Bypassing the stormy seas

Traffic travelling east from Newhaven had to turn right into Marine Parade, past the Buckle Inn and along the seafront to get into town.

This was OK, of course, until there was a high tide and rough weather. Seaford was notorious for its rough seas and before the false beach and sea defences were installed the sea would crash against the sea wall and splash over the road in a massive mixture of foam and shingle. When I was a youngster my father would pack my brother and I into the car on rough days and take us to the seafront at Seaford to watch this spectacle. The car would sometimes be soaked in sea water and shingle would rattle against the windows. This was a frightening experience for a young boy, but exciting nevertheless.

In poor weather the seafront road became so dangerous that the police had to frequently close it. This meant that a complicated route of detours had to be taken for through traffic between Newhaven and Eastbourne. Even the old, slow Southdown double-decker buses had to turn left up Hill Rise and then left again into Grand Avenue. Despite its name, Grand Avenue is now nothing more than a country lane but on days when the seafront was closed it became a busy two-way thoroughfare. Traffic then went down and then up the other side of Valley Dip '“ then of course open countryside '“ and on into Firle Road.

The answer to all these problems was cutting a road through Hawth Hill. This feat of engineering was started in 1962 with much of the tons and tons of chalk being relocated down into the Valley Dip. The road through the cutting was opened in 1964 and no longer would traffic have to face the perils of the sea or a torturous route through the back streets of the town.

Once again I am indebted to Bishopstone historian Philip Pople for the use of this photo which was taken by his grandfather. It shows Hawth Hill just prior to the construction of the bypass in June 1962. The photo was taken from Marine Road on Rookery Hill and in the centre of the photograph is the thatched estate office of the Seaford building firm Bravery & Son. A few houses on Hill Rise can be seen on the left.

This weekend sees two family events; tomorrow (Saturday) is the Bishopstone church fete on the village green. This is always a jolly affair and well worth a visit. There is music, teas in the old school hall and plenty of stalls and entertainments and even a dog show to keep both adults and children happy. The fun starts at 12.30pm with a ploughman's lunch available.

The following day (Sunday) why not go to the Martello Tower on the seafront where there is a market day, again, with craft stalls and entertainments. If you live in Seaford you can visit the museum archives where a member of staff will be on hand to show you information about your road - and maybe even details of your house! The museum is run entirely by volunteers and needs your support. There is an interesting exhibition about 'Seaford as a Resort' and, of course, the ever popular working model railway showing Seaford station as it was in the 1920s. The event opens at 11am with Newhaven Marching Band and the museum will be open until 4.30pm.

If you are attending either of these events make sure to add some travelling time due to those roadworks!

KEVIN GORDON