We were deeply saddened to hear last month of the death of Major General Sir Christopher Airy KCVO CBE, who served as Chairman of The Not Forgotten from 1993 to 2001 and as Vice President until his passing. Sir Christopher passed away peacefully at home on Monday 7th April, aged 91. He died only a few months after the death of his wife, Judy. They had been married for 65 years.
General Sir Christopher succeeded Mr John Brunel Cohen as Chairman of The Not Forgotten in September 1993 after retiring from a distinguished military career which included his appointment as General Officer Commanding the London District. General Christopher took a very active interest in all the activities of The Not Forgotten. He always gave support and encouragement to the office team, and he never missed leading the charity at all the Palace parties during his years as Chairman. He also continued to support the Charity as a Vice President after he retired as Chairman in 2001. General Christopher’s charm, enthusiasm and encouragement form an important part of The Not Forgotten story.
Born in March 1934 as one of four children, after Marlborough College Sir Christopher was commissioned into the Regiment in early 1954, joining the 3rd Battalion in Chelsea Barracks, later serving as a young officer in Cyprus and the Middle East. He went on to spend time in both the other battalions, firstly as Adjutant of the 2nd Battalion from 1957-59, then as The Captain from 1969-71. In-between, he spent two years as the Personal Military Assistant to the Secretary of State for War (John Profumo), attended Staff College in 1966 and afterwards he was Regimental Adjutant for 2 years. After commanding the Queen’s Company he was appointed Brigade Major of 4th Guards Armoured Brigade.
In May 1974, he transferred to the Scots Guards, specifically to take command of 1 SG. Two years later he became MA to the Master General of the Ordnance and, in 1979, he was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander of the 5th Field Force. In 1983 he was promoted to Major General; he was Senior Army Member at the Royal College of Defence Studies and honoured with a CBE in the 1983/4 New Year’s Honours List. From February 1986 to June 1989, he was The Major General and honoured with the KCVO on completion. After retiring from the Army in August 1979, he became Private Secretary to HRH The Prince of Wales. He went on to work for the Hedley Foundation and many other charities, and later on he was very actively engaged with local community affairs in Somerset; also he kept alpacas!
Sir Christopher is survived by his three children: Lucinda, Patrick and Henrietta (who would go on to marry a Grenadier), and nine grandchildren.
There will be a Memorial Service for him in The Guards' Chapel, London on 10th July at 2 p.m.
HRH The Princess Royal has released a statement from Buckingham Palace supporting our music single 'Not Forgotten' released in honour of VE Day 80 celebrations this week.
As Patron of The Not Forgotten, HRH Princess Anne has always played a close interest in our events and initiatives. After being made aware of the charity single 'Not Forgotten', Her Royal Highness said:
"Released as part of the nation's commemoration of 80 years since the end of the Second World War, the music single 'Not Forgotten' tells a powerful story of human experience through conflicts then and since. I hope many will be moved by this music and thank you for your support in honouring those who have served."
You can support us and listen to the single yourself HERE
It's one week today until the nation unites to celebrate VE Day 80 - the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on 8th May 1945.
The day marked the surrender of Nazi Germany and Allied Victory in Europe, and millions of Britons gathered in streets across the country to sing, dance, and rejoice after six years of war. Families gathered around their radios to hear Winston Churchill address the nation. Throngs of people snaked around Trafalgar Square in a conga line. Some even climbed on Nelson’s Column and paddled joyfully in the fountains.
This VE Day, The Not Forgotten is involved in a whole variety of events, initiatives and commemorations to mark the momentous anniversary - the last major anniversary for which the special few remaining veterans who served in that conflict are still with us to share their memories, before passing the baton on to the generations of military and veterans following in their footsteps.
Service of Commemoration at Westminster Abbey - we are taking a group of World War Two veterans to attend a special service of shared remembrance and celebration at Westminster Abbey, attended by His Majesty the King and the Royal Family. This will be broadcast live on BBC One from 10.45am.
Not Forgotten VE Day party at HMS Collingwood - over 100 of our veteran and serving beneficiaries are gathering for afternoon tea, music from Annie Riley and Lloyd Ellery and joyful celebrations in the lovely surroundings of the grounds of HMS Collingwood in Hampshire.
#VEHappy - We are supporting a nationwide initiative to build a 'living mosaic' online made up of photos submitted by people all over the world posing with Winston Churchill's iconic V for Victory sign - find out more and take part HERE.
VE 80 Concert: A Celebration to Remember - Horseguards Parade We are honoured to be able to take some of our beneficiaries to the BBC's spectacular live concert of music, storytelling, and tributes on Horseguards Parade on the evening of VE Day. The concert will be broadcast on BBC1, 8-10pm.
Look out for Matt Goss performing his Not Forgotten single on the BBC One Show VE Day special on Monday 5th May, 7pm! He will also be on Good Morning Britain talking about The Not Forgotten with 100-year-old WW2 Wren Dorothea Barron on the morning of VE Day itself (8 May). You should also spot inspirational WW2 RAF bomber pilot Harry on ITV's This Morning on Monday 5th.
Partnership with Poppies Fish and Chips During the whole month of May, the amazing Poppies (who have four London restaurants serving extremely tasty fish and chips) are promoting our work and donating all proceeds from the sales of their takeaway favourite ‘Fish Bites & Chips’ to The Not Forgotten. FIND OUT MORE
HMS Wellington VE Day Experience Another group of TNF beneficiaries are spending the afternoon of VE Day aboard HMS Wellington at Victoria Embankment, London, for a fabulous party with screening of newsreels, a sumptuous afternoon tea, exploring the ship and live entertainment from a 1940’s revival band.
Don't forget to download and stream the utterly beautiful song 'Not Forgotten' released by Matt Goss in commemoration of VE Day, with all proceeds coming to The Not Forgotten - STREAM IT HERE
You can also get your own community, choir or band singing or playing the song to win an exclusive performance opportunity - find out more and access the musical score HERE.
