All the jingle ladies
The warm and wise words of Mrs Savage (that’s Robbie’s mum)
I VENTURED out to have my hair done because I wanted to make an effort, even if Christmas was on FaceTime this year.
I was a bag of nerves – hearing chat about how local hospitals were at breaking point did nothing to ease my jittery stomach.
So once my hair was done and I was waiting for my friend Sheila, I burst into song to cheer myself up.
Everyone in the salon laughed because they were surprised to hear a 72-year-old belting out Beyoncé’s Single Ladies: “If you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it.”
That’s the great thing about getting older – I no longer care what anyone thinks about me.
Although maybe I never did as I can’t help just saying it as it is.
When I was watching Robbie’s son Charlie playing football, ll, one of the mums was talking about out how she felt hot and bothered hm all the time. I said: “I’m not being funny but you’re e menopausal, babe.”
The people around us started spluttering. I only said what they were e thinking.
Back when Robbie played yed for Leicester, I worried when en all the other wives talked about ut where they found their designer clothes, l th while I talked about my flip-flops from Asda.
But I was heartened when Robbie said: “Don’t ever change, Mum.”
I love hearing what you have to say too. Last week I had a Christmas card from a reader addressed simply: “Val Savage, Robbie’s mum, near Llay, Wrexham.” I was over the moon it got to me.
So as well as an email address – features@mirror.co.uk – I now have a posh new postal address to make it easier for you to write to me: Val Savage, PO Box 7290, E14 5DD.
And below are some of your lovely messages.
Love Val x Hi Val Just wanted to thank you y for your column in the Mirror. In this sad dark and worrying time you have made me laugh and cry. The thought of you going without your Tena Ladies fills me with horror. When you said you’d eaten all the food in your hamper before Christmas to stop it going off, it made me roar with laughter. I, like you, will be bra-less on Christmas day as we’re not having visitors.
Kind regards, Jaki
Aww A Val I look forward to your page every Saturday! You are so honest and down-to-earth, and make me laugh out loud. I wish that you were my neighbour – you’re so lovely.
Love Carol xx
Hi Val I want to let you know how much I look forward to reading your feature on a Saturday. So refreshing to have such an honest and heartwarming article. It always makes me smile and sometimes laugh out loud. Keeping writing to cheer us all up. Hope the Tena lorry gets through.
Cheryl x
Hi Val Your page is the first one I turn to every Saturday, then I sit down with a coffee and savour your weekly observations. I love it. I too am a woman of a certain age (74) so I can relate to what you write about and it makes a change for someone our age who isn’t a celebrity but a real person who knows and understands the real meaning of life.
Jan
Dear Mrs Savage, or Val to us You have made me and my mum very happy through lockdown. We cannot wait for Saturday to read your column, it makes our week and it relates to me as I lost my husband at a young age and the way you talk about your Colin it reminds me about my husband. You are a diamond. Thank you.
Jayne
Hi Val Your column makes me laugh and sometimes cry. You are doing a brilliant job, keep it up. You say you are proud of your children. But remember, Val, they will be extremely proud of their lovely funny mum who has kept us all going this past year.
Lynn xxx
Dear Val You are a breath of fresh air. I love your views and you stop me feeling guilty when I have eaten too much chocolate or decided to miss the yoga class. You are a STAR.
Best wishes, Sue, blue nose Scouser Dear Val There is just one thing t I look forward to each week and a it’s reading all your lovely articles. Your personality shines through. You tell it as it is and I just
love your sense of humour. My late husband was like yours I think, as football was his life – he would go to sleep watching TV if it wasn’t footie! Bless you, Val, for giving us something to smile about.
Veda
Hi Val I’m so loving your little life stories every week. It’s so nice to have a down-to-earth person telling us about what’s going on in their life at the moment. The bit about your Tena Ladies really made me chuckle. I’m 73 so I know what you meant, ha-ha!
Best wishes Susan xx Dear Val I must say how much I enjoy your page in Saturday’s S Mirror, it’s like sitting down with an old friend and a nice cup of tea with a few laughs thrown in. Many thanks and keep up the good work, I am sure you must have lots of fans looking forward to Saturdays. Margaret