~ One of Us ~

People said Gracie gave them a thrill, her unique personality is remembered still. Yet deep within her heart she did not wish to be set apart. There was never any self importance neither did she fret or fuss, and found travelling in a taxicab boring she preferred company on a bus.

~ Gracie's Secret ~

Fruit concealed behind cushions and placed under chairs, a bag or two on the sideboard and the bottom of the stairs. All scattered by generous Gracie with a twinkle in her eyes, intended to give her sick friend a pleasant surprise.

~ Sugar and Spice ~

Sugar and spice Gracie's audience tasted, not a single grain was wasted. Mixing sentiment and humour she would never forsake, such as 'Little Old lady' and  'I'd've baked a Cake'. Topped with friendship to give a warm glow, pride of our alley as we all know.

~ Gracie the Housewife ~

It Gracie could not obtain her requirements in Italy she had a plan, a list was made on the back of a photo and sent to a fan. On your next visit to Capri please will you bring these items for me. Boot's cold cream and face cloths too, one pink and the other blue. A bath sponge in yellow and white, and a fancy blue one would be just right. Paper napkins in yellow, blue and pink and four calendars I think. A kitchen floor cloth, couple of dusters, diaries, kettle holders and dish-washing rags, not forgetting the Scottish Shortbread and English tea bags. Gracie checked them off to make quite sure and knew she could rely when she needed more.

~ Grace and Favour ~

Gracie gave permission for a boys club to camp near her villa. When one of the lads fell ill she nursed him for ten days, a good samaritan in so many ways. Fully recovered and free from pain he was able to join all his friends again. Gracie would have taken up social work had she not gone on the stage, caring for young children and concerned with old age. Her kind nature needed to be expressed and a deep compassion put to the test.

~ Christmas in Capri ~

How lovely it must be to spend Christmas in Capri and all the Festive Season yields - as a guest of Gracie Fields. Baubles arranged artistically enhance the fairy on the tree, tables laden with good things and the spirit that Christmas brings. Sipping wine, roasting chestnuts by the fireside glow, sharing jokes and anecdotes and tales of long ago. When all is said and done Gracie hands a gift to everyone. Ending a perfect day singing ditties bright and gay and after prayers by candlelight it is time to say goodnight. How lovely it would be if I could share this ecstasy.

~ A Firm Decision ~

Medical fees schooling or whatever, Gracie was expected to foot the bill which she always did with a good will. She made a lot of money which she wished her family to share and generosity extended to charities everywhere. In latter years she worked at a lesser pace and decided that the family must fend for themselves, responsibility learn to face. After her last illness when she lost the fight they realised how much they had gained and agreed her decision was right. Gracie left an estate valued at over four million pounds and members of her family received thirty thousand each, count your blessings and be thankful for what you have, no better lesson could she teach.

~ Sense and Sensibility ~

Gracie was self reliant and not afraid of hard work. Although she employed a housekeeper Irena and a maid Maria at her home in Capri and never doubted their ability she attended to her own shopping. She prepared breakfast did the washing up and enjoyed cooking dinner at night and on her servants day off she took over the housework, which was always a great delight, she said, I'm either starring or charring. Gracie was a very orderly person with a place for everything and everything in its place, a lazy existence she could never face.

~ God's Plan ~

Archie Pitt's daughter Irene said "There are hundreds of talented people with the makings of a star but because they have no one to push them they stay where they are. If it wasn't for my father Gracie would still be working in the mill or in a chip shop." I do not agree for the simple reason it was not her destiny. God who made heaven and earth planned her life from the day of her birth.

~ Bestest Love ~

Gracie's letters were unique brief but straight from the heart revealing yet another sign of her art. To a friend she wrote in the Lancashire dialect - Now Mary, Mary, Mary you've just got me too high on that there pedestal - I'm slippin', I could just do wi' thee here this minute - I'm doin' me best to answer all t'others I can't do more - what wi' me birthday an' Christmas - I'll never get through 'em all till next Christmas I'm sure. Anyway me luv I do do do thank you for every nice word you say God bless you and keep you well and happy each hour of the day. Ending with Bestest love, a phrase of her own, a few words that meant so much to the folk with whom she kept in touch.

~ Heart and Soul ~

Gracie's feelings were very strong "I want to tell you something" she would say then express it in a song. Sacred, sentimental and sometimes crude, just according to her mood. Anywhere from a stage to a street, a mountain top to a mine, as long as she could communicate it was just fine.

~ Mixed Emotion ~

Laugh and the world laughs with you cry and you cry alone, this did not apply to Gracie she was never on her own. The audience backed her all the way, weeping over sad songs and laughing when they were gay. Gracie's reaction was the same, mixed emotion made her name.

~ The Godmothers ~

The comedian Leslie Fuller had twin daughters and Gracie was the Godmother of one and Anna Neagle was Godmother to the other, both adored children yet neither became a mother.