your family quite well, Derek, Stanley and David all played together with the same bunch of kids that I played with, I have a photograph of a group of us kids in my front garden and if you like I could e-mail you a copy my email address is piperdeadeye@bigpond .com. I now live in Australia and have been here for the last 40 years, I have only just found this site and registered straight away so that I could write to you, I read about your illness and do hope you have recovered and well on the way to good health again.

    By Derek Piper (16/06/2011)
  • Hi Barbara, I have just joined this site and reading through the comments noticed you mentioned your late husband lived at Cowfold Road. I think he could be the brother of a mate of mine his name was Johnny (Cousins), he also lived at Cowfold Road, we both went to Whitehawk Senior School. I did try to contact you via e-mail yesterday because I have a photograph of Johnny which I e-mailed to you but had it returned, If you want to get in touch my e-mail address is piperdeadeye@bigpond.com regards Derek Piper (now live in Perth Western Australia).

    By Derek Piper (17/06/2011)
  • Hi, this is a post for Suzanne Serejko, I have just discovered this site and found that you are Harold and Maureen Rogers daughter. I knew your mum and dad very well also your G/Parents Mr and Mrs Fairhall plus Mr and Mrs Green who if my memory serves me correct had three sons; one who was lost during the war while on convoy duty in the Atlantic. I remember your Aunties Freda and Renee who if I remember correctly both married sailors. If you read this and would like to get in touch with me I have two photographs one of a group taken in our front garden which includes your mum and dad as youngsters and another with me your dad and two others. I now live in Perth, Western Australia. If you want to you can contact me on piperdeadeye@bigpond.com and I could e-mail the photo’s to you. Looking forward to hearing from you, regards Derek Piper.

    By Derek Piper (18/06/2011)
  • I have just found this great site. Good old Whitehawk. Good memories.  I lived at  22 Wiston Road and my name was Pamela Hunt. I went to Whitehawk school from 1947-1957. I recognise so many names –  anybody remember me?

    By pamela cliff nee hunt (10/07/2011)
  • Hi Pamela Hunt, yes I remember you well. You lived Wiston Rd at the end near Wilson Avenue. My name was Bennett before I married. I still see Maria Clark, remember her? Also I was in your class at school, I have put some photos on site re primary school maybe you’re in them also go to places and schools and Whitehawk Primary will come up with photos. Hope to hear from you, Sue Beckett (nee Bennett).

    By Susan Beckett (nee Bennett) (18/07/2011)
  • Hi GERALD HENSON. Besides knowing your mother and father I have now remembered your elder brothers name, Edward (Ted). I used to occasionally babysit you while your mother (May) went shopping.

    By Barrie Searle (24/07/2011)
  • Hi Sue Bennet. Thank you for your reply. I now live in Whitby Yorkshire. I have a small-holding on the edge of the moors. I have moved around a lot. I have just had my 50th wedding anniversary. I have three children, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. I became a nurse and still am. We often come to Sheepcote Valley camping. I have just spent two weeks there. My two sisters still live in Wiston Rd. I was the wanderer, I have lived in Ireland and Australia, but my heart is in Brighton, where I hope to return to one day. I hope to hear from you again. All the best Pam Cliff, nee Hunt.

    By Pamela Cliff (02/09/2011)
  • Hi again Sue Bennet, I have looked at the photo. I think you have me mixed up with my sister Linda as she is in the photo, bottom row. She is four years younger than me.

    By Pamela Cliff (02/09/2011)
  • Hi Pamela – yes you’re right – it was Linda who was in my class. If she still lives in Brighton give her my regards. I haven’t seen her for years. I live at Woodingdean now; Whitehawk has so changed and not for the better. It was a wonderful childhood I and many others had there.

    By Susan Beckett (nee Bennett) (13/09/2011)
  • Wow, it’s almost impossible to read these pages without getting a lump in the throat. As my sister Barbara has said before, we lived at 114 Whitehawk Road, with the Halfords at No 116, the Greenlands at 118 and the Aikhursts at No 112. There were so many great people in that area, good hard working, honest people. I have seen Wheatlands name in the texts above, Chris (Pussie) ( on account of the fact he always wore gym shoes and you couldn’t hear him coming) Wheatland was a great friend of mine and I remember spending a great deal of time when he lived in the prefabs, not sure of the road. Another old mate of mine was Arthur Bartlett, I knew him when he lived right up the top of Whitehawk in the prefabs up by the racecourse. At that age we lived in each other’s houses and had many adventures as we all did back then. To us back then the road was a cricket pitch, a skate park, a football field and a place to get tar from for the tips of the arrows. I have been in New Zealand for the last 37 years and have (shock horror ) only been back once. Whitehawk is not as I remember it, but the tree that Bob Greenland and I used to sit in in my old garden is still there, good on yer Bob. So if any one wishes to contact me ” davelyneke@xtra.co.nz

    By Dave Eke (22/09/2011)
  • Does anybody know Joyce Sheppard, Violet Berret or Joan Prior who all lived in Whitehawk in the 1940s. It would be lovely to hear from them or their families, Colleen Long nee Maynard

    By Colleen Long (03/11/2011)
  • Hi Whitehawkers. My family lived in 76 Wiston Road from the 1930s. My dad Peter still owns the house to this day. Just came across this website and I wondered if anyone remembers them. My dad was a twin, his brother’s name was Arthur (nicknames Tish and Tosh). My Auntie Jean was 15 years their senior, and brother Roger was 2 years younger than my dad and uncle. I have some very fond childhood memories of the place in the early to late 70s. Especially playing on the green opposite Nan and Grandad’s house, the mobile shop etc. My dad and his lifelong friends Jackie Davies and Glowie (I think his surname is Batchelor), often talk about those days growing up in Whitehawk, and how friendly and caring everyone was. Sadly, most of the family have gone now, except for dad and my Uncle Roger. It would be wonderful if someone does recall them.

    By Joanne Gallant (07/11/2011)
  • I have just come across a post by Judith Pratt nee Judy Streeter , where Judy mentions she is in contact with Margery Laughton, but the post was in 2009! Does anyone know how to contact either Judy or Margery? Margery and I were friends, she lived in Lintott Ave and I lived in Findon Road in the 50s. I was there when she met Tony so we go back a long way. Please contact me at Lindabb@gmail.com I’d be grateful for any help. Thank you.

    By Linda Batchelor-Ballew (nee Andrews) (11/11/2011)
  • Bluey, do you remember us all playing for Swanborough football team over at Clayton with the Marchants, Bobby Brookehouse, and all the rest- most of whom I can’t remember.

    By John Bolly (15/11/2011)
  • Bolly, did you see my comment above? I am looking for Margie Laughton and she was in touch with Judith Pratt nee Judy Streeter. In this page Judy mentions she is in contact with Margery Laughton, she later says she is in touch with you – is that true? Can you put me in touch with Judith? I am still loking for Margie? I have called Gwen a few times with no answer – is there a good time to call her? LindaBB@Gmail.com (nee Andrews)

    By Linda Batchelor-Ballew (18/11/2011)
  • It’s like stumbling on old treasure visiting these sites. Whitehawk has always been a top name for me. I was born in 1944 in Whitehawk Road. Some family are still there- it’s a pleasure.

    By Rick (28/11/2011)
  • I remember the scene from Oh What A Lovely War, and all the crosses they planted in Sheepcote Valley. I was an extra in the film. And yes I do remember cleaning coaches on the coach park for a shilling or two.

    By R H Scott-Spencer (18/12/2011)
  • John Bolingbroke. Hi John, I remember your family. My grandmother was Ellen (Nell) Page and she lived at 26 Twineham Road with my grandfather Henry (Harry). I recall her talking a lot about your family (kindly!) so I imagine she must have known someone from your family since she or your family moved in to Twineham Road.

    By Vernon Page (20/12/2011)
  • Hi Joanne I am so good with names. Do you have photos of those years? I also remember the mobile shop, the winkle man, the Carona man…and of course the bonfires on the green. It was a great place to live, I also have fond memories of living in Whitehawk. My family lived at 57 Wiston Road 1963 – 1967.

    By Lee Rolf (23/12/2011)
  • Hi, I am trying to locate pupils from Whitehawk Secondary between 1958 and 1963, particularly classes 1a, 2a, 3ax, 4ax and 5th form. Your help would be appreciated as I am trying to organise a reunion for later this year. So far I have found ten former friends.

    By Leslie Carter (04/02/2012)
  • One of my daughters came across this site and knowing I was born and brought up in Whitehawk showed it to me. It was so lovely to hear other people felt the same way. I recognise so many names. My name was Ratclif, I lived in Fletching Road. The Waters lived two doors down. Mr Waters had a van and sold fruit and veg. Only house up the road that had a telephone, the Pursers lived five houses down. Anyone remember us?

    By Doreen (04/02/2012)
  • I remember a Jack Ratcliff, he was a carpenter I worked with in the early 1950s. As I remember, he also had a son that worked on the building sites.

