Out and About at Hughenden Manor!

Between Sets at Cottisford!

With Birthday Boy Gavin!

Reading Woman’s Own of 1940!

On Stage at Hughenden Manor!

Hughenden Manor!

Me with the Lovely Marina May & Mother!

Meet the Re-anacters!

The Man with his Pigion!

Hello every-one it’s good to catch up with you all as I’ve just got back from a fantastic weekend of all sorts. This week I’ve been out and about performing at private parties in between singing at Hughenden Manor for The National Trust’s 1940s Weekend while dashing in and out of the recording studio in preparation for when I go before the cameras the end of this month. In truth I didn’t get back from the recording studio until 2 am this morning. I wanted to re record some of my songs before filming and rather thrilling I was able to find a new sound for myself which I shall tell you more about in a moment. So you could say it’s been a busy few days – but first things first let me tell you about Friday.

On Friday evening I was performing in the charming Oxfordshire village of Cottisford for a private party which attracted the whole village in support to raise funds for the local church. I had been engaged to perform 3 x 45 minute sets over the course of the evening music from the 1930s through to the 1960s which is right up my street and just my cup of tea. I had played in the village once before so it was lovely to meet up with so many friendly faces I recognised from my last time. I even included some Opera which went down especially well with the guests.

On Saturday night I had been booked to perform for a 1940s birthday party at The Old Red Lion pub in Kings Langley near Hemel Hempstead which was great fun. All the guests came dressed up and entered into the spirit as I performed 2 bright 45 minute sets. The host Gavin had asked me to wear my ATS uniform which was the right choice of costume as I sang outside and I finished my set with lots of flag waving and British Themes. One of the guests Peter very kindly brought along and gave me a copy of Womens Own magazine from 1940 which I thought was very kind. It’s fascinating to look back at these old magazines and read the adverts. I partially like to look at the 40s fashions and the fashion atrial Mrs Howler meet Mrs Chic made me smile. It tells you how to put together an out-fit by not over accserisezing.

Come Sunday I was booked all day to sing at Hughenden Manor. I have to confess the job came in as a last-minute booking through my friend Lynda Styan who wasn’t able to do both days. If you are in the know you will know Hughenden Manor was the home of Disraeli and during WW2 was used as a secret RAF intelligence and map making unit, which amongst other things planned the Dam Busters raid in 1943, the bombing of the Tirpitz in 1944 and of Berchtesgarden in 1945. So as you might imagine with this information to hand I thought it appropriate to wear my WAAF uniform particuly as I open my WAAF show with an RAF medley which concludes with the Dam Busters theme tune.

The 1940s weekend had been organised by event company Event Plan for The National Trust and it was my first visit to Hughenden Manor. It was clear to see from the off that every-one at the event had been hand-picked as the standard of displays and the quality of the re-actors were very high indeed. I was only required to sing for 3 x 15 minute sets due to the fact Lynda and I were filling in for another act who couldn’t appear at short notice. So the job couldn’t have been easier. This allowed me plenty of time to look around the house and grounds which was a real treat. So often when I am performing at these events I have very tight turn arounds so this job seemed like a delightful holiday.  I even had time to sit down and have a proper  lunch at Dizzys cafe with some lovely re-anacters!

On this occasion I had the pleasure of working with entertainers “The Spitfires” and “Marina May” on The Terrace which was a great location as it looked over the North Lawn. While I was in the house I caught a little of Marina’s show which brought back a memory of when I was a Red Coat in Blackpool. At one point Marina brought out her head scaf and sang “Wish Me Luck as you wave me goodbye” in a tribute to Our Gracie – Gracie Fields. Something I use to do at The Metropole Hotel back in the day. When I first went to Blackpool my repertoire was very classical so the musical director Glynn Buckley took me under his wing and introduced me to the Lancashire Soprano Gracie Fields. The first song I learnt in Blackpool was “Sally” and I still have the sheet music Glynn gave me in my pad today. Glynn took me to Rochdale and to the Gracie Fields Museum which was in the town centre. I don’t know if the museum is still there but I belive they are erecting a statue to her which I hope one day I will see when ever I might be passing through Rochdale. Catching that moment in Marrina’s act reminded me of that time and it was lovely to see her carry on some of the old traditions as she finished her show with a patriotic selection and “There’ll Always Be an England”.