An opportunity to remember and support our veterans
In the midst of all the celebrations next week we must remember that for many, VE Day was bittersweet. A time of sorrow, as well as joy. Some raised a glass in remembrance of fallen loved ones. Others, just home from battle, learnt to silently navigate wounds, both visible and hidden. Troops celebrated, uncertain if they may be redeployed to where the fighting continued in the Far East. Thousands of people had nowhere to live, as their homes had been bombed and reduced to rubble.
Eighty years later, many of today’s Armed Forces community find life after service equally challenging. For many, the war may be over, but their battles continue for life. Some live with injuries sustained in service. Others feel isolated from society or suffer the mental scars of unimaginable terrors. And some who worked alongside our troops have been forced to flee war-torn countries and are now searching for a place to call home.
This VE Day, will you help commemorate our veterans of yesterday and support our Armed Forces community today with your own fundraiser for The Not Forgotten?
Are you hosting an afternoon tea, street or garden party? Are you taking on a challenge? Or simply sharing a moment of silence? Have you considered using your event or commemoration to raise money to help support our remaining WW2 veterans, and those injured and isolated by their service in countless conflicts since?
Have a donation box at your VE Day street party, or set up a JustGiving page for donations or sponsorship. However you choose to fundraise, your support can help today’s veterans find the peace they deserve.
SOME IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED!
Just a few ideas you could tie into your street party or celebrations over the bank holiday weekend and throughout the week of celebrations...
A good old sing song – share music lyrics with friends, or sing along to a karaoke in the pub.
1940’s quiz – a no brainer way to have fun! Ask everyone to pay to enter and give a prize to the winners. How about a tin of spam for the losers for a bit of fun?
Best dressed – Hold a fancy dress themed competition in your pub or best decorated houses in your street. Ask everyone to pay to enter and give a little prize.
Tea for Two (or a few more!) - Host a 1940s-themed tea party and invite your friends, family and neighbours.
80 for 80 challenge - walk 80 laps of your village, skip, juggle or press ups for 80 mins. Do something you enjoy with an 80 for 80 theme.
Knit and natter – or any other crafting that you enjoy. Spend time reflecting or crafting in honour of veterans past and present and share your creations online to raise funds.
What your money will do this VE Day
Raise £50 and you will pay for an isolated veteran to attend one of our Drive-In concerts, where they can reconnect and socialise in a safe place at their own place.
Raise £100 and you will give a veteran confined to their home a digital device to connect to the world and access their emotional support network online.
Raise £500 and you will fund a veteran to take part in a challenge event such as cycling, hiking or canoeing, giving them a focus and restoring their self-belief in themselves and their abilities.
Raise £5,000 and you'll fund a respite break enabling 10 veterans and 10 partners/carers to escape their day-to-day challenges, reconnect with others and rebuild their confidence.
GET STARTED WITH JUSTGIVING
If you’re looking for friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you, setting up an online giving page is the quickest way to get started. Simply head to The Not Forgotten - JustGiving and hit the ‘fundraise for us’ button.
You’ll have your own page in no time, ready to be personalised. Share far and wide on social media or direct via text message. The more people you tell about your page, the more likely you are to generate some amazing sponsorship.
PAYING IN YOUR DONATIONS
Alternatively, you can pay online or by post .
Your support means more than ever to our veterans. Thank you for supporting The Not Forgotten.
This May Poppies, a London-based family Fish and Chip firm with four restaurants in Soho, Camden, Spitalfields and Notting Hill is partnering with TNF to commemorate 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day, remembering all those that gave, and continue to give, their all for our freedom - and to celebrate the role fish and chips played in the war.
Throughout the month of May, all proceeds from the sales of Poppies takeaway favourite ‘Fish Bites & Chips’ will go to The Not Forgotten to help them provide vital support to veterans and service personnel living with injury, illness, or isolation - restoring dignity and confidence through entertainment, respite and challenge events.
Further to this, on VE Day itself (8th May), Poppies will be selling ‘Fish Bites & Chips’ at the 1945 price of 13p, or for a donation to The Not Forgotten, with the intention of making Britain’s favourite food accessible to all, just as it was during the war.
Throughout World War II, fish and chips were one of the only foods not rationed, a decision made by the Government to keep morale high. This sentiment was confirmed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill who described fish and chips as “the good companions”.
It wasn’t just at home, fish and chips also played a vital role on the front line, with British troops identifying allies by shouting out ‘fish’ and awaiting the reply ‘chips’ to confirm the presence of other British soldiers.
The Poppies team commented: "We hope this classic British dish will raise spirits and fuel the VE Day celebrations of all those heading to London whilst also raising money that will support veterans across the country. We want all veterans to know they are not forgotten, we truly appreciate their sacrifices and will do whatever we can to ensure their lives are full of community, camaraderie and confidence.”
Col. (Retd.) Richard Walker, OBE, Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten said: “The anniversary of VE Day is a poignant moment when our nation turns to remembering the sacrifices made by so many individuals and families during the Second World War. It is almost impossible to imagine the joy and relief they must have felt at the announcement of an end to the conflict. This 80th anniversary holds special significance as it represents the ‘handing over of the baton’ between the Second World War generation, of whom just a special few remain, and those who follow. We are thrilled and hugely grateful that Poppies have chosen to support us as part of their commemorations - every penny raised will help fund our vital programme of events and support for injured and isolated veterans. Support that is needed now more than ever, eight decades on.”
Poppies ‘Fish Bites & Chips’ cost £6 and are available from all four branches of Poppies as a takeaway. Throughout May all proceeds from sales will be donated to The Not Forgotten. On the 8 May 2025, the cost will be reduced to just 13p as it would have been in 1945.
