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03/04/1946

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’A married couple wanted about the end of April, experienced as Cook and House-Parlourman, or an experienced Cook-General and House Parlourmaid; 2 in family; every convenience, very comfortable quarters including private sitting room; centre of East Midland city. apply A J Paten, Mounds, Westwood Park, Peterborough.’ (Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligence)

Taken from The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.

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Death of Variety Star Nosmo King

1949

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Mr Vernon Watson was born in Thorney in 1885, in his youth, a clerk at Barclays Bank in Peterborough. His interest in the stage began with performances at smoking concerts and when, in 1911, he appeared at the old Empire, Leicester Square, he became an overnight success. He took part in many subsequent productions there and as a single turn on the music halls.

At first he relied entirely on his voice in his imitations of the popular comedians of the day. His imitation of Wilkie Bard - exact in every way - was as remarkable a piece of virtuosity as the variety stage has produced. Among his favourite subjects were Harry Champion, Fred Emney and Frank Tunney. His stage name Nosmo King was inspired by seeing two open doors at a music hall which had split the notice 'No Smoking' into Nosmo King. He was later assisted by 'Hubert' - his son (Petty Officer Jack Watson)

He appeared at the Embassy in Peterborough in April 1947 as Colonel Blimp in a G.I. Bride farce 'For the Fun of it'

Though it was 39 years since he had been a clerk at Barclays, he still remembered his old friends in and around Peterborough.

Mr Watson died at his home in Chelsea on January 13th 1949. His funeral was held at Thorney Abbey and he is buried at Thorney cemetery, with 'Nosmo King' on his headstone.

Reference:

Peterborough Archives

vernon Watson , Nosmo King , Embassy Theatre , Variety

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Help Wanted

03/04/1946

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Death of Variety Star Nosmo King

1949

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