By Jim Hollands
It seems hardly credible that the Cheeky Girls came to Rye almost 15 years ago to join their mum and step dad and live in the Ancient Town.
They became very well known as a result of their appearance on Popstars : The Rivals and their first record ‘The Cheeky Song’ , stormed up the British Pop Charts and was No. 2 over the Christmas period – An outstanding achievement when you consider how they were written off by ‘talent expert’ Pete Waterman as being “The worst act ever”
I have known Gabriela & Monica since they first arrived in Rye and find them to be entertaining and popular. They never refuse to give their time to attend any charity event to help raise money for good causes if they have no engagements, and are enormously patient with children. They helped me call a Charity Auction at Rye Harbour when one of their songs was right near the top of the charts. After the sale a little girl of about nine pleaded with them to sing the song to her. They did just that. I was very impressed. That wonderful ability to connect with people is one of the reasons they have been so popular for so long.
Pictures can be enlarged
The pictures on this post were taken at the 2008 Robin Hood Bonfire Societies big night on 5 November 2008, when the Cheeky Girls attendance drew record crowds on a very wet night. I took pictures of them with Kevin Wall and other Bonfire Organisers and, as the Robin Hood was closed for the evening, took the opportunity of taking a set of shots of the girls in that great setting which have appeared in all the Cinque Ports Magazines and web pages many times since.
Gabriela and Monica are two very special ladies who have worked hard and had many ups and downs since they shot to fame in 2002. I hope they are around for many years to come, entertaining us with that unique style of cheeky innocence and stylish dress that so many have come to enjoy.
Don’t Miss The Bonfire at the Robin Hood on November 5 – You Never Know What Surprises the Robin Hood Bonfire Boys have in store.
Rye’s Own Bulletin 29 October 2015
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