When ever I do a show I plan my play lists very carefully

Inside Hughenden Manor!

although on this occasion I thought I would go with the flow. Just before I was due to start my final set Ancient Wisdom started his talk on the Story of Dunkirk. As he was standing in the middle of the lawn I didn’t want to drown him out so instead of finishing with the usual I compleated my set with “The Flower duet from Lakme” which was a real hit with the National Trust audence. Next week you will be able to see me on Saturday working for another National Trust property Wimpole Hall, Arrington , Royston, Cambridgeshire, so I hope you can all make it along as this will be another Event Plan event. If Hughenden is anything to go by I’m sure it will be fantastic so I look forward to seeing you.

In the meantime you will also be able to catch me on Sunday performing in Leighton Buzzard at The Sand and Motorcycles rally in Pages park 3 x 45 minute sets daily music from WW1 – 1960s. Speaking of the 1960s you might be interested to know I have two new videos up on You Tube. “You Don’t Have to Say You Love me and “Johnny Be Goode”. In time they will be included into my web-site as part of my 1950s and 60s page but if you

Back in the Studio with Richard!

would like to see them before then just click onto the Follow Fiona Tab on the right hand side of the screen, it will zip out, press the You Tube icon and they are the first 2 videos you come to.

Time is creeping on and before I go to bed I want to tell you I had a bit of a break through in the recording studio yesterday. At last I’ve found my new crooning sound which I’m looking forward to sharing with you all when I record my new showreel. So keep watching this space and I shall keep you posted.

Toodle Pip and Bye for Now!

I’ve Heard that Song Before!

On Stage at The Eastney Tavern!

Paul Sings The Summer Wind!

Hello every-one as you can see I’m back from performing on the South coast and if everything had gone to plan I should have been in the recording studio tonight picking up some of my new tracks and recording my new songs which included “Saturday Night” and “I’ve Heard that Song Before”

in preparation for filming later this month. Sadly Richard has been taken ill so we wish him well and hope he gets better soon. Get plenty of rest Richard and I look forward to catching up with you next week! xx

If you caught my last blog you will know I was booked to perform Friday night in Southsea at The Eastney Tavern. If you are ever in Southsea it’s the place to go for great food as it now has a top chef and the pub offers a fantastic selection of dishes. Check out their web-site http://eastneytavern.co.uk

I had been booked to perform the music of the 1950s and 60s which went down very well with the pubs cliental, most of which who could remember the songs the first time around. I have to say “The Swinging 50s and 60s”  is now one of my best-selling shows. Paul also sang and he delighted the audience with his Frank Sinatra repertoire, my favourite being Summer Wind. I had been engaged to perform 2 x 45 minute sets and we were even asked to perform an extra encore so finished with Opera which came as a special request.

Speaking of the 1950s and 60s you might be interested to know I’ve just seen the finished edits to my films “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” and “Johnny B Goode”. So it wont be too long

Outside The Pallant Gallery!

before I will have a couple of new films to share with you all. I’m back filming at the Limelight Theatre on the 30th and 3rd October music from the 1940s and 50s although due to ill-health Richard hasn’t been able to finnish “It’s Magic” for this time around. I may well have to arrange a day to film that one song later on in the year as I want it to open my next showreel and I was keen for the track to have a 100 pice orchestral arrangement with a leading concert piano.

On Saturday night Paul and I were in Chichester performing at The Pallant Gallery restaurant for a 50th birthday party. On this occasion I had been engaged to perform 3 x 45 minute sets of music from the 1930s – 60s finishing with some good old-fashioned Rock and Roll. You can’t beat the old tunes and towards the end we even moved things on a little with some Abba. When it comes to a party who doesn’t like Abba! It’s always great to see every-one up on the floor dancing

All Set for the Battle of Britian!

and singing along to Dancing Queen – It never fails! Most of the guests were in town for Goodwood and some had flown in from France so I made sure I sang in French too.

Today I have been working with my singing teacher on Italian as I get ready to fly out to Milan this coming October. It’s been good to go back to basics and we’ve been working on my vibrato by re-shaping my mouth slightly which has been helping no end.

Next weekend I have a run of private parties to perform for in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire which are always very enjoyable. I often find working for individuals is much more rewarding. Large companies don’t always value talent and I enjoy working for clients who prize and appreciate what I do. This week is all about the Battle of Britain so I shall be flying high with WAAF shows for much of this week.

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

Bombs Away at The Victory Show!

On Stage with My Wrens Show!

