The Judy Garland Club has
a long and fruitful history extending over 45 years.
Between 1956 and 1963 the
UK chapter of the North American Club (founded September 1955) provided
a focal point for Garland devotees on this side of the Atlantic.
In March 1963, with Judy's
blessing and approval, the Judy Garland Club was established and the UK-based
organisation grew into an international forum to celebrate the life and
work of a great entertainer.
The Club has worked tirelessly
over the years supporting Judy in her lifetime and preserving and promoting
her legacy after her death. Judy received regular telegrams of support
from the Club wherever she appeared and we ensured that members were present
at her closing nights as well. Members clubbed together to send her cards
and presents for Christmas and birthdays. In return Judy actively embraced
and appreciated her supporters. She arranged for members to attend recording
sessions and invited them to first night parties and back stage get-togethers.
In 1964 Judy attended a meeting
of the Club at the Russell Hotel in London accompanied by Mark Herron and
the Allen brothers. She sat in the front row for a showing of "The Harvey
Girls" and "Gay Puree" joking and making light-hearted comments throughout.
Much to the joy of the 75 strong crowd she stayed for 5 hours and sang
'I Wish You Love' and 'Make Someone Happy' to Peter Allen's accompaniment
on the piano. The gesture impressed Hollywood veteran Ann Miller. 'Can
you imagine any other star doing that?'
In 1970, the Club organised
a memorial service in London exactly one year after Judy's New York funeral.
Honorary member the Reverend Peter Delaney presided over the service at
the Parish Church, Marylebourne. Dame Anna Neagle, Evelyn Lay and Danny
La Rue were in attendance and Lionel Bart supplied the flowers.
In 1970 the Club organised
for a portrait and plaque to be placed in the London Palladium, the first
time such a celebratory gesture had occurred at the famous theatre. Richard
Attenborough, who unveiled the plaque, noted that he was 'honoured' to
be invited.
The Club organised for the
creation of the special award winning 'Judy Garland Rose' by the famous
English rose growers Harkness. A bed of Judy roses at the church at Stoke
Poges will be a reminder of Judy's legacy for generations to come.
In 1998 the Club arranged
for a plaque and photograph to be placed in the Judy Garland suite at the
Dominion Theatre in London. The unveiling of a plaque commemorating Judy's
1957 Dominion Theatre success was an emotional event for many. The turn
out was so great that the Dominion Theatre management, with John Fricke's
thoughtful encouragement, had to revise
their strategy for the presentation.
The inscription on the plaque was based on Elizabeth Frank's assertion
that "All that is the essence of star quality [held] the stage at the Dominion."
The brass tribute was accompanied by a large colour '50s shot of a glamorous
Judy, which now adorns the walls of the Dominion's Judy Garland Suite for
visitors to see. There were speeches from John and from one of our
senior Club members Ken Sephton, who recalled his memories from that period.
Special guests Dora Bryan and Danny La Rue discussed their memories of
Judy.
The Club is actively supporting
the English Heritage campaign for a blue plaque in her honour at her final
London home in Chelsea.
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