Spitfire and Hurricane pilots demonstrating some close formation flying at the Goodwood Revival.
Sorry if I have posted this before.
Action Stations
Tag: sussex
3 English Roses
This is just a nostalgic photo from a family gathering at my parents’ home in Hastings, many years ago.
So, Maureen is the eldest of Kathy’s daughters. And, Kathy was my mums eldest sister.
Mum and Kathy were two of six siblings!
I’m not sure of the occasion or why they were sitting with ‘wellies to the fore’ but I do know that getting any of them to sit quietly for a photo would have been a challenge as they all, like me, could talk the hind leg off a donkey.
Rockin at The De La Warr Pavillion
Back in 1970, when I was just eighteen years of age, a fledgling english rock band called Uriah Heep released their first studio album. That album ” … Very ‘Eavy ….. Very ‘Umble”, struck a chord with me and probably set the foundation of my musical tastes.
Over the years I saw the Heep live, several times, bought many of their albums and still listen to them regularly.
So imagine my delight when I found that they were touring…
So tickets purchased I waited with anticipation. Of course there were some concerns. After so many years, most of the original band members have passed on. Would the current line up sound anything like the band that I followed.
And so, last Thursday, I arrived at the De La Warr Pavillion, Bexhill. Before I could answer the Uriah Heep questions I was going to be entertained by two support acts.
The first to perform was Tyketto, a band from New York, USA. Having never heard of them I assumed they were a relatively new band. How wrong could I be. They have been around since 1987!!!
They gave a very good account of themselves and were well received by me and the rest of the audience.
Following Tyketto, the next act very quickly set up their kit. They were April Wine and had also passed below my rock radar. Also not a new band, having formed in 1969, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Although categorised, like Tyketto, as Hard Rock, their style is very different and dare I say it, more complex. Once again their reception was very positive.
But then it was time for the main event, the reason most of us were there.
After a surprisingly short time, the support bands kit was cleared away and the stage was set for Uriah Heep.
Also, like April Wine, Uriah Heep formed in 1969. Fifty six years entertaining their fans.
In that time they have produced some 25 studio albums, 20 live albums, many compilation albums and singles.
Their sound is very much as I remember although the current lead singer Bernie Shaw has a different sound to David Byron who fronted the band back in the day.
There is no doubt he has the stage presence and the voice needed to front Uriah Heep
Of course they did all the favourites as well as some newer songs. For me the highlight was to see and hear the lead guitarist, Mick Box, perform his unique magic.
Mick Box is the last surviving, original band member.
All too soon the show came to an end. This show was the final one of their UK tour.
Goodwood Road Racing Club – 81st Members Meeting
Per my recent post, on Sunday, 14th April, I had the great pleasure of attending the annual Members Meeting, held at the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit.
This was the 81st Members Meeting. It’s amazing to think that this annual event has been going for so long.
Thankfully, the weather was kind, dry with some sunshine throughout the day, although the temperatures did drop later in the afternoon.
But hey, this post isn’t about the weather. Let’s get on to the main event. It’s all about historic cars, some of which are over one hundred years old, being raced around the Goodwood circuit.
So here are some photos of some fabulous cars, oh and motorcycles.
Getting us started is a fairly modern vehicle by Goodwood standards ….
This was just one of an array of Alpines lined up to greet us as we arrived.
Close by there was this fine display of monster Bentleys.
On arrival we were just in time for the first race.
Here we are on the grid but no sign of the cars.
These guys were all lining up to compete in the Parnell Cup, a twenty minute race for Grand Prix, Formula 2 and Voiturette cars. These cars are of a type that raced between 1935 and 1953.
Next up was the Derek Bell Cup. a twenty minute race for 1-litre Formula 3 cars that raced between 1964 and 1970.
Yes, all lined up ready for the off. Unfortunately the race start was delayed for a few minutes.
Unfortunately, due to a racing incident the race was red flagged, an ambulance was deployed and all the remaining competitors had to return to the grid for the eventual race restart.
For a totally different form of racing we move on to the Sidecar Shootout. Racing sidecars was a first for Goodwood. The shootout featured eight of the quickest pairings from the Sidecar World Championships.
The riders, or is it drivers, and their passengers have to be truly insane. One of the competitor vehicles was clocked at 144 mph.
Between each racing event, the McLaren cars would come out to play.
Presumably checking that the circuit was clear of any debris prior to the next event.
