Update!

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Promise to update this page ASAP!

Merry Christmas all - thank you for a great year.

N x

June & July Update

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:12:00 +0000

Hello all,

Trust you are well... June started with my 2nd visit to The Faraday club in Slough - a country only club with a fabulous atmosphere, I then went down to the Carrington hotel in Bournemouth for the IOW Tours, working with Mel Fisher, had a great night with everybody.
I was then all the way up in Hamsterley, which was a fabulous night, great to see people I've not seen in a while, was also lovely to stay with my 2nd family, 'The Aylotts'.

I had a rare Friday night off, so went over to my lovely friend Vicki's house for dinner, it was gorgeous, great food, great wine and great company and I got to meet baby Hannah - who is just adorable!!
Saturday I was at the Route 66 club in Worthing, which, as always, has the most amazing atmosphere, and they seem to know every dance there ever was!!
Many thanks to Mike & Margaret x
Michelle & I then had an all day event in Harlow for Mark Guichard - Michelle was super - and I had a great night with them all - even had a surprise visitor arrive (Richard Palmer) who came up and sang Blue Night Cha with me... well done Mark & Shelley for organising this great event.

15th June was a great day - I picked up my beautiful friend Nina from the airport, as she came over for 2 weeks from Australia visiting... it was lovely to spend time with her, I miss her a lot!
Did a charity event with my brother and his band up in London, superb night, again raising ridiculous amounts of money!!!
I then travelled down to Brighton on the Friday to surprise my friend Sam on her hen night - it was worth the trip just to see her face!! It was so much fun, I particularly loved the 'Butlers in the Buff'!! Very funny!!
Off to Haddenham next - 2nd visit here - great night, lovely to see Adam & Claire, who provided me with a pit stop for Coffee on the way!
Weekend finished at Mundesley for Double HH, I did an afternoon spot and then another spot in the evening alongside Texas Tornadoes, always lovely working with them...especially Pete!!

I then had my Childrens Music Festival for the next 4 days. This was my third time directing this - and probably my favourite year... 900 children singing their hearts out! I was so proud of them all, they excelled themselves this year!!
I was off on Friday up to Hemsby to sing at Lisa Thurleys event, always a great night with her and her crowd!!! Lisa will always be unique!!
Maggie G & Craig Bennett were there, lovely to spend time with Craig, what a sweetie! x
After playing for some music theatre exams, I was off to a 180th birthday party!! Well, 3 people celebrating their 60th's!! Lovely night, and made some new friends too... can't be bad!!
Sunday brought the annual Riverboat Shuffle for Janis Budgen, its just so much fun watching line dancers trying to dance when the boat is rocking!!!
Lovely to have the gorgous Robert Lindsay on there again! Thank you Janis x

I took Nina with me on Monday as I was singing in Histon, Cambs, she was brilliant at winding the speakers up and down!!! Had to have a little bit of acapella singing when all the power went off, but great crowd, they all joined in!!

Then our favourite weekend arrived, it was Peace-Trains jolly to Torquay, travelled down on the Thursday (in my new van!!!!) all passengers arrived on Friday, and then the fun began!! Disco Friday night with Shell & Tony, Westcoasters Saturday night (who were fab) and me on Sunday.... Such a great event, Shell, Tony & Kath always give 100% in everything that they do. Trying to remember what Shell taught... Mr Saxobeat.....All of me.....Hard to be a girl.....Cryin over you... The Wobble.... there's probably more but can't remember at the moment!!
Had a fantastic time, didn't want to come home!

We went to see Shenfield Operatic's version of The MIkado on Tuesday, very enjoyable, well done to Rick for his director debut, huge well done to Adrian Ure who made the society sound fabulous, and in particular well done to Stuart, who, for me, made the show.

Had auditions on Thursday for Beauty & the Beast, we now have an incredible cast, can't wait to start on rehearsals in September.

Had a lovely night in Burnham for Sandra Kirkham, who not only gave me flowers at the end of the night but had also made me a musical thank you card, felt very spoilt!! Great night with all.. lovely to have Julesinder and JB there!!
Went to the Viking on Saturday, which for me, was the best night I'd had there, was on with the lovely Rob Childs - this was his first solo gig and he was fabulous!!
Lovely to meet Fiesta too - great girl.
Weekend finished at Rosemarie's club in Bedford, always have a fab night with this lot!! Lovely to see Kim, Sandie, and all the troops!!

