1970s
Our family became friends with customers Lord Elwyn-Jones (Lord Chancellor in Harold Wilson’s Government) and Lady Elwyn-Jones (Pearl Binder-Authoress). Their daughter Professor Lou Taylor (internationally respected figure in Dress and Textile History) is still a customer. It was around this time that local broadcaster, John Henty, had his first taste of Mr. T’s rock cakes – but he wasn’t impressed. John – clearly a “rock rookie” – pointed at a “bun” on the café counter, took it away to eat on the Corn Exchange steps, and returned a while later bearing a plate full of ….. crumbs. “Your rock cake hasn’t got any currants in it!” he protested. An indignant Mr. T replied “It’s not supposed to have. That’s a coconut rock – look what you’ve done to my cake!!” They both laughed and from that day on, John has continued to visit the café, often with his wife, Sylvia, to enjoy the rocks and convivial atmosphere. He occasionally referred to Mr. T (Bert) on both local and national radio and even maintained to listeners that B.R.I.G.H.T.O.N. stood for Bert’s Rocks Inspire Great Happiness Throughout Our Nation! He also claimed to be the BBC’s “Currant Affairs Correspondent”! Another summer, daily outside broadcasts from the Pavilion Grounds regularly featured Bert with his tray of rocks which were enjoyed by presenters and audience alike. Another lover of Mr. T rock cakes at this time was a young Fred Dinenage who was a junior reporter on the Argus. Ken Lyon’s well known Trio played Monday to Friday on the Pavilion Lawn between 3 & 5pm through June, July and August.
1975-1987
The erection of the huge scaffolding frame covered with the famous blue cladding which enveloped the Royal Pavilion for many years while restoration took place.
Royal Pavilion restoration project took over a decade at a cost of £10 million. 
During which time the entire Pavilion building was covered in blue cladding. The third photograph shows David Parker surveying the building works from the Roof of the Royal Pavilion.
1976
Douglas and June Sewell (Mr. T’s son-in-law and daughter) took over day to day running of the café as Mr. T semi-retired, but he continued to bake his famous rock cakes. Douglas Sewell had been a highly skilled diamond cutter in Brighton and Hatton Garden in London for over 30 years.
David Parker member of the Council’s Parks and Garden’s Department for over 40 years surveys the scaffolding on the roof of the Royal Pavilion. This photo is taken looking north over Valley Gardens towards St. Peter’s Church.