Tudor House in Warwick

Hello every-one and a Happy New Year! So sorry I’ve not blogged much this last week but I have been on the road a great deal so I have decided to write my blog in two parts so you can catch up with all my news! Last Friday I was booked to sing in Nuneaton and I had two afternoon shows back to back and a couple of free days there after. For those of you who have been following me you will know I’ve had a very busy December – in fact I have successfully completed 43 shows this month and I feel very proud to have done so. So I decided to have a few days away in Warwick at The Lord Leycester Hotel having played there earlier in the year.

My New Boots!

I love old buildings and arciture and Warwick is so full of history and so central for Leamington Spa and Stratford-Upon-Avon as I wanted to do a bit of shopping and hit the sales! I’m pleased to say that I found just what I was looking for in Leamington Spa as I needed a new pair of brown boots as I had had my eye on these ones before the sales. I also came across a wonderful fabric shop and bought some beautiful Indian silk for that bustle I’m in desperate need of for my Victorian shows. I’m keen to give some of my costumes a bit of a re-vamp for 2014 and one thing I don’t have is a bustle! I’m very fond of the song “Hands Knees and Bomps a Daisy” so a real must have for when I entertain at The Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s Victorian weekend this coming August. While I was in Stratford – Upon – Avon I visited a couple of the towns Antique centres and I was thrilled to find a tiara and some Victorian glass buttons.

My tiara, silk and Victorian buttons!

I have a couple of tiaras already but this one was a little different and to my mind looked quite Romanesque. I thought it  would look good worn with an empire line ballgown or even with a Victorian gown with my hair worn high with cascading ringlets. I have a jewelled mask that this would work with so if I ever have to appeared at a Masquerade Ball I have everything I need to hand!
While I was out shopping Warwick also came up trumps when it came to buying vintage. After my show on Friday evening I dined in Warwick at an Indian restaurant in Smith Street and I came upon a shop called Encore. Encore is a clothing agency and on Monday I went back and I treated myself to a beautiful 1940s fox fur ,a pair of 1930s gauntlet gloves and to a pair of over the knee black Cavalier thigh boots – something I have been looking for for a long time. It is true what they say – things do come to you in time. These boots are just the ticket and ever-so Puss in Boots – I feel a bit like a Musketeer in them and they are just what I wanted so very pleased to have found them!

Me Outside Shakespeare’s House!

While I was out and about I also did a bit of sight seeing in Stratford and went to Shakespeare’s house and to The Rooftop Restaurant at the RSC Theatre for tea. They make the most wonderful cinnamon scones and had a wonderful display of costumes. Do check out my facebook page where you can see some of my photos http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fiona-Harrison-A-Voice-in-a-Million/143965822288531
I also had dinner at The Garrick Inn on Sunday night in Stratford and I still have lots more to tell you about London and my New Years Eve show at the Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair – but more of that tomorrow! I must dash as I have an appointment tonight. I have a new Gershwin concert band part arrangement to pick up from my friend Bill so I mustn’t be late!
Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

Tudor House in Warwick

Hello every-one and a Happy New Year! So sorry I’ve not blogged much this last week but I have been on the road a great deal so I have decided to write my blog in two parts so you can catch up with all my news! Last Friday I was booked to sing in Nuneaton and I had two afternoon shows back to back and a couple of free days there after. For those of you who have been following me you will know I’ve had a very busy December – in fact I have successfully completed 43 shows this month and I feel very proud to have done so. So I decided to have a few days away in Warwick at The Lord Leycester Hotel having played there earlier in the year.

My New Boots!

I love old buildings and arciture and Warwick is so full of history and so central for Leamington Spa and Stratford-Upon-Avon as I wanted to do a bit of shopping and hit the sales! I’m pleased to say that I found just what I was looking for in Leamington Spa as I needed a new pair of brown boots as I had had my eye on these ones before the sales. I also came across a wonderful fabric shop and bought some beautiful Indian silk for that bustle I’m in desperate need of for my Victorian shows. I’m keen to give some of my costumes a bit of a re-vamp for 2014 and one thing I don’t have is a bustle! I’m very fond of the song “Hands Knees and Bomps a Daisy” so a real must have for when I entertain at The Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s Victorian weekend this coming August. While I was in Stratford – Upon – Avon I visited a couple of the towns Antique centres and I was thrilled to find a tiara and some Victorian glass buttons.

My tiara, silk and Victorian buttons!

