Bluebells, Tiller Girls and Richard Gere!

• Margaret travelled on her own across Africa at eight years old.
• Miranda was a Bluebell Girl.
• Richard Gere threw Jacquie-Ann over his shoulder!

and many more stories …

When Jennie Chapman joined a Dancercise class at the Shoreham Centre 4 years ago, she had no idea her fellow dancers would have such remarkable life stories to share.

So inspired was Jennie by their tales that she decided to bring them together in a book — stories of women’s triumphs and challenges spanning decades, from before the Second World War to today, all connected through a love of music and dance. (Each chapter, in fact, takes its title from a song.)

This is a free event, with refreshments and nibbles provided. Everyone is warmly invited to come along, mingle, and share stories while enjoying music and a film display of photographs from the era — many of which didn’t make it into the book. You’ll also be able to see rare footage from one of the group, Sheila, who had her own chat show in the 1950s that drew an incredible 11 million viewers.

You don’t have to be a TV star to attend! As Jennie says, the book is “really about all women over the last hundred years.” Come for the company, stay for the stories — and join in the craic.

If you have any queries Jennie can be contacted on the email below.