Skegness Magazine

Return of Jolly-gate
MEMORIES of a row with the south coast seaside resort of Bognor Regis were rekindled this week, as evidence was uncovered that the Jolly Fisherman’s logo, patented by Skegness Town Council, is being used without permission.
Former Skegness woman Gina Millington (pictured) who was appearing in pantomime at the resort in 1993 made the discovery, which was on an advertisement on the sea front for a company called Regis Seafood. The news reached Skegness and the East Lindsey District Council.
Mr Bob Suich, head of tourism and public relations said this was not a new issue: “We discovered this about two years ago, when the Jolly Fisherman was used in a Bognor Regis holiday guide. But we were assured that it had been removed last year.”
Surprised
The “Jolly-gate” affair caused much controversy at the time, and Mr Suich admitted he was surprised the logo was still in use: “The Jolly Fisherman discovered this two years ago, and although he was pleased that others wanted to copy Skegness, was concerned at the suggestion Bognor could be as good.
“Clearly, we are disappointed to find out they are still using the logo. Skegness is the best resort in the country, and we are horrified that Bognor are suggesting they could be equal to Skegness when clearly they can’t because they don’t even have an idea of their own.”