Meeting Up With Re-enactors!

All Set to Go On Stage with Don and Paul Harper!

Meeting Up with Mr & Mrs Winston Churchill!

Me with The Victory Girls!

Paul Out Shopping Between Shows!

Don’t Mention the War!

Chocks Away!

Brian the Frendly German from Mansfield!

Dressed for Duty!

This week Paul and I have been working away at The Victory Show in Leicestershire which for those of you in the know will know is the largest WW2 experience in the UK. Where perhaps The War and Peace show had led the way in this sort of thing  for many years I think this show seems to have an extremely welcoming approach to its re-enactors who in return put on wonderful displays of Living History for the public. The Saturday night centres around a large 1940s dance which takes place in the big marquee and was a sell out months before attracting over 850 guests. Certainly when it comes to 1940s dances this was by far the best I’d performed at as the atmosphere was electric and I always enjoy working big rooms with large audiences.

I was really thrilled to get the booking to play The Victory Show as it was a new event for me. The show has been running for 11 years and this was my first time performing there. I did visit the show in its first year as a member of the public back in 2005. I came dressed in a beautiful 1940s suit with original 1940s swede wedge shoes. As you might imagine when it started to rain the event became very muddy and in order to save my lovely shoes a stall holder very kindly gave me two carrier bags which I put over my shoes and held in place with two elastic bands. Although that was 11 years ago it’s amazing just how many people remember that iconic image of me wandering about with Tesco bags on my feet. What ever next!

On this occasion I had been engaged to perform 3 x 45 minute shows daily plus a 30 minute slot during the bands comfort break at the Saturday night dance. As it turned out on the Saturday I was scheduled to do 2 x 30 minute slots in the bar during the day as the big marquee was being set for the evening dance. It did give Paul and I the treat of having time to look around the show as there was so much to see. So often we don’t have that opportunity to look at the Living History as we are always working but as there were so many interesting displays I was pleased not to miss them.

On this occasion the show had put together a great line up of entertainers hosted by Mr Paul Harper . Thankyou Paul for being so kind and hospitable it was lovely to work with you and Don and both Paul Marsden and I had a traffic time performing at the show. Paul Harper also very kindly lent us his rig in the bar on the Saturday which saved us so much lifting and carrying and we really enjoyed watching the other acts. I partially enjoyed the Victory Girls who are a dance troupe who not only look the part but danced beautifully to the tunes of the 1940s & 50s. I did feel for them rather dancing on the grass in the Bar marquee on Saturday. Muddy grass isn’t kind to white shoes. Come Sunday they were up with me in the main marquee which had a proper dance floor and more space for their great routines. We also had the Croft Silver band who played some wonderful tunes and I enjoyed their arrangements of Danny Boy and Dam Busters especially. I was only sorry I didn’t get the chance to see Melissa sing although we did hear her briefly which sounded pretty good though the wall of the marquee while Paul and I were getting ready to go on stage for the evening show.

The Ockbrook Big Band played for the Saturday night dance which I think were an 18 piece plus they came with two band singers who were extremely good. The Ockbrook big band were a joy to listen to as they were tight which you don’t often get with bands these days. So often bands are a collection of musicians who just come together on the night with little to no rehearsal of playing together as one. This was certainly not the case with the Ockbrook band. I did the bands 30 minute comfort break in the middle and I decided to keep the music up tempo which kept every-one on the floor dancing. I finished my set with the British Themes medley and it was lovely to see every-one up on the floor singing and waving.

On Sunday Paul and I were back in the main marquee with the Croft Silver Band and The Victory Girls. Paul and I performed 1 x 30 minute set plus a straight through 60 minute show before the battle which attracts a large number of visitors. Perhaps the only thing I wished the Victory Show had had was a pop up Vintage tea room serving tea and cakes on china. It would have made a change from all the Burgers vans and given the show a feminine touch and a break from all that kaki. On Sunday Paul and I met up with our friends Brian and Viv who had driven all the way down from Mansfield to see us sing. Afterwards we spent the rest of the day enjoying the show and viewing the many Living History displays.

