All Go As I Go Victorian and Glamours!

It's just a very quick blog tonight as I have a full week of all sorts. Tomorrow I'm in the hair dresses for most of the day being made glamorous for the week a head. I have a Victorian photo shoot planed for Thursday so we may well be going a bit Jane Ayre with the hair. To be honest getting the hair right with my bonnet is a bit of a task. I want to look attractive only it's making me look a fright and I must get the look right before Thursday. In someways I wish I could do curls at the front but it would involve cutting a fringe which I don't want to do.
I have a dress fitting tomorrow evening and I'm looking forward to trying on my bustle. I should really wear a full corset with it as it supports the back but when I'm on stage I need to be able to work my diaphragm being a singer and all so I'm wearing a light boned corselet instead. This photo shoot will give me a real insight into the weight and what it will be like to wear on stage so maybe it's just as well I have a strong back!
Like most weeks I've been keen to get all my paper-work done and out of the way as I have a very full April and next week I'm booked in to do another 1940s photo shoot. So I've lots of little ends to tie up. I shall be busy the weekend of the 5th 6th when I play Bushey and the 40s Family Experience Weekend. But in the meantime I've been invited out this Saturday so it will be lovely to put ones party dress on and to have a break from work.
Gosh it's getting late and I must pratice my hair before bed.
Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

Off to France, D-Day, PATS Testing and Muddled Words!

Apart from the usual run of shows this week I've been spending much of my time re-writing my 1940s page for my web-site. I thought it was time for a bit of a re-fresh and with the new mobile addition I felt I should have a bit of a re-think and try and prioritise the information. To be honest I have been struggling a bit. It takes me ages to write the simplest of things and I often end up writing far too much with all the words in the wrong order. However despite my mess and muddle I always get there in the end. For the moment, I have had to put it to one side but I'm determined to finish it off tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow my electrician chap is coming round to PATs test all my equipment - so yes it's that time again. How quickly this year has flown by and it wont be long before I'm back out in France singing for D-Day. In fact I'm pleased to announce I will be in Arromanches on the 6th June singing though the day in the Veteran's Marquee. I'm also booked to sing the French and British Anthems during the service and I've been asked to take part in the parade at 5.30/6pm. I'm also performing in Ste Marie du Mont on the 7th June my GI Jive American WAC show. I will be on stage at 4pm performing outside the church so I'm busy putting together a very special American/French show for there.
In fact 2014 is going to be a very good year for me with the centenary and my WW1 show "Pack Up Your Troubles" is selling well not to mention the D-Day commemorations in France.
Do look out for me in the Best of British magazine next month. You can pick it up in WH Smiths next Thursday and April's issue lists all the 1940s events for the year. I've also written an article on WW2 women's uniforms so I hope readers will find it of interest with it being such an important year.
Well must dash - I want to have another look at that page before bed.
Keep Watching - Thanks for following and Toodle Pip!

From Angel Radio to Weymouth and Southsea!

Me at Angel Radio!

Hello every-one it's been a busy week what with one thing and another. On Thursday I was in Potterspury doing an American photo shoot with John Winchcomb and Bill Jordan and I'm just back from having a few days away on the South Coast. On Friday I was invited down to Angel Radio in Havant and yes it is Angel and not Angle as I've been putting in my posts - but then I am dyslexic and it's two words I've always muddled up so please forgive me! I was invited onto Tony Smith's show and recorded an interview which will be going out in a couple of weeks time. As soon as I get the date through I will let you know and keep you posted!

Behind the Scenes - shooting with John and Bill!

The wonderful thing about Angel radio is it caters for people who love older style music and is specifically designed for people over 60. I find it great for insperation and while I was listening to it the other day I came across a few peices I would really like to sing my-self. You can listen to it on the internet so check out their web-site at www.angelradio.co.uk or you can tune in on 101.1 FM.
While I was down on the South Coast I made the most of my few days away and went along to Weymouth.

Me in Weymouth!

Me Shopping for Vintage in The One Legged Jockey!

