Celebrations on the pier

Continuing from the previous post . . . our pier celebrated it's 200th birthday this weekend.  It is the oldest seaside pier in the country!   

On Sunday N and I (and grand-daughter No 1) dutifully joined many others, locals and visitors alike, in a walk along the pier.  We've walked up and down the half-mile on many occasions in all weathers, usually in a bit of a hurry to catch the catamaran from the pier head, but this time is was nice just to saunter along and appreciate the history.  The link above gives some more information.  

At the end of the pier there were stalls and an exhibition showing the history of the pier with lots of old photographs - the old-fashioned clothing always makes me smile; in those days no-one set foot outside without their hats!   

  

This is the old tramline, now disused and rusty.  To the left is the car/pedestrian pier, and on the right is the trainline

As well as the pedestrian and vehicle access, there is also a train-line and a disused - and now sadly neglected - tramway along the length of the pier.

The photo above was taken on another walk along the pier during the winter last year.  The wrought iron work was restored a few years ago.  It's beautiful and the shadows thrown onto the wooden planks by the low sun are just wonderful.  A quilting pattern, for sure ;-)