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The great outdoors

BRIGHTON IN WINTER

I wandered along the deserted seafront and thought of the summer which had just passed.

I noticed the sea looked bleak and the Volks Railway had stopped running, passing the Aquarium Terrace, where the old bandstand and amusements used to be and which was now developed into bars and cafes.

Then I went on to the Palace Pier. No deck chairs now, but the Palace Pier radio was still going. There was a lot of repair work going on. The truck was going backwards and forwards carrying debris. They were demolishing the fish and chip stall and the Lace Shop was closed but the main restaurant in the middle of the pier was still open, although there were not many people about.

I heard banging and noticed the men were repairing the wooden structures where many feet had trod. Also, the window frames and seats were being painted. I left the pier and went towards the derelict West Pier. There were not many people about. As in the summer days, the lower prom looked deserted and across the road the small shops were closed, but the Grand Hotel looked prosperous.

I came to the Top Rank Suite on the corner of West Street and, as the wind was beginning to blow, I decided to go up the street to get away from the seafront. I passed the amusement arcades, which were full of people of all ages, and made my way back to the Clock Tower.

Here the locals were doing their shopping; the wind blows around here. I walked down North Street towards the Old Steine. A gust of wind nearly took me off my feet.

I turned into New Road and walked through the Pavilion grounds. The cafe was closed and the grass and plants looked very sad. Not many people here - just a few drunks and the pigeons, deprived of food from the cafe visitors.

I came out into North Street again and went towards the Old Steine gardens, which were also deserted. They had looked lovely in the summer with the fountain going and the lovely floral display.

I hurried up St James's Street. It was getting dark now and everyone was hurrying home. There were no coaches going along the road, full of happy people who had enjoyed a day out at Brighton.

When I reached the top I put the key in the door, drew the curtains, lit the fire and thought of the lovely summer days and looked forward to them returning.

by Mrs M Bowles, Brighton