~ The Jealous Coverdale's ~

When Gracie was ten she joined Clara Coverdale's Boys and Girls the other girls were between fourteen and sixteen years of age, on the pretext of teaching her acrobatics they deliberately strained her ligaments to prevent her going on the stage. She was sent home as the pain and stiffness became worse day by day, the art of her profession Gracie learned the hard way.

~ The Maypole ~

Each street had its maypole Gracie and her sisters had their own, on which ribbons and paper flowers were sewn. Gracie knew a girl who looked "classy" she was chosen as May Queen and allowed to hold the broomstick the prettiest ever seen. Gracie led her followers outside every pub singing and rattling her tin, there was much enthusiasm from the customers within. She collected two pounds and five shillings at seven years of age, more than a family's weekly wage.

~ We're Going Up ~

Jenny Stansfield was ambitious in her day, convinced where her daughter's future lay. "God gave you talent lass I know you will go far, when you're on the stage Grace and become a famous star. To  achieve this ambition I'll certainly try, and not let opportunity pass me by. I will fight every step of the way, and make folk listen to what I have to say. We're going up as I've often said before, and turn our back on poverty for evermore."

~ The Boundary ~

Gracie entered a singing competition in Middleton and won first prize, obviously by a fair decision but the audience thought otherwise. She is not a Middleton girl they shouted, she comes from Rochdale. The judge offered the second prize then a third all to no avail. Gracie walked off holding back the tears she would rather die than give them the satisfaction of seeing her cry. On the way out the judge caught up he dipped his hand in his pocket and gave her five shillings "You won first prize" he said "Middleton girl or not it's yours by every right", that was one of many jealousies Gracie had to fight.