"Thank you so much for such a great contribution to this special programme. It's always a delight to work with guests who really
pull out all the stops for us. It was a pleasure meeting you and talking to you - I hope it's not the last time."
Alan Titchmarsh - TV Presenter
“Rarely can a society meeting have been quite so dazzled – there is no other word. As the chairman enviously remarked –
all that erudition and wit, and not a single note.”
Eastbourne Gazette, October 2007
“The Gala Dinner in the evening was a splendid affair. The room looked lovely, the dinner was excellent and Lady Crabtree, our special guest, was enormous fun, having everyone in hysterics.”
Penny Valentine, Ladies' Captain, Royal Eastbourne Golf Club, October 2008
"Excellent! It is two weeks since Lady Crabtree's visit, and our members still haven't stopped talking about it!"
Polegate Ladies Circle, July 2010
"The people of St John's Guild were so grateful that Lady Crabtree came along to entertain us. We were fascinated by by her showbusiness reminiscences. It was interesting to hear the source of her wonderful diction. And if we ever have to arrange a seating plan, we will call her in!"
St John's Guild, August 2010
"It was a very interesting morning when we all met the Dowager Lady Crabtree. We all enjoyed her comic monologues and witty stories about her life. Time flew by and we were sorry when the meeting ended."
Saffrons Ladies Club, October 2010
"We all thoroughly enjoyed the evening. To have such professional entertainment at a church event was just extraordinary."
Fr Charlie Goring, Christ Church with St Philip, February 2011
"Lady Crabtree looked fabulous... her hour with us was so professional, and word perfect, you wonder just how she managed to remember all those lines. She received a tremendous ovation from our members, and while we were all enjoying a cup of tea afterwards, our members were saying just how much they had enjoyed the afternoon's entertainment."
Chairman, Eastbourne & District Cardiac Support Group, May 2011
"Lady Crabtree has given me back my sense of humour. I see so much comedy on television that I just don't find funny, and I really thought that I would never laugh again. But this afternoon I have ached with laughter."
Audience member, May 2011
"You really are the dream speaker. Turning up on time - finishing at exactly the right moment and giving everyone a really entertaining and enjoyable afternoon. You sometimes get one or two of the pointers, but oh so rarely do you get all three!!! Thank you so much - I absolutely basked in all the lovely comments from our members on their way out."
Jean Taylor, Friends of the Devonshire Park Theatre, August 2011
"I hadn't had the pleasure of seeing you perform before and for me it was an hour of warmth, gentle naughty humour and delicious anecdotes so cleverly crafted. From the feedback I received from our members I know you delighted and entertained. Thank you for giving us all an afternoon to remember."
Angela Hughes, Social Committee Chairman, Friends of the Devonshire Park Theatre, August 2011
"Members of the Friends of the Devonshire Park Theatre enjoyed a special treat when they took tea with the Dowager Lady Crabtree on 7th August 2011. It proved to be a real hoot, as the refined Constance, Lady Crabtree is actually author and broadcaster Paul James in his other guise - and his comedy routine produced an hour of almost non-stop laughter."
FDPT website
"The 60th anniversary tea party at the Langham Hotel was very successful with entertainment by Lady Crabtree."
Jevington & Filching WI, October 2011
"I am completely overwhelmed by yesterday. It was almost a 'This Is Your Life' moment. I can only guess at the secret phone calls that must have been made for you to acquire so much information about my life. I must thank you most sincerely for the time you spent to put that together. Please thank Lady Crabtree. She always manages to find the right words!! Once again, many many thanks. It was a day to remember."
Lois Hughes, Birthday Tea, Langham Hotel, July 2012.
"A very sincere thank you for the most entertaining evening you gave to the “Inner Wheel Club of Eastbourne”. I have been sent many notes of congratulations in choosing Lady Crabtree to attend my President’s Evening at the Royal Golf Club. Many others were most impressed with not only your delivery of chatter but also your speed and memory. Well done, and I do hope other engagements will arise from your most polished performance. It was a complete surprise for most of the audience, only three ladies knew you were to speak, which for me made your arrival more spectacular. Thank you for making the evening a resounding success with all your good, gentle humour and attention to detail. "
Pamela Eveleigh - President, Inner Wheel of Eastbourne, May 2013
"Every single person has come out saying how funny it was and how much they enjoyed it."
Nik Alexander Jones - Langham Hotel receptionist - Edwards Coaches Lunch, September 2013
"They all really enjoyed it - well done !!"
Simon Brown - Hotel Manager - Langham Hotel, September 2013
"We enjoyed Lady Crabtree's talk very much, in fact many of our members said you were the best speaker they had heard at our meetings."
Jean Stuart-Grant, Meads WI, Eastbourne, November 2013
"Thank you on behalf of the members. What a wonderful way to start the New Year. I keep smiling to myself over all your sage remarks about old age! Is there a chance that Lady Crabtree would be willing to talk to the Fundraisers again in 2015? She enthralled everyone this time and so many members have asked me if she could come again to give us another of her talks?"
Jill Scott-Taggart, Royal National Lifeboat Institute, January 2014
"Thank you for Thursday evening - everyone enjoyed the experience and I am already being bombarded with requests for a return visit."
Pat Allen, Gables Court, Eastbourne, February 2014
"KINGSTON WI: A report of the Lewes Group Meeting included praise for the entertainer Lady Crabtree and members were asked if they would like her as our Christmas party entertainment..." Sussex Express, 18 April 2014
"On behalf of all the members of our Carers' Group, please accept our sincere thanks for entertaining us so well on Saturday. Everyone was delighted with the show you put on." Fred Weston, Meet & Greet, April 2014
"Many thanks for entertaining us so well yesterday here at Buxted. All the feedback I have had was so positive and I shall certainly be telling many people about you."
Louise Beale, Buxted Court, May 2014
"Everyone was SO impressed by Lady Crabtree! Not all my WI's members were able to go to the Group Meeting, so I've been asked
to see if you could come to our Christmas Meeting."
Shirley Kirby, Lewes Westgate WI, June 2014
"Thank you for your supremely elegant performance and for adding a touch of aristocracy to our humble offering!
The transformation is just amazing!"
Carol Mounter Collins, ReAct Theatre Company, July 2014
"Would you kindly convey to Lady Crabtree our sincere thanks for a wonderful performance last Sunday at our choir BBQ. What a gentle and sophisticated lady she is!
Everyone we have spoken to enjoyed it very much indeed. I am sorry that I didn't get time to say a personal hello and thanks, but I was beavering away backstage, but I did watch the whole performance and thoroughly enjoyed it."
Lyn Betteley, Concentus Chorale, August 2014
"I was sorry that I did not thank you personally for the most entertaining talk that you gave. I have come home and researched you and my goodness you have been busy! Thank you for a most enjoyable afternoon."
Jenifer Barraclough, St Michael's Hospice Support Group, August 2014
"Thank you so much for the wonderful talk you did at St Michael's Hospice on Sunday. Our supporters absolutely loved it
and had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Many thanks again! "
Amanda Hildreth, Community Fundraiser, St Michael's Hospice, Hastings, August 2014
"Congratulations all round on the show! I was in the audience to see the performance and, since I had a pressing engagement immediately afterwards,
I simply didn't have the time to pop backstage to distribute boxes of chocolates, exotic bouquets, hugs, kisses, etc. But I thought it was a great success
and hope that the Under Ground Theatre will have the sense to make Music Hall a regular feature. I loved you all !!"
Geoff Morley, re "Lady Crabtree & Friends - Music Hall" show, September 2014
"Thank you so much for such an enjoyable evening. Everyone said what a great evening they'd had. We could all have sat there much longer listening to you talk. Thank you!"
Doreen Carter, Heathfield Trefoil Guild September 2014
"Thank you so much for the very interesting talk you gave us last Wednesday. It was very entertaining!
I think you outwitted many people!"
Evelyn Ellis, Heathfield Trefoil Guild, September 2014
"We would like to thank you again for a very entertaining afternoon. All the Club members thoroughly enjoyed your performance.
Hopefully we'll be able to book you again in 2015."
Margery Holden, The MORE Club, Eastbourne, October 2014
"Thank you very much indeed for yesterday's witty and engaging talk, delivered by the lovely Lady Crabtree. It was a great success
and we are all incredibly grateful to you. We raised just over £3,000 for the Hospice, which is fantastic! Many, many thanks."
Simon Cosham, Corporate Fundraiser, St Wilfrid's Hospice, October 2014
"On behalf of the members of Bexhill Horticultural Society I would like to thank you for a very pleasant
afternoon's entertainment. I didn't get away from today's meeting for some time, with all the members saying how much
they enjoyed the talk. I will be in touch in the future to see what other talks you have. Once again, many thanks."
Brian Thring, Bexhill Horticultural Society, November 2014
"I just wanted to thank you for Friday afternoon. It was fun and the ladies enjoyed the afternoon 'growing old disgracefully'."
Angela Hind, Secretary, Meads Townswomen's Guild, December 2014
THE KINGSTON WI Christmas party...... After the meal everyone had tea or coffee and prepared to be entertained by The Dowager Lady Crabtree. There, before us, on the stage was a tall, elegant lady dressed in a red outfit with red shoes, her silver hair beautifully coiffed: the widow of the 9th Baron Crabtree. She now resides in Eastbourne at a Home for Gentlewomen Living in Reduced Circumstances and fulfils an active public life, taking part in radio and TV programmes; writing books and performing comic monologues. Her latest talk is entitled, How to Grow Old Gracefully. For about 45 minutes we were wonderfully entertained by poems, cautionary tales and anecdotes. There were hoots of laughter as we listened to her often outrageous slant on life and stories of her experiences and advice to the elderly. Her monologue ended with a rousing round of applause; everyone commenting on their enjoyment of such a wonderful speaker. Lady Crabtree, we discovered, was created by the entertainer Paul James, in 1978. She became very popular and after 36 years is still wowing audiences. What a wonderful ending to 2014, with smiles all round.
Sussex Express, 12 December 2014
"We are deeply grateful for your coming along to entertain us all. It is fascinating to hear about events in your life, which you make so enjoyable
and interesting. The response from our people shows just how appreciative they all are."
St John's Guild, Eastbourne branch, January 2015
"A very big thank you to Lady Crabtree for the wonderful talk she gave to the RNLI fundraisers on 9th January. She is such a star.
We are blessed to have her presence in Eastbourne."
Jill Scott-Taggart, RNLI, January 2015
"I would be most grateful if you will pass on my immense gratitude for the highly entertaining talk that the Dowager Lady Crabtree
gave to the people of East Dean and Friston on Saturday 24th January. Although quite a few of the audience had seen
and heard Her Ladyship before, I was informed that most (if not all) of the talk was fresh and new.
In this regard my committee suggested that a bonus was called for and therefore please accept our cheque.
I have also been asked if Her Ladyship would be happy to entertain us again in the future."
Catherine Groves, Chair, East Dean & Friston Village Hall Trust, February 2015
"Many thanks for the simply fantastic entertainment you gave us on Saturday afternoon. We have had so many comments on how
everyone enjoyed your talk. It was a great way to end what had been a very busy business meeting."
Gill Williams, Conference Chairman, Lioness Conference, Maidstone, February 2015
"A big thank you from all your friends at Gables for another entertaining evening. The Dame Hilda dress was also a hit.
I think they'd have you back EVERY month, if they could!"
Pat Allen, Gables Court, Eastbourne, February 2015
"I just wanted to repeat our thanks for helping to make our 60th Wedding Anniversary so much fun -
it really made the afternoon for us and everyone enjoyed listening to you (but still can't believe that
you're not a real member of the aristocracy!) Your act was so different to the over loud
singers and musicians we get nowadays...we look forward to seeing you again."
Colin & Shirley Nash, Little Common, March 2015
"I'd like to thank you very much for speaking to us last Friday at the Club's monthly meeting. There were many complimentary comments
and your identity was not suspected by quite a few until they read your leaflet. I believe there will be a couple of contacts
made for you to speak at other organisations."
Sue Dickinson, Behill 100 Motoring Club, March 2015
" I wish to thank you sincerely for the most wonderful presentation on Friday evening. I haven't laughed so much for a long time!
Along with your humour, you also gave us some very sound tips on how to deal with all sorts of situations in our lives.
You looked so elegant and several members, who didn't know, really didn't believe that you were in fact a gentleman!"
Jane Craig, Castle Group WI, Ringmer, April 2015
"Many thanks for a great, entertaining afternoon last week here at Thalia House. We look forward to your next visit in 2016."
