The Leader remembers Paul Daniels who had Mablethorpe connection

Paul Daniels switched on Mablethorpe illuminations in July 2000 and he is pictured with Debbie McGee during the parade from the council offices to the switch on point on the sea front following a civic reception.

Following the news of his sad passing today (Thursday, March 17) - we remember that Paul was a big fan of Mablethorpe having grown up in the coastal town when he was a young boy.

Paul himself had a great connection with the town and visited the area many times.

He even came to do the annual lights switch-on in 2000.

He spoke to the our local Leader reporter at the time, Gemma Gadd back in 2008 when a local anonymous reader appealed to have a statue of him put in the town.

He was flattered and at the time said: “I don’t think I am worthy of a statue, but thank you.”

Mr Daniels then spoke of his past connection with the town: “I was born in Middlesbrough but only because my mother wanted to be with her mother during the birth.

“A couple of weeks later we all moved back home to Mablethorpe where my father was a projectionist in a local cinema.

“We stayed there for the first 18 months of my life but the second World War broke out and my parents moved back to the north east again and that is where we stayed.”

He concluded: “I like Mablethorpe and have been back a few times including to switch on the lights.”

Do you remember when Paul Daniels came to Mablethorpe during the years or when he came to do the switch on?

Email your memories and tributes to: [email protected].