BY and large, the Looking Back pages steer clear of political comment.

But this week we are celebrating the former illuminated glories of Weymouth when its seafront was graced with picturesque strings of fairy lights.

These images, from old postcards, were sent in by reader Sue Hogben. A keen amateur historian, Sue is currently in the process of writing a history of certain places in Weymouth and looking for people’s memories of the town.

She contacted us having read an article in last Tuesday’s Dorset Echo (Fairy lights are back on the agenda) saying that councilors will look again at the town’s twinkling illuminations after they were handed a 1,700-strong petition asking for the lights’ return.

Sue said: “The article stated that they had been there since the 1950s but in fact the illuminations along the Esplanade had been there even before then.

“I have some postcards showing the lights, not only strung along the Esplanade but also covering the Jubilee clock, and the shelters and reading reports, they also lit the pier.”

Sue also sent in snippets from various newspapers including this one from the Daily Mail of August 26, 1898.

It reads: “HRH the Prince of Wales conferred upon Weymouth a special honour by consenting to remain last evening in the Osborne, anchored in the bay, to witness the illuminations of the pier, gardens, and esplanade.

“A telegram was dispatched to Sir Francis Knollys, on board the royal yacht, from the town clerk, requesting him to ask his Royal Highness if he would allow his yacht to remain in the bay to witness the illuminations, to which a reply was received stating that the Prince of Wales would be pleased to do so.

“For this purpose the Osborne came into the bay from Portland soon afternoon and took the following party from Devonshire House, the residence of Mr. Montague Guest, on board: Mrs. Lawrence and Miss Esme Drummond, Mrs. Atherly, Mr. Langrishe, Sir Allen Young, and Mr. Montague Guest.

“They had luncheon on board the Osborne, where there were the Prince of Wales, the Princess Victoria, Princess Marie of Greece, Prince Nicholas of Greece. Also Senor L de Soveral, Mr Christopher Sykes, Sir Francis Knollys, Captain the Hon. Seymour Fortescue, Mr Fripp, the Prince of Wales’s medical advisor, Mr Martino, and Sir Henry Burdett.

“After luncheon the yacht proceeded to Lulworth, the company being landed in the pretty coves in launches. Some visited the coastguard station, others enjoyed the beautiful air and splendid scenery from the Downs, the remainder going for a short drive into the country.

“On the party again assembling on the Osborne they had tea on board, and the yacht then steamed for Weymouth, where she arrived shortly before six.

“The weather was most favourable for the illuminations, and the front presented a magnificent spectacle, the best view being obtained from the sea.

“By the command of his Royal Highness the Royal Pavillion Pierotte banjo team had the honour of giving a performance on board the Osborne.

“The Prince of Wales is looking remarkable well, and hopes to take his first drive at Plymouth, for which place the Osborne will start about nine o’clock this morning.”

Sue adds: “I would personally love to see the fairy lights back along the sea front, there must surely by now be a cheaper alternative to the old bulbs, even a method of solar power to light them.

“Weymouth seafront is just not Weymouth seafront without the lights twinkling away, especially in the dark dreary days of winter.”