Skegness Magazine

Every year of late, there have been heated discussions about some local business being unprepared to contribute towards Christmas late-night shopping events in Skegness, especially when nonparticipating shops open late, reaping the benefits of others’ contributions. So it seems like nothing has changed much since the 1958 news story below which tells of a handful of businesses unwilling to contribute towards Skegness Illuminations…

‘LIGHTS OUT’ ORDER FOR NON-PAYERS
LUMLEY ROAD ILLUMINATION BULBS REMOVED
Picture: Skegness Clock Tower Illuminations 1950s

FIVE traders in Lumley Road, Skegness, have allegedly declined to take part in the joint scheme for illuminating the road , and on Friday, on the instructions of the sponsors, Skegness Chamber of Commerce, coloured bulbs were removed from in front of the premises of two of them.
A decision would be taken later, about the other three premises not taking part.

“Bulbs had been removed in these two instances as an example.”

This is the second year of the present lighting scheme — the first one in Lumley Road was in Coronation Year – and the cost will be in the region of £210.
This sum, which includes replacements to the equipment bought last year, is being shared by about 65 traders, including those in part of Drummond Road, to which the lighting has been extended.
Several weeks ago the Chamber of Commerce announced that they were considering the removal of lights from in front of those shops which were not willing to contribute, and this action was taken on Friday morning, the bulbs being removed by members of the staff of Mr. J. E. Draper, who is one of the committee running the scheme.
Very Bitter
Mr. Draper said: “We are just taking these two out as an example and we shall take out the others if the committee decide so.
“Naturally it spoils the continuity of the scheme and I didn’t really like having to take them out, but the committee have felt very bitter about this.”
One of the two traders affected by the decision was Mrs. Elizabeth Lowndes, proprietor of the shop on the corner of Rutland Road.
The other shop involved was Messrs. Truefits.

Research Source: Skegness Standard August, 1958

Picture: Skegness Clock Tower Illuminations in the 1950s.