Letters

Letter from Caroline - November 2011

Hello everyone and warmest greetings.

An interesting part of being on t'internet is that it is seen and read worldwide and beyond and, you never know what being part of this modern day communication may bring. For example, for those of you who have read my article (somewhere on this growing site!) about my friend Florence Merton who spent time at Gracie Fields Orphanage, there have been major developments.

Throughout her life, Florence has believed that she and her brother were alone in the world without any other known living relatives. Suddenly, a few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from someone who had put the name Gracie Fields into a search engine and landed on my site.

Whilst reading my article on Florence, he realised that not only did he know her Father, Henry Merton, but that he was actually related to Florence! (Henry, who was a clever mimic, toured with Gracie Fields in her variety shows - hence the reason Florence was able to stay at Gracie's orphanage when Henry died suddenly).

He writes "By some amazing chance, I just stumbled across your page on your website and the article on Florence Merton. I can fill in quite a bit of family details. I am descended from his younger sister... I had no idea of her connection to Gracie"!

Naturally Florence is over the moon to hear she has a relation and so excited you wouldn't believe. She can't wait to speak to him and hopes they can meet up in the future. He's presently working abroad but, upon his return, promises to ring me. Then, at long last, I'll be able to put them in touch with each other. What a Christmas present eh? And, all because I enjoy writing!

So, for those of you who follow my writing and, in particular, my articles in The Dalesman Magazine, I'll have more articles in both the December and the February editions if you're interested.

Christmas will soon be here. I have a full diary for December and if I'm appearing anywhere near you, please do pop in to see me. I welcome fans and friends alike.

Have a Great Yule and Christmas Everyone.

Caroline.

P.S. I have had a very nice write up in the Yorkshire Evening Post which can be viewed by going to:
Yorkshire Evening Post and searching for Caroline Fields.

Letter from Caroline - September 2011

Greetings everyone. Well, I've done it! I've finally done it - two years into my Masters Degree on creative writing - I've done it!!
"Done what?" I can hear you saying.
My writing has finally been 'commisioned' - not that I'm excited or anything! 'The Dalesman' Magazine has commissioned eight (YES EIGHT) of my articles.
I've had many articles printed since I began writing but this is the first time I've actually been commissioned.
After publishing three of my articles in 'The Dalesman' and, after members of the public requested more of my 'Adventures with Grandma', Paul, the Editor rang me with the proposition of an 'ongoing' theme.
I've chosen to write about the lunar cycles and major seasonal festivals (and the party's to celebrate each!) which were so important to Grandma. It is...

Grandma's 'Wheel Of The Year'

Samhain - pronounced 'sow-en' or Halloween (October 31st)

Winter Solstice or Yule (December 20th/21st)

Imbolc or Candlemas (January 31st/February 1st)

Ostara (Spring Equinox - about march 20th/21st)

Beltane (May day's Eve - 30th April)

Summer Solstice or Midsummer (June 20th/21st)

Lughnsadh or Lammas - 'Loaf-mass' (July 31st/August 1st)

Autumn Equinox or Mabon (about September 20th/21st)

The first article begins with Samhain (Sow-en) or Halloween - Oct 31st and will be printed in the October issue of THE DALESMAN. I hope you find it entertaining.

Kindest regards

Caroline.

Letter from Caroline - May 2011

Hello to friends and fans alike.

I have had a very busy year so far but, most importantly, a reasonably healthy one.

So sorry to report that yet more of our lovely 'show business' pals have fallen this year - Jack Seaton, a fellow patron of the Derby and Nottingham Music Hall Association died suddenly whilst sat in the comfort of his own fireside chair. Jack was the straight man for Tommy Trinder and they worked happily together at theatres all over the country. You may remember them from Sunday Night at The London Palladium.
Jack began as Tommy's 'Gofer', progressing to his straight man and eventually was given his own spot where he performed his unique brand of 'cockney' humour. As a solo act jack worked in every theatre known to man. He also worked tirelessly for Brinsworth House in Wimbledon - the resindential home of show business folk who need care - Radio DJ Alan Freeman, Comedian Charlie Chester and Norman Wisdom were three who spent time there before passing on to that great dressing room in the sky.

