10th February 2004.

Press Release.

Vera Lynn appearance at the War and Peace Show.

As part of the D-Day commemoration themed War and Peace Show, (taking place from 21st - 25th July at the Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood, Kent) organisers have revealed that Special Guest appearances taking place at the event will include Dame Vera Lynn on Friday 23rd July.

The five day event has built a reputation as the best show of its kind in the world, attracting more military vehicles than any other. What started as purely a military vehicle rally has expanded, particularly over the past 5 years, to include 40's fashion shows, nostalgia, living history area's, arena displays and much more.

Dame Vera Lynn (born Vera Welch, 20th March 1917) is to this day, held in high esteem due to her work entertaining service personnel during World War II. After singing in orchestra's and appearing in a dance troupe, Lynn went solo in 1940 when she also launched her own BBC radio series entitled "Sincerely Yours". By reading personal messages and singing much loved songs such as "The White Cliffs of Dover" and "Wishing", Lynn provided a much needed link between the couples and families split by war and became known as the "Forces Sweetheart".

Dame Vera Lynn had 9 top 30 hits in the UK during the 50's and has the honour of being the first UK artist to top the US charts "Auf Weidersehn Sweetheart", and appearing twice in the first UK Top Ten ever in November 1952.

Lynn now uses her time to support her charity "Stars Organisation Supporting Cerebral Palsy" (SOS). As founder and president of the charity since it's inception 50 years ago (under the umbrella of "the spastics society" and latterly "Scope"), Lynn has been instrumental in raising millions of pounds for people with Cerebral Palsy and their families. Now an independent charity since 2001, the charity built and still supports "The Dame Vera Lynn School for parents" in Billingshurst Sussex.

Her attendance at the War and Peace will include arena interviews, appearances and walk abouts and a silent auction of War memorabilia at the Friday Night Miller evening. The charity will also be bringing along other 40's related stars throughout the weekend who will be confirmed as time progresses.

Tickets to the Miller Evening must be pre-booked and cost £25.00 (with £5.00 from each ticket sold going directly to SOS), call 01622 872068 to book or for further details. Admission to the War and Peace Show on Friday 23rd -Sunday 25th July is £12.00 adults, £10.00 children and seniors and £38.00 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Advance booking discounts are available, please contact the booking line on 01622 872068 or visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk to book. Further information on this event can be found from www.thewarandpeaceshow.com.

-ENDS-
Press Contact: Hollie Eastwood -The Hop Farm Country Park Tel; 01622 870809 - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it '); This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Pictures available at 300dpi on request.

Note to editors; The Hop Farm Country Park, Beltring near Paddock Wood, Kent is situated on the A228 Paddock Wood Road, 10 minutes from M20 J4, and 30 minutes from M25 J5.

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