Grandma - Christine with her daughter, granddaughter and great grandchild TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a beloved grandmother who was leader of a dancing group for 30 years. Christine Watts, of Southchurch, passed away this month at the age of 77 after battling a series of illnesses in recent years. Mrs Watts was the leader of the majorette troupe, The Southend Sapphires, for more than 30 years and was known as “nanny Chris” by countless children. Mrs Watts with the Southend Sapphires majorette troupe Mrs Watts celebrated 60 years of marriage with her husband Vernon Watts in October, where they were delivered a message from the Queen by Postman Pat.