I have a couple of tiaras already but this one was a little different and to my mind looked quite Romanesque. I thought it  would look good worn with an empire line ballgown or even with a Victorian gown with my hair worn high with cascading ringlets. I have a jewelled mask that this would work with so if I ever have to appeared at a Masquerade Ball I have everything I need to hand!
While I was out shopping Warwick also came up trumps when it came to buying vintage. After my show on Friday evening I dined in Warwick at an Indian restaurant in Smith Street and I came upon a shop called Encore. Encore is a clothing agency and on Monday I went back and I treated myself to a beautiful 1940s fox fur ,a pair of 1930s gauntlet gloves and to a pair of over the knee black Cavalier thigh boots – something I have been looking for for a long time. It is true what they say – things do come to you in time. These boots are just the ticket and ever-so Puss in Boots – I feel a bit like a Musketeer in them and they are just what I wanted so very pleased to have found them!

Me Outside Shakespeare’s House!

While I was out and about I also did a bit of sight seeing in Stratford and went to Shakespeare’s house and to The Rooftop Restaurant at the RSC Theatre for tea. They make the most wonderful cinnamon scones and had a wonderful display of costumes. Do check out my facebook page where you can see some of my photos http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fiona-Harrison-A-Voice-in-a-Million/143965822288531
I also had dinner at The Garrick Inn on Sunday night in Stratford and I still have lots more to tell you about London and my New Years Eve show at the Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair – but more of that tomorrow! I must dash as I have an appointment tonight. I have a new Gershwin concert band part arrangement to pick up from my friend Bill so I mustn’t be late!
Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

The Organ at All Saints Church!

Hello every-one just back from performing in Egham at the Runnymede Hotel and I just wanted to do a quick blog before sitting down with the family to watch Dr Who and Downton Abbey. It’s been a busy couple of days and I tried so hard to get back to Leighton Buzzard for the Carols by Candlelight at All Saints Church for Christmas Eve but I didn’t make it in time. I just arrived as the service finished so I was really disappointed. I had hoped to make the last 10 mins as it started at 5pm and I didn’t get there until 10 to 6 just when every-one was leaving the church. However All Saints Church is looking particularly lovely at the moment all dressed for Christmas and I did get to see the Nativity and I took a photo of the wonderful organ which I’ve often sung with. Many of you will recognise the nativity as the church gave me permission to film my Christmas video “Silent Night” there back in January

The Nativity at All Saints Church!

which I realesd earlier this month! I also recorded my Ave Maria video at the same time by the high altar so All Saints is very special to me. I had hoped to make Midnight Mass but in the end I had to go to bed as I was out early this morning performing at The Runnymede

The Runnymede Hotel Egham!

Hotel in Egham. The Hotel is in a wonderful position and looks out over the Themes. It’s a very modern hotel and I was engaged to perform a 1940s Christmas for Cultural Breaks. So I included lots of Glenn Miller, Andrew Sisters and even some Joan Hammond with “O Mio Babbino Caro” and I even stayed for lunch and met Father Christmas! Afterwards I went for a stroll by the waters edge and had a lovely chat with a Mr Hamley who flew in the RAF and is the grandson of the gentleman who opened Hamleys toy store in London.
Oh gosh that reminds me I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to open my Christmas presents yet and it’s coming up to 7pm so better dash and sit down with the family!
Tomorrow I’m performing in Much Hadnam so still ever-so busy!
Thank-you for Following and Merry Christmas Every-one!

The Organ at All Saints Church!

Hello every-one just back from performing in Egham at the Runnymede Hotel and I just wanted to do a quick blog before sitting down with the family to watch Dr Who and Downton Abbey. It’s been a busy couple of days and I tried so hard to get back to Leighton Buzzard for the Carols by Candlelight at All Saints Church for Christmas Eve but I didn’t make it in time. I just arrived as the service finished so I was really disappointed. I had hoped to make the last 10 mins as it started at 5pm and I didn’t get there until 10 to 6 just when every-one was leaving the church. However All Saints Church is looking particularly lovely at the moment all dressed for Christmas and I did get to see the Nativity and I took a photo of the wonderful organ which I’ve often sung with. Many of you will recognise the nativity as the church gave me permission to film my Christmas video “Silent Night” there back in January

The Nativity at All Saints Church!

which I realesd earlier this month! I also recorded my Ave Maria video at the same time by the high altar so All Saints is very special to me. I had hoped to make Midnight Mass but in the end I had to go to bed as I was out early this morning performing at The Runnymede

The Runnymede Hotel Egham!

