Carnival Queen – Chichester Observer – Wednesday, 04 August 1937

SELSEY CARNIVAL QUEEN CROWNED AND KISSED BY RADIO SINGER. In preparation for the carnival to be held on August 11th, the Selsey Carnival Queen was elected by ballot and crowned at the Selsey Pavilion on Tuesday evening. The maids of honour were elected at the same time. The house was crammed to capacity. Every seat in the Pavilion was booked. Extra seats had to be arranged down the gangway, the doorway was thronged with various officials who were not lucky enough to obtain seat, and even the foyer was packed with unfortunates not able to obtain admission, yet nevertheless eager to hear the result of the ballot. Just to get the audience properly keyed up the programme started off with an exciting Western thriller at the conclusion of which a row of beauties was shown to the audience by Col. Moore (Chairman the Carnival Committee). He presented them one by one. They walked out from their row and curtsied. Even then, however, so difficult was it to choose that when the curtain had fallen the audience shouted for another “peep.'' This was not granted, however, and the judging of the maids of honour, who were shown in two groups, started. There were so many almost equally pretty entrants that again it was hard to choose, though the position was eased by the necessity of choosing two out of each group. Col. Moore then introduced to the audience Admiral Sir O. De B. Brock, who said a few words on behalf of the Royal West Sussex Hospital. "When I was asked to come down here," he said. “I was told I would not have to say anything, but just receive the collection, but when I got here I saw such collection of beauties that I thought really ought to say something. This district has always been renowned not only for the beauty of the female sex, but also for the way it has always supported the hospital. If you can spare just few pence, it will be very gratefully received on behalf of the hospital." During this address, and during the showing of another short film, a collection was taken for the hospital. This was presented by Mr. Voke to the Admiral. The sum collected was £5. Another film was shown before the name of the Carnival Queen was announced, and it was some time before the names of the maids of honour could be divulged. The Carnival Queen elected was Miss Jean Morey, and the maids of honour were Jose Francis, Peggy Boxall. Joy Bachelor, and Joyce Hawkins. Then came the big event of the evening, the crowning of the Queen by Harold Williams, a singer of radio fame, who was heard last Sunday in “Victorian Melodies." In crowning Miss Morey. he said “I was at the Abbey for the Coronation, and although the Archbishop did not kiss the King and Queen when he put the crowns on, well—er—l do.” And he did !