On Wednesday 13th September, our new banner was displayed in the doorway of the “Heritage Room” (formerly the “Old Laundry”); suddenly, we heard a cry of “that’s me” from the doorway. Standing next to the banner was Geraldine Yeoman, pointing to the picture on the banner of Barry Young and four of his dancers. It transpired that Geraldine was the dancer on the left of the photograph, and a fascinating conversation with Geraldine led to the naming of the other three dancers – Alison Sheriff, Susan Bayliss, Genie Smith – and to recollections of their days with Barry Young’s troupe of dancers, most of whom started their careers at the Ann Oliver Stage School.
Barry Young, who was a well-known entertainer on the club circuit, grew up on Beaumanor Road, just across the bridge on Thurcaston Road near to Belgrave Hall.
