'The oldest electric railway in the world,' is the proud boast of Brighton's VER narrow guage line. Its single cars silently shuttling those who prefer to admire their seafront views whilst seated.
Stargazer's skipper prefers to stroll along the boardwalk. Which is laid at the head of a long crescent of shingle beach. Sensing the weight in the breeze, as he goes. Finding it plenty strong enough to require long sleeves and a coat, for the first time since spring.
Top layers are swiftly shed, once sheltered by the sun trap town. Beside its stilt legged pier lies a Kiss-Me-Quick kitsch enclave.
Lovely Jubbly Fish 'n' Chips vie with the Pirate Putting Range and souvenir shops galore, for a visitor's attention. In the best British seaside tradition.
The whole set before a grand Georgian frontage.
Two blocks back, an exotic green cupola, of eastern architectural influence, is framed by the foliage of a stately tree lined boulevard.
Brighton's onion domed, fret-work facaded, Royal Pavilion is set in a park. Surrounded by a serene aura of calm. Built as a relaxing seaside retreat for King George lV.
======= CORRECTION =======
Ted Heath's first Morning Cloud, the S&S 34 which I mentioned yesterday, sank at her Jersey mooring, whilst in her second ownership, during a winter storm, in 1974. Morning Glory turns out to be from the same stable, but is an S&S designed She 33. Never owned by Ted Heath. But yours for £9950 according to the brokers at Boatshed Brighton . Apologies for my confusion! (Ted Heath pictured here aboard the second Morning Cloud. Also an S&S design)
Did I mention that I thought that I saw Lord Lucan, riding Shergar through the park, by the Pavilion?
Picture Credits
Ted Heath aboard Morning Cloud ll; courtesy of BBC (or possibly Getty Images)
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