“We’ll Meet Again” – Memorial For Much Loved Wartime Singer Held By Cottingham Care Home Residents

On the eve of her funeral, staff and residents at Magnolia House care home, Cottingham, took part in a remembrance afternoon in memory of wartime singer, Dame Vera Lynn, who sadly passed away in June 2020.

Songs by Dame Vera have sparked memories of times gone by for residents at the home for many years, so a memorial day was suggested as part of the home’s activities.

Throughout the afternoon, the residents and staff sang along to classics by Dame Vera, before finishing the day of remembrance with tea and cupcakes.

Marlene, 88, said: “I liked all of Dame Vera Lynn’s songs, she was a very good singer. She was a very interesting lady. I really enjoyed our afternoon.”

Vera, 93, added: “It brought back lots of memories of the war. It keeps the morale up of people when they are singing. We’ll meet again is my favourite.”

Lindsay Altoft, home manager at Magnolia House care home, said: “I was saddened to hear of Dame Vera Lynn’s passing; she was a household name, and our residents spent a lot of their lives listening to her wonderful music.

“The memorial afternoon gave the residents a chance to remember a great lady, but also time to reminisce about the past and the memories that Dame Vera’s songs brought back to them.

“The afternoon tea was enjoyed by us all but listening to the residents singing their favourite songs was definitely the best part of the day!”