Singer Dusty Springfield's links to Weymouth, Dorset

It had us wondering here at Looking Back if there is any other photo taken in Weymouth that can beat this for star power.

Taken in 1962 or 1963, this picture shows Bernie Winters, Matt Monro, Tim Springfield, Tom Springfield, Mike Winters and the Mayor of Weymouth.

And the lone female among the men? None other than international superstar Dusty Springfield before she hit the big time. 

Eddie Prowse tells us more: "I was there that September night at the Pavilion.

"The Springfields had won an award from The Melody Maker Magazine and I was there helping to promote the magazine in the foyer.

"This was the closing night for the season that year either 1962 or 1963.

"Dusty is receiving the award from the Mayor and to her immediate right is her brother Tom and to his right is the third member of the group Tim Field. I think the award was for the song 'Island of Dreams'."

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Another reader, Sally Hudson, remembers the occasion well - "I was lucky enough for two weeks to be back stage helping out with costume repairs etc as the wardrobe mistress was ill." she tells us.

At this time this picture was taken Dusty Springfield was still in folk trio The Springfields and she was yet to become a globally famous solo artist.

Sixties pop star Dusty Springfield sings her first single to be released in Britain since 1979, at the Hippodrome in London (Image: PA Archive/PA Photos)

It would appear as though Dusty Springfield spent a bit of time in Weymouth and Dorchester as some readers remember encountering her.

If you remember Dusty Springfield in Dorset do get in touch with your memories. Email us here.

And we've also learnt the little known fact that the fledgling star took her driving test in Dorchester.

John Trevett said: "I think this photo was taken in 1962.

"I was a callow 15-year-old youth working in my first job, the record department in WH Smith.

"Dusty used to buy her records there and took great delight in making me blush crimson!! She was a lovely lady and is sadly missed."

Angela Ashley writes: "I remember that night well. She had the same driver instructor as me and passed her driving test same time as I did in Dorchester. I loved the music and the show."

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It would seem as though the soulful singer, known for Son of a Preacher Man, had a bit of a diva moment when she was in Dorset.

"I remember Dusty throwing China out of dressing room window - believe she had a bit of a temper but was a great singer," Peter Gordon writes.

But Pam Rawlings remembers her very affectionately.

"I remember Dusty singing at Queens some great nights - and I had a laugh with her in the ladies."