Boxing – December Past Pavilion

At Christmas in 1954, the Pavilion had two films showing. On Boxing Day The Story of Robin Hood and His Merry Men, and from the 27th Doctor in the House.

In his Technicolor production, The Story of Robin Hood and His Merry Men, Walt Disney brings to the screen the imperishable story of England's hero and the feats which earned him undying fame.

A cast of distinguished players is headed by Britain's Richard Todd, who plays the title role. Joan Rice portrays Maid Marian, and splendid characterisations come from Martita Hunt, Peter Finch, James Robertson Justice, Bill Owen, James Rapier, Hubert Gregg, Reginald Tate. Elton Hayes, and many others.

This was to be followed from the 27th December by Doctor in the House.

Doctor in the House, the British Technicolor comedy about life among medical students, includes Dirk Bogarde, Muriel Pavlow, Kenneth More. Donald Sinden, Kay Kendall. James Robertson Justice, and Donald Houston.

The story revolves around Simon Sparrow (Bogarde), a young medical student who does more than achieve a medical education.

He also masters the other hazards of a medical student's life fiery ward sisters, frightening surgeons, over knowledgeable patients, pretty nurses, and the eccentricities of his companions.

Both films were previewed in the Bognor Regis Observer (23/12/1954)

The festive fun continued into the New Year with the annual S.C.A.M.P.S Pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

As we all know, 26th December is Boxing Day, and this brings to mind that boxing was one of the many events staged at the Selsey Pavilion.

This event took place on 1st October 1937 in aid of Selsey Football Club.

“Many hard blows were exchanged without any bad feeling at a boxing tournament held at the Selsey Pavilion in aid of the Selsey Football Club ground fund, which benefited well, for all the boxers and officials turned up free of charge to the Club, and the house was packed for the event.

After a few words to the audience, the M.C., Mr. E. J. Francis announced Eddie Steele, a heavyweight who had once conquered Tommy Farr and who was training for his fight with the European heavyweight champion in Berlin.

Steele commenced by giving a display of skipping, then shadow boxing, work with the concentration ball, and lastly, a spar with his trainer, Syd Imber.

The first fight was between F. Sherrington of Selsey, and C. Homer, of Selsey. Both fought equally well, the fight going at a fast pace all the way through. In the third round, both strove for a knock-out, attacking each other vigorously. The fourth round raged even fiercer, but neither could beat the other, and the result was announced a draw.”‍

A brief extract from a much fuller account in the Bognor Regis Observer 6/10/1937.

Thanks to the Selsey Photo Archive for the boxing action.