Brighton: Max Miller appreciation society celebrates 25 years

The Max Miller Appreciation Society were treated to spectacular weather at their event in Brighton’s Pavilion Gardens  on Sunday afternoon.

The group was celebrating its quarter century of support and appreciation for Brighton comedian, Max Miller, who was known as the "Cheeky Chappie".

Guests included of Brighton and Hove Museums boss Hedley Swain, who was seen in conversation with the society's chairwoman, Averil Older.

John Mann and Pavilion cafe owner David Sewell (Image: Hien Tang)

Entertainer and ventriloquist, Steve Hewlett, from Eastbourne, arrived with his family and dog from a busy week of engagements in the South West.

Steve helped with the bonanza raffle and also unveiled a new table for the cafe painted blue - often the colour of Max's cheeky gags.

"The table has a brass plaque bearing the comedian's name" MC John Henty told The Argus, "It'll remind visitors of Max's importance to the city and will be used regularly, especially when society members meet at the cafe every Tuesday morning."

READ MORE: Statue of comedian could be moved as part of plans to restore city park

A unique portrait of Max by Lewes artist Leslie Norah-Hills was auctioned during the afternoon and was sold to a telephone bidder for £300. Part of the proceeds will be going to Chestnut Tree House, the hospice for Children in Sussex and Hampshire.

The painting that was sold (Image: Hien Tang)

An important item from the group’s collection of Max Miller memorabilia could soon be permanently located in Brighton Museum, John said.

Thomas Henry Sargent, who went by the stage name Max Miller, was born in Hereford Street in Kemp Town in 1894.

After serving in the First World War, in 1919 he started a long showbiz career in a seaside concert party with Jack Sheppard's Entertainers in Brighton.

His song, Let’s Have A Ride On Your Bicycle, was banned by the BBC until it became too popular and public opinion forced the corporation to lift the ban.

John Henty and the blue table (Image: Hien Tang)

Max appeared in the Royal Variety Performance in 1931. He started to make films and he also appeared on radio.

During this period, Max was the highest-paid variety entertainer in Britain.

He died in 1963 but was commemorated with a bronze statue in New Road in 2005.

In 2007, it was moved into Pavilion Gardens after the road was pedestrianised.