ALBERT KNIGHTS
The Book and Bacca man
By Ricki Knights
Our Dad - (Darkie) The Book and Bacca man.
Old Newhavener: Albert Knights (Darkie) passed away 02/03/11.
Darkie was well known locally as the Book and Bacca man. Many generations of Newhaven fishermen used to buy their bait and tackle at the popular shop in Bridge Street. Darkie also made bespoke rods and did rod and reel repairs. His children were well used to rolling up packs of black lug and red rag parcels.
As a young man Darkie was in the Merchant Navy and visited many far flung destinations like New Zealand, Singapore and Japan. The training was carried out on the T S Vindicatrix and these lads were known as “The Vindi Boys”.
Albert’s family, parents , aunts, uncles and cousins were staunch supporters of the old Newhaven carnival and Bonfire societies. Albert created many floats and tableaux for these occasions.
Darkie was a keen documenter of Newhaven’s history and local news stories, he has amassed over five and a half thousand photos that have all been logged and dated in several volumes and albums, these will eventually be passed to the Newhaven Museum. The family photos and family tree will be scanned and put on discs to be shared by those who want them.
The sea and all things related figured very strongly in his life, he was involved in the letter writing campaign to get recognition for Merchant seaman and donated the Red Ensign flag to the town to be flown on September 3rd.The council have kindly agreed that this flag will be flown at half mast on the day of his funeral.
Albie could often be seen walking to and from the beach to town along the River Wall and his funeral procession will start at the Hope Inn car park so that family and friends can take this final walk with him. 2 rockets will be let off near the Fort Road junction followed by a minute silence. Pony Eager is providing a coach that will take those who wish to attend from Fort Rd and a second pick up from Elim Church bus stop South Way to the chapel for the 11 o’clock service. The coach will also be available to take those who wish to attend the memorial celebration at the Hillcrest Community Centre.