Skegness Magazine

Corrie Star Elsie Tanner Skegness Lights Switch On

Man dies waiting for Elise Tanner Skegness Illuminations Switch On (full story below)

A thronging multitude, crammed around the Clock Tower, awaited the Skegness Illuminations switch-on by ITV Coronation Street Star, Elsie Tanner in 1962.
Every possible policeman was on duty, struggling to control the crowds all along the seafront, and spilling out into Lumley Road.
Compass Gardens was closed to the public in readiness for the arrival of the five landaus which conveyed Pat Phoenix and members of the civic party and guests to the switch-on.
Miss Phoenix rode in the last landau with Skegness Urban District Council Chairman, Coun Joe Tonglet and Mrs Barbara Tonglett.
Their approach was heralded by cheers along the route, reminiscent of a Royal occasion.
Struggling police managed to keep open a narrow passage into the Compass Gardens from Tower Esplanade for the trio.

They just (and only just) managed to get into it before the cordons broke and the cheering crowd surged forward.

The moment came and the Coronation Street star, Elsie Tanner pressed the button to turn on the Skegness Illuminations. “Ooh! Aren’t they lovely,” she exclaimed. (click thumbnail left)

For famous Skegness ice-cream vendor Mrs. Selina Fravigar, and her Skegness O.A.P. fellow-member Mrs Elizabeth Barlow, a special private chat with Elsie crowns the evening of a long lifetime.

A picture for the civic albums. Left to right: Mrs. Tonglet, Coun. R. H. Jenkin (Mayor of Boston), Pat Phoenix (Elsie Tanner), Coun. Joe Tonglet (Chairman of Skegness U.D.C.) and Mrs. Jenkin.

Research Source: Skegness Standard 1962

Tragedy – Man Died waiting for lights switch-on
SHORTLY after being safely piloted by police officers to a “front seat site” for his wheelchair in front of the Clock Tower, in readiness for the arrival of the landau procession with Elsie Tanner for the illuminations switch-on, disabled Mr. George Reynolds aged 52 of 12 Park Avenue, Skegness, collapsed and died.

Mr Reynolds had become a well-known local figure since he arrived in Skegness from Tamworth, Staffs., in 1957. Propelling his wheelchair around the town, he had cheery greetings for his many friends and acquaintances, and liked to sit watching at busy corners.
He was present at all notable Skegness events, and on Saturday, in spite of the traffic and huge crowds, arrived safely at the Clock Tower in good time to watch for Elsie Tanner arriving.
FLAG DAY HELPER
Police put him on the small island-pavement in the middle. of Tower Esplanade, where he would have had an uninterrupted view unhindered by the crowd.