From frames to fame for Tamworth optician turned WI singer

A TAMWORTH optician has the top of the charts in her sights after being chosen from thousands of hopefuls to make up a five-piece singing group of WI members.

Jennie Mantell quickly went from fitting spectacles, to being part of one when it was announced last month that she was to be in The Harmonies, the first-ever group formed exclusively of WI members.

The news quickly brought television appearances, photo shoots and even a performance in front of Prince Charles at St James’ Palace, not to mention hours spent in the studio, putting together the group’s debut CD, Voices of the WI.

Due to be released on October 25, the CD, which includes a new version of the WI anthem, Jerusalem, as well as classics such as Wonderful World, Imagine and Dream a Little Dream of Me, has already been tipped for a number one slot.

The whole project has been done to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the Women’s Institute, and helps highlight the diversity of the WI’s membership in modern times.

Jennie, aged 35 from Dosthill, and a member of Mile Oak WI, has been a dispensing optician for 17 years, and works for Jenks Opticians in Tamworth, which is part of the Colin Lee Opticians group.

She is mother to 18-month-old daughter Neve, and is married to musician Nigel, who plays bass in the punk tribute band, The Sex Pistols Experience, as Kid Vicious.

Jennie realises that many people will be surprised by the fact that she is a WI member, but says she hopes that the whole project will help show people what the group is really like these days.

“I hope I do help change people’s perception,” she said. “Just look at the age range of The Harmonies – we are all working women, who have busy lives. It is not about one section of society, and I hope what we are doing will encourage others to think about joining.

“My mum has been involved in the WI since the early 1980s, so it has always been something I have known about, and I joined her group when I became a mum myself, as a way of getting out in the evenings, to meet people, and to spend more time with my mum – there are lots of mothers and daughters going to WIs together, actually,” she said.

Jennie has a life-long love of music, having been a member of the Staffordshire Youth Choir, and then the National Youth Choir, but never envisioned her passion would lead her to national acclaim.

“I saw the advert for singers in the WI’s magazine, and sent off a CD and photo, but didn’t really think too much of it.

“I couldn’t really believe it when I was then invited to Abbey Road studios along with 29 others, to take part in the final audition.”

Jennie had to sing in front of a panel of judges that included Ruth Bond, chair of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes and representatives from the production company behind Pixie Lott and The Waterboys.

“It wasn’t a bit like the X-Factor, thankfully, or I don’t think I would ever have got through it! Everyone was really nice and supportive, as you would expect from the WI.

"Then we realised we had been whittled down to just five, and were the final ones.

“We started work pretty soon after that on the CD, and then when the members of the group were announced, within days we were singing in front of Prince Charles. I think we were all too excited to be nervous, and just enjoyed it.

“There have been lots of interviews, and of course, the Marks and Spencer photo shoot. Again, everyone was lovely, but I can’t say I felt like a real model - I think I just giggled most of the time.

“Now I have to walk past a billboard with me on it on the way to work everyday – which is a bit surreal.

“I know I am really fortunate to have such a great husband and family around me, who have helped me juggle so much and make sure I can do all these things. The same with my job. I am really passionate about my work, and am really fortunate that my colleagues have worked around all this.

“I don’t know what the future holds after the release of the CD – but I am certainly very excited to see what happens next!”

Clive Marchant, director of Colin Lee Opticians, said staff had been following Jennie’s progress since she applied back in February, and close colleagues had been sworn to secrecy about the auditions and her success.

“Obviously, we were thrilled when we found out Jennie had been successful, and made it into the group, and I’m sure there will be quite a few copies of the CD bought by our staff and patients,” he said.

“Jennie is a really valued member of our team, and we will do all we can to support her,” he added.