It is heartwarming to see such a stunning, visual tribute to two of our modern-day symbols of all that is great about our country.
Dame Vera Lynn, the Forces’ Sweetheart whose songs helped raise morale in World War Two, died in June aged 103.
The singer was best known for performing hits such as We’ll Meet Again to troops on the front line. Her family, like the entire nation, were deeply saddened by the the passing of one of our best loved entertainers.
So many tributes have been made to this remarkable woman. Two Spitfires flew over the funeral procession of Dame Vera as family, friends and fans said goodbye to her. Her cortege was accompanied by the Battle of Britain flypast as it travelled through Ditchling in East Sussex.
Dame Vera has now been added to a special tribute to Captain Tom Moore, by Abergavenny artist Paul Cable.
Originally, Paul spent hours painting a 100th birthday tribute to Captain Tom at the height of the global crisis. Like so many of us, he wanted to do something in honour of this mans incredible achievements.
There will be many lasting memories and symbols of the Coronavirus pandemic, none more so than that of Captain Tom Moore. Known to the entire world as Captain Tom, the former British Army officer is now recognised for his efforts to raise money for charity in the run-up to his 100th birthday during the current crisis. Tom served in India and the Burma campaign during the Second World War.
After the war, he worked as managing director of a concrete company and was an avid motorcycle racer. On the 6th April, at the age of 99, Tom began to walk around his garden in aid of NHS Charities Together, with the goal of raising £1,000 by his hundredth birthday. By today, he has raised over £29.2 million. In doing so, he has become a household name who has come to symbolise all that is good about this nation of ours.
Soon after the walk, he featured in a cover version of the song “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, along with NHS Choirs and Michael Ball, with proceeds going to the same charity. The single topped the UK music charts and made him the oldest person to ever achieve a UK number one.
The Weeknd, who would easily have been that weeks number one, has given his total support to Captain Tom.
The tributes continue to Tom on a daily basis, for his 100th Birthday, here in South Wales many messages and images appeared to highlight the efforts of this incredible man. In Abergavenny, the latest was a Banksy style mural which has appeared on the side of one of the towns many restaurants. The artist is also the owner of Cable News. In between serving customers he would dash across the road to put the finishing touches to his work, in readiness for Tom’s 100th birthday.
We we’re there as Paul added the finishing touched to the tribute and it looked fantastic, even in miserable weather.
Paul Cable is the newsagent owner and artist and SOUTH WALES LIFE went to meet him (at a more than safe social distance). As you listen to the number one hit, Paul explains to us why he wanted to do such a piece.
As if Tom hasn’t broken enough records over the last few months, we feel certain another is about to be added to the ever growing list. With his 100th birthday, he received in excess of 125,000 cards from well-wishers around the world.
Happy Birthday Captain Tom, without a shadow of doubt you are our Number One.
And now, with the addition of Dame Vera, the town’s tribute to two icons is compete.