Which in this case was the Surtees Trophy. The Trophy race is for unlimited sports racing prototypes that raced between 1960 and 1966. The race duration was twenty minutes.
First the formation lap …..
And then they were off.
Charging into the first corner.
Here are a few detail shots …..
As we headed into the afternoon it was time for a Mustang or two, or thirty. Yep, thirty Ford Mustangs headed out onto the grid for the Ken Miles Cup. This forty-five minute race was for first generation Ford Mustangs that raced up to 1966.
Unfortunately, due to a racing incident, the safety car had to be deployed and the track cleared before racing could continue.
And then we were racing again …..
Sadly, this guy didn’t get to the finish line …..
But the Members Meeting isn’t all about racing. Some of the events are demonstration runs. On this occasion there was a real treat in store for motorsport fans, Can-Am. The Can-Am series introduced some of the wildest, most extreme race cars of all time.
Following the Can-Am demo we were treated to a real vintage display. Part 2 of the S.F. Edge Trophy. A five lap race for Edwardian racing cars, and Aero-Engined Specials, from the early 20th Century. Here are a few of my snaps …..
And now, back to the future. Here we have a Gordon Murray Automotive T.33 “Mule” supercar
Travelling back in time, just a little, we were treated to a demonstration of Niki Lauda’s McLaren MP4/2B……
And then as time was marching on, at around 17:00, we had the final of the Sidecar Shootout.
Finally, as we were getting ready to leave the circuit for the day, there was much activity on the grid as Goodwood prepared for the Peter Collins Trophy, a twenty minute race for sports racing cars of a type that would have raced between 1948 and 1955.
We didn’t actually see this race get underway as we were heading to the car park, but all in all we had a fabulous day. Once again Goodwood put on a spectacular event.
Thank you to Goodwood
Thank you to all the competitors and demonstration drivers.
Thank you to all the owners who allow these fabulous machines to driven as they were intended.
I’m of an age that I remember some of these vehicles racing, watching them on a Saturday afternoon, in black and white, on the BBC. Certainly I can’t get enough of them and all being well, I will definitely be back for the 82nd Members Meeting in 2025.
RIP Malcolm
I want to take a few moments to mention Malcolm Foster.
Malcolm was a school chum who lived a few doors down the road from where I lived. We used to muck around in the village of Westfield, where we lived.
We went to school together, initially at Westfield’s own primary school, which was just a few minutes’ walk up our road. And then, later, joining the Cooks Coaches’ daily school run to Claverham County Secondary School at Battle.
At the weekends and in school holidays, it was breakfast and out. We would go exploring the countryside for miles around on our bikes. Occasionally, we would ride out to Brede village and its namesake river, with our fishing rods on the hunt for Roach, Perch, and eels. Our parents never knew where we were, and there were no mobile phones back then. No packed lunch, either. We might have scrumped a few apples, and I do remember sitting in a field of Kale chomping down on a few leafy stalks. I dread to think what might have been sprayed on those fields.
My father was the village bobby, and it was normal police practice to change officers’ assignments every couple of years or so. We had moved to Westfield from Lewes, and then sadly, our family had to move away from Westfield.
We didn’t move far, just to Battle. For me, it was just a few minutes’ walk from our new house to Claverham. But it did mean that I didn’t have the daily coach ride with Malcolm, and also, the ripple effect was that there were no after-school or weekend jaunts. So, inevitably, we drifted off into different social groups.
Over the years, we have communicated sporadically, but without the aid of current social media it was difficult.
So, although we didn’t remain close friends, I do have some happy memories.
And, from what I have been reading recently, Malcolm lived a full life with lots of friends.
RIP Malcolm Foster. My thoughts go out to all your friends and family.
Bodiam Castle
Possibly the best view of one of my favourite castles to visit. Despite its state of disrepair I believe it to be quite pretty.
Built around 1385, the Bodiam Castle is now owned by the National Trust.
Sussex Prairie Garden
Yesterday, we met up with my sisters for lunch and culture. This irregular event is something we do as we live about 90 miles apart. We choose a venue around the midpoint between us, meet up for lunch, and have a good old chinwag. Sometimes, like yesterday, we manage to fit in some fresh air and exercise too.
So lunch first. Our chosen meeting point was The Wheatsheaf at Woodmancote, Henfield, where the food was very tasty, with a Brazilian twist. Needless to say, I couldn’t resist the Moqueca, a Brazilian fish and Tiger Prawn stew. It was delicious 😋
Lunch over, we headed, just a few hundred yards along the road to The Sussex Prairie Garden.
