History - 1948

In 1948 a new 'Enchantress' was built by Cantells of Newhaven, compensation having been received for the loss of the original one. This was followed by the launch in July 1950 of the 'William Allchorn', again by Cantells. She was the biggest pleasure boat to have worked off the beach, and so unsure of their ability to haul her ashore were they, that for several weeks she was taken back to Newhaven each night. However, once a suitable winch had been obtained and the beach levelled off to a smooth slope, she soon proved as easy, if not easier, than the smaller boats. Indeed, in my rasher younger days, when I knew it all, I have launched and recovered her single-handed which, upon reflection, is not something I would recommend. We did three main trips in those days, the Circular Cruise-90 minutes, Beachy Head and the Lighthouse - 45 minutes and a Channel Trip - 30 minutes. The Circular Cruise was at 10.30 each morning, and at 2.30 each afternoon early and late in the season, Beachy Head trips at 30-minute intervals throughout the day, and the Channel trips occasionally as a 'fill in', usually at .the end of the day.

Once D.U.K.W's came on the scene, during the mid to late 1950's, life became much easier, principally at low water time when passengers could be moved with ease, and in larger numbers, to the boats. No more sloshing about in the water for us, and much more convenient for the passengers. The ramp, which used to be towed to and from the seafront by boat, was now towed along the sand at low water instead, and the runplanks, which used to be pushed individually to the seafront along the promenade in the early days, could now be taken up across the back of the D.U.K.W.

Trade quietened down as the years progressed and in 1964 Sayers Brothers, our competitors closed down and we bought them out, selling off their largest boat 'Eastbourne Queen', and retaining the 'Southern Queen', which, after an extensive refit we put back into service in July 1965. We sold off the 'Enchantress' a year or so later, which left us with the ideal combination of two large boats, six hands, two ashore and four afloat.

My father, Albert - (Sam), had taken over the business which he passed on to my brother Colin and myself, it thus remaining Allchorn Brothers and it remained so until Colin pulled out in 1990 when it acquired its current title. This, of course, meant an increase in the winter workload, for I had always done the engineering maintenance while he, very capably attended to all the woodworking matters. Advancing years, coupled with this extra workload, and a lot of new and costly regulations, due to come into force shortly, led to the prospect of retirement becoming rather attractive. So, in 1996, after forty-five years, I called it a day, sold the business, and left, looking forward to now having time to indulge my hobbies and interests.

With hindsight, what I miss most is the men I worked with, a good crowd of blokes, loyal, trustworthy, and more than a little capable, many of whom came back to us year after year. I feel proud to call them all friends, and, as you can imagine, there's always something to yarn about when we get together.

Brian Allchorn, May 2003