Valerie Watkins, Miss Forest of Dean 1958

Chris wrote: "... I wondered if you would be interested in publishing a few photos of my mother on your website.  Her name is Valerie Ruck (nee Watkins), youngest daughter of the late Harold and Doreen (Dolly) Watkins.  She was born and bred in Brockhollands Road Bream in June 1940.  Her father Harold was a well known local boxer whom you have probably heard of.  Back in 1957 Valerie won a 'Miss Forest of Dean' competition which was held at Lydney Town Hall.  The competition was judged by a famous actress of the time, June Laverick"

Top left, Lydney's first 'Cinema Ball' at Lydney Town Hall, left to right: Valerie Watkins, Irene Morgan, June Laverick.
Top right, Valerie at the Forestry School Fete at Parkend c1958.
Bottom Left: Valerie Watkins, Miss Forest of Dean 1958 .
Bottom right Valerie at the Forestry School Fete at Parkend c1958.

Hazel (nee) Stockwell added (July 2013): "... my grandmother lived on Parkend Road Bream. I remember playing with all of the Watkins sisters when I stayed with my gran. Lovely to see Valerie was Miss Forest of Dean".

The contest is mentioned in the book "A Richer Seam than Coal" by Trish and Rolly Jones - 2015.
The other competitors were Miss Irene Morgan, Aylburton, Miss Annette Sherwood, Miss Joyce James and Miss Janet Adams of Lydney.

Mrs Ruck asks " does anyone know who entered her for the competition? because it is still a mystery to this day".

If you know please let us know by clicking the link below.

If you wish to comment on this photo or can supply names of people please click here

WANTED: Old photos, old postcards, ephemera and memories of the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. U.K.- please click here to make contact.

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