    By Barrie Searle (06/03/2012)
  • I still can’t believe it – I have been in touch with Barbara Eke and Michael Eke after loosing contact with them for at least 55 years – what a fantastic site this is! Wish I had found it earlier. I used to live at 98 Hervey Rd, next to the Wellers and Guns. The Blunts, Jupps and Muzzells lived opposite. I now live in Lancashire and would love to hear from anyone that remembers me.

    By Veronica Haskins (nee Barron) (06/03/2012)
  • Veronica, this is Mick Baker, we lived at 91 Hervey Road, next to the Blunts, and Inkpens. I remember you and your sister Vanessa. You were my sister’s age, Valerie Baker, and Vanessa was a year older than me. If you would like to keep in contact, my email address is brookesbaker@btinternet.com

    By Mick Baker (27/03/2012)
  • Hello all. Just come across this site by accident. Went to Whitehawk infants, junior and secondary schools and left in 1960. I lived at 28 Whitehawk Ave between Findon and Nuthurst Road. Attended the 17th brighton Boys Brigade company at the school under captain Ron Bliss (played for Whitehawk). I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.

    By Terry Marchant (27/03/2012)
  • Just reading through various letters I came across a letter from Jo Cox nee Sandles dated 3/3/10. In it she mentions a man coming round on a sunday selling winkles. This was my brother Jim and I used to have the job of pushing the barrow. The winkles used to be cooked and we used to charge 10 old pence a pint. I might add our pints were very generous. We used to live at 28 Whitehawk Ave and I used to collect the winkles with my dad after school from the undercliff walk between Black rock and Ovingdean. Does anyone remember us on our rounds?

    By Terry Marchant (29/03/2012)
  • Hi Terry Marchant. I think you may have been a friend of my brother Robin Sutton and we lived at no 25 Whitehawk Avenue?

    By Barbara Etherton (31/03/2012)
  • Hello Barbara. I seem to remember a Robin Sutton in my class but used to go around with the crowd from Findon Road. 25 Whitehawk Ave was at the top of the hill opposite Nuthurst Road near the bus stop and we used to go that way to school going down the footpath and coming out by the girls school.

    By Terry Marchant (03/04/2012)
  • Then I probably remember your name due to Robin being in the same class as you at school or from your winkle barrow pushing days! No. 25 was 2 houses up from the bus stop at Nuthurst Road so you would have passed it on your way to school via the twitten by the girls school.

    By Barbara Etherton (04/04/2012)
  • I remember the Gallants. Jean was bridesmaid to my brother. We lived at 88 Wiston Road. When Roger was a baby we would take him for walks in his pram. If I remember rightly the twins were nicknamed tosh and pickles. When they started school us kids had to start calling them by their proper names. But out of sight they were always tosher and pickles.

    By Mary Ingham-Law, Australia (10/04/2012)
  • Hi Veronica Haskins nee Baron. Remember me Mary Ingham-Law. The last time I saw you was on the bus going home from work- you were about to be married. I now live in Australia, I am a priest in the Church of England. I am married with three children. I use my maiden name on this site. revmaryclarke@spin.net.au

    By Mary Ingham-Law (11/04/2012)
  • As a child I grew up at 28, Whitehawk Crescent, my grandparents were George and Ada Procter. My mother Flora had two brothers Eddie (deceased) and John. A long shot I know, but does anybody know my family?

    By John Smith (26/04/2012)
  • We lived at 39 Twineham road with my brothers Barry, Terry, Tony and Gordon and my mum Millie. I remember the Pages that used to live on the corner of Lintot Avenue and Alan Gunn lived in Twineham. Also the Selters, Walmers, Needhams, the Christmases and the Hallets. Quite a few others I remember – too many to mention. Whitehawk was the best place I ever lived; I am now living in Hollingbury. Anyone who remembers the Bollys, get back to me by my wife’s email as I don’t have one – but I use hers: gwennybolly@hotmail.co.uk Hope to hear from all my Whitehawkers 

    By John bolingbroke (15/05/2012)
  • John – are you one of the Bollingbrokes that lived in Craven Vale, or related to the same family?

    By Phil Lambert (16/05/2012)
  • It’s great to hear about Whitehawk. I had a lot of fun living over there. I used to live in Twineham road but I can’t remember the house number, it was opposite the Church. It was a shame when they decided to re-develop it because they took away the original way of life for the Whitehawk people. I remember a lot of the names mentioned. I also remember Stewart Murry. Me and Stu used to sing down the Whitehawk inn. Great days.

    By Alan Campbell (16/05/2012)
  • This message is for Maria Brooker. Hi Maria, this is Shirley Hawes, married name Terry. I’ve been trying to contact you for a while .We are still in California- my e-mail is Antiquesoflaguna@att.net. I would love to chat with you. It’s been years .

    By Shirley Hawes, Shirley Terry (08/06/2012)
  • Hi Gerald Henson, remember me, Margaret Anscombe? I lived at 24 Hervey Road, married in 1967 and then we lived in Twineham Road for a while, moved to Moulscoomb, then in 1977 moved to Andover in Hampshire. Email me if you can (james.type@live.co.uk). All the best.

    By Margaret Type (nee Anscombe) (28/07/2012)
  • Hi Margaret do you remember me? l used to live next door to you in Hervey Road no 26.

    By Maureen Watts nee Allen (31/07/2012)
  • Hi to all you Whitehawkers new and old. I was told about this site by my wife who just stumbled across it by accident, it is so lovely to read all the comments of days gone by. It nearly brings a tear to your eye because of the fantastic times I had when I lived up there. I used to live at number 8 Fletching Road near the Smeatons, Grays, Perrys, Harrises, and Bonds. Does anyone remember them? My nan used to live in Twineham Road- Alice Longhurst, a great character.

    By Willie Parker (04/08/2012)
  • Hello everyone. This is my first time on here as I’ve only just discovered it thanks to a work colleague of my son. I lived at 208 The Twitning, off Whitehawk Avenue with my mum and dad (both deceased now) and my three brothers Leslie, Ian and Tony. It’s been great to see so many names of people I went to school with and funny how the memories come flooding back associated with them. I left Whitehawk when I got married in 1971. I lived in College Road for seven years then moved to Preston Circus where I still live. I’ve been back to the old estate several times but prefer it as it was. I can’t believe how many people I remember on here. Sorry to hear about your illness as the last time I saw you was in the 70s when you were home on leave as I think it was your mum who was ill. Take care everyone

    By Pauline Godden (15/08/2012)
  • Hello Willie, I remember your nan Alice Longhurst as I went to school with your sister Angela. I also remember: the Ramseys, Arnotts, Powells, Phillip Chapman who lived up The Avenue, Chrisie Chapman who was a friend of my brothers, the Gozzetts, Jimmy Uwins who went on to be a fireman at Preston Circus, the Lydfords, Gregorys and the Mccues who lived in Wiston Road. We had great times over East Brighton park on the crazy golf, swimming in Black Rock pool, the North Road baths then getting lemonade powder from the old sweetshop in North Road. Does any one remember Bob who had the old green and white ice cream van and the lovely ice creams sold by the little shop in Oxford Street?

    By Pauline Godden (16/08/2012)
  • Hello Pauline – I remember you! Ii have told Angela about this site and I am just waiting for her to come on board. I see you refer to the Lydfords – that was Steve and I can’t for the life of me remember his brother’s name. Also there was Betty Gregory – she was in my class and Diane Mccue who I think married Mickey Cole. You are absolutely spot on about the great times we had. No-one had much but what a community spirit we had! I just wish I could turn the clock back – that would be fantastic.

    By Williie Parker (27/08/2012)
  • Hi Terry Marchant. I lived at the top of your garden – do you remember the Ridpaths?

    By Geoffrey Ridpath (09/09/2012)
  • Love the site. Carol Allen, where you Janice Taylor’s cousin?

    By Maria Brooker (Clark) (21/09/2012)
  • Hi Margaret Anscombe. Did you know the Hensons? Bill, May, Nina & Ted along with Gerald. I remember them from the early 1950s.

    By Barrie Searle (22/09/2012)
  • I stumbled across this site whilst sitting with my mum and looking at photos of her when she worked at Wilson’s Laundry in the 1950s. She used to live in Piltdown Road and her name back then was Rose Downs.

    By Deborah Young (25/09/2012)
  • Hi all, it has been great reading these comments, they have brought back some very special memories for me. I lived at 112 Wiston Road two doors up from the Stevens. We only lived in Whitehawk for about 7 years but they were wonderful years. Hope you still look in on this site Pauline as it would be lovely to catch up if you remember me.

