How Ted got in among the rigging

We have in the museum a fine model of a frigate of 50 guns, the HMS Octavia launched at Pembroke Dock on August 18, 1849.

The model was made by naval apprentices and was, of course, a method of teaching these young fellows all the complications of a vessel of considerable size.

If they learn how to put it together in miniature, then facing the real thing may not be so daunting.

I first saw this remarkable model when it graced the area of the bar when the Fort boasted its own pub and restaurant area. It was set high above the counter and looked most impressive.

This area now features the last war home front air raid displays etc.

The management kindly offered it to me, with the consent of the owner, to be displayed at our first museum at Paradise Park.

It is no little toy and the top masts had to be dropped to get it out of the doorways at the Fort and stay so until inside our new building.

It needed a complete overhaul rigging-wise, many cannons were missing and also the ship's boats.

No surprise that there was only one member of our staff capable of this work and much of his qualification derived from his ability to draw and paint submarines!

For safety reasons the boat had to be positioned high away from reach, which meant that this tedious work had to be done from half way up a step ladder.

Ted Shipsey was determined to do a good job and did. A kind offer was made to replace the missing cannon with wooden replicas, suitably painted and believe it or not, a fellow turned up one day with the missing boats with their content of delicate oars etc.

He had been concerned for the future of the Octavia, but as she was far too large to abscond with, took the boats as the next best thing. Seeing the mother ship safe in our care, he happily returned the missing items.

During the recent Trafalgar Day celebrations, Nelson's famous signal was clear to be seen in the rigging of our model of the Octavia.

A delight to possess, at the moment she is at ground level, but does occupy a considerable space. With the right means of support, she may yet have to rise again.

In the photo of Ted up in the rigging, note the large painted view of the Thames and Tower Bridge.

This was saved from its original location on the SS Londres when she was sold to Greece.

Originally a Dieppe passenger ferry, she was switched to a Newhaven crew when the SS Worthing was sold.

To the right is a coastal forces, Newhaven, honours list and awards. I am told that at the end of World War II, these covered the walls of the old baggage hall. All had to be destroyed except two which found their way to the marine workshops to protect some machinery. Thanks to Bob Holden for rescuing those!

Below the Thames picture, in the cocked hat, is French King Louis Philippe, last king of France, who spent his first night of safety at our Bridge Hotel, in 1848.

We have a copy of his letter to Queen Victoria and her reply.

Below him is a painting of farmer Lewis Bowles, who lived in Court Farm Road and worked that land.

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.newhavenmuseum.co.uk