Work in 2011 is, so far, very good. I have been touring in a show called 'The Good Old Days of Music Hall and Variety' with the lovely Mark Andrews (Mark Andrews Productions) starring Stu Francis (with whom I spent many a happy hour crushing grapes!) and, whilst staying over at various 'Holiday Inns' and 'Travel Lodges' we have all met up for dinner after the shows (which are matinees).

I have also had another article published in 'The Dalesman' - July issue.

The stories told have been wonderful. Stu told us many tales including some of his time spent working with Les dawson.

Les, bless him, was known to be Very lazy (He once sent me round the corner from the theatre to the newsagents for a paper because he couldn't be bothered going to his car to fetch the morning paper lying on the back seat!!).

Stu said that Les once received an important invitation to a party. The ticket said Fancy Dress. Apparently Les deliberated for ages. The only time he got dressed up was when he and Stu did their Cissy and Ada routine together. They'd been doing this routine for years so had the full outfit and could get ready in no time - the wig - the pinny - the baggy stockings - and a swipe of bright red lipstick was all that Les needed.
Les argued with himself - Should he bother going? What could he go as? Did he really have to bother thinking up a character? Why spend money on a costume? etc..
Suddenly, Les hit on an idea and a few minutes later Stu got a phone call. Les invited him to be his guest at the party. Les told Stu the date of the party, the venue and the time. Before ringing off however, Les said nonchalantly, "Ooh, I've just thought, considering we're going to be at the same place I suppose we could go together. Pick me up will you .... Oh, and by the way, it's fancy dress. Wear your Ada costume and then I can wear my Cissy"!!

I've got more dates for SAGA this year, this time in Durham. Several paris visits entertaining at the larger hotels in after-dinner Cabaret and Music Hall, at Galleries LaFayette (with it's magnificent glass ceiling) and the Theatre de Paris. Plus, as usual, many one-nighters. My degree course is going well but, whilt I promised myself I wouldn't fall behind, I have. But, I hope to catch up when autumn comes and there's less gardening to do!

Our 'holiday cottage' in Whitby is doing well and we're getting a lot of repeat bookings. If anyone out there would like to rent it for a week (Saturday to Saturday) or for short mid-week breaks or would like further details, ring me on 0113 2886393 and I'll send you a little brochure. More details and pictures at - www.anchorcottagewhitby.co.uk or with Yorkshire Cottages.

The cottage which is on Clarkson Street off Skinner Street is close to shops, pubs (some serving excellent food), restaurants and cafes (including the famous Magpie Fish Cafe), trendy wine bars, indoor bowling alley and crazy golf (up on the west cliff) and, round the corner on Silver Street, there is a great fish and chip shop and across the road a super off-licence.
There is Pannett Park to stroll in, Pannett Park Museum (containing the largest display of Victorian Whitby Jet to be found anywhere and some Jurassic remains of Dinosaurs).
It sleeps five/six in three bedrooms although it should be noted that the third bedroom - a small room - has restricted height on the door.
Outside - A pretty yard with secure gate.
Ground Floor - Lovely homely lounge with period fire place and 'living flame' gas fire. With TV (free-sat) Video/DVD player, CD/Cassette Player - a large library of Videos and DVD's, cassettes and CD's, books and a few games.
A seperate fully fitted kitchen with washing machine.
First Floor - Large bedroom with double bed, sofa and TV. Large bathroom with bath and electric shower over.
Second Floor - Large bedroom with 1 double bed and 1 single. Another small attic bedroom (9x8.3) with a double bed.
Full central heating and double glazed, I try to make it a 'home from home' and provide a welcome tray of milk, coffee, tea, brown and white sugar and biscuits on arrival. Shower/bath gel, shampoo, conditioner, shower cap, soaps, handcream, napkins etc. The only thing you need to bring are towels and yourselves.

Maybe see you there one day.

Thank you for your continued support.

Love and Blessings to you all.

Caroline.

Letter from Caroline - October 2010

Hello everyone,

Hope this letter finds you well and contended. Where has this year gone? The older I get the faster time seems to fly by. They say that 'time waits for no man' - well, it seems to be overtaking me! (Hope it doesn't get there before me!).

I began a new degree earlier this year. This one is a 'Masters' degree which I'm enjoying immensely. One of my 'modules' takes in journalism so I have begun writing 'professionally' - that is, being paid for my efforts.

