by Jake Polden
In a bid to “harness some of London 2012’s sporting spirit”, VistBrighton is to revive its 1950s Promettes tradition – stationing up to 50 new tourist guides in caravan headquarters around Brighton town centre.
Known for their good looks, snappy blue uniforms and white gloves, the original Promettes were a common sight in Brighton around the mid-50s, when they provided tourists with information about the local area.
Currently looking for volunteers, VistBrighton has announced that it is hoping to station modern Promettes at key locations around the town, including the famous pier and seafront, the train station and the Royal Pavilion.
Unfortunately, the new Promettes won’t visually resemble their eye-catching predecessors, but will be identifiable by their branded polo shirts and cagoules. More practical gear perhaps, but hardly as glamorous.
While the voluntary position will be unpaid, VistBrighton has announced that workers will receive free tickets to tourism-related openings, transferable skills and a certificate of achievement after their six-month contract has expired.
Speaking to The Argus, a newspaper local to Brighton, Audrey Page, who was a Promette in 1956 said: “I think it’s a very good idea to bring them back, although things are a lot different now from how they were then.
“We used to help people with their [deck] chairs, posting their cards or if somebody got sunburnt or was not feeling well, telling them where they needed to go.
“Anyone doing it now will have to be quite knowledgeable. I think it will be a more difficult job than it was before. They are going to have to be ready for just about anything and carry quite a bit of information with them.”
Audrey may well have a point, but we’re sure the caravan headquarters will be a great place to retreat to, should the job get too intense.
For a trip down memory lane with the original 1950 Brighton Promettes, click on the video below:
