A message from our Chief Executive

Our thoughts are all focused on dealing with COVID-19 (coronavirus) and ensuring our beneficiaries, family and friends remain safe. 

As we look to ride out this storm, I am reminded of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst motto ‘SERVE TO LEAD’.  By serving others and putting them first we truly offer leadership and example, so I would like to encourage all those who know and work with The Not Forgotten to follow this mantra.  As the country goes into isolation we need to ensure that those who are already isolated, lonely and vulnerable are not forgotten nor allowed to languish over the difficult weeks ahead.  We should be looking out for our family and friends, but also those in our community who are alone whether they be military or not.  Looking after our own, and our community, is at the heart of what it means to be a member of the Armed Forces family and I know you will do your part. 

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that all Royal Garden Parties this year will not be going ahead and we are sorry for any disappointment this may cause. Guests already invited to the Garden Party will be invited to attend in 2021.

Some of the other Not Forgotten events have also been cancelled and I suspect more will be, although where possible we will aim only to postpone them – we shall keep everyone updated via social media and our website.  For anyone who was due to attend an activity/event with us, which has been cancelled, we will ensure you are top of the list for future events – you will not be forgotten. 

The Not Forgotten office team will now start working from home but emails and telephone messages will still be answered.  Planning also continues for future events so that when we can we restart our programme of events we will do so at pace and with gusto.

In the meantime, please stay safe, look out for those around you and let us know if we can help.

James Stopford, Chief Executive