Val McDonald, Thalia House, Bexhill, April 2015
"Thank you for being with us today. Lady Crabtree's musings amused and provoked thought. May you long be able to entertain
folk with your written and spoken word. God bless."
Nora Ferris, Coffee Corner, May 2015
"An outstanding presentation.... Lady Crabtree's talk was definitely the best
we've had throughout our large District this year, and we have seven
meeting places!! It was absolutely excellent. We're booked up for events
in Bexhill until the middle of 2016 , but I hope that it will be possible
to invite Her Ladyship in September 2016 to give her presentation, "The
Dowager Entertains".
Philip Leng, Oddfellows Friendly Society, June 2015
"All the ladies enjoyed the afternoon tea and your wonderful talk at the Langham Hotel
on Wednesday and we are so pleased that we chose that venue to mark our 80th Anniversary.
I look forward to seeing you again soon."
Pam Winton, President, Telscombe Cliffs WI, July 2015
"At our July meeting, we were fortunate to have The Dowager Lady Crabtree addressing us on the subject of
Growing Old Disgracefully. Lady Crabtree looked immaculate in a powder blue Frank Usher suit. The talk was very amusing
and warmly received. Janet Curtis, our Chairman, thanked Lady Crabtree for a most enjoyable evening."
Devonshire Park Townswomen's Guild, August 2015
"Your performance last Friday was absolutely brilliant. We would like to book you for next year with Glad To Be Grey."
David Sale, Riverside Club, Lewes, November 2015
"I am writing to say A HUGE THANK YOU. The feedback is fantastic....you made many people's evening very happy.
I will find a date for you to return early in the New Year."
Carolyn Bloom, Activities Co-ordinator, The Hawthorns, Eastbourne, November 2015
"I would like to thank you for coming to give us a talk yesterday. I had such lovely comments from so many members;
they thoroughly enjoyed it. Look forward to seeing you at the Regency meeting in May and I will be inviting you back in 2017."
Mary Taylor, President, Patcham Morning WI, December 2015
"We all enjoyed your talk, so very much of it hit the right note (I always try to freshen up my lipstick!). We thought you looked very elegant!"
Rosemary Drysdale, Westham WI, December 2015
"It was lovely to meet you yesterday and, as I am sure you are aware, Lady Crabtree was extremely well received.
I had many people coming up to me afterwards to say how much they enjoyed your talk and that it had
started Christmas off on the right foot for them! As I'm sure Lady Crabtree would agree, a good laugh keeps you young!"
Valerie Winstone, Stratford Ladies' Lunch Club, Stratford-upon-Avon, December 2015
"Without making your head big, I have been asked so many times since I joined the Under Ground Theatre last July about
Lady Crabtree and when are we going to have her back again."
John Webb, Under Ground Theatre, Eastbourne, February 2016
"I just want to say a big thank you for a cracking evening at the yacht club - you were fabulous! I've heard
loads of terrific comments from folk who were there last night. We will definitely want you to come back!"
Alison Attwood, Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club, February 2016
"Thank you so much for an entertaining afternoon last week. I don't think we have ever had someone
who made us laugh so much. The ladies had a wonderful time."
Gill Bird, Cardiff Ladies' Lunch Club, February 2016
"At this month's meeting members were highly entertained by the Dowager Lady Crabtree, who gave us a humorous talk on‘Growing Old Disgracefully’. We all learnt some very good tips on how to make the most of growing old whilst having fun at the same time
– the secret seems to be in smiling a lot, wearing bright red lipstick and above all else NO SENSIBLE SHOES!!"
Cross-in Hand WI, February 2016
"Your talk was very informative and entertaining, pitched exactly right for my "Ladies Wot Lunch" and I
for one would very much like to have a return visit by you at a later date. I am sure you will have more
entertaining words of wisdom."
Barbara Burstow, Ladies Who Lunch, Bexhill, March 2016
"Thank you so much for entertaining us last Thursday afternoon. After a lovely tea, we all thoroughly enjoyed your musings
as Lady Crabtree, although it is a little worrying that you have locked on so well to the way we ladies think!
So much so that some of our ladies were quite convinced you were one of us!
Thank you again for a really lovely and enjoyable afternoon."
Avril Parrini, President, Polegate WI, March 2016
"We were joined at the monthly meeting by the Dowager Lady Crabtree, who had come along that afternoon
to give members a brief history or her life and advice on how to grow old disgracefully. This was a
very amusing, informative and interesting topic and the Ladies Circle learnt quite a few tricks which they
could follow in the years to come...and much laughter ensued at this funny, light-hearted meeting."
Joan Smith, Chairman, Meads Ladies Circle, March 2016
"Thank you so kindly for your talk. Everyone enjoyed it and I am so glad that you were able to come
and maybe you may come again some time. Perhaps I shouldn't say it, but I liked the outfit you were wearing.
It suited you well. Thank you once again."
Shirley Patricia Cohen, Scribe, Sidley Friendship Club, August 2016
"How or where to start with our thanks for a truly excellent performance. You really did have the
audience eating out of your hand. So many nice comments from our members as they were leaving.
Look forward to the next time - as I am sure there will be a return visit requested."
Jean Taylor, Secretary, Eastbourne Masonic Friendship Club, October 2016
"Thank you so much for such an entertaining talk at our lunch yesterday at the Langham Hotel,
everyone said how much they enjoyed it....we will be sure to recommend you to others. Thanks once again."
Margaret Baldock, Hon Sec Eastbourne Spread Eagles Club, October 2016
"I'm in touch to say how much I enjoyed your performance last night at Herstmonceux WI!! It was masterly!
You managed to glide along the tightrope of comedy and seriousness - and never put one foot wrong!
You were utterly believable and made us all warm to you by taking your audience seriously and affectionately,
rather than just playing for laughs or being off-colour. It's often only by being so completely serious and professional
that humour rises so brilliantly to the surface.
Your costume and jewellery were so right and your attention to detail and grooming exemplary! (How much easier it
might be to buy a cheap wig and hope for the best or to go for a cheap laugh with nasty make-up.)
The content of your talk was ideal for the evening and helped also by your good delivery, your fluency
and your softer tone of voice (rather than the grating falsetto often employed by other gentlemen in your
line of work) and by your warmth that was there from start to finish.
It was all deliciously camp and very uplifting!"
Kate Short, Herstmonceux WI, October 2016
"It was the audience who gained at the Ladies Lunch Club in the Langham today.
Another great performance about greying hair, wrinkles - I have many - the amazing alphabet letter
association, and many great lines. I felt exhausted with laughter.
It was good to see you looking so youthful with a sparkle in your eye.
Thank you for including me in today's speech and for the photo opportunity."
Derek Mepham, Heathfield, October 2016
"Just a few words to thank you for such an entertaining evening at our last meeting. I have had
such a lot of feedback from members saying how much they enjoyed your talk. I think they
are still debating whether Lady Crabtree is genuine!"
Dina Holland, East Blatchington Townswomen's Guild, October 2016
"We all thoroughly enjoyed your talk and look forward to the next visit."
Val MacDonald, Thalia House, Bexhill, November 2016
"We all enjoyed the evening and Glad To Be Grey was a great success!"
Pat Allen, Gables Court, Eastbourne, November 2016
"Thank you so much for joining us to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary. Looking at life through
your talk was certainly nostalgic and highly amusing. The story relating to the DVDs certainly hit the
spot with some of our friends. Your talk added a wonderful highlight to our celebration. The humour is
brilliant and so refreshing, and was appreciated by all of our guests. Thank you for helping to make
our day so memorable."
Sandra & Stuart Yarwood, Polegate, November 2016
"Many thanks. Lady Crabtree is wonderful! She is so highly thought of, I think even just coming and standing
in front of the audience would be enough!"
Jill Scott-Taggert, RNLI, January 2017
"Very many thanks from all at the Devonshire Club for a great talk today."
Graham Robinson, Chairman, February 2017
"Thank you for this evening. Everyone thought you were wonderful. A very jolly evening."
Ros Saunders, Social Secretary, Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club, February 2017
"Thank you so much for your entertaining talk at the Langham Hotel. Everyone was delighted.
I shall look forward to meeting you again sometime."
Carol Gower, Cranbrook Business Association, March 2017
"We had a wonderful Members' Day yesterday - your talk was so amuising and entertaining... We have received so
many comments from members who appreciated a very good day - so many thanks for your delightful talk."
Wendy Allaway, Sussex Area NAFAS
"Thank you so much for a wonderful evening, you certainly entertained the ladies of Crowborough Vale WI
and you were definitely the highlight of our Birthday Party. I enjoyed your talk immensely...
With much appreciation and many thanks."
Jennie Wood, Crowborough Vale WI, March 2017
"The PCC has asked us to record their thanks to you for the wonderful performance of "Glad To Be Grey" which
you gave at our church. Everyone had a most enjoyable afternoon. Of course, we are most grateful for the impressive
contribution (£810) to church funds that your talk raised."
Margaret Barr & Maureen Metcalfe, Churchwardens, Christ Church, Eastbourne, April 2017
"Thank you for a great evening!"
Anita Long, Fairwarp WI, April 2017
"I just wish to say what a lovely occasion it was at Mile Oak WI yesterday, and also what a privilege
to meet you again. Sharing your thoughts and memories made the day worthwhile (all said with an
impeccably posh finishing school accent!). You looked so elegant, as usual. Thanks for great entertainment.
Cheers and keep up the good work!!
Norma Pontin, April 2017
"I would just like to say a huge thank you on behalf of Adur East Lions and our guests for your brilliant performance yesterday. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and we have received very good feedback. We will certainly keep you in mind for future events and pass on our recommendations. Many thanks once again."
Doreen Young, Adur East Lions, May 2017
"First of all a big apology for not having thanked you sooner for SUCH a wonderful evening. We all enjoyed it so much, it’s good to have an evening full of laughter. I have been waiting for my committee to respond to my e-mail to book you again for next year! They have finally done so. So, if possible, could we book you...with “Glad to be Grey”.
Cathy Gould, Durrington WI, September 2017
"Thank you for the wonderful entertainment you provided for us last Thursday. Everyone enjoyed the afternoon immensely. Amongst the comments I received as our Members made ready to leave were "amazing" and "the best speaker ever"; which of course delighted our Committee. I hope we will receive another visit from you again in the not too distant future. Again, many thanks for a lovely afternoon."
Beryl Bodey, Catsfield WI, September 2017
"I would just like to say thank you to Lady Crabtree for giving us such an entertaining and amusing talk last night at our After 8 Club.
Everyone thorougly enjoyed the evening and indeed there have been many complimentary emails flying around this morning reiterating this."
Carla Hallgren, After Eight Club, Burwash, November 2017
"We all enjoyed Lady Crabtree's talk Glad To Be Grey. Thank you for helping to make our 50th Anniversary such a
success. Many members have been in contact to say how much they enjoyed the afternoon."
Margaret Moore, Chairman, East Preston Floral Club, November 2017
"Thank you so much for the photos. Your talk is still remembered with enjoyment and mirth!!!! A very happy, healthy and prosperous 2018
from all at East Preston Floral Club."
Ann Jarvis, January 2018
"AFTER EIGHT CLUB : They say laughter does you good and our guest speaker, The Dowager Lady Crabtree, did us a power of good! We found out that her subject, How to Grow Old Disgracefully, is not a new expression when she showed us a book of that title which was written, surprisingly, in 1946. Her seamless monologue was professional, intelligent and very quick. She is a high class snob with a brilliant wit and wonderful ability to write and recite doggrel - she also came across as a very genuine and nice person. Connie, as she calls herself, has been performing at many WI’s and Women’s clubs in the south east and it was at a local WI that Carla first saw her and suggested booking her for our club - a perfect choice, Carla, thank you for arranging a great evening."
Burwash Parish Magazine, December 2017
"Entertainment was provided by the Dowager Lady Crabtree, who caused much laughter and jollity
amongst the ladies with her follow-on talk Glad To Be Grey."
Joan Smith, Meads Ladies Circle, December 2018
"Just a note to thank you for your splendid talk last night. There was lots of laughter and lots of great
comments from our members."
Anne Attewell, Midhurst Garden Club, December 2017
"Many thanks for sending the photos of our happy event. We are still getting excellent feedback from our members."
Anne Attewell, January 2018
"Many thanks for a very entertaining talk. I think the ladies could have listened to you for hours."
