Forces Sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn pens letter to Wolverhampton poet
SHE'S the Forces Sweetheart who lifted the spirits of millions with her wartime tunes.
Now Dame Vera Lynn has given her seal of approval to a Wolverhampton poet who reached out to her at Christmas.
Reg Summerfield decided to extend the festive spirit to the singing star, penning a special tribute to mark her 100th birthday last year.
The 79-year-old pulled together a collection of four poems and whisked them off to Dame Vera, with hopes she would enjoy his creations.
He was left in high spirits after receiving a letter from Dame Vera, thanking him for his 'very clever mini anthology', just days before Christmas.
Mr Summerfield, who lives in Bilston, said: "It's nice to know a person in her position - one of the greatest artists of all time - had the time to sit down and write a letter to me. It's heart warming."
Former entertainment agent Mr Summerfield started penning poems when he was 19, writing his first piece about Aston Villa FC winning the FA Cup.
Since then, he has complied hundreds including poems about politicians and celebrities, as well as satirical pieces.
He said: "I started doing them as a hobby many years ago, in a simple style. I never thought much about it, I just kept penning them when something came to mind.
"I just enjoy writing them. I like to put a message down to people and share my experiences and thoughts."
Dame Vera became a household name when she featured on her own radio show Sincerely Yours in 1940.
The singer, known for hits including 'The White Cliffs of Dover' and 'We'll Meet Again', also proved popular with soldiers as she performed live to the troops.
In her letter to Mr Summerfield, she said: "Thank you for your Christmas card and Christmas in Rhyme - your very clever mini anthology.
"I shall enjoy reading that over the festive season."
