Paul And I All Set To Go On Stage with Paul Murry!

Hello every-one it’s good to catch up with you all after remembrance weekend. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to post earlier before I set off to Yorkshire but I’ve been working hard with Rachel on my new Vintage magazine and I’m thrilled to say we plan to launch next week. So keep watching and I’m looking

Collecting For The RBL Joe and I in Pitstone!

Brian, Me, Paul Murry, Viv and Paul Marsden!

Brian and Paul!

Viv and I at Montgomery Hall!

forward very much to sharing it with you.

This week has been all about remembrance and I was delighted to make it along to see my friend Joe Marling on Thursday otherwise known as the Poppy Man of Pitstone to purchase my poppies. Perhaps not surprisingly I have a couple of “We’ll Meet Again” shows still to do with the run up to the 11th and before heading off to Normandy. I’ve been booked to sing for Ste Marie du Mont’s 1940s Christmas Party at the end of this month and I’m looking forward to wearing my new 40s gown very much. Judi has been busy making it for me and I know it will look stunning when done. More importantly it will look like an original dress from the period thanks to the company www.tilthesungoesdown.com who specialise in divine dressmaking fabrics and who take their inspiration from original textiles. I bought the fabric at Goodwood and there is nothing more exciting than when a plan comes together.

Last Saturday Paul joined me on stage at Montgomery Hall at Wath -Upon-Dearne in Yorkshire for a special 1940s evening. I’d booked for us to stay over night in Rotherham at the Welcome Inn as it would have been too far for us to have driven back afterwards. Although saying that I did get an enquiry to go out to Belgium for remembrance Sunday. Had I have taken the booking it would have meant Paul and I driving all through the night and in the end we just felt it would have been too tight. Had we have done so it wouldn’t have allowed for any problems or delays through the channel tunnel so in the end we had to turn the booking down which was a real shame. Come Saturday night or should I say Sunday morning we were very pleased to return to our hotel only to find the chip had gone in the door lock. Oh no!  I thought at one point the night porter and Paul were going to have to break down the door on my behalf due to the fact my night-time insulin was in the room.  As it turned out the night watchman was able to over ride the system. Phew!

It was great to be back in Yorkshire again as it’s my home county. I was born in Doncaster and I really enjoyed Saturday nights show at Montgomery Hall which is a charming little theatre. It was my first time at the Hall and a big thankyou goes out to Paul Murry who invited us to sing and to all the Hall staff who made us so very welcome. We had a full show of entertainment including Air bourne Angle and Dr Dave Parkin on Keyboards with female vocalist Freda.  Paul and I were thrilled to see our friends Brian and Viv who had come up especially from Mansfield to see us.  Thank-you so

Don’t Forget Your Poppy!

much for coming to see us Brian and Viv. We were so pleased you had a great time and we enjoyed our dance  afterwards. I had been engaged to perform 2 x 45 minute sets and I finished my show with Land of Hope and Glory and lots of flag waving which always goes down well.

Now I’m back home I’ve lot’s of loose ends to tie before the Christmas season which starts on the 1st and then takes me right through to new year. In the mean time I’ve been working out with my trainer Elliot  and I was back in the Gym this morning, and back again tomorrow.  Exercise is the only thing that works and it’s good to see my figure take shape.

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

Singing the 20s and 30s for Ravenstone WI!

Hello every-one so sorry I’m a day behind with my blog but I’ve had a very busy five days what with one thing and another. The last time I blogged I was just heading off to perform for Ravenstone WI’s group meeting. I had been engaged to perform my “Putting on the Ritz” show, songs from the 1920s and 30s which is a show I enjoy singing very much. The wonderful thing about a group meeting is you get to meet lots of ladies from other WIs and I was especially pleased to meet up with Olney. I owe a great deal to Olney WI as they were my very first professional engagement. That was over 25 years ago and I owe so much to a lady called Mary who worked with me at John Lewis. Back then I worked as a window dresser for John Lewis in Milton Keynes and I did a special show for the partners. Mary saw my show and she recommended me to perform for her WI. I then was added to the Buckinghamshire year book of recommended speakers and I’ve been performing for WIs ever since. It was through my WI engagements I was able to gain my equity card back in 1992 and since those early days I have been able to do so much and grow as an entertainer. My singing career has taken me as far afield as Japan to the Outer

WI Ladies Julie Boardman and Gill Paton!

