Friends Programme, March 2009

For the March Friend’s meeting we were very pleased to welcome David Hawkes for the second time who gave an excellent light hearted look at HM Diplomatic Service. It was both humorous and an informative insight into the work of the government's representatives abroad and  David recounted the many amusing incidents he and his fellow diplomats had encountered whilst serving HMG.  The 30 minute Q&A session, in particular, was very interesting.

For the April Friends meeting we are pleased to welcome Alan Grace who will give a talk on “Forces Broadcasting”. Alan will recount the fascinating story of ENSA started in 1939  - the Entertainments National Service Association. Despite being spread thinly due to the many theatres of war many famous stars of the day, including Vera Lynn, Tommy Trinder, Arthur Askey, George Formby and Gracie Fields, joined ENSA to aid the war effort and visited every theatre of war to put on a show. With Geraldo supervising the musical side, ENSA gave many post-war stars their first experience, among them Tommy Cooper, Jimmy Edwards and Frankie Howerd.

Alan Grace worked for many years in Forces entertainment and in broadcasting for the BBC