Barbara Burstow, Chairman, Ladies Who Lunch, January 2018
"Many thanks for the most entertaining and amusing talk on Monday. I know everyone is looking
forward to your next visit!"
Ann Kinton, Ladies Who Lunch, January 2018
"On behalf of BLG I would like to thank you for coming to the village and entertaining everyone so well.
Your visit was a great start to the 2018 programme. May I wish you further success in the year ahead."
Rose-Marie Watson, Burwash Ladies Group, January 2018
"Thank you for sending me a couple of photos from when you honoured my RAF group
with your presence just before Christmas. We did enjoy your talk Glad To Be Grey and positive comments
are still being made to me about the occasion. Everyone thought what a lovely end to the lunch
it was to have you entertain us."
Peter Algar, RAF, January 2018
"Just a quick note to say thank you for appearing at my 70th birthday party last Sunday. We all enjoyed your
performance very much."
David Fears, Uckfield, January 2018
"Thank you for your time this morning and for popping into the studio for a chat. It was lovely
to meet you and I hope you enjoyed your tour of the tourist attractions of Hailsham afterwards."
Simon Herbert, Presenter, Hailsham FM Radio, April 2018
"Thank you so much for an entertaining evening - it was thrilling to see the ladies enjoying
themselves so much and we look forward to inviting Lady C for a return visit."
Clare Biddiscombe-Woolgar, Polegate Sundowners WI, April 2018
"We all thoroughly enjoyed Lady C's entertaining reminiscences, as always, thank you.
East Preston Festival tickets went on sale yesterday, I already have mine for Lady Crabtree on 4th June!"
Lynn Bates, Angmering Green WI, April 2018
"Thank you for your most entertaining talk yesterday. The feedback has been 100% positive.
I think I can safely say I shall be asked to arrange a future visit from her ladyship."
Jane Lazell, Crowborough U3A, April 2018
"Thank you so much for giving us such a memorable evening in celebration of the Centenary of Warnham WI.
Many lovely comments have been received."
Betty Brand, Vice-Chairman, Warnham WI, May 2018
"Thank you so much for all you put in to your talk last evening. It was a tremendous success and you were much appreciated.
I've had nothing but good remarks about your visit."
Jill Howell, Lady Captain, Ham Manor Golf Club, May 2018
Hailsham & District Flower Club 60th Anniversary Lunch, May 2018
"Everyone had a great time and loved your talk and they really appreciated you staying for tea and cake and posing for photographs with them.
Another successful event and lots of money raised for a good cause, thanks to you. "
Janine Nicholson, East Preston Festival Committee, June 2018
"Thank you so much for your enjoyable and entertaining talk on Friday afternoon. My sister came down from Staffordshire
just to listen to you and has been quoting you ever since!"
Elizabeth Cutchey, Sandhurst, August 2018
"Please pass on huge thanks to Lady Crabtree for her excellent talk from the members of Sandhurst Friendship Club.
I have had masses of feedback that they just loved every minute and were delighted and very amused with her presentation.
It is that professional ability to talk for an hour with seemingly little effort, while holding everybody's attention, which amazed us!!"
Rosie Broadbent, Sandhurst Friendship Club, August 2018
"I have to write to say just how much I really enjoyed your talk to our U3A today. I appreciate the fact that you
weren't a caricature pantomime type of Lady, you were in fact very believable and some people present had to be
shown your 'Paul' picture to actually believe you were a man. It was great fun, witty and many or, probably more accurately,
most of your observations hit the spot. Thank you for a very funny and laughter filled hour or so."
Terri Coombs, Battle & District U3A, September 2018
"Thanks for your superb performance. A real professional!"
Amanda Tuckey, Vice Chairman, Battle & District U3A, September 2018
"Thanks for your talk last night, we received excellent feedback from everyone."
Dave Hilliam, Chair, Mannings Heath Horticultural Society, September 2018
"Following on from Dave....I would like to send thanks to Lady Crabtree from me and say how nice it was to see her again
and this time be able to chat to her.
I know that I speak on behalf of everyone who came along last night when I say that her talk was hugely enjoyed
and most of the audience could easily relate to the situations that she referred to. It was a very entertaining and
informative talk and I think the next time I go to Mannings Heath I will see more bright red lipstick!!"
Marion Neden, Mannings Heath Horticultural Society, September 2018
"We all enjoyed Lady Crabtree's very entertaining and interesting talk. She was so good that many of
our members said that they would like to see her again."
Linda Ives, Crowborough Evening Townswomen's Guild, September 2018
"Many thanks for such an entertaining afternoon yesterday. I played Bridge with three friends this morning
and they were completely "taken in" and said that they hadn't laughed so much for ages - Wendy and myself included!"
Russ Fry, West Chiltington Theatre Arts Club, September 2018
"Without doubt, everyone enjoyed the afternoon very much and your talk was absolutely perfect
for the occasion. Having the ability to establish such a great rapport with your audience is obviously
second nature to you. It was clear you enjoyed entertaining us just as much as we enjoyed being entertained
by you. Thank you so much for helping to make our Emerald celebration such a success."
Wendy Jones, Willingdon Flower Club, September 2018
"On behalf of St Mary's Church Social Committee, I would like to thank you for speaking at our
Harvest Supper. Your talk was very well received and greatly enjoyed by all. There was a lot of positive feedback and
you may well be receiving at least one enquiry for you to speak at another group in the near future.
According to one happy diner, it was one of our best Harvest Supper nights,
due in no small part to your highly entertaining talk."
Lesley Etwell, St Mary's Church, Willingdon, October 2018
"Thank you for such a good and entertaining talk!"
Diane Cleal, Rustington WI, October 2018
"Do please convey to Lady Crabtree that our afternoon tea was immensely enlivened and informed by Lady Crabtree’s wit,
humour and extensive knowledge, particularly of significant events of 1963. I rather fancy some of us would like
to know more about Lady Crabtree’s stylist, but imagine that would be a well kept secret.The celebration has been deemed
a great success and the organisers and club committee have received many comments to that effect. I am certain that many of us
look forward to seeing Lady Crabtree again."
Nancy Hubbard, Horsham Flower Club, October 2018
"We are writing to thank you for giving us and our friends such a memorable afternoon - we have had so many cards expressing pleasure and delight at the unusual and extremely amusing talk you gave . You are just brilliant, such a professional and, at the moment, the talk of Horsham! Most people there took your fliers and several on the day asked how I knew about you and we are quite sure you will get more requests for similar events here . David and I could not have been more delighted and thrilled, you made the occasion and several friends came up to me declaring that they “hadn’t laughed so much in years” with one friend saying “Lady Crabtree is incredible because to talk for over an hour keeping everyone in stitches is nothing short of genius”. We both agree!"
Edwina & David Mills, Horsham, November 2018
"It was so lovely to see Lady Crabtree again, still looking as good as ever and her memory is fantastic,
far better than most of the ladies who attend Ladies Who Lunch....including mine. An amazing woman!
Please tell Lady Crabtree that we look forward to seeing her again in the not too distant future."
Barbara Burstow, Ladies Who Lunch, Bexhill, January 2019
"Many thanks for a splendid afternoon's entertainment, just the right balance of pathos, food for thought, and well-timed
first rate humour. Not an easy format to achieve by so many speakers. All thought you were an uplifting hit. Well done!"
Gary Cooper, National Trust, Horsham, January 2019
"Well what an uplifting performance! You were an absolute tonic giving so many food for thought with your expertly balanced
mix of pathos and hilarious humour. We had a full house in the region of 200 and more. I have never heard a U3A audience laugh
so much in all the years I have been organising events for the membership. Everybody left feeling far better than
when they arrived. That is a sign of a very successful highly executed performance and I thank you for that."
Gary Cooper, Horsham & District U3A, January 2019
"On behalf of the club, I would like to thank you very much for talking to us on Friday. Everyone
thoroughly enjoyed the evening and have been very complimentary."
Sue Dickinson, Bexhill 100 Motoring Club, January 2019
"I am so glad that you were able to slant your talk to 1959 for our 60th anniversary, and for staying on to join the party.
Somebody told me that you now have a Christmas-themed talk - I have made a note to invite you for Christmas next year!"
Alan Cooke, Tuesday at Friends, Brighton, February 2019
"Many thanks to Lady Crabtree for a very entertaining talk this afternoon. One of the ladies told me
that you were the best speaker she had ever heard. Hopefully you can visit us again."
Marilyn Fordham, Darby & Joan Club, Crowborough, February 2019
"On behalf of everyone at Rustington Flower Club, may I just say thank you very much indeed
for a very entertaining talk last Thursday! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and we have
received some excellent feedback from members about your tips on growing older!!"
Linda Coleman, Secretary, Rustington Flower Club, February 2019
"It was a great pleasure to have you with us for the afternoon and for you to take the time
to join us in our vintage cream tea. It made it all the more special for our members, a meeting they
are not likely to forget, and listening to them they really were having a lovely time.
Thank you once again and hopefully we will see you again in the not too distant future."
The Committee, Peacehaven & Telscombe Flower Club, June 2019
"So so pleased with your contribution - lots of complimentary comments afterwards.
Very much enjoyed by all."
Joan Wray, Southdown Strollers 20th Anniverary, July 2019
"It was a pleasure to have Lady Crabtree with us yesterday to join in our Centenary celebrations.
It seemed only right to have the honour of her presence as the ladies are so very fond of her.
I for one can't wait to hear her new talk Glad To Be Grey - quite fitting, I thought. Thank you
for being such a successful part of our special day. Look forward to seeing you again soon."
Gill Nokes, Chair, East Sussex Federation of WIs, July 2019
"Thank you for a brilliant performance yesterday Lady Crabtree. We had a great time
and it was a most fitting way to go orf into our summer break!"
Jean O'Neill, President, Bexhill Seagirls WI, July 2019
"What words are appropriate enough to convey our sincere thanks for the way you
entertained Tony and me, as well as our lovely friends; we knew you would come up trumps
and you didn't disappoint. So far we have had a flurry of thank you cards, all oozing with
compliments and everyone has made particular mention of you and want us to arrange
another event with you as the entertainer. Can't be bad."
Lizzie Gilks, Timespan Historical Presentations, Arundel, July 2019
"It was a real pleasure to meet "Her Ladyship" and I wish to thank you on behalf
of our Branch President, Chairman, Committee and members, for a wonderfully
thought provoking, clever, and very amusing presentation.
I have received many phone calls and emails from our members, all saying
how much they enjoyed the evening and what a very talented person you are.
I wish to express our thanks and appreciation."
Janet Harper-Watson, Branch Secretary, Hastings & Rother NARPO, August 2019
"It was a sheer delight having you at our event on Saturday. As it was our final event for the year,
we saved the best till last and what an afternoon it was -
thank you so much for helping make the event so successful."
Dee Probert, Wealden Senior Citizens Partnership, October 2019
"Well, we won't be forgetting our 50th Anniversary celebrations for a very long time.
Lady Crabtree's 'After Lunch' speech was perfect for the occasion and we have had a lovely lot
of comments back from those attending saying how much they enjoyed it. The mix of Lions
background information linked in with her Glad To Be Grey talk was perfect and rounded
the event off nicely. Many thanks for making the event so memorable."
Lion Claire Reynolds, NPS Lions Club, October 2019
"It was good to see you last night at Hailsham Rope Makers WI, you always make me laugh, which is such a tonic."
Gill Nokes, Chair, East Sussex Federation of WIs, December 2019
"Please thank Lady Crabtree for finding time to visit our Christmas celebration when she has such a busy
schedule. We all thoroughly enjoyed her seasonal talk and thank you for the photographs to remind
us of the happy occasion."
Malcolm Hackett, Ferring Probus Club, December 2019
"Many thanks for the seasonal entertainment you delivered on Sunday. It was enjoyed by all
bar two as they walked out because they got tired of waiting for their pudding - their loss!!"
Peter Algar, RAFA Arundel, December 2019
"It was really lovely meeting you. Thank you so much for your very entertaining speech; the
Bereavement group all loved it and I have had lots of emails saying so."
Glenys Jones, Bereavement Support Group, December 2019
"I so wanted the chance to speak to you today to say how much I enjoyed your presentation.
One of the times I was flying up and down the hall I did manage to say how good I found your talk
and that I would contact you this evening. So many parts of your talk resonated with me,
your thoughts about the meaning of Christmas in particular; many other parts made me laugh out loud
and I smiled mostly throughout it all. Fortunately the calm before the storm was, for me, being able to sit there and hear
your talk for the entirety...... Second time I have seen you. Today was brilliant."