I have always written fiction and poetry but have to demonstrate how I can take a true experience and turn it into money - can't be bad I hear you say - but now I'm burning the candle at both ends and in the middle too! (Not that I haven't always).

Initially, it was a real challenge as I hadn't a clue what to write about or where to start. I began with 'tips' for magazines - amazingly I was paid anything between £20 and £60 (include a picture or photograph of the 'tip' and you are paid more)!

That earner me a few 'brownie' points but was told that 20 or 30 words were not quite enough! Now my assignments are between 500 and 10,000 words. After staring at a blank screen for hours I began to drift into my past and - thank goodness - came up with lots of ideas, especially about my family life.

I particularly enjoy writing about my Grandma and her old-style odd country ways. Whilst she was a simple soul lacking a formal education, she was very clever in many ways and was what you might call "A Wise Woman".

She had a remedy for any type of ailment, complaint or condition where she used berries, fruit, herbs, flowers, leaves and home-made vinegars in her compounds and medicines. She read the tea-leaves - despite there being very few leaves in the cup to read (it was too expensive!) and the cards. She would interpret dreams and knew the language of flowers (red roses for love etc).

Turning her hand to anything, she made rag rugs and patchwork quilts and taught me tatting, knitting, embroidery and sewing. Milk, cheese, butter, honey and candles came from her two cows and bee hives she kept 'on't' farmers 'little patch' which must have been at least 30 acres. Jams, marmalades and chutneys came from the hedgerows and fields nearby.

She passed a great deal of knowledge down to me so I have sent some of my tales of her recipes, lifestyle, healing and restorative remedies to different magazines.

Some of my longer articles about her have been taken up and printed by The Dalesman Magazine and the Editor has kindly promised to print another article on 'Grandma's doings' in May 2011 so, if you are interested, look out for it.

I'm still in demand for my singing despite my great age - I must work cheap or be popular - and I thoroughly enjoy appearing in variety shows where I meet up with all my showbiz friends. We have a good gossip and a laugh and, maybe even have time to appear on stage.

I have done a few 'Help the Heroes' (Blitz) shows this year which always get a good response and makes some lovely 'lolly' for our soldiers fighting or injured in foreign lands in the line of duty - we salute you all. Lets all hope and pray for peace.

Show business has lost even more wonderful folk this year and, I hope that, wherever they are in that big theatre in the sky they are still getting standing ovations. We love and miss them all.

Love and blessings

Caroline

Letter from Caroline - January 2010

Hello everyone,

I do hope you had a Merry Yule and I wish you all a Happy, Prosperous and, most of all, Healthy New Year.

If you're like me, you will, by now, be fed up with the weather and all this snow! There's far too much of it and, as I sit here writing, it's starting again. The sky is quite dark and gloomy. Talking of which, parts of 2009 were filled with gloom with the deaths of many of our dear friends.

So many friends in the 'business' have fallen this past year - The first was Danny La Rue. He was a wonderful performer and a pleasure to work with. I appeared with him many times at Theatre's up and down the country and always found him warm and friendly. However, he could be temperamental. He enjoyed Champagne and, written into his contract was a request there was a bottle in his dressing room. If it wasn't there he would throw a fit! If you knocked at his dressing room door and he was ready - corsets, frock, wig, jewellery etc., he welcomed you warmly - However, if he wasn't ready, woe betide anyone who knocked and entered without waiting for a reply! You would not be welcome - and you would be reminded time and time gain to "Knock and wait for an answer BEFORE entering!! We got on well and he liked working with me and he said, providing "Your frocks are not better than mine!".

We also lost our very good friend Neville King. He was a unique Ventriloquist - who began in The Black and White Minstrels. His talent for mimicry was second to none and on many occassions he pulled a fast one by throwing his voice. Once at lunch with him I was eating celery with cheese and biscuits. Suddenly, the celery began talking. "Put me down, put me down. Please don't eat me!" it cried. "I'm only a little stick, eat the bigger sticks first as they've lived longer than me!" The whole table was in stitches.

