If you are a regular reader, you may have seen a recent post called Handbags at the Ready.

This was about a recent event at a local theatre, where a brilliant night of music, dancing and fun was had by the fans and listeners of radio DJ, Bernie Keith.

Brilliant Bernie!

Handbag Heaven is a monthly dancefest featuring music from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Dancefloor fillers that got everyone up on their feet apart from me who stayed in my seat and danced my little arms off!

Anyway, Friday evening was the second show and I was planning on getting my sequins on (Bernie’s instructions) and spending the night listening to some great tunes.

Sequinned Style

On this occasion I was heading there with two very good friends, Dawn and Adam who I have known for several years from the vintage dance crowd. They love a good jive and I knew Dawn loved Disco, so it seemed like a no-brainer.

Anyway, prior to the event I had written my first blog talking all about the brilliant night and was absolutely gobsmacked to get a mention on Bernie’s radio show.

Dancing Like No-One is Watching

I was at work and received a text to say that  ‘Tanya and Goddess’ were mentioned on the air and it had to be me. I went onto the BBC Sounds app to get the show and hear it all for myself.

Bernie had read the blog and was chuffed to bits and told all his listeners about the review and to give his thanks for my kind words.

Disco Diva

Well, I was pleased as punch and it put a smile on my face all day.

One of the things that Bernie does on his show is award flowers to people who have gone the extra mile or done something special. I had nominated Mum in the past and she was given a beautiful arrangement at a event Bernie was doing at another theatre.

Pink Lady

At the first ‘Heaven’ Bernie had floral displays which I assumed were given out at the end of the night (sadly I had to leave before the very end) as per his normal tradition.

The second show featured two arrangements at the side of the DJ booth.

Pouting and Partying

Dawn, Adam and I sang and danced our literal socks off, all night. It didn’t matter what was played; Queen, Donna Summer, Erasure, Village People, it all got people on the dance floor.

Funky Flamingoes

I even got up for a couple of dances.

Well, I say dance. I stood in one spot and moved the top of my body!

Cracking Night With Friends

It was magnificent.

Adam?!?!

I haven’t danced in several years, since my knee injury and to physically get up on the floor felt like I was alive again.

A silly thing to say, however when you love something like dancing and it is not possible, a part of you ‘dies’. The fact that I was up again, with others dancing their hearts out was so very moving.

Loving It All

It didn’t last for long as I was pretty puffed out and my knee was protesting a little.

Bernie always asks for requests and I had gone with ‘The Snake’ by Al Wilson and I sang at the top of my voice when this was played. Such a great track and one that I used to love jiving and strolling to.

Living It Up

Anyway, four hours of music later and Bernie was finishing up, thanking people for coming and supporting his events. He then went on to get the first bouquet and explained that these were given to people who go the extra mile. The first arrangement was presented to a group, I believe from Holdenby House.

He then picked up the second floral bouquet and called out my name!

Spinning The Tunes

Thanking me for the support I had given and the wonderful review, I was completely thrilled to get to the front of the stage and receive the floral tribute.

People were clapping and congratulating me and I was utterly overwhelmed.

What A Wonderful Surprise!

It was such a wonderful thing to have happen and it was made even more special that unknown to Bernie, it was the eve of the start of four years of sobriety.

I had actually kicked alcohol and been completely sober and alcohol free for three whole years.

Feeling Like A Celebrity

A massive achievement and one that I had never imagined I could achieve. Staying sober is not always easy, but it is the best thing I have ever done.

Thank you Bernie, for my beautiful blooms and thank you for unwittingly celebrating such a milestone with me.

Beautiful Blooms From Bernie

Till next time, AND next month at the Disco,

SPSG xxx

Also – if you want to read more about how I got sober, you can find it all here