Life South of Watford Gap?

The deciding factor in my decision to buy Heidi was bluebirds move to the South Coast.  Too far for a day trip visit - having my own accommodation would come in very handy.

So fresh from Graduation the pups and I made our way down the M1 towards the dreaded M25 and on to Seaford,

Fantastic weather was forecast so we booked into a very handy campsite 5 minutes walk from Mike & Krisi's new flat - ideal.

The view right - towards Newhaven

View left - the start of 'The Seven Sisters'

So out came the BBQ and half the contents of the Van for supper on the beach - Chocolate filled bananas included - I can be outdoorsy after all!  "No bottle opener though Mum"

The following day we all took the train (didn't impress Poppy much) into nearby Brighton to view the intended location for Bluebirds store.  The Sun was blazing and we were in for a scorcher.  Unfortunately Brighton Pier is not dog friendly so I had to settle for a view from the promenade (in some much needed shade).

Brighton was buzzing and the beach was surprisingly crowded on a Wednesday afternoon.  The temperature was hitting the high 20s so after a Korean lunch and iced frappe Lattes we returned to lovely Seaford a little worn out - That was the day over for the pooches - completely cream crackered!

Not only is Seaford beautiful it is steeped in History and a surprising number of celebs have been associated with it over the years.........................

Sir Anthony Blunt, the former keeper of the Queen's paintings who was revealed to be a Soviet spy, went to school in Seaford.

John Butcher, 3000M Steeplechase runner represented Sussex and England during the 1970s.

Tony Caunter, who played Roy Evans (EastEnders) once lived in Seaford.

Clementine Churchill, wife of Winston Churchill lived in Seaford.

Actor Nigel Davenport, attended St Peter's School, Seaford.

The actor Maurice Denham lived in Seaford.

Paul Garred, drummer of the band The Kooks, grew up in Seaford.

Comedian Dickie Henderson and actress Penelope Keith both went to school in Seaford.

Musician Robyn Hitchcock spent time in Seaford, writing about it in his song Museum Of Sex.

Jordan (Pamela Rooke), an actress/model noted for her work with Vivienne Westwood and the SEX (boutique) in the King's Road area of London in the mid 1970s, was born in Seaford, and now works in the town as a veterinary nurse.

Former motorcycling stunt rider Eddie Kidd now lives in Seaford.

Actor Oscar Lloyd, who appears in ITV soap Emmerdale.

Val McCalla, who was recently voted as one of the top 100 black Britons of all time and was the founder of The Voice, lived in Seaford until his premature death in 2002.

Michael Olowokandi, from Nigeria, former NBA basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves and most recently the Boston Celtics 2006–2007, went to school for a short time at Newlands Manor School, Seaford.

Twin sisters Connie Powney and Cassie Powney, who played Mel and Sophie Burton in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, grew up in Seaford.

Captain John Seaman sailed to Long Island in what is now New York State in the 1640s, purchased land from the native Americans and founded Seaford, New York.

The astronaut Piers Sellers attended Tyttenhanger Lodge Preparatory School, Seaford.

Woodcut artist Eric Slater lived and died in Seaford, and is buried there.

Bruce Stewart, writer of the 1970, ITV series Timeslip, lived in Seaford.

Pete Thomas, the world famous drummer, was brought up in Seaford. Recently inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Pete is best known for his 30 year association with Elvis Costello.

Tennessee Thomas, drummer of The Like and fashion model, lived in Seaford before moving to California.

Colin Wells (cricketer), ex-professional cricketer for Sussex and Derbyshire, lives in Seaford.

Adam Pitts, drummer of the band Lawson, grew up in Seaford.

To name several - thanks Wikipedia.  Now who can remember Timeslip? 

In the Middle Ages, Seaford was one of the main ports serving Southern England, but the town's fortunes declined due to coastal sedimentation silting up its harbour and persistent raids by French pirates. The coastal confederation of Cinque Ports during its medieval period consisted of a confederation of 42 towns and villages in all. This included Seaford under the 'Limb' of Hastings. Between 1350 and 1550, the French burned down the town several times.
In the 16th century the people of Seaford were known as the "cormorants" or "shags" because of their enthusiasm for looting ships wrecked in the bay. Local legend has it that Seaford residents would, on occasion, cause ships to run aground by placing fake harbour lights on the cliffs.
However, Seaford's fortunes revived in the 19th century with the arrival of the railway connecting the town to Lewes and London. It became a small seaside resort town, and more recently a dormitory town for the nearby larger settlements of Eastbourne and Brighton, as well as for London.

I loved the traditional feel of the town and enjoyed exploring the sea front - complete with pretty little beach huts.

The Seven Sisters are a series of chalk cliffs. They form part of the South Downs starting in Seaford.  They are the remnants of dry valleys in the chalk South Downs, which are gradually being eroded by the sea.
The Seven Sisters cliffs are occasionally used in filmmaking and television as a stand-in for the more famous White Cliffs of Dover, since they are relatively free of  modern development and are also allowed to erode naturally. As a result, the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head remain a bright white colour, whereas the White Cliffs of Dover are protected due to the important port and are therefore increasingly covered in vegetation and are greening as a result. They are also featured at the beginning of the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and at the end of the film Atonement where Robbie and Cecilia always wanted to live.

Fantastic Photo viewing points

Below is the view looking back from the cliffs across Seaford bay towards Newhaven.

So, in answer to the question, YES there is life South of Watford Gap and very nice it is too - what a shame the M25 cant be avoided - we only parked on it for 3 1/2 hours on the way home!!

bluebirds