Oh! What a Lovely Pier

Daphne Mitchell

Working on the West Pier from 1956 to 1970, Daphne Mitchell's story evokes the atmosphere of the south coast in bygone times. She recalls seaside shows that featured acts, such as the Great Omani, floating by on a bed of nails. She describes scenes with dolphins basking in the sea and aerial displays by the Red Arrows; all things that made the West Pier 'the pier of piers.' During the season, it was so hectic that Daphne comments 'you didn't know whether to laugh or cry'. The history of this once great pier is vividly brought to life, contrasting starkly with today's ghostly wreck in the sea.