The Coronation – February Past Pavilion

This month we look back to 1937—the year of the Coronation of George VI. Plans were discussed in February and put into action in May.

CORONATION PLANS AT SELSEY – Plans for the Selsey Coronation celebrations are now in preparation in the capable hands of Lieut.-Col. W. G. Moore. O.B. E. (Chairman of the Carnival Committee), Mr. J. Fisher (Chairman of the Sports Committee), and Committees for dancing and teas, working in conjunction with the Parish Council, the Chairman of which is Mr. S. B. Arnell, who is also Chairman of the Celebrations Committee.

It is hoped that the celebrations will last over two days. They will commence on the afternoon of Coronation Day, when there will be an adults' sports meeting, which will be followed by a gymkhana for children and a tea for children in the Church Hall. There will be a carnival procession through the streets in the evening, and the day will wind up with a dance in the Pavilion. On the second day the positions will be reversed, for the sports will be for the children and the tea will be for the old folks (minimum age 65). The day will end with a whist drive in the Church Hall. Coronation souvenir mugs will be presented to each child under 14 when they have their tea.

Chichester Observer 17th February 1937

CORONATION FILM – On Friday evening at 8 p.m. a variety entertainment was given in the Pavilion. An excellent show was staged by Mr. Clifford Smith, whose topical ideal items were heartily enjoyed. Music was provided by an orchestra consisting of Messrs. C. E. Smith, R. H. Smith, E. A. Swindells and J. Tupper. Another feature was a very fine display of Scottish dancing, this being given by the Goodwood Dancers, whilst Pipe Major Maginnis, junr., gave an exhibition of sword dancing which was greatly appreciated, the music being provided by Pipe Major Maginnis snr. The Coronation film was presented on the screen. At the end Miss I. Fox, Carnival Queen, presented prizes to the successful competitors in the Carnival which took place on Coronation Day.

Hampshire Telegraph 21st May 1937

The festivities did not end there…

SELSEY SCHOOL EXHIBITION – A very fine display of painting, drawing, handicrafts, needlework and garden produce was on show at the Selsey Council Mixed School exhibition which was held at the Pavilion on Monday evening. The vegetables on show were as good as many shown at the Selsey flower show last week. Many of the lino and wood cuts were original, and all paintings were well finished off.

A play, “The Royal Arms,” was given by the juniors. This play was specially produced for the school Coronation festivities and was given before by the combined schools and was acted very well by young children. The play depicted the Kings and Queens of England who contributed their arms to the Royal Arms. Many songs were excellently rendered by the children, showing that singing is far from a neglected subject at the school.

A physical training lesson was also given, being taught exactly as it is in school —not a display, but daily work of the very young children.

Bognor Regis Observer 21st July 1937

In 1937 the Selsey Pavilion was at the heart of the Coronation celebrations in the village. We sincerely hope that the Pavilion will have a role to play in the celebrations of 2022.