Audience member, Arun East U3A, December 2019
"We have received many complimentary comments about your very perceptive talk..."
Pam Davidoff, Arun East U3A, December 2019
"Thank you so much for providing us with a very entertaining performance on Friday.
So many things struck a chord with me and many of our members."
Wendy Jones, Willingdon Flower Club, December 2019
"Well done! Another stunning performance. I've never seen the membership laugh so much
except when you last entertained them. Truly excellent."
Gary Cooper, National Trust, January 2020
"Everyone enjoyed Lady Crabtree's talk and the money raised will be a great help at one of our sailing days."
Jen Tomkinson, Rye Harbour Sailability charity, July 2021
"Lady Crabtree's talk was excellent and amusing. The Ladies loved it."
Avril Parrini, President, Polegate WI, August 2021
"On behalf of Findon Village WI, a huge thank you for Lady Crabtree taking the time in her busy schedule to come and entertain us on Thursday, we all thoroughly enjoyed her visit and wise, wonderful and funny talk on 'Glad to be Grey'. It was particularly special because it was the first time since March 2020 that we had all met in person again. We hope to meet Lady Crabtree again in the future, she never fails to put a smile on everyone's face and we all go home feeling uplifted."
Hazel Davies, Findon Village WI, August 2021
"May I give you a big thank you for your entertaining talk yesterday, It was a great success with everyone enjoying themselves.
Christine Mitchell, Steyning & District Flower Club, August 2021
"We had very good feedback from the ladies; everyone enjoyed the visit."
Jill Packham, President, Scaynes Hill WI, September 2021
"Very many thanks for coming all the way to Sandhurst and for your marvellously funny
talk to the Friendship Club. The members just loved it all."
Rosie Broadbent, Sandhurst Friendship Club, September 2021
"Can you thank Lady Crabtree for her brilliant performance. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it."
Brenda Preston, Wadhurst WI, September 2021
"A huge thank you from Firle and Beddingham WI and guests for such a wonderfully amusing talk yesterday
at the Langham Hotel! Those who had never met you before were thrilled to at last hear your talk
and we shall now be able to relay some of the amusing bits to the rest of our members and to our two ladies
of 100 years old who couldn't be there. Thank you again."
Rosemary Norris, President, Firle & Beddingham WI, September 2021
"Fantastic RASCALS meeting with our guest speaker Lady Crabtree - what a lovely, gracious, glamorous,
kind and witty lady, we all enjoyed her very much and thank her so much."
Tina Whitmore, RASCALS (rheumatoid arthritis society), Pevensey Bay, November 2021
"Great to see such a good turnout on Wednesday evening for our special guest speaker Lady Crabtree.
Her thoughts on Whatever Happened To Christmas rang true with the members, and there were plenty of funny moments."
Sovereign Harbour Friends, November 2021
"We had a amazing carer and volunteer Christmas lunch at the Langham in Eastbourne last week. Our brilliant patron, Lady Crabtree, joined us and entertained the guests no end!" Association of Carers, December 2021
"Thank you for a very entertaining presentation which was the highlight of a most enjoyable Christmas meeting." Dorothy Lewis, Brighton Five Deans U3A, December 2021
"Thank you so much! A terrific talk and enjoyed by everyone. Just what we needed right now." Elizabeth Muir-Lewis, Eastbourne Arts Circle, December 2021
"Just a note to say thank you so much for today, everyone loved Lady C! I've had lots of messages to say how much they enjoyed her talk and for me, as the arranger, I could just sit back, confident that we would all be well entertained - and we were! Amongst some of the lovely comments I overheard as we were leaving: that Lady C must own an awful lot of outfits and that maybe Lady Crabtree wasn't quite who they thought she was. So that went well." Gaynor
Hollis, Probus Club of Horsham Weald, March 2022
"Many thanks for your visit to Hillborough House yesterday. The feedback is that a great afternoon was had by all." Dave Lock, Hillborough House, Little Common, April 2022
"Everybody thoroughly enjoyed your presentation yesterday. It put smiles on our faces. It was much appreciated after years of the pandemic and the awful news at the moment. I have had an email from one of our members who said - 'What a great speaker - tears of joy and pathos.' Thank you so much." Marian Stanley, Newhaven & Peacehaven U3A, April 2022
“Thank you once again for entertaining us so well this afternoon at our Darby and Joan meeting. Always a joy to see you. A few of our members couldn’t come for different reasons and were very sorry that they were going to miss your talk. You are like our lovely weather, a pleasure to see.” Marilyn Fordham, Darby & Joan Club, Crowborough, April 2022
"At long last, after three years, I have been able to see Lady Crabtree. Today our U3A travelled down to Eastbourne to see you.... we all enjoyed your performance and you had me curled up with laughter." Jean Elmer, Crawley U3A, May 2022
"Thank you so much for such an entertaining talk at the Langham Hotel today. It was very amusing and thought provoking. We all enjoyed ourselves...a great day out in Eastbourne." Liz Tennant, Crawley U3A, May 2022
"We all had such an enjoyable afternoon. Your talk was just amazing - very much appreciated by everyone. Thank you for your contribution to making it such an enjoyable and memorable occasion." Joan Wray, Southdown Strollers, July 2022
"Everyone really enjoyed your talk, great fun!" Jackie Root, Paddara, Kent, August 2022
"Lady Crabtree is Patron of the Association of Carers amd she kindly attended an event a couple of weeks ago on our behalf. She entertained the audience with one of her excellent performances and spoke about the work that we do. Thank you, Lady Crabtree, you are a superstar!" Association of Carers, August 2022
"We thoroughly enjoyed meeting Lady Crabtree and found her talk very interesting and entertaining. I looked around the room several times and the smiles on people's faces were testament to that. We really enjoyed sitting together for tea and cakes afterwrads." Email from audience member, Cross-in-Hand WI group meeting, September 2022
"I represent Edenara and had the pleasure ,as well as everyone else, to be entertained at our May meeting by Lady Crabtree. I would love to book her again for 2023..." Barry Lawn, Edenbridge Active Retirement Association, September 2022
"It was a lovely evening. Thank you for coming along and supporting our 3rd birthday party." Marion Hollands, St Wilfrid's WI, September 2022
"It was lovely having Lady Crabtree give another of her wonderfully amusing talks to us. Such good fun and just what we all needed on such a miserable day. Do please thank her on behalf of us all. I do hope she has a good and healthy year and I am sure we will be inviting her to give another talk in the future."
Carla Hallgren, After 8 Club, Burwash, April 2023
"It was an absolute delight. Everyone enjoyed it immensely."
Geoff Fitch, Lewes Probus Club, July 2023
"We had some really good feedback about your visit, so look forward to seeing you again some time next year."
Willingdon Community Library, July 2023
"The members of Buxted WI celebrated in style when they held their summer social event in the elegant Garden Room of Horsted Place Hotel. Lady Crabtree have an hilarious talk on why we should be 'Glad To Be Grey', which had members laughing from the start."
Kirsten Brown, Buxted WI, August 2023
"It was probably one of the hottest days of the year, yet again our members are such stalwarts they come in rain or shine, heatwave or not. This was a speaker not to be missed: none other than Lady Crabtree. This is the fourth time we have enjoyed her anecdotes on life and how to grow old gracefully. To hear her stories of computer problems, getting GP appointments, contacting utility companies - press 1 for this and 2 for that - and so on and so on. We all experience these problems; however she makes them seem so funny, members clap, laugh and go home feeling good about life."
Val Bignall, Edenbridge Active Retirement Association, September 2023
"Thank you very much for being the guest speaker yesterday. You always know exactly just where to pitch the rhetoric
and how to keep the audience in the palms of your hands.......great fun."
Angela Hughes, Langham Hotel, September 2023
"Please pass on my huge thanks to Lady Crabtree for her entertainment yesterday.
I have had so much good feedback from people today who so enjoyed it.
My apologies to her though because I omitted to give her the glass of water I promised her!
We have made a lovely sum for the charity (£1,700-00)."
Judith Cooper, The Starfish Project, October 2023
"Thank you so much for entertaining us today. I've had a very positive response to your talk."
Maggie Wright, Wealden Woodturners, Robertsbridge,
"Many thanks for your attendance and the laughs yesterday. It's so lovely to receive such great comments from the Carers who attended."
Louise Vladi, Charity Manager, Association of Carers, December 2023
"Thank you for enlivening our party yesterday. Your amusing discourse with pertinent reminders was enjoyed by everyone."
Philip Cheung, Chairman, Wadhurst & District U3A
"Thank you so much for making our Christmas meeting such a memorable occasion everyone thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. It was wonderful to be transported back to our childhood Christmases so much of it was just as I remember mine.it really made us realise just how much everything has changed . I had to smile to myself this morning when I went shopping there were the hot cross buns !!!!! "
Adrienne, Peacehaven & Telscombe Flower Club, December 2023
"Thank you so much for your talk yesterday. Speaking to our members after you left, they all said they thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. A wonderful treat as there isn't too much to laugh about at the moment! I so agree about not going into one's dotage wearing beige and grey, a little splash of colour is very uplifting! And to quote Jenny Joseph 'When I am old I shall wear purple and a red hat'. Although I'm not too sure about learning to spit!"
Ann Haizelden, Wannock Downs WI, February 2024
"I want to say a huge huge thank you for all the help you gave yesterday in performing at our event! You were phenomenal and we have had some lovely feedback from lots of people there. This is one of the lovely emails I have received-
'I’ve just been to today’s event at The Langham and want to say congratulations on arranging such a great event. The entertainment was fantastic, the food was fab and the whole thing had a lovely friendly atmosphere. I went on my own, but still thoroughly enjoyed myself. Please can we have another one soon please !!!' Thank you so much again!"
Lucy Barker, Association of Carers, February 2024
"On behalf of the Friends of St Barnabas Hospice - and, indeed, the good folk of Henfield!- may I thank you most sincerely for your generous support of our event. I have had wonderful feedback from our 70 guests, who were delighted to meet you. Their comments have been a joy to hear, and a pleasure to share. We raised in excess of £850, which will go directly to Hospice funds. Your very kind contribution to this success was immense, and we thank you for your interest and support of our little band of helpers in Henfield. Who knows … you might grace us with your presence again."
Lesley Besson, Chairman, Ladybirds Fundraisers, May 2024
"It was really special having you with us yesterday, we ALL so enjoyed your talk and thank you for coming - it was a veritable treat!!"
Hilary Barker, Hove WI, June 2024
"Thank you so much for coming to us at Westham Evening W.I.
Many of us had seen you perform many times but all agreed it was a fantastic evening and everyone enjoyed it immensely.
We can tell when a Speaker is going down well !"
Jan Bailey, President, Westham Evening WI, July 2024
"Thank you for a wonderful and entertaining afternoon."
Elizabeth Lloyd, Ashdown Evergreens, September 2024
"Thank you for coming to us last Thursday, we thoroughly enjoyed your talk. There is currently a queue outside the solicitors and undertakers, with members wanting to update their wishes, a timely reminder for us all!"
Margaret Hayes, Horam & Heathfield Flower Club, October 2024
"What an enjoyable morning we all had yesterday.
It was such a joy to hear laughter and see everyone enjoying themselves.
We all need that at the moment - more than ever.
Thank you for your amazing input. We loved it."
Joan Wray, Southdown Strollers, October 2024
"Thank you for the wonderful entertainment you gave us on Thursday; it was a most enjoyable afternoon and the time went all too quickly. You kept us laughing, smiling and nodding at the memories you invoked and I know the afternoon and you part in it, will be talked about and remembered for a long time.
Although you undoubtedly deserve to move into complete retirement, as many of us already are; I hope it won't be too soon and that we will again have the pleasure of your company at one of our meetings."
Beryl Bodey, Catsfield WI, December 2024
" Dear Lady Crabtree, You may remember coming to us in May to kindly donate your time to support our Afternoon Tea event. This raised over £900 for our local Hospice, St Barnabas. We are still talking about it : you featured in our Christmas concert programme on Saturday as being the stand-out event of the year: it's just referred to as 'Lady Crabtree'. So I am writing to tell you that our little group have now raised over £7000 this year. All our benefactors are in our thoughts as we reflect on this ... and so I send my heartfelt thanks again, for your boost to our morale as well as our funds😃
We wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR !!"
