Sunday Express

[Michele Monro]

I know a lot of you were waiting for the interview that Matt and mum gave to the Sunday Express. Although it should have come to print two weeks ago it was delayed for editorial reasons but it has been included in today's paper and you can find it on page 65.

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Nice to see Mickie and Matt's picture in the article, and to get some early publicity for the forthcoming book. Really sad to hear of Mickies tragic childhood.
Matt and Mickies marriage although relatively short at least brought deserved happiness to Mickie We know how proud she is of Michele and to see Matt Jnr happy and healthy in spite of a bad start, and to see him performing in his own particular style.
A nice picture of the family together too.

[Marian]

Some nice publicity for Michele's book and Matt Jnr's tour in a full page write-up in today's Sunday Express.
I knew Mickie's arrival in England as a little girl had been at the most difficult time, and it was sad to read of the actual happenings that surrounded her arrival, but so pleased to learn her parents were able to join her and her little brother here and make a new life for themselves.
Also, the article recounts the difficulties surrounding Matt Jnr's arrival into the world, but thankfully he made it through too, to entertain us now.
Marian

[Catherine M]

I nipped out instantly and got a copy of the Sunday Express.
I loved the article about Mickie Monro.
I always suspected somehow that she had either jewish or german roots.
Now it seems she has both! All in all, she has had a tremendous life of her own.

My Mum in her heyday had an uncanny likeness to Mickie Monro with the fashions of the day and sixties hairstyles. It always makes me smile when I see Mrs Monro in photos.

[john]

Have just read the article in the Sunday Express, very interesting and an extremely sad story. A couple of great photos as well.

[Gray]

I've missed this, I'm afraid.
Can somebody please help me with the gist?

[Catherine M]

The article entitled 'Matt Monros' Tragic Family Secret' briefly outlines
Mickie Monro's early life as a German Jew in Berlin during the last war.

She lost half her family to the Nazis. Her Uncle was shot in front of her Father. Her father's parents, brother, aunts, uncles and cousins all perished in camps or in transit to camps.

Before the war, it was decided that she as a 5 year old along with her brother Ernest should leave for England. She remembers sobbing all the way to England on the childrens refugee boat. The longest journey of her life.

Her parents: father Dolly and mother Evelyn eventually were reunited with their children in London. The family settled in Ealing, West London.

The article goes on to explain that Mickie Monro started her career in the music industry where on one memorable day she met Matt Monro when he walked into her office. On that occasion she found him slightly
arrogant as all the girls flocked around him. It was only at a drinks party
in 1956 that she realised there was more to this singing Bus Driver.

They fell in love despite both having other halves at the time and Matt Monro had a 15 month old son called Mitchell.

The couple eventually married in 1959. From this time onwards Matt Monro's career took off.

Mickie also explains that Matt Monro Jnr arrived with drama into the world: she haemorrhaged at 3 months and then young Matt arrived prematurely at 8 months.

Despite enjoying the trappings of wealth and fame, Mickie Monro still
cannot get over the death of her husband and soulmate.

She loves Matt Monro Jnr's shows and the performances which remind her of Matt Monro Snr.

Matt Monro Jnr comments that his mother has led a truly remarkable
life.

[Gray]

Thanks very much, Catherine.

[ROBERT M.]

................... what a sad story.............................at least Mickie and Matt did meet each other in the 50's, and enjoyed many happy years together

[maureen & harry]

We read the article in the Sunday Express about Mickie & Matt Jnr. This was so interesting to read albeit very sad about Mickie's early childhood. We can understand how difficult it will be for Michele to have to trim down the book for publishing purposes as we feel sure that every part of the book will be of interest.

We also hope that by giving the web site address of Matt Jnr will encourage lots of people to read it that perhaps haven;t visited before.

We loved the pictures too t hat they included of the family.

Maureen & Harry

[mariana44]

I am now looking forward more than ever to reading the book.

[Chris Kelly]

1959 was a good year then. Won't be much fun for me next year though, I'm half a century old!

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Think of the alternative Chris.

[Edgar]

Sorry I haven't been on for so long folks. Been away again!! Missed the Sunday Express article which was published on my 65th birthday! Interesting to hear of Mickie's roots as a lot of members of my family perished the same way too.

Maybe because of Mickie's roots is why Matt could sing "Hava Nagila" word perfecct

[cmartin_ok]

1959 was a good year then.

Hmm. I wonder if it really was ..........