~ The Birthday of the Little Princess ~

Little Shirley Temple so wonderful to see, she could sing, dance and act as natural as can be. At her birthday party she invited a special guest, a lady of distinction who only gave the best. Her name was Gracie Fields dressed all in white, she sang The Birthday of the Little Princess much to Shirley's delight. "Would you like to be a queen and wear a crown upon your head?" No would you? "No, but I'd like to be a princess." Ee you are that already love Gracie said. Shirley was indeed the princess of the silver screen, in the music halls Gracie was the uncrowned queen.

~ The Traffic Stopper ~

Traffic came to a sudden halt as crowds gathered in the street, a very famous lady they were hoping to meet. Gracie Fields an international star, and they were certainly not moving having got that far. On her arrival she was asked for a song, she gave full vent whether right or wrong. The long delayed motorists joined in too, Gracie stole the hearts of everyone her whole life through. Police on duty turned a blind eye, no need to ask the reason why.

~ A Charitable Concern ~

"Whew! It's hot", said Gracie taking off her hat, you can have it if you pay for it what do you say to that?. The crowd laughed they thought it was a stunt, but laughter turned to envy when sold to a lady in front. Such a beautiful creation trimmed in fine gauze, the  money was sent to St. Dunstan's a most worthy cause. Spectators admired her stole designed with hand painted butterflies, she promptly offered it for sale much to everyone's surprise. Eager to help the sick and needy in whatever way she could, not for prestige she was out to do good.

~ A Grand Lass ~

Gracie was a grand lass so wide awake, she believed in the logic of give and take. Although according to the book she gave for more than she ever took. In all her homes she had rooms to share, and plenty of time to spare. For fans and friends she most admired, giving pleasure until her life expired. How much it cost her we will never know, but we do know she sent invitations through the kindness of her heart and not just for show.

~ The Sunny Side ~

To maintain a sense of humour I always try and will continue until I die. When troubles invade and threaten to get me down I crease my face into a smile leaving no room for a frown. I walk on the sunny side of the street with a cheery word for the folk I meet. By keeping to this route each day shadows simply melt away. There is nothing in this world worth worrying about why blot the sun with woe, stick out your chest hold your head high and sing as you go.

~ A Day Long Ago ~

I remember Christmas Eve when Gracie was on the air, not as a soloist her parents were also there. Her mother sang 'Home-Sweet-Home' in a strong contralto voice, a comedy number 'My Wife's gone' was her fathers choice. Gracie provided the musical accompaniment on the piano it really was divine, sending a tingle down my spine. Alas everything passes nothing can stay, gone are the joys of that pre-Christmas Day. Thankfully memories remain and the magic comes flooding back again.

~ The Tingle Factor ~

There's a tingle in my toes and in my finger tips, there's a twinkle in my eyes and a smile upon my lips. Gracie Fields is appearing as always most endearing, creating a glowing atmosphere with a wealth of melody and every word expressed held a deep sincerity.

~ A Night at the Holborn Empire ~

I was one of a group standing in the foyer gazing at Gracie Fields picture on the wall, a tingle of excitement surged through all. The doors opened and we were ushered to our seat, able to relax and take the weight off our feet. Listening to the overture before the curtain rose on a grand assembly of chorus girls known as 'twinkle toes'. Then came a tenor and a magician, the juggler was excellent too, a man at the piano played 'The Rhapsody In Blue'. Followed by a comedian telling jokes not heard before and the skill of two young acrobats we enjoyed even more. The orchestra struck up 'Sally' time for Gracie to appear, greeted with thunderous applause and a rousing cheer. She called across the footlights "You clap too soon wait and see if I'm worth it". In our minds there was not the slightest doubt we had every reason to clap and shout. At the end of her songs the artistes retired for a rest, while the audience held a discussion on the acts they considered the best. Gracie returned for the entire second half, with a touch of sentiment to make us weep and comedy numbers to raise a laugh. At the close she invited the audience to join her in singing 'Sally' and we certainly did sing, in the joy of the moment we forgot everything. There was a sudden stampede people rushed out by the score, making a dash for the stage door. Hoping to meet Gracie have a closer look and ask her to sign their autograph book. She was most obliging as friendly as can be, many fans were secretly wishing they could invite her home to tea. Boiled ham and lettuce with a tin of salmon would have suited her down to the ground, a way to make this wish come true had yet to be found.