Poppies Soho, 55-59 Old Compton Street
Poppies Camden, 30 Hawley Crescent
Poppies Spitalfields, 6-8 Hanbury Street
Poppies Notting Hill, 152-154 Portobello Road
www.poppiesfishandchips.co.uk / @popsfishandchips
STREAM IT NOW on your preferred music streaming service via this link: Matt Goss - Not Forgotten
Or watch the deeply moving music video:
If you've been following the publicity, you'll know that 80s pop icon and international award-winning singer-songwriter Matt Goss has written and recorded a beautiful song especially for The Not Forgotten, released in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
But the release of this emotional song isn't just about people listening to it. We want people all over the country to perform it, spreading the powerful message of the sacrifices made by veterans, serving personnel and their families, from World War Two to the present day.
If so, for a nominal fee you can get your hands on the sheet music and accompaniments for your choir, band or orchestra to start learning it and rehearsing!
ACCESS THE FULL MUSICAL SCORES HERE
Or the vocal score and piano/organ accompaniment for choirs HERE.
Matt himself said: "This song is about everyone who has served, will serve, and who continues to serve this country: we should not just support these troops in times of conflict, but in times of peace as well. These people and their stories should never be forgotten. I hope everyone can support the song, sing it loud and proud and celebrate these incredible heroes.”
We'd love to see your choir, band or orchestra performing 'Not Forgotten' and hearing how it touches singers and audiences all around the country. Upload your video to social media tagging @The Not Forgotten (Facebook) or @the.not.forgotten (Instagram) or email it to louise@thenotforgotten.org and we'll share it (with your permission) with Matt Goss and online - and your choir will be entered into our exclusive competition to be selected for a special public performance later in 2025.
Experience the uplifting effect of singing in a group, working together on a piece of music and the feeling of joy when you perform it...
Music and singing has always played a pivotal role in TNF events and support, from the founding of the charity by an opera singer in 1920 through to the range of concerts and entertainment we provide today. But our veterans have largely been 'performed to' rather than performing themselves (with the notable exception of wonderful audience participation at our events!)
Now that is about to change, as we are are proud to announce the launch of The Not Forgotten Choir.
In collaboration with the fabulous Vox Pop Choirs we are launching a pilot Choir starting on 6th May at Tonbridge School in Kent. It will rehearse 7.30-9pm every Tuesday evening during term-time, in the stunning setting of the school's Chapel of St Augustine:
Come and sing with a group of like-minded veterans - no pressure, just a fun new activity to bring you together with fellow TNF beneficiaries. There might even be an opportunity to perform in future at some Not Forgotten events...
We will be singing all sorts of music. No audition, all abilities welcome, no need to read music and no scary solos!
If this pilot proves a success we hope to roll the TNF Choir out to other areas of the UK, so watch this space...
Fancy giving it a go? Register your interest on our Events page.
Find out more about Vox Pop Choirs
Watch another Vox Pop Choir in action in the video below...this is what we could do!
To celebrate the 105th anniversary of the founding of The Not Forgotten in 1920, this summer and into Spring 2026 we will be coming to a region near you... Not just for one event or one day, but for a whole week of music, entertainment, challenge and fundraising events.
A range of spirit-lifting, confidence-boosting days of camaraderie that you'd expect from The Not Forgotten, all packed into five days in each of seven areas around the whole of the UK.
We'll be starting in June in the 'South and South West' region, followed by 'North West and Midlands'. In July we'll come to Wales, and 'South and South East'. In early September we'll round off the summer with a week in Scotland (followed by our traditional week of Drive In Concerts around the country).
In March 2026 we'll then bring the fun to the 'North East and Midlands' region, and finish off with a week in Northern Ireland in late March-early April 2026.
Exact venues and dates will be announced for the June Regional Connect Weeks this Wednesday 2nd April in the unveiling of our full Events Programme 2025-26. In the July, September and March Regional Connect Weeks some dates and venues are still tbc, but we will update them as soon as we can.
What can you expect when we 'hit' your area? The plan won't be exactly the same in every region as it depends on venues, dates and geography, but each week is likely to include a Garden Party (think a smaller boutique version of our Buckingham Palace garden party!) a Fun Fest, a Community Concert, a Fundraising Collection (in a local supermarket, station or community venue), concerts in local care homes to reach the most isolated and elderly, and a Challenge Event hiking, cycling or canoeing.
The Regional Connect Week events will go live on our website events portal at the same time as the rest of our 2025-26 events programme - this WEDNESDAY, 2nd APRIL. As with the rest of our events, our new website events portal allows TNF beneficiaries to register their desire to attend an event at the touch of a button. Once you have indicated your interest in attending you'll receive an email saying you're 'on our books' for it, and will hear in due course whether you are successful in your request. Our Regional Connect events should be able to accommodate almost everyone who applies, but please don't assume you are coming until you have had official email confirmation.
We have put a great deal of planning into covering as many parts of the UK as possible over the course of the year, trying to reach towns, cities and areas all over the regions. However we are a small team with a finite budget and sadly can't visit everywhere - much as we would genuinely love to.
If you can't spot your local area anywhere when the full list of venues is published, please don't despair.
Alongside our Regional Connect Events we will also be hosting our traditional Drive In Concerts in September, and our Christmas Lunches during December, as well as most of our annual favourite day trips, sporting outings and respite breaks. Our Drive Ins and Christmas Lunches in particular are being planned to cover those towns/areas not visited by the Regional Connect events...so hopefully you can make it to one of those later in the year.
We can't wait to welcome many hundreds of you along to all our Regional Connect events over the course of the year, and raise a toast to The Not Forgotten and Miss Marta Cunningham who founded us 105 years ago. We like to think she'd be looking down on these new events and feeling rather proud...
We are thrilled this year that Stephen Webb, hairdresser and Gogglebox TV personality who has been a long-time supporter of The Not Forgotten, is running the London Marathon to raise money for our work.
With just one month to go before the big day on April 27th, we caught up with Stephen to chat about his connection to The Not Forgotten, his running journey and what is motivating him to keep training.
