Victoria, Miss May

Miss May Victoria of Blackburn came to Dover in late July 1925 with her trainer and fellow end-of-the-pier performer William Stearne. She spent about 6 weeks waiting for the right conditions before abandoning making an attempt

Miss May Victoria was photographed in Dover with Perks, Rose Weidman and Nishimura in late August 1925. At that time she was a well-known attraction in Blackpool – a diving, swimming and tank performer on the Central Pier (along with ex-Channel swimmer William Stearne, who was her trainer for the Channel). The Altoona Mirror of 8th August reports Miss May and Perks waiting to start that day but she  obviously didnt; she finally gives up making any attempt in on 8th September

In 1914 she was listed as an acrobatic diver with Professor Tong at the West Pier, Brighton

Poster (undated – 1920s) for Central Pier, Blackpool, advertising ‘High Diving and Swimming Exhibitions’ by Arthur Wilkie and Miss May Victoria (the famous diving, swimming and tank performers), Wee Jean (the smallest professional swimmer in the world) and W. Stearne (who swam from Dover to within 2 miles of France in 10 hours).
Cyril Critchlow Collection, Blackpool Council

Another attempt is to be made today by a lady to swim the Channel. In this case the aspirant for cross-Channel honours is Miss May Victoria, of Blackburn, who is presently giving diving and swimming exhibitions at the Central Pier, Blackpool.
19 August 1925 – Lancashire Evening Post – Preston, Lancashire, England

Miss May Victoria Returns Home. Owing to the unfavourable weather conditions now prevailing, and the low temperature of the water, Miss May Victoria, a Blackburn swimmer, on the advice of the trainer Stearne, is leaving Dover today having abandoned the intention to make the Channel attempt this season
Lincolnshire Echo 08 September 1925