Back on the Radio and off to Gosport!

Once again I'm in a bit of a dash prepping for a busy weekend. Tomorrow I'm booked to go on Alan Pagram's Radio Show on L & D Radio. A radio station run for the Luton and Dunstable Hospital before heading off to Gosport. I also have another radio interview to do in March which will be taking me south but more of that later. In the mean time I'm going to be singing the 40s on Saturday for a private party so I must sort out my uniforms and luggage. As for Sunday I may well take myself off somewhere interesting on the way home but quite where I haven't really decided. I shall see how the mood takes me and go with the flow.
Next week I will be singing for Oxjam on the 4th and once again I must sort myself out a stunning 1940s outfit to wear. I have quite a collection from this period and I shall be performing some of my favourite tunes from the 1920s, 30s, 40s and 50s. So if you are free do pop along. I shall be singing from 11am - 3pm 20 mins on, 20 mins off all through the day at All Saints Church Coffee shop for donations. All proceeds go to Oxfam and it's free to enter. Check out the Oxjam web-site and you will be able to see the program. Leighton Buzzard has a whole month of non stop entertainment www.oxjamleightonbuzzard.org.uk
Well must dash - thanks for following and Toodle Pip!

Going Mobile and the Wonderful World of Branding!

Today I have been in meetings all day looking into the world of marketing and branding and what a wonderful world it is too. It's amazing what can be done and the array of products which can be branded with your business name and logo. I'm very keen to expand my product range which at the moment only includes CDs. However I have lots of ideas for the future and it's all about talking to the right people. It's going to be one of my projects for 2014 and I'm very excited about the whole concept of merchandising. In fact I have a feeling March is going to be a very productive month for me as I explore lots of new avenues.
Talking about 2014 I was with Rachel today checking on the progress of my web-site as it goes mobile. There is so much to it and it's really starting to take shape although there is still alot of tweaking to do as I'm such a stickler. Trying to get the words to marry up with the pictures as it changes shape is quite a job but we are getting there. It's a bit like watching a show come together - that's if you have ever been involved in one! First you read through the script and learn the songs, block out the movement and then learn all the dance routines. At the moment we're at the stage where every-one knows what they should be doing but we have the odd one or two who are still forgetting their words and stepping off on the wrong foot, however the director is confident and everything is on track for opening night! My opening night will be mid March so I'm looking forward to seeing my web-site enter the modern age and being fully operational as a mobile web-site! Once we get the technology in place it will make the up dating and the adding of new pages so much easier.
Tomorrow I hope to be back in the gym nice and early and then back at my desk in the afternoon catching up on the endless paper work. I have shows Wednesday and Thursday and then I'm booked to go on Alan Pagram's radio show at L&D Radio on Friday so much to do. Wednesdays show is a reshuffle after Connie's brake down on the 12th but since I had her diagnostics sorted all seems to be well and we've been trucking along splendidly ever since!
That's all my news for now -Thanks for following and Toodle Pip!

From Bustles, Sound Engineers to Oxjam and Falkirk!

Hello every-one it's been a busy week and this is the first time I've been able to sit at my desk and catch up with you all. I've been training a new sound engineer all this week which has been pretty full on as there is much to learn and I'm quite the task master! There is alot to know about getting sound right as it isn't easy particularly when it comes to mixing sound for a soprano. I cover a large range of music from Opera to Rock and Roll so my engineer has to be able to mix. So often people who think they can engineer sound just sit and press play but there is much more to it than that - it's an art which has to be learnt. I'm very lucky I have a good group of people around me I can now call upon when I need a sound engineer but like anything it take a while to find them and train them up!
Despite being on the road much of this week I've sold some great dates for the year with the WW1 Centenary. August is going to be an exciting month and I'm thrilled to announce I shall be returning to Bonnie Scotland on the 16th August for their WW1 Commemorations  due to take place at Falkirk Town Hall. I know Falkirk and the Town Hall very well as I've played there before. The town hall is a lovely theatre and it was part of the Scottish theatre tours I did back in the early 00s when I toured in my theatre shows "We'll Meet Again", "Down Paradise Row" and "How Hovis Won the War"- happy times! I'm looking forward to returning very much so can't wait!
In fact this year I'm going to be doing more Victorian, WW1 shows and events than 1940s. I hate to say it but the bubble has rather burst on 40s events and we all seem to be getting a little frustrated with the scene.  Thank-you every-one for your e-mails asking me where I will be this year. I've sold 165 dates so far but I'm finding myself doing more and more private functions and less public events. However I will be at Bushy and "The 40s Family Experience Weekend" 5th 6th April, Ste Marie Du Mont, Normandy, France 6th June, Birmingham Armed Forces Day, Chamberlain Square, 28th June and "Salute to the 40s" The Historic Dockyard, Chatham 20th 21st Sept.
Last night I had a fitting for my bustle which I shall be wearing in the Isle of Wight for their Victorian Weekend on the 2nd 3rd August. I shall be performing 3 shows daily at the Havenstreet Railway before dashing back for a run of WW1 shows. You will be able to catch me on 10th August at Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Beds for their WW1 day too.
In the meantime don't forget I shall be singing for Oxjam on the 4th March at All Saints Church, Leighton Buzzard from 11am - 3pm for donations. All the money goes to Oxfam so I hope you can make it along. It's free to enter and I shall be singing in the coffee shop 20 mins on and 20 mins off all through the day. So do pop in and you can enjoy a cup of coffee and the home made cakes while I sing. Last time I made £90.07 so I want to try and beat my target.
Well I shall end my blog here as I have a Pearly Queen show to do tonight for a Birthday Party and I need to get dressed. Thanks for following and Toodle Pip!