    By Christine Port (nee Bayley) (28/09/2012)
  • A special hello to Dennis Grier. Do you remember me, I lived at 196 with Mr and Mrs Stoner and their son Richard. I had a brother called Alec. Our names were Brand and were fostered by two lovely people who became Mum and Dad (sadly both gone) but I put two Red Roses and their plaque each month, Miss them dearly. I also remember going to Barcombe Mills and often getting wet, the winkle man and the ice cream man on the bike. Not forgetting the mobile grocers and rag and bone man. Happy days, believe it or not. We had Brian Griffiths, Terry Acton, Valery West and Tony Wallace as playmates. Who could forget Dickie Patching. I shall never forget your dear old dad with his motor bike and sidecar. Then came a wonderful ‘Bullnose Morris’ to the road and a big ‘Albion’ lorry owned by Hall and Co. I was the only one of us three who went to all the Whitehawk schools. Richard went to Clarks College in Dyke Road and Alec to Brighton School for building and Engineering in Hanover Terrace. Would love to hear from you Dennis if you wish to reply and my best wishes to all my old friends from the past who might read this.

    By Vernon Brand (08/10/2012)
  • Hello Geoffery Ridpath,yes I do remember you living at the top of my garden next to Mrs Gunn – do you remember her – all the local kids used to go into her house to watch TV as she was one of the first to have a set  – she used to charge one old penny. Next along the road was the Saunders boys and then the Spencers. Would love to hear from you again.

    Editor’s note: The names you mention have been deleted as we no longer permit the sharing of information on the whereabouts of third parties. Suggest you try Friends Reunited.

    By Terry Marchant (11/10/2012)
  • Have been away from Whitehawk since 1965 but remember Vivian Holmes, Voilet (Toots) Summerford? and Veronica Knowles. Moved to East Grinstead in 65 and still live there now. Numerous comments about the “winkle man” – he was my brother, Jim, sadly no longer with us, and I used to push the barrow. Happy days!

    By Terry Marchant (15/10/2012)
  • Glad you remember me Terry. We moved from Whitehawk to Woodingdean when I was 11. I had an older brother, Ray, who died a couple of years ago, a sister Maureen who lives in Brighton, a younger brother Barry who emigrated to Australia 30 odd years ago and who I visited for the first time when I was 60. Another brother, David, was born after we left Whitehawk. I married in 1969 and moved to Lancing and have 2 daughters and 3 grand-daughters. (out-numbered!) Do you remember my friends Brian Wenham and Barry Martin? I still see Brian regularly but unfortunately Barry died a year ago. I think perhaps you are a bit younger than me and did you also have a sister called Maureen? Brian and I go to Brighton Bygones every 2nd Wednesday in the month at the Valley Centre in Whitehawk. Would be nice to see you there.

    By Geoffrey Ridpath (27/10/2012)
  • Hi Geoffery, nice to hear from you again. Yes I do have a sister called Maureen who is three years older than me. She lives in Hove at the moment. I think you must be slightly older than me. I left school in 1960. Do you remember the following people who used to live in Nuthurst Road that I used to hang out with?Opposite you was the Ward brothers Brian and Terry and further along was the old road sweeper and then there was my cousin Chris Markwick who lived opposite the Saunders/Spencers. I haven’t heard from him since I left Whitehawk in 1965. I now live in East Grinstead and have been married to Rosemary for 47 years. We have two daughters and one son and my eldest daughter lives in South Lancing in Orient Road behind the Airport. We also have two grand-daughters. I seem to remember Barry Martin. I visit Whitehawk quite often in fact and was on the estate last Thursday. Best wishes 

    By Terry Marchant (05/11/2012)
  • Just been reading this site, I was at Whitehawk Seniors 1960-64 trying to remember some names from my year. Best mates micky Fred Sutton, Peter Hovis Brown. Other boys: Denny Davis, John Allen, Mick Baker, Bryn Gunn, Peter Perry, Tony Salvage, Peter Ransom, Terry Calway, Ginger Wright, Mick Dawson. Good Times. Good School. Good Mates.

    By Terry Eggy Boyle (20/11/2012)
  • Hello Mary (Ingham-Law). It is nice that you remember my lovely family, (the Gallants). Tosh, (Peter), sends his most sincere regards to you, and hopes he finds you well. He is sitting right beside me as I write this. Also Jack Davis sends his regards too, because dad sees him regularly. Our houses of which we lived in Wiston Road are still standing. The whole of Whitehawk, from the opposite side of Wiston Road have been demolished, down to Whitehawk Road. Where upon, the Whitehawk Road from junior school up to the infants are also still standing. The over side of Lintott Ave by the football pitches are sadly gone. We have lost in the last 10 years Jean, who very sadly passed away in 2003, from renal failure. Pickle (Arthur), dad’s twin died from complications of a stroke in 2007. Very sad. Gary Parsley died in 2010, and his mother Flo passed in 2011, aged 94. Johnny and Billy Day are both gone (2006 and 2012) respectively. Roger the baby is very much alive, age 65 and we are in constant contact with him. My dad (Tosh) was very ill this year, but thankfully, as you read earlier he is in steadily good health, thank God. Dad still owns 76 Wiston Road and has lived in the Bristol Gate Estate since 1970 but moved to his very own self built house in 1974, on the Bristol Estate. He resides there to this day. He has 2 beautiful daughters and 3 lovely grandchildren, by my younger sister Nina.

    By Joanne Gallant (28/12/2012)
  • Just stumbled across this page and wondered if anyone remembered my mums side of the family. My mum is Susan Tamkin ( now Eden) and she was born in 1950. She lived in Rugby Place with her mum Agnes (known as Jean Tamkin) and her sister Brenda and brothers Barry, Stuart and Peter. She went to both Whitehawk schools. Cannot wait to show her the page…am sure it will bring back lovely memories for her. We lived in Princes Terrace when I was growing up and I went to Stanley Deason, I also worked at both Martins newsagents and Lloyds Pharmacy in Whitehawk Road in the early 1990’s. Am sure I served many of you x

    By Claire crook (30/12/2012)
  • hi, my name is sue and i have a few memories of living in whitehawk in the late 50s.we lived in hervey road for a few years opposite the woolgars ,my sister lorraine was friends with barbara.I had an accident which involved me staying in hospital for a couple of days and when i got home mrs woolgar had bought me the biggest stick of rock i had ever seen. it was shaped like a walking stick which was apt because i had burnt my leg and was limping.anyway it was a lovely thing to do and ive never forgotten that kindness ,partly because i would not share it with lorraine whose argument was it was her friends mum who brought it so she should have half.I vaguely remember the name danny rolf??my brother john asked me to ask if anyone remembers him .he was born in 1945.my older sister mary and him used to go to a youth club there .my sister pat remembers the name vannessa baron.My dad was harry mum kath dad worked for a fruit and veg company and used to park his lorry at the top of hervey .once my brother norman got the street together and we all tied our bikes scooters cars together and on the count of 3 all zoomed down the path from manor hill.Not a good plan we all crashed into each other in a heap halfway down .does anyone remember the toffee apple man we would beg our mum for a tanner ,by the time she gave in he would be long gone .We once got up to the bungalows in the hope he would be there but he wasnt .but an old lady had brought us one each,we thanked her very much and just as i was going to take a bite my sister said the lady was a witch and knocked it out of my hand . happy days .my grandchildren love my childhood memories.and ive loved reading all of yours.

    By susan taylor nee luff (30/12/2012)
  • Great to see this thread is still going. I am a little younger than the majority of the contributors,but I still know lots of the names that passed down through the generations. I lived in Whitehawk for 24 years from 1960 onwards. It was a fantastic place to grow up in the 60’s and 70’s. Just to add a few names that haven’t been mentioned so far.The Plants,the Fishers and the Bowleys all lived near me.I also remember the Murrays in Whitehawk Avenue and the Bakers whose house had a police box. I went to the infants and junior schools.My mum taught for years at the infants school. I have lived in Spain for ten years now where I am a teacher. A Happy 2013 to all Whitehawkers.

    By Paul Hubbard (03/01/2013)
  • Hi Joanne Gallant. Thank you for all that information. All those names you mentioned brought back such memories. Jackie Davies, I remember, always had the biggest bonfire on November the 5th. Gary Parsons’ father was a very good carpenter, he made my sister Joan and me a beautiful dolls’ house one Christmas. Your Dad, Jackie and Roger would all remember my sister Joan. She passed away about 11 years ago. Sister Sheila is still alive at 79 and my brother John, who is now 82. He and Jean were somewhat keen on each other. She used to come up to our house and darn his socks, when they used to do such things. Jean also gave me my first dolly which belonged to her. She had kept it all those years. May you all have a Happy New Year. Mary Ingham-Law

    By Mary Ingham-Law (07/01/2013)
  • Hi Pat, it’s been a long time. I’m on Facebook in Ireland or you can email me on mickhussey41@hotmail.com

    By Michael Hussey (16/01/2013)
  • Just discovered the site, went to the school reunion in 2011. I lived at 33 Manor Hill from 1951 till I got married in 1971 does anyone remember me?