Paul and I travelled back Monday morning and now I’m getting ready for another busy week. Today I was performing in Chesham and I’m back there again on Thursday evening for a “Last Night of the Proms” show. London tomorrow and Aylesbury on Thursday afternoon before I sing the Proms. On Friday I’m performing the Swinging 50s and 60s at the Eastney Taven in Old Portsmouth with a private party booked in for Saturday night at The Pallant House Gallery in Chichester. Paul and I had planned to go to Goodwood on Sunday although to be honest I think with my current diary it will probably make more sence to go out for lunch on Sunday and for me to make my way back home on Sunday afternoon. I’m in Hatfield for 12 noon on Monday and back in the recording studio on Monday evening so I’ve got a very tight schedule

Richard has already sent through some of the new recordings for my next showreel which is all very exciting. I’m also thrilled to announce my new 1950s and 60s page is now up and running on my web-site  so do click the 1950s 60s tab at the top of this page and have a look. You will be able to see some new pictures and my 1950s and 60s showreel which has been embedded into the page. More videos will be following soon and will be

Paul with Utility Jude and Tush the Dog!

added to this page in due course. We’ve also added in “Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend” to my Shows page and my D-Day page will be having a refreshed look with some new photographs.  So keep watching and I will keep you posted.

That’s about all my news for now so I will leave it here tonight as I’ve lots of paper work to get on with.

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip! 😉

And So To Bed – I Love This Shot!

Paul and I Out and About at Odyssey

You Meet All Sorts at Odyssey!

Me Shopping for Vintage at “Jenspick”

As you might expect I have a very busy week ahead of me what with one thing  and another. I have a quick turn around as I need to get myself ready for this coming weekend and The Victory Show. Paul and I returned home yesterday after playing two days at the Military Odyssey show for the 514th. I had been engaged to perform 2 x 45 minute shows daily American songs from the 1940s which attracted a lot of people to the stand and as Paul is the 514th’s Coronel he was able to dazzle the company with his singing which went down really well with the audience.

I drove down on Friday night after my afternoon show and Paul met me there as we stayed on site in Gladys our motor home. The Military Odyssey Show is a fascinating spectacle as it’s a multi period event and covers everything from Romans, Medieval right up to Vietnam and beoned. There is always much to see and because it mixes periods I think it’s just that little more interesting than a show which just covers one period. Often the re-anacters who specialize in older historical periods have skills. One man we saw in the iron age village was making fishing nets and you could see the ladies weaving fabrics. I also like to see the uniforms of the 18th and 19th centuries of which there were many groups. At one point I’m sure I saw a whole crew of pirates walking by while I was singing “Anchors Aweigh” during my US WAVES show.

This weekend we were lucky with the weather although I have to say it was quite windy up on stage. A big thank-you goes out to Graham, Mick and the 514th who had built me a special stage up on top of a flat-bed trailer. Much of the time I had to swap my vintage looking

On Stage in My New 1940s Hat and Coat!

mikes

for a radio mike due to the fact the radio mike has a wind cover and the vintage mikes were picking up too much wind noise. Come Sunday we needed our macs as we had a few showers and I was able to wear my new red coat and hat.

No history show would be complete without a look around the stalls and I was thrilled to see Jennifer Coverdale of “Jenspick” who always has a wonderful selection of 1940s hats and girlie bits. She also had a beautiful red coat and grey suit which I thought would be perfect for my trip to Milan this October. The red coat and hat I bought came in very useful for Sundays show when the weather turned a little colder and now I’m busy planning what to sing and what to wear for the Victory show which will be taking place next weekend on the 3rd and 4th September.

Paul and I with the 514th!

Where History Meets History!

I’m out all this week with shows and yesterday I had to dash back from Odyssey for a 3pm 1950s and 60s show I sang at a BBQ party in High Wycombe. I’m performing in Northampton this afternoon and Milton Keynes tomorrow so I’m afraid I will only have time to do one blog again this week. You can catch me performing 3 x 45 minute shows daily at the Victory Show Saturday – 11.30am ATS, 1.30pm US WAVES, 3.30pm Hooray for Hollywood. Sunday 11.30am WRNS, 1.30pm WAC, 3.30pm WAAF.

In the meantime I had my first singing lesson last week with a wonderful new singing teacher and I’ve been shown a new tecknek which has helped with my vibrato although in Operatic circles they don’t like to use the term vibrato – it’s resonance, (which makes me smile).

I must dash and get ready for my show. Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

Getting Ready for Odyssey!

Paul and I Off to Odyssey!