Stephen is a hairdresser with two salons in East Sussex, but you might also recognise him from the BAFTA-winning Channel 4 show Gogglebox. Stephen shot to fame on the cult show when it launched in 2013, and appeared in it for ten years alongside his ex-husband Daniel Lustig, before leaving in 2023. “Gogglebox connected people, people connected with the things we said, and people feel like they know us. It was a real privilege to be part of for so long. Though it did mean I spent ten years sitting on a sofa for a living! Now I’m enjoying being more active!”
More importantly to us, Stephen has also been a long-standing supporter of The Not Forgotten, attending many of our events over the years and talking at length to our veterans, volunteering at station collections and even competing on the celebrity edition of Channel 4’s quiz show The Million Pound Drop where we were his nominated charity. He has raffled copies of his autobiography as a fundraiser too.
“Like the rest of the country, I’ve got a little bit of a crush on the old WW2 boys and girls. I’ve always had the utmost respect for that generation. I adore them.”
Stephen’s own grandad William Turner joined the Royal Artillery in 1941 and was assigned to the 71st Anti-Aircraft Brigade in Kent defending the south coast and military installations around Dover. Tragically on 9 November 1942 his post suffered a direct hit from a cross-Channel shell and William was killed along with ten others.
“My nan brought up nine children on her own on a widow’s pension. That generation had backbone, it really resonates with me. I’m blown away too when I talk to those who have fought for our country in more recent conflicts. I just feel honoured to be in their presence.” He says he just feels “at home” at The Not Forgotten and loves being accepted into the veteran community. “In a world which has gone a little bit mad with political correctness veterans are all a bit cheeky! The camaraderie is lovely to watch and be a small part of.”
Stephen was due to run the London Marathon for The Not Forgotten in 2024, but with a couple of months to go he broke his ankle whilst competing in ITV’s Dancing on Ice and had to defer his place. As a result, he is doubly excited about this year’s race!
“I’m picturing myself running down the Mall at the end”, he says, “With all the Union Jacks flying, Buckingham Palace behind me - how patriotic and British! Just to be part of something that iconic for the day. I’ve watched the Marathon every year, I usually position myself at mile 10 and mile 21 either side of the river. Cheering for people, giving them a boost. So many people I know who’ve done marathons have said that’s what gets you round, the crowds and the atmosphere.”
He believes the discipline of the training for a challenge event like this is incredibly beneficial. “We all need that discipline. Otherwise I would just sit on the sofa and watch TV. Some days you really don’t want to go out, but you have to push yourself. I really didn’t want to go out earlier today but I got myself out and ran four miles and feel really good for it."
"One day in January I even went out for a run in a full-on storm – I was ‘feeling it’ so I just went for it! I ran 13 miles…. then had to admit defeat in the weather and stop. I then warmed up with a coffee in a café then got a taxi home!”
Stephen has always run a little – “for exercise really; I’ve done a couple of half marathons over the years.” But he really got into running properly during the 2020 Covid Lockdown. “I went out every Sunday as it was the only thing I could do and ended up getting a little bit obsessed.”
Having got a place in the Marathon, he realised he had to up his game even further. “When you get into something like this you have to make it your life, your priority.” He’s certainly made it a priority so far, even fitting some treadmill training in when on a recent trip to India.
He’s also raised an amazing £1,600 so far towards his £2,000 target.
“I’ve got 286,000 followers on Instagram – while I’m out doing half marathons in training, each of them could give me just £1 and we’d raise so much…”
Want to help Stephen reach that goal? Please support the passion and admiration he has for our country’s veterans by adding any donation, large or small, to his fundraising page.
Matt Goss has written, performed and produced a brand new song, entitled 'Not Forgotten' exclusively for The Not Forgotten.
The song is a heartfelt tribute to the heroes of the past and present and will be released on 25th April 2025 to celebrate Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on May 8th. All of the proceeds will go directly to The Not Forgotten to support our tireless efforts in ensuring that no veteran is ever left behind or forgotten.
This week at the iconic RAK Studios in London (where the single was recorded), the first official playback of the single and the showcase of the music video took place. Watching the unveiling alongside the media were serving military personnel and veterans of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, including World War Two Veterans aged 100 and 102, and Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns MP.
See more photos of the 'Playback' event at RAK Studios here
The video for the single features an inspiring collaboration with The Bands of the Household Division, Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra and an Irish Guards Piper as well as veterans of all three military services who have been supported by The Not Forgotten. The video is a beautiful representation of the resilience, sacrifice, and camaraderie of those who have served their country.
Perform Matt Goss's 'Not Forgotten' with your own Choir for VE Day!
The release of this emotional song isn't just about people listening to it. We want people all over the country to perform it!
Are you part of a community, church or school choir who'd be up for learning the song in time for VE Day and performing it as part of your community's commemorations?
'Not Forgotten' is not released until Friday 25th April. But before that, you can get your hands on the sheet music for your choir to start learning it and rehearsing!
Find out more HERE
Award-winning singer Matt Goss, known across the globe for his soulful voice also has a deep and genuine connection to the Armed Forces community. His campaigning for veterans and their mental health around the world has made him an Honorary Captain in the U.S. Army: now living back in the UK Matt has turned his focus onto the British Armed Forces. He expressed the honour and emotion he has felt working with The Not Forgotten to support the 80th anniversary commemoration of VE Day:
“I am truly honoured to have been able to work with everyone at The Not Forgotten charity to produce this song that I hope will be a lasting legacy to all those who have served our country and who continue to do so. Having supported veterans for a long time and as a proud grandson of a former military soldier, to be able to offer further support in this way is a true privilege.
Working with veterans and being accompanied by royal military bands and orchestra has been one of the most humbling experiences of my career. This song is about everyone who has served, will serve, and who continues to serve this country, we should not just support these troops in times of conflict, but in times of peace as well. Often this is when most help is needed.
