Memories of Warnes’ former receptionist

Angie Sapsed (née Johns), used to work with Marjorie Wollaston, who was a former head receptionist at Warnes Hotel.

Angie said: “I actually worked with her in the Queens Hotel, in Hastings, from July 1970.

“This was my first job in the hotel industry after completing my college course in hotel book-keeping and reception at Guildford Technical College.

“She was my first head receptionist and I learned a great deal from her.

“She would often relate stories about when she worked at Warnes Hotel – so much so that it became a bit of a joke between us younger girls, as she would always be saying ‘When I worked at Warnes, we did this, that or the other’.”

Angie remembers Marjorie mentioning the name of the manager at Warnes Hotel, Paul Boswell, who is pictured in the staff photo, at the centre of the front row.

Angie continued: “She left the Queens Hotel in Hastings and moved along the coast to the Queens Hotel in Brighton, and she asked me to go and work with her again, which I did and felt quite pleased that she had asked me, as it was only my second job.”

“I suppose she was possibly late 30s when I met her in 1970, so could be in her late 70s or 80s now.

“We did keep in touch for many years but then lost track. I would love to get in touch with her again.”

If you have any more information you can offer Angie, please let us know.

Get in touch if you can name anyone the staff photo, or would like to share your own memories of Warnes Hotel.

The staff who have already been identified are: Paul Boswell, manager, and his wife (front row, centre), Gus the chef (front row, fourth from right), Riley the doorman (front row, third from right), Cyril Miles (third row, second from right), and Albert the boilerman (fourth row, far left)

• Send your memories and photos to James Connaughton, via email to [email protected], send them by post or pop into Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA. Telephone 01903 282351.