Off For The Weekend!

This week I’ve been out and about a fair bit performing the music of the 1940s. On Tuesday I was in Suffolk for a party and last night I was at The Allum Hall in Elstree. Today I’ve been in Amersham and now I’m looking forward to going away down to Bexhill and Hastings for a Birthday weekend. I’ve been working hard between shows all this week not just in the gym but to clear my desk of contracts making sure everything is up to date. However saying that I still have my e-mails to do and dead lines to meet with the magazine. Not long now – I really hope the magazine will be ready by the end of this month and I look forward very much to sharing it with you all so do keep following and I will keep you posted.

On Stage With the Suffolk Ladies!

As ever I’m not quite sure what to pack this weekend but I am looking forward very much to meeting up with Paul so we can celebrate our Birthdays together. Paul’s birthday was on the 7th and mine is this Saturday the 10th. Does one go casual with the flat walking shoes or should one take heels and a pretty frock. Decisions decisions I can’t make up my mind what to wear but I’m sure all will come right and it will be wonderful to enjoy the sea air while shopping in Hastings. I adore the old town so no doubt Paul and I will be hitting the antique and vintage fashion shops. Although Paul has made me promise not to spend quite so long with Anne. The last time I was in Hastings I spent 3 hours in her shop trying on vintage knit wear! I had no idea I had been there that long but then time flies when you are having fun! Put it this way it takes stamina to go shopping with me!

Speaking of which I return Monday evening and I will be back in the gym with my trainer Elliot. I’ve been working out all this week and it’s been good to find new ways of excersising. I’ve shows all next week and then I’m heading off to Surry next weekend to perform at a golf club

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

Setting up with Kevin Mack!

Lynda and Glen Looking Very Smart!

Tea at Darlingtons!

This Saturday I’ve had the pleasure of singing for a 1940s dance at Nether Whitacre near Birmingham with vocal tribute artist Kevin Mack. It was the first time I had had the pleasure of working with Kevin and boy did we get the joint jumpin. The event had been arranged by Lynda and Glen Gascougne to help raise money for charity and I’m thrilled to say over £300 was raised. Nether Whitacre has a lovely village hall which had been beautifully decorated with flags and bunting for the occasion. I had been engaged to perform music for dancing and it was great to see every-one up on the floor with flags for the grand finally as I finished my set with Land of Hope and Glory. I really enjoyed Kevin’s set especially his “I am the Mimic Man” a take on the Music man only in his version we had a Tommy Copper, a Frank Spencer a Gladiator and a Cheer Leader. I played the Gladiator – Such Fun which all added to the party atmosphere!

Thank-you so much Lynda for inviting me and for your kind hospitality. It was lovely to work with you too Kevin and I hope we get the chance to do so again in the future. Lynda and Glen very kindly put me up for the night and I drove back Sunday morning stopping off at Darlingtons tea room for lunch at the Heart of the Shires. I often like to stop off at Darlingtons if I can as it sits in a little shopping village nr Weedon on the A5. It makes a refreshing change from driving down the M1 to do the A5 instead and I always enjoy stopping off and stretching my legs by walking round the shops.

Speaking of which I was in the gym today working out with my trainer and I’m looking forward to losing a bit of weight. The porridge is really helping

Me Performing The Raining in my Heart Number at Pitstone!

and doing the trick as I get back down to my fighting weight. I’m booked to perform in Suffolk tomorrow in the town of Woodbridge and then I’m singing in Elstree on Wednesday evening with a “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” show. On Thursday I’m in Amersham and then off down to Bexhill on Friday for a few days away as Paul and I enjoy our Birthdays.

Oh I almost forgot Robert Etsell has very kindly sent me some photos from our show on the 26th when Paul and I sang the 1950s and 60s. More can be seen on facebook but in the mean time here are a few of my favorites!

Well that’s all my news for now. Thank-you for following and Toodle Pip!

Lets Dance!

Paul Doing His Thing!

Back in the Gym!

This week has been something of a catch up and for those of you who follow me on facebook will know I’m off to Nether Whitacre Nr Birmingham this Saturday. I’m booked to perform for a 1940s evening at the Village Hall on the 3rd October so if you are free it would be lovely to see you there. Tickets are available from Lynda Gascougne on 01675 463156. Only a few tickets remain so hurry as I would hate for you to miss out. I have been engaged to perform a 1940s glamour set Rita Hayworth style and to include lots of wonderful tunes for all you dancers. So bring your dancing shoes and we look forward to seeing you at the Hall. I think doors open at 7.30pm but do check with Lynda first just incase.

