A DATE WITH VERA

A BIG surprise was in store for former businessman Ernie Witcombe, of Okehampton Crescent, Welling, when he visited the War and Peace Show on Saturday.

Back in 1936, Ernie worked for the Co-op Store in Barking Road, Plaistow, East London, where a frequent customer was Vera Lynn.

"Vera often sang at the Working Men's Social Club, opposite the store," said Ernie. "I always made sure I served her when she came in."

On Saturday he and his wife Lily were invited to join Dame Vera for lunch at The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, Kent, where the War and Peace Show is held. Known to servicemen as The Forces Sweetheart, Dame Vera was guest of honour at the Show.

"It was a wonderful surprise," he said. "I have always been a great fan of Dame Vera, and have followed her career right through.

"When she came into our store she would spend more than £1, which was a lot of money in those days. There was always a battle for the privilege of carrying her groceries out to the car."

Ernie sat next to Dame Vera throughout the lunch and chatted about old times.

Now 91, Ernie spent most of his working life running Whitcombe Cycles, and only retired from the firm - for the third time he says - a year ago. The company builds frames for racing bikes.

Next year he and Lily, 95, will have been married 70 years.

Also at Saturday's lunch were the owner of The Hop Farm, Peter Bull, and the organiser of the War and Peace Show Rex Cadman.

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For futher information contact Peter Cook, 01795 536915 or 07796 172680.