    By Caroline McMahon nee Pring (22/01/2013)
  • Brill site loved reading all the memories 🙂

    By Tina Bassett (25/01/2013)
  • Hi everyone. Hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year. Hello Willie good to hear from you and it was Mark Llydford and their Sister Jackie. I remeber the Eke family and the Greenlands. My son went to school with Pauline Greenland’s son and my daughter went to school with the grandson of Mabel who worked in the chip shop on the Broadway. Saturday nights with 6p of chips from there seemed like heaven. I still keep in touch with a lot of people from the estate through friends reunited. I remeber my brothers friends “Dixie” Watts, “Taplow” Hyder, Dennis Powell, Johnny Hayward, Mickey Maynard who lived next door to us. Glen Ince, Mickey Coggins. The 1963 snowfall that went on for ages but we still went to school, and Andy Silsby do you remember the youth club at St Cuthmans Church? Does anyone know if the Wednesday get togethers are still on? A belated Happy New Year to everyone.

    By Pauline Godden (26/01/2013)
  • This is for Willie Parker whose grandmother, Alice, lived in Twineham Road. We, the Clarks, lived about 4 doors from your nan, she was a real character. I remember Mary (was it?) and Alfie Parker her brother. Those were great old times. I remember your nan when one year we had snow and all the kids were playing in the street – a snow clearing machine came up and Alice came out and shouted at the driver, “Oi, you, stop spoiling the kids’ fun and clear off.”

    By Maria Brooker (nee Clark) (29/01/2013)
  • This is for Maria Brooker: haven’t been up on the site for a while and have been trying to contact you for a long time now. I am still in California and would love to chat with you. My e-mail is antiquesoflaguna@att.net

    By Shirley Terry (nee Hawes) (31/01/2013)
  • I lived at 32, Hervey Road and went to the senior school. Does anyone remember Janet Potter, Linda Burton, Janet Dale or Valerie Sharp. There were twins in my class Gwen & Pam – can’t remember their surname. I also remember the Jarvis family, the Stanbridges (I went to school with Ruby), the Vidlers, the Allens, the Cusacks and the Gunns

    By Brenda Watson nee Cox (09/02/2013)
  • Hello Joanne (Gallant), I have just come across this wonderful site and I recognise a lot of the names being mentioned here. I am Robert from the (Marten) family with my sister Carol, brothers Gordon (Jnr) and John my parents are Gordon (Snr) and June. My dad had a Mister Softie ice cream van parked out front of the house some of the time- many of you hawkers will remember it. I have very fond memories of the Gallant family, as we used to live next door to them at 78 Wiston Road from 1960 – 1968 until we moved to 4 Nuthurst Road until 1978 when we moved to Moulscombe , (not too sure when we moved to Wiston Road as kids we were very young) and the other side was the Parsley Family as they lived at 80 at the time and I believe they moved into 78 when we left ther. I remember your dad (Tosh) and Roger very well but (Tish) I remember mostly as Pickle for some reason.  I also remember Jackie Davies as he  always used to be with Tosh and Roger- I remember them with their off road motor bikes as they used to go to Sheepcoat tip to ride them. They would be up the end of the garden tinkering with them with or without silencers on and they used to keep us awake at night. After we were put to bed we would end up  watching them from our window.  At weekends out riding them, we used to hang over the wall to talk to them. They were young men in those days, we were only little as now I am 55, born in 1957. That gives you a rough idea of how old I was at the time. I always remember your auntie Jean- we used to talk to her over the wall too. I always remember her wearing a scarf on her head like (Hilda Ogdon)- she always had time to talk to us and my mum spent plenty of time talking to her and your Nan. As kids we always called your Nan Mrs Gallant. I always remember her- she was a lovely lady and to us the Marten family your Nan was a Heroine. As one Boxing Day (I think the year was 1963 or 64) our parents went to the Whitehawk Inn for a lunch time drink as Carol was 8 and I was 7. Carol was left to baby sit, and my brother Gordon was playing with the open fire (paper on the poker) and in those days we did not have a fire guard around it and over the front on a string stretched across the fire were nappies as brother John was about 18 months at the time. Then brother Gordon set the nappies alight with the paper on a poker that went to the nappies, to Xmas cards on the mantel piece, then up the wall to the Xmas decorations along the ceiling. By this time we just panicked and very frightened. We did not know what to do, so I ran to my backdoor and screamed over the wall shouting ‘Mrs Gallant’ several times until she came to her door. I screamed at her saying that the house was on fire in the front room and mum and dad were not here, she dashed round and got the broom and just ripped down the decorations and stamped on them to put out the fire, then she and your auntie Jean stayed with us until our parents came back after somebody went to get them and tell them what had happened. (not sure if it was your dad or uncle who went to get them). We owed your Nan from that day on in saving the day as the outcome could have been totally different. From then on I have never forgotten what she had done for us that day and we often talk about Mrs Gallant to this day. I know one thing she will always be remembered to the day I die, and from that day on my mum would never leave us alone. Give Tosh and Roger and Jackie my sincere regards if they remember me. I’m sorry to hear that Jean & Pickle has passed (R.I.P) Also I think the New Whitehawk is not the same as the old one, it was a true community back in those days- we were one family then. I would like to hear from anybody that remembers the Marten family, and the Martens who lived in Hervey Road were also relations.

    By Robert Marten (13/02/2013)
  • Hello Pauline Goddard, do you remember me -Mick Maynards sister Colleen who used to live at 119 Whitehawk Avenue?

    By Colleen Long nee Maynard (24/02/2013)
  • Hi Colleen. Of course I remember you and Mick. Do you remember Mike and my brother Ian stretching a piece of string between their bedroom windows and a can on each end so they could chat? He used to come round our house with the boys and play cards for money on a Saturday. How are you keeping? Are you still in Brighton, I am and I live near Preston Circus. Take care and hope to hear from you soon.

    By Pauline Godden (24/03/2013)
  • Hi Robert, do you rember me, Paul Matthews? I courted your sister 40 years ago. Send my regards to the family and please remember me to Carol – she was, and is, very special.

    By Paul Matthews (25/03/2013)
  • Hello, I lived in Hervey Road from when I was born in 1964 till about 1969. My surname was Norris, and I have a brother and sister called Gary and Sharon Breden. We were ( not that I can remember) good friends with a family by the name of Osbourne, and also the Pithers or Piffers! I remember my mum telling me about a terrible snow storm one year and how bitterly cold our house was – just a single open fire – and scraping ice off the insides of the windows. Things were very hard, money was very tight but everyone was friendly and helped each other. 

    By Carolyn (04/04/2013)
  • Hi, I recognise so many names. Brian and Peter Eason are my cousins. My dad was their Uncle Charlie. We lived at 128 Whitehawk Avenue, next door to Mr and Mrs Scutt on one side and Mrs Tullet on the other. Gina Harrison lived opposite and the Laycocks lived next door to them. I also remember Roger Gallant, he was the boyfriend of Lesley Cannon for a while. We moved from 128 when I was 15 to 71 Whitehawk Avenue. Just a bit up from the shops. My sister June and my brother Keith also went to the three schools. I remember hooning about on the race hill with Pauline Godden and her brothers. Pauline lived in the twitten which went from the Avenue to the football pitches. Their neighbours were Vi and Derek Harris who had three children: Christine, Paul and a younger brother, but his name slips my mind at the moment. When we lived at 71 our neighbours were Kath and Dick Golds who had 4 children and their eldest son Alan was a great friend of my brother and they used to play football on the pitch at the bottom of Whitehaw Road with Mr Giles who lived opposite the pitch with his three children: Teddy, Irene, Keith. Their older brother was disabled and I used to take my record player round to their house to play music for him. I also used to go ice skating at the old ice rink and then again at the new one. Before ice skating, I used to go to the roller rink near Peter Pan’s. I remember Colin Long and Michael Maynard. I now live in Scotland with my husband. We have 2 children and 3 grandchildren – and one on the way. Like all of you, I loved living in Whitehawk and had a visit there last year and was amazed to see the changes.

    By Susan Pendergast (nee Crittenden) (04/05/2013)
  • Wonderful to read all the comments about old Whitehawk. I lived at 194 Whitehawk Rd with my brother Dennis and sister Maureen Grier. Lots of the names mentioned sound familiar. I am in touch with Doug Greenow and James Standing, from the infants and junior schools, 1949 to 1953. Does anyone remember us?

    By colin grier (25/06/2013)
  • Hi Colin Greer, I seem to remember we were in the same class in the senior school. I have been in touch with numerous members of our class. Do you remember me?

    By Terry Marchant (04/07/2013)
  • Hi Colin Chitty. I believe you wanted more info on the Akehursts in Whitehawk road. They were my Grandparents and uncles. My Step-Father was Walter (Wally) Akehurst and he had 8 brothers. They all lived at 113 by the path that went up to Manor Road shops. I lived with my maternal Grandparents at 21 Grinstead Mount. I don’t remember them all but I do remember my gran Akehurst studying the racing form with her face so close to the paper that the perpetual ciggie in her mouth would singe the paper. I think some the brothers names were Ray, Leslie and Derek.

