Miss Long Legs of Newburn

By Joan Philipson

When I was 17, our local cinema held a competition by Bluebird Stockings for a Miss Legs competition. Eight of us entered and I was the winner. I received five pounds and some stockings.

When I was 19 the Evening Chronicle was advertising ‘The Queen of the sun’ beauty competitions which were to be held at certain cinemas and clubs; the final to be held in Sunderland.

I entered a few competitions but only winners were allowed to final. I went to the Corona cinema in Felling and came first and was crowned Miss Corona. My prize was a sash, a bouquet of flowers and £5. There were about a hundred girls in the final at Sunderland. Although I didn’t win, it was a wonderful experience.

I didn’t bother going in for any more competition’s when I started courting my husband.