francene--blog. Year 2013
  • Home
  • Blog

May 11th

5/11/2013

 
Picturewww.atvtoday.co.uk
An announcement about the impending production of another Star Wars film in the UK sparked memories.

The seventh movie in the sci-fi series is due to start production next year and is scheduled for release in 2015. Star Wars creator George Lucas sold his production company to Disney last year Filming on previous Star Wars also took place in Britain at studios including Elstree, Shepperton and Leavesden. Although the next sites have not been announced, this is great news for fans and creative industries.


Picturewww.thestudiotour.com
Here come the memories. In 1999, I landed a wonderful daytime job at Elstree Film Studios, working as a hostess in the catering section of various TV productions. At the time, business was booming. The catering premises extended into a large marquee at the front of the building. The George Lucas stage at the back of the lot still contained parts of the last Star Wars film. I enjoyed serving others, who treated me as an equal and a friend. The head of the wardrobe section for Hoobs, (a Jim Hansen children's television program of Muppets fame), showed me around their huge storeroom to inspect all the outfits.


Picturesecretsun.blogspot
My very professional co-worker named Jose, had a nighttime job as Head Waiter for a large hotel. He taught me how to serve properly at large award parties and meetings. As other staff was cut, we worked together at the studios for about five years during the dwindling years, when new film production slowed to a halt.

I took a separate holiday to visit my father in Melbourne, my mother in Adelaide and my daughter in Queensland. I knew I wouldn't see them again. All three have since died as well as my brother-in-law. On the bright side, my younger sisters are alive and well.

My husband's mother also died during this time. He worked as a private hire driver and ferried many stars home in his car. I thought I'd share his letter with you. He'd write nightly tomes when he arrived home late and I was asleep already. I've saved them all in a special file were I chronicle my life.

'Dearest wife,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such a wonderful wife: supportive, informative etc. but above all, a really true blue Stanley senior member. I really admire (but didn't mention it at the time, because of the grief) the way you took control at Mum's funeral. You were fantastic. Everyone noticed, especially me. Darling, in my life I rate you 100% and completely indispensible. We've gone through such bad times, but when I think about it all, how many couples in our age group have seen it, done it, experienced it! Not many. I really want you to be happy. You can never do wrong in my eyes. ...'

We'd married ten years before in our fifties and are now in our seventies. Not much has changed except we don't work so hard and we're together more.

And so, another Star Wars saga begins, leaving us behind. Life is change; you must bend like bamboo or snap in a sudden gust.


Amy link
5/11/2013 04:10:18 am

Francene,
You've been through a lot in your life! How very sweet it is that you've married a man who appreciates you so much and loves you so entirely. You are a blessed woman!

Francene Stanley link
5/11/2013 06:33:53 pm

I am lucky. I know my good fortune is temporary. I hope I can share some of my experiences with other people through this blog.

Delia @ Blog Formatting link
5/11/2013 01:24:24 pm

Wonderful story, Francene, thanks for sharing with us!
PS. My husband is a huge Star Wars fan :)

Francene Stanley link
5/11/2013 06:35:13 pm

What's not to like about Star Wars? Thanks for stopping by.

Alana link
5/11/2013 09:43:26 pm

You have had a fascinating life. May the Force be with you as you continue your travels in life. What a sweet letter your husband wrote to you. You are indeed blessed.

Francene Stanley link
5/12/2013 06:42:47 pm

I might need extra protection for my latter years. hehe.


Comments are closed.

    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

    Picture

    Archives

    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Catastrophe
    Creativity
    Family
    Life Experiences
    Mother
    News
    Novel Writing
    Novel-writing
    Retirement
    World

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.