Women’s group celebrates life of entertainer

MEMBERS of Prestbury’s WI were treated to a night of performance based around the life of a famous actress.

The title of the WI’s latest meeting was A‘‘ n Interlude with Joyce Grenfell’, where members were taken down memory lane by Jean Finney.

Joyce Grenfell OBE, left, was an English actress, comedienne, monologist and singer-songwriter.

Jean has been entertaining people for a few years relating stories, monologues and other snippets of the late Joyce’s works.

Maureen Eccleston, a member of the group, said: “Jean refreshingly summarised Joyce’s life and background reminding us of her upper class routes, her debutante status and how her aunt and uncle were Lord and Lady Astor.

“While at drama school, Joyce married Reggie and while attending a dinner her humorous storytelling got her noticed by a dramatist she happened to be sitting next to.

“She was persuaded to perform in a ‘review’ and after her success she began writing, singing and creating stories and songs that were to become her legacy.”

During the meeting Jean entertained the group with her versions of ‘The Cocktail party’, ‘The Nativity Play’, ‘The Worrier’, and Enigmatic

‘Jean delighted the group with the skill of her delivery’

Smile’. She also sang the famous ‘Doing the military twostep’, as many of the group’s members joined in with her.

Joyce starred on film and television, becoming famous in her role in the original St Trinians film.

Her monologues were also a favourite request in the 60s on the children’s choice radio programme.

Maureen added: “Jean delighted the group not just with the subject matter but with the skill in the delivery of it.

“Joyce Grenfell entertained many people during difficult years and it was her observation on life that was truly remarkable.

“A big thank you to Jean for reminding us of her talent.”