Visit from Charters Towers Old Girls

Recently we welcomed the Old Girls of Charters Towers School for a trip down memory lane. The ladies were at school together in Bexhill during the early 1960s and they visited DLWP as part of a reunion gathering. The Pavilion played a large part in the lives of school girls, hosting Annual School Plays and Speech Days from 1940s – 1980s.

When Charters Towers merged with Ancaster House, the schools were previously ‘arch rivals’ according to some of the girls! It was great to hear their stories of performing on the stage. Many fondly remembered the incredible costumes and scenery which were hired from the West End, as well as the make up and false beards! Sue Fisher-Pascall recalled that Head Techer, Eileen McGarry, was always keen that as many people as possible should take part in performances, so Greek tragedies were always a favourite because of the good number required for the chorus.

It was a pleasure to show the Old Girls backstage and to let them ‘tred the boards’ at DLWP once again. They were glad to know that school children in Bexhill still attend award ceremonies at DLWP and perform on the auditorium stage with Bexhill Festival of Music, Hastings Sinfonia, SingInspiration, Diana Freedman School of Dance and East Sussex School of Dance. We hope that the DLWP stage continues to be enjoyed by the children of Bexhill for many years to come!