Matt Monro Forum

That's a shame that you can't get the signal Robert. When we got ours from Comet we were advised by the person who served us to understand their policy, that if the signal didn't work we would not be able to return the item for a refund. He was obviously new to the job and totally wrong of course. Anyway it was 6.o clock in the evening and Matt was appearing on TV at 7'30 o'clock . and it worked.

I haven't yet watched it as yet, but I taped it so will look forward to it.

Unfortunately - buying a 'top of the range' box doesn't automatically improve your reception Robert

I didn't know if I was in the "reception area" Mike, as the BBC information service said I wasn't, but another local source said I was but never mind, I've got the set top box for when I CAN receive the "signal"

We're in a bit of an iffy reception area for BBC4 and Channel 5 - although some might say that the latter is a blessing! So I was really frustrated the other night when I couldn't watch the 'Pet Clarke' Legend documentary. But thanks to a lovely lady on this site, a dvd dropped thru my letter box this weekend, much to my surprise and delight. Aren't Matt Monro fans lovely!

I had the pleasure of meeting Dame Vera and her daughter Virginia while on holiday in France this year. Dame Vera is remarkable, 90 next year, and Virginia is a real chip off the old block.
I have the "full set" now of Kathy Kirby, Dame Vera and Anne Shelton, whose biography I will publish soon. All of them had an early part of their career with the legendary Ambrose and his orchestra. The Ambrose Babes I call them.

Yes all three sang with the great Ambrose Orchestra We have heard Ann talking of her singing career with Ambrose at a Sinatra meeting and what a fine orchestra he had. We will look forward to the Biography Graham.
Anne Shelton was one of the best female vocalists that came out of the UK. and a lovely lady too.

On March 5th 2007 EMI will issue a 2CD set 'Singles Collection' - this set is one of the projects I have been working on with EMI. The 2CD set includes many rare jewels that have not been available for 40 years or more. ALL of Dame Vera's EMI single releases are included and have been wonderfully re-mastered at Abbey Road. The set also includes a couple of very rare tracks previously only available in the Netherlands.
I have also been honored to write the sleve notes and provide rare picture sleeve covers for the artwork.
Dame Vera Lynn wil be celebrating her 90th birthday on March 20th 2007.

Dean

I must watch out for this collection Dean, a wonderful lady and national treasure.

Dean, we shall be looking forward to those Cds and Vera Lynn certainly is a National Treasure John, and she is looking marvellous as her 90th Birthday approaches.
We have recently watched a weekly series on tv about the community life and the people from the village of Ditchling, East Sussex where Vera lives.
She appeared taking part in one of their Annual Remembrance Sunday events. Talks to everybody and so down to earth. A great lady.

im not old enough to remember vera during her heyday!! but i worked with her three times during the late eighties aand early nineties. what a wonderful warm lady, she still had the audience eating out of her hand. was a pleasure to work with her.

i worked with Anne Shelton too many times in fact. she is much missed by her fans and fellow artistes.

Anne's Shelton's biography, "With A Smile and A Song" will be out shortly from www.bestbooksonline.co.uk
It is written by her niece Kelly Richards.

What a wonderful opportunity to have worked with Dame Vera Lynn and Anne Shelton, Mark.

Marian

Right now I'm listening to Claire Teal's Jazz Divas series. Tonight (9th of February) she's featuring the singers of the British dance bands. I'm not familiar with most of them, but I am enjoying hearing them sing. I really liked the "baritone" but they didn't play a full song by her. They played several songs by Anne Shelton singing and a clip of her speaking. I like her voice! I wish today's young people would talk like her! Now they are playing a clip of Dorothy Squires.

I'd highly recommend all of you "listen again" to this programme. It will be available for one week.

Dot Squires was one of the last people to work with Anne Shelton.