Hebrides and Europe.  All down to one lady from the WI who gave me a chance. Thank-you Mary. I was rather pleased to meet up with Julie Boardman from Onley who remembered my visit 25 years ago and also when I returned 15 years later which just goes to show what a small world it is. I know entertainers shouldn’t have favourites but I do have a favourite with the WI. They are always a wonderful audience to entertain and come the end of the show you are always guaranteed a fabulous cup of tea and slice of home-made cake. Yummy! Speaking of which I’m with Walting Way Group WI tomorrow performing the Swinging 50s and 60s. It’s the season for group meetings at the moment!

Shopping at Hammersmith Vintage Fashion Fair!

This weekend just gone was Halloween and oddly enough I had a run of Halloween shows during the week but not one on the Saturday night which was a bit odd, but then Halloween is odd. I’m ever-so superstitious and sometimes performing on Halloween can be unlucky and odd things happen, like pictures falling off walls and strange occurrings with my music not playing right. I seem to attract ghostly attention!  So Saturday took on a different role for me this year and I went to the hospital instead for my yearly retinopathy check up. So the eye specialist can see right to the back of my eye they have to put in eye drops which I really hate. My mother drove me which quite frankly was quite an experience in its self as she drove over a roundabout. Criky! Saying I made her nervous! I don’t know how as I never said a word while clutching the door arm. Besides I thought it was only men I made nervous!

Some of my Vintage Buys!

Sunday was the most perfect Autumn day as I treated myself to a day out in London by visiting the Vintage Fashion and Accessories Fair at Hammersmith Town Hall. Hammersmith is one of my favourite Vintage haunts and I went with a bit of a shopping list. On this occasion I was looking for some antique trimming which I was able to find plus I picked up a lovely 1940s coat pattern. I also bought a beautiful 1960s cape which will go splendidly with my dog-tooth 60s dress although I still haven’t found the right belt, but in time I know I will. It’s often the looking which makes for the fun. I also enjoy catching up with the dealers and it was great to catch up with my friend Linda Bee.

Me in My 60s Cape!

Today I was back in the hair dresses getting ready for this weekend. My roots were long over due for a touch up and Jenny my colourist was able to work her magic. I also had my eyelashes dyed which once again needed doing. I’m naturally very fair with blond eyelashes so I must have them done once a month. It makes such a difference and really enhances the eye which mascara alone can’t do. But hay – I’m letting you into all my beauty secrets and this wont do at all.

On Saturday night you will be able to see me in my prime performing at Montgomery Hall in Wath-Upon-Dearne, Yorkshire S63 7RD for remembrance weekend “We’ll Meet Again”. I shall be singing 2 x 45 minute sets one ATS and one Glamour so I hope you can all make it along. You can get tickets from the box Office by ringing 01709 513160. I belive there is also another singer called Airborne Angle and a keyboard player call Dave Parkin performing as well so it should be a packed night for entertainment. Curtin is at 7.30pm so I look forward to seeing you there.

In the Hair Dressers!

Me with Jenny My Colourist!

In the mean time I’ve been working hard on my magazine and we are so nearly there. This magazine has been a real labour of love and I’m still sending photos through to Rachel for my Sopranos a Go Go page. The way things are going it might be the end of this month before we launch although I would like it to be a little sooner. But you know what they say, all good things are worth waiting for.

That’s about all my news for now although I may not have time to blog this coming weekend before heading up to Yorkshire. I’m going to need the extra time to finnish off my magazine so if I don’t catch up with you on Friday I will be back with you on Monday keeping you up to date with all my news.

keep Watching and Toodle pip!

“Fly Me to The Moon”

Me With My Trainer Elliot!

Getting Those Legs Working!

