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~ The Final Bow ~
Dame Gladys Cooper is a fine honoured name the stage without her presence will never be the same. Her beauty was unequaled her talent unsurpassed a mark of distinction prevailed to the last. She made
her debut at sweet sixteen in the gay Edwardian days dancing in musicals and acting in straight plays. For over sixty years she reigned an undisputed queen many were the hearts she stole within the social scene. When the nation rose in answer to the battle call her portrait was in evidence on every barrack wall. The memories she left behind have become a legacy a valuable edition to theatre history.
~ Softly Softly ~
'Softly Softly turn the Key' an Irish colleen sang to me. Clear and lilting as a bird the sweetest song I've ever heard. Love expressed in a tender way
I cherish all she has to say. I am not alone there are millions more
follow the star we so adore 'Softly Softly' brought her fame, Ruby Murray made her
name.
~ Roy Hudd ~
The comedian Roy Hudd is no stick in the mud, he provides humour without end and is it any wonder 'Our Gracie' was his friend. She said "Are you
as funny as you look", I doubt if he could tell, but he does know that his talent
makes the ticket sales swell. He holds the audience in the palm of
his hand, in pantomime or a one night stand. With a smile and a joke and comic songs,
he's on centre stage where he belongs. He also presents 'The Huddlines' on radio and appears on TV too, without our versatile entertainers whatever would
we do.
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~ Joyce Grenfell ~
Joyce Grenfell was an actress of distinction playing varied parts, in her role as a scatty school teacher she won very many hearts. "Lucy your
drawing of an orange is very good, oh it's not an orange it's mummy of course now I can see how silly of me. George don't do that" what he had
supposed to have done we will never know, but it certainly made her popularity grow. She was often heard singing in a high soprano voice, 'There Are
fairies At The Bottom of The Garden' will always remind me of Joyce.
~ Big Hearted Arthur ~
A dapper little man with a thatch of red hair as bright as a button no time for dull care. Singing gay ditties of seagulls and bees Big Hearted Arthur Askey so anxious to please. He causes a laugh wherever he roams in
countless theatres or in private homes. I remember 'Band Waggon' produced years ago achieving much fame as a radio show. He also appeared on the cinema screen his character parts remain evergreen. Having reached the age of
seventy years I send him best wishes and three hearty cheers. Long may he perform in the same breezy style all the pleasure he gives is an effort
worthwhile.
~ Catherine Cookson ~
A pair of eyes behind spectacles are intelligent and bright. eighty year old Catherine Cookson was born to write. The world is all the richer through
her presence on this earth, yet strictly speaking there should not have been a
birth. She was born out of wedlock in a tough northern town, prominently featured in her books Jarrow became renown. Every stick and stone blade of grass the
entire community is expressed with affection and deep sincerity. She
no longer feels the sting of shame only a glow of pride, echoed by millions
far and wide. The Cinder Path, Tilly Trotter and The Man Who Cried will
continue to enthrall long after she has died.
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~ The Beverley Sisters ~
Two are identical the other much the same, three charming ladies with a famous
name. The Beverley Sisters, Teddie, Babs and Joy presenting their arrangement of
The Little Drummer Boy. This musical endeavour is requested constantly a most
delightful number sung in perfect harmony. Performing in the cities or at a
seaside town they display the brilliance that won them world renown. As popular
today as they were years ago, an exalted position the young ones seldom know.
~ A Letter For Kenneth McKeller ~
Dear Kenneth McKeller,
Just a little verse to say - I have long regarded you in a special way. Your
treasury of Highland gems are beautiful to hear, expressed with deep sincerity
in a voice so rich and clear. 'O Sing To Me The Auld Scots Songs' 'Danny Boy'
and 'Hame o' Mine' the immortal 'Annie Laurie' or the strains of 'Auld Lang Syne'.
The words are sentimental the melody is sweet, with your outstanding artistry no
one can compete. When the final curtain falls and life draws to a close your
spirit will forever dwell in the heart of 'A Red Red Rose'. You have brought
tremendous pleasure to this seaside town, God bless you always,
Sincerely Beryl Down.
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