Moore family gather for unique event

They were standing on the site from which the family firm operated a fishing and pleasure boat fleet for more than 50 years.

A significant piece of Bexhill history was commemorated when Town Mayor Cllr Paul Lendon, who leads town history walks, unveiled a plaque marking the contribution made to the town by A.G. Moore and Sons.

For David Moore, last Thursday's ceremony was the climax of a year's painstaking research which took him not only through the family archives but those at Lewes record office.

From 1906 to 1960 Dave's grandfather, Albert Moore, his father, uncles and cousins ran a fleet of boats which supplied Bexhill.

The bronze plaque has been set into the promenade next to the firm's "frapping point", the anchorage from which the boats were winched up the beach and on to the promenade in bad weather.

For years the huge iron ring had been hidden by a cast metal cover. Now a thick glass plate gives passers-by a glimpse of Bexhill's past. Before the flag of St George was removed from the plaque by Dave Moore and his first cousin, Albert, the Town Mayor recounted how the firm's founder had walked daily from Hooe to work on Bexhill's beach defences.

He had bought a boat and augmented his income by fishing. As his family grew, he bought more boats - and named them after family members.

The firm not only supplied Bexhill with fish but in the years of peace gave enjoyment to residents and holidaymakers alike with pleasure trips.

The family maintained their supply of fishing despite the dangers of two world wars - feeding not only the town's civilian population but the many troops billetted in Bexhill.

The plaque was blessed by the Rev Olivia Werrett.

The large group of family and friends gathered on the promenade joined in prayer not only in recognition of the hard work, dedication and courage shown by a previous generation but for the physical safety and spiritual welfare of those who still put to sea to fish.

The Moore family's contribution to Bexhill's past is commemorated in a museum exhibition featuring archive photographs and a painting by Colin Tapp depicting the between-the-wars beach scene.

Museum curator Julian Porter and Rother chief executive Derek Stevens, who is also clerk to Bexhill's Charter Trustees, were among guests at the ceremony which concluded with clarinet solos by Terry Giles of Creole Jazz.