Mam'selle MEETS...

NAME: CATHY PALMER | WHERE DO YOU LIVE: BEDFORDSHIRE | MARITAL STATUS & KIDS: MARRIED WITH 2 KIDS AGED 27 AND 23 | OCCUPATION: RECEPTIONIST

We chat to Sindy collector Cathy Palmer. Cathy's images have appeared in many issues of Mam'selle and this month sees the first instalment of her Doris and Buddy stories. Read on to find out more...

When did you start collecting Sindy and why? How do you find the Sindy collector community? I started collecting in 2018, initially to replace my childhood Sindy's! We all say that, then more creep in. The Sindy collectors/family are all so friendly and supportive, and I’ve formed some great friendships.

What is the most prized/treasured piece in your collection? A Lovely Lively from 1975 purchased last year at Dollycon

What is missing from your collection or, what are you lusting after? A 1968 blonde Side-Part Sindy and Crown

Are you an out-of-the-box or mint-in-box collector? and why? Definitely an out of the box collector I adore setting scenes for them.

What's your favourite Sindy year? and why? 1975/76 that was the first time I saw her aged 8, and I thought she was the prettiest doll I’d ever seen - I just adored her face

Sindy in Numbers

First Sindy: Lovely Lively Blonde, 1975

Collecting since: 2018

Total to date: 39 (including the new Kid Kreations Sindy's)

Do you have a favourite Sindy/outfit/scene setter? and why? Blonde Star Dance Sindy 1984 known as Lottie in my collection she is a mini me! And, my Blonde Party Girl known as Doris.

Do you have a Sindy budget? How do you manage this - as it is so easy to overspend? If there's something I want to add to my collection I will save up to get it I would say smaller items and clothes, I spend around £20 per week

What’s the best and worst part of collecting Sindy Dolls? The excitement you feel when you win one The worst part, it's very addictive!

Any tips for Sindy Collectors? (What to look for, where to look, how to find a bargain etc.) When searching for vintage dolls, look up Cindy dolls, even Barbie as some don't know who she is and try Loft Find. Also, scour Car boot sales and Charity shops .

"I am a total 1950's lover. I grew up listening to Buddy Holly - my dad was a huge fan He produced some amazing numbers in his short life. I have sung myself for the past 10 years or so, guest singing with a couple of bands, and I’ve performed at vintage events like Twinwood Festival. I don't sing nowadays due to a thyroid cyst located next to my voice box - I kept losing my voice towards the endI can only manage a few numbers nowadays sadly. For events, I dress in a retro fifties style - think pencil and full circle dresses & skirts, and wide legged trousers, red lipstick, and I've had my hair done by a vintage stylist called, Sarah's Doo-Wop Do's. Today, I’ve a more pared back vintage themed look and hair style - a quiffed fringe worn pinned back with a bun, or curled worn down."

The inspiration for my dolls definitely comes from my love of the 1950's My 'Doris' Sindy reminded me of the American actress Doris Day. She arrived a week before Doris Day passed away in 2019, so she lives on in her Doris is also known as Babs from a scene in 'Carry on Camping' - that was my first trip out and about with her

My 'Buddy Dolly' doll is a Mattel Ken Fashionista Doll and is in memory of American Singer and Songwriter Buddy Holly Buddy was sadly killed in a plane crash on 3rd February 1959, aged just 22 - he had been married just a year. He too lives on through my doll Buddy Dolly The name was given by a musician friend and it just kind of stuck.

I have always connected with these two famous people, so the storyline come easily to me I feel that’s so important when collecting - making sure you connect with your dolls Cathy tells us: "Buddy and Doris will return to acting and singing next year They are enjoying... (spoiler ahead) family life at the moment with Little Peggy Sue "