Tea for Two at Shabbytique!

In My Easter Bonnet dispite the Rain!

Holding on Before we Blow Away!

Have you ever had one of those days where nothing has quite gone to plan and then the most extraordinary thing happens from out of the blue – well that was Sunday! For those of you who follow me will know I was all set to sing for the Shabbytique Brocante at Waltham St Lawrence on Sunday. Only come the day the weather turned really nasty and Claudine the organiser had arranged for me to sing outside. I had really been looking forward to this one as I was booked to join forces with Swing Dancers the Rocking Rebles only come the event there just wasn’t quite enough shelter to go around. I could see the wind was getting up and when Claudine offered me the escape clause I’m afraid I took it which I hope doesn’t sound  too defeatist! In truth I’ve done a lot of out-door events like this and when you get the combination of wind and heavy rain it’s a killer. China was being blown off the stalls and I could see it wasn’t the day for being out-doors. Paul had driven up to join me so when we had decided not to go ahead we made our way to a local pub for Sunday lunch after taking tea in the marque. We held on as the wind blew because there were times when we thought the marque would take off! Later I knew deciding not to sing had been the right decision when we drove past at 2.30pm to see the stalls had pack away! The Rocking Rebles danced on but it became clear by the afternoon it was too wet to continue. My heart goes out to the stall holders who lost crockery.

Although I didn’t sing it did give me a chance to look around the stalls and I particularly enjoyed “Gorgeous and Glorious” exquisite bespoke hats for hire and purchase www.gorgeousandglorious.co.uk  I have always loved hats and I can’t resist trying them on! Then by change I came across a Phychic Medium and as I was no longer required to sing I had time for a reading. To be honest I take all this sort of thing with a pinch of salt and I look upon it as an entertainment although some of the things she told me were very interesting. Apparently I have a spirit guide and at first from what she was saying I couldn’t work out who she was describing. Then it became clear and I think my spirit guide is my mother’s birth mother. My mother was adopted and we know very little about her parentage although the medium mentioned her having Diabetes and the 1930s which was when my mother was born. I am a diabetic so I found that very interesting and might explain why I’m a diabetic today as the illness is hereditary. The Medium mentioned Ireland and my mother’s birth mother maiden name was Kelly. The medium also mentioned lots of other things which at the time didn’t seem to have any reference until I spoke to my mother and she was able to fill in the blanks. So it’s all very spooky and really rather exciting To know I have a spirit to watch over me.

This week I’m out every day performing my Easter Bonnet shows although the interesting thing is when I wore my Easter Bonnet on Sunday I had to remove it for the medium as she said it was casting a shadow! Time for bed now as I’m ever-so tired with the clocks going forward.

Toodle Pip and Bye for Now! 😉

Me with Teacher Nicky Wells!

Thriller Make-up Meets the 40s!

Fantasy Hair and Make-Up!

It’s been all go these last six days with my trip to London on Monday and the start of Easter Bonnet Shows which have kept me busy all week. On Friday night I was engaged to perform at my old school, the Cedars for their 2015 Hair and Beauty show. My – how things have changed! – Back in my day we didn’t have a theatre but a school hall where I can remember dancing in the school’s “Evening of Movement” and playing The Artful Dodger in “Oliver”. Now Cedars has a wonderful theatre and a top hair and Beauty Academy where the students can learn all they need to know about the industry. I was engaged to sing for their Hollywood Glamour Section “Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend” as the girls came out in their Prom dresses and “The White Cliffs of Dover” and “We’ll Meet Again” for the Remembrance 1940s section during which the girls had lots of up dos and barrel rolls. A great deal of work went into the show as the students opened up with a dance routine to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” displaying lots of scary make-up and back combed hair. Although for me one of the most creative sections was “Fantasy” which was beautifully etherial and fairy like and which made me think of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Nights Dream. I also enjoyed the “Avant Guarde” section as the girls rocked their way down the catwalk expressing their personalities. To close the show I was invited to finnish  with my Andrew sisters Medley “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”. For the finally I was joined on stage with dancers Emily Young, Michelle Bailey and Rennae Brunton who interpreted the music splendidly with many thanks to teacher Nicky Wells who engaged me for the event. So many congratulations to every-one who took part and I feel very proud you invited me to join you on stage!

Tomorrow I’m performing in Waltham St Lawrence for Shabbytique Brocante at Neville Hall. I shall be on stage from 10.30am – 4pm singing 20 mins on 20 mins off all through the day music from the 1920s through to the 60s. This month I’m being joined on stage by dancers “Rocking Rebels” and Sinatra style singer and croner Paul Marsden so I hope you can all make it along to see us. I now have a run of non stop Easter Bonnet shows for the next 2 weeks and don’t forget you can see me in Bushy at The Lincolnsfield Children’s Centre for the 1940s Family Experience on the 11th 12th April. More details on that later so do keep following my blogs and I shall keep you posted!

