A brief glimpse into the past. Last Friday, the 360 ft full-rigged ship 'Sea Cloud' docked at the nearby port of Newhaven. Her passengers (for she is luxuriously equipped) apparently were whisked off to Brighton to savour the City's charms. She made a fine sight too moored at the East Quay as the sun went down with her white hull shining brilliantly. The towering masts gave just a hint of how the port must have looked like when sail held sway. Poor old Newhaven - abused, neglected and largely ignored, is such a historic port and town deserving far better treatment. An unwise town centre development in the 70's placed a blight on the once-bustling high street and since then it has failed to recover. We still have a ferry crossing to Dieppe which is a blessing and a boon, although sadly, busy Dieppe only serves to highlight Newhaven's current state. Sea Cloud returns briefly on the 30th May where once again she will moor adjacent to the scrap metal wharf!
7 comments:
A noble sight, Jon, and good to see. It's a shame Newhaven isn't in better visual and economic health: our coast is indeed a strange collection of contrasts of wealth and poverty. And not just our coasts, alas.
Nice shot of this boat/ship Jon (BTW - when does a boat become a ship?). Good to see you chugging through the countryside in an interesting vehicle. My boys were curious as they are interested in cars, albeit preferring rather flash contemporary super cars. We were taking a rare evening stroll around the fields as it was too good an evening to stay in.
What you say is absolutely true Philip...and I guess 'twas ever thus.
Not as surprised as me Hoop!...narrowly avoiding a band of raggle taggle gypsies, I suddenly realised it was you and your brood. Glad to note you were following the correct country lane procedure of walking 'against' the traffic. Your lads need inducting into the ways of ancient cars.
A lovely photo, Jon. I had no idea that ships like this existed for tourists, how exciting and romantic. I agree with Phil though about the contrasts and neglect of various parts of England. Decay can be pleasing, but it can also be insidiously demotivating and once the rots sets in, it's very hard to bring a place back to life. I live near Corby - nuff said.
Is there still the railway station on the dock?
Well Ron there's still a station at Newhaven Harbour but most people come by car, coach or truck. I haven't checked lately but there was a beautifully equipped semaphore signal box still in operation until recently. Since most of the industry on the East side of the harbour is closed and the ferry port entry is closer to the swing bridge much of the old cross channel atmosphere is gone.
Such a shame, JD, such a shame.
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