Since returning home from France I’ve been keen to get back to the gym and to re look at my training regime. It’s hard to work out and go running when I’m touring and I have been on the road a great deal these last two months. However on Wednesday I signed up with a personal trainer and I’m looking forward to getting started on Monday. I haven’t worked with a trainer since 2004 so I know my excercise regime is long over due for a re-vamp. It’s good to shake things up a bit and to look at new ways of exercising. I confess after my try-out on Wednesday I could feel new muscles working which just goes to show my body needed a new approach. I usually run three times a week and I work out in the gym once a week but now I’ve signed up for three times a week for four weeks and I’m really looking forward to getting started.

It’s important to have a muse and for me that’s Marilyn Monroe in “Gentlemen Prefer Blonds”. I’m not that far off it and I’m keen to lose about 6 kg. It’s important to excercise with intelligence and be very clear about the shape you want to sculpture. It’s amazing what can be achieved if you put the work in and I’ve swapped my lunch time sandwich for a bowl of poriage which I also have for breakfast made from water. I’m already starting to see the results and it’s only been 7 days. Every day I exercises my tummy muscals and it wont be long now before I have it flat again. That’s holidays for you – but then I’ve always been very fond of French bread!

Today I’ve been with Rachel my web-designer working on my new Vintage Magazine. We had hoped to launched it in September but I’ve just been too busy what with one thing and another. Fingers crossed and all being well it will be the end of October. I keep coming up with new ideas and more content which doesn’t help. The page designs I’ve seen so far are looking fantastic so I shall keep you posted. When it’s done you will be able to access the magazine on-line through my media page and I look forward to sharing it with you once we have it compleated.

Next week I’m off to Woodbridge in Suffolk, Elstree and Amersham before Paul takes me away to somewhere delightful on the 9th for my Birthday weekend. In fact it’s a week of birthdays my mothers is on the 4th Paul is on the 7th and I’m on the 10th so we are all Liberians.

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

Paul and I At Sand and Motorcycles!

I’m sorry but it’s going to be a slightly shorter blog tonight only because I’m late getting onto the internet. Facebook was down earlier tonight and I’ve had a lot of e-mails to write – however all is working well now so I shall crack on. Since returning from France I’ve had a busy weekend and I’m so pleased so many of you enjoyed my last blog reading about my travels. This weekend Paul and I were performing locally in and around my home town of Leighton Buzzard.

All set to go on stage in my Aspire Style Gown!

On Saturday night I was singing in Pitstone at the Memorial Hall for the Vale Musical Society. I use to be a member of The Vale Gilbert and Sullivan Society as they were then back in the late 80s early 90s. My first production for Vale was Gigi when they cast me in the title role, I had just turned 20. I then went on to play Mable in the ” The Pirates of Penzance” and Casilda in “The Gondoliers”, happy days! In 1991 I left to go up to Blackpool and became a Red coat before becoming a full-time professional singer. I owe a great deal to Vale so it was wonderful to be invited back. They had engaged me to perform my Swinging 1950s and 60s show and I was so pleased Paul was able to join me on stage. We had encore after encore and I don’t think Vale wanted us to leave so thank-you so much Jackie for booking us. It was so lovely to see you again and see so many old friends from the past.

Angela Doing my Hair!

On this occasion I wore my beautiful pansie dress which is very early 60s. Some of you may remember this is the dress I sang for in July. I had been working in Birmingham and popped into Aspire Style in Stratford Upon Avon. They needed a singer at short notice for their promotional night as the artists booked had had to cancel. Money was tight but the shop was able to pay me in dresses which was fine by me. They even through in a new pair of vintage sun glasses so it makes my pansie dress a little special.  I even had my hair done Grace Kelly style thanks to Angela which really made me look the part.

Have You Ever Seen a Bike Like It?

