~ Come To The Music Hall ~

Come to the music hall come to the show, and meet a lively lady so very nice to know. She will make you laugh and make you cry, then let out an ecstatic sigh. As she turns a cartwheel across the stage with the agility of a woman half her age. Far better than doctors medicine more sparkling than summer wine, the feeling of jubilation is divine. Come to the music hall come to the show, if you want to forget your troubles that's the place to go.

~ A Silver Lining ~

In the north during the 1930s there was mass unemployment and depression, money ceased to flow, described most vividly in J. B. Priestley's film script 'Sing As We Go'. But every cloud has a silver lining and Gracie's announcement eased the strain, 'Come on lads and lasses the factory's open again.

~ Where My Caravan Had Rested ~

Staying in grand hotels did not appeal to me, I bought a mobile caravan where I could brew a pot of tea. Awakening in the morning full of good cheer, singing with the birds in a peaceful atmosphere. No crowds standing by the door or applause ringing in my ears, which I have experienced for a great many years. Of course I love my fans they mean all the world to me, but sometimes it overwhelms and I need to be free.

~ Give A Smile ~

The best things in life are free and will last as long as we live, a smile costs nothing but means much it enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It is nature's antidote bringing rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged and sunshine to the sad, the best gift the world ever had.
   

~ A Blade of grass ~

Gracie read a book called 'South Wind' all about Capri, she decided to visit the island at the first opportunity. It was indeed a wondrous sight which filled her heart with great delight. She said "If I owned just one blade of grass how happy I would be", eventually she bought a villa there in 1933. This paradise island was little known, since Gracie's arrival popularity has grown. People from around the world have spent holidays in Capri the charm and warmth they embrace, with an added bonus the pleasure of meeting Grace.

~ Imagination ~

The beautiful Isle of Capri I have never seen in reality for such a chance I often dream and visualise to the extreme. There is nowhere in the world I'd rather be than by the Mediterranean sea. Gracie read 'South Wind' and so did I in a Paignton bookshop it caught my eye. While Gracie had the good fortune to seek and find, my description is all in the mind. 

~ The Song of the Sea ~

On the beautiful Isle of Capri the stars twinkle at me, a bright jewelled light greets a lovely warm night as romantic as can be. The magic continues by day among the flowers so gay, oleander and bougainvillea drench me with a scent spray. Only the song of the sea breaks the tranquillity, nowhere can compare with the joy I found there on the beautiful Isle of Capri.

~ Love and Loyalty ~

Some people said that Gracie deserted Rochdale when she settled in Capri, a statement which proved as false as can be. She loved Rochdale her roots were there, a sense of belonging was always in the air. Standing on the Town Hall balcony singing to the crowds below gave her more pleasure than a West End show. The old familiar places she was eager to roam and did not stay at a hotel, she preferred a friends home. Chatting in the kitchen over a cup of tea she said "I may never have left Rochdale if it was near the sea.

~ Dream Island ~

Over the rainbow lies Capri, the sun the sand and the deep blue sea. A beautiful island from which tourists never tired, restaurants and small cafés have much to be desired. Clusters of tables and pink chairs, gay music in the background and Neapolitan airs. Exotic food served with a bow and a smile, dreams really do come true once in a while. 

~ Canzone del Mare ~

Canzone del Mare means the song of the sea, the name of my villa on the Isle of Capri. Where I have lived for a great many years,
the sea is music to my ears. On stormy days I hear the sound of drums, when all is calm the sea hums. Chorusing gulls are close at hand, Italy is a happy land.

~ Elegance and Grace ~

Gracie liked playing flowers as she described it cutting dozens of colourful blooms to enhance her sunlit rooms. Exquisite embroidered linen was a gift from the rich, a labour of love stitch by stitch she adored beautiful things and over the years had collected pictures, china, fine glass, porcelain and hand made lace, Canzone del Mare held all the charm of elegance and Grace.

~ Where Would I Be ~

The golden years and magic moments emerge as one, Gracie received every trophy under the sun. She had little time for boasting and even less for swank, she firmly declared she had the public to thank. "For a beautiful home by the sea, you all helped to build it for me. Without you where would I be? most certainly not in Capri."