These people and their stories should never be forgotten and that is why it was so important to me to be able to shine a light on the incredible work that The Not Forgotten do and raise awareness for those troops that we have lost, that are still out fighting and those that thankfully come home.
No other charity, in my eyes, delivers the support needed for people of all ages who have fought tirelessly for us all, those with life changing injuries and with PTSD – no one should ever be forgotten. I hope everyone can support the song, sing it loud and proud and celebrate these incredible heroes.”
Dorothea Barron, 100 yrs old, was present at the first playback of Not Forgotten. Dorothea served as a visual signaller in the Women’s Naval Service (WRNS) during WWII. She trained men bound for Normandy on how to use semaphore signalling and Morse code. From Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, Dorothea shared her reaction to the single:
“Listening to the single was an emotional experience. It’s easy to feel forgotten about in the modern world; as if your service and putting your life on hold for your country doesn’t mean anything to anyone anymore. Matt’s song brings me hope that our sacrifices have not been forgotten”.
Also at the playback was Harry Winter, 102 yrs old, who flew Halifax Bombers during WWII before being shot down on his 19th mission in 1943. He then spent the remainder of the war in the infamous Stalag Luft VII prison camp. Harry is originally from Cardiff and now lives in Croydon with his wife Josey who he has been married to for 75 years. He reacted to first hearing Matt’s song:
“It’s an incredibly moving, beautifully created song. The drums and the haunting sound of the bagpipes brings the friends and comrades that i’ve lost back into the room right beside me.”
Col. (Retd.) Richard Walker, OBE, Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten said:
“It has been a privilege and a deeply moving experience to work with the exceptional talent that is Matt Goss. He’s become not just a supporter and benefactor of our charity but a true friend to many in our veteran and military community and an emotional champion of our work. Matt has sat beside our veterans over many months, listened to their stories, laughed with them, and cried with them.
The themes of sacrifice, pain, and loss in Matt’s lyrics are all things that we as veterans and the families and friends of veterans can identify with painfully well. To have Matt frame those raw emotions so powerfully makes us feel heard, valued, and most importantly, Not Forgotten.
To release ‘Not Forgotten’ in time for VE Day is especially poignant, at a moment when our nation turns to remembering the sacrifices made by so many individuals and families during the Second World War. It is almost impossible to imagine the joy and relief they must have felt at the announcement of an end to the conflict. This 80th anniversary holds special significance as it represents the ‘handing over of the baton’ between the Second World War generation, of whom just a special few remain, and those who follow. Ensuring that the legacy and sacrifices of our veterans are honoured and never forgotten by us all and future generations.”
Matt Goss burst on to the global entertainment scene as lead singer of the English pop sensation, BROS. Goss quickly became the youngest artist to sell out and headline the world-famous Wembley Stadium, performing to a crowd of more than 77,000 fans. He played a record 19 consecutive nights to more than 200,000 fans at Wembley Arena and broke a world record selling out 2 nights at the O2 Arena in London, (40,000 tickets) in an unbelievable 7 seconds. He has performed twice for her majesty, the Queen and has taken his award-winning shows to the most prestigious venues around the world including the Royal Albert Hall. Matt also holds the record for longest residency in Vegas from a UK artist performing for an astounding 11 years in Caesar’s Palace and Palms Casino. 2018 saw the release of the BAFTA winning movie about his and his brother’s life entitled ‘After the Screaming Stops.’ Following a national theatre release, the movie went on to become the most downloaded BBC production in 2018 and it has been roundly hailed as “The greatest music documentary of all time” by GQ Magazine.
This Sunday Nick Sandall and a group of eight of his family and friends are taking to the streets of Paris in the city’s famous half marathon, the ‘Semi de Paris’.
Taking in a fabulous route around the iconic French capital from Île de la Cité and the Sorbonne, out east, across the Seine, through the Ois de Vincennes and finishing at the Place de la Bastille, it sounds like one of the most interesting half marathons out there – and we’re thrilled that Nick’s team of nine have decided to run the race to raise funds for The Not Forgotten.
We caught up with Nick in his final week of training to ask about why he signed up for the race, how he talked his family into joining him, and what has inspired his support for the veteran community.
“I used to be a very good 800m runner when I was 14”, Nick explains, “Then I stopped to concentrate on more fun things as a teenager! I was becoming a full-time athlete whilst at school, which I didn’t want to do with my life. I then didn’t really run again until three years ago when I turned 60. For my 60th I said I would run a half marathon – and now this is my third in a row”. He ran Hampton Court half marathon, followed by Paris last year after his daughter moved to the city.
“I put months of training in, giving me a focus, and it’s now become a habit, doing something for a charity at this time of year”. Next year he even has his sights set on a midnight marathon in Iceland!
Following a “first career” in professional services, Nick’s “second career” as he describes it is as “facilitator, executive coach and fishing guide” taking him all over Europe. Since last year Nick has also served on the Board of The Not Forgotten, having come across us after we approached him about taking veterans on fishing trips.
His respect for the military and veterans came well before that however. Nick has been deeply moved, he says, by the experiences of family members serving in the military.
“I have seen what it is like when they come back. The complexities of what service people and veterans go through. I think there is a growing realisation in my generation that so many of our children and friends’ children are serving in our military and that they need our support in return for their sacrifices.”
Tomorrow will see the whole of the centre of Paris shut for the race, with 50,000 runners plus their supporters filling the city. “There are no cars allowed, there are bands playing every kilometre, the atmosphere is amazing, it’s really nice.”
Nick's group of nine runners range in age from their sixties through to their forties and twenties and is a real family affair including Nicks’ daughter, two sons, their friends and girlfriends. “We won’t all run together” explains Nick, “But we’ll start together and gather afterwards to share our stories.”
Nick’s final weeks of training have been made even more tough by him developing sciatica – but he is battling through, determined not to let that hold him back. “My body is having to work a bit harder - one leg won’t move properly but I won’t let that stop me! I did the race in 1 hour 52 minutes last time but because of my legs I will keep pace with my daughter (who has never run before and is doing incredibly) and aim for 2 hours 20.”
