Easter – April Past Pavilion

The Pavilion has staged a variety of events over the Easter period. In this issue we take a snapshot of an eclectic mix staged over a thirty six year time span. In the first extract it is noted that Winifred Graham presented the prizes. She was a prolific author, producing eighty eight books in her lifetime which mostly consisted of romantic novels and thrillers.

Fancy Dress Dance

The fancy dress dance which was held in the Pavilion on Easter Monday evening proved a very pleasant and successful function, a large gathering taking part. The prizes for the best costume were awarded as follows: — Ladies Miss M. Catt (18th Century); 2, Miss Maidment (Jockey). — Gentlemen: 1, Mr. L. Maidment (Blue Beard); 2, Mr. Blackman (Star Tea Company). Two interesting dancing competitions were a feature of the programme, the fox-trot contest being won by Mr. Clifford Smith and Miss Dyke and the waltzing by Mr. G. Sims and Miss H. Tompkins. Miss Bransby Williams was the judge for the competitions, while the award for the best fancy dress was decided by ballot. Mrs Cory (better known as Miss Winifred Graham the authoress) distributed the prizes, and the music for the dancing was supplied by Messrs Cleere.

30th March 1921 Bognor Regis Observer

“Merrie England”

Selsey & Wittering Musical Societies' Success

There was a large and keenly appreciative audience at the Pavilion, Selsey, last Wednesday night, when the Musical Society, aided by the West Wittering Musical Society, gave a very creditable rendering of German's “Merrie England." The venture proved in every way a success, and all concerned are to be congratulated. For the position of conductor, the organisers were very fortunate in securing the services of Mr. Frank Idle. F.R.A.M., of London, who has a bungalow at Selsey, and had come down at Easter for a short holiday. Under his experienced baton, chorus and orchestra, numbering in all 65 performers, blended most effectively, and did ample justice to the delightful work. The choir sang with plenty of spirit, and except that the male voices needed strengthening, it was well balanced. The principals did extremely well, and many of the items had to be repeated.

22nd April 1925 Bognor Regis Observer

Selsey Sports Club Dance

The Crablands Park Sports Club held a most successful dance in the Pavilion on Easter Monday. The hall was filled with enthusiastic dancers, and music was supplied by the Sky Bohemians' Band from Tangmere. Mr. F. Owens acted as M.C. Spot dances and carnival effects added to the enjoyment of the evening.

10th April 1931 Hampshire Telegraph

“The Baby and The Battleship”

Ten-month-old Baker the Baby is the central figure in "THE BABY AND THE BATTLESHIP”; a naval comedy which stars John Mills and Richard Attenborough. The action is set in Naples, where "Puncher" Roberts, a naval rating with a slow mind and speedy fists, is on leave from H.M.S. Gillingham. He is literally left holding a baby and smuggles it aboard ship after vainly looking for its parents.

Complications arise when his ship suddenly leaves port on Fleet exercises, complete with a visiting Marshal of a foreign State, a guest of the Admiralty, who makes lightning visits to all parts of the ship. The hilarious situations in the film stem from the sailors' attempts to look after Baker—feeding. clothing and entertaining him, hiding him from their officers and the Marshal. and keeping him alive and well under the most trying conditions.

18th April 1957 Bognor Regis Observer