Off to see my old Uni friends Pete & Val, who live in Bexhill. Pete and I shared a flat when we were learning to be engineers in Coventry in the late 60’s – yes that long ago !
So I had to drag out the only shirt I’d brought with me and a clean pair of jeans, as we’d decided to go mad and have lunch somewhere nice.
Before that though, I had a small detour to make to look at a railway viaduct, but not just any old viaduct. On the London Brighton railway line ( near Haywards Heath) there is a magnificent brick built Victorian viaduct, still in day to day use. The Ouse Valley Viaduct. I’m indebted to Mr Portillo for pointing me toward this engineering gem.
I won’t even bother to tell you that it was another cracking warm day………
Then off to Bexhill. I stopped at various petrol stations along the way ( mostly empty of E5 97/98 octane that I need for my fire breathing monster Skoda) but managed to do a top up just outside Bexhill.
After a bit of a chit chat at their house, we went down on to the Bexhill seafront and ate at a delightful place called The Sackville Bistro. All out in the sunshine on the terrace, but with umbrella shade if needed. Thanks Pete/Val, my shout next time.
One of the things we had a bit of trouble with was to work out when we had last met up. Eventually we decided it must’ve been September 2017 on my way back from France, via Newhaven. Time flies…….
As is usual on these occasions, we put the world to rights.
Then a short car journey to St Leonards/Hastings for a stroll along the pier and a coffee. It was great to see the beaches a bit busier, with the kiosks on the front doing a roaring trade in drinks, food, etc.
Good to see the guys again, after so long…….