He certainly sounds all prepared. “I’m ready, I’ve got my gels and very sort of ointment you can buy. I just need to book the restaurant for afterwards!”
We ask what Nick’s advice would be to anyone else considering running a half marathon or any other physical fundraising challenge.
“Follow a training plan, but be realistic and flexible with that plan. Don’t hurt yourself. Do some slow running as well as interval running, that’s very important. And concentrate on stretching properly! It really does make a big difference, otherwise you just create injuries for yourself. Also keep hydrated and fuelled – and do that properly, work out when to eat and drink when in training.”
The most important thing however is to prepare yourself mentally. “It’s a mental challenge more than a physical one. It’s about grit. This morning, I was late out of bed and went out for a run in the pouring rain, got drenched by a car going through a puddle, but I just had to grit my teeth and keep going.”
But anyone can do it, if you want to. “If you take it little by little, step by step, anyone can achieve it, even if they’ve never run before.”
He reflects finally, “If I’m struggling at any point, I just remember what I’m raising money for. Oh, it hurts? Just think what it’s like for people coming back from active service. We're doing this for people who have given in a way most of us will never give.”
Please help Nick and his team raise as much as they possibly can to support our injured veterans and service people.
Sponsor them at
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/tnfparishalfmarathon
We are thrilled this year that we have two runners – Baz and Stephen - taking part in the London Marathon to raise money for The Not Forgotten. Both have a beautiful connection to our beneficiaries and our cause, and both are hard at work training, building up the miles and their stamina as they reach the ‘2 months to go’ point…
We caught up (not literally - we are not that pacy!) with both runners to ask them about their connection to The Not Forgotten, their running journey and goals for the big day.
First up, Richard Bazley (“you can call me ‘Baz’”) – a freelance Ceremonies Producer and Volunteer Manager for international sporting events, who lives in Switzerland.
Baz has run the London Marathon once before, almost ten years ago in 2016. Though whether this is an advantage or not, he isn’t sure! “I feel like I’m competing against a much younger version of myself…!” A keen runner as a youngster, Baz competed in 800m, 1500m and cross country at school, and coached children at summer camps in the USA for two summers before studying sport at university. As ‘grown up’ life and work has taken over however, he has found less and less time to dedicate to running. Which is part of his reason for taking part in the London Marathon, motivating himself to do the training, put in the time and rekindle his passion. He has applied for a place in the Marathon in the public ballot every year and finally got lucky again this time.
But why run for The Not Forgotten? Baz isn’t a veteran himself, though he has always had a great respect for the military after hearing his grandparents’ stories of RAF service (Baz’s 2016 Marathon was for the RAF Benevolent Fund) and National Service, as well as his great-grandfather surviving the Dunkirk evacuation.
It’s Baz’s fascinating job, however, which has really built his bonds with serving military and veterans and brought him into contact with The Not Forgotten family.
Since 2012 Baz has worked in what sounds like one of the most interesting jobs in sport… “Back in London 2012 I volunteered to be a 'Games Maker'. I was lucky enough to be given a role in the medal ceremonies team as 'Gold Medal Tray Bearer'. This role included the honour of presenting the last medal of the Olympic Games, during the Closing Ceremony. A huge honour for me and my family at the time, and very much the inspiration and catalyst for my career.”
Baz worked his way up the ranks in 'Sport Presentation' and the world of Global Sports Events, starting as a floor manager, working up to Head of Ceremonies and now finding himself an Olympic Producer. He has worked for UEFA’s Governing Body in Switzerland, the FIFA World Cup, the Special Olympics, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, Invictus Games and most recently the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Much of this work involves training and coordinating the military personnel tasked with raising flags and presenting medals at sporting ceremonies. “I have had a close relationship with the military through my career. Most recently in Paris, I trained cadets and serving military on flag raising protocols for the victory ceremonies. Over the years I have trained and worked with hundreds of young military personnel and have stayed in touch with many of them. They are so professional, keen and enthusiastic; I’ve gained a huge respect for our Forces and built real camaraderie delivering a job together. Much of what we present involves VIPs and is on live TV so there is nowhere to hide! With no room for mistakes the pressure is huge – it really builds a close trust, respect and connection with the team you are working with.”
While Baz was working on the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022, he met one of The Not Forgotten’s beneficiaries, Army veteran Suzanne Cumberland who was a Protocol Officer on his team. “We got on so well together. I have fond memories of greeting HRH Prince Edward who presented a medal and many other high-profile guests.”
“It was Suzanne who introduced me to The Not Forgotten and all the fantastic work you do. When I got my place in the London Marathon and was considering which charity to fundraise for I suddenly realised who I wanted to support - this is my way of giving back to all the military personnel who I have worked alongside over my career.”
We turn to discuss Baz’s marathon performance itself. Baz says time-wise, he'd like to finish the race somewhere between 4-5 hours, but actually he says, time isn’t his main goal. Ten years ago he was hyper-focused on the race and his time, and feels he maybe missed out on some of the fun along the way.
“I really want to soak up the atmosphere this time around, soak it all up – all the music and amazing crowds – try to enjoy the experience!”
He's been training in earnest for several months now, and since Christmas is being careful with his diet and cut out alcohol altogether. “It’s a mental as much as a physical challenge” he points out; “It’s also a very solitary sport. You have to just plug yourself in and focus. It’s such a big undertaking, there’s no getting out of it – you have to keep yourself accountable and not take it lightly. But it’s a transformational experience too, one which can be the start of a real change in your life.”
And Baz’s advice for anyone considering taking on a marathon, half marathon or other sports challenge?
“My first piece of advice is simply to give it a go! What have you got to lose? The training for the event itself will hold you accountable and is definitely a mental and physical challenge for those looking for extra motivation! If you train seriously and run for a good cause, you will smash it.”
