Welcome To The Games: Trippers at Southend, Essex, had a surprise when twenty-five Swiss arrived at Southend Pier in a barge. They had chosen this unique way of travelling to arrive for the Olympic Games. Alderman S. F. Johnson, Mayor of Southend and councillors greeted the Swiss, and to brighten up the occasion two bathing girls were invited to help. They were 16-year-old Patricia Harding, of Finchley London, and 16-year-old Kathleen Papworth, of Finchley... and there were some enthusiastic kisses all round. The boat of Swiss arriving at Southern for the Olympic games, reaches the pier. July 29, 1948.