Sailing hero in search of a good night's sleep

The only comment accompanying it was, 'Thought this photo could be of interest next time Daphne Brightwell visits the museum!'

No doubt it would, but I have no idea if in fact she has been around of late.

The surname will no doubt ring bells with those who remember the little factory in Railway Road (and others) and the word 'Dispensers'.

But the important content of the picture is of a very different matter.

With no exceptions, all faces are looking in one direction and most with pleasing smiles. Cars on the harbour side and still more people looking the one way. Even a crew member of the RAF launch (not I would think a rescue boat) finds the subject of interest.

So why are so many cameras in this state of alert?

The date is July 3, 1967 and I recollect a white yacht coming up the harbour and turning into our Cresta Marina.

Someone must have tipped me off, for soon I was going along one of the pontoons to join the cause.

Yes, I got my snap of a gentleman in a fine form of baseball cap.

Soon, an increasing crowd made the pontoon unsafe and wisely the spectators were requested to leave. So did the yacht, with Francis Chichester, his wife and one or two crew on the famous Gipsy Moth.

Yes, the lone sailor who had circumnavigated the world was on his way to Greenwich to be knighted by the Queen.

No doubt he had been a crowd puller before reaching Newhaven, but little doubt he would appreciate a good night's sleep leading up to his big day. Arrangements were made for him to take his boat across to the Railway Quay where he could moor alongside the dredger Testside and not have to bother about long ropes and tide levels.

He sailed next morning giving special thanks for a quiet night's sleep.

So what of our boatload of admirers? Here are the names from left to right as given to me '“ near Master Brightwell; Jack Bray; ?; Nigel Bray; Ian Short; Jack Bray Snr rear; Peter Wilson front; Sally (or Solly) Flowers; Mr Haigh with pipe; Lady?; two boys in front?; little boy?; Miss Brightwell standing; a son of Sid Cloke (with camera); ?; Customs officer with camera; Patricia Bray, near; rear ?

The clinker-built boat looks interesting. It had probably seen better days, but this sort of craft at this time would take our fishing parties. Now in the glass fibre and plastic age, I think greater comfort is expected!

Solly Flowers was, I imagine, the owner, but he is better remembered in later years as the mate of our revered harbour tug, the Meeching, which incidentally can be sighted on the Thames in London.

Her position here had been unique, for the port had been owned latterly by British Rail, including the tug, whereas elsewhere they used ports and their services and paid accordingly.

Last thought about the photo '“ Fort Road was an attractive welcome to our little harbour town.

Photo No 2. Mrs Martha Howey at the Transport Memorial at its second location outside the Missions to Seamen Chapel, now the Mencap Hall on the west bank.

This is a monument of remembrance to the crews lost during the First World War, transporting stores and munitions across to the Western Front.

On November 11, 1964 Mrs Howey is seen about to place a cross of blue, white and red flowers, three colours of the French flag, in memory of sailors of that country lost in that service.

I had not returned to Newhaven at the time this lady and her husband created much interest locally and previously in France. I welcome any information, please. It seems there is much to be recorded.

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.

Summer opening hours are daily, 2-4pm or by arrangement. Admission 1 (accompanied children free). Contact the curator on 01273 514760. Log on to the website at www.newhaven

museum.co.uk