Brighton piers in the 30s & 40s

I loved going on the two piers. Brighton Palace Pier was my favourite; the West Pier was more for the adults to enjoy.

In those days you had to pay to go onto the piers. The Palace Pier had more machines to play on, at a penny a go. I don't remember ever winning any money on these machines.

Some of the machines had flicking, moving pictures which was very exciting especially one called 'What the Butler Saw'. I did not really understand the story it was telling, but found the adults were laughing, especially the ladies who giggled when viewing this machine. As to the present day machines, I am sure my granny would have been horrified, "Evil devils!" she would have exclaimed.

There was a very different atmosphere then; people appeared to get lots of pleasure from experiencing simple things: just walking the length of the pier, down one side and back up the other; sitting watching the sea and people on the beaches below.

I always wore my Sunday best when we went on the piers. Every summer they held a Bathing Belles Carnival competition on the Palace Pier. The pier was usually crowded on the day it was held. Mother had a friend, Dorothy, who used to enter the competition. One year she came third and the adults had tea in the posh cafe near the end of the pier and 1 was given a large ice cream in a dish.

Another treat was going with Granny on the paddle steamers which we boarded on the end of the Palace Pier. I was fascinated by the engine room, where I could see the large paddles going round when the boat began to move and all the highly polished brass machinery. The best trip was going to the Isle of Wight . This usually took about four hours there and four hours back again. We took a packed lunch with us, but when we anchored at Ryde I was allowed an ice-cream with Granny having a cup of tea.
Along the seafront near the bandstand just past the West Pier, there used to be donkey rides and a Punch and Judy Show. I would stay and watch for a long time if my mother allowed me. I never became tired of watching and laughing at this remarkable show. I still watch Punch and Judy if I ever see one being performed.
Barbara Chapman - Boxing Day Baby