Vera Lynn

England, through good times or bad, was the only place I wanted to be.

I think I have got a peculiar voice really, it neither one thing nor the other. It's not a contralto and it's not a mezzo soprano; it's a nothing voice really.

Nostalgia is very powerful.

I miss the emotion of singing. There is something about it which means you can express emotions to people without actually talking to them.

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.

I am exceptionally fond of all the brave servicemen and women who have worked, and continue to work, to keep us safe and secure, and protect our values.

I already am very satisfied by my career. It has been long, diverse and hugely rewarding.

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.

I try not to worry too much about anything any more, and enjoy every day as it comes.

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

So many go into the business just to be famous, not because they are passionate about their craft.

You can't have it all one way - be on the telly and the radio and make lots of money - and not offer anything to your followers when they need you.

I used to bomb around London in my little Austin 10 throughout the raids to appear on stage and if there was a raid before the show was over I would be there, crouching on a floor wherever I could find a big thick wall.

It is so important that British children are taught about the World Wars that their great grandparents fought in and lived through. It was a terrifying time.

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.

On one occasion I had to sleep on a stretcher balanced on two kitchen chairs. It wasn't glamorous.

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 smoked myself because it lowers your voice and mine was already low. Some singers liked their smoky voices though, like Marlene Dietrich.

Certain people cause so many problems, not only to the running of the town and the country, but to people themselves.

All young men should have a certain time in the Army, instead of going running around wild for a few years after school. They would learn discipline and they would learn a good trade. It would be a good opportunity.

Dover is part of England. It simply can't be part of anywhere else.

I've been blessed to be able to sing and perform.

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 think people looked at me as one of them - an ordinary girl from an ordinary family with a voice they could recognise.

You know, your voice can only last for so long. It's a muscle and when you get older it sort of fades away.

Remember to stand tall and tuck your tummy in - very important as you get older!

Entertaining the boys in Burma was something that I will never forget and will remain a highlight of my life.

I'm delighted people still enjoy my music all these years later.

I didn't have any more children because I couldn't have continued working - and I was the main breadwinner. But although we are small in number, family life has always been hugely important to me.

Basically, country is my kind of music - the simple melody, the simple lyrics.

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.

I did an audition for Henry Hall, a well-known dance man at the BBC, when I was about 15. I have lost the letter I was sent, but it said: 'your voice is unsuitable for broadcasting.'

I don't know Robbie Williams. I know his name, but I've never met him.

Make up your mind what you want to do, and go and get it. Make sure it is not at the expense of anyone else, though.

I was very privileged to enjoy The Queen Mother's company on many occasions. She was relaxed and informal - she would just sit down for a chat.

If somebody makes a record, no matter how many years later it's released, they or their families should be entitled to the proceeds.

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

You can't do an awful lot about getting older but you shouldn't let it stop you from doing what you want to do.

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

The journey to Burma is etched in my brain, full of all sorts of intense memories.

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

I didn't mind a bit of hardship.

I always felt that whatever I had to endure was nothing compared to what the average soldier, sailor or airman had to put up with.

I have a Children's Charity in Cuckfield, West Sussex, which helps young children affected by cerebral palsy and associated disorders. The perseverance these young people display every day is inspirational.

In so many ways, World War II was one of the lowest lows imaginable, yet some of my most treasured memories come from that time. Communities came together, people displayed a wonderful generosity of spirit and I saw the bravery of our boys on the front line as they fought for our freedom.

I've had the good fortune of having a long and varied career. Looking back, some might think things have been plain sailing but, as with anything, there have been both highs and lows.

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.

We have always been told not to open the door to strangers, especially because of the terrible things that could happen these days. I never have, unless they are expected and are friends or family.

So many older people are on a very small budget and just wouldn't be able to afford a TV licence.

I think a sense of history and perspective for our young people today is essential.