Hotel in Egham. The Hotel is in a wonderful position and looks out over the Themes. It’s a very modern hotel and I was engaged to perform a 1940s Christmas for Cultural Breaks. So I included lots of Glenn Miller, Andrew Sisters and even some Joan Hammond with “O Mio Babbino Caro” and I even stayed for lunch and met Father Christmas! Afterwards I went for a stroll by the waters edge and had a lovely chat with a Mr Hamley who flew in the RAF and is the grandson of the gentleman who opened Hamleys toy store in London.
Oh gosh that reminds me I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to open my Christmas presents yet and it’s coming up to 7pm so better dash and sit down with the family!
Tomorrow I’m performing in Much Hadnam so still ever-so busy!
Thank-you for Following and Merry Christmas Every-one!

This Christmas season has been non stop and it’s hard to believe that I’ve now completed 36 shows this month so only another 7 to do before the end of the year taking me up to the 31st – phew! I don’t start singing again until the 9th Jan 2014.
2013 has been a very busy year for me and I’m looking forward to 2014. I shall be returning to Normandy for the D-Day Commemorations in St Marie du Mont and my diary is filling up with shows for the World War One Centenary celebrations so much to do and plan for!
In the mean time Connie and I have been enjoying Christmas with Michael Buble’s festive album as we’ve been driving along together on the way to my shows. Not only do I like his voice but his musical arrangements and I enjoy listening to the way his music has been put together and the instruments which are used to create each sound. I particularly like his arrangement of Mariah Carey’s song “All I Want for Christmas is You” as he has taken it back to basics and his take on “White Christmas” with Shania Twain just swings along beautifully! I think if I’m honest it’s Michael’s album which has helped to keep me going this month as it’s wonderfully up lifting and has kept me in the Christmassy mood. I can’t believe I’ve done 36 shows so far this month and I feel great and still in good voice. I guess this is where the singing training really pays off with-out which I couldn’t do what I do. What’s interesting is Michael and I are doing all the same songs even right down to a Holly Jolly Christmas – That’s another arrangement of his I really like! He’s even done Ave Maria and Silent Night both of which have been going down really well in my shows this year! Oh before I forget thank-you every-one for all your kind comments about my “Silent Night” video. I’m pleased so many of you have been enjoying it! It really is one of my favourit Carols.
While I was in Ollie Vees – our wonderful vintage fashion store in Leighton Buzzard. The other day Billy was playing a fantastic Hawain Christmas song with Bing Crosby called “Mele Kalikimaka” which I just love.So me being me I grabbed an unsuspecting shopper called Alan and started to dance with him. Thank-you ever-so for the coffee afterwards Alan! I really love that song and would love to record it so lots of ideas for Christmas music next year! 
Christmas Day I will be singing at The Runnymede Hotel in Egham and then on New Years Eve I’m at The Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair, London and back up to Warwick in between times – so I’m still very busy!
I hope to get to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve but with my work load I may be too tired as Christmas Day is a morning show and I have to be on the road bright and early. I do hope to make Mass as Midnight Mass is very special and makes Christmas for me but I may well have to be in bed.
I shall try and Blog again before Christmas Day but if I don’t may I take this opportunity to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and thank-you all for your support. I’ve tried very hard to do all my Christmas Cards but I have fallen down some what so please let me wish you all the best through my blog.
Merry Christmas One and All and Toodle Pip with Silver Bells On and Thank-you for Following! 

This Christmas season has been non stop and it’s hard to believe that I’ve now completed 36 shows this month so only another 7 to do before the end of the year taking me up to the 31st – phew! I don’t start singing again until the 9th Jan 2014.
2013 has been a very busy year for me and I’m looking forward to 2014. I shall be returning to Normandy for the D-Day Commemorations in St Marie du Mont and my diary is filling up with shows for the World War One Centenary celebrations so much to do and plan for!
In the mean time Connie and I have been enjoying Christmas with Michael Buble’s festive album as we’ve been driving along together on the way to my shows. Not only do I like his voice but his musical arrangements and I enjoy listening to the way his music has been put together and the instruments which are used to create each sound. I particularly like his arrangement of Mariah Carey’s song “All I Want for Christmas is You” as he has taken it back to basics and his take on “White Christmas” with Shania Twain just swings along beautifully! I think if I’m honest it’s Michael’s album which has helped to keep me going this month as it’s wonderfully up lifting and has kept me in the Christmassy mood. I can’t believe I’ve done 36 shows so far this month and I feel great and still in good voice. I guess this is where the singing training really pays off with-out which I couldn’t do what I do. What’s interesting is Michael and I are doing all the same songs even right down to a Holly Jolly Christmas – That’s another arrangement of his I really like! He’s even done Ave Maria and Silent Night both of which have been going down really well in my shows this year! Oh before I forget thank-you every-one for all your kind comments about my “Silent Night” video. I’m pleased so many of you have been enjoying it! It really is one of my favourit Carols.
While I was in Ollie Vees – our wonderful vintage fashion store in Leighton Buzzard. The other day Billy was playing a fantastic Hawain Christmas song with Bing Crosby called “Mele Kalikimaka” which I just love.So me being me I grabbed an unsuspecting shopper called Alan and started to dance with him. Thank-you ever-so for the coffee afterwards Alan! I really love that song and would love to record it so lots of ideas for Christmas music next year! 
Christmas Day I will be singing at The Runnymede Hotel in Egham and then on New Years Eve I’m at The Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair, London and back up to Warwick in between times – so I’m still very busy!
I hope to get to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve but with my work load I may be too tired as Christmas Day is a morning show and I have to be on the road bright and early. I do hope to make Mass as Midnight Mass is very special and makes Christmas for me but I may well have to be in bed.
I shall try and Blog again before Christmas Day but if I don’t may I take this opportunity to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and thank-you all for your support. I’ve tried very hard to do all my Christmas Cards but I have fallen down some what so please let me wish you all the best through my blog.
Merry Christmas One and All and Toodle Pip with Silver Bells On and Thank-you for Following! 