Well must dash as I have my music to arrange for tomorrow. Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

Back in the Recording Studio!

Out and About in Covent Garden!

The Actors Church St Paul’s, Covent Garden!

Stephen, Tim and I with VIPs at the RAF Club, Piccadilly!

Tim’s Painting “Old Favourites” and mine!

Firstly let me start by saying how sorry I am to be a day behind with my blog this week. The last few days have been non stop and I’ve had a very busy weekend what with one thing and another. On Saturday I was performing in the charming village of Chalfont St Giles for a private party. I was engaged to perform my WAAF show for a 90th birthday party which took place at The Reading Rooms. I didn’t realise until I arrived in the village that Chalfont St Giles’s was used in the filming of “Dads Army”. For some reason I always thought it was Thetford, but when you look you can see so many locations which look familiar. Captain Mannering’s bank is now Costa Coffee and opersit the Reading Rooms is a beautiful butchers shop which must have been Jones’s. Apparently even the out side of the Reading Rooms was used as the church hall. I find it really interesting when I’m booked to sing somewhere to learn about a places past which makes me view things with a fresh eye. While I was there I met a gentleman called Robert who had caught me on camera while I was doing a photo shoot at Shuttleworth a year ago with Retro Air Photographer Dave Jackson. Until Saturday night he had always wondered who I was so it was lovely to tell Robert the story behind the shoot and to autograph his photos.

On Sunday I was back in the recording studio with Richard picking up my latest backing track. The Rodgers and Hart number “There’s a Small Hotel”. I’m including this song in my Easter Bonnet Show and I start my first one tomorrow. I’m also including in “A Ticket a Tasket” which is new for this year not to mention the popular firm favourites Easter Parade, April Showers, and Over the Rainbow. I also have in production with Richard “Under the Bridges of Paris” which I will be taking out to Normandy for my Ste Marie du Mont show on the 6th June and “If I had a Talking Picture” a lovely 1920s number for Bexhill when I play there for the Roaring 1920s event in July. So lots to do and plenty in the pipe line!

Yesterday I was invited to London to meet the skipper and the PR people for a floating event which is due to take place in a couple of months time on the Themes. At the moment I’m not sure how much equipment I will need to bring but I will need Connie. I’m going to have to take the bull by the horns and drive Connie into London which is a bit scary when you have the worry of traffic and car parking. But as with all things sometimes you have to face your demons head on and just go for it!

It was lovely to be in London yesterday particulary as my meeting was in Covent Garden and as I was early I was able to take some time out to do a bit of sight-seeing and visit the Actors Church of St Paul’s. Afterwards I was invited by Stephen Slater to join him in Piccadilly at the Royal Air Force Club for Tim O’Brien’s Art Exhibition. Tim is an Aviation Artist and I know Stephen having been introduced by Dave Jackson when he photographed me with Stephen’s 1914 BE-2c Biggles -biplane back in 2011. In fact you can see Dave’s photos and Stephen’s plane by clicking through to my Music Hall -WW1 page. It was lovely to be invited and Tim’s exhibition runs from the 23rd March to the 28th June. Many of his painting sold that night although my favourite was “Old Favourites” – Hawker Hinds over Highclere Castle. Maybe because it brings back memories from when I sang there. The RAF club has a wonderful collection of aviation art and even has a beautiful stain glass window behind the stair case. There are some wonderful examples in the officers bar and one painting which really stood out for me was a portrait of a WW1 pilot from the Royal Flying Corp.

That’s all my news for now although I have a very busy week ahead with Easter Bonnet Shows  and I’m booked to sing for a Fashion show on Friday . I’m also performing for Shabbytique Fairs on Sunday in Waltham St Lawrence which I belive is being covered by Homes and Antiques so busy busy!

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

All Set for the Studio!

I have to confess I was looking forward very much to seeing the solar eclips this morning only to find that a cloud came over at the curial moment and I had to satisfy my-self with watching it on TV – how very typical! I remember the last one on the 11th August in 1999 very clearly – I was in St Albans at the time. We all had our special glasses to hand and were busy doing that trick with a piece of paper with a hole in it so it wouldn’t damage our eyes. A few weeks ago I was on the Alan Pagram radio show on L & D radio and being something of a star-gazing expert Alan mentioned the eclipse so it was great to see it today even if I had to make do with the TV. I belive the next one wont be around for another 11 years so we will have to hope we don’t get a cloud in the way come 2026!

Despite the cloud this morning today has been a glorious Spring day and at one point I felt rather over dress out and about in a black coat, hat and gloves. Perhaps navy blue would have been more suitable for to-days weather and I really do hope it lasts. I have some appointments in London on Monday so fingers crossed the weather stays fine. Although I have heard the trains wont be running next week from Leighton Buzzard to London so I don’t know if there is work on our section of the line or if it’s some sort of strike – I will have to investigate further and come up with a plan of action. If any-one knows what the problem might be do let me know!