Lesley Besson, Ladybirds Fundraisers, Henfield, December 2024
"Thank you so much for such a great contribution to this special programme. It's always a delight to work with guests who really
pull out all the stops for us. It was a pleasure meeting you and talking to you - I hope it's not the last time."
Alan Titchmarsh - TV Presenter
“Rarely can a society meeting have been quite so dazzled – there is no other word. As the chairman enviously remarked –
all that erudition and wit, and not a single note.”
Eastbourne Gazette, October 2007
“The Gala Dinner in the evening was a splendid affair. The room looked lovely, the dinner was excellent and Lady Crabtree, our special guest, was enormous fun, having everyone in hysterics.”
Penny Valentine, Ladies' Captain, Royal Eastbourne Golf Club, October 2008
"Excellent! It is two weeks since Lady Crabtree's visit, and our members still haven't stopped talking about it!"
Polegate Ladies Circle, July 2010
"The people of St John's Guild were so grateful that Lady Crabtree came along to entertain us. We were fascinated by by her showbusiness reminiscences. It was interesting to hear the source of her wonderful diction. And if we ever have to arrange a seating plan, we will call her in!"
St John's Guild, August 2010
"It was a very interesting morning when we all met the Dowager Lady Crabtree. We all enjoyed her comic monologues and witty stories about her life. Time flew by and we were sorry when the meeting ended."
Saffrons Ladies Club, October 2010
"We all thoroughly enjoyed the evening. To have such professional entertainment at a church event was just extraordinary."
Fr Charlie Goring, Christ Church with St Philip, February 2011
"Lady Crabtree looked fabulous... her hour with us was so professional, and word perfect, you wonder just how she managed to remember all those lines. She received a tremendous ovation from our members, and while we were all enjoying a cup of tea afterwards, our members were saying just how much they had enjoyed the afternoon's entertainment."
Chairman, Eastbourne & District Cardiac Support Group, May 2011
"Lady Crabtree has given me back my sense of humour. I see so much comedy on television that I just don't find funny, and I really thought that I would never laugh again. But this afternoon I have ached with laughter."
Audience member, May 2011
"You really are the dream speaker. Turning up on time - finishing at exactly the right moment and giving everyone a really entertaining and enjoyable afternoon. You sometimes get one or two of the pointers, but oh so rarely do you get all three!!! Thank you so much - I absolutely basked in all the lovely comments from our members on their way out."
Jean Taylor, Friends of the Devonshire Park Theatre, August 2011
"I hadn't had the pleasure of seeing you perform before and for me it was an hour of warmth, gentle naughty humour and delicious anecdotes so cleverly crafted. From the feedback I received from our members I know you delighted and entertained. Thank you for giving us all an afternoon to remember."
Angela Hughes, Social Committee Chairman, Friends of the Devonshire Park Theatre, August 2011
"Members of the Friends of the Devonshire Park Theatre enjoyed a special treat when they took tea with the Dowager Lady Crabtree on 7th August 2011. It proved to be a real hoot, as the refined Constance, Lady Crabtree is actually author and broadcaster Paul James in his other guise - and his comedy routine produced an hour of almost non-stop laughter."
FDPT website
"The 60th anniversary tea party at the Langham Hotel was very successful with entertainment by Lady Crabtree."
Jevington & Filching WI, October 2011
"I am completely overwhelmed by yesterday. It was almost a 'This Is Your Life' moment. I can only guess at the secret phone calls that must have been made for you to acquire so much information about my life. I must thank you most sincerely for the time you spent to put that together. Please thank Lady Crabtree. She always manages to find the right words!! Once again, many many thanks. It was a day to remember."
Lois Hughes, Birthday Tea, Langham Hotel, July 2012.
"A very sincere thank you for the most entertaining evening you gave to the “Inner Wheel Club of Eastbourne”. I have been sent many notes of congratulations in choosing Lady Crabtree to attend my President’s Evening at the Royal Golf Club. Many others were most impressed with not only your delivery of chatter but also your speed and memory. Well done, and I do hope other engagements will arise from your most polished performance. It was a complete surprise for most of the audience, only three ladies knew you were to speak, which for me made your arrival more spectacular. Thank you for making the evening a resounding success with all your good, gentle humour and attention to detail. "
Pamela Eveleigh - President, Inner Wheel of Eastbourne, May 2013
"Every single person has come out saying how funny it was and how much they enjoyed it."
Nik Alexander Jones - Langham Hotel receptionist - Edwards Coaches Lunch, September 2013
"They all really enjoyed it - well done !!"
Simon Brown - Hotel Manager - Langham Hotel, September 2013
"We enjoyed Lady Crabtree's talk very much, in fact many of our members said you were the best speaker they had heard at our meetings."
Jean Stuart-Grant, Meads WI, Eastbourne, November 2013
"Thank you on behalf of the members. What a wonderful way to start the New Year. I keep smiling to myself over all your sage remarks about old age! Is there a chance that Lady Crabtree would be willing to talk to the Fundraisers again in 2015? She enthralled everyone this time and so many members have asked me if she could come again to give us another of her talks?"
Jill Scott-Taggart, Royal National Lifeboat Institute, January 2014
"Thank you for Thursday evening - everyone enjoyed the experience and I am already being bombarded with requests for a return visit."
Pat Allen, Gables Court, Eastbourne, February 2014
"KINGSTON WI: A report of the Lewes Group Meeting included praise for the entertainer Lady Crabtree and members were asked if they would like her as our Christmas party entertainment..." Sussex Express, 18 April 2014
"On behalf of all the members of our Carers' Group, please accept our sincere thanks for entertaining us so well on Saturday. Everyone was delighted with the show you put on." Fred Weston, Meet & Greet, April 2014
"Many thanks for entertaining us so well yesterday here at Buxted. All the feedback I have had was so positive and I shall certainly be telling many people about you."
Louise Beale, Buxted Court, May 2014
"Everyone was SO impressed by Lady Crabtree! Not all my WI's members were able to go to the Group Meeting, so I've been asked
to see if you could come to our Christmas Meeting."
Shirley Kirby, Lewes Westgate WI, June 2014
"Thank you for your supremely elegant performance and for adding a touch of aristocracy to our humble offering!
The transformation is just amazing!"
Carol Mounter Collins, ReAct Theatre Company, July 2014
"Would you kindly convey to Lady Crabtree our sincere thanks for a wonderful performance last Sunday at our choir BBQ. What a gentle and sophisticated lady she is!
Everyone we have spoken to enjoyed it very much indeed. I am sorry that I didn't get time to say a personal hello and thanks, but I was beavering away backstage, but I did watch the whole performance and thoroughly enjoyed it."
Lyn Betteley, Concentus Chorale, August 2014
"I was sorry that I did not thank you personally for the most entertaining talk that you gave. I have come home and researched you and my goodness you have been busy! Thank you for a most enjoyable afternoon."
Jenifer Barraclough, St Michael's Hospice Support Group, August 2014
"Thank you so much for the wonderful talk you did at St Michael's Hospice on Sunday. Our supporters absolutely loved it
and had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Many thanks again! "
Amanda Hildreth, Community Fundraiser, St Michael's Hospice, Hastings, August 2014
"Congratulations all round on the show! I was in the audience to see the performance and, since I had a pressing engagement immediately afterwards,
I simply didn't have the time to pop backstage to distribute boxes of chocolates, exotic bouquets, hugs, kisses, etc. But I thought it was a great success
and hope that the Under Ground Theatre will have the sense to make Music Hall a regular feature. I loved you all !!"
Geoff Morley, re "Lady Crabtree & Friends - Music Hall" show, September 2014
"Thank you so much for such an enjoyable evening. Everyone said what a great evening they'd had. We could all have sat there much longer listening to you talk. Thank you!"
Doreen Carter, Heathfield Trefoil Guild September 2014
"Thank you so much for the very interesting talk you gave us last Wednesday. It was very entertaining!
I think you outwitted many people!"
Evelyn Ellis, Heathfield Trefoil Guild, September 2014
"We would like to thank you again for a very entertaining afternoon. All the Club members thoroughly enjoyed your performance.
Hopefully we'll be able to book you again in 2015."
Margery Holden, The MORE Club, Eastbourne, October 2014
"Thank you very much indeed for yesterday's witty and engaging talk, delivered by the lovely Lady Crabtree. It was a great success
and we are all incredibly grateful to you. We raised just over £3,000 for the Hospice, which is fantastic! Many, many thanks."
Simon Cosham, Corporate Fundraiser, St Wilfrid's Hospice, October 2014
"On behalf of the members of Bexhill Horticultural Society I would like to thank you for a very pleasant
afternoon's entertainment. I didn't get away from today's meeting for some time, with all the members saying how much
they enjoyed the talk. I will be in touch in the future to see what other talks you have. Once again, many thanks."
Brian Thring, Bexhill Horticultural Society, November 2014
"I just wanted to thank you for Friday afternoon. It was fun and the ladies enjoyed the afternoon 'growing old disgracefully'."
Angela Hind, Secretary, Meads Townswomen's Guild, December 2014
THE KINGSTON WI Christmas party...... After the meal everyone had tea or coffee and prepared to be entertained by The Dowager Lady Crabtree. There, before us, on the stage was a tall, elegant lady dressed in a red outfit with red shoes, her silver hair beautifully coiffed: the widow of the 9th Baron Crabtree. She now resides in Eastbourne at a Home for Gentlewomen Living in Reduced Circumstances and fulfils an active public life, taking part in radio and TV programmes; writing books and performing comic monologues. Her latest talk is entitled, How to Grow Old Gracefully. For about 45 minutes we were wonderfully entertained by poems, cautionary tales and anecdotes. There were hoots of laughter as we listened to her often outrageous slant on life and stories of her experiences and advice to the elderly. Her monologue ended with a rousing round of applause; everyone commenting on their enjoyment of such a wonderful speaker. Lady Crabtree, we discovered, was created by the entertainer Paul James, in 1978. She became very popular and after 36 years is still wowing audiences. What a wonderful ending to 2014, with smiles all round.
Sussex Express, 12 December 2014
"We are deeply grateful for your coming along to entertain us all. It is fascinating to hear about events in your life, which you make so enjoyable
and interesting. The response from our people shows just how appreciative they all are."
St John's Guild, Eastbourne branch, January 2015
"A very big thank you to Lady Crabtree for the wonderful talk she gave to the RNLI fundraisers on 9th January. She is such a star.
We are blessed to have her presence in Eastbourne."
Jill Scott-Taggart, RNLI, January 2015
"I would be most grateful if you will pass on my immense gratitude for the highly entertaining talk that the Dowager Lady Crabtree
gave to the people of East Dean and Friston on Saturday 24th January. Although quite a few of the audience had seen
and heard Her Ladyship before, I was informed that most (if not all) of the talk was fresh and new.
In this regard my committee suggested that a bonus was called for and therefore please accept our cheque.
I have also been asked if Her Ladyship would be happy to entertain us again in the future."
Catherine Groves, Chair, East Dean & Friston Village Hall Trust, February 2015
"Many thanks for the simply fantastic entertainment you gave us on Saturday afternoon. We have had so many comments on how
everyone enjoyed your talk. It was a great way to end what had been a very busy business meeting."
Gill Williams, Conference Chairman, Lioness Conference, Maidstone, February 2015
"A big thank you from all your friends at Gables for another entertaining evening. The Dame Hilda dress was also a hit.
I think they'd have you back EVERY month, if they could!"
Pat Allen, Gables Court, Eastbourne, February 2015
"I just wanted to repeat our thanks for helping to make our 60th Wedding Anniversary so much fun -
it really made the afternoon for us and everyone enjoyed listening to you (but still can't believe that
you're not a real member of the aristocracy!) Your act was so different to the over loud
singers and musicians we get nowadays...we look forward to seeing you again."
Colin & Shirley Nash, Little Common, March 2015
"I'd like to thank you very much for speaking to us last Friday at the Club's monthly meeting. There were many complimentary comments
and your identity was not suspected by quite a few until they read your leaflet. I believe there will be a couple of contacts
made for you to speak at other organisations."
Sue Dickinson, Behill 100 Motoring Club, March 2015
" I wish to thank you sincerely for the most wonderful presentation on Friday evening. I haven't laughed so much for a long time!
Along with your humour, you also gave us some very sound tips on how to deal with all sorts of situations in our lives.
You looked so elegant and several members, who didn't know, really didn't believe that you were in fact a gentleman!"
Jane Craig, Castle Group WI, Ringmer, April 2015
"Many thanks for a great, entertaining afternoon last week here at Thalia House. We look forward to your next visit in 2016."
