Tales of Two Brothers at Bexhill Museum

The two brothers in question are John and Reg Pratt, both well-known names in Bexhill.

The two events at the museum reflect on the Pratt brothers’ childhood in Windsor Road.

John taught at the Down School, and the late Reg was known to anyone involved with Bexhill Rowing Club.

Both men proudly tell of how their grandfather, William John Pratt, arrived in Bexhill in the 1880s as one of “the squatters”; people who came to Bexhill in search of work during the early years of the town’s development.

William became a very well respected builder living at 9 Windsor Road with his yard in Reginald Road.

Both the Pratt brothers were born there and have happy memories of their childhood.

Reg had said commercial property intermingled with the houses, and with the school nearby and a shop on every corner, there developed a very strong sense of community.

The two special weekend events tie in with the museum’s new exhibition on the Victorian era.

Museum volunteer Heather Morrey said: “Often we look at the grander buildings in the central and eastern parts of the town which reflect the aspirations of the landowners and businessmen who were developing the resort at that time.

“However this activity was dependent upon this very different area where lived, and in many cases worked, the tradesmen and domestic staff without whom this growth would not have been possible.”

On Saturday April 16 at 11.15am in the Museum’s education room, John Pratt will read from his collection of poems titled Up the Red Brick Alley, recalling a Bexhill childhood in the late 1940s and 50’s.

It is hoped this will spark memories which other people will share. There will be a break for coffee and cake.

Entrance is free with a collection for museum funds.

On Sunday April 17, there is the opportunity to have a wander around the Windsor Road area to visit some of the locations John writes about.

Before his death in October 2010 Reg Pratt put together a short walk around this distinctive area, with the help of Heather Morrey, based on his research into the archives and his own memories.

Heather led this walk on a cold wet day last October and would like to lead it again, hoping for better weather this time around.

Walkers are asked to meet at 2pm at the Lane Memorial, opposite the Town Hall, for the two-hour Stepping Out to Windsor Road stroll. There is a charge of £2.50 for museum funds.

For further information call 01424 787 950 or visit the website at: www.bexhill museum.co.uk

PICTURED: The Pratt brothers with their grandfather, William