Coming from the sunshine coast of Southern England

The past is full of memories

Sandy Powell   (in Sound Only)   (11.10 mins)

He was born in Rotherham and after he left school he became a music hall entertainer, often wearing a kilt in the guise of a Scottish comedian. During this part of his career he was associated with the singer Gracie Fields, and collaborated with her on several records.

In the 1930s he appeared on the radio, always introducing his show with the catchphrase "Can You Hear Me, Mother?". During the 1930s he also starred in several films, usually as himself.

He continued his success on radio, on television and in pantomime through the 1940s and 1950s right up to 1982 and appeared on three occasions at the Royal Command Performance. After the war, he came to live with his wife Kay at their new house in Elms Avenue, Eastbourne.

Sandy Powell was awarded an MBE in 1975.

In this recording made at Elms Avenue in 1977, Sandy talks about his connection with the town.

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Jeffery Farnol    (in Sound Only)  (18.39 mins)

John Jeffery Farnol, the author of numerous romantic and adventure books, was born at Aston, Birmingham. After eight years living in America and working as a theatre scene painter, he returned to England following the success of his first published novel, The Broad Highway (1910). This soon established his reputation for historic novels often set in the Georgian or Regency period. He died at his Denton Road, Eastbourne home in 1952. In this interview, local writer Gerald Newson talks to Phylis, his wife. The recording was made in 1977 at Denton Road, Eastbourne.