Caroline Beeson Spence, a member of the Women’s History Group in Grimsby, has brought to life an unlikely connection between her grandmother, Rose “Biddy” Goddard, and the iconic Coronation Street character Elsie Tanner, portrayed by Pat Phoenix. The monologue, titled Elsie Tanner Knew My Nanna, was recently performed at the launch of Grimsby’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028 (GY28).
The performance, held at Grimsby Minster, was part of a showcase celebrating the town’s rich stories and creative talent. Biddy Goddard, who lived on Victor Street in Grimsby, recognised similarities between her own working-class community and the depiction on Coronation Street when it first aired in the early 1960s. Inspired, she wrote to Elsie Tanner, receiving a reply from Pat Phoenix that blossomed into a friendship spanning over 20 years.
The correspondence between Biddy and Pat Phoenix shared details of family life, fashion, and even advice on Coronation Street storylines. Biddy, whose husband was often at sea, worked braiding fishing nets and with the famous Herring Girls. She affectionately referred to the actress as “my Queen”.
The unique correspondence reportedly ceased after a local fortune teller advised Biddy to stop writing, fearing a curse. Pat Phoenix later made a public appeal through the Grimsby Telegraph for Biddy to get back in touch. The two women eventually met in person when Pat Phoenix visited Sun Amusements on Freeman Street in Grimsby.
Following Biddy’s death in 1983, Caroline discovered letters from Pat Phoenix and her husband, actor Tony Booth, revealing the depth of their friendship. Inspired by this discovery, Caroline developed the story into a monologue she has performed at various events across the UK.
Caroline stated, “It’s a story about friendship, working-class women and Grimsby’s heritage. My nanna’s life wasn’t extraordinary to her, but it tells us so much about the people who built this town and the connections they made. I’m proud to keep her story alive.” The performance highlighted the creativity and history shaping Grimsby’s bid for UK Town of Culture 2028.
