Skegness Magazine

Source: Skegness Standard 7th December 1982

Photos: Lincolnshire Standard Group

An old gift from Gracie Fields drew Morris School pupils to Lowndes shop in Lumley Road, Skegness last week. The second year pupils who are studying Skegness from 1936 to 1953 met Mrs Betty Roberts, whose father bought the gift for 14 guineas (£14.70). Gracie, star of the stage, screen and radio, sent the gift – a corkscrew and bottle opener – to a well-known local musician, Edwin Furniss. The gift was auctioned at the annual hospital ball in 1938, and was bought by Mr R Lowndes. The ball, which was held at the Imperial Cafe on January 14, 1938, attracted 350 dancers who paid the equivalent of 30p each for their tickets and a supper. MC was Mr Tho Williams and guests danced from 8.30pm to 2.00 to the Edwin Furniss Number One Band. It was reported after the ball that there had been repeated requests for the popular Palais Clide. The event raised over £100 for a new extension for the Skegness Hospital.

We went along to Lowndes, Lumley Road, Skegness, to find out if Gracie’s Gift still existed. We met Betty’s (in the top picture) daughter who told us that she certainly did still have the piece.