Page 935 - Reading Mercury

The Town Hall was transformed with special lighting and decorations, music was
by Johnny Dankworth and his orchestra and the International Quintet, and, at 10
o’clock the fast-moving “Glamour Time” cabaret delighted with up-to-the-minute
song and dance routines.
A free buffet and illustrated souvenir dance programme were also included in the
price of the ticket, and in addition each lady received a phial of Goya’s “Love Affair,”
and each gentleman a gift pack of “Bristol” cigarettes.
Back to “MISS PRESS BALL,” however, a close second to Jennifer Snuggs, the
girl who wants to be a nurse, was civil servant, Shirley Jones, aged 19, and 17-years-
old Dominic Humphrey-Smith, who is training to become a secretary, was placed
third.
LUCKY GIRLS
Apart from the wonderful prizes already mentioned, Jennifer won a course of
driving lessons or the hire of a car for a week from the Summit School of Motoring;
two “Monarch” suitcases from Marks and Spencer; a day’s trip for two on Smith’s
luxury coaches; a re-style, shampoo and set at John London’s salon; a hairdryer
donated by Whitaker Signs, Ltd.; a jersey two-piece from the Reading Co-operative
Society; a £2 10s gift voucher from Littlewood’s Stores, Ltd.; a £1 1s, gift voucher
from the Reading Fine Art Gallery; a presentation tin of biscuits from Huntley &
Palmers; a bouquet from Mrs. Woodley, of Caversham; 100 “Bristol” cigarettes; a gift
pack of “Tavern” ale; a leather handbag from Heelas of Wokingham and a plastic
mackintosh from Kendalls of Reading.
Shirley, in second place, won:
Twelve modelling lessons from the Grosvenor Fashion Agency; a re-style, shampoo
and set at Louis of Mayfair’s salon; a gift voucher valued at £1 10s. from Littlewoods;
a presentation tin of biscuits from Huntley and Palmers; a bouquet from Mrs.
Woodley; a gift pack of Tavern Ale from H. and G. Simonds, and 50 “Bristol”
cigarettes from W.D. & H.O. Wills, plus a plastic mackintosh from Kendalls of
Reading.
Dominic’s prizes were:
Eight modelling lessons from the Grosvenor Fashion Agency; a shampoo and set at
Louis of Mayfair’s salon; a gift voucher valued at £1 from Littlewood’s; a bouquet
from Mrs. Woodley; a gift pack of Tavern Ale from H and G Simonds, and 50
“Bristol” cigarettes from W.D. & H.O. Wills, and a plastic mackintosh from Kendalls
of Reading.
In fourth place, Mrs. Catherine Tilbury, of “Merrydown,” Lower Henley Road,
Caversham, won: Six modelling lessons from the Grosvenor Fashion Agency, and a
plastic mackintosh from Kendalls of Reading.
The other finalists will also receive modelling lessons from the Grosvenor Fashion
Agency.
Poster hitch
The Press Ball committee had been at the Town Hall since the previous evening,
positioning the traditional bill-posters which are a well-loved part of the Press Ball
decorations. Half-way through the morning the fire authorities arrived and suggested
changes be made in order that they should conform with fire regulations. Last minute
rehanging brought them within the required safety margin, and all was well
Also in the morning the equipment used for dropping the 10,000 Autumn leaves was
tested. About 1,000 were dropped from the roof with spectacular results. In the
evening, however, when the full load dropped, about half of them failed to separate
and dropped with an audible thud on the head of Press Ball secretary David Shute.

933