I’m afraid I will only have time to do one blog this week as I want to set some time aside to rest a little so I will be full of beans for the Odyssey show this bank holiday weekend. I also want to plan my Autumn season which this year will be taking me to Milan and I must brush up on my Italian and re look at some of my arias. I have much to do these next three months and I want everything to be spit spot. This Wednesday I have an appointment with a singing teacher who I hope will be able to help me with Italian Opera and refine my vibrato which I think has got a little wayward of late. It’s taken me a while to find the right teacher so I’m looking forward to my first lesson very much. I’m out singing most days and over time I’m afraid the corners do get knock off rather so it will be good to have a refresher and look at how we can improve things for the future.

I will also be back before the cameras again the end of September early October just before Milan. My next showreel will be songs from the 1940s and 50s so I’ve been thinking a great deal about music, costumes and

Trying on Frocks at Flamingo Frocks!

colours. On Saturday I popped over to Brackley and Flamingo Frocks after receiving a wonderful tip-off from my friend Kim that Flamingo Frocks might be the place to go for those 50s inspired fashions. I have to say I found two wonderful dresses which ticked a couple of my boxes quite splendidly so now I think I have all my colours and gowns sorted for filming. I also found a beautiful kingfisher blue dress with black pussy cats all over it which will be perfect for my Halloween shows. If you get the chance do take a look at Flamingo Frocks and meet Wendy the shop owner who is so kind and helpful. They also do mail order too so check out the web-site at http://www.flamingofrocks.co.uk

I had a very fruitful meeting with Rachel today and I gave her my new showreels so I hope by Tuesday you will be able to see three new films. The first, “Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend” then my new 1920s and 30s showreel and “Mr Sandman”. We also hope to have up and running

Me with Wendy of Flamingo Frocks!

by the end of this week my new 1950s and 60s page which is all very exciting. This one will have my 1950s and 60s showreel embedded in and if you caught my last blog you will know I shall be adding in more videos over time, including “Johnny Be Goode”  and “You Don’t have to Say You Love Me”. I’m also up dating a few of my pages with new photographs as it’s important to keep things fresh.

I’m pleased so many of you have been enjoying “Video of the Week” I’ve been running on Facebook. Over the next three weeks I will be sharing my new videos with you

On Set for Diamonds with Film Maker David!

In the Studio with Sue Jones at L&D Radio!

but if you can’t wait until then just click onto the follow Fiona tab on the right hand side of this screen. It will zip out and click the You Tube icon. From there you will be able to find my latest videos which as the latest up loaded ones are the first to be seen.

I should like to thank Sue Jones for inviting me onto her radio program last Friday at L&D Radio. It was lovely to be invited Sue and didn’t we have a ball! I think Alan would have been proud so here’s to the next time!

In the meantime don’t forget you will be able to catch me on stage this Saturday and Sunday at The Military Odyssey Show, The Kent Showground, Detling, Nr Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3JF. I have been engaged by the 514th who re-enact the American Army of WW2 to perform 2 x 45 minute shows daily at 11.30am and at 1.30pm. Paul will be performing too and we have four great American shows planed for both days so I hope you can all make it along. The Odyssey show covers all sorts of historical periods from Romans to 18th century Pirates to WW2, Vietnam and beyond which makes it a very interesting show. I’m also hoping to do a bit of shopping while I’m there as they have lots of interesting stalls selling everything from Civil War armour to vintage fabrics. So can’t wait. This weekend I will be stepping out as a WW2 US WAC and WAVES with a touch of Hollywood thrown in so see you there. http://www.military-odyssey.com

That’s all my news for now so Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

All Set for Sue’s Show!

Hello every-one it’s just a very quick blog this afternoon as I shall be dashing off very shortly to do a radio interview with Sue Jones on L & D Radio. Sue has taken over Alan Pagram’s show as Alan is currently enjoying his holidays on the Isle of Wight. Oddly enough I bumped into Alan while I was performing over there the beginning of August which was where Alan and I first met about 4 years ago. So happy holidays Alan and make the most of the lovely summer weather!

I’ve been quickly preparing for Sue’s interview

Back on the Radio!

today as I have much to talk about and I need to make sure I have all the information to hand when I’m asked questions about my future engagements. I’m flying out to Milan in October. I’ve been booked to perform at a 1940s event in the town of Graffignana which I’m not quite sure how to pronounce so we might have to skirt around that name on the show. It doesn’t help being dyslexic as I always make mistakes, until that is I’ve been tought by someone in the know, how to pronounce and say things properly.

