Christine Williams

Christine with Cliff circa 1989

ROCKHAPPENZ Public Collection

Christine Williams  —  vocalist with The Viscounts .....

Christine Radford née Williams, whose family roots stem from the Welsh valleys, was born in West London, England and started singing in sunday school at the age of 5.  Her grandparents owned a public house in London's East End and Christine would regularly help out behind the bar, even though legally she wasn't old enough.  Christine was familiar with the west-end stars who would pop in after their shows and stay for the "locks-in" where jolly times and sing-alongs, which continued into the early hours, were had.  Her love of theatre was ignited, and she would attend the London Palladium with her grandmother.  She was invited to sing with Danny La Rue at age 12, but being a shy child, declined.  Later as a teenager, invites by The Hollies, The Drifters and others, to go back stage, were taken up.  Christine's father had a contact with EMI and he sponsored a stock-car racing team, photo-shoots would occur at his business premises, and it was on one of these occasions that she met the group The Sweet - opportunities were coming her way but she remained aloof.  Her Christian faith led her to sing backing vocals for Sir Cliff Richard at The Crystal Palace in 1989.

She has written, produced and recorded over 50 of her own songs over 7 CDs, mainly for her own enjoyment, however she was approached by Red Bus Publishing London to write songs for the 90's boy-band Five, but declined due to family issues.  She has appeared at the East Sussex Camber Sands Holiday Camp (a Butlins style holiday camp) with a 4-piece vocal group which din't even have a name.  She has been a backing vocalist for a Jamaican Calypso band called Peace and Love.  Moving forward a large number years, 2 divorces and 3 children later, Christine eventually arrived in New Zealand and while attending a ukulele jam night, her voice was heard by local trumpeter, Neville Wilkins.  She has been the lead singer in Neville Wilkins and The Viscounts ever since.  She states that On Stage  is her safe place.  Amongst her disappointments is COVID.  It prevented a great show happening with Christine, Neville, Eddie Lowe, Dean Waratini, Denis Marsh and Susanne Prentice.  She says it would have been fun.

Christine and Brent Love organised a show at the Avondale Golf Club where popular local entertainer Neville Barry joined them for a spot.  Afterwards he went on to say that "Christine and Brent were the best duo this City has ever seen" — Christine proudly continues to sing with Neville's Viscounts band.

..... with The Viscounts

..... The Viscounts poster

..... with Steadfast Brass

..... Dave Petrie on keys

Christine is a trained ballroom dancer and former model, a confirmed petrol-head, holistic therapist, artist and a perpetual student, advocating for fairness.  She despises animal cruelty - she's a survivor, a warrior, a loner and a watcher.  She sings with The Steadfast Brass across Christchurch during the Christmas Season.  She has performed as a duo at rest homes with Viscounts keyboards man Dave Petrie.