BATHING PARTIES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 6 August 1928, Page 5

BATHING PARTIES

MIDNIGHT GATHERINGS AT WEST

LONDON, 28nd July. Midnight “splash parties,” at which dozens of young men and women in brifi liantly-coloured costumes splash and! frolic in the water to the accompaniment of a jazz band, while changing coloured beams of light are played upon them, are Mayfair’s latest sensation. The first was held at St. George’s Baths, Buckingham Palace Road, and was given by Mrs Plunkett Greene, the wife of the well-known singer. The guests, who were requested to bring a bathing costume, a towel, and a bottle, arrived at the stroke of midnight in taxicabs and motor-cars. There was an extraordinary medley of costumes. Some were in evening dress, others were in pyjamas and dressing gowns. A few were actually in bathing costumes over which coats were worn.

A policeman guarded the entrance to the baths, and closely inspected the invitation cards. He locked the door after the arrival of each guest The Hon. Robert. Gathorno Hardy opened the party, diving into the water through a large rubber belt. Soon dozens of young men and women were frolicking in the flower-strewn water. One man made a high dive clad in a dressing gown and a soft hat. Many stayed in the water until the early hours of the morning.

Those present included Prince George of Russia. Lord and Ladv Hastings, Lord Rosso, Hon. Stephen Tennant, a relative of Lord Grey of Fallodon, and Miss Ponsonhv, daughter of the Labour member of the House of Commons.