Sad mum's message to a son far away

The first picture, a VJ Day street party, was taken in Chapel Street south from the present health centre, actually outside the chapel more recently connected with the Sea Cadets.

My only connection with this place was to go from there on a Sunday School outing to Burgess Hill in about 1928. The journey was made by train, of course.

How well I remember that occasion, the steam express trains roaring through the then small station at Burgess Hill. Yes, we had our impressive boat trains at Newhaven but they were always slowing down for arrival or struggling to move away with such a heavy load.

Often our continental express trains were double headed but that didn't alter my envy of the boys of Burgess Hill who could so easily witness these roaring expresses on any day they wished.

Maybe I'm biased, but let's face it, any means of transport other than steam is rather tame '“ those great moving parts, the hissing steam, the black smoke when the fireman disturbs the belching furnace, somehow it signifies man's power to harness such a creature.

I feel I have digressed somewhat. The building in the photo is not very clear, but hopefully many of you might recognise yourselves and have a better understanding now of what it was all about.

One person present never likely to be forgotten, is at the right side in a white coat, wearing what looks like a lady's fur hat. Yes, Del White, the Chapel Street barber and one who always seemed to be involved with carnivals and stage shows.

What I found so poignant was the message on the reverse of the card, from a mother to her son: 'Dear Harry, this is a photo of the tea party which took place in our street for VJ Victory. I do hope to hear from you and to know if you are well. You know that I am always thinking of you. All my love to you, ever your loving Mother.'

The photo card may have been in a parcel she was sending. Perhaps her son was a seaman and was still overseas. Everybody couldn't just come home because peace had come to one theatre of war.

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