Back from Yorkshire and Mary Poppins!

Sound Checking in my Country Togs

Hello every-one I'm just back from performing in Yorkshire for a private party which was held at Grewelthorpe Village Hall not far from Ripon. It was lovely to be back in Yorkshire singing the 1940s - so a big thank-you to Jude Humphrey for finding me on line and engaging me. It was great to meet you and what a fantastic party - I really enjoyed singing for you all and being introduced by Major Humphrey Humphrey - What a man!
I have a great fondness for Yorkshire as I was born there and when ever I visit it always makes me feel very nostalgic. Despite the bad weather over the last week my drive up on Saturday was fine and the sun was out in full force for my drive home today.

My Bedroom at Cowscot House!

Jude looked after me really well and booked me into Cowscot House a four star B&B in the next village of Kikby Malzeard. So if you are looking for somewhere to stay in Yorkshire I recommend you visit - check out the link www.cowscothouse.co.uk

Grewelthorpe Village Hall dressed for Jude's 1940s Party!

The other day I was in Tesco and picked up a Mary Poppins CD for the bargain price of £3. It's easy to forget just how well written these songs were and although Julie Andrews style of singing may be a little out of fashion I think she's brilliant. Her breathing and phrasing is exceptional! The most interesting part of the CD is the interview at the end with the Sherman Brothers who were employed by Walt Disney and wrote the music. It's fascinating to hear how they were inspired and how some of the ideas behind the songs came about. For example "A Spoonful of Sugar" was written because Julie Andrews didn't like the song "Through the Eyes of Love" which was dropped and replaced with "A Spoonful of Sugar" which was snapper and more Mary Poppinish! I think "A Spoonful of Sugar" is a great number but my favourite is "Feed the Birds" (Tuppence a Bag) which I must sing myself one of these days!
Well I must get to bed as I have a full week of shows planned and I'm training a new sound engineer.
Thank-you for following and Toodle Pip!

Not Now I'm Having Sex!

Today I've been out singing romantic songs for Valentine Day - I'm so focused on performing good shows I sometimes forget what these days mean. Needless to say I put my foot in it tonight. I've been dashing about all day and tonight I was keen to tie up all those loose ends before I headed off to Yorkshire. So I thought I would pop in some USB sticks to a photographer friend of mine. As you might understand tonight wasn't the best time as he wasn't dressed and just about to have sex. Oups - thank goodness I phoned first!
USB sticks were the last thing on his mind so I said I would leave it and drop them in next week!
Tonight I've been programming my shows and packing my clothes. I'm keeping my fingers crossed the weather wont be too bad as I have a four hour drive ahead of me tomorrow. The wind and rain has been endless but I'm keen to get back on the road.
Thank-you for your Valentine cards, messages and the beautiful roses, you've all been very kind to think of me today.
Well must dash Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

Happy Valenties to a bit of a Break Down!

This last week has been one of those weeks where I've worked extra hard to clear my desk of paper work only I feel I've not quite succeeded in my objective. I've lots of little jobs I need to tie up only now I've run out of ink and stamps after going through 4 books of 12! The annoying thing - after my show I popped into Staples this afternoon and I remembered everything else accept the above!
It's Valentines Day tomorrow and I'm heading to Yorkshire on Saturday to sing for a private party so I want to get everything ship shape before I go!
To be honest this week has not been uneventful. Poor Connie and I broke down on our way to my show yesterday and I had to call out the AA. I dropped her into the garage with help from the AA and they were able to fix her diagnostic problem. It's just as well as I had a 2.30pm show today and shows booked in for Valentines Day with a full weekend planned. I've a full run of shows next week too so much to do and plan for.
I've been working out every day this week and I'm now getting to the point where I need an early night! I may well have been burning the candle at both ends so I think I will leave my blog here tonight.
In the mean time have a wonderful Valentines Day every-one and thank-you for following my news. I'm amazed by just how many of you do. I enjoy sharing my world with you all and this year is filling up nicely so keep watching and I shall tell you about my events as and when.
Toodle Pip and Bye for Now!

We'll Meet Again, Valentine's and Oxjam!

