Pier Memories

AS the news of Hastings Pier's sad partial closure spreads many readers have written in to let us know their fondest memories of the 130-year-old structure.
Tom O'Rourke, of Elphinstone Road, sent in a photo of council employees on the pier.
He said: "The photo was taken in 1958 either in March or November and shows the workers who regularly maintained the pier.
"I wonder if this was the last time the pier was repaired and painted?"
The car shown held the clerk of the works who had just arrived with the wages - hence the smiles on the faces of the workers waiting patiently in line.
Mr O'Rourke continued: "The picture shows, left to right, Fred Waller next to the car - the next three I cannot remember but standing facing the car with his arms folded is Johnny Hayler.
"I am facing the camera, stood behind Johnny with my flatcap on.
"Next in line I cannot remember the name but far right is George Griffin the pier caretaker."

Another picture sent in, by a Mr P Morris of Ashford Road, showed some stylish youngsters from 1960 clambering up and down the structure for what looks like a press shot for a local band.
The picture was accompanied with a note saying: "Could this be the reason the pier is collapsing? Surely not..."
The rest of the images on this page have been dug out from the archives at the Observer and show the pier back in its heyday.
Do you have any special memories of the pier?
Do you have any photographs of it you would like to share?
If so then contact us by emailing richard.morris@trbeckett.co.uk or by ringing Hastings 856784.

The pier was capable of holding concerts and dancing for hundreds

Hundreds gather for one of the many shows on the pier

The Hastings Embroidery was housed on the pier apron