Now & Then: Andy Garth

Unusual sea views

I’ve been given a page this week so as it’s hot and the seafront is busier than ever, I thought I would share some unusual photos from my collection.
The first is of what looks like a workman having a rest while working on possibly Sussex Heights with a view down to Regency Square and along the coast.
Not sure I could do that as it’s a long way down and today’s health and safety officers might have something to say about it!

The photo below (right) is of three Brighton Lifeguards from the early 1960s, and as with today’s lifeguards they look fit and raring to go, although slightly overdressed with their trendy slacks on. They are sitting in a Brighton Corporation boat which probably weighed a ton and took ages to drag down the beach, but I’m sure they did a great job just like today’s seafront patrol. (PS I would love to drive the buggy across the beach as it looks awesome).

It must have been a constant task with the ever-changing weather and the sea salt to keep up the appearance of these areas

The photo directly below is a reminder of how manicured the seafront used to be with an army of corporation gardeners making the areas to the east and – as in the picture – the west of the West Pier look fantastic.

It must have been a constant task with the ever-changing weather and the sea salt to keep up the appearance of these areas, and it seems a shame that more greenery can’t be present along that strip – especially now the BA i360 is a draw to visitors – as it would be nice to have some colour rather than concrete!

Next week I will be talking about the next auction of Brighton, Hove and Sussex items which is in September. Robert Jeeves of Step Back in Time and me of Brighton And Hove Stuff have collated another sale in excess of 200 lots, ranging from old brass plaques to postcards to books and photos – some not ever been seen before.

If you have anything you would like to show me at the shop that you might think has some value, please email me.

Brightonandhovestuff@gmail.com

Or pop in the shop at 28 Western Road, Hove