Men in short supply at the memorial

There is an obvious shortage of men apart from those in the uniforms of the Fire Service and the Home Guard.

The ordinary Mr Man would already be in the fighting services. Most of the small crowd are women and children.

The prams are interesting; much economy here. The one on the left would be classified as 'utility', the centre one probably a pre-war hand-me-down.

Then there is the girl with a very nice little bicycle at the right. It has mudguards, a carrier at the back and a sensible design for girls '“ no cross-bar.

Remembrance Day in 2005 saw the monument at its new location at the memorial garden or green, a vast improvement, but what more to the background of this photo?

There is a shop, a confectioners and tobacconists. How well I remember that window when I was a youngster.

On sale was a model steamboat. I had no reason for it being there and I certainly couldn't understand the choice of name for this vessel '“ Reading.

That was something you had to do at school. Later, as knowledge enlarged, I realised that the name referred to the large town in Berkshire and the boat was in fact a tin full of Huntley and Palmers biscuits which were manufactured in that very town '“ what an anti-climax!

Mind you, I would have liked the craft even without the biscuits, but no such luck.

As I recollect, the shop was a carpet store until its closure in the early 1990s.

To the right of the shop doorway is yet another door and on it is what in fact was a copper nameplate on which was imprinted 'St Veronica's School'.

Some years ago I was kindly given this. It remains in my hallway until I find time to put some large photos together and make a display for the museum.

It was a private school, mainly I believe for girls, but as with the convent, little boys could be accepted.

I have a copy of the prospectus, which now confirms this '“ 'St Veronica's School for Girls, with Preparatory Class for Boys and Kindergarten. Principals Miss Kingston Rudd, Miss Josephine Woodrow and Mrs Pomeroy'.

I have a photo of two of these pictured on the breakwater, plus a group of girls with their Bluebird hat badges outside of the school.

1922-23 saw you faced with a term fee of 2 12 shillings and sixpence if you were over 10 years of age, plus three shillings a term for textbooks. Oh, to be a Bluebird in those balmy days!

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