    By Bernard Akehurst (09/07/2013)
  • Hi Terry Marchant, yes I remember you in the junior school. I moved to Patcham for senior school, and then to Shoreham. Hope you are fit and well. Who else do you remember? Best wishes, Colin.

    By Colin Grier (10/07/2013)
  • Hello Bernard Akehurst. My sister Jean married Ron Akehurst and moved to Australia, they have a son Graeme. I also remember Leslie, Walter and Raymond Akehurst who used to live at 113, Whitehawk Road a couple of doors away from the Halfords. Unfortunately, with the exception of Ron, I have lost touch with the rest of the family.

    By Terry Marchant (23/07/2013)
  • Hi, I have so enjoyed reading all these comments. My dad is Ron Saunders of Nuthurst Road and all these names take me back to my childhood and hearing him mention people. Dad has left Brighton but Jim is still there, Chas and Margaret have passed away but there are Saunders children scattered around!

    By Nicola Saunders (24/07/2013)
  • Hello Nicola Saunders. Yes I remember both your dad Ronnie and also Jimmy Saunders. I think they lived at 12 Nuthurst Road next to Mrs Gunn who was one of the first to have a TV and we all used to pay her one old penny to watch childrens TV. Their back garden used to back onto mine at 28 Whitehawk Avenue. My memory is not brilliant but I am sure that I was in the same class at Whitehawk Secondary Modern as Ronnie. I left Whitehawk in 1965 and married a girl in East Grinstead where I still live. I hope Ronnie and Jimmy are in good health and I send them my best wishes. Regards

    By Terry Marchant (29/07/2013)
  • Hello Pauline sorry I am a bit late answering you, I am now living in Lancing, so is Mick and my other brother Bert, it’s very nice to look back to the times when we were younger and the happy times we all spent in Whitehawk and we now can all keep in touch, I will tell Mick that I heard from you, I think he is online. I won’t leave it so long to answer you next time, it was nice of you to reply to me, till next time Colleen.

    By Colleen Long (06/08/2013)
  • I saw the mention of Lil Hale, who is sadly no longer with us. I would just like to say to her son Terry, I worked at Whitehawk Junior school kitchen with your mother. Lil was a really lovely person and a fantastic head cook. It was a privilege to have known her Terry!

    By Pam Barnes (Hall) (09/08/2013)
  • Hi Pam, I have just seen your post about my mum Lil Hale, thank you for those kind words. Sadly mum was taken away from us far, far too early, she is still sadly missed but never forgotten. I know that she enjoyed working at the Junior school kitchens.and as you say she was a fantastic cook.

    By Terry Hale (22/08/2013)
  • Rather better late than never but have just seen Julie Dorman’s comments (21.1.11). It would be great if you have any memories of Alex South, he was with the Whitehawk boxing club during the 40’s. I am his sister and I remember going to the Dome to watch him and had to run out, I didn’t like it! Have been reading through the site and it is amazing.

    By Betty Hagger nee South (10/09/2013)
  • Recently found this site and it certainly brings back memories. Saw a message from David Sutton, now in Australia. I am sure we were in the same class at Whitehawk Juniors (Mr Kibblewhite). My name was Betty South then, does it ring any bells?

    By Betty Hagger nee South (11/09/2013)
  • I lived at 107, Maresfield Road from 1947 until 1966. First, the picture at the top of the page. The two lads top right are Ronnie Crossweller and Terry Groves. Graham Sharp, who wrote a comment in 2012, was in my year at Whitehawk juniors, as was Duncan Sturges. Bluey Atkins was a year or so older. I saw and spoke to Jimmy Fane today and mentioned the school photograph my brother posted, but I cannot seem to find it on this site.

    By Derek Greenow (14/10/2013)
  • Hi all, this is for Mary Booker glad to hear that you remember me and my nan Alice. You also mentioned my aunt Mary and my uncle Buster (Alfie, no one called him that ha ha). I will now keep a watchful eye on the site looking for your reply, take care.

    By William Parker (07/11/2013)
  • Dear Joyce

    Sorry, but we have had to edit your post. We are no longer allowing the posting of requests to find third parties, as sharing information like this breaches their privacy. We recommend you try Friends Reunited website if you want to track old friends or neighbours.

    Comments Editor

    I lived at 2 Lintott Ave and am now living in Australia. I have just found this site and read my sister Judy has also wrote a passage. I attended all Whitehawk schools. My classmates were Jean Cox, Ruth Brown, Freda Measor to mention a few.

    By Joyce Streeter was/is Routledge (19/11/2013)
  • Derek Greenow; great to see that you picked up my comments. The last time I spoke to you was in Lewes Road, Brighton and it was when you were manager of a Bingo Club on the site of one of the old cinemas opposite the bottom of Bear Road, but I can’t recall the name. You also mentioned Jimmy Fane. Didn’t he live at the end of Maresfield Road at the top of the steps leading up from Whitehawk Road?  Sorry for the very delayed ‘catch-up’.

    Regards

    By Graham Sharp (20/11/2013)
  • Derek Greenow; I have just remembered that I made contact with Duncan Sturgess following my previous post. 

     

    By Graham Sharp (20/11/2013)
  • Marie Brooker-Clark,

    Hi, I have just read your comment Nov 2011. Sorry for the very belated response. Deirdre is fine and she lives in Cranleigh, Surrey. She doesn’t do emails or the internet really so if you should wish to contact her you could do it via me on sj12c@tiscali.co.uk

    Regards

    Graham

    By Graham Sharp (20/11/2013)
  • Hi John Vowles,   Yes I remember you. I have also spoken to my sister Deirdre who remembers you as well.  How is OZ? We have very good friends who live in Mount Martha, Melbourne. How are you?

    By Graham Sharp (21/11/2013)
  • To Marie Brooker (clark).

    Sorry for the delay in responding; too much to remember.  Deirdre is fine and lives in Cranleigh. She doesn’t ‘do’ the internet much so I will tell her that you have made contact. I am sure she will be very surprised.

    By Graham Sharp (21/11/2013)
  • Pat Richards (nee Marshall). Hello, I’m not sure that I remember you from Wadhurst Rise but then it is 60 or so years ago. I do recall sledging down that very steep hill one day in the deep snow. I couldn’t stop and ended up crashing into the milkman’s float. Ah, happy days.  How are you? I live in Cheddar so not that far from Yeovil. My sister Deirdre has a fantastic memory so when I speak to her in the next couple of days I shall ask her about you.  Regards

    By Graham Sharp (21/11/2013)
  • My son told me about this site. My name is Peter Bundock, I lived in Fletching Road near to Peter Dowd and opposite the Williams family – Ken, Michael, Pat and Paul – and opposite John Chate. I was also friends with Richard Doo, Valerie Burchall and Harold Oswin in Twineham Road. My brother John always had the girls come knocking the door for him! Some people may remember my mum making toffee apples and us selling them? It is good to see a few names I remember  from school, best wishes to you all. Peter Bundock.

    By Peter Bundock (12/12/2013)
  • Hello Peter. I also lived in Fletching Road at No 33. You mentioned that you were friends with Richard Doo. Was he related to Albert? They lived down by the shops and I think his dad was a conductor on the buses. In the late ’70s Albert was in the Navy and when he used to come home on leave we would all go into town for a good shant.  Happy Days

    By Andy Mountford (13/12/2013)
  • Hello Andy, yes Richard Doo was Albert’s older brother. I lived at 80, Fletching Road and at that time they lived just round corner in Twineham Road next door to Valerie Burchell, that was up the road from church. 

    By Peter Bundock (13/12/2013)
  • Hi Graham, thanks for answering. I live in Ireland now. Chedder is a lovely place, I have been there loads of times. I remember the Farleys and the Cullens in Wadhurst Rise and then I moved to Richmond buildings and back to Whitehawk. Hope you are well, have a lovely Christmas. By Pat Richards nee Marhall. 

    By Pat Richards (13/12/2013)
  • Hi to Joanne Gallant. I lived next door at 74 Wiston Rd with Charlie, Violet, June and Sharon who was born at ’74. I remember your family. Happy times there, will never forget the old Whitehawk

    By Peter Bridger (14/12/2013)
  • I used to be in a group of friends during the early to mid 60s. Richard Doo was one of the friends but we knew him as Dickie Doo. He lived in Twineham Road at the time I knew him. Great memories of those times.

    By Marion Goodwin (18/12/2013)
  • Hi to Pat Richards,  I quite like Ireland. Been there a few times and found it very relaxing.  Anyway, have a good Christmas and Best Wishes to you and yours.

    By Graham Sharp (24/12/2013)
  • Hi to Betty Hagger.  I am David Sutton’s sister, Barbara.  I’m not sure how often he looks at this site so have just sent him an email regarding your comment.  I’m sure he’ll respond soon.  Regards

    By Barbara Etherton (11/01/2014)
  • Hi Maria, sorry it’s been so long replying to you. I hope you are well and the story you told about my Nan Alice made me really laugh as I can still see her now leaning on the gate. I have told my sister Angela about this site but I don’t know if she has yet come on board. Please keep in touch I will keep looking. It really does sadden my heart when I think of all the friends and people I knew that will never come back. You are right -  great times with great people. Take care

    By Willie Parker (14/01/2014)
  • Hi Betty Hagger (South).  David is having big problems with his computer at present so could you please either send me your email address so that he can contact you that way or contact me on barbaraetherton@yahoo.co.uk

    By Barbara Etherton (29/01/2014)
  • It was great to find this site – I went to all the White. I have very fond memories of all the friends and nieghbours.  My time was from 1936 to 1958.

