Rediscover war time spirit, Dame Vera says, ahead of 103rd birthday
DAME VERA Lynn has encouraged the British public to “rediscover that same spirit that saw us through the war” amid the coronavirus pandemic, in a message ahead of her 103rd birthday.
The ‘Forces’ Sweetheart’, who performed to British troops during the Second World War, will celebrate her birthday tomorrow.
She yesterday thanked wellwishers and said she had been by overwhelmed by “everyone’s kindness and generosity”.
She added: “All around the world, people are facing extremely difficult times. It is likely that we will all have to make hard decisions in the coming months.
“I am reminded of World War Two, when our country faced the darkest of times and yet, despite our struggles, pulled together for the common good and we faced the common threat together as a country, and as a community of countries that joined as one right across the world.
“In light of the challenges we now face, it is time for us all to rediscover that same spirit that saw us through the war,” Dame Vera added.
Meanwhile, Dame Judi Dench has urged people to “just keep laughing” amid the coronavirus outbreak as stars share updates
BIRTHDAY: Dame Vera Lynn, pictured in 2009, had a stirring message for Britain.
about how they are coping with the situation.
In a video that was shared by her daughter, York-born Dame Judi offered a cheery message to fans while wearing a hat with moving floppy ears, adding: “Just keep laughing, that’s all we can do.”
The actress had been scheduled to appear at London’s Bridge Theatre in a series of events, beginning tomorrow, that celebrated her career.
Many celebrities are following the advice of health officials and staying at home or sharing updates about how they are coping.
High-profile actors including Tom Hanks and Idris Elba have tested positive for the virus.
THE NATIONAL Trust is planning to keep its parks and gardens open free of charge amid the coronavirus outbreak, though its buildings will be closed to the public.
Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s advice for the public to avoid mass gatherings and observe social distancing, the National Trust took the decision to close pay-for-entry sites including houses, cafes and shops by tomorrow.
But it will keep as many of its gardens and parklands open free of charge to encourage people to enjoy open space.
Director general Hilary McGrady said: “Over the coming weeks we will do all we can to keep on providing public benefit through caring for places and giving people access wherever possible.”
Meanwhile, people can continue to enjoy golf if they take precautions such as not touching the flag or shaking hands at the end of a match, one of the game’s governing bodies has said.
England Golf, the amateur game’s governing body, has advised that clubs can remain open if they make widespread changes to their usual way of operating.