I remember the Old Match Lady in London Road - she used to stand on the corner of Ann Street opposite Oxford Street. I think there was a greengrocer stall on the same corner, and a pedestrian crossing over to Oxford Street controlled each day by a policeman standing in the middle of London Road.

I remember the Match Lady. She always used to be along London Road and in the market. She'd ask for the pennies and then moan at you if you took matches. I loved that part of Brighton - it was so lively and the shops were great.

Does anyone remember the Blind man's stall in the Open Market ? It was a one time the only place to buy penny bangers all year round .

Does anyone remember 'Sunshine Joe' who used to draw pictures on the foot path just to the side of Palace Pier. He would also talk to the waves, and people on the Palace Pier would throw over coins and 'Sunshine Joe' would run into the water before the waves could wash it out to sea.

Hi Mary,
So glad somebody remembered Sunshine Joe. l was beginning to think l lived in another world, no one remembered him. He always had a crowd round him.
Here is another event from my memory bank.
I remember my parents taking me into Hove, (I think it was Hove Lawns). When a Big Whale was washed up in Local Waters, it was on large trailers on show to the Public. I was only little but it has stuck in my mind, l know l did not dream it. Does any one else remember this?
Sheila

Yes I remember the 'Blind Mans Stall' in the market, I think it was on the corner. He used to sit there with a pretending knife (I think) stuck in his hat. I used to love looking for things to buy for my sixpence!

In the 60s I was a beach photographer, a deckchair seller and I looked after the paddling pool for one season. The 60s seafront was a mecca for characters. Poor old Sunshine Joe was once arrested for obscene exposure, due a pair of pants torn in the wrong place. He was also a fairly awful pavement artist. Another couple of characters were the Laird and his Lady who strolled the front from time to time he in full Scottish regalia and his Lady in a crinoline dress. Around the streets you would also see Gentleman Jim the totter in tails, waistcoat, striped pants, shiny black shoes and spats, pushing his barrow. There was seldom a dull day on the seafront.

I remember the match lady. In my memory she stood outside Rosalinds the store or Bellmans another store, both of them in London Road.