    By Terry Thurston (28/03/2014)
  • Hi Terry Marchant & Colin Grier, I have read a post (it was dated 10/07/13 but I can’t find it now) regarding the Akehursts from Whitehawk. I am related to them and am still in touch with Les Akehurst. My mum, Elsie, is his cousin and spent a lot of time in Whitehawk growing up with the Akehurst boys. Her mum was Walter’s (Wally) twin sister. Mum is also in touch with Ron and Jean in Australia. Would be more than happy to share more info on the family with you 🙂

    By Louise O'Connor (13/04/2014)
  • Hi Willie Parker – it’s me, Maria. Glad you read my comment, can you believe it, Sue Bennet told me you had answered. Do you remember her? She lived on the other side of Twineham Road, we’ve been friends since we were 5 years old and to this day we are great mates. Is your dad still alive? And what about Mary? Have you a relative that is on sky news? Lovely to hear from you – speak again soon.

    By Maria Brooker (24/05/2014)
  • Recently found this site and it certainly brings back memories of living in Whitehawk. I live at 103, Whitehawk Avenue from 1934 until I left to get married in 1964. I recognise a few of the name mentioned here, but the era (the ’50s) was my National Service years served with the Army in Germany. But I remember doing a lot of the things mentioned by others, before and during the war

    By Mr Peter Pryer (06/06/2014)
  • Hi I lived at 88 Hervery Road. I went to all three schools – would love to hear from any one that remembers me.

    By Dorothy Brown nee Bishop (21/06/2014)
  • Hi Dorothy. I remember you. I lived at 24 Hervey Road. My name is Margaret Type nee Anscombe.

    By Margaret Type nee Anscombe (22/07/2014)
  • Many of you remember Whitehawk but does anybody remember anything about Fletching Road and the Chinock family from 28 Fletching Road in the years from 1956 to 1969? If so, it would be nice to hear from you. Thanks

    By Robert Jackson (17/08/2014)
  • To Susan Taylor nee Luff: did your family live in John Street near Kents the grocers, before moving to Hervey Road, as I remember John there. I moved to 40 Hervey Road in 1959 but my memory is a bit sketchy. Do you remember me or my sisters Elen and Maureen?

    By Edward Ellingford (26/08/2014)
  • Hello Robert Jackson, I lived top end Fletching Road. I know Bob Chinnock  -knew him from school and worked at dairy he is with. He delivers milk in Rottingdean and Saltdean area

    By Peter Bundock (29/08/2014)
  • Does anyone remember the Perrys in Fletching Rd? Barbara my sister, Peter and Kevin my brothers. I remember Mary Bibby next door, the Rich’s, Grays, Fisher, Newlands, Halls and many others. If anyone wants to contact me its dv.bewley@ntlworld.com 

    By Diane Bewley nee Perry (13/09/2014)
  • Editor’s Note:
    Dear Ami
    Sorry but we have had to delete your post. We are no longer allowing the posting of requests to find third parties, as sharing information like this breaches their privacy. We recommend you try Friends Reunited website if you want to track old friends or neighbours.
    Comments Editor

    By Ami (27/09/2014)
  • Message for Derek Greenow.  Hi Derek; do you remember that picture that your brother had of all of us at school circa 1950.  I would very much like a copy if you have one; can’t find it on this site. Thanks, my email is sj12c@tiscali.co.uk

    By Graham Sharp (26/12/2014)
  • Hi all. I used to live in Lintott Avenue, Whitehawk in the 60s/80s – a great place.
    Hi Martin Bushell, Kevin Ayres – you both still owe Mrs Card her lounge window!

    By Martin Shawe (01/02/2015)
  • Calling DENNIS GRIER. Did you belong to the Brighton Accordion Club held on a Friday night in Middle Street School and run by Eddie Windo? If this is you – I remember you well! I’m still playing the accordion. How about you?I live in New Zealand but Brighton is in my heart. I would love to hear from you and exchange memories. My email address is elizabeth22@orcon.net.nz

    Elizabeth (Bertha – Ugh). -) Byrne

     

    By Elizabeth Byrne (14/02/2015)
  • I also remember Martin Bushell/Boxall from Swanbrough Drive flats. When he broke Mrs Card’s lounge window, he ran away like a rat.

    By Johnny Davies (22/02/2015)
  • I’ve just found this site. God so many people I knew from Whitehawk in 60/90. I was born in Whitehawk Road. Fun times. Hard times. I also remember Kevin Ayres and Martin Boxall. They were a couple for 3/4 years. Shame they split up.

    By Tim Delaney (28/03/2015)
  • I used to travel down from Eridge on the bus in the late 1940s to stay with Mary and Jack Redman. They were my uncle and aunt and lived at 235 Whitehawk Road just below the racecourse. The Gunn family lived a couple of doors further up. I remember the kite flying and also gliding down the grassy bank from the racecourse on our toboggans which had candle wax on the runners. I also remember searching the grounds after the bookies had gone at the end of a meeting to see what had fallen out of their satchels. Everyone in Whitehawk seemed to be happy and friendly.

    By Jim Stapleton (27/04/2015)
  • My name is Norman May and I used to live at 8 Finden Road with my brothers Lyle and Grahame and sisters Veronica and Denise. I also attended all three Whitehawk Schools. Great memories of all the kids’ activities we used to do. I was friends with Ronald Bowley, Derek Fox and Dixie Watts. One teacher was Mr Bertwhistle, nicknamed Benjie Bertwhistle. All good memories.

    By Norman May (11/07/2015)
  • Hi Norman May. I was at school with your sister Denise and I remember your brother Graham went out with a pal of mine, Vicky Reddy. Great times living in Whitehawk. Hope all the members of your family are well.

    By Pauline Godden (01/09/2015)
  • I lived in Whitehawk Road and went to the junior then senior school until I left at Christmas 1957. I was then Games Captain. My name was Joyce Marshall, I found out later my real name was Brown on my birth certificate. Bill & May Marshall were foster parents who could have been my gransparents.  I wanted stay on for the extra year but as my ‘father’ died in 1957 aged 73 andMay died in 1964 aged 65. Luckily I worked for Johnson Bros Western Rd where I met my husband Rob Chalk then later worked at the Brighton Evening Argus. We married in 1961. I’m forever grateful to the Crouchers who lives up the road (Whitehawk road) to me, who took me in for some time afterwards. My good friend Dorothy was one of their daughters.  Unfortunately due to moving away I lost touch with everyone. I’m now back in the area and live in Peacehaven. I recently got in touch with Mareen Eason married to her schoolboy boyfriend Peter and looking forward to meeting up again soon.  Does anyone know if any pictures taken on Schools sports Day held at Preston Park in June 1957 survive? The Whitehawk Girls and Boys did well & records were broken. I remember going up to collect the cup for the girls, don’t forget the Boys school were completely seperate then.

    By Joyce Chalk (19/09/2015)
  • Hello Norman May. I remember hanging out in Findon Road in the late ‘ 50s early ’60s and was a great mate of Lyle. Also Veronica and I went steady for quite a long time and spent many a happy time at No 8 along with Derek Fox, Lyle, Carol Hitchens and the rest of the gang. Lyle and I used to play football for Clayton Boys Club. Is Veronica, Lyle and the rest of the gang still about and do they remember me. Happy times. 

    By Terry Marchant (23/09/2015)
  • Hi Terry Marchant, long time no chat.
    Norman – I remember you. I was Linda Andrews, we lived almost opposite you. I remember Lyle, Veronica Derek Fox’s sister etc.

    By Linda Batchelor-Ballew (19/10/2015)
  • Hello Linda Batchelor-Ballew. Great to hear from you again. Unfortunately I have misplaced your email address. Mine is terrym@tesco.net. Love to hear from you again.

    By Terry Marchant (22/10/2015)
  • Richard’s very long entry here has been taken and will be made into several standalone pages with photos.

    They will be posted in the Memories of Whitehawk section

    By Richard (Ricky) Shaw (25/10/2015)
  • What a lovely post, Richard. What a memory you have! I grew up in another place (Hollingbury) at a later time (60s), but can identify with the freedoms that children enjoyed then. Our roaming over the downs kept the old paths open, but they are now overgrown as parental fear keeps children closer to home.  

    By Janet Beal (26/10/2015)
  • Hi Richard, my mum was Maureen Fairhall and my dad was Harold Rogers, he lived with the Greens as a foster child. I can remember my mum talking about the Shaw’s when we were growing up.

