Post by Feologild Oakes on Jun 18, 2020 8:56:49 GMT
Dame Vera Lynn has died at the age of 103.
The singer and actress, dubbed the Forces’ Sweetheart, rose to fame during World War Two.
She is best known for hits such as We’ll Meet Again, her rendition of which was hugely popular during the war.
As she turned 100 in 2017, she looked back on her life. She established the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity in 2001. And she said it is her charity work – not her wartime bravery – for which she wants to be remembered.
“I’d love it to be my legacy,” she says. “I’ve never considered my actions as courageous. I was just doing my job.”
Tributes are already flooding in for the Forces’ Sweetheart.
Sir Tim Rice said: “Dame Vera Lynn was one of the greatest ever British popular singers, not just because of her immaculate voice, warm, sincere, instantly recognisable and musically flawless. She will be remembered just as affectionately for her vital work in the Second World War and for her own Charitable Foundations in the 75 years since. A link with more certain times has been irrevocably broken.”
Miriam Margolyes said: “Dame Vera never lost her reality. The voice like a bell was a gift, which she shared so generously and bravely.
But the magic was that her personality was genuine, open, warm. Meeting her was one of the high points of my life.
“She looked at you & SAW you. And connected. There is no one in our lives, except The Queen, who had the power to connect a nation.
For that, she will be remembered & always with love.”
Roger Redfarn said: “Dame Vera has been a dear friend since the early 1970’s and for many years a neighbour in the village of Ditchling. The world knows of her great voice that through the good and bad times has thrilled millions.
“My own father firmly believed that the Second World War was won by Sir Winston Churchill and Vera Lynn. As a friend she was the warmest and kindest of people, I never saw her angry or say a bad word of anyone, people would stop her in the street and she always found time for them. She cared particularly about our armed forces, ‘her boys’ as she called them.
“Her work for charity, especially young people with cerebral palsy was tireless and inspiring. There will never be anyone like her again.”
Anthony Andrews said: “My father adored the purity of her voice and we still have the tear stained music copy, as he wrote her arrangements he could hear her wonderful soaring tone.
“Personally, I will never forget the unannounced arrival of her Majesty the Queen at the celebration of Vera’s 100th Birthday at the London Palladium; a perfect and fitting tribute.
“It was the greatest joy and a privilege to have known her.”
Dame Vera Lynn was also well known for her charity work. Pilar Cloud, Executive Manager of Dame Vera Lynn’s Childrens Charity said: “She has always been hands on, enjoying participating in sessions, singing songs with the children and setting the tone with real determination to ensure that “her families” were never forgotten. She is very fondly regarded by all of the staff and families, and will be greatly missed by so many people.”
Lynn celebrated her 103rd birthday back in March, marking the occasion by releasing a new video for We’ll Meet Again, including a new voiceover aimed at bolstering the British public during the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are facing a very challenging time at the moment, and I know many people are worried about the future,” she said. “I’m greatly encouraged that despite these struggles, we have seen people joining together.
“Music is so good for the soul, and during these hard times we must all help each other to find moments of joy.”
More information to follow…
The singer and actress, dubbed the Forces’ Sweetheart, rose to fame during World War Two.
She is best known for hits such as We’ll Meet Again, her rendition of which was hugely popular during the war.
As she turned 100 in 2017, she looked back on her life. She established the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity in 2001. And she said it is her charity work – not her wartime bravery – for which she wants to be remembered.
“I’d love it to be my legacy,” she says. “I’ve never considered my actions as courageous. I was just doing my job.”
Tributes are already flooding in for the Forces’ Sweetheart.
Sir Tim Rice said: “Dame Vera Lynn was one of the greatest ever British popular singers, not just because of her immaculate voice, warm, sincere, instantly recognisable and musically flawless. She will be remembered just as affectionately for her vital work in the Second World War and for her own Charitable Foundations in the 75 years since. A link with more certain times has been irrevocably broken.”
Miriam Margolyes said: “Dame Vera never lost her reality. The voice like a bell was a gift, which she shared so generously and bravely.
But the magic was that her personality was genuine, open, warm. Meeting her was one of the high points of my life.
“She looked at you & SAW you. And connected. There is no one in our lives, except The Queen, who had the power to connect a nation.
For that, she will be remembered & always with love.”
Roger Redfarn said: “Dame Vera has been a dear friend since the early 1970’s and for many years a neighbour in the village of Ditchling. The world knows of her great voice that through the good and bad times has thrilled millions.
“My own father firmly believed that the Second World War was won by Sir Winston Churchill and Vera Lynn. As a friend she was the warmest and kindest of people, I never saw her angry or say a bad word of anyone, people would stop her in the street and she always found time for them. She cared particularly about our armed forces, ‘her boys’ as she called them.
“Her work for charity, especially young people with cerebral palsy was tireless and inspiring. There will never be anyone like her again.”
Anthony Andrews said: “My father adored the purity of her voice and we still have the tear stained music copy, as he wrote her arrangements he could hear her wonderful soaring tone.
“Personally, I will never forget the unannounced arrival of her Majesty the Queen at the celebration of Vera’s 100th Birthday at the London Palladium; a perfect and fitting tribute.
“It was the greatest joy and a privilege to have known her.”
Dame Vera Lynn was also well known for her charity work. Pilar Cloud, Executive Manager of Dame Vera Lynn’s Childrens Charity said: “She has always been hands on, enjoying participating in sessions, singing songs with the children and setting the tone with real determination to ensure that “her families” were never forgotten. She is very fondly regarded by all of the staff and families, and will be greatly missed by so many people.”
Lynn celebrated her 103rd birthday back in March, marking the occasion by releasing a new video for We’ll Meet Again, including a new voiceover aimed at bolstering the British public during the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are facing a very challenging time at the moment, and I know many people are worried about the future,” she said. “I’m greatly encouraged that despite these struggles, we have seen people joining together.
“Music is so good for the soul, and during these hard times we must all help each other to find moments of joy.”
More information to follow…
