~ The Reason Why ~

What makes me love you as I do? because I am so proud of you. Your charitable work, appearances on the stage and concern for people of every age. Just to know you were around made the spirit soar, sympathetic, kind and generous who could wish for more. There are many others who can sing but a warm glowing tingle only you could bring. Your Lancashire breeding expressed a different way and never changed to your dying day, you remained a natural your whole life through, that is why I love you as I do.

~ Christmas Greetings ~

Gracie sent hundreds of Christmas cards each year, remembering fans and friends far and near. Helpers stamped and addressed envelopes working from A to Z, often very late well past time for bed. She was informed they had reached letter L not even half way through, back came Gracie's quick reply - "And there's still an 'ell of a lot to do".

~ A Different Direction ~

Lancastrian housewives were very methodical they worked in a practical way. Monday washing, Tuesday shopping, Wednesday ironing, Thursday baking. Children coming out of school did not loiter to play, they all hurried home it was potato pie day. Chopped meat diced potatoes and carrots with onion, and that strange ingredient called flair, the top crust thick and golden the smell of it cooking was everywhere. After the first generous helping came one more, followed by creamy rice pudding a grand treat to be sure. Friday was 'donkey-stoning' day when the front step was rubbed to a dazzling white, coming up to a weekend it had to look just right. This was the pattern known to Jenny Stansfield in her poor days, her family's fame changed her life in so many ways.

~ A True Identity ~

In the north traders were identified by a nick-name, Curtain Mary, Pot Alice, Chip Sarah, Reg the Veg, Mike the Milk and Bob the Bread, for homely Lancashire there's a lot to be said.

~ The Other Side Of Life ~

The other side of life is a special part of living of this we should be aware, give a thought for the sick and suffering and those who are in despair. Visit the hospitals take a few flowers, make your presence felt to brighten weary hours.  With the good things of life I am truly blessed, in helping the less fortunate I have always done my best.

~ Hear My Prayer ~

Gracie knew what it was to live she had so much to give. Her time, her talent and her love for which she thanked the Lord above. She thanked God not fore wealth but for the blessing of good health. Breath to reach the highest key and fill the world with ecstasy.

~ Marisa's Request ~

Gracie was entertaining guests mostly family when a plaintive voice came across, "Auntie Gracie I'd rather see you on my own, just the two of us here alone." "We will make a date Marisa meet me tomorrow at three, I'll have the kettle on you can join me for tea." To keep a promise she always took great care, when they sat down together no one else was there.

~ With A Smile And A Song ~

Gracie chased the clouds away enticing the sun every day. As radiant as a starlit night, her performance was a sheer delight. On radio, television, stage and screen she was regarded as a queen. In schools, jails or on a bus she shared her remarkable gift with us. England, America, Paris and Capri and many other lands across the sea. When her life came to an end, we not only lost an artiste we lost a true friend.

~ Mistress Of Her Art ~

Crowds flocked to the cinemas and theatres and gathered around the stage door,  the box office was booming tickets selling by the score. Hearts throbbed with excitement was a tingle in fingers and toes, a natural reaction to all Gracie's shows. Mistress of her art in humour, song and wit, yet she felt so deeply she could better it.

~ Gertie's Delight ~

Gertie Sammon stood shivering outside the stage door on a bitterly cold night and received an unexpected warmth much to her delight. When Gracie came along her concern was plain to see "You look perished love come up to my dressing-room for a cup of tea." In between sips they had a cosy chat how many would treat a young fan like that.

~ Look On The Bright Side ~

My mother was optimistic in her day, this is what she used to say - Look on the bright side your whole life through, and never trouble trouble until trouble troubles you. 

~ Can You Hear Me Sir ~

A young Gracie Fields and her friend entered the post office, Nell Whitwell to buy stamps and Gracie to use the telephone for the first time. She shouted down the mouthpiece at the top of her voice drawing attention of everyone, such a deafening sound in her agent's ear was like a shot from a gun. Nell felt hot with shame, although she was not to blame. Walking home together neither uttered a word, Gracie thought she had to shout when phoning to make herself heard.

~ The Wrong Idea ~

Gracie's parents occupied a flat in Islington to be near their family. Her mother said the Londoners in the flat below were amused when she served tripe and onions but they ate boiled snake. Gracie informed her it was jellied eels she had made a mistake. Well said Mumma it makes no difference to me, I couldn't eat the mucky stuff whatever it may be. 

~ Quiet Moment ~

In my quiet moments thoughts often stray, to a little cobbled street many miles away. I retrace my footsteps through the old mill town, the happy smiling faces seldom wore a frown. When days were dark and dreary with a mist upon the morn, the warmth of love invaded the house where I was born. I think of my dear mother she worked so hard for me, to make my childhood dream a sweet reality. In my quiet moments I'll say a special prayer - Thank you for my blessings I find them everywhere.

~ The Optimist ~

An optimist is a friend indeed ideas never go to seed. If plans fail to materialise don't bow your heads in sorrow, pick yourself up dust yourself down and start again tomorrow. When luck seems to have gone astray optimism will entice it back to bless another day.

~ A Letter to My Mother ~

Dear Mumma,
         I have never known anyone as determined as you no one at all, or more persevering than I can recall. I often wonder where I'd be if everything was left to me. Probably working in the mill, if I managed to keep my job the thought haunts me still. You recognised I had vocal talent when I was seven years of age, and set me in the right direction on the stage. To enjoy the rich harvest entertainment yields, most ardently I thank you from the pen of Grace Stansfield and the heart of Gracie Fields.

~ Lancashire Pride ~

Gracie Fields was a Rochdalian born in a humble home, over the years much further did she roam. A Northerner the public longed to meet, she had the world at her feet. But she never forgot her origin and was always proud to hear, of any equipment used abroad that came from Lancashire.

~ Fame ~

Fame is sought but never bought talent is a natural gift, a sense of achievement to give the heart a lift. Talent cannot be ignored it is always there, recognised and admired by people everywhere. Fame and fortune are hand in glove, but monetary gains will not exceed the wealth of the nation's love.

~ Long May She Reign ~

I switch on the radio and tingle with delight, Gracie Fields is on the air tonight. First a touch of sentiment followed by a comic song then back to sentiment again, a most versatile artiste long may she reign.

~ Wakes Week ~

For seven days out of three hundred and sixty five the mills closed down, and the air was smokeless in this Lancashire town. Workers paid a few shillings into the 'diddle em' club all through the year, now off to the seaside full of god cheer. Many singing a happy refrain, sincerely 'oping they were on t' reet train.

~ The Singer And The Song ~

A little old lady named Carrie Jacob Bond composed a song entitled 'A Perfect Day'. Beautiful words and a sweet melody, the essence of charm and gentility. She offered it to Gracie when they met for the first time, through her expressive rendering it was sublime.

~ What Is A Song? ~

A song is a poem set to music it springs from the heart, as a means of expression it plays a prominent part. Ballads, lullabies, sacred, sentimental music hall gems, depicting the era from which it stems. Over the decades composers have come and gone, the genius of the masters is destined to live on. Far exceeding the pop songs of today, eventually they will fade away.

~Body Beautiful ~

Many female artistes relied on glamour to gain attention they wore stunning clothes and spent hours making up their face, but glamour did not appeal to Gracie, and far from the publics choice Gracie's beauty was in her voice.

~ A Woman of Quality ~ Genuine           Funny Religious         Impulsive Affectionate   Energetic Considerate     Loyal Irresistible     Dedicated Endearing       Superstar