I then travelled up north on Monday, heading for Washington (Tyne & Wear), stopped off at Rachael's class in York, lovely to see her, Gill & Ian.
Stayed over, then witnessed a Zumba class on Tuesday morning (have promised to get involved next time! - for my sins!) This was just incredible, Zumba was made for this girl, I have no idea how they kept their stamina up for an entire hour - as Rachael is a task master!! Loved it though - never seen anything like it!!

Travelled up to 'The Aylotts' once again - had a beautiful dinner made for me and an irish coffee (of course!) then went to Chester-Le-Street to sing at Alec & Ann's club.... WOW - what a night!! They are so lovely there and I had a blast with them all!! Lovely to have Brian & Grace come to the gig, and great to see Kamila & Leslie (and Roksana of course!).
Wednesday - I took myself off to the shops to pick up a couple of pressies, then took Brian & Grace out for lunch before the next gig in Gatehead. Another great night - although could have done without the stairs!!! Thanks once again to Brian, Jordan, Kamila & Roksana for coming to this gig too!
I left early in the morning to get back to play piano at my friends wedding... Claire looked absolutely stunning and so did my sister-in-law and my nieces who were bridesmaids! Gorgeous!

Went up to Tina Argyles club in Wreningham on Friday, so great to work with her again, its been too long! Fab night - lovely to see Melissa, Adam, Claire and of course Oo & Oaf!!
Saturday aftenoon I went to watch my nieces in their dance show, I blubbed like a baby!! They were amazing... also Amanda (my sister-in-law) was fabulous in the adult tap group. They performed a Riverdance piece - very proud!
Saturday night was Peace-Trains Summer social, although BBQ had to be indoors due to our typical British weather! Great night, hall looked fab, dancers were all in their bright colours and an excellent mix of dances.
Travelled back down to Torquay yesterday to perform at Dom & Matt's event, this was my 3rd year with them all, and it was an amazing night - they were so loud and crazy - just how it should be!!
Lovely to properly meet Neville & Julie - great couple.

Apart from the normal work, only have one gig this weekend, so going to make the most of having Friday & Sunday off!!

Speak soon
N x

May Update!

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:36:00 +0000

Hi all,

Had a great night at the Spirella ballroom with Lisa Thurley and the gang... weekend ended with a fab night at Pontins in Pakefield - lovely to see our Sue & Sophie!!

Had a weekend off - where Michelle & I went into London to see the new musical 'Shrek' - which was fantastic - would highly recommend it! Saw the jewels at the Tower of London first though!
On the Sunday we visited Hamleys (of course!!) and then Harrods to have a Georgian tea - which was just lovely.. perfect end to a perfect weekend.

Had an excellent night in Rainham then I was spoilt and given lodgings for the night from the lovely Sam - great night with all the girls.
Next day - I went off to the Isle of Wight to the Trouville Hotel, my favourite venue - another fab night with great people.
Then I was off to Holbeach to Sutton Streamliners - always a good night.
I had a Sunday afternoon gig in Soham (Cambs) which was fabulous, it was quite relaxing, it was like doing a gig in someones lounge!!

A group of us all dressed up and went to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show(pictures will follow!) which was fantastic!
Michelle and I then travelled to Diss to have dinner with our lovely friends, Sue, Sophie & Peter - Sue had made enough food for an army and it was all delicious!

So with all this excitement and the normal working very night of the week, it was a fun-packed May!

Speak soon

Me x

April UPDATE!!

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:18:00 +0000

Hi all,

The Marie Curie event on the 15th April was a fab night, with lots of money raised!
Thank you so much to Justine Brown and everyone for a great night... I will hopefully get the video up soon!

Then I was off to Northampton to the 'Sideliners' club... WOW, what a night!!!
They dance everything there!!! Thank you to so many of the Peace-train Passengers that travelled up to see me and also to Kim Ray and her gang for surprising me... lovely to see you all.

The weekend finished off with a trip down to sunny Woolacombe to end the IOW tours weekend... another great night - lovely to see so many friends there.

Following weekend took me down to Newton Abbott on the Friday, Michelle came with me and we stayed in Devon, and went to Exmouth beach on the Saturday!!

