The Roaring Twenties – February Past Pavilion

The first article of this months Past Pavilion marks the very first meeting of the Selsey branch of the Women’s Institute. I thought this to be appropriate given my recent visit. Heather Coleman (secretary) informed me that the branch had been unable to celebrate its centenary in 2021 which was postponed until 2022. Never being one to turn down a source of inspiration, I unearthed the following article.

Selsey “Granny” Takes The Chair.

Probably none of the other 2,000 Women's Village Institutes in England have started their careers of usefulness under the chairmanship of their oldest inhabitant. The wily Rector of Selsey, the Rev. K. H. MacDermott, with a stroke of genius worthy of a Publicity agent, prevailed on "Granny" Ann Willis, aged 90 to take the chair at a meeting, held on Tuesday afternoon in the Pavilion, with the object of starting an institute for the Selsey women.

The idea "caught on" greatly, and there was an enthusiastic gathering of some 125 women to help "Granny " launch the new undertaking. "Granny" Willis has numerous descendants. including 18 great grandchildren; and one or two of her great-grandchildren and one little great-great-grandchild, who had run in from school, were present to watch her doings when she made per unusual plunge into the whirl of public affairs. "Granny," who is quite well, thank you, and who only a few years ago walked from Chichester to Oving and back, is the widow of a carter, and has lived most of her long life at Selsey and Sidlesham. She walked to the hall— "she can walk better then I," one of her descendants said—and when someone tiered her a cushion on her chair she said, " I'm not an invalid." Leaning lightly on the Rector's arm, she mounted the step to the platform and took the president's chair and surveyed the meeting without any need of spectacles. But if you think that at her age, great-great-granny was so foolish as to lay herself open to criticism by speech making, you are very much mistaken.

Rising with great composure and a sly smile, she said, "I will ask the Rector to make my speech for me." and sat down again, and wrapping herself comfortably in her long black cloak, she contented herself with the proper function of a chairman, keeping order. She sometimes nodded her black bonnet sagely when the titled lady speakers made a good point, and now and then when speeches tended to get on the tedious side great-great-granny suggestively closed her eyes.

The utility, scope, and administration of women's institutes, which have done so much to brighten village life in other places, were well explained by Lady Rosemary Portal, of Hampshire, and the Hon. Mrs Colvin (chairman of the West Sussex Federation of Women's Institutes). and under the ruling of "Madam Chairman," as Lady Rosemary respectfully addressed granny, the Selsey women resolved with acclamation to form one for themselves. And doubtless, great-great-granny Willis will be one of the first "officeresses," as the rector calls them.

12/5/1921 West Sussex Gazette

The gentleman pictured here is Nelson Keys. He fulfils my commitment to research for events linked to a year ending in 3. Nelson Keys was a Vaudeville entertainer who appeared in major theatres across the country. He also became a movie star. He first appeared in stage reviews and musical comedies from 1906. He appeared in the West End production of “The Arcadians” in 1909 and in the “Ziegfeld Follies” on Broadway in 1924. Two of his sons were well known in the world of cinema. Anthony Nelson Keys was a film producer and John Paddy Carstairs (John Keys) became a film director.

At the Pavilion.

Visitors and residents alike are keenly appreciating the excellent concert party shows provided each week at the Selsey Pavilion. Recently no less a celebrity in the entertaining world than Nelson Keys paid a flying visit to the hall with the star company with which he is making a south coast tour - a fact which considerably enhanced the reputation of the popular little theatre.

1/6/1923 Chichester Observer

The week after appearing in Selsey the concert party moved onto the Golders Green Hippodrome. Golders Green opened the in 1913, just like the Pavilion, and closed on 18th February 1968 on a star studded evening broadcast live on the BBC Light programme hosted by David Jacobs and Vera Lynn. However, the Hippodrome was a little larger than the Selsey Pavilion and seated approximately 1,500!!

Nelson Keys appeared in many films in the silent and “talkie” eras. He was one of the stars in the film “Tiptoes” in 1927 alongside Dorothy Gish and Will Rogers.

The next issue will continue to focus on the events of a century ago under the title of “Revivals”.

‍