In their own words …
We are Britain’s largest “Prairie,” or “Naturalistic,” garden, with eight acres of stunning garden to roam around. Unlike most gardens of a comparable size, we have no castle or stately home! We designed and planted the garden ourselves, on Pauline’s family farm in West Sussex. Instead of armies of servants and gardeners, we planted all 35 000 plants with help of amazing friends and family!
Our garden encourages exploration using a network of small wood chip paths which snake through the huge borders. Come and visit, please do walk on the grass and in the borders! Sussex Prairies-an extraordinary garden created by ordinary people!
On entry, the winding path leads you past “Audrey II” the banana tree, standing guard.
Past a glass encampment. All that was missing was some lighting.
And on to a pair of very friendly pigs. We soon discovered they like their backs scratched
But we were conscious of the many signs informing us that “Pigs Bite”
Moving on we entered the gardens proper where we were presented with this view.
The tea shop was ignored at this time as we set off to explore. Here are a “few” snaps that I took to give you a taste for what this garden offers.
Although there are formal paths and open lawn areas, you are encouraged to go “off-piste” and wander amongst the plants to better enjoy the scents and textures.
Marching Across The Prairie
Throughout the garden, there are many sculptures. Many featuring stained or painted glass.
The changeable weather, sunny then cloudy, meant that they were constantly changing with the light
The beauty of these gardens is the huge variety of colours and scents. Also, the textures of the grasses. Chris, my sister, spent a great deal of time fondling the grasses, commenting on the softness or coarseness.
The gardens are laid out in such a way that, typically, you can’t see everything from a single vantage point.
Rather, you catch glimpses from one area to the next. The paths gently curving, leading from one area to the next.
I don’t know if the kids being at school has any real bearing on things, but it was really peaceful here.
There were times when I was truly on my own. No others in view or earshot.
Just the occasional face peering out between the plants
To be honest, before starting out from home, I was fully prepared to be disappointed. Any doubts I had were soon dispelled. This place is lovely. We actually spent around two and a half hours here, but the time flew by.
So, at almost five o’clock, we slipped into the tea shop to grab cups of tea, ice creams and flapjacks.
Then, sadly, it was time to wend our way home. A lovely day, good food, good company, and an agreement to return to the Sussex Prairie Garden later in the season.
St. Mary’s House
Before all this Covid craziness began, my sisters and I used to get together, two or three times a year. Thursday, a fortnight ago was just such a day. The difference being that this was the first time since mid 2019.
As we live around ninety miles apart our normal routine is to select some historic pile, at roughly the halfway point between our homes.
Most times we will select a location known to us. Not this time. Thursdays choice, St. Mary’s House at Bramber in Sussex, was unknown to any of us. A true mystery house.
St. Mary’s is an historic pilgrim inn (c1450) featuring approximately five acres of beautiful gardens including animal topiary, the ‘Secret’ Garden with original Victorian fruit wall and pineapple pits, a rose garden, King’s Garden, circular English Poetry Garden, Landscape Water Garden and Rural Museum.
Not sure what this curved ladder could have been used for.
The weed on this pond gives the illusion of solidity. I turned down the opportunity to test it out.
This path was not suitable for my wife’s wheelchair.
Weald and Downland Living Museum
I am the eldest of three siblings and have two younger sisters. Years ago, due to job seeking, I moved away from the family home, in Sussex, eventually settling in Hampshire. Only 90 miles or so away, but far enough that our get togethers are irregular at best. We all have busy lives and trying to coordinate a gathering around our diaries is like herding cats. What we tend to do is pick a place of interest, somewhere between our respective homes, then meet up for the day. The main criteria being that there are nice walks in the grounds, interesting stately homes to explore and so forth. Also key is that there is a decent cafe / tea room or pub. Past venues for these family gatherings have been:
- Chartwell – Family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill. Chartwell was the much-loved Churchill family home from 1922 and the place from which Sir Winston drew inspiration until the end of his life
- Nymans – A garden lovers’ home for all seasons, with an extensive yet intimate garden set around a romantic house and ruins. Nymans was a country retreat for the creative Messel family, and has views stretching out across the Sussex Weald
- Wakehurst Place. Part of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, this wild botanic garden on the High Weald of West Sussex has over 500 acres of beautiful ornamental gardens, woodlands and a nature reserve. Wakehurst is also home to the Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild seed conservation project in the world.
