Stepping out for her first ever beauty contest was a ‘spur of the moment’ choice for Shelagh Quirk, of Stainmore Avenue, Ashton.
Holidaying in Ostend with her husband Jim in 1972, Shelagh, 25, was persuaded to give it a go, believing she stood little chance of success. Those thoughts only intensified as she paraded nervously around the Casino ballroom.
Not for a second did Shelagh imagine the judges would choose her out of 16 contestants.
Much to her surprise, she was declared the winner of the heat and was presented with a prize package of champagne, chocolates and best of all - a return weekend for two in Ostend as guests of the local council.
In the final Shelagh failed to make the top three places but, still on cloud nine after her unexpected success in the heats, was far from disappointed.
The British Rail key tape operator based at Manchester Piccadilly admitted that as a first timer, she found the competition something of an ordeal, but added: “It was well worth the return trip to Ostend!”
Would she enter any other contests? “ No, I don’t think so,” she told the Reporter. “I don’t think I could stand the strain!”
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From the Chronicle files - Thursday 11th September 2025
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From the Reporter files - Thursday 11th September 2025
