Bohemia Village Voice

By John Humphries Aug 2011

Brian Hughes by JJ Waller as part of his photo series ‘The Bohemians’

WHY IS BRIAN so happy? “I think it’s in my genes. My mum was always happy and very helpful to all her friends and neighbours.” Brian was born in Cornwallis Terrace and grew up within the sound of steam engines at Hastings Station. Youngest of three, Brian, (60), has a brother, Michael, and sister, Jean, who live locally. “My mum brought us up on her own. We were poor. We did have a black and white television, but, to save on electricity, we only got to watch it on special occasions, like Christmas!” Brian went to St Paul’s Junior School and Priory Road Secondary School. His first proper job, at age 15, was at Maskins in the town centre. “I’ve always been sociable and always been happy. The death of my wife Barbara in 2005 knocked me sideways, as did a heart attack last year, but I feel I’m getting over it now.” Hobbies? “Having spent a very happy childhood playing for hours on the rocks and the beach, I love anything nautical – especially nautical stories. I also love just wandering around the area, meeting and chatting to people.” Brian works part-time as a gardener in Battle.

What’s that you say Sooty? “happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.” Well said, Sooty.

Sooty