Busy little loco's life as a workhorse

The prominent spire to the left of centre is that of Christ Church, replaced with today's police station.

Over the sheds to the right would be the grass lawned area now hosting the three war memorials, so in effect the camera is in the middle of a very busy ring road today, far more dangerous than a threat from the little tank loco.

As has been said many times before, this class was small and light enough to venture around areas of Newhaven where more powerful engines would have been forbidden.

Almost to The Buckle at Seaford or to the far end of the breakwater you might see the little Terriers as they were called (or even Rooters). The one which spent much of her life here was, of course, the Fenchurch,purchased by the Newhaven Harbour Company from the railway company, which was basically the same concern.

This little loco was an early resident at the Bluebell Railway, arriving there, as I recollect, before the severance from the main line.

She has been well restored over recent years and now boasts an attractive chocolate livery.

I suppose she is best remembered by the picture of her approaching the level crossing, having just left the swing bridge, with Harry Avis performing his duty when on the highway, of walking ahead with his red flag and handbell.

A railway employee, he was at one time a town councillor and yes, the road and all the connections were named after him!

Back to the photo . . . the area included was known as The Works. There was always quite a lot of maintenance going on at the west side of the harbour and this was the base area for equipment and materials.

The track ran parallel with the harbour passing behind the Ark Inn, tarpaulin works, bonded warehouse and all the other smaller concerns, including Cantell's boat building yard. It then had to be diverted all around Sleepers Hole (marina) when that was opened to the river circa 1900.

In the picture at the left is a small wooden lighthouse; its origin is a little uncertain.

In early photos a tall lighthouse appears opposite the Hope Inn, a fixture, yet our little spare appears on the original west pier, on the site of the tall one, then against the original lifeboat house and finally being used as a hut as seen in our picture.

It was given to Tideway School where it marked the entrance for many years. It was old, wooden and became a danger and was only recently removed.

To conclude this picture, the old wooden gates are open, steam is present and the tram is about to head for the bridge, pass Denton Terrace and the Railway Hotel and bend left where now Fanny Lu Lu's transport caf is and join the main line north of the present level crossing.

The coming of the fly-over certainly changed the local geography!

PETER BAILEY

Peter Bailey is curator of the Newhaven Local and Maritime Museum based in its own fascinating premises in the grounds of Paradise Park in Avis Road, Newhaven. Summer opening hours are daily, 2-4pm or by arrangement. Admission 1 (accompanied children free). Contact the curator on 01273 514760. Log on to the website at www.newhavenmuseum.co.uk