Today I have been performing the music of the 1950s and 60s and tomorrow I’m booked to go back to the 1940s with my WAAF show for a private party in Chalfont St Giles. I also start on my first Easter Bonnet show next week with the run up to Easter and I have some new songs I’m looking forward very much to singing. I’m adding in a “Tisket a Tasket” to my Easter set along with Small Hotel. I also have in production “Under the Bridges of Paris” which I’ve commissioned to take out to Normandy for D-Day. I’ve been working on my French and I pretty much have it off pat. I can’t decide whether to sing it all in French or to sing once through in French and then the second chorus in English. So food for thought and I don’t have to decide now but I may end-up doing the song in a couple of different ways which helps to keep this fresh.

This Sunday I will be back in the recording studio and I’m looking forward to picking up “Small Hotel”. Richard sent me through his arrangement which is just beautiful. Once again we have gone for a Salon Orchestra line up and it sounds like something out of a Gene Kelly Musical. In fact when I sing it I feel like Gene Kelly is standing right beside me and we are about to break into a wonderful dance routine. This is the point when I change into Cid Charisse – Didn’t she have the most wonderful legs!

That’s about all my news for now only I have a fashion show to fit in next Friday – but more on that next week!

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

On Stage at Stow Maries Aerodome!

Between WW1 Shows!

Hello every-one I’ve just got back after singing this weekend at Stow Maries WW1 aerodrome at Purleigh near Maldon in Essex. I was engaged to sing for Mothers Day as the Aerodrome staged a special High Tea in the Offices Mess for mothers and their families. We had a good turn out and I performed 2 x 60 minute WW1 shows while visitors enjoyed tea, freshly cut sandwiches a tour and cake. I arrived Saturday night, set up and stayed on site so I would be ready to go first thing Sunday morning.  As it turned out I wasn’t required to sing before 2pm so I enjoyed a lay in instead – such a luxury!  I confess at one point I was worried about the weather as it can get very cold and windy on an air field but once the heaters were switched on in the Mess all was well and a jolly good time was had by all.

Now I’m back home I’m working on a new show which will be staged in my home town of Leighton Buzzard at Ollie Vees in the Tiki Bar on the 18th April. My show is called “Life on the Wicked Stage” and it’s about my life in show businesses interspersed with songs sketches and poems so I hope you can all make it along. Ollie Vees Tiki Bar is a wonderful venue as it’s very intermit and I will have the Tiki God looking on behind me when I perform. I’m enjoying going through some of my old sketches and poems I use to perform when I first started out on the boards so it will be great to perform a few of my favourites again after all this time.

Ollie Vees Tiki Bar and Venue!

This weekend I have a private party on Saturday night and then I’m booked to see Richard in the recording studio this Sunday. I have a couple of new songs in production which I’m looking forward to taking out to France for D-Day including “Under the Bridges of Paris” and “Small Hotel”. I’m also hoping to put together a new 1940s wardrobe for this year involving lots of knit wear.

Well that’s all my new for now – Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

Off to Stow Maries WW1 Aerodrome!

As ever I’m in a bit of a dash tonight to get everything ready for the weekend. Today I was performing in Edgware and I’ve two shows back to back tomorrow as I go all out with the Swinging 50s and 60s. You may well have seen on my facebook pages I was working with my friend Kim on Tuesday singing for the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion in Quainton. It was their 60th Birthday and I was booked to perform my “Hooray for Hollywood” show and the “Swinging 50s and 60s”. Kim was my sound engineer for the day and also made the wonderful celebration cake which was cut by the Countess. However not everything went to plan. My net book had a fit and wouldn’t fire up my 50s and 60s show for my second set. Fourchatly  I recited a few poems to fill in time while Kim was able to re-boot my net book . Don’t you just hate tecnolagee I can see why theatres are going back over to mini disk it’s much more reliable and why I always carry mini disk as a back up just in case. Not that Kim was faied at all – cool as a cucumber weren’t you dear!

Kim Lily and I at the RBL

The Cutting of Kims Cake!

Kim and I are a little like Hinge and Bracket when we get together and we do take them off rather well. Oh just incase you are wondering who’s who – Kim’s Hinge and I’m Bracket! And while I’m still in character – Hinge the cake was lovely dear – solid as a rock! 😉 Only joking!

