Alf and Puff with a fine SturgeonColin'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.
Foreword
I have known Colin for many years and of his interest in the local story, local folk and recording the tales and the changes.
There are mixed views about the Sussex Coast between Beachy Head and Cooden, but if you have fallen under it's spell, the magnificent cliffs, it's lonely corners and it's own little secrets, complete with their varying customs and ways, present a solid picture.
Above all, it is a story about people, the fishermen, the farmers and many others who walk with thier memories, including wartime experiencies.
A local community explain how we reached where we are today and might even adress a few mistakes, and is part of the larger picture which makes up our country's history. It is only after reading his latest book that you realise the fullness of what lies at the "Waters Edge".
John Surtees.
Introduction.
Compiling this book has given me tremendous pleasure. Seeking out old friends and relations and sharing our reminisces of days now long gone. It was indeed wonderful to perceive that each and every one of us held the same idealism on our past history. We helped one another, not stole from them, and rose to our feet when the National Anthem was played and respected the laws of the land. Sadly now our grandchildren are no longer taught of the great achievements of our forefathers or of the millions who gave their lives in two great wars that they may live in relative peace. But of the future, only a fool would foretell.
C J Huggett Sept 2003.
Alf and Puff with a fine Sturgeon
Sunderland Flying boat D-Dog June 4th 1955 at Eastbourne.
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R.N.L.B Jane Holland with damage and bullet holes. Today some sixty years after the raid on Gilseenkirchen and the ditching of Lancaster ED 475 in Normans Bay
the engine brought to the waters edge by Alf Cave and his team now stands at the entrance to a yard near Hailsham.
Photo Sandy Donald
Lifeboat "Jane Holland" did not return from Dunkirk and was
presumed lost, but two days later she was found abandoned floating
in the channel, and was towed into Dover.
Upon her arrival she was found to have sustained substantial damage,
a large gash in her starboard side and some 500 bullet holes were also found.
Also the fore-end buoyancy box was crumpled. However it was not the end
of this fine old lady for some ten months later after the completion of
repairs she proudly sailed back to her station there to serve until her last
launch on November 26th 1948.
Well alight, the Aghios Georgios 11 drifts closer to the shore.