MAKING THE MOST OF A RARE OPPORTUNITY
A great shot!
A great shot!
A great one for a laugh Colin took full advantage of the moment. Woolworth’s next door were lucky to have a big step up to keep them dry.
This area was the worst hit; the Vectis Tavern has a mark on the wall where the tide reached. Vehicles causing a wash caused local anger.
Two hundred years earlier the Anchor had its own quay with all on the left reclaimed land. The sea is constantly trying to take back what was once hers.
The Maypole and World Stores opposite were two of the multiple grocers in Cowes.
This small DIY shop enjoyed friendly rivalry with the larger Hurst store two doors away. In an earlier life it was Hillyer’s Family Grocers. The small step up saved the shop unless the floods were severe.
The High St from what is now Sainsburys to beyond the Fountain Hotel suffered regular flooding until the sea wall was raised and a new sewer and pumping station installed.
Another view looking from the Anchor towards Carvel Lane.
This group complete with dingy stand in front of the original National Provincial Bank, later pulled down; today the replacement building houses Cowes Post office and other retail outlets. The Fountain Hotel is in the background.
What was left after flooding was unpleasant, the Fire Brigade could clean up the street while shopkeepers had the nasty job of cleaning up their premises.
Fortunately this is now a very rare scene; flash floods are the only problem today.