South Yorkshire Times, 12 January 1963
The day “Elsie” came to Conisbrough
On the day that Elsie Tanner, alias Pat Phoenix, came to Conisbrough local people turned up in great numbers, despite the winter weather, to see her open Total’s new Doncaster Road Service Station on Saturday.
Several enthusiastic young spectators chanted “we want Elsie” as Mr Barry Motion, Total branch manager for the Humber area told the crowd, “if the people of Conisbrough want service, cleanliness and efficiency then you’ve got it in this station.”
There was a warm welcome as “Elsie” took the floor to declare the Station open. “I’m especially happy to be here because Total and I have had a long, long association,” she said. I think I opened almost the first of their stations.”
This after wishing success to the venture, she went on to present prizes for the transistor radio competition run in the “South Yorkshire Times” on December 22.
Mr N Wilkinson, of Crookhill road, Conisbrough, won the first prize, second was Mrs Chamberlain of Wellington Street, Mexborough, third Mr A.J.Fulston of Albany Road, Kilnhurst, and fourth Mr M.Miller, of St Peter’s Road, Conisbrough.
Presentations
“Mrs Tanner” was then presented with a bouquet by nine-year-old Elizabeth Rotheram, daughter of the station’s new manager Mr. C.H.Rotheram, and also a box of liqueursfrom Mr Rotheram’s six-year-old son James.
The reward for half an hour’s weight in the cold slushy snow was a smile,a fewwords and an autograph of those who wanted it – which meant just about everybody – from one of television’s most charming personalities.
Miss Phoenix was born in Ireland, but now lives in Sale, Cheshire.Her manager, Mr W.Nadi, told the “South Yorkshire Times” that before she moved into Coronation Street, Pat played in several repertory companies, including dates in Doncaster, Halifax and Bradford.
Many Offers.
The fame as a result of television performances has resulted in many offersto Miss Phoenix, including one from the Royals Shakespeare company, but as she is under contract until 1967, there is no reasonfor viewers to become alarmed. Fame has its drawbacks and Mr Nady pointed out: “Pat has no private life now, people even go so far as to spying on her home with binoculars.”
Perhaps the most eagerly awaited piece of information was not forthcoming, however, and we still don’t know whether it is to be Mrs Tanner, in future orMrs Fairclough.
Said Elsie “I would have brought Len along, but he’s a bit miserable you know, since Nellie left him,” and that certainly giving nothing away. She is a crafty one this Elsie Tanner.