Hello every-one I just thought I would write a quick blog for you this afternoon before I grab my broomstick and head off to my evening show. Although thinking about it it’s not a Halloween one tonight but a 1920s and 30s show instead. So perhaps I should imagine myself on a camel with Valentino! I shall be back on my broomstick come Friday when I go all witchy poo again with “Fly me to the Moon”! In the mean time I’ve been busy this week catching up with paper work and putting the final touches to my magazine. I saw Rachel on Monday and I’ve been busy choosing photos for my “Sopranos a Go Go!” feature. I spent a whole day going through photos, (that was a really hard day) however slowly but surly we are getting there. It’s wonderful to see the magazine taking shape and I’m looking forward very much to sharing it with you all when it’s done. I’ve also been approach by another magazine who want to do a feature on me in their December issue so it really has been Sopranos a Go Go here at Harrison HQ!

This morning I was back down the gym with Elliot working on legs and it’s amazing just how quickly you can get into shape with a few professional pointers. You can see more of my photos by checking out my Facebook page. I’m working towards loosing a few kgs and achieving that Marilyn Monroe figura, I’m pleased to say everything is knitting together nicely. Excercise is the only thing that really works and cutting down on the carbs has helped too. I’ve been replacing bead with poriage which has kept everything in balance and not upset my diabetes. This weekend I have an appointment for my yearly retinopathy check. I hate this appointment because they put drops in your eyes and it really stings. It’s neseccery because it opens up the back of the eye and the eye specialist can check for any deterioration. Someone always has to go with me because I can’t drive for two hours afterwards and I usually have to lay down as the drops always give me a headache. Still it has to be done and when you consider I’ve had diabetes for 32 years I’m not in bad shape.

Me Going For It On The Bike!

On Sunday I see it’s the Hammersmith Vintage Fashion Fair. I’d like to go very much, especially as it’s been such a while and I always enjoy catching up with the dealers. I confess I have loads of jobs I should be doing at home so perhaps I should see how I get on before I make up my mind.

Oh I’ve just received an e-mail from Lynda who engaged me for a show at Nether Whitacre on the 3rd October. Just to let you know the profits went to Phoenix Post Diagnosis Support Group in Nuneaton who care for people with Dementia and support their families and Alzheimer’s Research UK – £183 was raise. Thank-you Lynda for engaging me. It was lovely to perform for you all and to be part of such a great fund-raising event.

That’s all my news for now. On the 7th November I will be up in Yorkshire for remembrance weekend playing at Montgomery Hall, Wath-Upon-Dearne. More news on that later.

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

Paul and I at The Poppy Ball!

Hair by Kim of Quanton!

This weekend I have been enjoying life as a guest at the Royal British Legion Poppy Ball which was staged at The Assembly Hall in Walphamstowe. A rare treat for me as it’s usually I who does the entertaining but on this occasion it was rather lovely to sit back and leave the job to others. Paul met me in Chigwell as we had arranged to stay over at the Prince Regent Hotel. I know The Prince Regent Hotel very well having stayed there twice before while working in the area and the wonderful thing is, it’s not too far from The Assembly Hall. I confess Friday night was a bit of a dash as I had a show in Aylesbury first and then I had to make my way along the M25 during rush hour. As it turned out all was well although I didn’t get to the hotel until 6pm but fortunately Paul was already dressed and we made it to the Ball just in time for 7pm.

I was pleased that I was able to arrange a hair appointment with my dear friend Kim on the Thursday night as it makes such a difference to have ones hair dressed when attending a formal event. I also had a new evening gown to wear with a decorative neck line which could only have been worn with hair up. So thank-you Kim for doing such a fabulous job your hair style worked beautifully with the gown.

Off to the Ball in My New Evening Gown!

Now I’m back home I’ve been working hard to edit the magazine. Rachel sent through some of the proofs and it’s really starting to take shape. I’ve spent all day today writing and looking through photos so as you can imagine I’m now ready for bed. I’m back in the gym at 10.30am tomorrow morning with my trainer Elliot and I have shows all this week with it being Halloween and something of a Spooktacular.

That’s all my news for now Keep Watching and I shall keep you posted with my Vintage magazine.

Toodle Pip and Bye for Now!

Off to the Ball!

