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Clare Turner
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Entertaining the services
Entertaining the services
Clare became involved with the Royal Navy's 'Three Art Club', which was started in 1942 at the Clock Tower building in Southsea. There were rooms used for music, painting, drama and dancing. Clare sang, accompanied by a pianist, at monthly cabaret supper nights. The members were glad to be involved in something that helped keep their minds off the war. Quite a few of the members belonged to the Royal Naval Film Unit, most of whom had worked at Elstree Studios prior to the war. Several members went on to have successful careers in entertainment after the war. It also made Clare start to seriously consider a career in theatre.
A Combined Services concert took place over two nights at the Kings Theatre in Southsea during 1942. Wrens, including Clare, sang along with WAAF and ATS personnel dressed in uniform. The show raised thousands of pounds for the war effort.
Photograph of Clare taking part in Combined Service Concert, 1942 (RNM)
Photograph of naval ratings and Wrens in audience at Combined Services Concert (RNM)
Clare also appeared in a concert at the Naval Depot in the Northern Parade School, Hilsea, held in conjunction with the Army. Clare sang with Army band. Clare recalls that:
'One snag was that the dressing rooms were at one end of the school. I was to sing with the band at the end of the first half, and I was chatting to one of the performers, when I realised I was due on stage, so I sped along the corridors, arriving breathless in the wings. I had been announced, so I stepped onto the stage, and began to sing, then stopped sheer out of breath. So, with much aplomb, I said "I've just run the 5 minute mile, when I get my breath back I'll start again".'
A Captain Meredith heard about the ship's concerts and asked them to provide a concert for the British Legion, as they wanted funds to provide goodies for the troops. He organised a concert which was put on in the village hall of Rowland's Castle, Hampshire. They performed several concerts to collect funds for personnel serving overseas.
To learn about the Wren choir, select Next
