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!