After seeing my family on Sunday - we went out with some friends in the evening and had a few drinkies!!

Off to Wales tomorrow to the 'Dancers-R-Us' club - can't wait - then The Nat Pack are performing at a wedding on Saturday... looking forward to this weekend!

Speak soon

N x

Feb/March Update

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:32:00 +0000

Hi all,

Hope you are all well!! Where does the time go??!!!

February carried on with some great gigs and good times:
Gravesend (with my NFC's!)
Horsham at Lisa Bessingers
Suffolk at Jenny's dance ranch.

Most of the month was taken up with music festivals and show rehearsals!!

March was just amazing.... 18 of us went to Cuba for Michelle's brothers wedding.
I was a witness and of course Michelle was bridesmaid.
We stayed at an all inclusive resort in Holguin, which was just gorgeous.
Weather for perfect and accommodation was lovely.
It had an Italian, a Japanese, and a Greek restaurant extra to the main buffet.
My favourite was the Japanese, beautiful food, and we all had such a laugh.
The wedding day was perfect and the bride (Susie) looked stunning, made some wonderful friends and some everlasting memories... I did not want to come home!

I was straight back into our final rehearsals for the show when I got back, and show week ran at the Queens Theatre from 29th march - 2nd April... thank you to all who travelled to see it!!!

Had a fab night at Brian & Chris' in Mill Hill - got to air 'Rolling in the deep' and sing 'Raise your glass' again!!!
Sang a couple of songs at Michelle's brothers reception (for those people who couldn't make Cuba!) then travelled down to Bournemouth for Oli & Joans last ever weekend... it was a fabulous night, although quite emotional!

Looking forward to the Marie Curie night this Friday in Larkfield, Kent, then Sideliners in Northampton and down to Woolacombe for the IOW tours...

Will hopefully update again soon!!

Keep smiling.

N x

New Year Update!!

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:20:00 +0000

Hi all,

Hope you had a fabulous xmas and new year.... I cannot believe it is February already!!

I had a lovely family xmas and a great new year's eve with Michelle & the Peace-Train gang!

January started with my annual visit to Rosemarie's club in Bedford, great night, fantastic turn out, great start to the year... thank you Rosemarie.

I then played piano at a birthday celebration for a very talented musician/arranger Howard Wallace who turned 80 this year, unbelievable man.

Then it was time for the holiday of a lifetime!! Michelle & I went to the Caribbean on a cruise with my Dad & his partner.... it was absolutely fabulous, all pictures will be on here soon, but in the meantime, check out my facebook page!!!

We visited Antigua, St Kitts, St Lucia, Barbados, St Thomas and their own island, Princess Cays in the Bahamas, absolutely amazing, I will never forget it.

Straight back into rehearsals when I got back, as the show is coming up fast!! Last week of March, check out my shows page....

My first gig back was at Arizona LDC in Guildford, had such a good night, they dance everything there... loved it!!! Thanks to Andy & Marina, and of course my lovely Essex girl Val!!

Went up to Blackpool for the annual Crystal Boot Awards, I always look forward to this event, everyone you know and love are under the same roof!!
I had a lot of wine, a lot of Vodka and a lot of laughs....

Thank you so much again for nominating me this year, it means the world to me... Paul Bailey won this year, and rightly so, as I said on the front of my website... long overdue!!! Well done Paul.

I am so proud of Rachael, picking up 4 awards!!! Thoroughly deserved, her choreography in particular, has been outstanding. Also, so happy that Kate Sala won Advanced Dance, 'Drip Droppin' - genius dance to a genius bit of music!!

Lots of work this week, absolutely shattered, trying to get everything done before I go away again (I know, lucky girl!!) to Cuba at the beginning of March!

Unfortunately my Scottish trip this Friday was cancelled, problems with the venue, but I am off to do a surprise function tomorrow... (Lets hope they like the surprise!!)

Then I have Bexleyheath, Wellingborough & Newbury next week... can't wait!

Speak very soon, take care

N x

Update!!!

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:45:00 +0000

Hi all,

I'll start with Jersey..... to cut a long story short, the 4 hour boat trip turned into a 12 hour boat trip oh and that was after a 12 hour delay!!!! However, IOW Tours treated us fantastically and when we eventually got to Jersey, the weekend was amazing.

