Acker Bilk and his Jazzmen were the big attraction at the grand ball organised by the recently re-formed Brightlingsea and District branch. Held in the spring at a holiday camp owned by the branch chairman, D. L. Hammerton, the ball raised £1,800 and the tombola a further £1,000. Fenland Growhouses Ltd kindly gave a greenhouse to be auctioned.

(I. to r.) Bowman Bobby Kemp, Walton and Frinton lifeboat, D. L. Hammerton, Acker Bilk, Captain R. Coolen, Harwich station honorary secretary, and Crew Member David Wells from Clacton..