The Swinging 50s and 60s has been very popular this week although I’m going all WW1 on Sunday for Mothers Day. I’ve been booked to sing at Stow Maries Aerodrome so I do hope you can make it along. To find out more click onto the Aerodrome’s web-site at www.stowmaries.org.uk  Stow Maries Aerodrome is at Purleigh, near Maldon in Essex and I’m looking forward to visiting very much. I’m going to have to play it a little by ear and decide how best to perform my shows once I’ve seen the location. At first I was booked to perform 3 x 45 min shows daily although I have a feeling it may suit better for me to stay in one costume and sing gentle songs from WW1 every 20s minutes while visitors enjoy their tea – we will have to see.

Well must dash Thank-you for Following and Toodle Pip!

Me by HMS Warrior!

Paul and I at The Historic Dockyard!

Nelson’s Flag Ship HMS Victory!

Me On Board HMS Victory!

Coffee at the Garage Lounge Bakery in Southsea!

This weekend I’ve been enjoying some time away before I start on the new season with the run up to Easter. I have a very busy week planned so it was lovely to get away and to do a bit of shopping and sight-seeing. This week I found myself back down in Southsea as I just love looking around the vintage fashion and antique shops and then on Sunday I was at the Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth. It was wonderful to be at the dockyard again as I have many happy memories of visiting during my school holidays. My mother is from Portsmouth originally and we would always stay with my Great Aunts every Easter opposite the park in Kirby Road. HMS Victory was always one of our favourite haunts so it was great to go back and play the tourist. The last time I was at the dockyard must have been 1999. I remember having an appointment with the museum curator to talk about WRNS uniforms of WW2 and to check on my insignia. I think it’s very important when you wear a uniform all is correct!

There is a lot to see at the dockyard and really it takes about three days to see everything. It costs £28 which at first does seem rather a lot however once you have purchased your ticket it is valid for a whole year and well worth going back a few times as there is so much to see. On this occasion Paul joined me and we visited HMS Warrior which was built in 1860 and was the first iron-hulled armoured warship. The interesting thing about Warrior is she never went to war and became out dated by the time she was finished. It makes you wonder if Prince Albert had not died when he did and if Queen Victoria had not gone into morning it makes me think if HMS Warrior might have been commissioned to help the deep South in the American Civil War. After all up until that point most of our cotton came from America until the war which made us switch to India! I belive the dockyard uses Warrior today to host all sorts of events and they are hosting a Trafalgar Ball on the 23rd October what a shame the date clashes with a show I’m doing up in Yorkshire. I’ve always wanted to go to a Trafalgar Ball.

Speaking of Trafalgar we made a point not to miss the tour of HMS Victory and Nelson’s flag-ship. Victory is the world’s oldest commissioned war-ship and where Nelson fell during the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Time goes very quickly at the dockyard and I’m looking forward to returning some time later this year as there is so much more I wish to see. However on the plus side Paul and I did mange to make it across to the Mary Rose and Henry VIII’s flag-ship. I remember when they raised her in the 1980s and watching it live on Blue Peter. It’s amazing to see all the artefacts all beautifully preserved and difficult to belive they are over 400 years old.

Tomorrow I’m performing for Quainton’s Royal British Legion a “Hooray for Hollywood” and the “Swinging 50s and 60s” so I had better sign off and make sure I have everything organised for tomorrow.

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

Between Shots! 😉

Meeting For Lunch at Aston Clinton Coffee Shop with Rachel!

Behind the Scenes on Todays Shoot!

For those of you who follow me on facebook will have probably already seen – today I was out with Rachel my web designer doing a photo-shoot promoting her hand-made snoods. As I’m sure many of you already know I’m a great fan of the 40s snood so it was a pleasure to be photographed promoting her product range. We went for an informal look although I did think I could have done with my friend Kim the Hair Hitler who is an absolute wiz on shoots and who never lets stray hairs appear. Thank goodness Rachel’s fabulous on the computer. If anything is out of place we can always call upon Photo shop – a girls best friend! If any of you might like one of Rachel’s 40s snoods you can always find her on face book under the name Rachel’s Preloved & Vintage. They are all beautifully hand crochet from a 1940s pattern by Rachel herself and cost £15 each which is a real bargain when you take into consideration her time and skill. After the shoot we both enjoyed lunch in Aston Clinton at the newly opened Coffee Shop. Many thanks for treating me to lunch Rachel I was really ready for my sausage roll! 😉

Tomorrow I have an appointment in the morning to discuss a 1940s fashion show before dashing off down to Porchester for a few days away. Next week is going to be very busy and I’m looking forward to working with Kim again on Tuesday when I sing for The Womens section of the Royal British Legion in Quainton. Thursday I’m in Edgware, with two shows back to back on Friday and then I’m off to Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Nr Maldon in Essex for Mothers Day – so it’s all go! Some exciting news I will be performing at Ollie Vees in Leighton Buzzard on the 18th April in my show “Life Upon the Wicked Stage”. This will be a show about my life in show business but more on that later!

It’s time for me to dash as I have my packing to do.

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!