You need to peer closely at this one ...

What a relaxed set up it all is, even the abandoned pushchair has almost made it to the water's edge '“ well that's where the youngsters need to be on a warm summer's day.

I cannot imagine one of today's luxury models making it over all the obstacles that faced the Eastsiders to get to their foreshore, let alone drag a heavy object over a shingle beach.

But there was, and still is, a reward for this trial, a welcome sandy beach, at least when the tide is far enough out.

Let's face it, where were the horse doctor's patients exercised at this period? Galloping through the shallows between the East Pier and Tide Mills, where of course they were stabled for their sea water treatment.

Perhaps it's time to explain the oddity about this picture. You are, in fact, looking at the mixture of two piers.

To the right of the two men leaning over the railings, in the sky will be seen two black dots, with above what is in fact a red flag flying from a north-easterly direction.

These are all being supported from a tall flagstaff on the promenade on the west side of the harbour (long gone). The position of these two black balls would denote the state of the tide, which was important information for shipping with no ship to shore radio.

They were not globes as such, but were two framed circles of very thick canvas crossed in such a way that from any angle they appeared to be balls, but of a light but strong construction to withstand strong winds without a great weight.

At this time they were black, but later were painted a red lead paint colour. They can still be seen hanging from the high ceiling of our museum at Paradise Park, together with the old storm cone from the same source. This strong, black treated canvas, flown from the same mast, gave warning of impending gales.

Point upwards, expect strong winds from the north, point down, expect from the south, that was your weather forecast! Imagine the need for this in the days of sail, especially.

So apart from the two spectators leaning over the rails all has been on the West Pier or foreshore and so it continues. The lighthouse is at the sea end of the West Pier, which is just visible through the square spaces in the near East Pier.

That attractive lighthouse was erected there in the early 1880s at the time of the new harbour works, which included the new East Quay and our wonderful though now sad breakwater and promenade.

By the 1970s the foundations of the West Pier gave way and it was necessary to demolish the lighthouse, at one time the challenge point for all shipping in and out of the harbour.

The top of the edifice was first removed and the rest blown up by explosives. After years of standing around on Railway Quay and suffering damage it was purchased by the museum, then at the seafront.

There was no place it could be kept in safety. We were pleased when Paradise Park offered to purchase and restore it. Positioned in the main rear gardens in an elevated position, it is worth a visit.

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