Dame Vera turns 100
The iconic singing star and her daughter Virginia chat to best about turning 100, Mother’s Day and Vera’s secrets for staying happy and healthy…
She is a woman who has always done everything with little fanfare and great humility, but of the many stars of music, stage and screen who are described as ‘national treasures’, Vera Lynn is one person who truly deserves the accolade.
The East End girl, who turned 100 on Monday and celebrated with a star-studded concert at the London Palladium, has little time for compliments and says of her title ‘Forces’ Sweetheart’, ‘I was never a glamour girl. I was just the girl next door.’
Vera, who left school aged 11 to tour the music halls and is famed for songs such as We’ll Meet Again and The White Cliffs of Dover, had her own radio show during World War II but her family – especially her daughter – were always equally important to the singing legend.
Vera married Harry Lewis in 1941 and the couple had one daughter, Virginia, now 69. Sadly, Harry died in 1998.
Here, Vera and Virginia talk to best about their very special relationship.
VERA You and Virginia have a strong bond. What’s the best thing about being a mum for you?
I have been so fortunate to live very close to my daughter [in Sussex], and we have always enjoyed being together. Whenever I was working in the business, I tried to make sure we were only ever apart for a short time. Having a daughter is a real joy.
Was it hard trying to balance motherhood with being the ‘Forces’ Sweetheart’?
I always made an effort to balance my personal life with the profession, but I couldn’t have done it without my husband, Harry. His support meant that I could keep one foot in both worlds, and that is something that I am deeply grateful for.
Did it feel good helping soldiers forget their woes for a couple of hours when you performed for them?
It was such an incredible honour to be able to bring them some joy and comfort in those dark days. I will never forget my special times with them. I was truly humbled to be able to do my bit while they did theirs.
You have just turned 100 – an incredible milestone! What keeps you feeling happy and healthy?
I’ve always tried to look after myself – by eating the right food and ensuring there is time to relax, whether it be by doing a bit of painting or gardening. My family is a great source of happiness for me, and my daughter Virginia and her husband Tom have been wonderfully supportive, too.
You still love singing, but you actually broke records by releasing your latest album at 100 – did you enjoy having the likes of Alfie Boe on it?
I was delighted to hear the new versions of those old songs. The advancements in technology from when they were originally released
are astounding, and the performers on the album are of a very high calibre. I’ll really enjoy listening to the CD!
Do you see the same spirit in the Londoners and British today that you did during wartime? How have things changed?
There was a great sense of community spirit during those years, where everyone pulled together to do their bit and work towards a common goal. There was also a wonderful, collective sense of patriotism and it’s lovely to still see that when we have special occasions, such as the Queen’s 90th birthday last year.
What’s the best memory of your own mother?
My mother [Annie] was a very gifted dressmaker and she had lots of get-up-and-go about her. She was the one that got me into singing professionally. She always took a great deal of pride in her appearance, although she didn’t wear any make-up, only a touch of powder – and Pond’s Cold Cream, which was a great favourite back then. Mum was wonderful when we had family parties at home with lots of singing around the piano, and she would make delicious treats for us to eat.
VIRGINIA What makes your mum so special?
It’s just the type of person she is. She was busy, but she always found time for her family – that was very important to her. Mummy was always home for birthday and Christmases.
Did you sometimes wish that you had a normal childhood?
To me it was normal – I didn’t know any different. It was amazing. I was able to travel a lot and meet lots of interesting people. It was just really good. I was very fortunate to be born when and where I was. I have many good memories, silly things like Mum watching me at the gymkhana on a pony that just wouldn’t do what it was told, to Royal occasions that were always very exciting, and meeting the Queen and Bing Crosby.
How will you be celebrating Mother’s Day?
We’ll be at home, because Mummy has difficulty getting out and about, although she is OK in herself. My lovely cousin is here from South Africa, so we’ll just have a very nice lunch. And I’ll probably be cooking the dinner.
Is it true that you live next door to each other?
We did, but now myself and my husband Tom have taken over Mum’s top floor. We’ve changed it into a whole open-plan apartment. Because of her age, we have someone who comes in and helps Tuesday to Saturdays, or when we are very busy.
Can you sing ?
No [ laughs]. My cousin had a very nice soprano voice, but I’m a bit like daddy – he was a very good musician, but his voice wasn’t up to much, either.
Finally, are you both pleased about last week’s court ruling regarding Royal Marine Sergeant Alexander Blackman?
It’s wonderful! Mummy isn’t political, but she is very happy this has happened – most delighted. I’m sure Sergeant Blackman’s family are thrilled.