Brighton Palace Pier during sunrise.  Isn’t it glorious!

Every morning around 6.30am, winter through to summer and back, you can find me by the Brighton Palace Pier having a swim.  In the winter it is all about the cold water and how long I can stay in, and in the summer it is all about the swimming.  But All Year Around it is simply about starting the day at the beach, in the sea and the calming effect it has on the mind and body.  The only way to start the day.

The Brighton West Pier.

I remember as a child walking on the West Pier and taking rides on the merry go rounds and putting coins in the penny slots.  I was probably no more than 5 years old and my Dad had taken over the running of the main cafe.  I can remember being on there with him as if it was yesterday.  So funny what he mind can recall.

But then Brighton’s beloved West Pier was ravaged by fire on Sunday, March 28, 2003.  The flames tore through the Grand Old Lady, sealing her fate for ever whilst all we could do was stand on the edge and watch.

But even today, with so little left, she is a Brighton institution and a joy to just stand and look at.