This week has been a very productive week. I was with David my film maker yesterday going through some more showreels. I’ve taken the decision to commission complete takes of “Jonny Be Goode” and “You don’t have to Say you love Me” which will be added to my web-site and embedded into my new 1950s and 60s page very shortly. These songs were used as part of the ingredients which made up my 1950s and 60s showreel.

Rock and Roll Fiona on Film!

They also stand up well on their own which was why I took the decision to commission a finished film edit. I also have a complete version of “Mr Sandman” where you can see me singing in triplucult and “Diamonds are a Girls best Friend” plus a finished take of my 1920s and 30s showreel. I was supposed to see Rachel my web-designer on Monday but sadly she was taken ill. So get well soon Rachel! I shall be seeing Rachel instead this Monday and handing her the new showreels then although you might have to wait a little longer for “Johnny Be Goode” and “You Don’t have to Say You Love Me”. Watch this space

Johnny Be Goode!

and I shall keep you posted! I’ve already seen some of the drafts for my new 1950s and 60s page which is looking splendid and features a lot of the photos I had taken during my last photo shoot. I also want to refresh some of my web-site pages with new photos which I’ve been busy thinking about these last couple of weeks.

I’ve also been thinking a lot about music and dresses and what colours and fabrics will look best on camera. I film again in September and this time I will be combining glamorous tunes from the 1940s and 50s. At first this showreel was just going to be songs from the 1940s but I feel the 40s has rather had its time and event organisers will be looking for something more glamorous in future.

Gosh I’ve just seen the time and I must dash. Thank-you for following and I will be off to the Odyssey show this coming bank holiday so much to plan for.

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

It’s Show Time at Havenstreet!

Hello every-one I’m back after a busy 9 days away singing at the Isle the Isle of Wight steam railway’s Victorian event. What a great week it’s been too as this time Paul and I were able to take a little break from singing and enjoy a few days holiday visiting some of the sights of which the Isle of Wight has plenty.

If you follow my blogs you will know I spend most of my life on the road travelling from show to show, but this time it was a little different as we made a point of having a few days holiday staying on site at Havenstreet railway station. Where in the past I’ve always stayed at a B&B just down the road this year Paul and I took Gladys our tour bus complete with the extra addition of a brand new awning which gave us a little more storage. There’s a great community of Victorian re-anactors who we know very well and who kindly helped us with the awning which is easy to

How Many Victorians Does It Take To Put Up An Awning?

get in a pickle with when it’s a first time attempt. All the Victorian re-anacters are seasoned professionals when it comes to putting up awnings, motor homes and camping, so with a little help from our friends we had it up in no time at all!

This year Paul and I travelled over to the Island on the Wednesday. I had a 1940s “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” show first in Emsworth on Tuesday afternoon which I did on my way down to Portsmouth. This year I wanted very much to see Osborne House again as the last time I did so was in the early

Enjoying Osborne House!

80s when I went over to the Island with my family. In my job I travel greatly but I don’t always have the time to see the sights so I was really pleased that on this occasion we had the opportunity to visit. The gardens are beautiful and there is so much to see inside the house.

Queen Victorian was a good artist in her own right so as you might expect there are plenty of beautiful paintings to enjoy. I partially enjoyed the Durbar Wing and seeing a selection of framed Indian portraits by Rudolf Swoboda. There is a wonderful portrait of

Portrait of Abdul Karim!

Abdul Karim who was Queen Victoria’s Indian secretary which was also painted by Rudolf Swoboda and for me was the star of the collection. I also enjoyed looking at the Drawing room which to quote Queen Victoria is “extremely handsome, with its yellow damask satin curtains and furniture to match”. It also has a beautiful piano which I’m sure was often played when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were in residence.

Of course no day out would be complete with-out a cream tea and I have to confess Paul and I did enjoy quite a few of these while we were on the Island. Sometimes it quite nice just to potter about with no great plan and find – out  where the day leads us. On our way over to Shaklin we stopped off at The Shipwreck center for lunch and ended up

Paul Enjoy Tea and Cake at Osborne!

bumping into all sorts of Pirates. When we did make it over to Shaklin we found a great antiques shop called Tigue’s Emporium which had all sorts of treasures. If you’ve never been to Shanklin it well worth a visit as it’s very olde worlde with lots of thatched cottages and yes no shortage of tea rooms. I recommend Vernon Cottage which is quite charming and quite the place for afternoon tea, and yes I think it did evolve another scone too.