Come Sunday Paul and I were performing for the Leighton Buzzard Narrow gage Railway as they staged their Sand and motorcycles rally in Pages Park. I was booked to do an hours set of 40s 50s 60s from 11am. The park was packed with motor cycles and it was a brilliant event as the sun shone all day. I liked the Mods and their scooters best and one bike was completely covered in mirrors and lights sear Madness! They also had the band “Retroflections” playing so a jolly good time was had by all. There must have been over 1000 bikes there and the little train was running all day.

Tomorrow I’m back in uniform performing the 40s and then on Saturday night I shall be performing in the village of Nether Whitacre for a 1940s evening. More on that later.

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

Nice Bike Paul!

A 2CV French Adventure!

Paul at Chateau Belleroy!

Shopping in Beyeux!

Paul and I at Pegasus Bridge!

Out and About at Pegasus Bridge!

At the House of Dior!

Christan Dior’s Home in Granville!

Enjoying Dior’s Gardens!

Hello every-one yes I’m back after a wonderful ten days away holidaying in Normandy! Paul and I have been out and about every-day sight-seeing, visiting all those fabulous places we never usually get the chance to see as I’m always too busy singing. On this occasion it was a little different. We have spent much of our time visiting the many museums and historical locations which we often end up having to dash by. I’ve already put up a few of my photos onto face book which I hope you will all enjoy. In the mean time I have a very busy weekend ahead with five shows to do over the next three days so much to do and much to sort out.

I arrived back home late last night. I was in the gym first thing this morning before  starting on my paper work and e-mails. That’s the problem with France one does tend to hit the old carbs rather and it’s time for me to get back into my routine. I’ve been touring a great deal of late staying in hotels so it’s good to be back at home where I can control my diet better. It’s not easy as a diabetic but I’m feeling better to be back on the poriage even though I have been enjoying the French bread rather!

I love to travel and it was wonderful to see Bayeux again through the eyes of a tourist. Paul and I made a point to visit all the museums which you can very easily do by riding on the little train. It costs 5.50 euros and gives you a good tour of the city which as city goes is really quite small. It was great to see the tapestry again and I enjoyed visiting The Battle of Normandy Memorial Musum which is right by the British Military cemetery. The MAHB Art and History museum has a fantastic collection of lace all of which is of the finest quality and was a joy to see. However out of all the museums we visited my favourite was the Chritain Dior Museum in Granville. Paul and I took a run out to Granville on the Sunday which from our B&B just down from Port en Bessin took about two and three quater hours. Granville reminds me a little of a French Bournemouth and on Sunday we had glorious sunshine. Dior’s house sits in a beautiful garden and it was a real treat to view examples of his collections including the notorious Bar Outfit which headed his 1947 new look. Before I became a professional singer I studied fashion design and later worked as a hat designer before going into show business. I take a great interest in clothes examining the cut very closely. To be so close to his collection was a wonderful experience and I learnt so much just by looking at the cut and the beautiful fabrics. I’m only sorry we weren’t allowed to take photos!

Another of our holiday highlights was visiting the Chateau Belleroy. Built in 1631 by the renowned architect Francois Mansart for Jean de Choisy. The Chateau and village inspired other historical sites including Versailles. In 1970 Malcolm Forbes the successful Americain magazine bissness man purchased Balleroy and set about restoring it along with his four sons and daughter. Paul and I went on a guided tour which we enjoyed very much. The house is richly furnished in the English and French style although apart from the ceilings very little is orrinal, as much was lost during the french revolution as you might expect. The funiture today was collected by Malcolm Forbes and the house has some wonderful paintings including Vignon, Beaubrun, Van Loo, Vernet and Count Albert de Balleroy who shared a studio in Paris with Manet.

It hadn’t been our intention to focus too much on D-Day as we devote so much of our time to that when I’m working in June. However I am really pleased we were able to make it over to Pegasus Bridge. One place I had always wanted to visit and on this occasion we even had tea at the famous Pegasus Bridge Cafe run by  Madame Gondree. Built in 1865 nere the bridge on the Caen Canal. The Gondree cafe was the first house and family liberated by the British 6th Airborne Division on the 5th/6th June 1944. We also went to the American cemetery, Omaha beach, Utah and the Juno centre at Courseulles-sur-Mer. It’s interesting to see how the museums vary in their re telling of D-Day depending on the nationality. For me the most moving was the American Cemetery museum which focused on the people rather than uniforms vehicle and equipment. The films played were very touching and then you see the gardens and all the many graves which brings home the sacrifice and the meaning of Operation Overlord!