He was most famous for his routine with a dummy he named 'The Old Boy' who, whilst fastened in 'the' case would cry "Let me out...Let me out!". A couple of years ago, Neville and his wife Joan (who was a Television Topper) went on holiday. "How much luggage are you gonna take?" Neville asked Joan. "Stop squashing it. For goodness sake take another case" said Neville.
"I haven't another" said Joan.
Neville took 'The Old Boy' from it's case and they used that.
Back on stage in Leicester the day after returning from holiday, Neville began his routine. "Let me Out. Let me Out" screamed 'The Old Boy' from inside the case. After some more business Neville finally opened the case to find it still contained dirty washing from their holiday. (Thoughts rushed through his head. "God, she'll kill me - I was supposed to put this lot in the wash basket!").
He searched inside the case. No dummy. Just wishing! Eventually, still with his head inside the case he mimicked "Put me Back...Put me Back. I don't wanna get out today" Turning to the audience, he said "Oh dear. He's not well!" The whole audience gave a sigh of 'Aaaah' and Neville did the whole routine without the dummy!
Norman Collier said to me of Neville that "He always made it look so easy".

Patick Newley also passed. He was Editor of 'The Callboy' (The magazine of The British Music Hall Society). Luckily - and most gratefully - we have a new Editor in the shape of Geoff Bowden who promises to take the Magazine to new heights. Also leaving us was Johnny Dallas who was my Agent for Panto for many years and Edward Woodward who I appeared with many times in TV work. They will all be sadly missed and can never be replaced.

Work was good in 2009. I had dates for SAGA. Quite a lot of Paris visits, entertaining at the larger Hotels in after-dinner Cabaret and Music Hall, at Galleries LaFayette (with it's magnificent glass ceiling) and the Theatre de Paris. A show (with a 'fish and chips' supper) for our local Hospice - St. Gemma's - where we raised £550. Plus a lot of one-nighters. I had promised myself not to do as much in 2010 as I'm doing an MA Degree and didn't want to fall behind. However best laid plans of...Whenever the phone rings, if all's 'right' with the invitation to work, I can't seem to say no! (Gracie Fields had the same problem!!).

On a brighter note, loving Whitby as we do, we've bought a cottage there which we plan to rent out as a Holiday Let. So, if anyone out there would like to rent it for a week (Saturday to Saturday) or for short mid-week breaks, or would like further details, ring me on 0113 2886393 and I'll send you a little brochure. (More details - 'Whitby Cottage' link).

Whitby is an old fishing town near Scarborough. Unlike Scarborough, however, it has retained most of it's 'Old World Charm'. There is plenty to do - shops galore, pubs (some serving excellent food), restaurants and cafes (including the famous Magpie Fish Cafe), Trendy Wine Bars, indoor bowling alley and crazy golf, outdoors crazy golf (up on the west cliff) Pannett Park to stroll in, Pannett Park Museum (containg the largest display of Victorian Whitby Jet to be found anywhere and some Jurassic remains of dinosaurs).

There are Tour Buses every half-hour touring around Whitby - finishing at The Abbey - The Abbey Ruins, The Abbey Museum, the tea-rooms and St. Mary's Church. There is also the Train Station with a Steam Train service to Pickering over the moors.
Buses leave for Scarborough, Gateshead (The largest shopping complex I've seen!) plus all the little coves in between like Sandsend, Robin Hoods Bay, Staithes, Skinningrove (Tin Mine Museum and Tims cafe for a wholesome cheap meal).

The cottage sleeps seven in three bedrooms although it should be noted that the third bedroom has a restricted height on the door.
There is a pretty outside yard with secure gate.Inside - a hallway with a hanging rail, separate fully equipped kitchen with washing machine and a beautiful old pine dresser and matching corner cupboards.
Lovely homely lounge with period fireplace and 'living flame' gas fire. With TV (free-sat) Video/DVD player, CD/Cassett Player and a large library of Videos and DVD's, cassettes and CD's, books and a few games.
On the first floor is a large bedroom with double bed, settee and TV. All pine furniture. A large bathroom, also on the first floor, has a bath and electric shower over.
The second floor has a large attic bedroom with 1 double bed and 1 single. Another small attic bedroom (9 x 8.3) has a double bed - this is the one with a half size door - either suitable for a child or 'agile' adult! I find this room quite warm and cosy.

Well everyone. Do hope we meet up in 2010 and I thank you for your continued support.

Lots of Love and Blessings, Caroline.

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