John Betjeman with Gracie Fields, 1960 (photo)

John Betjeman, CBE (1906 – 1984) English poet, writer and broadcaster who started his career as a journalist and ended it as one of the most popular British poets. Was appointed Poet Laureate in 1972. He was a much-loved figure on British television. His poetry is witty and urbane but with underlying notes of melancholy. He was knighted in 1969. Gracie Fields (1898 – 1979) English-born, later Italian-based actress, singer, comedienne and star of both cinema and music hall. During World War II she traveled in Europe to entertain the troops in the midst of air-raids. She was made a Dame just before her death in 1979.