Tributes are pouring in for beloved singer and television personality Anne Gordon, who has sadly passed away at the age of 84 after a brief illness. A cherished resident of Cleethorpes, Anne was best known for her warm stage presence, iconic performances, and deep love for her family.
Anne first rose to fame on the popular talent show “Opportunity Knocks” hosted by Hughie Green. She later shared the stage and screen with household names like Les Dawson, Vince Hill, and others, becoming a familiar face in British entertainment during the golden age of television and live performance.
“She Was Our World”: A Family Remembered
Her daughters Joanne and Liz paid heartfelt tributes to their mother. Joanne remembered her as “very family-oriented,” saying, “They were her world. She also had a very interesting and full life.”
Liz added, “She always put us first. She loved us all. She did everything she could to help. She was a superwoman and full of love.” The family affectionately called Anne “G.G.”, short for great-grandma.
A Star Born in Binbrook
Anne’s love for the arts began in Binbrook, where she would sing and play piano for RAF servicemen at the local Marquis of Granby pub, which was managed by her grandmother Irene Trevor. Her flair for music, dance, and poetry blossomed in these early years.
She gained national attention for her renditions of “If I Were A Bell” from Guys and Dolls and “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered” from Pal Joey on Opportunity Knocks, earning her the nickname “The English Rose Who Grew in the Gardens” — a reference to her days performing at the Winter Gardens.
A Life on Stage
Anne’s career took her across Manchester’s top venues, including The Mecca and Belle Vue Ballroom, where she met many stars of the era like Bob Monkhouse, Hylda Baker, and David Frost. However, she always spoke fondly of Les Dawson, who left a lasting impression on her.
In a 2006 interview with The Grimsby Telegraph, Anne reflected on her 17-year singing career: “It was lovely to earn my living doing what I loved. I enjoyed the singing, the music and the atmosphere.”
After moving back to Cleethorpes in 1967, Anne continued performing with The Leo Solomon Trio at venues like The Oaklands, known for her emotional versions of “When Sunny Gets Blue” and “Guess Who I Saw Today”.
A Love Story That Lasted 65 Years
Anne was married to her husband Gerry, a former police officer, for 65 years. Liz shared a beautiful story about how they met: “He met mum during a police raid on a nightclub in Cleethorpes. He went back a week later for a drink, and that’s when they got together.” Gerry passed away last year.
Final Goodbye
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 8, at 12:45 PM at Grimsby Crematorium. Family, friends, and admirers are expected to gather to honor a life that brought joy, music, and love to so many.
Anne Gordon’s legacy as a performer and devoted mother lives on through her music, memories, and the lives she touched. She will be deeply missed.
