Today I read the sad news that Barbara Windsor has had to be placed in full time care as she, like Bob, is suffering from Alzheimer’s.  I understand only too well how hard this would have been for her husband,  Scott Mitchell, especially in these difficult times of Covid 19 when there are so many restrictions on seeing your loved one properly.

I too understand how Alzheimer’s patients have declined in Lockdown. Bob just doesn’t understand why I can’t come in  the home to him. He has no idea about the virus and is locked in his own world without me reassuring him.

We first met Barbara when Bob booked her to turn on the illuminations at Mablethorpe. I think it was well over 20 years ago.  Bob was in charge of the Tourism and Leisure for the local council and our summer hi -light was the illumination switch-on where a celebrity was booked for the afternoon and evening to switch on the lights and  meet the local dignitaries; the mayor and local councillors, Miss Mablethorpe and the like.

There would be a great parade and the sand-train would be tooting, filled with the great and the good of the town; all waving at the thousands of holidaymakers who always turned up. So Barbara was turning on the lights, quite a coup.

That particular day stands out in my memory because it was torrential rain and because the programme we had planned was cancelled to a great extent. Bob was rushing around frantically trying to re- organise things. The children’s marching bands had to be cancelled because the rain was absolutely torrential.

There was so much disappointment.  There were coaches from near and far with all these children dressed up and ready to perform in the parade, their little faces full of expectation, hoping against hope that the rain would stop. Their costumes looking bright and breezy representing hours of sewing and parental expectation.

Bob asked me to look after Barbara for the afternoon as he was busy sorting out the programme; where would the band play safely  under cover? Was it even safe to turn the lights on?

The thunder and lightening roared on.

I was really happy to look after Barbara as I had always liked her. She was a real trouper and really wanted to do a good job. Her giggle was infectious and we had a girlie afternoon gossiping and laughing. She got changed in the local hotel toilets and we had a bit of something to eat. Then she insisted on going to meet the children on the coaches and made everyone’s day by making sure she spoke to them all. She was as disappointed with the weather as the children were.

The switch-on did go ahead and I remember her doing the banter for the crowds  ( some braved the weather with huge colourful umbrellas). Then  the count down and a few more giggles and jokes and reminiscences of her Carry On actors, right up to her pressing the button that switched on the lights. Bob held an enormous umbrella ensuring  she kept dry.  He didn’t.

We went back to the hotel with all the locals and had a buffet and a glass of wine. It was always a late night but Barbara was not the sort of star to rush off back to London. She was a wonderful star in the best sense of the show -business world. Kind, caring and so appreciative of all the fans that had turned up to see her. I am so fond of these memories of her. How ironic that Bob and Barbara are now fighting similar battles.

Bless them both.