The London Marathon in particular, Baz thinks, is “such a diverse and inclusive marathon, open to everyone whatever their shape, size, age and experience level. It also has an incredible history and story behind it. And the crowds and atmosphere are amazing – somewhere around mile 20 most runners hit a wall, but the crowd will get you over that finish line!”
We can’t wait to be there on April 27th to cheer Baz and Stephen over the finish line (more on Stephen’s story to follow in another blog).
Please do sponsor Baz by visiting his fundraising page:
https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/richard-bazley
Last year The Not Forgotten was involved in the pilot of a programme we had never tried before in our 104-year history - an art engagement project for veterans.
This programme - entitled 'Behind the Mask' - was created by the Department of State Bureau Overseas Buildings Operations Office of Cultural Heritage at the U.S. Embassy London. The idea was to bring a group of veterans together at a retreat and encourage them to explore their emotions and their often traumatic experiences through the painting of masks.
The team at the Office of Cultural Heritage, led by senior curator Joseph Angemi Jr., had witnessed the power of art therapy through the creation of masks by an American veteran cohort, and approached The Not Forgotten to see if we were interested in spearheading a pilot programme with British veterans.
This brought us, on a summer's week in June 2024, to Ashcombe in Devon where twelve TNF beneficiaries gathered to be willing 'guinea pigs' on the project.
After settling in to this tranquil setting; bonding, reflecting, and visiting places in the local area as inspiration, the group spent many hours forming the designs for their masks and bringing them to life in vivid paint. Some of the group were more artistic or experienced than others but that didn't matter - what mattered was using the artistic process as a form of therapy, the veterans exploring their past and its impact on their mental health; how it has shaped them as the person they are today.
"The mask is both an inner and an outer expression of self", explains the project's curator Joseph Angemi Jr., senior curator at the U.S. Office of Cultural Heritage. "Simply put, the outer portion, or face, of the mask was what the veterans believed they showed the world, while the interior was ultimately how they felt about themselves. Powerful emotions distilled into a simple format."
"This simplicity was expressed through shared loves. hates, sorrows and joys. These universal imperatives are present in peoples across the globe...but in these veterans' cases their bonds were forged in high-stress environments, almost always starting at a young age and without being given time for reflection."
"I watched the veterans create their masks, studying the cues they left behind in colours and design. I was struck by what I can only equate to a form of sympathetic magic. That is, their work on the masks was imbued with the energy of the veterans themselves, infusing their art with decades of experience and emotion. Their art exudes raw and unadulterated emotions; love, loss, and both physical and mental scars."
"It was a brilliantly simple idea, that we could use art and creativity to show others our inner troubles" agrees Karl, one of the veterans who took part. "Each and every mask had a difficult story behind it and emotions were high. It was incredible to listen to the stories of life that was being told by the voice behind the mask. We all felt the unity of not only our pain but also that of human kindness, a belonging, a harmony of hope."
But the week in Devon and the therapeutic journey experienced by the veterans wasn't where the project ended. Joseph's vision for the project extended to not just to the creation of the masks, but an ambition to display the masks to the public - initially at the U.S. Embassy London, and then touring to other venues.
In October 2024 the masks were unveiled at a prestigious event at the U.S. Embassy London, attended by the veteran participants themselves, representatives of the embassy and the Office of Cultural Heritage, staff, trustees, friends and supporters of The Not Forgotten (and a sprinkling of celebrities).
The assembled crowd were completely bowled over by the power and raw emotion of the masks, made all the more poignant by the veterans themselves talking so candidly to the guests about the creative process and what they had discovered about themselves and their inner mind. Some revealed that the words and imagery inside their masks were things they had never told anyone before.
"I am so honoured to have been involved in this hugely beneficial project" concludes veteran Karl. "I do believe that by helping others witness how service has affected us, both physically and mentally, connects us once again as human beings."
See more photos of the 'Behind the Mask' project.
Read veteran participant Karl's full story
Read more from Joseph Angemi Jr., curator of the project
Our huge thanks to Jospeh Angemi Jr. and Lester Oram from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations Office of Cultural Heritage, and to all our veterans who took part in the project.
Back in July we launched a competition to see where 'Juno', our cuddly TNF elephant mascot, could travel to with all of our beneficiaries and supporters.
We thought he might pop up in a few interesting places... but we have been inundated with wonderful photos of Juno on tour, getting up to all sorts right around the world!
He's travelled by plane, train and automobile - and even Cunard cruise liner...
He has visited some stunning places from Macchu Picchu to the Pyramids of Giza, Nova Scotia to Gibraltar, Florida to the Alps, Mexico to Mallorca, Galicia to Dublin to the Outer Hebrides of Scotland...
Juno has been very active ski-ing and trampolining, completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, visiting museums, war cemeteries and the National Memorial Arboretum, joining our Fun Fests, Drive Ins, collecting at Ideal Home Show, taking part in a children's day at HSBC, and spending a night or two at the Union Jack Club.
He's been living the high life at the polo, on a super yacht, at the House of Son Amar cabaret, driving a supercar around Brands Hatch and relaxing by the pool...
He's been hobnobbing with everyone from EasyJet pilots to polo players, cabaret performers to Paddington Bear, dogs, teddies, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and some slightly creepy mannequins...
And he also seems to have indulged in plenty of eating and (even more) drinking, enjoying the culinary delights of the world...
We couldn't even fit all the photos on here! See even more of Juno on his travels in his holiday album.
The competition for photos of Juno on his travels is open until Easter (20th April 2025) after which we will announce the winning photo and send out a small prize. Please keep uploading your photos to social media and tagging us in them as we love each and every one of them!
If you don't yet have your own Juno, you can head over to our online shop and buy him here: https://nfa.geigershops.co.uk/NFA/p-NFA177
One of our beneficiaries, WRAF veteran Suzanne Groarke-Oliver, is marking her 60th birthday this year by running an online prize draw to win one of the original ceramic poppies created for the 'Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ installation by Paul Cummins at the Tower of London commemorating the centenary of the start of the First World War.
