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Date:  21 June 2007

Lionel Blair and his 101-year old dance partner at Jewish Cares Raymond House

Legendary entertainer Lionel Blair had a somewhat older dancing partner than usual when he visited Jewish Care’s Raymond House care home in Clifton Terrace, Southend-on-Sea on Thursday 20th June.

Former publican Jessie Jacobs, who will be 102 in August, took a shine to Mr Blair and insisted that he give her a kiss before asking him to dance. “Have you ever been in an old age home with so many beautiful women?” she asked, to which Mr Blair replied: “Never!”

Lionel Blair’s visit was arranged by Raymond House volunteer Rita Roth, who had seen his show, Simply Ballroom, at the Cliffs Pavilion. Coincidentally Mrs Roth, who lives in Thorpe Bay, was the audience member chosen to dance on stage with him that night. She said: “I went backstage and said: ‘I’m a volunteer and I work at a Jewish Care home – will you come and see our residents?’ and he said ‘of course.’”

Mr Blair stayed for a cup of tea and chatted with residents, staff and volunteers, before going off to get ready for his matinée performance.

Speaking about his career he said: “I began in show business at the age of ten, I was a Munchkin in the Wizard of Oz.” He also answered a range of questions such as ‘Do you prefer doing theatre or television?’ to which he replied: “I love going on stage – with theatre you get instant feedback.”

He was also asked if there was any form of entertainment that he had not done and would like to do so – the answer being to play on Broadway.

“You are the most famous person we’ve had at the home,” Mrs Roth told him to which he replied: “I am very proud – I’ve had a lovely time here.”

After the visit Mrs Roth said: “He was brilliant. You couldn’t have wished for better – the residents were thrilled and so were the staff.” There was also praise from volunteer Ruby Bloom, who added: “His visit was a real tonic.”