On Omaha Beach!

It’s been a fantastic ten days away and Paul and I have taken in so much. I’m back out performing in Normandy on the 21st November and I’m keeping my fingers crossed we have a smooth crossing. Coming back was fine but I was a little unwell on the way out. At Ouistreham we met up with a group of people who had gone out with www.2cvadventures This is where you travel to France and have a holiday adventure in a 2CV which looked like such fun! The 2CV is so French and such a cute car although Paul said he would prefer to drive his Mazda! Maybe it’s a girlie thing! I think 2CVs are adorable and reminds me of my red car handbag although my hand bag is a Fiat due to the fact the designer Braccialini is Italian. Just to keep you posted you will be seeing much more of my handbag when I launch my magazine so keep watching!

Paul and I sight Seeing in Bayeux!

This weekend I’m performing a mixed bag of 1940s, 50s and 60s shows. On Saturday night I’m performing at Pitstone Memorial Hall for the Vale Musical Society at 8pm songs from the 50s & 60s. If you would like tickets please call Jackie Farrow on 07905 282341. I shall also be singing songs from the 40s 50s and 60s at the Leighton Buzzard Railway for the “Sand and Motorcycles” event on Sunday 27th so see you there.

That’s all my news for now. Keep Watching and I shall post up more of my photos from my holiday on facebook over the next week or so.

Toodle Pip and Bye for now!  😉

Tea at the RAF Club!

Hello every-one as you can see I’m hard at work back at my desk at Harrison HQ catching up with you all through my blog journal. I have much to do before heading off to France on Tuesday so it’s time to tie up all those loose ends. This week has been a busy one! On Wednesday evening I was working with my dear friend Kim in London at the RAF Club, Piccadilly. I had been engaged to sing for the clubs special 75th Battle of Britain Dinner and what a night it turned out to be. This was my third visit to the club and I always make a point to look at the paintings as the club has a wonderful collection of aviation art. The guest list that night read like a who’s who and it was a delight to rub shoulders with so many interesting people who had achieved so much in their life times and careers. The dinner was held in the newly refurbished ballroom which when I sang at the club last month was under dust sheets along with the Churchill Room. Wednesday was a very special night as they also had the official opening of the Churchill Room.

All Set to Go On Stage!

There hangs a beautiful painting of a young flying officer in the Royal Flying Corps. I don’t know who he is or who the artist is but it’s my favourite painting and when every I’m at the club I always like to see the painting if I can. I was sorry not to see it in August due to the refurbishment but this time made up for it.

Kim and I had planned our journey to the RAF club very carefully as we were concerned there might have been extra traffic due to the Queen’s flotilla and the 9th September marking her as the longest raining

My Favourite Painting!

monarch. As it tuned out all was well and we wized through London with plenty of time to spare. As two ladies who enjoy playing the part of Hinge and Bracket we decided to sit down in the Cowdrey Lounge and take tea before rigging for the evenings show which went so well. There’s something wonderful about seeing an entire room on its feet waving union jack flags and singing along to Land of Hope and Glory!

By the time we got back it was about 1.30am and I didn’t get to bed until 2am. I had an early start the next day. I was booked to perform at noon for The Star and Garter in Surbinton which ment I had to dash out bright and early. This worked in really well as I was due to be at Goodwood on Friday and Surbinton is kind of on my way.

Paul and I Out and About at Goodwood!

Samantha Andersen and I

When it comes to knowing all the ins and outs about Goodwood Paul is a real dab hand. We stayed over in Porchester and left at 7am so as to miss the traffic. We arrived just before 8am and were picked up and shuttled to the gate which saved my 1940s shoes. Goodwood is a very dressy affair and this was one of those rare occasions where Paul and I could dress for ourselves rather than for others. It was wonderful to have time to visit the stalls rather than a few minutes before dashing off to do a show. Although some of the items for sale are costly there are bargains to find if you take the trouble to look for them. I was thrilled to pick up a beautiful 1950s bodice and leather gloves at Samantha Andersen’s stall and some divine silk from www.tilthesungoesdown.com  I also tried on a few 1940s suits but in the end I went with the silk fabric. I can’t wait to have this made up into a beautiful 1940s evening gown. I’m in need of a few new dresses and the fabric I chose will work wonderfully well with a 1940s paten I have. Based on an original fabric from the period I know when made up this dress will look stunning.

