When Misses were a big hit: cataloguing the history of Horrocks Beach

In its heyday in the 1960s, there were up to 40 contestants in the Miss Horrocks pageant — the “drawcard” event of the annual sports day at Horrocks. Girls had to answer questions and parade along the jetty before a senior and junior winner and runner-up were chosen. The sports day, run by the Horrocks Beach Improvement Committee, coincided with swimming lessons and the Christmas holidays and included diving, athletics and novelty events. The pageant became less formal the following decade when there were fewer entrants — but now it is to come back into the spotlight. Helen Sellers and Reg Reynolds have sent out a call: help us. The couple are penning a book on the social and crayfishing history of Horrocks Beach. Their publication will comprise a collection of history, photographs and personal stories from former and present community members. Commercial fishing started at Horrocks in the 1950s, and Ms Sellers and Mr Reynolds are after fishing photos and much more — especially information on the Miss Horrocks competitions. “We have been able to locate the Miss Horrocks from the 60s but still need to locate some from the 1970s,” Ms Sellers said. “As far as we have been able to establish, the sports days finished in 1977. “After this time the Horrocks Beach Fair Go days started ... but that is another story.” If you can help, contact Ms Sellers at mumnco@yahoo.com.au or 0438 374 271, or Mr Reynolds at horrocksbsc@westnet.com.au.