Firefighter Freddie's link with the Ark

So here they are, somewhat older with probably some changes, outside the council offices in Fort Road, the engine's 'house' just out of the picture to the left.

I have always understood it to have been an ex-Brighton outfit, a Fiat with solid rubber tyres. I must admit the name at the top of the radiator could easily be Ford, for both begin with 'F' and have the same number of letters!

Freddie Waters, now I presume the chief, is sitting at the front passenger seat, He is mentioned in the book Caroline's Kingdom and was related to the author, Cecile Woodford.

This is a fascinating story, the last two-thirds featuring Newhaven in early Victorian times, and life in the old Ark House. This was a small semi-detached wooden building built on to the hull of an old wooden barge brought here in about 1812 from Rye.

At some extreme high tide it got itself isolated on the land between Sleepers Hole and the road leading up (now) to the Fort.

Bedrooms were in the hull, with windows facing Seaford Bay, these overlooking the rear gardens. There were two wooden porches at the front, with sloping grass down to the footpath.

When Sleepers Hole was opened up to the harbour in about 1900, the railway had to be diverted around. The infill from that operation left the Ark about 50 feet from the water.

The shock of the great explosion of 1944, when an ammunition barge went up, brought about the end of the old boat house '“ no more teas, ices or even bait.

I have a feeling that Bob Poplett of Peacehaven was involved in the demolition, for it was he who kindly gave to the museum a metal fairlead (pulley block), which he removed from the deck of the old barge. It projected out from each end under the accommodation '“ a treasure indeed.

Returning to the fire engine, at the extreme right is yet again a messenger boy. It would be interesting to know just what this title involved.

According to another copy of the same photo in the museum, the fireman extreme right, bottom row, is a Harry Chant. During last year some pictures 'came in' with a Harry Chant, and a very ancient steam crane. It could be that the fireman is this fellow's son.

The crane is the most basic of steam propulsion you could wish to see.

Looking across the harbour from Bickerstaff's fish shop, where is the long drive-through shed, there is a photo of this crane, fixed to the deck, with several of John Bull's sailing fleet moored nearby. Weather protection was not a priority with the designers!

This area up to the marine shops was quite a timber yard at one time, but with the development of North Quay, much drifted in that direction. Some may remember the Baltic Timberyard there, quite a big concern, bringing large ships with great deck cargoes and sometimes not too upright!

The late Percy Jenner used to tell me that when the massive Stricklands Granary at the southern end of North Quay caught fire (1940? and not from enemy action) he drove the Fiat to the scene '“ on two wheels as he swung in from the main road. Sounds good. The floor of the fire engine garage sloped down to the road, which made bump starting easier and the quickest way to get the engine running!

One last thought for the Ark House . . . I did experience a tea there before the war when all the living quarters were removed. Just quaint tearooms. What an atmosphere there was '“ what a potential gold mine with today's attitude!

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