Gala day for Nellie and her queen

Such was the occasion in the 1980s when a lady from Hove made herself known to me at the old seafront home of our historical society.

Not only had she much to tell me, but she had a well kept local newspaper of the big event which occurred on the Bank Holiday Monday of August 3, 1936 when it seems Newhaven invested in choosing a gala queen '“ what a sensation this must have caused.

My informant explained the photos and the lengthy account of Newhaven's awakening.

I knew of her as Miss 'Nellie' E Breden and that she worked in Gordons' little florist shop on the corner of Meeching Road and High Street, now a travel agent.

Later, I have felt it to have been more of a caf and I associate it with the place where a party was held after the end of World War II, for children whose fathers had been lost in that conflict.

This ties in with my recollections of Mr and Mrs Gordon, he with just one arm, always involved with matters to do with war and the fighting services. Having one arm somehow suggested injury in the Great War.

I left Newhaven in spring 1937, but had for a few years been employed in the High Street and of course had noted Nellie going about her business.

It was no surprise to learn that she had been chosen as a maid of honour, although I had no recollection of the event.

Needless to say the article had to be photographed and this features as our main picture.

It was taken on the steps of the then urban district council offices, now Lewes District Council's office. Rear, left to right: Mr W Bussey (chairman of Newhaven urban District Council) and Mr E Bennet, secretary of the gala day committee. Bottom row, from left: maids of honour Mrs H Dunstall and Miss (Nellie) Breden, the gala queen Mrs W Gerrard, the two little attendants, Pat Eacott and Audrey Lower, and the lady right, with the swish hat, Miss Winifred Lewis, a well known lady journalist and judge for this auspicious occasion!

Now to picture No 2, a tinted postcard from the Arrow series.

According to a small pencil notice, someone paid 2.50 to purchase this from some recent dealer, within probably the last 10 years.

It does portray a pleasing shot of the French passenger steamer Tamise leaving Newhaven on a typical quiet and peaceful day, but believe it or not, there is life '“ two figures on the sand beach and at least six around the two six inch guns on the Fort top.

Before WWII there were no concrete shelters about them, this was an addition during the 1939 conflict.

Perhaps air attack had more significance during the latter.

The steps to the sand beach can just be seen '“ note the seaweed tidal line, yet behind the steamer it is not visible.

This difference is no doubt the work of the card artist, to make the steamer's silhouette clearer to the eye, yet the white fo'csle head has been darkened.

The French partners introduced their own vessels to the service with three near sisters; first the Seine of 1891, 918 tons, speed 20 knots, fastest crossing 3 hours 10 minutes in 1891, upper deck aft different from the following two sisters.

The Tamise, this picture of 1893, was 965 tons with a speed of 21 knots. Best crossing time 3 hours 3 minutes, in November 1893.

The last of these three pace-setters, and remember this was pre-turbine days, was the Manche of 1897, speed 21 knots, best crossing 2 hours 59 minutes. I imagine a very hot hand around that pocket watch!

The Manche could be distinguished by a very large and polished whistle to the port of the normal position. All three had rather large funnels with black naval tops, not seen on any others of our joint fleet. They served well.

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. Winter opening hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 2-5pm or by arrangement. Admission 1 (accompanied children free). Contact the curator on 01273 514760. Log on to the website at www.newhavenmuseum.co.uk