Publications
The Pleasure Boatmen of Eastbourne, by Ted Hide, published 30 November 2007 (192 pp., Seaford: S. B. Publications, ISBN-10: 1857703332 & ISBN-13: 9781857703337) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:Over two hundred years of serving Eastbourne in its rise to become a premier seaside resort, the Pleasure Boatmen of this town were a special breed of seafarers with a skill in the ways of the sea and an inbred knowledge of tides and currents. Mainly drawn from the local fishing community, generations of families were involved in this once popular seaside occupation.
Serving visitors and resident alike with trips to Beachy Head and sea cruises they forged a history pf pleasure Boating from rowing skiffs, sailing, motor boats and not forgetting the bathing machine. Sadly the old ways are all gone from Eastbourne's seafront with the exception of the Allchorn Boating firm.
This book is the record of all the families, individuals and boats involved over the years.
The author lives in Eastbourne with his family and was once part of the Boating community.
Serving visitors and resident alike with trips to Beachy Head and sea cruises they forged a history pf pleasure Boating from rowing skiffs, sailing, motor boats and not forgetting the bathing machine. Sadly the old ways are all gone from Eastbourne's seafront with the exception of the Allchorn Boating firm.
This book is the record of all the families, individuals and boats involved over the years.
The author lives in Eastbourne with his family and was once part of the Boating community.
Fishermen of Eastbourne, by Ted Hide, published 20 November 2009 (388 pp., Seaford: S. B. Publications, ISBN-10: 1857703529 & ISBN-13: 9781857703528) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:In his second book, Ted Hide, explores in great detail the fishermen of Eastbourne, the families, the boats, the disasters, the successes, all in historical and nostalgic perfection.
Of resolute stock, Sussex fishermen were said by FE Sawyer in 1882 to be a mixed race, partly Spanish partly Norman French and partly Teutonic (Saxon) in origin. The 'Willicks' or 'Willickers' as the Fishermen of Eastbourne were known of old would fish the herring, sprat and mackerel when in those early days they came round in their seasons from the North. In their sturdy fine built sailing luggers known as 'Bourners' along with the fishing fleets of Hastings and Brighton following and fishing the mackerel down Channel to the west off Devon and Cornwall, finally to the waters off Southern Ireland, being away for months during the season. Other fishing expeditions would take our Eastbourne Luggers to northern waters off Scarborough. This close-knit community possessed skills and knowledge in the ways of the sea acquired over many generations of hardship with a mixture of bravery and tragedy both at sea and ashore. From the ancient fishing quarter, 'The Stade' at the 'Sea Houses', to the forced removal to east of the Great Redoubt, their current Fishing Station home. This book records happenings over the centuries of local fishing families and their important place in the life of Eastbourne. Not to be forgotten are interesting tales of piracy, smuggling and heroism aboard the Lifeboat.
Of resolute stock, Sussex fishermen were said by FE Sawyer in 1882 to be a mixed race, partly Spanish partly Norman French and partly Teutonic (Saxon) in origin. The 'Willicks' or 'Willickers' as the Fishermen of Eastbourne were known of old would fish the herring, sprat and mackerel when in those early days they came round in their seasons from the North. In their sturdy fine built sailing luggers known as 'Bourners' along with the fishing fleets of Hastings and Brighton following and fishing the mackerel down Channel to the west off Devon and Cornwall, finally to the waters off Southern Ireland, being away for months during the season. Other fishing expeditions would take our Eastbourne Luggers to northern waters off Scarborough. This close-knit community possessed skills and knowledge in the ways of the sea acquired over many generations of hardship with a mixture of bravery and tragedy both at sea and ashore. From the ancient fishing quarter, 'The Stade' at the 'Sea Houses', to the forced removal to east of the Great Redoubt, their current Fishing Station home. This book records happenings over the centuries of local fishing families and their important place in the life of Eastbourne. Not to be forgotten are interesting tales of piracy, smuggling and heroism aboard the Lifeboat.