    By Suzanne Serejko (03/11/2015)
  • Hi Susanne, yes, I remember your Mother Maureen, and Harold too. Mrs Fairhall, your grandmother lived right next door to me. I seem to remember that everyone used to refer to her as ‘Fairy’!  Actually I do have a photograph of her that was taken in the 50s. If you would like it, email me at shaw.ricky@btinternet.com and I will send it to you.

    By Richard (Ricky) Shaw (05/11/2015)
  • My dad, Peter Roberts, lived at 55 Whitehawk Road with his brothers George and Michael.  My nan and grandad were Eileen and Bill.  My dad was born in 1937 and went to all the local schools in Whitehawk so probably knew quite a few of you. Sadly he died in 2011 so not able to ask him. I remember my dad talking very fondly of growing up in Whitehawk and of his friends, one I remember is Peter Eason.
    The family home was demolished in about 1977 but, from memory, I loved visiting my nan there with the huge driveway, garden and toilet in the conservatory!

    By Helen Price (16/12/2015)
  • Hi, my name is Jean nee Kirby and I lived with my 5 sisters: Betty, Winnie, Eileen, Brenda, and Margaret. We lived at 123, Whitehawk Road with our parents, Ted and Betty, both now deceased. On reading lots of the posts lots of familiar names emerged. Yes, I remembered Mr Oakley, the police officer, who frightened the life out of us when he agreed with my dad to give us a telling off for scrumping apples. I went to school with Jackie Ansley, his granddaughter. I used to play with Susie and Phillip Ogle who lived at 128 next to Maureen and Al at 127. I remember when both Susanne and Stephen were born. Maureen’s mother “Aunt Fairy” looked after us. I used to play with Sandra Morrell and had a crush on her brother Tony. Her mum won a lot of money in a competition I think for the Mirror and she won a dress covered in money. I could write on here all day about the Chitty family. The Greens at 128 the Greenland at the Farme family. At 119 can’t remember the names of the family at 120 although they came up to our garden to play. Now I have found this site I will have a chat to the rest of the Kirby girls as that’s how we were known.

    By Jean Corcoran nee Kirby (25/02/2016)
  • Hello Jean Cororan (Kirby). I remember you and your sisters as I went to school with your sister Eileen. The main thing I remember you and your sisters for was that you all had such nice blonde hair, I would have done anything to have hair like you all had. I lived in Twineham Road so didn’t know you all as near neighbours. The last time I ever saw Eileen was many years ago at one of the Bank Holiday markets on the Racehill. Hope you and your sisters are all well?

    By Marion Goodwin nee Roche (28/02/2016)
  • Hi guys. I’ve read through all the comments from people that lived and still live in Whitehawk and some names I remember more than others, and some that will remember my grandparents and parents. We lived in Twiham Road in the 50s and60s and back in the early 70s my grandparents were called Cornhill. I am Colin Bowyer and my brother Geoff – who remembers us?

    By Colin Bowyer (09/03/2016)
  • Hi everyone. Just come across this site, so good to see so many names from Whitehawk. We live in Twineham Road, number 78. I love the place, had a lot of good mates. Mick Maskell.

    By Michael Maskell (25/03/2016)
  • Does anyone remember the Allen family in Hervey Road?  Jack, Tracie, Eric, Elsie, Harold and Bimbo who was adopted by the family.  Please email me if you have any memories – parksportslade@yahoo.com

    By Dawn Parks (07/04/2016)
  • Hi Mick Maskell, I remember you. We lived in Fletching Road, no 80. I am Peter Bundock, my brother is John and my sisters Maisie and Daphne.

    By Peter Bundock (23/04/2016)
  • Hi Peter, I was at school with your brother John.  Perhaps he’d like to have a look at the Whitehawk Primary School photo for 1953 to see if he is in it and remembers anyone else who is there.  I lived at 25, Whitehawk Avenue with Mum, Dad and 3 older brothers, David, Michael & Robin Sutton. Barbara Etherton.

    By Barbara Etherton (24/04/2016)
  • Hi Barbara I do not often see John as he now lives in Spain but I have e-mailed him about this site.

    By Peter Bundock (05/05/2016)
  • Peter, many thanks for replying.  Well, that’s a little spooky – I have lived full time in the Malaga area of Spain for the past 8 years.  Does John also live on the Costa de Sol or in in another province?  Hopefully he’ll take the time to have a look at this site and also enjoy reminiscing.

    By Barbara Etherton (16/05/2016)
  • Hi Barbara, John lives in a little village above Granada in the desert area called Cue vas del Campo.

    By Peter Bundock (18/05/2016)
  • Thank you for letting me know Peter – that’s about two hours drive away from where we are. Hope he’s enjoying his life here as much as we are ours and I’m sure you have a great time when you do visit.

    By Barbara Etherton (21/05/2016)
  • Occasionally I browse ‘mybrightonandhove’ but I stumbled on ‘Whitehawk in the 50s’ by accident. The orginal poster was Colin Chitty – a very interesting post. As far as I recall the Chittys were next or near neighbours of my grandparents who I believe lived at 133 Whitehawk Road. These were the Bartons and I certainly heard them talking about the Chittys. My grandparents are long gone. They had two daughters Gwen (my mother) now passed  and Joyce still living near Burton on Trent and a son “Chuck” who has also passed on. We lost touch with Chuck very early on. I didn’t live in Whitehawk (I was in the Preston Park area) but went over to see my grandparents regularly. A favourite activity was sliding down the slope up to the Race Hill on bits of cardboard. Thanks for the post Colin

     

    By John Wingate (06/06/2016)
  • Peter Bundock, I remenber you and John S Ashley Freeman.  Good times

    By Mick Maskell (12/06/2016)
  • Dear Maria,
    Sorry but we have had to delete your post. We are no longer allowing the posting of requests to find third parties, as sharing information like this breaches their privacy. We recommend you try social media websites if you want to track old friends or neighbours.
    Comments Editor

    By Maria Layley (16/08/2016)
  • How nice to read all these great stories about the old Whitehawk, my mother is Dianne Cole, (Dianne McCue), my dad is Micky Cole. My mum lived in Wiston Road back in the day; brothers Terry, Jimmy, Gary. Late Stuart McCue who was tragically murdered in 1993 up Whitehawk, sisters Christine, Carol, Jane & Jackie, we are all good. My granddad is John Cole, nan is Dianne Cole-lots of us still live in Whitehawk. Hope you are all well.

     

    By Jamie Cole (14/11/2016)
  • Hi all, I don’t know if anyone remembers my mum and her family, the Dilloways, we lived at 101 Fletching road next door to the Burfields. There was Katie my nan who worked at Wilsons Laundrey until she was 85, my uncle Frank who still lives in Alan Way, my auntie Kath and auntie Shirley who lived in Findon Road and my mum Christina. Would love to hear from anyone that knew them.

    By Sarah Smart (22/11/2016)
  • Hi Sarah Smart, I remember the Dilloways. We lived at 80 Fletching Road with my brother John and sisters Maisie and Daphne.

    By Peter Bundock (30/11/2016)
  • Martin Shaw, my mum was born at 18 Lintott Avenue in 1966, and lived there until it was knocked down. Her name is Donna Baker, she has a twin brother called Ashley, and has two older brothers, Graham Reed and Mel Kearney. My nan and grandad were Don and Ivy!

    By Kerry Baker (08/12/2016)
  • Hi Marion Roche. I’m Eileen Kirby’s sister Jean. I will pass on your good wishes to Eileen next time we speak. Eileen now lives in Margate and is single now. She has two daughters and two grand children.

    By Jean Corcoran (01/08/2017)
  • My name was Ivy Hemsley, now Dykstra.  I grew up in Whitehawk at 72 Whitehawk Avenue. My Mum and Dad were Lily and Joe Hemsley, They moved into Whitehawk Ave around 1931 and spent all of their lives there until my Mum died.  I was born in 1937 and went to all the schools until 1952.  I was a bit of a loner with only a few really good friends: Beryl Stop, Peggy Poole, Jennifer Bell, Pat Edwards, Julie Marsden, and Gloria Marshall. The Marshalls were our neighbours, they moved to South Africa when one of the daughters married a South African serviceman. Tony Marshall married the girl whose Dad owned the grocery store/post office down the hill at the Broadway. Other neighbours were the Barnards, Mrs. Barnard helped my Mum deliver me at 72, that’s what they did in those days, they tell me it was at 8:30 A.M. as the children were all going to school. Her son Jack was a good football  player. I have a brother, Ron Hemsley born 1933 and my sister Iris, born in 1929. RIP Sis. We all went to the schools, except for my brother, he didn’t go to Senior school, he went to Fawcett School. Some of his friends were Michael Berry and I think it was Tony Munch. I remember the war and the raid on the gasworks, which luckily they missed. The winkle man, the greengrocery van driving around, the bread man, rags and bones man, the coalman filling up the coal cupboard, the milkman’s bottles rattling early in the mornings, the dustbin man and the pig man, who rounded up vegetable/food scraps to feed the pigs. I remember my Dad going off to war with the Royal Corps of Signals and being gone a long time! Rationing, table shelters, bombs dropping on the football field, church and the allotments.  If anyone that I have mentioned happens to read this, I would love to hear from you. I am in the USA, North Carolina now, I married a GI and came over here in 1956. I too have wonderful memories of Whitehawk and felt that same sense of community just like so many other Whitehawkers. No place like Brighton; love you still. I can be reached on-line at idykstra@atmc.net

    By Ivy (Hemsley) Dykstra (12/10/2017)
  • I loved growing  up in Whitehawk. My whole family lived there at one point or another. My grandparents were called Holly and Herbert Wood and Bett and James Jackson. My grandad James then married Win. My parents were Joy Jackson or Jupp and Jeff Knight. 

