ALAN WHALLEY'S WORLD

THE link between St Helens rugby and Gracie Fields, the Rochdale nightingale, is now confirmed.

It all arises from a sporting query (this page, May 1) from Joe Jones of Irwin Road, Sutton. who'd wondered whether his memory was playing tricks in believing that 'Our Gracie', wearing full Rochdale Hornets kit, had performed the kick-off from the centre spot during a 1920s visit to St Helens by the Hornets.

Well, it turns out that Joe was partly on the ball.

Junior rugby fan George Morrison, who provides regular match reports from the Blackbrook club, provides the authentic details of that celebratory day.

"Gracie," he writes, "had her brief flirtation with Rugby League on Saturday, December 8, 1934. She took centre-stage prior to the start of the Hornets v St Helens Recs game at the Athletic Ground, Rochdale."

The Rochdale-born singer and comedienne, who became a national showbiz institution, performing with gusto right into old age, was a major attraction back in the 'thirties.

And despite the dull weather and boggy pitch conditions, she helped attract a crowd of almost 7,000 spectators - including an exceptionally large number of ladies who gave the 36-year-old Gracie a rousing reception when she trotted out in full kit and with an international cap perched on her head.

George adds: "Gracie got the game in motion for Recs by kicking the ball straight into the hands of a Rochdale player. She was then politely asked to leave the field by referee A.E. Harding. And after performing a cartwheel en route - much to the delight of the crowd - Gracie returned to the touchline."

Doubtless inspired by their celebrity supporter, who had just starred in the smash-hit film musical 'Sing As We Go', Hornets won the game 8-nil.

For the benefit of our sporty 'silver threads gang', George even lists the Recs team of that special day: Barnes; Turton, Hampson, Birkett, Laithwaite (of builders' merchant fame); Frodsham, Greenall; Highcock, W. F. Howard, Liptrot, Randolph (head of the ice-dream clan) J. Howard, Atherton.

And our knowledgable correspondent signs off by reminding Dame Gracie's numerous fans of yesteryear that she died in 1979 at the age of 81.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.