- Bodiam Castle – Archetypal 14th century moated castle with ruined interior – a glimpse of medieval splendour. Set in the heart of an historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th century Bodiam Castle is one of Britain’s most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments.
And so we come to our latest gathering.
The venue of choice on this occasion was The Weald and Downland Living Museum. In their own words
Come and discover rescued rural homes and buildings set in a beautiful landscape, which tell the stories of the people who lived and worked in them over 1,000 years.
Enjoy our family friendly 40-acre site and visit our collection of historic buildings – we have more than 50 to explore from a replica Anglo-Saxon hall house to an Edwardian tin tabernacle church. There is a regular programme of demonstrations, including milling in our 17th century watermill; cooking in our Tudor kitchen; blacksmithing in our Victorian smithy; plus seasonal demonstrations. Take a walk in the woods, bring the dog (we are dog-friendly), visit our waterside café (also dog-friendly) or enjoy your own picnic.
As is our normal practice, we met in the cafe, and set about orienting ourselves while downing a cuppa.
The nice thing about this location, is the fact that it is constantly growing. Gerry and I have visited on several previous occasions and it is always different, there is always something new.
A prime example of the new is the dairy building below. Still under construction / restoration, this building dates from c1807 and originates from Eastwick Park, Surrey.
Dairy – Eastwick Park, Surrey
Dairy – Eastwick Park, Surrey
As stated above, there are over 40 acres of grounds with buildings spread all over. From my memory, one of the earliest buildings that we have visited is the mill.
Lurgashall Watermill – Hands on demonstration. One hours hand grinding would produce enough flour for a single loaf.
Lurgashall Watermill
Lurgashall Watermill – Power source
Lurgashall Watermill – Spares ?
Lurgashall Watermill – The power from the wheel goes here.
The Weald and Downland Museum regularly appears on TV and there is a current series being broadcast. As they were filming something for that series part of the site was off-limits. Didn’t stop me taking a couple of pictures though.
Court Barn from Lee-on-Solent
Filming inside Wiston Wagon Shed
My grandfather worked the land, using horses, in the county of Sussex around Lancing, Worthing and Sompting. It is entirely possible that he may have visited this Victorian Smithy, from Southwater, during his working years.
Victorian Smithy from Southwater
Victorian Smithy from Southwater
Victorian Smithy from Southwater
Victorian Smithy from Southwater
We should consider ourselves very lucky, with all the technology and heavy machinery at our disposal. Back in the day things were very different, the work hard and often back-breaking. For example, does anyone fancy working a saw-pit ?
At least the workers would have had shelter from the rain or sun. The building here is 19th century and provided cover over a permanent saw-pit on the Sheffield Park estate.
Some of the hard labour was delegated to animals. Here is an example of a 19th century “horse-gin” from Patching, Sussex.
“gin” appears to be a contraction of the word “engine”. Such devices were used to drive threshers or churns, but could also be used to pump water or raise coal or miners from mines. The example below was used to mix the “pug” for making bricks.
Not all the buildings here are industrial or agricultural. After all that physical labour the spiritual needs of the workers would have to be catered for.
South Wonston Church – Built 1908, 30 feet long by 15 feet wide
South Wonston Church – Built 1908, 30 feet long by 15 feet wide
Many trades are reflected in the various buildings here, plumbing ….
Newick Plumbers Workshop
Newick Plumbers Workshop
shop-keeping ….
Also on display are a number of residential buildings. The following pictures are of Whittakers Cottages, built in Ashtead during the mid 1860s.
Whittakers Cottages – Bedroom
Whittakers Cottages – Privvy
Whittakers Cottages – Bedroom
Whittakers Cottages – Bedroom
Whittakers Cottages
Whittakers Cottages – Privvy
Also on display are various wagons, animal boxes and so forth….
Sussex Wagon
Cattle Transporter built 1911
Dorset Wagon c1848
Timber “Bob” – Used to haul large logs
This house was removed and resurrected from Walderton, Sussex. The flint and brick exterior date from early to mid 17th century. However, the insides are what remains of a medieval timber-framed building.
17c House from Walderton, Sussex
Garden of 17c House from Walderton, Sussex
Garden 17c House from Walderton, Sussex
17c House from Walderton, Sussex
Below is a 19th century Stable from West Wittering, currently be used as a Potting Shed …
Potting shed contents
19th Century Stable from West Wittering. Now being used as a potting shed
Potting shed contents
The following building was originally a cart shed but it was converted into a schoolhouse.