    By Alison Kalick (25/06/2018)
  • Hi Willie Parker(04/08/2012). We don’t know each other, but I lived at 3 Fletching Road until Sept54. We We’re the Harriotts and I was the youngest, born 1950. My siblings are Gwen, Grace, Donald Doris, Leonard, Dennis, Joan, Kathleen, Christine, Audrey and me, Michael. My little playmate was Alan Bond. Next door were the Ganders and Lustards. We now all live in OZ except Grace who still lives in Brighton.

    By Michael Harriott (19/10/2018)
  • Does anyone remember the Copes. They lived in Whitehawk Crescent 60s to 70s.

    By Mark (03/07/2019)
  • Does anyone remember Gloria Mechen? She was the most beautiful girl and I was lucky enough to be her boyfriend in 1967/1968. I moved to Reading in 1969 to go to University and lost touch. She would now be 73/74. She lived in Whitehawk Road opposite the last bus stop on the bus route. Most nights I’d be at her house and miss the last bus and have to walk home across the race hill to Withdean! My email can be published davidtudor@mail.com

    By David Glover (11/07/2019)
  • Hi does anyone remember Harold Oswin from Twineham Road? We lost touch when I got married.

    By Peter Bundock (12/07/2019)
  • Hi Peter Bundock, I remember ‘Ossie’ I lived 2 doors away from him in Twineham, remember you and your family as well hope you are keeping well.

    By john brown (12/10/2019)
  • To Graham Sharp (04/03/2011) read a previous post including Pat Thew and as it was with 2 boys only gave it a second thought. Anyhow, I now feel weird, that Pat Thew is Patricia or sometimes Patsy Thew. It was the ‘holding her hand…’ line that gave it away. Am I right?

    By Lisa Elford (28/04/2020)
  • To Lisa Elford, 28/04/2020.
    This is strange. I haven’t looked at this site for some time and because a friend of mine died recently, and I was checking things on this page, I have just noticed your very recent comment. Can we just update this subject about Pat Thew. I don’t quite understand what you said and would love to know. I always wondered what happened to her.

    By Graham Sharp (11/05/2020)
  • Further to the last post my email is sj12c@tiscali.co.uk

    By Graham (Sam) Sharp (24/05/2020)
  • These pages need to be more open so we can get messages from people instead of trying to remember to look at posts we made ages ago.

    By Graham Sharp (24/05/2020)
  • I was one of the team [academics, techno-boffins and museum staff] that set up the original ‘My Brighton’ in 1993. I do not believe it was ever our intention for it to be a messaging website, rather a history/geography/local studies archive. Doubtless its role has evolved over the past 27 years, but it is still an invaluable resource for the area. I would not like to see it change its role to a message exchange .

    By Dr Geoffrey Mead (25/05/2020)
  • What a wonderful site this is, seems like everyone has the same feeling about Whitehawk as I do. My name is Terry Cooke, I lived at 85 Whitehawk Road from 1957 – 67 with my grand mother Mrs Liz Washington later widowed and remarried and became Liz Freeman, a lady well respected and liked by all, my Mother was her daughter, Louise Washington who we sadly lost when I was 9. I attended St Mark’s School and then Whitehawk Senior School.

    I had great friends Ronald Bowley, Trevor Davies and his brothers Denny, Ronny & Colin, Richard Steel, Tony Sallis, Frank Dorrington, Keith Burtenshaw, Allen Day and brothers Paul & David, Rolf Radford, Gregory Foat, Dave Paris, David (Buster) Strong and brother Gary, plus many more not listed here because they are listed in earlier messages I have read on this site, if I don’t list you all it’s not that I don’t remember you or don’t want to hear from you, I would love to hear from anyone one who remembers me. Although I have spent a lot of my life travelling I have tried to keep tabs on the old place and have heard some pretty negative comments of Whitehawk today, however I can honestly say that I would not swap that environment and childhood for any other I have seen since, Whitehawk was a great place to grow up in, rough & tough at times but real spirit and a real community, great times in the summer with friends and all my cousins the Stevens, Allen, John, Tony, Roy and Mandy & Linda & Susan Washington, who lived in Manor Crescent with my aunt ‘Bet’, we were in Stan’s cafe every Saturday and can still remember the chip butties. I also have fond memories of the Whitehawk Inn and the Broadway. As a kid I delivered a paper round for ‘Lanes’ the newsagent. My route was all of Wilson’s Avenue; in the summer the views from the top, as you looked down to the sparkling sea past Black Rock swimming pool, were fantastic. Not so clever during the winter, the trudge up that hill with a gale blowing at six in the morning is something I have never forgotten.
    I also remember the hours of playing football on the Whitehawk pitches or earning pocket money cleaning the coaches that used the ‘Coach Park’ opposite my home and ran from the Broadway all the way up Whitehawk Road. I was one of those fortunate enough to go to Whitehawk School and can still remember the cross country runs up the racecourse hill, around the top and back down to the school, Greg Foat always won by a mile (And he suffered with Asthma) go figure? I boxed for St Marks and won the Brighton title at the Dome then trained at the old Whitehawk boxing gym run by Tony Brazil (Brashill)? a great sport which taught me the discipline and respect that have never left me.
    So many great times with my mates scrumping or jumping the wall to get into Black Rock or the smell when passing the bakery on my way to St Mark’s School in the winter, great memories of playing all day outside with my mates until it grew too dark to see, we had a great time, none of us had much but it never made me envious, we just made the most of what we had. 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 really had. But I do not think he got it….. naturally I meant for positive reasons. Please keep the site going …its great and would be delighted to hear from any/all terence.c.cooke@gmail.com

    By Terence Cooke (09/07/2020)
  • I am from Australia and looking for Cousins of mine who live in the Brighton area. Family name Pullin, Barbara, Brian, Brenda, Beryl and Bobby. Can any one help me with contact details. All 70yrs plus now.

    By Robert Watts (19/08/2020)
  • Does anybody remember a chap called Dennis Driscoll he was married to Dorothy Driscoll and they had two daughters called Carole and Yvonne?

    By kevin woollard (03/11/2020)
  • Does anyone remember the Standring family? katiecaple@hotmail.com

    By Katie (15/03/2021)
  • I have inherited an enrollment book about Whitehawk Boys Club which dates back to mid 1960s. It has been on my shelf for a few years already and has escaped being thrown away a few times. It is essentially a membership book. I knew the author well. It has an entry for L Standring in 1965. The activities were listed as table tennis, weightlifting, gymnastics, football, cricket, art, swimming, angling and boxing. It includes a few loose items such as a 1970 football team sheet for Mile Oak v Whitehawk played at East Hill Park in Portslade. I believe it is an important part of social history for the Club and needs a suitable home. Would Whitehawk FC be suitable I wonder? Genuine enquiries welcome via this site. Thanks, Richard.

    By Richard Lucy (29/04/2021)
  • Richard, an important piece of social history such as you have should really be in the city archive at The Keep, Falmer where it will be conserved correctly and be available to a wide range of enquirers.

    By Dr Geoffrey Mead (01/05/2021)
  • Hello Geoffrey, Many thanks for your swift response. That does sound like a very good home. I will make enquiries at The Keep. Kind regards, Richard.
    Ps. Happy to share my email here if any enquiries also arise … richard.lucy2307@gmail.com

    By Richard Lucy (05/05/2021)
  • I am trying to find friends of my father who lived in Twineham road late 40’s to 50’s name Dinky Doo and sister Dorren Doo if anybody remembers them it would be good to know.

    By Janine Bourne (21/05/2022)
  • Good morning, I probably don’t belong here. This is the 1st site I have come across dealing with Whitehawk. I went to Whitehawk Secondary Modern from 1969 to 1971. I travelled in from outside Whitehawk, having transferred from Queens Park Secondary Modern. I remember a couple of boys from those days. They are Tony Nettley and Gary Bishop. Both lived in the Whitehawk or Manor Farm areas. Sorry to Tony if I have misspelt your surname. I also remember a teacher called Mr Hodgon, who taught geography, I think. It’s been over 50 years now since those days. When I left school back in 1971, I lost touch with all those people I knew from that time. Such is life.

    By William (Bill) Morris (22/09/2022)

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