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In this web site you will find information on:
The author (Colin J Huggett)
Colin Huggett was borne in the village of Hankham on the edge of Pevensey Marshes; spending the majority of his life working as an agricultural engineer serving local farms, as well as some further afield.
His roots are well entrenched within the area and his concern for its wildlife is widely known.
Colin has taken part in Souther Televisions (now Meridian) "County Ways" program with Jim Flegg, and the B.B.Cs Natural History Series "Nature Detectives" , concerning the Fen Ratf Spider on Pevensey Levels. He has also been part of English Nature Wildlife Enhancement Scheme, including discussions on B.B.Cs Radio 4s "Costing the Earth".
His book "A Place in time" reveals only a part of the lives of those local people who contributed so much to a wonderful way of life and stood firm during those dark days of 1939/45 and beyond.
The books contents
A few of the photos that are featured in the books
Scroll down for photos from A Place in time
Also information and photos from another book of Colin's (Great Harvests with Bolinder-Munktell).
After his many years as an agricultural engineer the author writes of the origin and conclusion of one of Sweden's most successful companies "Bolinder-Munktell".
Combine harvesters were to become a great part of his life, especially those machines built by the B.M. company.
The book reveals their progress from the early pioneering days of the threshing machine, to the last combine harvester imported into the U.K. in 1982.
Its pages, some 218 in total are packed full of information which engineers and enthusiasts alike will find invaluable. The majority of the photographs being published for the first time. Phone Colin to purchase 01323762375 or E-Mail. Price £21.00 plus P&P.
Click on Great Harvests for more detail
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And ( Under the Eagle ) Colin's latest book is now finished and is available at £ 11.99
book front
Click on Under the Eagle for more detail
The road from "Pevensey" to "Dittons" is but a short journey and over the years many wonderful characters have firmly entrenched their mark upon the land they loved.
This account I hope will enlighten the reader as to what life was like "Under the Eagle" in years gone by.
Colin's book (Waters Edge ) concentrates on the sea shore and the events that transpired, the area of detail being from Cooden to Beachy Head and includes stories of just a sprinkling of characters who have by their presence here made the area into such a remarkable place.
It is available now, priced at £ 9.99.
Click on waters edge
Book Front
Lookers cottage Pevensey Marshes Photo Sandy Donald B J Harts van
Junction of Hankham road and Hailsham road
Furguson tractor working hard
One of my favourite photos of the Dog Houses1910 vintage, the reason being it shows so much detail. The finger post the green we played on, the blackberry bushes and fence. The small chimney is now gone.
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Samuel and Ester Cosstick in Pevensey Bay
David and Elizabeth Barnes at the Doghouses Hankham East Sussex.
Home guard at Jubilee Cottage
Reg Prangnell & son Rowland at work on Southern Queen
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Bert (6ft) Winter rides the lead horse binding at Montague farm.
Colin Huggett on the right with the late Fred Dibnah
Wallis and Stevens 1918
John Barnes on the engine at their yard in Bodle Street. The road gravel crunched under the weight of those huge cast iron wheels as Fred brought the outfit to a halt outside the farm gate. Wipeing his hands on a well used rag, climbed down to talk to the farmer and decide which ricks would be the first and then each in its turn. The drum, elevator and straw trusser were hauled into the rickyard and set up, it was no easy task but Fred made it look simple. Then with the drum levelld up and the engine in belt line all was now ready for the following morning. The checking once again Fred stood up on the smoke box to place a cap over the chimney for the night. It was then that one could stand in awe and gaze as the now silent engine cooled down, the little gobules of water and oil sizzled as they ran down over the boiler lagging then with the pressre gauge at zero all became calm. Very early next morning found Fred lighting up the boiler and getting the coal on board whilst some of the land girls started to remove the hatch from the ricks and take off the sailcloth covering the drum. As the rest of the gang arrived, usually eight or ten in total the roll of wire netting was erected around the whole site so that a little terrier could catch all the rats. Someone local who allways appeared right on time owned him.
Now all was in place. The with a glance at the guage and site glass Fred gently tapped the throttle and slowly the flywheel started to turn. Another tap of the throttle and every belt and pulley came to life then with the drum at the correct speed a small blast of the whisle the first of the sheavs were pitched into the drum, another day had begun.
This is a small part of the story from "They served us well"
The so called need to build more homes in Southern England can only lead to the destruction of many of those secret little places of solitude once shared by those who dwelt here.
The darkness of the night over the marshes; once offering security to its wildlife is no more as the orange glow of a thousand lights tighten their grip on the now diminishing habitat, causing many of its creatures to seek the tranquility they so desperately require elsewhere.
The contents and stories of this book are written as if one was walking its quiet lane's in more peaceable times, when such communities shared what they had with their neighbors; expecting no payment and I am indeed honored to have been part of one such place.
Now as the 21st Century gathers pace sweeping away many of the values taught and adhered to in the proceeding years; the reader too will feel part of one such place.
A Place in time.
Copyright © 2010 Sandy Donald