Val McDonald, Thalia House, Bexhill, April 2015
"Thank you for being with us today. Lady Crabtree's musings amused and provoked thought. May you long be able to entertain
folk with your written and spoken word. God bless."
Nora Ferris, Coffee Corner, May 2015
"An outstanding presentation.... Lady Crabtree's talk was definitely the best
we've had throughout our large District this year, and we have seven
meeting places!! It was absolutely excellent. We're booked up for events
in Bexhill until the middle of 2016 , but I hope that it will be possible
to invite Her Ladyship in September 2016 to give her presentation, "The
Dowager Entertains".
Philip Leng, Oddfellows Friendly Society, June 2015
"All the ladies enjoyed the afternoon tea and your wonderful talk at the Langham Hotel
on Wednesday and we are so pleased that we chose that venue to mark our 80th Anniversary.
I look forward to seeing you again soon."
Pam Winton, President, Telscombe Cliffs WI, July 2015
"At our July meeting, we were fortunate to have The Dowager Lady Crabtree addressing us on the subject of
Growing Old Disgracefully. Lady Crabtree looked immaculate in a powder blue Frank Usher suit. The talk was very amusing
and warmly received. Janet Curtis, our Chairman, thanked Lady Crabtree for a most enjoyable evening."
Devonshire Park Townswomen's Guild, August 2015
"Your performance last Friday was absolutely brilliant. We would like to book you for next year with Glad To Be Grey."
David Sale, Riverside Club, Lewes, November 2015
"I am writing to say A HUGE THANK YOU. The feedback is fantastic....you made many people's evening very happy.
I will find a date for you to return early in the New Year."
Carolyn Bloom, Activities Co-ordinator, The Hawthorns, Eastbourne, November 2015
"I would like to thank you for coming to give us a talk yesterday. I had such lovely comments from so many members;
they thoroughly enjoyed it. Look forward to seeing you at the Regency meeting in May and I will be inviting you back in 2017."
Mary Taylor, President, Patcham Morning WI, December 2015
"We all enjoyed your talk, so very much of it hit the right note (I always try to freshen up my lipstick!). We thought you looked very elegant!"
Rosemary Drysdale, Westham WI, December 2015
"It was lovely to meet you yesterday and, as I am sure you are aware, Lady Crabtree was extremely well received.
I had many people coming up to me afterwards to say how much they enjoyed your talk and that it had
started Christmas off on the right foot for them! As I'm sure Lady Crabtree would agree, a good laugh keeps you young!"
Valerie Winstone, Stratford Ladies' Lunch Club, Stratford-upon-Avon, December 2015
"Without making your head big, I have been asked so many times since I joined the Under Ground Theatre last July about
Lady Crabtree and when are we going to have her back again."
John Webb, Under Ground Theatre, Eastbourne, February 2016
"I just want to say a big thank you for a cracking evening at the yacht club - you were fabulous! I've heard
loads of terrific comments from folk who were there last night. We will definitely want you to come back!"
Alison Attwood, Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club, February 2016
"Thank you so much for an entertaining afternoon last week. I don't think we have ever had someone
who made us laugh so much. The ladies had a wonderful time."
Gill Bird, Cardiff Ladies' Lunch Club, February 2016
"At this month's meeting members were highly entertained by the Dowager Lady Crabtree, who gave us a humorous talk on‘Growing Old Disgracefully’. We all learnt some very good tips on how to make the most of growing old whilst having fun at the same time
– the secret seems to be in smiling a lot, wearing bright red lipstick and above all else NO SENSIBLE SHOES!!"
Cross-in Hand WI, February 2016
"Your talk was very informative and entertaining, pitched exactly right for my "Ladies Wot Lunch" and I
for one would very much like to have a return visit by you at a later date. I am sure you will have more
entertaining words of wisdom."
Barbara Burstow, Ladies Who Lunch, Bexhill, March 2016
"Thank you so much for entertaining us last Thursday afternoon. After a lovely tea, we all thoroughly enjoyed your musings
as Lady Crabtree, although it is a little worrying that you have locked on so well to the way we ladies think!
So much so that some of our ladies were quite convinced you were one of us!
Thank you again for a really lovely and enjoyable afternoon."
Avril Parrini, President, Polegate WI, March 2016
"We were joined at the monthly meeting by the Dowager Lady Crabtree, who had come along that afternoon
to give members a brief history or her life and advice on how to grow old disgracefully. This was a
very amusing, informative and interesting topic and the Ladies Circle learnt quite a few tricks which they
could follow in the years to come...and much laughter ensued at this funny, light-hearted meeting."
Joan Smith, Chairman, Meads Ladies Circle, March 2016
"Thank you so kindly for your talk. Everyone enjoyed it and I am so glad that you were able to come
and maybe you may come again some time. Perhaps I shouldn't say it, but I liked the outfit you were wearing.
It suited you well. Thank you once again."
Shirley Patricia Cohen, Scribe, Sidley Friendship Club, August 2016
"How or where to start with our thanks for a truly excellent performance. You really did have the
audience eating out of your hand. So many nice comments from our members as they were leaving.
Look forward to the next time - as I am sure there will be a return visit requested."
Jean Taylor, Secretary, Eastbourne Masonic Friendship Club, October 2016
"Thank you so much for such an entertaining talk at our lunch yesterday at the Langham Hotel,
everyone said how much they enjoyed it....we will be sure to recommend you to others. Thanks once again."
Margaret Baldock, Hon Sec Eastbourne Spread Eagles Club, October 2016
"I'm in touch to say how much I enjoyed your performance last night at Herstmonceux WI!! It was masterly!
You managed to glide along the tightrope of comedy and seriousness - and never put one foot wrong!
You were utterly believable and made us all warm to you by taking your audience seriously and affectionately,
rather than just playing for laughs or being off-colour. It's often only by being so completely serious and professional
that humour rises so brilliantly to the surface.
Your costume and jewellery were so right and your attention to detail and grooming exemplary! (How much easier it
might be to buy a cheap wig and hope for the best or to go for a cheap laugh with nasty make-up.)
The content of your talk was ideal for the evening and helped also by your good delivery, your fluency
and your softer tone of voice (rather than the grating falsetto often employed by other gentlemen in your
line of work) and by your warmth that was there from start to finish.
It was all deliciously camp and very uplifting!"
Kate Short, Herstmonceux WI, October 2016
"It was the audience who gained at the Ladies Lunch Club in the Langham today.
Another great performance about greying hair, wrinkles - I have many - the amazing alphabet letter
association, and many great lines. I felt exhausted with laughter.
It was good to see you looking so youthful with a sparkle in your eye.
Thank you for including me in today's speech and for the photo opportunity."
Derek Mepham, Heathfield, October 2016
"Just a few words to thank you for such an entertaining evening at our last meeting. I have had
such a lot of feedback from members saying how much they enjoyed your talk. I think they
are still debating whether Lady Crabtree is genuine!"
Dina Holland, East Blatchington Townswomen's Guild, October 2016
"We all thoroughly enjoyed your talk and look forward to the next visit."
Val MacDonald, Thalia House, Bexhill, November 2016
"We all enjoyed the evening and Glad To Be Grey was a great success!"
Pat Allen, Gables Court, Eastbourne, November 2016
"Thank you so much for joining us to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary. Looking at life through
your talk was certainly nostalgic and highly amusing. The story relating to the DVDs certainly hit the
spot with some of our friends. Your talk added a wonderful highlight to our celebration. The humour is
brilliant and so refreshing, and was appreciated by all of our guests. Thank you for helping to make
our day so memorable."
Sandra & Stuart Yarwood, Polegate, November 2016
"Many thanks. Lady Crabtree is wonderful! She is so highly thought of, I think even just coming and standing
in front of the audience would be enough!"
Jill Scott-Taggert, RNLI, January 2017
"Very many thanks from all at the Devonshire Club for a great talk today."
Graham Robinson, Chairman, February 2017
"Thank you for this evening. Everyone thought you were wonderful. A very jolly evening."
Ros Saunders, Social Secretary, Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club, February 2017
"Thank you so much for your entertaining talk at the Langham Hotel. Everyone was delighted.
I shall look forward to meeting you again sometime."
Carol Gower, Cranbrook Business Association, March 2017
"We had a wonderful Members' Day yesterday - your talk was so amuising and entertaining... We have received so
many comments from members who appreciated a very good day - so many thanks for your delightful talk."
Wendy Allaway, Sussex Area NAFAS
"Thank you so much for a wonderful evening, you certainly entertained the ladies of Crowborough Vale WI
and you were definitely the highlight of our Birthday Party. I enjoyed your talk immensely...
With much appreciation and many thanks."
Jennie Wood, Crowborough Vale WI, March 2017
"The PCC has asked us to record their thanks to you for the wonderful performance of "Glad To Be Grey" which
you gave at our church. Everyone had a most enjoyable afternoon. Of course, we are most grateful for the impressive
contribution (£810) to church funds that your talk raised."
Margaret Barr & Maureen Metcalfe, Churchwardens, Christ Church, Eastbourne, April 2017
"Thank you for a great evening!"
Anita Long, Fairwarp WI, April 2017
"I just wish to say what a lovely occasion it was at Mile Oak WI yesterday, and also what a privilege
to meet you again. Sharing your thoughts and memories made the day worthwhile (all said with an
impeccably posh finishing school accent!). You looked so elegant, as usual. Thanks for great entertainment.
Cheers and keep up the good work!!
Norma Pontin, April 2017
"I would just like to say a huge thank you on behalf of Adur East Lions and our guests for your brilliant performance yesterday. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and we have received very good feedback. We will certainly keep you in mind for future events and pass on our recommendations. Many thanks once again."
Doreen Young, Adur East Lions, May 2017
"First of all a big apology for not having thanked you sooner for SUCH a wonderful evening. We all enjoyed it so much, it’s good to have an evening full of laughter. I have been waiting for my committee to respond to my e-mail to book you again for next year! They have finally done so. So, if possible, could we book you...with “Glad to be Grey”.
Cathy Gould, Durrington WI, September 2017
"Thank you for the wonderful entertainment you provided for us last Thursday. Everyone enjoyed the afternoon immensely. Amongst the comments I received as our Members made ready to leave were "amazing" and "the best speaker ever"; which of course delighted our Committee. I hope we will receive another visit from you again in the not too distant future. Again, many thanks for a lovely afternoon."
Beryl Bodey, Catsfield WI, September 2017
"I would just like to say thank you to Lady Crabtree for giving us such an entertaining and amusing talk last night at our After 8 Club.
Everyone thorougly enjoyed the evening and indeed there have been many complimentary emails flying around this morning reiterating this."
Carla Hallgren, After Eight Club, Burwash, November 2017
"We all enjoyed Lady Crabtree's talk Glad To Be Grey. Thank you for helping to make our 50th Anniversary such a
success. Many members have been in contact to say how much they enjoyed the afternoon."
Margaret Moore, Chairman, East Preston Floral Club, November 2017
"Thank you so much for the photos. Your talk is still remembered with enjoyment and mirth!!!! A very happy, healthy and prosperous 2018
from all at East Preston Floral Club."
Ann Jarvis, January 2018
"AFTER EIGHT CLUB : They say laughter does you good and our guest speaker, The Dowager Lady Crabtree, did us a power of good! We found out that her subject, How to Grow Old Disgracefully, is not a new expression when she showed us a book of that title which was written, surprisingly, in 1946. Her seamless monologue was professional, intelligent and very quick. She is a high class snob with a brilliant wit and wonderful ability to write and recite doggrel - she also came across as a very genuine and nice person. Connie, as she calls herself, has been performing at many WI’s and Women’s clubs in the south east and it was at a local WI that Carla first saw her and suggested booking her for our club - a perfect choice, Carla, thank you for arranging a great evening."
Burwash Parish Magazine, December 2017
"Entertainment was provided by the Dowager Lady Crabtree, who caused much laughter and jollity
amongst the ladies with her follow-on talk Glad To Be Grey."
Joan Smith, Meads Ladies Circle, December 2018
"Just a note to thank you for your splendid talk last night. There was lots of laughter and lots of great
comments from our members."
Anne Attewell, Midhurst Garden Club, December 2017
"Many thanks for sending the photos of our happy event. We are still getting excellent feedback from our members."
Anne Attewell, January 2018
"Many thanks for a very entertaining talk. I think the ladies could have listened to you for hours."
