Letter from Caroline - October 2009

Hello to all my Fans, Friends, Fellows, Familiars and those who couldn't care less!

Well, autumn is here - although it seems more like winter some days - especially last Saturday! We had the last of our garden parties last week when, on Saturday, friends and supporters from Derby and Nottingham Music Hall Association came back to our house after enjoying a day out at Millstones Restaurant where I was performing all week in a "Wartime Memories" Show .... You know the sort of thing .... I'm dressed in my RAF uniform singing 'Sing As We Go', 'Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer', 'Keep The Home Fires Burning', 'White Cliffs of Dover', 'Wish Me Luck' and 'We'll Meet Again' amongst many others of that era!

On Tuesdays we had friends back for eats and drinks after the show who work at Sainsbury's (where we shop!) who, bless them, keep supporting me. Wednesday was the turn of The British Legion and, last Saturday, folk from The Derby and Nottingham Music Hall Association. The coach arrived here at 5.00pm along with - Gale Force Winds, Heavy Rain and Dark Menacing Skies - however we all had a great evening squashed into our summer house like sardines (which normally seats 12 around an 8ft square table - although there is plenty of standing room) and totally forgot the weather!

I shall be seeing all the D and Notts lot again this Sunday at 'The Spot' Entertainment Centre for our annual luncheon where Bernie Clifton is topping the bill. The Show this year is called "Our Patron's Entertain" which means, as I'm one of the Patrons - I'll be doing a 10 minute bit myself - when I shall be 'Remembering Joyce Grenfell'.

Also on the bill will be Victoria Yellop (whose Mum was one of the original Tiller Girls). Victoria plays the violin beautifully and played "When You Wish Upon A Star" in the church at our dear friend and colleague Neville King's funeral (Neville was a brilliant ventriloquist who began in the Black and White Minstrels and continued on Stage and in TV until the end. He died on Sat 22nd Aug 09).

Duggie Chapman MBE will be compering. Duggie is known as Mr Blackpool - he puts on great variety summer shows in many of the larger venues in Blackpool. He is a Water Rat and helps to raise thousands of pounds for charity. Panto's are also his forte and I have appeared in many myself.

Jack Seaton will be bringing us 'Cockney Capers' - Jack used to be Tommy Trinder's side-kick and, on Sunday, will be performing some cheeky cockney comedy songs.

Lovely songstress, Beryl Johnson will sing us some Vera Lynn songs which, I know, the audience will love to join in with - especially as Vera and her vast repertoire are so popular at the moment. Beryl has appeared in most theatres in the country and now produces and directs Panto for Duggie Chapman.

Last - but not least - topping our bill this year is the zany comedian/singer/raconteur and compere Bernie Clifton (He of 'The Desert Song' and The Ostrich!). I spoke to him this morning and he told me a little story. He has just returned from Malaga where he went to meet a cruise ship to work on board. The queue at check-in at East Midlands Airport became quite a muddle as 2 busy flights were being checked in at once, one for Malaga and one for Prague. He was sat on the plane for Malaga just before 'take-off' when he turned to the lady sat next to him and said "Have you been to Prague before?" - The poor woman went white and stood up shouting "I want to get off - I'm on the wrong plane!" - I've told him he's a rotten sod but he just laughs!!

I have had some super 'gigs' this summer. I have been working at Cranage Hall, Cheshire for SAGA doing "An evening with Caroline Fields" where I included some Joyce Grenfell, Vera Lynn and Gracie Fields amongst others. I am pleased to say that Gracie is becoming increasingly popular at the moment and folk love to hear her songs and snatches of her life story (which I tell to accompany the songs).

I performed "The Life and Songs of Gracie Fields" over in Lancashire at Birtle nr Rochdale a couple of months ago, which went down very well considering I'm a Yorkshire lass trying to do a Lancs accent!! (Down in the south of England folk think it's the same accent - which it almost is - but in Rochdale they can usually tell the difference! - being as it's Gracie birthplace!) I think I got away with it!!!??.

I continue to jet over to Paris every month or two (doesn't it sound glamorous?). Believe me it is hard work. My costumes go by air freight a few days before I fly and what a palaver it is. A skip is sent from the airport. I pack it with my cabaret and music hall costumes/crinoline underslips/shoes and 'dots' (music for the trio who accompany me) and an inventory of the contents. Then a courier collects it. At the airport an official opens it. He rings me and, together, checking my inventory, we go through every item I've packed .... THEN HE TRIES TO REPACK IT!! ... Mmm .... I have learnt NOT to pack any personal items and usually take them with me in hand luggage. It's a good job I do. Once I got to my hotel and the skip hadn't arrived, luckily I had my frillies and toothbrush with me!!

Now before I forget, whilst at Millstones, my friend Pam took some video footage of me performing with the intention of putting it on YouTube. If my Website Manager Tony can put it on this site too you might also find it on here?

Do hope some of you can make the show I am putting on for St. Gemma's Hospice in Moortown, Leeds. They need all the help they can get! It is to be held at Pool Village Memorial Hall on Saturday 12th December at 7.00pm onwards. Supper is being delivered at 8pm. Tickets are £12 for adults and £8 for children - which includes a delicious hot fish and chip supper (cooked in vegetable oil) from the onward winning MAYPOLE Fisheries in Otley (West Yorkshire). On the bill is myself, funny man Billy Bedlam and, from Guy Holloway, music on the marimba. There will be dancing for all and some games for the little ones. There is also a bar and a raffle with some lovely prizes.

Closer to home - Mum is still settled in a very good nursing home with excellent care and, whilst we (myself and my siblings) feel guily she's there, we know that - after her illness in hospital - a slight stroke followed by double pneumonia, a chest infection and a kidney infection - she is in the right place. The staff are wonderful and she is putting on weight and enjoying life.

Well, all my playmates I shall say 'Goodbye' and Godbless' to you all. If you happen to get to one of my shows please make yourself known to me. Send a little note backstage and I'll meet you after the show in the foyer or the bar area.

Have a wonderful YULE

Love and blessings

Caroline xxx