Everyone up for having a good time, and Michelle (host) was just superb, as always. Great fun.

Then the following weekend I was with Lisa Thurley in Hemsby at the Seacroft resort. Fabulous night, great mix of dancers, so was able to play everything!! Was lovely to have Oo & Oaf there too (they know who they are!!).

Went from there to Woolacombe, which was so much fun, and great to see my girls, Sam, Lauren etc... thanks for the laughs!

From there, I ended up in Haywards Heath for an afternoon gig for Corinne. Fantastic turn out, had a super afternoon, can't wait to do it all again next year!

Went to a drivers awareness course on the Monday (as I had been caught on one of those average speed cameras on the M1 at 5.30am!!!.... they do work!!!)

I actually quite enjoyed it, wasn't as bad as I thought!!

Had a great night in Houghton Regis with Dave & the gang... thanks a lot, then went to Mill Rythe in Hayling Island, great hall and lovely atmosphere, had a ball!!

December... started at Christines in Norwich, excellent night, great to see everybody (including Oo & Oaf again!!) Saturday was cancelled unfortunately in Kent as the roads were too bad... such a shame but I totally understood!

Sunday I was at Double HH's Xmas bash in Mundesley, I did one set in the afternoon then I was on with Glen Douglas in the evening, he has a lovely voice and is such a lovely guy. Was so nice to see Tina again, we seem to bump into each other every 4 years or so!!!

Monday, I picked Miss M up from the airport and travelled up to York where I did an hours set for Rachael's club (Thanks for letting me sponge a gig at yours Rachael!!) Great to see the brave dancers that ventured out in that awful weather... roads were treacherous and it got down to -14!!!!!

Had a fab night with them all... then was up til 4.30am with the McEnaneys, playing the piano, drinking copious amounts of red wine and singing... well thankfully Ian, Gill & Rachael did the singing... fantastic night... they are a wonderful family.

Then travelled up to Newcastle to stay with my adopted family Brian & Grace and to do a gig in Chester-Le-Street... another great night, I am so lucky to have so many beautiful friends.

Back to work, then had a fab night at the Funky Voices Xmas party, such a laugh!

Saturday I was at Peace-Trains Xmas social, where I did an hours set.... absolutely fab night, hall looked great, everyone had dressed up and we all had a super night!!! Just went too quickly!

Sunday I played for the Howard Wallace Chorlale's annual xmas concert, they sounded amazing.... had a night off last night, so watched the final of X Factor... well done Matt (an Essex boy!!!)

I am off shortly to Clacton for Mark Caley's Xmas social, can't wait to see them... off to Worthing tomorrow for the Wranglers Xmas social... then Friday, I am up in Liverpool, then back down to Kent on the Saturday... then that is it for gigs until 2nd January...

If I don't update again... Merry Christmas all and a happy new year.

Thank you again for an amazing year.

Lots of love

Natalie xx

My 30th!!

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:25:00 +0000

Wow!!!

I have been so thoroughly spoilt!! My birthday was on the 22nd, and I was showered with amazing gifts..... including an ipad!!!!

We travelled to Norfolk, as Michelle was teaching in Hemsby all weekend, little did I know, we were making a pit stop along the way at a local pub.... we walked in, and there was a surprise party laid on for me with lots of my Peace-Train friends... I was so emotional!!!

We had a fantastic weekend, Michelle had given everybody at the event a 30 badge to wear (just in case I forgot how old I was!!). Everyone was so generous with the presents they gave me, and it is safe to say, that I could now open my own 'Off License'!!

Then came my party on the 29th in Chelmsford.... all my friends and family in the same room, I had an amazing night (pictures to follow!) Lots of wine, and lots of dancing!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all my beautiful friends & family who made this birthday so special! In particular, to Michelle, who apart from being the most wonderful person I know, made it the best birthday ever.... thank you xx

Off to Dorset & Houghton for gigs this weekend, and a jam packed Sunday full of auditions and rehearsals.... I love my life!

Speak soon

N xx

September & October UPDATE

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 11:32:00 +0000

Hi all,

Well the rest of September brought great gigs at Haddenham, Shropshire for Steve Rutter, and a fabulous night at Black Stallions in Barrow...

October started as it meant to go on... with a great night in Kirkhallam with the lovely Paul Chapman, then it was to Peace-Trains Square dance, these nights are just brilliant, non stop laughing!!!