I’m a little earlier with my blog this week only because I have a busy few days ahead and I wanted to be shure I would have my blog done before the weekend. Today I have been out and about performing my Wrens show “The Fleets in Port Again” to tie in with Trafalgar Day. It’s true my Wrens show is more 1940s than 1805 although I do sing “Heart of Oak”. Writain in 1759 by William Boyce, the words were by David Garrick and for those old sailors out there will already know it’s a very patriotic song. It comes from an 18th century pantomime called “Harlequins Invasion” but an Americanized version was composed in 1768 and became very popular as “The Liberty Song”. It’s a song which is associated with the Royal Navy and although not many people know the words it’s one of the songs where every-one seems to find their way by the time we get to the slower bit of Steady, boys, steady! I perform it in a medley of nortical songs before finishing off with the Gang Show favourite “On the Crest of a Wave”. What a great song “On the Crest of the Wave” is. It’s a real plum – one of those songs you just can’t help but join in with! Speaking of songs I found a tune today I had berried in my Wrens play list and rather forgotten about in resent years, “When the Lights Go On Again – All Over the World” a charming little 40s number and it was refreshing to sing it again after all this time.

Tomorrow I’m performing “The Great American Song Book” and then on Friday I have a mixed musical show to do to tie in with Wear it Pink and a Brest Cancer Awearness event. Straight afterward I will be dashing off to Walphamstowe Assembly Hall and the Poppy Royal British Legion Ball. I’ve just been with Judi my dressmaker this evening and I have a beautiful new gown to wear. I don’t often like to wear black when it comes to evening gowns but this one is a little special as it has a split skirt and some wonderful sequin work over one shoulder and down the side. Keep Watching this space and I look forward to sharing with you the photos in my next blog. Speaking of dresses I’ve asked Judi to make me a new 1940s evening gown. Some of you may remember I was able to pick up some 1930s silk when I was at Goodwood which is just divine. I have many original pattens and I spend a great deal of time in chosing my fabrics. There’s nothing more exciting than a new gown especially one which has been a long time in the planning. While I was in Edgeware last week I was able to pick up the lining and a beautiful statin crape which will sit beautifully under the silk. I know when this dress is made up it will look sensational and I’m looking forward to taking it out to France for my show next month.

Next week I start on a run of Halloween shows but I also have a 1920s 30s one too so it will be great to sing “If I had a Talking Picture” again. I really like that song. Must dash as I’m working out at 10am with Elliot my trainer so I want a good night’s sleep.

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

All Set To Go On Stage with Paul!

Getting Ready for My Second Set!

Hello every-one I’ve just got back today from working Saturday night at Woldingham Golf Club. I had been engaged to perform a show in two halfs for a 1940s Diner Dance and Paul was able to join me on stage not only as my sound engineer but as singer too. The room was a very long one with a dance floor at one end so I placed myself in the middle and daisy chained four of my larger 300 EV speakers down the room so the sound could be evenly balanced throughout. I also used my walk about radio mike which worked splendidly for my first sing-along ATS set. This tied in beautifully with desert as I was able to entertain the room while the kitchen caught up with the last courses. For my second set I changed into an evening gown and sang all those wonderful swing favourites for dancing while Paul delighted audiences with the tunes of Frank Sinatra. Keep up the good work Paul they loved you! Saturday’s show was a private function and a really lovely audience to entertain so thank-you Claire for inviting me. I hope you all enjoyed your evening as much as we did and it was a pleasure to sing for you all.

Me in My 1940s Evening Gown!

This week I have a few more ATS shows but on the 21st I shall be swapping my army uniform for Wrens as I’ve been booked to perform for Trafalgar Day. Oddly enough out of all the uniforms I wear the Wrens is the one I wear least as the Navy don’t seem to invest in entertainment as much as the Army and Airforce do. The Airforce seem to stage more social events and most of the Mess dinners I sing for are through the Airforce although many MOD places are now combined forces. On Friday night Paul and I will be at the Assembly Hall in Walphamstowe for The Royal British Legion Poppy Dinner Dance. The Tod Miller Joe Loss Show Band will be performing and I shall be dashing over after my afternoon show in Aylesbury. Once again I have shows all this week so I had better get to bed as I’m off to the gym first thing tomorrow morning. Elliot has been putting me through my paces and it’s good to see my figure knitting together as we work to sculpture my desired shape. It’s great having a trainer!

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

Me with The New Amen Corner!

Chris, Lynda, Betty and I at The Waterside Theatre!

Geoff Foot and Kevan Lingard of Herman’s Hermits!

