Ken Dodd's "Diddy Girls" - Photographs, 1973
Title
Ken Dodd's "Diddy Girls" - Photographs, 1973
Date
February 1973
Description
Photographs of Ken Dodd at official opening for 'Fashioncarry', a new cash 'n' carry retail outlet in Nottingham.
What's the story?
Gloria Bone volunteers as part of our archive team in the Theatre Royal heritage project. She has shared these two photographs and memories of meeting Ken Dodd:
"In 1973 Ken Dodd was appearing at the Theatre Royal in the Panto Robinson Crusoe.
At that time the company I was employed by, Martin Emprex International PLC, had just completed construction of their latest venture called 'Fashioncarry'. This was a cash 'n' carry outlet to the public at the back of the company's head office on Lenton Lane.
Ken Dodd was approached by the company to carry out the official opening ceremony in February 1973, which he very kindly did.
To great excitement, myself and three other designers were chosen to be Ken Dodd's 'Diddy Girls' for the day!
Our outfits were made in the design room - white polo necks (with Fashioncarry printed on the front in red) and red miniskirts, with white knee length boots.
In the photo of myself (long hair) and my friend Pauline, Ken Dodd was tickling us both mercilessly and we were helpless with laughter.
The group photo I think was the one that appeared in the Nottingham Evening Post with a write-up.
I remember it being a very cold, blustery day, but Ken Dodd brought the sunshine out that day.
He was so lovely, cracking jokes, tickling everyone and generally making everyone laugh and smile.
He performed the opening ceremony with such a flourish and great gusto.
I was so lucky to meet Ken Dodd. He was an absolute joy to be with.
I wore the white boots under my wedding dress in April 1973 and I still have them!
"In 1973 Ken Dodd was appearing at the Theatre Royal in the Panto Robinson Crusoe.
At that time the company I was employed by, Martin Emprex International PLC, had just completed construction of their latest venture called 'Fashioncarry'. This was a cash 'n' carry outlet to the public at the back of the company's head office on Lenton Lane.
Ken Dodd was approached by the company to carry out the official opening ceremony in February 1973, which he very kindly did.
To great excitement, myself and three other designers were chosen to be Ken Dodd's 'Diddy Girls' for the day!
Our outfits were made in the design room - white polo necks (with Fashioncarry printed on the front in red) and red miniskirts, with white knee length boots.
In the photo of myself (long hair) and my friend Pauline, Ken Dodd was tickling us both mercilessly and we were helpless with laughter.
The group photo I think was the one that appeared in the Nottingham Evening Post with a write-up.
I remember it being a very cold, blustery day, but Ken Dodd brought the sunshine out that day.
He was so lovely, cracking jokes, tickling everyone and generally making everyone laugh and smile.
He performed the opening ceremony with such a flourish and great gusto.
I was so lucky to meet Ken Dodd. He was an absolute joy to be with.
I wore the white boots under my wedding dress in April 1973 and I still have them!
Type
Photographs
Location of item
Private Collection
Rights
Private Collection
Contributor
Researchers: Gloria Bone, in discussion with Miriam Jones & Pete Hewitt