Me at The Inn at Woburn!

Hello every-one so sorry I haven’t blogged much these last few days but I have been on the road a great deal and in fact it’s been non stop. I forget how many shows I’ve done now but I know I’m past half way and I still have some very important shows to do so it’s full steam ahead.
Yesterday I turned up at a party where every-one had dressed up as elves which did make me smile rather. Sometimes people forget what they are wearing and it can be quite hard having a serous conversation with a man dressed as an Elf with big pointy ears. Although it must be difficult for elves to get around in pointy shoes with bells on when the points start to turn in. One lady Elf had to take her shoes off as she was starting to trip over and it’s not every day you get blocked in by an elf in a blue Fiat.

Me at The Buckinghamshire Railway Centre!

I think I’ve seen everything this Christmas dashing from show to show and Saturday was a real killer as I was at dropping point by the end after performing 3 shows that day. Nothing sleep couldn’t put right and my shoulders and back have really toned up with all the lifting of speakers I’ve been doing this season.
Today I was in Woburn and I decided to have lunch at The Inn at Woburn before dashing off to Quainton for my next show. I was booked to sing for the U3A’s Christmas Party and they had highed the Railway centre. I know the Railway centre very well as I’ve sung at lots of 1940s events there and used it as a venue for some of my photo shoots so it was lovely to be back!

My friend Kim only lives down the road from the centre and she was able to make it along with her daughter Lily which was wonderful.
Thank you for inviting me to dinner Kim it was lovely to see you both and thank-you for a wonderful meal!
I’ve two shows again tomorrow so I really must get to bed as my first one is at 11.30am.
Thank-you for following Toodle Pip and Bye for Now!

Me at The Inn at Woburn!

Hello every-one so sorry I haven’t blogged much these last few days but I have been on the road a great deal and in fact it’s been non stop. I forget how many shows I’ve done now but I know I’m past half way and I still have some very important shows to do so it’s full steam ahead.
Yesterday I turned up at a party where every-one had dressed up as elves which did make me smile rather. Sometimes people forget what they are wearing and it can be quite hard having a serous conversation with a man dressed as an Elf with big pointy ears. Although it must be difficult for elves to get around in pointy shoes with bells on when the points start to turn in. One lady Elf had to take her shoes off as she was starting to trip over and it’s not every day you get blocked in by an elf in a blue Fiat.

Me at The Buckinghamshire Railway Centre!

I think I’ve seen everything this Christmas dashing from show to show and Saturday was a real killer as I was at dropping point by the end after performing 3 shows that day. Nothing sleep couldn’t put right and my shoulders and back have really toned up with all the lifting of speakers I’ve been doing this season.
Today I was in Woburn and I decided to have lunch at The Inn at Woburn before dashing off to Quainton for my next show. I was booked to sing for the U3A’s Christmas Party and they had highed the Railway centre. I know the Railway centre very well as I’ve sung at lots of 1940s events there and used it as a venue for some of my photo shoots so it was lovely to be back!

My friend Kim only lives down the road from the centre and she was able to make it along with her daughter Lily which was wonderful.
Thank you for inviting me to dinner Kim it was lovely to see you both and thank-you for a wonderful meal!
I’ve two shows again tomorrow so I really must get to bed as my first one is at 11.30am.
Thank-you for following Toodle Pip and Bye for Now!