Introduction.
Being associated with William the Conqueror in 1066, a Cinque Port in the 11th century, with Roman Fort and Norman Castle, Pevensey is steeped in history all of which is well documented. There are also many fine publications subject to this area well worth seeking out to digest.
This book however is not of its early history but of times, tribulations, escapades and fond memories of just some of those families, relations and friends who have together by their presence here contributed much in keeping this unique area, whilst upholding its proud traditions and values, a reminder and challenge to all those souls who follow in their footsteps, and to ensure that they too uphold those traditions. For if they forsake the endeavors of our past, generations will be lost forever.
Colin J Huggett
October 2004
Foreward
I am very pleased and privileged to be invited to write this forward to Colin's latest book.
Like Colin I spent my first 34 years (including the war years 1939-45) in the area about which he has written, and have many memories of the area. Not least my school days at Pevensey school, when it was not unusual to seek shelter in people's houses while walking to school because bombs, or later "doodle bugs" were falling close too. This book dose not attempt to record the history of the area as generally percived, but the recent history and the people of the area that is often overlooked by the many conventional books on the area. The inclusion of the photographs brings it all to life Colin has here used many local expressions and sayings that may not be familiar to those not brought up here in this period. I believe it is interesting, even important, to keep these expressions alive. This is the sort of thing that brings character to an area.
I belive it will make fascinating reading, not only to locals, but also to the wider public who will gain an insite into village life in Sussex 60 or 70 years ago.
To locals like me it brings back many childhood memories of activities and people of the time. The portrait of Horace Field being especially evocative, a real character. I was lucky that when I left Rattle road to live in nearby Hailsham, I was offered a job working for one of the families mentioned in this book, the Winwoods at Stone Cross.
My father having worked there for some years, I worked there for over 20 years and still regard it as the most worthwhile job I have had, and also the one that I have enjoyed the most. It was while working there that I became re-acquainted with Cloin, although I had actually known him since nineteen forty-something.
I hope and belive that this book will give pleasure to all who read it, and that maybe they will learn something from it. I wish Colin success with his latest venture.
Peter Brook
Pevensey Castle Photo Sandy Donald
The Church of St Nicholas Westham built between 1200 to 1216
Looker Horace Field
William "Bill" Costick M.M .Bill and Rose Costick moved into their then new Bridge End house in 1920, uncle Bill having served in the Army and awarded the M.M.