Quotes from Vera Lynn

I never thought that I would share a hit parade with the Beatles.

Perhaps because I never left England and went to America - I think the public sort of appreciated that. I visited and I did some shows over there, but I never had any ambitions to settle over there. I could never have left England.

I've visited Holland plenty of times and always liked staying in the Hilton in Amsterdam.

Over many years, I have been a supporter of the National Trust and the vital work that they do in preserving our heritage and landscapes - long may this continue.

I never smoked myself because it lowers your voice and mine was already low. Some singers liked their smoky voices though, like Marlene Dietrich.

I've liked country music for as long as I can remember, especially the songs of Dolly Parton. Her lyrics are similar to mine: simple, expressive, from the heart. Our voices are in the same kind of register, too.

We were a great family for singing. There were good voices on both sides and no reluctance to use them.

Barely a week goes by without me being asked to cut a ribbon somewhere, and I'm usually happy to oblige. Things to do with the Army mostly.

You've got to be nice to people when you're on your way up, because you never know who you are going to meet on the way down.

People often ask me for the secret to success. Usually, they mean success in the music industry, but I think the answer applies to most things in life: always persevere and never give up.

There is always something we can be concerned about. The secret is to rise above it and do whatever we can to make the world a better place.

In the mid-1970s, I even decided to make my own country album. I put the idea to my record company, thinking we'd just go into the studio in the U.K. and make a novelty album. But instead, they suggested I go to Nashville. I was flabbergasted. I hadn't expected that at all.

No, I never sing in the bath. In fact, I've never even practised singing. I would only ever sing indoors if I had to learn a song with my pianist.

In wartime you never know what is going to happen, you never know whether you will still be around tomorrow, and that is a great leveller.

I never, ever go to bed with make-up on; I always make sure I cleanse with Nivea Gentle Cleansing Cream Wash.

Be active to your full capabilities.

I don't like a cheater.

Perhaps it is no surprise I became an entertainer because many of my relatives were natural performers. Dad, who had a fine pair of lungs, was master of ceremonies at East Ham working men's club in east London. I felt so proud when I saw him in his white gloves calling out the names of the dances.

I can never waste water. If I cannot drink it I will use it to water the plants and I will never waste food. If it is inedible it goes on the compost heap.

Dad, who worked as a plumber, was a quiet and undemanding man who liked to laugh - and he was a very good dancer.

Ordinary British people don't on the whole find it easy to express their feelings, even to those closest to them.

In 1939, a newspaper ran a competition for the first load of boys off to war to pick their favourite singer. They chose me from my radio broadcasts. That's when I became known as the 'forces' sweetheart.'

If I switch on the radio and hear some nice classical music, I will sit and listen to it but I don't sort of play records or go for any particular type of music.

I'm keen on the sun, so weather is an important ingredient for a perfect holiday.