Another great place Paul and I discovered in Newport was “Visual Impact”. The owner owns 3 shops and he is just branching out into selling

Out and About in Shanklin!

all  sorts of wonderful retro goods, 1950s 60s style radios and record players along with pink flamingo fairy lights and glasses ect – All the things I love! I bought a few presents while I was there so do check out the shops web-site as they do mail order although the retro side of the business is quite new and not really up on the web-site yet. So if you are in town it’s worth popping along to see the shop in Watchbell Lane, Newport.

Of course the real reason why Paul and I were on the Isle of Wight was to perform at

Shopping at Visual Impact!

On Stage with the Victorians!

On Stage at Havenstreet!

Paul with Mr Alexander and Mimi!

Paul Meeting up with Pirates!

Havenstreet’s Victorian Weekend. Every year the event seems to attract more visitors and this year we saw many more families. The car park was full both days with coaches and families. I had been engaged to perform 3 x 45 minute shows daily and this year I did something a little different by mixing my sets up so I didn’t do the same thing each day. The event attracts a lot of reanacters and my favourite entertainer, Mr Alexander who comes complete with his own theatre. His act involves magic, juggling, unicycling, balance and illusion which I just adour. We also had Charles Dickens and Her Majesty Queen Victoria complete with solders and ladies in waiting which makes for quite a line up. On the Monday night Paul and I give a special performance for the re-anacters songs from 1920s to the 1960s which went down very well.

Now I’m back in the office I have a lot of catching up to do with paper work including over 100 e-mails to go through. With that in mind I’m afraid I wont be writing quite so many blogs over the next few weeks. It’s only because I have contracts to do and I need to make a start on my next magazine issue of Vintage Fair. I also need to up date to my web-site and I shall be seeing Rachel my web-desginer on Monday. The Good news is I just received the videos through from David today so it wont be long now before you will be able to see a complete version of me singing Mr Sandman, Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend and my 1920s and 30s Showreel. All being well I shall ask Rachel to up load them to my site sometime next week so watch this space and I shall keep you posted.

In the meantime I will be back on the air waves this Friday on L&D Radio and off to the Odyessey Show for August bank holiday – but more on that later. I must dash now.

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip! 😉

Trudy and Friends Dressed Up for Chipperfield!

Out and About in Blaenau Ffestiniog!

Gaile, Paul and I at the Bridge Cafe!

Paul and I Between Shows at Blaenau Ffestiniog!

Hello every-one if you have been following me you will know I’m in a bit of a dash. I’m on the road and I’m just making a quick stop before I head off down to Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight for my next run of shows. In fact I’m squeezing this blog in between performances. Paul and I have just had the most wonderful weekend performing in Chipperfield and in Wales at Blaenau Ffestiniog that I wanted to share the news and some of my photos before hitting the road once more.

It was lovely to be at Chipperfield Cricket Club last Friday and it’s hard to belive it’s been a full year since Paul and I were last there performing in aid of the Watford Peace Hospice. The event was staged by Trudy Leach and it was great to see every-one, dressed up, joining in with the songs and up and dancing. The club had been beautifully decorated and the night had a wonderful atmosphere so thank-you to Trudy for inviting us and here’s thumbs up to the next one!

After Fridays show Paul and I were back on the road straight away come Saturday morning making our way over to Wales and the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog.  Blaenau isn’t far from Portmadog and quite a drive from Leighton Buzzard so it took Connie, Paul and I five hours to get there. We had been booked for Saturday night to perform a show called “Viva Vintage” music from the 1920s – 1950s at The Bridge Cafe. Dinner was served before hand and Paul and I performed 2 x 45 minute sets from a time when music really was music which went down really well with the audience. The show had been really well organised by Gaile from the cafe who had arranged the whole event and Sundays Vintage car show which this year had a 1940s theme. On Sunday I performed 2 x 45 minute 1940s shows, one ATS and the other an American 1940s glamour set. Paul sang too and it was lovely to see so many local people who had turned out to support the event, especially the children who had come dressed as evacuees.

Tomorrow I’m dashing off bright and early as I have an afternoon show in Portsmouth. Paul and I sail for th Isle of Wight on Thursday and you will be able to catch me on stage on the 6th 7th August performing 3 shows daily at The Railway Station, Havenstreet for the Steam Railways Victorian weekend.

With that I must dash thank-you for following. I look forward to catching up with you when I get back which wont be before the 12th.

Toodle Pip and Bye for Now! 😉