This weekend I have been getting back into the swing of shows after my break in Stratford -Upon - Avon and I have to say the rest has done me good. I was in fine voice this weekend which really showed off my top notes to perfection! It just goes to show that every-one needs a bit of a rest from time to time and I do like to push myself - but then I do love to sing! This weekend I was performing my "We'll Meet Again" ATS show and both audiences loved my performances. I've made a few changes and after having my Wartime sing-along medley re-worked last year it now stands up as an opener. I'm also starting to bring in a few WW1 songs which are going down very well and make for a refreshing change.
On Wednesday I start on a run of Valentine shows so I shall be going all romantic with my song choices and I may well be including "The Closest Thing to Crazy" which is a Katie Melue number and one I enjoy singing very much. I will probably throw in some Opera too and finish with Nessun Dorma - I shall see how I feel and see what my audiences fancy!
Today I've been back in the gym working out and Blitzing my home town of Leighton Buzzard with posters. On the 4th March I'm going to be singing for the Oxjam Festival at All Saints church in the coffee shop for donations from 11am - 3pm. 20mins on and 20 mins off all through the day. The last time I did it I made £90. 07 + someone donated an extra strong mint. I hope to beat my target this year and if you are free it would be lovely to see you there. It's free to enter and if you do decide to come along then you can enjoy the freshly cut sandwiches and home made cakes from the coffee shop. I often like to pop in after I've been to the gym. I've called my event "A Nightingale Sang" and I will be singing romantic songs from the 1920s 30s, 40s and 50s. All proceeds go to Oxfam. Here is a link to the Oxjam web-site and all sorts of local bands and musicians are taking part through the month of March. www.oxjamleightonbuzzard.org.uk
Well that's all my news for now, I still have loads of paper work to do and I must finish off my contracts tomorrow. Thank you for following and Toodle Pip!

Militaria, Stratford-Upon-Avon and The Fourteas Tea Room!

Me at Shakespeare's House

Hello every-one I'm just back from having a few days holiday in Statford-Upon-Avon. I've been out and about playing the tourist after attending the Militaria show at Stoneleigh on Sunday. I had quite a few things on my shopping list including a large US flag which I need for when I play Normandy this June plus a few new 1940s outfits which I was able to get at Dress Circle. It's a great place to find out what the buzz is for the year on the 40s scene and to catch up with friends.
I've been staying the last few days at The Falcon Hotel in Stratford which I know from having played there a few years ago. For those of you who follow my blogs- you will know I was last in Stratford the end of December when I was out shopping for bargains. This time I came back to see the sights and one of my first ports of call was Shakespeare's House.

Tour guide Katie Neville!

So often when I'm working I don't get the time to see the sights and I really enjoyed Shakespeare's house and chatting to tour guide Katie Neville. One thing I didn't know was Shakespeare's father was a Glover which is why there are so many references to gloves in his plays. I also found the linen wall paper very interesting which was nailed to the beams and then painted in situe. The colours and designs are both bold and beautiful and one design they had on display is a copy of a hanging which can still be found in Oxford for all to see in Pizza Express. I must make a point to visit!

Linen Wallpaper copied from Oxford's Pizza Express!

While I was there Katie asked me to do a video record for the Shakespeare Birth place trust web-site. I don't know if it is up yet as I haven't checked but here is a link and for all you clever computer people out there keep watching! www.livingshakespeare.com
Ofcoruse when it comes to getting your photo taken in Stratford there's no shortages of Chinese tourists who will oblige. As most of you know I wear 1940s clothes nearly all the time and one Chinese tour guide thought I was part of the Shakespeare museum. The fact my clothes were from a completely different century didn't seem to register and then he asked me if I could take his group of 30 and did I speak Chinese. To which I said "No but I can sing in Japanese if that helps any"? It didn't but then they all went on to flash me with every possible camera going!

Shakespeare's Church!

The Fourteas Tea Room!

Just up the road and the other side of the RSC Theatre is Shakespeare's Church. The full title being The Collegiate Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity. A bit of a mouthful so I can see why most people just call it Shakespeare's Church. It has a beautiful organ and some lovely carvings and up by the high autar is Shakespeare's grave. So I'm really pleased I had the chance to visit. Once I've written this blog I shall put up some more of my photos on my face book page so do follow the link http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fiona-Harrison-A-Voice-in-a-Million/143965822288531


Another great find was discovering "The Fourteas Tea Room" by chance. A wonderful place to have lunch or even high tea as everything is off ration. The attention to detail is suburb and so to was the service. I enjoyed a salmon and cucumber sandwich, an Earl Grey tea and a slice of carrot cake - Yummy! So if you ever find your-self in Stratford - Upon- Avon I recommend you visit. The Fourteas tea room is in Sheep Street and here is a link to their web-site.
www.thefourteas.co.uk
Well time is ticking on and now I'm back home I've loads of paper work and e-mails to catch up on. Oh before I forget thank-you Guy Grasby for your WW1 links. You wont believe this but while I was in Stratford I picked up the perfect skirt for WW1 in Laura Ashley of all places. It has inserts in the back seams which gives me the freedom of movement with-out having to go into a War Crinoline and comprise on style.
Time for bed now I think. Thank-you for following and Toodle Pip!