Like old times with songs by Vera Lynn

Locals have the chance to acquaint themselves with some wartime nostalgia when Vicki Lee takes on Dame Vera Lynn's songbook.

Dame Vera was the girl who reminded WWII soldiers of their sweethearts back home. She looked like the girl next door, could hold a decent tune, and became known for sentimental ballads such as The White Cliffs of Dover and We'll Meet Again to name a few.

Her tunes pulled many a soldier through tough times.

New Zealander Lee took a trip to England recently where she met Dame Vera, and requested permission to cover her songbook in New Zealand. Permission was granted and Lee has joined forces with Rotary clubs throughout the country to hold the concerts and raise money for youth projects.

Lee is holding two concerts tomorrow, a matinee and an evening concert at St Faith's, and Bryce Dunn of the Rotorua Rotary Club is hoping for a good turnout.

"Supporting youth is a priority for Rotary. Each one of the five clubs in Rotorua has a local high school under its wing. We have a number of projects constantly on the go such as sponsoring disadvantaged youth to go to Outward Bound, speech competitions and international exchanges. We particularly like to support disadvantaged youth ... to give them a good future in life," he said.

Details:

* What: Vera Lynn Songbook

* Where: St Faith's Church

* When: Tomorrow 2.30pm and 7pm

* Tickets: $20 from Gould Photographic or online www.needlecraft.co.nz