Leighton Buzzard vintage singer pays tribute to Dame Vera Lynn

The British singer, songwriter and entertainer passed away this week
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A vintage singer from Leighton Buzzard who has been performing on her driveway to keep her neighbours' spirits up, has paid tribute to Dame Vera Lynn.

Fiona Harrison, a soprano and costume artist, described the Forces' Sweetheart who passed away on Thursday (June 18) aged 103, as a 'great inspiration'.

Fiona has performed Dame Vera's popular song 'We'll Meet Again' during a number of driveway concerts.

Fiona and the Leighton Buzzard Festival Singers performed 'We'll meet again' for the recent VE Day 75th anniversary.

She said: "Vera was a great inspiration and it was such a shame that I never got the opportunity to meet her.

"Our paths just never crossed, there were a few occasions where I just missed her, she really was a great inspiration and had a wonderful repertoire.

"People always remember her for 'White Cliffs of Dover' and 'We'll Meet Again' but my favourite song of hers was 'Be Like The Kettle And Sing'.

Fiona has paid tribute to Dame Vera LynnFiona has paid tribute to Dame Vera Lynn
Fiona has paid tribute to Dame Vera Lynn

"I thought it was such an upbeat, jolly number and different from her normal songs.

"It was my favourite, it was one of those songs that you could tap your foot and instantly raise people's spirits.

"I would like very much to perform it one day."

Fiona has performed 32 driveway concerts around Leighton Buzzard since Easter, she is continuing with them in and around the town and many of her existing customers are starting to have shows again as things start to get back to normal.

Fiona has been performing Driveway ConcertsFiona has been performing Driveway Concerts
Fiona has been performing Driveway Concerts

Fiona added: "People still want driveway concerts so I'm doing what I can and just adapting to the situation, for example, last week I was due to perform at Mountbatten Gardens and they asked me to perform at a wake because someone had passed away.

"I'm quite versatile so can change to whatever is needed.

"For Armed Forces Day I have been invited to perform a special 1940s show for the residence at Avondale Care Home in Aylesbury. Later that afternoon I will be changing costume and performing in Miles Ave songs from the 1950s and more."

Fiona will be performing 'We'll Meet Again' at a number of upcoming Driveway Concerts including:

- Saturday, June 20, at 3pm 'We'll Meet Again' Mentmore Village Green

- Sunday, June 21,at 3pm 'We'll Meet Again' Waterdell

- Saturday, June 27, (Armed Forces Day) at 11am 'We'll Meet Again' Avondale Care Home, Aylesbury

- Saturday, June 27, at 3pm 'Chantelle Lace' Songs from the 40s 50s and more Miles Ave

- Sunday, June 28, 'Consider Yourself at Home' Mix of music from the 1940s - 70s High Street, Burcott, Wing.