I then performed at Gunton Hall in Lowestoft, which was for the Warners company, really enjoyed this, and was so nice to work with Hillary.

The weekend brought a Kingshill event at the Thistle hotel, Heathrow, I was on the opening night and the event was run by our very own Michelle Risley, a cracking night, superb atmosphere, shame the dance floor was so bad!!!! I think a lot of us actually left our feet behind!!!

Saturday - I went down to Mike Derrick's club in Worthing (Route 66) always a good night here, great mix of dancers.. thank you all xx

Weekend finished at Parkway in Peterborough, first time here, lots of familiar faces, another great night.

Then Michelle & I flew out to Benidorm, to work for Mal & Jan at their linedance event. This was the 2nd time we've worked here, and it was just brilliant!

Our lovely friends were there from Lucky Stars (Tamworth) so nice to spend some time with them.

The workshops were so much fun, and Michelle taught:

TAKE THE MOON - Michelle Risley
KNEE DEEP - Peter & Alison
DRIP DROPPIN - Kate Sala
OKLAHOMA BOOGIE - Kim Ray
BAILANLO - Charlotte Macari

'Take The Moon' & 'Drip Droppin' being their favourites.

I sang on Wednesday & Thursday evening and just had the best 2 nights ever, everyone was up for having a good time, lots of Sangria, lots of laughs, lots of dancing. A lady called Marcia, made me a beautiful birthday cake of a grand piano... absolutely amazing - thank you xx
Can't wait to go back next year.

Straight back into it when we got home, was at the Viking, Selsey, last night, working with Tony Rouse, great voice, lovely guy.

Off to Bracklesham Bay today, then countdown to my big birthday on Friday.... 30!!!!

Have our annual charity event on 30th October in St Albans for Breakthrough Breast Cancer then I am finishing off the month in Mundesley for Double HH Promotions... hope to see you there.

Speak soon

N x

August & September update

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 14:58:00 +0000

Well - another CRY event took place on the 28th August, and the place was packed to its fullest! Amazing night with over £1800 raised - well done everybody.

The lovely Kim Ray was the host, and was just fabulous as always, even teaching one of her recent dances - 'Oklahoma Boogie'- very popular!

For the raffle, we had a very special caller, Kim's grand-daughter - Libby.... so, so funny.. will be adding videos soon!!! Keep an eye out for her!!

I then went to Peace-Train's Bank Holiday social which was fantastic, new venue, lots of dancers, great atmosphere - well done to the Risley's!

Sunday 5th September brought our annual walk around the lake at the Verulamium Park, St Albans - to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer - the weather was kind to us and about 50 of us took part. Don't forget we also have our annual linedance event for the same cause on October 30th - see you there!!

Had a great gig in West Wickham for Wild Horses Linedance club - they really did test me, asking me for Turn me Loose, Fire on Ice & Jai Ho!!!! Great night and got to perform Leona's Letter for the first time (Tina Argyle's fab dance - check it out!)

Then I was the opening act for The Thrillbillies weekend in Blackpool at The Carousel Hotel. Lovely hotel, lovely people, and a super night, it was so relaxed and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Was lovely to see Sandra Speck again - what a lovely lady and a great dj! My lovely friend Rachael came with me to this gig, she has never been to a linedance gig, and I think I chose the right event to take her on!!! It was wonderful to catch up with her! Huge thank you to Dave and Ed for asking me to be part of this weekend - here's to the next one!!!

Then it was Peace-train's Wild West social - a super night!!! The room looked amazing, all the cowboy & indian outfits looked excellent - thank you to Barbara for my outfit - loved it!!! Lovely to see so many people - amazing night as always! xx

Sunday 12th brought the good old Riverboat trip in Southampton - arranged by Janis Budgen. I love this event - it is so funny watching all the linedancers trying to dance and hang on at the same time! Thanks to all the speed boats for making it even funnier!! Robert Lindsay joined us for the trip, and he was so funny! I think I have fallen in love with him... one of the nicest, funniest people I have ever met!

An extra bonus was having Nikky Napier (Calico) on the boat as well, it was so nice to have her join me for a couple of songs... very funny - the good old days! Check out pics & videos soon!

Will update again soon - lots of love to you all

N xx