Singer’s letter back with radio charity – 33 years after it was written
A letter written by Dame Vera Lynn was due to be auctioned before a Maidstone charity added it to its archive.
The singer wrote the letter in 1973 in response to a fundraising appeal by the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF).
After the seller dropped their price the BWBF was able to buy the letter back.
Dame Vera, who is releasing an album this month to celebrate her 100th birthday on Monday, issued an appeal for funds for the charity in the 1970s. The letter, which is on British Wireless headed paper, reads: “Thank you so much for your kind gift in response to my appeal.
“Your kindness will bring pleasure to some blind person who will be as grateful as I am for your generosity this Christmas.
“All best wishes for 1974. Yours Vera Lynn.”
The seller, a book collector, told the BWBF she bought the letter about 30 years ago at an auction in Brighton.
Her grandson had suggested placing the letter on eBay and later realised the charity was still providing radios to people with sight loss.
BWBF CEO Margaret Grainger said: “We’re delighted to have this wonderful letter to add to our collection.
“With such a long and proud history of supporting blind people around the country, it’s great to be reminded of past appeals.
“It’s lovely to have a link to Dame Vera Lynn, and especially to discover the letter at this time when she is preparing to celebrate such a milestone birthday.
“We’d like to say thank you to the seller for letting us have it at a reduced price.”