The last time I was in Weymouth must have been back in the late 90s when I was working the holiday circit and singing at The Rivera Hotel for Pontins. Sometimes I forget just how many places I have played at in my carear and it was lovely to see the hotel again particuly as it's been refurbished! While I was down that way I went along to Porthaven and saw the famous light house and stopped off in Abbotsbury. Abbotsbury is a prity little village and looks like the setting for a Thomas Hardy costume drama. If you would like to see a few more of my photos do click onto my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fiona-Harrison-a-Voice-in-a-Million/143965822288531
Of course no trip away would be compleate with-out a visit to a vintage fashion shop and one of my favourite haunts is the "One Legged Jocky" in Southsea, Portsmouth! They also have another shop in Chichester and I always like to visit when I'm in the area.
Now I'm back home I have lots of e-mails to catch up on and things are really starting to come together for France. It looks like I may well be in Arromanches for the 6th June after all and in Ste Marie du Mont on the 7th. I hope to get my show times through this week so keep watching. In the mean time this April I will be performing at The 40s Family Experience Weekend on the 5th 6th check out their web-site at www.fortiesexperience.co.uk so it will be lovely to see you there. I will also be up singing at Wythenshawe Hall on the 20th April for a Victorian Weekend www.wythenshawehall.com so something eles to look forward to.
Time for bed I think - thanks for following and Toodle Pip!

Photo Shoots, Angle Radio and Lunch with Betty Page!

It's going to be full steam ahead for the next couple of days as I have a very full diary. Tomorrow I shall be meeting up with two photographers in Potterspury who are keen to do some photo shoots with me so I'm looking forward to meeting them both and talking through some idars. I also have another photo shoot planned for April as I head North to Derby in between my Easter Bonnet shows so April is going to be non - stop!
On Friday I will be down in Havent and I've been invited to do a radio interview on the Tony Smith show for "Angle Radio". Unlike most of the interviews I've done before this one will be pre-recorded  and broadcast at a later date but quite when I'm not sure so I will have to get back to you on that one. I'm also planning to do some shopping while I'm down there and visit a few of my favourite hunts like "The One Legged Jocky" a wonderful vintage fashion shop in Portsmouth and the beautiful city of Chichester which I just love. I also want to do a bit of site seeing but I haven't decided where yet so I shall see where fate takes me!
I'm making the most of this time because it will be all go come April with 26 dates sold for that month so far. I even had another enqirery for April today. Things really start to take off for me with Mothers Day the then it's shows nerly every day all the way through.

The Oak at Aston Clinton

Today I met up with my dear friend Betty Page who I worked with many years ago when we were cast in the musical "Annie". Betty and I meet up every few months for a good old natter about the bussness and today we went out for lunch at The Oak Pub in Aston Clinton. To be honest we hadn't planned to go there at first but we changed our minds in mid flight and I'm rather pleased we did as we had a wonderful meal. Do check out their web-site as I would really recomend The Oak. Betty and I went for the Anti Paster for two which was really Yummy! www.theoakastonclinton.net
Gosh I've just seen the time and must get to bed. I shall sign off now Thanks for following and Toodle Pip!

Shopping for Vintage!

Me at Hammersmith's Vintage Fashion Fair

Hello every-one I'm just back from having a lovely day in London. Today I was out and about shopping for vintage fashion at one of my favourite haunts Hammersmith Town Hall where they hold the Vintage Fashion Fair on a Sunday once a month. I've been so busy this last year it seems like ages since I was last there so today I really made the most of my visit. I find Hammersmith a great place for inspiration. All the dealers know me really well and it was lovely to catch up with them all.
In my line of work it's important to keep my wardrobe fresh and exciting and I was rather thrilled to pick up this smart 1940s jacket!

My 40s Jacket!

I know it looks like mauve in the photo but it is in fact navy blue so ideal for France. Like most of my outfits it requires a little alteration but I'm planing on having a skirt made to go with it and I'm looking to give it a patriotic feel. I shall now start the hunt for the right skirt fabric - but then it's often the looking that makes things such fun! I also have some great ideas when it comes to the accessories. Keep watching and no doult when it's done I will have it photographed. For those of you who know me will know I like to have my dresses and costumes photographed as it's a wonderful way for me to share them with you.

Me with my friend Linda Bee Vintage!

Well I must get to bed as I want to be in the Gym first thing and I've promised to take my mother shopping tomorrow afternoon. Unlike me my mother isn't into Vintage so it will be Marks and Spencers for her as she is after some new trousers.
Good luck with that one I hate modern trousers which is why I  have mine made! I hate hipsters and trousers all seem to be cut that way now which just wont do!
If you like vintage check out the the Hammersmith Vintage Fashion fair web-site www.pa-antiques.co.uk
Thanks for following and Toodle Pip!

