大象传媒

This story was submitted to the site by Andrea Brew on behalf of Mrs Joan Matheson, who has given her permission to add her story to the site, and understands the sites terms and conditions.

Whilst working for J Lyons Co (a company of teashops and cornerhouses all over London) in Cadby Hall in the office as a day job, in her spare time Joan went to their sports centre where she joined their large entertainment group.

Joan was a lead singer working with dancers a 10-piece band and others, and they performed in various shows at the sports centre.

At the commencement of hostilities, the group came under the Entertainment National Service Association (ENSA) which was formed especially for entertaining the troops.

They travelled mainly around the London area, usually at weekends, entertaining troops regardless of all air raids.

The group went to the Docks, hospitals and camps in London wherever troops had been gathered, whether in preparation to travel to a posting overseas or somewhere else in London or the country.

As lead singer, Joan wore an evening dress and sang songs typical of the time or by special request from the troops.

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