School c1851 – West Wittering
School c1851 – West Wittering
For some years up to 1851 it was used as a school for “six poor children from the parish of West Wittering”.
The museum is also home for a number of animals including horses, oxen, chickens and ducks.
This is the proud Percheron mother of a foal, just two and a half weeks old.
By the time we arrived at the foals enclosure a storm was moving in. Thunder rumbling and lightening flashing. The foal didn’t seem to be fazed by the noise but mum was obviously aware. When the rain started, the foal was frolicking around, galloping and leaping in the air. Considering that the foal had never experienced rain this was a joyful moment.
With the rain looking like it was in for the remainder of the day we headed along the high path back to the cafe. We were presented with the following views through the rain …
Back at the cafe we had a nice cuppa and a slice of flapjack before saying our good-byes and heading home.
It was a good day and I for one am looking forward to the next visit.
The Bluebell Line
Continuing a theme of stepping back in time, today’s post is about the Bluebell Railway which runs between East Grinstead & Sheffield Park in East Sussex.
This was another “wrinklies” trip, organised by the IBM Retired Employees Club. And what a fine day out it was.
A coach trip through some of the finest countryside that Hampshire and Sussex have to offer. You see so much more from the high vantage point that a coach provides. Seeing much that is missed, hidden behind hedgerows when sitting in a car.
On arrival at Sheffield Park, we had time to wander the station, the gift shop and cafe.
Over to the right you can just make out a brown locomotive. This is the Fenchurch, the oldest engine on the Bluebell Line.
Bluebell Line – Fenchurch footplate
Bluebell Line – Fenchurch
Bluebell Line – Fenchurch
Fenchurch was built in 1872 for the London Brighton and South Coast Railway.
It was sold in 1898 to the Newhaven Harbour Company where it worked for many years. It finished its working life on the Hayling Island branch where the light weight, at 28 tons, was valuable due to the limits on the bridge over the estuary.
Whilst wandering the platforms, browsing the souvenir shop and raiding the restaurant for some chilled water, our train arrived.
The walls of the station buildings are adorned with the advertising posters of yesteryear, many stirring quite strong memories.
Back when there were 240 pennies to the pound !!!
Bluebell Line – Sheffield Park – Engine 847
Bluebell Line – Sheffield Park – Engine 847
Bluebell Line – Sheffield Park – Engine 847
Before we could board, the existing passengers had to disembark, and then the engine had to be moved from the one end of the train to the other.
Heading up to the front of the train
Bluebell Line – Sheffield Park – “All change”, end of the line.
Heading up to the front of the train
Switching the points
Disconnected from the train, reversing down to the points, to change lines.
While the engine swapped ends the carriage for our group was also being prepared for our luncheon. We were to enjoy a ploughman’s lunch and fresh brewed tea.
Carriage with destination board listing the stations on our journey
Time to take on some water. Hauling trains is thirsty work for our steam engine.
Once our engine was re-attached to our train there was just time for a few more shots before boarding.
Engineering or Art ?
Each piece marked for this specific locomotive
The footplate for our engine is a bit more complicated that that of Fenchurch
Steaming
And then we were off. Not the smooth running of todays diesel/electric trains. Rather a gentle pulsing which comes from the steam-driven pistons driving our locomotives wheels. Then there was the aroma, coal fire mixed with steam. Once experienced, never forgotten.
The line passes through some beautiful countryside. We saw cows, sheep, quite a few pheasants. I even saw, what I assumed was an owl box, shaped like the gable end of barn, mounted in a tree close by the railway.
We were sat across our table from a nice couple of gents with whom we nattered about all manner of subjects. We all enjoyed our ploughman’s lunch although perhaps it would have been more appropriate to have had an engine drivers breakfast. Bacon, sausage, eggs and toast cooked on a shovel in the firebox. But I guess that would have been too much to ask for. Even the tea could have made using steam from the boiler.
Ah well, perhaps another time. All too soon our journey was over and we all left the train and headed back to our coach for the drive home.
And finally, when we had a nationalised railway system, we all moaned and wished we could go back to the days of the independent and local railway companies. Now we have a national rail network with franchised companies running the trains. With the current, recurring railway network chaos headlining our newspapers and television news, it seems we are all wishing we had our old nationalised system under British Railways ……
WrAnTz 