£217.33 and The Return of Evette the Spivette!

First things first - since performing for Oxjam I've received a few more donations taking my final figure up to £217.33 so thank-you every-one for your kind generosity. I really enjoyed singing for you all on Tuesday and it was lovely to see so many familiar faces. I spend so much time on the road travelling from show to show that I don't often get the privilege to perform in my home town so Tuesday's show was rather special. All being well I hope to be back singing in Leighton Buzzard on the 4th October for the towns WW1 day. The event is still very much in the planning stages but all being well I shall be performing my WW1 show "Pack up your Troubles".
Speaking of WW1 the demand for my show has really taken off and I've now sold most of August. I've commissioned a whole new set of backing tracks for the centenary so I will be down in the studio just after Easter which is always very exciting. Having backings tracks made for you is a little like being measured up for a tailor made suit. Once you've had the best and music arranged with your voice type in mind bought tracks just don't and wont do. I've always had very high standards when it comes to my shows and over the years I've spent a fortune on musical arrangements which is why my shows are unique. Something I'm very proud of!
Rather thrilling I've been asked to host The Mayor's Show in Newham this Summer and perform my WW1 show along with Evette the Spivette so I'm looking forward to that very much. Compering and hosting is something I would like to do much more of and what's rather lovely about this job is I will be performing both Big Band and Swing to WW1 Music Hall - so a real mix bag.
Tomorrow I shall be teaching some singing techniques to my friend Kim's daughter Lily as she has a talent competition at school and I'm very keen for her to do well. Children these days want to sing like pop stars and don't understand that those voices and sounds are heavily produced in a studio with microphones. So we shall be going back to basics and looking at musical theatre. I thought "Wouldn't be Lovely" from "My Fair Lady" might be a very good place to start as it's the sort of song which encourages lots of personality and isn't too difficult to sing. It's also appropriate and I want Lily to have lots of fun!
Well time for bed! Thanks for following and Toodle Pip!

£202.33 Made for Oxjam!

Just a very quick blog to thank every-one who came along to All Saints Church today and donated to Oxfam. I've just had a count up and made £202.33 so thank-you to every-one for your support and especially to all the ladies in the coffee shop. Apparently this was their best day ever for takings so every one a winner!
I confess after a full day of singing I feel a little tired now but it was so lovely to see so many of you and thank-you for all your generous donations. I don't know how many songs I sang today but probably a good 70 or so if you include my medley arrangements. I'm now looking forward to a month of getting ship shape. I have a lot of loose ends I must tie up not to mention quite a few contracts to do so I shall get onto that this week.
Thank-you once again for all you good wishes and donations
Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

From the Wireless to A Nightingale Sang!

Once again I've had a very busy weekend and I'm all set for tomorrows show at All Saints Church when I sing for Oxjam in "A Nightingale Sang". I shall be singing from 11am -3pm in the coffee shop for donations 20 mins on and 20 mins off all through the day so I hope you can make it along as it would be lovely to see you all. Leighton Buzzard has no shortage of great entertainment this month as we all do our bit for Oxfam. Check out the link where you can see the program of events www.oxjamleightonbuzzard.org.uk
Last time I made £90.07 so I hope I can beat my target this year.
Last weekend was another busy one. On Friday I was a guest on Alan Pagram's nostalgic  radio show which goes out on L and D Radio. The last time I saw Alan was at the Great Central Railway's 1940s weekend last June when he interviewed me between shows. Thank-you for inviting me back onto your show Alan. It was lovely to see you again and thank-you for playing so much of my music!

Me on Alan Pagrams Radio Show!

On Saturday I was singing in Gosport for Mr and Mrs Thompson's Diamond Wedding Anniversary. Ken and Win had seen me perform at Mill Ryde Holiday Centre on Hayling Island a year or so ago so I felt very honoured to have been chosen to sing for their special party! I was booked to do my "We'll Meet Again" ATS show even though Ken was in the Navy. However I made sure I included Harts of Oak as requested along with a few other favourites, Lilly Marlane, Yours and Kiss Me Goodnight Sergent Major.

My Youngest Fan 2 year Old William!

It was a fabulous party and I made a new fan in the shape of 2 year old William as pictured. Thank-you for sending me the picture Emmi. It was lovely to meet you all and I'm so pleased your Grand parents had a great time.
Well it's time for me to get to bed as I have a busy day tomorrow. Thank you for following and Toodle Pip!