~ The Portrait ~

In 1938 Gracie had her portrait painted by the eminent artist James Gunn. Rochdalians helped towards the cost each donating one shilling, Gracie took three weeks off work for such an honour she was more than willing. This masterpiece was encased in a large gilded frame hung in the Gallery of Art a compliment so dear to her heart. Lent to many other art centres now transferred to the Rochdale Town Hall in everlasting memory of a lady admired by all.

~ Life's Like That ~

Gracie received a summons from Buckingham Palace she was to be made a C.B.E. she felt too nervous and shaky to hold a cup of tea. Her parents came up to London from Peacehaven for the great day, Gracie struggled into her cloths and whirled around "How do I look Mumma?" "You look all right" said Jenny in her matter-of-fact way. "But happen you don't know your underskirt's showing two inches below." The taxi was waiting no time to stitch it up they used safety pins instead, then alarm bells sounded in her head. Gracie knew she would have to curtsy what if she caught her heel in the hem and the whole lot came down, it would surely be the talk of the town. It did not happen yet it left a tremble of dread she could not remember a word the King said.

~ Commander of the British Empire ~

When Gracie became Commander of the British Empire in 1938 a family party was held to celebrate. Mother wore a long evening dress her hair beautifully done a diamond ring sparkled on her finger a token of love from her daughters and son. Gracie remembered the old days Mother this medal should be pinned on thee for the way you have encouraged me. I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for your determined way. Constantly reminding us we were going up the most important thing on your mind eager to leave the hard times far behind. Father had never approved of a stage career and often voiced a strong protest now he fully realised Jenny knew best. She turned to her husband with a beaming smile "Fred" she said, "I've always known we were meant to be the parents of a great celebrity.

~ Nieces and Nephews  ~

Gracie's nieces and nephews are Tony, Douglas, Grace, Michael, Melanie, Tamsin, Joanna, William, Victoria and Marisa Grace, they all brought a big broad smile to her face. During their childhood she had bathed them and tucked them into bed, singing a soothing lullaby and stories were read. After a kiss and a cuddle she bid them goodnight as they drifted towards a dreamland of delight.

~ Ivory and Ebony ~

Harry Parr Davies accompanied Gracie on the piano so did Bert Waller and Russ Conway, All three have now departed but memories will never fade away. Remembering when Russ accompanied Gracie in Malta just after the Second World War, he was thrilled to the core. Gracie flew out first and Russ followed in another plane, fog held it up for hours he certainly felt the strain. He feared that Gracie would feel let down and reprimand him with a frown. It was quite the opposite she greeted him with a smile and a cheer, "Are you all right lad? we will order some sandwiches for you and a lovely cool beer." Russ said that he learned more stagecraft from two people than show business normally yields, one was Dorothy Squires the other Gracie Fields.

~ A Rousing Reaction ~

Wearing a pair of old shorts or a glamorous dress of pink tulle Gracie lived each day to the full. Swimming, gardening, entertaining and offering hospitality to a guest, she seldom felt the need to rest. A small minority thought Gracie was 'common' when she indulged in a little fun, it would be very hard indeed to please everyone. During latter years she mellowed greeting her fans in a more gentle way, but she still set hearts throbbing as she did in her heyday.

~ Mary's Luck ~

Gracie's wardrobe held an abundance of clothes, her companion help took care of those. To her own attire she paid little heed, but quite frankly there was no earthly need. A good selection Gracie handed over, Mary Davey was in clover. Black velvet, white satin, pink tulle and casual wear bright and gay, kindness extended in many a way. A variety of jobs Mary did attending to every essential chore, for such an appreciative employer she would have liked to have done much more.

~ The War Years ~

'England expects every man to do his duty' the posters did declare, thus much disruption families had to bear. Husbands and sons joined the army and sailed across the sea, with tremendous courage to face the enemy. Enduring arctic conditions and the desert heat, determined the aggressor they would defeat. Basil Dean organised ENSA artistes travelled far and near, to entertain the servicemen and bring good cheer. Morale was greatly strengthened hearts glowed within, through the efforts of Gracie Fields and Vera Lynne.

~ Revelation ~

As a great variety artiste Gracie made her mark, many achievements brought to light others kept in the dark. In a biography all is revealed the true grit and bravery of Grace Stansfield. Barely recovered from a serious operation for cervical cancer she entertained the troops during the Second World War, travelling to Australia, New Guinea, Manila and Singapore. Often in hazardous weather conditions which she shrugged off with a smile, the tremendous welcome she received made the journey well worthwhile. Gracie gave two or three concerts everyday raising a vast amount of money divided between Great Britain and the U.S.A. Heroic efforts firmly set, penned by the author David Brett.