Royal Weddings – May Past Pavilion

This month we look at Royal Wedding Celebrations of the future King George VI.

SELSEY. Royal Wedding Celebrations. The wedding of H.R.H. the Duke of York was celebrated most enjoyably and loyally at Selsey. The proceedings were the happy inspiration of Mrs. Matthews. A Committee was formed, consisting of Rev. L. Hicks, Mrs. Harris. Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Maidment, Mrs. Male, Mrs. Matthews, and Mrs. Pots, who all worked very hard, and to all of whom great credit is due. A tea was given to about 300 children in the Cinema Hall, and every child had as many buns and cakes as he or she could possibly eat. During the tea Miss Hunt kindly played pianoforte solos, and the Rector, Rev. K. H. MacDermott, contributed several enjoyable vocal numbers. Immediately after tea the health and happiness of the Duke of York and his bride were proposed in an able speech by the Rev. L. Hicks, and most loyally responded to by the children with three hearty cheers. The tables were then cleared away, and the seats re-arranged, and local amateurs gave a sp!endid performance, consisting of part song, solos, jokes, instrumental selections, etc., and finishing with a sketch entitled "Laughing Gas". which kept the children and helpers in one continual roar of laughter. The evening was brought to a close with the singing of the National Anthem. Each child was given an orange as he or she left the hall (100 of them were given by Mr. T. Kite). The cakes left over were given to the families with the largest number of children, while the balance of the money collected was devoted to the Selsey Nursing Association funds. The whole evening was a great success.

12th May 1923 Bognor Regis Observer

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MONDAY Preparations for the jubilee festivities proceed apace. All that is needed for the complete success of the day is the co-operation of the weather. Sports will be held at in Dr. Sinclair's held behind the Church Hall. All village children are invited to tea in the Pavilion at 4. At 5.30 there will be the sports prize presentation by Mrs. Vernon Sinclair. At 6 a carnival recession will assemble in Station-road for judging, and at seven o'clock it will parade the village. Prizes are offered for fancy dresses on horse-back, cycles. and on foot; decorated prams, private cars. and trade vans; tableaux (horse or motor drawn); decorations on private houses and shops. At 8.45 the carnival prizes will be presented by Mrs. P. Hayford. A bonfire and a ball will last far into the small hours of the next morning.

2nd May 1935 West Sussex Gazette

King George V Silver Jubilee Celebrations

Celebrations Express Parishioners' Loyalty. The celebrations in Selsey were on a scale, which, if not as lavish as that of its larger neighbours, were for its size, exceedingly good, the decoration of houses, shops, etc., were very fine and expressed the loyalty of the parishioners to their Majesties. The programme comprised sports. which began at 1.30 p.m. and were preceded by a short service on the sports ground. conducted by the Revs. R. Franklin and A. Williamson. Tea was served for the children in the Pavilion at 4 p.m., when a souvenir mug was presented to each child, after which the sports prizes were presented by Mrs. Vernon Sinclair. At 7 p.m. a carnival procession paraded the village. This was a very good effort, there being about 200 entries. At the conclusion prizes were presented by Mrs. Barford. At 8.30p.m. a whist drive took place in the Church Hall. The attendance was not as large as was expected, the prizegiving for the carnival and the fact that many had returned home to hear his Majesty's speech broadcast proving detracting factors. At the end, Mrs. Franklin presented the prizes. At 9.55 p.m. a large bonfire, which had been built up by the 1st Selsey Rovers, was lit. This was followed by a dance in the Pavilion. which was crowded. Dancing was indulged into the strains of Stockers' Band until the small hours of the morning.

10th May 1935 Hampshire Telegraph