Shopping for Vintage at Goodwood!

There is a great deal to see and do at Goodwood and I’m only sorry we couldn’t have stayed for longer. We left early at 4pm as the roads get blocked with traffic. While we were there we met up with James for tea and enjoyed a natter under the trees which was a little like being in Paris. Speaking of which I’m off down to Portsmouth tomorrow and booked to sail over to Normandy on Tuesday. I wont be back until the 24th September so if you need to get in touch with me please call me on my mobile or e-mail me and I will answer you as soon as I get back from Normandy. On this occasion I’m taking a holiday and Paul and I are looking forward to visiting all the places we never get the chance to see as I’m always too busy singing. I shall be returning to sing in Ste Marie du Mont on the 21st November. I’m booked to perform for the towns Christmas Dance but more on that later. When I return on the 24th Sept I will be hitting the ground running with six shows to do in three days from the 25th so I’m looking forward to taking a rest first.

Off to the Races at Goodwood!

Nice Car Paul!

If you need to get in touch you can find all my contact details on my home page of this web-site and also by clicking onto the “Contact Fiona” tab on the right hand side of this page.

In the meantime I shall be cracking on with my e-mails and I hope you enjoy the Goodwood photos and videos on my facebook page.

I look forward to catching up with you all when I get back from France. Keep Watching and thank-you for following

Toodle Pip and Bye for Now! 😉

On stage at Brankos!

Land of Hope and Glory at St Mary’s!

Branko and I!

Beweare of the Spiv!

This Friday I was out and about performing at St Mary’s church, Eaton Bray a double bill of music. I was booked to perform the “Magic of the Musicals” and a “We’ll Meet Again” show which went down so well with the audience. Eaton Bray is a charming village not far from Leighton Buzzard. This was the first time I had the pleasure of singing at St Mary’s church which was all part of a special fund raising weekend. You can’t go wrong with a good sing-along at the end of a show as I handed out flags and got every-one to join in with “Land of Hope and Glory”! Thankyou to Peter who compared the evening and to Sheila who booked me. I hope you were able to raise lots of funds for the church.

Speaking of “We’ll Meet Again” shows on Saturday night I was singing for the Bjelobabas in Leighton Buzzard. I had been engaged by Sarah and Branko to perform at their 1940s party. Oddly enough I knew Branko from Junior school. We were in the same class together and I often see Sarah and Branko at my shows. Every-body had come to the party 1940s style and although Branko looked very smart as Winston Churchill for me the best chap had to go to the Black Country Spiv who had his pockets over flowing with watches and stockings.

For those of you who have been following me will have noticed this last week I have been working really hard to catch up with you all through my blog journal. I was able to finnish the last episode of my Gretna Green tour last night and if you click onto my Facebook pages you will be able to see all the photos. This week I have a run of WAAF shows with the run up to the Battle of Britain. On Wednesday evening I will be in London at The Royal Airforce Club, Piccadilly for the clubs Battle of Britain dinner. I’m looking forward to it very much as I’m working with my friend Kim again and then I’m off very early the next day to Surbinton for a 12 noon show before heading onto Goodwood for the revival.

In the mean time you can read up about me in FRL magazine by clicking the link. https://fieldandrurallife.com/e-magazines/field-and-rural-life-e-magazine/item/25355-fiona-harrison-a-voice-in-a-million.html I shall catch up with you all when I get back from Goodwood.

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

On Stage at The Richard Greenhow Centre!

Behind the Scenes!

On Stage at All Saint’s Church!

Sitting on a Shell!

Thrilling news Paul’s photos have just come through from the Grenta tour so for those of you may not have caught them on Facebook here are a few of my favourites. I’ve just received an e-mail from my friend Robert who has just explained how’s the best way to find the footage from the WW1 event. Click onto the link www.annandale.tv and select Pack Up 2015. Then open the video and from there you can find lots of other videos including examples of me talking and singing.

If selecting from Facebook then select Visitor Posts under the video Picture and from there you can select Pack Up 2015. In the mean time enjoy the photos and thank-you for following

Toodle Pip!