Chief Engineer wrote:Welcome to the history of Clacton Pavilion, I thought I ought to take a short walk from my usual place of work to celebrate the 75 years of entertainment that the present Pavilion building has brought both holiday maker and locals alike. Sadly 75 years is going to be the limit on the present building, in a few weeks the builders will be knocking it all down to make way for a new centre of entertainment, of course it is not for the first time that the Pavilion has undergone such a transformation, the present building replacing the original one back in 1935.
I am sure most people who grew up enjoying the occasional show, beauty contest or any of the other forms of entertainment that the 'Clacton Urban District Council Entertainments department staged will be sad at the buildings demise, but I am sure a new generation will probably have the same thoughts in 75 years time when the phoenix does it all again.
Unfortunately I do not have as much historical documents and insight on the Pavilion as I do for Clacton's slightly bigger brother, the Pier, but I have a few which will hopefully stir some memories from others who I would love to contribute for all to enjoy.
CE
When times were fun, a picture taken on top of the Pavilion back in 1971
Dear Chief Engineer,
Thanks so much for setting this up and for all your info on the Pavilion. Just to confirm - did you actually work at the Pavilion or was it nearby? I'm currently developing an idea for a comic about the laughing clown that stood outside for many years. I was born in 1980, and we had numerous holidays in Clacton (we lived in Harlow).
I'm actually going back to Clacton this very weekend to get inspiration and take some photos. Do you know anyone who works at the Pavilion who might be able to supply me with more historical information regarding the clown, i.e. who designed him, where he came from, the various costume changes, etc. Better still, if there's anyway I could meet someone to discuss it this weekend that would be fantastic, although it will be either on the Sunday or Bank Holiday Monday.
I would be so grateful for any information you can supply. Many thanks, and hope to hear from you soon.
Richard