As you know this week I’ve been out and about singing the 40s and in fact I’m in a bit of a dash as I’m just heading off very shortly for my Saturday Night show in Woldingham, Surry. I confess I’ve been so busy this week I’ve rather lost track of the days what with one thing and another. Yesterday I woke up thinking it was Thursday rather than Friday but realised just in the nick of time as I was due for a manicure at 10am and then I had to dart straight off to my 1.30pm show.

I’m jolly pleased I realised quite quickly my mistake as my friend Betty had kindly booked tickets for a group of us to go to the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury to see the “Sensational 60s Experience”. Although I sing the music of the 60s I feel my knowledge of this musical period is rather limited and it was wonderful to listen to some live bands. I confess I didn’t know any of the bands, artists or many of the songs which is down to my ignorance rather than the lack of their fame. However I did enjoy the music and by the end we were all rocking in the isles. The show was hosted by Alan Mosca from Freddie and the Dreamers and we saw Chis Farlowe who was originally Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds. He sang Out of Time, Handbags and Glad Rags, Let the Heartaches Begin, Mr Pitiful and Midnight Hour. Steve Ellis – The Voice of Love Affair sang Rainbow Vally, Bringing on Back the Good Times and A Day Without Love although at one point I felt he got a little carried away with the mike stand and it looked as if he had hurt his shoulder and then went on to split his finger – Bless! Sadly he didn’t make curtain call so I hope they allowed him to lie down!

Mike Ellis and Simon Paul of Union Gap UK

The band which backed these artists were The New Amen Corner who were excellent and Glen Leon really shone on lead vocals and Guitar. I enjoyed Union Gap UK and Herman’s Hermits and when you read about what these bands have achieved over their long careers it’s amazing. To date the Herman’s Hermits have sold 75,000,000 records and I loved their song All Over the World. I must do that one.

Gosh I’ve just seen the time and I must dash. Keep Watching and Toodle Pip! 😉

Paul and I in Hastings!

Hello every-one I’ve just got back from a wonderful weekend away staying in Bexhill and as you might imagine I’m in a bit of a dash tonight to get an early night – I have a busy week a head with much to do and plan for. Paul and I have been out and about enjoying the sea air and the old town of Hastings. We’ve been busy visiting all the retro fashion and vintage fabric shops and on this occasion we were able to make it along to St Leonards too. I love St Leonards and Norman Road, especially the vintage fabric shop “Wayward”. It’s all a little bit higgledy picagaldy but it’s that which makes the shop so charming. I would

Shopping for Fabrics at Wayward’s

hate it to be all tidy as the fun is in the rummaging and sure enough one always leaves with something amazing. On this occasion I was able to pick up some wonderful antique velvet and grey suiting. I fancy a new trouser and waist coat suit in grey to go with my Peaky Blinders cap although my evening gowns might have to take priority at the moment. I have quite a few formal events to attend this coming season and it’s important to look well turned out. Still these things will keep and I’ve learnt from experience it’s always best to buy vintage pieces as and when you see them. I’m keen to sport the Peaky Blinders look this winter for my every day although I promise my cap will be free of razor blades! I’ve always liked gentleman’s tailoring and I often like to mix my 40s wide leg trousers with 1940s knitwear. I’m umming and areing over a pair of black and white correspondence shoes for day. I do have a couple of pairs for the stage but a harder wearing pair would be good for everyday!

Shopping for Vintage in Hastings!

This weekend has been something of a treat as Paul and I celebrated our Birthdays on the south coast. Thank-you every-one for your lovely cards and kind gifts. For Paul’s Birthday I bought him a pale yellow sports jacket from Goodwood and Paul very kindly bought me a Bliz Knits 1940s sweater. Ofcourse I felt it necessary to borrow Paul’s cap on the Sunday as I showed off my new sweater! I just adore hats! 😉

I dashed back this evening so I could be in the gym for 7pm with my trainer Elliot. I’m back in tomorrow at 10am and again on Wednesday. I also have shows all this week with a Saturday night show booked in at Woldingham Golf Club so Busy busy!

In My New Sweater and Paul,s Cap!

That’s all my news for now but in the mean time do click-through to my Facebook page where you can see photos from this weekend.

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!