Barbara Burstow, Chairman, Ladies Who Lunch, January 2018
"Many thanks for the most entertaining and amusing talk on Monday. I know everyone is looking
forward to your next visit!"
Ann Kinton, Ladies Who Lunch, January 2018
"On behalf of BLG I would like to thank you for coming to the village and entertaining everyone so well.
Your visit was a great start to the 2018 programme. May I wish you further success in the year ahead."
Rose-Marie Watson, Burwash Ladies Group, January 2018
"Thank you for sending me a couple of photos from when you honoured my RAF group
with your presence just before Christmas. We did enjoy your talk Glad To Be Grey and positive comments
are still being made to me about the occasion. Everyone thought what a lovely end to the lunch
it was to have you entertain us."
Peter Algar, RAF, January 2018
"Just a quick note to say thank you for appearing at my 70th birthday party last Sunday. We all enjoyed your
performance very much."
David Fears, Uckfield, January 2018
"Thank you for your time this morning and for popping into the studio for a chat. It was lovely
to meet you and I hope you enjoyed your tour of the tourist attractions of Hailsham afterwards."
Simon Herbert, Presenter, Hailsham FM Radio, April 2018
"Thank you so much for an entertaining evening - it was thrilling to see the ladies enjoying
themselves so much and we look forward to inviting Lady C for a return visit."
Clare Biddiscombe-Woolgar, Polegate Sundowners WI, April 2018
"We all thoroughly enjoyed Lady C's entertaining reminiscences, as always, thank you.
East Preston Festival tickets went on sale yesterday, I already have mine for Lady Crabtree on 4th June!"
Lynn Bates, Angmering Green WI, April 2018
"Thank you for your most entertaining talk yesterday. The feedback has been 100% positive.
I think I can safely say I shall be asked to arrange a future visit from her ladyship."
Jane Lazell, Crowborough U3A, April 2018
"Thank you so much for giving us such a memorable evening in celebration of the Centenary of Warnham WI.
Many lovely comments have been received."
Betty Brand, Vice-Chairman, Warnham WI, May 2018
"Thank you so much for all you put in to your talk last evening. It was a tremendous success and you were much appreciated.
I've had nothing but good remarks about your visit."
Jill Howell, Lady Captain, Ham Manor Golf Club, May 2018
Hailsham & District Flower Club 60th Anniversary Lunch, May 2018
"Everyone had a great time and loved your talk and they really appreciated you staying for tea and cake and posing for photographs with them.
Another successful event and lots of money raised for a good cause, thanks to you. "
Janine Nicholson, East Preston Festival Committee, June 2018
"Thank you so much for your enjoyable and entertaining talk on Friday afternoon. My sister came down from Staffordshire
just to listen to you and has been quoting you ever since!"
Elizabeth Cutchey, Sandhurst, August 2018
"Please pass on huge thanks to Lady Crabtree for her excellent talk from the members of Sandhurst Friendship Club.
I have had masses of feedback that they just loved every minute and were delighted and very amused with her presentation.
It is that professional ability to talk for an hour with seemingly little effort, while holding everybody's attention, which amazed us!!"
Rosie Broadbent, Sandhurst Friendship Club, August 2018
"I have to write to say just how much I really enjoyed your talk to our U3A today. I appreciate the fact that you
weren't a caricature pantomime type of Lady, you were in fact very believable and some people present had to be
shown your 'Paul' picture to actually believe you were a man. It was great fun, witty and many or, probably more accurately,
most of your observations hit the spot. Thank you for a very funny and laughter filled hour or so."
Terri Coombs, Battle & District U3A, September 2018
"Thanks for your superb performance. A real professional!"
Amanda Tuckey, Vice Chairman, Battle & District U3A, September 2018
"Thanks for your talk last night, we received excellent feedback from everyone."
Dave Hilliam, Chair, Mannings Heath Horticultural Society, September 2018
"Following on from Dave....I would like to send thanks to Lady Crabtree from me and say how nice it was to see her again
and this time be able to chat to her.
I know that I speak on behalf of everyone who came along last night when I say that her talk was hugely enjoyed
and most of the audience could easily relate to the situations that she referred to. It was a very entertaining and
informative talk and I think the next time I go to Mannings Heath I will see more bright red lipstick!!"
Marion Neden, Mannings Heath Horticultural Society, September 2018
"We all enjoyed Lady Crabtree's very entertaining and interesting talk. She was so good that many of
our members said that they would like to see her again."
Linda Ives, Crowborough Evening Townswomen's Guild, September 2018
"Many thanks for such an entertaining afternoon yesterday. I played Bridge with three friends this morning
and they were completely "taken in" and said that they hadn't laughed so much for ages - Wendy and myself included!"
Russ Fry, West Chiltington Theatre Arts Club, September 2018
"Without doubt, everyone enjoyed the afternoon very much and your talk was absolutely perfect
for the occasion. Having the ability to establish such a great rapport with your audience is obviously
second nature to you. It was clear you enjoyed entertaining us just as much as we enjoyed being entertained
by you. Thank you so much for helping to make our Emerald celebration such a success."
Wendy Jones, Willingdon Flower Club, September 2018
"On behalf of St Mary's Church Social Committee, I would like to thank you for speaking at our
Harvest Supper. Your talk was very well received and greatly enjoyed by all. There was a lot of positive feedback and
you may well be receiving at least one enquiry for you to speak at another group in the near future.
According to one happy diner, it was one of our best Harvest Supper nights,
due in no small part to your highly entertaining talk."
Lesley Etwell, St Mary's Church, Willingdon, October 2018
"Thank you for such a good and entertaining talk!"
Diane Cleal, Rustington WI, October 2018
"Do please convey to Lady Crabtree that our afternoon tea was immensely enlivened and informed by Lady Crabtree’s wit,
humour and extensive knowledge, particularly of significant events of 1963. I rather fancy some of us would like
to know more about Lady Crabtree’s stylist, but imagine that would be a well kept secret.The celebration has been deemed
a great success and the organisers and club committee have received many comments to that effect. I am certain that many of us
look forward to seeing Lady Crabtree again."
Nancy Hubbard, Horsham Flower Club, October 2018
"We are writing to thank you for giving us and our friends such a memorable afternoon - we have had so many cards expressing pleasure and delight at the unusual and extremely amusing talk you gave . You are just brilliant, such a professional and, at the moment, the talk of Horsham! Most people there took your fliers and several on the day asked how I knew about you and we are quite sure you will get more requests for similar events here . David and I could not have been more delighted and thrilled, you made the occasion and several friends came up to me declaring that they “hadn’t laughed so much in years” with one friend saying “Lady Crabtree is incredible because to talk for over an hour keeping everyone in stitches is nothing short of genius”. We both agree!"
Edwina & David Mills, Horsham, November 2018
"It was so lovely to see Lady Crabtree again, still looking as good as ever and her memory is fantastic,
far better than most of the ladies who attend Ladies Who Lunch....including mine. An amazing woman!
Please tell Lady Crabtree that we look forward to seeing her again in the not too distant future."
Barbara Burstow, Ladies Who Lunch, Bexhill, January 2019
"Many thanks for a splendid afternoon's entertainment, just the right balance of pathos, food for thought, and well-timed
first rate humour. Not an easy format to achieve by so many speakers. All thought you were an uplifting hit. Well done!"
Gary Cooper, National Trust, Horsham, January 2019
"Well what an uplifting performance! You were an absolute tonic giving so many food for thought with your expertly balanced
mix of pathos and hilarious humour. We had a full house in the region of 200 and more. I have never heard a U3A audience laugh
so much in all the years I have been organising events for the membership. Everybody left feeling far better than
when they arrived. That is a sign of a very successful highly executed performance and I thank you for that."
Gary Cooper, Horsham & District U3A, January 2019
"On behalf of the club, I would like to thank you very much for talking to us on Friday. Everyone
thoroughly enjoyed the evening and have been very complimentary."
Sue Dickinson, Bexhill 100 Motoring Club, January 2019
"I am so glad that you were able to slant your talk to 1959 for our 60th anniversary, and for staying on to join the party.
Somebody told me that you now have a Christmas-themed talk - I have made a note to invite you for Christmas next year!"
Alan Cooke, Tuesday at Friends, Brighton, February 2019
"Many thanks to Lady Crabtree for a very entertaining talk this afternoon. One of the ladies told me
that you were the best speaker she had ever heard. Hopefully you can visit us again."
Marilyn Fordham, Darby & Joan Club, Crowborough, February 2019
"On behalf of everyone at Rustington Flower Club, may I just say thank you very much indeed
for a very entertaining talk last Thursday! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and we have
received some excellent feedback from members about your tips on growing older!!"
Linda Coleman, Secretary, Rustington Flower Club, February 2019
"It was a great pleasure to have you with us for the afternoon and for you to take the time
to join us in our vintage cream tea. It made it all the more special for our members, a meeting they
are not likely to forget, and listening to them they really were having a lovely time.
Thank you once again and hopefully we will see you again in the not too distant future."
The Committee, Peacehaven & Telscombe Flower Club, June 2019
"So so pleased with your contribution - lots of complimentary comments afterwards.
Very much enjoyed by all."
Joan Wray, Southdown Strollers 20th Anniverary, July 2019
"It was a pleasure to have Lady Crabtree with us yesterday to join in our Centenary celebrations.
It seemed only right to have the honour of her presence as the ladies are so very fond of her.
I for one can't wait to hear her new talk Glad To Be Grey - quite fitting, I thought. Thank you
for being such a successful part of our special day. Look forward to seeing you again soon."
Gill Nokes, Chair, East Sussex Federation of WIs, July 2019
"Thank you for a brilliant performance yesterday Lady Crabtree. We had a great time
and it was a most fitting way to go orf into our summer break!"
Jean O'Neill, President, Bexhill Seagirls WI, July 2019
"What words are appropriate enough to convey our sincere thanks for the way you
entertained Tony and me, as well as our lovely friends; we knew you would come up trumps
and you didn't disappoint. So far we have had a flurry of thank you cards, all oozing with
compliments and everyone has made particular mention of you and want us to arrange
another event with you as the entertainer. Can't be bad."
Lizzie Gilks, Timespan Historical Presentations, Arundel, July 2019
"It was a real pleasure to meet "Her Ladyship" and I wish to thank you on behalf
of our Branch President, Chairman, Committee and members, for a wonderfully
thought provoking, clever, and very amusing presentation.
I have received many phone calls and emails from our members, all saying
how much they enjoyed the evening and what a very talented person you are.
I wish to express our thanks and appreciation."
Janet Harper-Watson, Branch Secretary, Hastings & Rother NARPO, August 2019
"It was a sheer delight having you at our event on Saturday. As it was our final event for the year,
we saved the best till last and what an afternoon it was -
thank you so much for helping make the event so successful."
Dee Probert, Wealden Senior Citizens Partnership, October 2019
"Well, we won't be forgetting our 50th Anniversary celebrations for a very long time.
Lady Crabtree's 'After Lunch' speech was perfect for the occasion and we have had a lovely lot
of comments back from those attending saying how much they enjoyed it. The mix of Lions
background information linked in with her Glad To Be Grey talk was perfect and rounded
the event off nicely. Many thanks for making the event so memorable."
Lion Claire Reynolds, NPS Lions Club, October 2019
"It was good to see you last night at Hailsham Rope Makers WI, you always make me laugh, which is such a tonic."
Gill Nokes, Chair, East Sussex Federation of WIs, December 2019
"Please thank Lady Crabtree for finding time to visit our Christmas celebration when she has such a busy
schedule. We all thoroughly enjoyed her seasonal talk and thank you for the photographs to remind
us of the happy occasion."
Malcolm Hackett, Ferring Probus Club, December 2019
"Many thanks for the seasonal entertainment you delivered on Sunday. It was enjoyed by all
bar two as they walked out because they got tired of waiting for their pudding - their loss!!"
Peter Algar, RAFA Arundel, December 2019
"It was really lovely meeting you. Thank you so much for your very entertaining speech; the
Bereavement group all loved it and I have had lots of emails saying so."
Glenys Jones, Bereavement Support Group, December 2019
"I so wanted the chance to speak to you today to say how much I enjoyed your presentation.
One of the times I was flying up and down the hall I did manage to say how good I found your talk
and that I would contact you this evening. So many parts of your talk resonated with me,
your thoughts about the meaning of Christmas in particular; many other parts made me laugh out loud
and I smiled mostly throughout it all. Fortunately the calm before the storm was, for me, being able to sit there and hear
your talk for the entirety...... Second time I have seen you. Today was brilliant."
