Entertainment

Care home residents sing We'll Meet Again for Dame Vera Lynn's 100th birthday

Nearly 80 years after its release, the song still resonates with those who lived through the war.
Nearly 80 years after its release, the song still resonates with those who lived through the war. Nearly 80 years after its release, the song still resonates with those who lived through the war.

Residents from more than 50 Care UK homes will unite for a singalong of Dame Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again to mark her 100th birthday.

Dame Vera, who celebrates the milestone birthday on Monday, was a source of inspiration for soldiers and their loved ones during the Second World War thanks to her uplifting song.

Nearly 80 years after its release, We’ll Meet Again still resonates with those who lived through the war and is particularly meaningful to those with dementia.

Care UK resident John Hodgson said: “A number of my family were in the services and it really meant a lot to hear what she was singing about. She had the most wonderful voice and she was a tremendous inspiration.”

Sharing her memories of Dame Vera’s influential wartime song, Marian Bridson said: “We used to go in the Nissen shelters during the war, and when she came on, it used to light us up. She was marvellous.”

“It reminds you of old friends, things you used to do together and enjoy, being part of a community,” resident Esme Taylor added.

Dame Vera Lynn.
Dame Vera Lynn.
Dame Vera Lynn (Zak Hussein/PA)

Debra Fox, Care UK’s national expert in dementia, said: “Vera Lynn is an iconic figure for many of our residents, so what better way to celebrate her 100th birthday than with a singalong to her most well-loved song.

“Singing can be a powerful reminiscence activity and many of our residents will have grown up listening to her music. Even when memories become particularly hard to remember, sometimes music can still be recalled.

“A group singalong can help bring memories to the surface and it’s often very enjoyable for those living with dementia, and can precipitate people talking about their earlier years.”