Mary Bird lives in a thriving village, just outside Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Born the daughter of an Anglican Clergyman, she attended Lavenham Primary School until the age of 11yrs, and witnessed the making of many films, including “Witch Finder General” and John and Yoko recording Apocrypha (many a story to tell!). Here she witnessed first hand the world of the media.
From an early age, Mary was always writing little stories and putting together magazines, with competitions, news and fashion tips. She made tiny dress patterns for her dolls’ outfits, drew a selection of shoe designs for walking through water and 3 years later the platform shoe came out! Her imagination and creativity was always in demand. She organized dance troops, created a complete village in the rectory woods and put together two full length radio shows on the, then, newly-out “cassette recorder” with another local vicar’s daughter Amanda Phillips from Thorpe Morieux. Amanda (Hancox) is now seires producer of religious programmes at BBC Manchester!
In 1971, the new comprehensive education system was brought into Suffolk, and suffering from a debilitating stammer, a wealthy gentleman stepped in and offered to finance Mary’s education at St.Michaels Limpsfield, an all girl’s boarding school in Surrey, for 7 years. Here she learnt to make up little ditties about the staff after “lights out” in the dormitory, which made the other girls laugh. Eureka…As long as it has rhythm, she was able to speak! She became dept Head Girl, head of Chapel, Queens Guide and played in the first Lacrosse team.
Having completed her A levels, she moved to london in 1978 and studied Speech Therapy at the 'School for the Studies of Disorders In Human Communication' , as her stammer was much better, but she was not medical and almost fainted on the dead bodies walking through the dissection room at Guys medical School (another story!)
In 1979 Mary attended The London College of Fashion, followed by employment at the world famous theatrical costumiers Berman & Nathans, (now Angels) as a seamstress to the leading ladies, and leading men who dressed up as ladies. She also had her own fashion design business just off the Portobello Road.
Mary moved back up to Suffolk in 1984
Interesting facts about Mary Bird:
In 1979 a friend was releasing a single called “Pop Muzic”. This was Robin Scott of “M” and the first time the single was ever played, was at Mary’s flat warming party in the Elephant & Castle, the acetate hot of the press from “The Town House” recording studios… the rest is history. Mary sang on the follow up album.
Mary sung with “The Stiff All Stars” (office boys) at Stiff Records MD Dave Robinson’s wedding reception. She was supported by his new signing, a band called Madness.
Mary was greatly influenced by the writing and rhythmic style of another Stiff Records artist, Ian Dury and knew the band, attending his funeral in London, and that of drummer Charlie Charles.
Mary remembers the final mixes being done by Trevor Horn, on a new band called Frankie goes to Hollywood. “We had never heard anything like it before, and sat in for a while” says Mary.
Mary was seamstress to UB40, when UB44 Album turned Gold and remembers running from backstage to the tour bus, with girls banging on the windows and doors.
Mary worked with Peter Stringfellow on the dress designs for the waitresses, ready for the opening night of his first club in London.
In 1987 Mary opened The Country House Recording Studios in Thurston, with her first husband Loz Netto( ex Sniff N the Tears- “Drivers Seat”), backed by Gene Simmons (Kiss) with whom Loz was signed to. Clients included Betty Boo, Thomas Dolby, Hal Lindus (Dia Straights), Lene Lovich, Paul Roberts, and others, including well known local producers.
Mary sung backing vocals for the Roger Vadim film “And God created Woman” starring Rebecca DeMornay. Also for songs used in the TV series Miami Vice, and albums produced by her then husband.
Mary has been commissioned to make ball gowns for parties and high profile events, including various celebrities.
Given this interesting and varied past she brings her exciting experiences to the brand “Car Masutra”.