Audience member, Arun East U3A, December 2019
"We have received many complimentary comments about your very perceptive talk..."
Pam Davidoff, Arun East U3A, December 2019
"Thank you so much for providing us with a very entertaining performance on Friday.
So many things struck a chord with me and many of our members."
Wendy Jones, Willingdon Flower Club, December 2019
"Well done! Another stunning performance. I've never seen the membership laugh so much
except when you last entertained them. Truly excellent."
Gary Cooper, National Trust, January 2020
"Everyone enjoyed Lady Crabtree's talk and the money raised will be a great help at one of our sailing days."
Jen Tomkinson, Rye Harbour Sailability charity, July 2021
"Lady Crabtree's talk was excellent and amusing. The Ladies loved it."
Avril Parrini, President, Polegate WI, August 2021
"On behalf of Findon Village WI, a huge thank you for Lady Crabtree taking the time in her busy schedule to come and entertain us on Thursday, we all thoroughly enjoyed her visit and wise, wonderful and funny talk on 'Glad to be Grey'. It was particularly special because it was the first time since March 2020 that we had all met in person again. We hope to meet Lady Crabtree again in the future, she never fails to put a smile on everyone's face and we all go home feeling uplifted."
Hazel Davies, Findon Village WI, August 2021
"May I give you a big thank you for your entertaining talk yesterday, It was a great success with everyone enjoying themselves.
Christine Mitchell, Steyning & District Flower Club, August 2021
"We had very good feedback from the ladies; everyone enjoyed the visit."
Jill Packham, President, Scaynes Hill WI, September 2021
"Very many thanks for coming all the way to Sandhurst and for your marvellously funny
talk to the Friendship Club. The members just loved it all."
Rosie Broadbent, Sandhurst Friendship Club, September 2021
"Can you thank Lady Crabtree for her brilliant performance. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it."
Brenda Preston, Wadhurst WI, September 2021
"A huge thank you from Firle and Beddingham WI and guests for such a wonderfully amusing talk yesterday
at the Langham Hotel! Those who had never met you before were thrilled to at last hear your talk
and we shall now be able to relay some of the amusing bits to the rest of our members and to our two ladies
of 100 years old who couldn't be there. Thank you again."
Rosemary Norris, President, Firle & Beddingham WI, September 2021
"Fantastic RASCALS meeting with our guest speaker Lady Crabtree - what a lovely, gracious, glamorous,
kind and witty lady, we all enjoyed her very much and thank her so much."
Tina Whitmore, RASCALS (rheumatoid arthritis society), Pevensey Bay, November 2021
"Great to see such a good turnout on Wednesday evening for our special guest speaker Lady Crabtree.
Her thoughts on Whatever Happened To Christmas rang true with the members, and there were plenty of funny moments."
Sovereign Harbour Friends, November 2021
"We had a amazing carer and volunteer Christmas lunch at the Langham in Eastbourne last week. Our brilliant patron, Lady Crabtree, joined us and entertained the guests no end!" Association of Carers, December 2021
"Thank you for a very entertaining presentation which was the highlight of a most enjoyable Christmas meeting." Dorothy Lewis, Brighton Five Deans U3A, December 2021
"Thank you so much! A terrific talk and enjoyed by everyone. Just what we needed right now." Elizabeth Muir-Lewis, Eastbourne Arts Circle, December 2021
"Just a note to say thank you so much for today, everyone loved Lady C! I've had lots of messages to say how much they enjoyed her talk and for me, as the arranger, I could just sit back, confident that we would all be well entertained - and we were! Amongst some of the lovely comments I overheard as we were leaving: that Lady C must own an awful lot of outfits and that maybe Lady Crabtree wasn't quite who they thought she was. So that went well." Gaynor
Hollis, Probus Club of Horsham Weald, March 2022
"Many thanks for your visit to Hillborough House yesterday. The feedback is that a great afternoon was had by all." Dave Lock, Hillborough House, Little Common, April 2022
"Everybody thoroughly enjoyed your presentation yesterday. It put smiles on our faces. It was much appreciated after years of the pandemic and the awful news at the moment. I have had an email from one of our members who said - 'What a great speaker - tears of joy and pathos.' Thank you so much." Marian Stanley, Newhaven & Peacehaven U3A, April 2022
“Thank you once again for entertaining us so well this afternoon at our Darby and Joan meeting. Always a joy to see you. A few of our members couldn’t come for different reasons and were very sorry that they were going to miss your talk. You are like our lovely weather, a pleasure to see.” Marilyn Fordham, Darby & Joan Club, Crowborough, April 2022
"At long last, after three years, I have been able to see Lady Crabtree. Today our U3A travelled down to Eastbourne to see you.... we all enjoyed your performance and you had me curled up with laughter." Jean Elmer, Crawley U3A, May 2022
"Thank you so much for such an entertaining talk at the Langham Hotel today. It was very amusing and thought provoking. We all enjoyed ourselves...a great day out in Eastbourne." Liz Tennant, Crawley U3A, May 2022
"We all had such an enjoyable afternoon. Your talk was just amazing - very much appreciated by everyone. Thank you for your contribution to making it such an enjoyable and memorable occasion." Joan Wray, Southdown Strollers, July 2022
"Everyone really enjoyed your talk, great fun!" Jackie Root, Paddara, Kent, August 2022
"Lady Crabtree is Patron of the Association of Carers amd she kindly attended an event a couple of weeks ago on our behalf. She entertained the audience with one of her excellent performances and spoke about the work that we do. Thank you, Lady Crabtree, you are a superstar!" Association of Carers, August 2022
"We thoroughly enjoyed meeting Lady Crabtree and found her talk very interesting and entertaining. I looked around the room several times and the smiles on people's faces were testament to that. We really enjoyed sitting together for tea and cakes afterwrads." Email from audience member, Cross-in-Hand WI group meeting, September 2022
"I represent Edenara and had the pleasure ,as well as everyone else, to be entertained at our May meeting by Lady Crabtree. I would love to book her again for 2023..." Barry Lawn, Edenbridge Active Retirement Association, September 2022
"It was a lovely evening. Thank you for coming along and supporting our 3rd birthday party." Marion Hollands, St Wilfrid's WI, September 2022
"It was lovely having Lady Crabtree give another of her wonderfully amusing talks to us. Such good fun and just what we all needed on such a miserable day. Do please thank her on behalf of us all. I do hope she has a good and healthy year and I am sure we will be inviting her to give another talk in the future."
Carla Hallgren, After 8 Club, Burwash, April 2023
"It was an absolute delight. Everyone enjoyed it immensely."
Geoff Fitch, Lewes Probus Club, July 2023
"We had some really good feedback about your visit, so look forward to seeing you again some time next year."
Willingdon Community Library, July 2023
"The members of Buxted WI celebrated in style when they held their summer social event in the elegant Garden Room of Horsted Place Hotel. Lady Crabtree have an hilarious talk on why we should be 'Glad To Be Grey', which had members laughing from the start."
Kirsten Brown, Buxted WI, August 2023
"It was probably one of the hottest days of the year, yet again our members are such stalwarts they come in rain or shine, heatwave or not. This was a speaker not to be missed: none other than Lady Crabtree. This is the fourth time we have enjoyed her anecdotes on life and how to grow old gracefully. To hear her stories of computer problems, getting GP appointments, contacting utility companies - press 1 for this and 2 for that - and so on and so on. We all experience these problems; however she makes them seem so funny, members clap, laugh and go home feeling good about life."
Val Bignall, Edenbridge Active Retirement Association, September 2023
"Thank you very much for being the guest speaker yesterday. You always know exactly just where to pitch the rhetoric
and how to keep the audience in the palms of your hands.......great fun."
Angela Hughes, Langham Hotel, September 2023
"Please pass on my huge thanks to Lady Crabtree for her entertainment yesterday.
I have had so much good feedback from people today who so enjoyed it.
My apologies to her though because I omitted to give her the glass of water I promised her!
We have made a lovely sum for the charity (£1,700-00)."
Judith Cooper, The Starfish Project, October 2023
"Thank you so much for entertaining us today. I've had a very positive response to your talk."
Maggie Wright, Wealden Woodturners, Robertsbridge,
"Many thanks for your attendance and the laughs yesterday. It's so lovely to receive such great comments from the Carers who attended."
Louise Vladi, Charity Manager, Association of Carers, December 2023
"Thank you for enlivening our party yesterday. Your amusing discourse with pertinent reminders was enjoyed by everyone."
Philip Cheung, Chairman, Wadhurst & District U3A
"Thank you so much for making our Christmas meeting such a memorable occasion everyone thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. It was wonderful to be transported back to our childhood Christmases so much of it was just as I remember mine.it really made us realise just how much everything has changed . I had to smile to myself this morning when I went shopping there were the hot cross buns !!!!! "
Adrienne, Peacehaven & Telscombe Flower Club, December 2023
"Thank you so much for your talk yesterday. Speaking to our members after you left, they all said they thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. A wonderful treat as there isn't too much to laugh about at the moment! I so agree about not going into one's dotage wearing beige and grey, a little splash of colour is very uplifting! And to quote Jenny Joseph 'When I am old I shall wear purple and a red hat'. Although I'm not too sure about learning to spit!"
Ann Haizelden, Wannock Downs WI, February 2024
"I want to say a huge huge thank you for all the help you gave yesterday in performing at our event! You were phenomenal and we have had some lovely feedback from lots of people there. This is one of the lovely emails I have received-
'I’ve just been to today’s event at The Langham and want to say congratulations on arranging such a great event. The entertainment was fantastic, the food was fab and the whole thing had a lovely friendly atmosphere. I went on my own, but still thoroughly enjoyed myself. Please can we have another one soon please !!!' Thank you so much again!"
Lucy Barker, Association of Carers, February 2024
"On behalf of the Friends of St Barnabas Hospice - and, indeed, the good folk of Henfield!- may I thank you most sincerely for your generous support of our event. I have had wonderful feedback from our 70 guests, who were delighted to meet you. Their comments have been a joy to hear, and a pleasure to share. We raised in excess of £850, which will go directly to Hospice funds. Your very kind contribution to this success was immense, and we thank you for your interest and support of our little band of helpers in Henfield. Who knows … you might grace us with your presence again."
Lesley Besson, Chairman, Ladybirds Fundraisers, May 2024
"It was really special having you with us yesterday, we ALL so enjoyed your talk and thank you for coming - it was a veritable treat!!"
Hilary Barker, Hove WI, June 2024
"Thank you so much for coming to us at Westham Evening W.I.
Many of us had seen you perform many times but all agreed it was a fantastic evening and everyone enjoyed it immensely.
We can tell when a Speaker is going down well !"
Jan Bailey, President, Westham Evening WI, July 2024
"Thank you for a wonderful and entertaining afternoon."
Elizabeth Lloyd, Ashdown Evergreens, September 2024
"Thank you for coming to us last Thursday, we thoroughly enjoyed your talk. There is currently a queue outside the solicitors and undertakers, with members wanting to update their wishes, a timely reminder for us all!"
Margaret Hayes, Horam & Heathfield Flower Club, October 2024
"What an enjoyable morning we all had yesterday.
It was such a joy to hear laughter and see everyone enjoying themselves.
We all need that at the moment - more than ever.
Thank you for your amazing input. We loved it."
Joan Wray, Southdown Strollers, October 2024
"Thank you for the wonderful entertainment you gave us on Thursday; it was a most enjoyable afternoon and the time went all too quickly. You kept us laughing, smiling and nodding at the memories you invoked and I know the afternoon and you part in it, will be talked about and remembered for a long time.
Although you undoubtedly deserve to move into complete retirement, as many of us already are; I hope it won't be too soon and that we will again have the pleasure of your company at one of our meetings."
Beryl Bodey, Catsfield WI, December 2024
" Dear Lady Crabtree, You may remember coming to us in May to kindly donate your time to support our Afternoon Tea event. This raised over £900 for our local Hospice, St Barnabas. We are still talking about it : you featured in our Christmas concert programme on Saturday as being the stand-out event of the year: it's just referred to as 'Lady Crabtree'. So I am writing to tell you that our little group have now raised over £7000 this year. All our benefactors are in our thoughts as we reflect on this ... and so I send my heartfelt thanks again, for your boost to our morale as well as our funds😃
We wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR !!"
Lesley Besson, Ladybirds Fundraisers, Henfield, December 2024