The poppy is one of the 888,246 poppies forming the powerful artwork created by Paul Cummins in November 2014.
To win the poppy, you can enter by making a minimum payment of £5 via this Just Giving link: www.justgiving.com/page/suzanne-groarke-oliver-1
Please use a reference of your surname or full name with your donation- and please DO NOT add gift aid to your donation as this IS NOT allowable for draws of this nature.
Following your donation, send a message or email to Suzanne and she will reply to confirm you are in the draw and send your unique draw number(s).
• On Facebook Messenger – Suzanne Groarke Oliver
• Or, via email: Suzanne.groarkeoliver@gmail.com
Multiples of £5 will equate to multiple entries to the draw.
The draw will take place on Monday 30th June to coincide with Armed Forces Day.
We will do the draw at The Not Forgotten office in London. We will record it live to share and after notifying the winner, we will publish the winner’s name on all sites where the draw is advertised. The poppy will be sent to the winner via ‘special delivery’ or delivered by hand, dependant on distance.
Note – all records for the draw regarding monies received either via Just Giving or direct to Suzanne will be overseen by Sarah Adams, Fundraising Co-ordinator at TNF – if you have any queries contact sarah@thenotforgotten.org.
Please share the prize draw far and wide to get as many entries as possible and raise as much money as possible to support our beneficiaries....
ALL proceeds raised from the draw will go to The Not Forgotten.
The D-Day landings of 6th June 1944 formed the largest seaborne invasion in history. Along with the associated airborne operations, it marked the beginning of the liberation of France and western Europe and the end of World War Two.
On 5th and 6th June 2024, 80 years on from that momentous day, a series of major commemorations are planned to take place in the UK and France to honour the brave personnel who risked their lives on D-Day for freedom and peace.
The Not Forgotten’s commemoration is D-Day 80 for 80, encompassing an epic one-day 80-mile bike ride around D-Day sites of the south coast of England, PLUS a whole range of community commemorations designed to reflect on D-Day, remember the brave men and women involved, and bring out the best in community, camaraderie and conversation.
The D-Day 80 for 80 Bike Ride - Thursday 6th June
A one-day 80-mile bike ride involving 8 veterans and 8 serving personnel, marking this momentous anniversary, highlighting sites of great importance to D-Day Allied preparations, tying in with national commemorative events, and fundraising for The Not Forgotten.
Team 80 for 80 will:
Sponsor the cycle ride here
But '80 for 80' is about far more than one cycle ride.
We’re calling on our whole Not Forgotten community to come up with their own ideas for marking 80 years in 80 ways, bringing family, friends and communities together to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Some 80 for 80 commemorations might raise money, but others will be about community, camaraderie and conversation. Reflecting on D-Day and taking a moment to celebrate the freedoms of our daily life won for us by the brave men and women who took part in Operation Overlord.
For those who like a challenge, why not walk, run, row, cycle, or work out at the gym for 80 minutes between now and 6th June. Ask for a £1 donation per minute of activity!
For a less physical option why not bake and sell 80 cakes, or knit 80 stitches a day and sell what you make...
Ask family and friends to head into the attic or shed and collect 80 items for a Not Forgotten car boot sale.
Hold a Not Forgotten fundraising quiz with 80 questions
Get out the Karaoke machine, go busking or join your choir and sing 80 songs between now and D Day. Ask people to choose songs and donate for each song sung!
Ask 80 family friends, Facebook or Linked In contacts to make a donation of £1
Don't forget to let us know what you are planning - email fundraising@thenotforgotten.org - and tag us in photos of you in action!
You can set up a Fundraising page on JustGiving to link to our 'umbrella' TNF page for the whole 80 for 80 commemoration - https://www.justgiving.com/cam.../thenotforgotten80for80dday
For any questions or help with fundraising email fundraising@thenotforgotten.org
#DDay80for80 #DDay80
Barbara McGregor currently holds the Guinness World Record as longest-serving female in the British Navy, having joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) in 1977 and serving 44 years until her retirement (if you can call Barbara’s busy life that!) in 2021. She has had many fascinating experiences from policing the US military in Diego Garcia to briefing top brass on the state of recruitment across the Navy, and has met amazing people along the way from the Admiral of the USSR fleet to the Aberfan Wives. As she puts it: “It’s been a busy 44 years!”
With a career spanning the societal shifts of the 70s, 80s and 90s and including prominent roles in Naval recruiting, Barbara has a fascinating perspective on how things have changed for females in the armed forces. She speaks with pride about the ‘Wrens’ of World War Two who paved the way for future generations of women in the Navy and is a passionate advocate for empowering young women serving today.
“In the 1970s and 80s we rode the waves of the fantastic, formidable women of World War Two who gave us a platform through what they did. We had a huge responsibility to build on that – we said to ourselves ‘Come on ladies, we’re going to stand up and be counted’.
“When I joined up in 1977 we were classed as being in a supportive role to the fleet. Which didn’t stop you working hard but it was restrictive. By the time I left every single female could do any job in the naval service – including the Royal Marines. Complete equality at its best. Be a Royal Marine, be a diver, be a fast jet pilot! The world is your oyster!”
Having had to give up on aspirations to be an air hostess because her French was below par, 16 year-old Barbara filled out a coupon to join the WRNS in a newspaper whilst still at school in Bridgend. By July 1977 – three months before her 18th birthday – she was signed up and sent to HMS Dauntless for training.
“The camaraderie there was great; I loved it immediately. I am still in touch with many of the girls I trained with – twelve of them came to my retirement party last year! We had only four weeks training. The instructors were all women – strict but very fair. There was not much physical training or tests; it was more like finishing school.”
One of Barbara’s first postings was to Yeovilton Air Base where she served as a communicator during the introduction of the Harrier jump jet in 1978, working in the top-secret signals office – “it was terrific! I saw the Harrier come in in 1978, then its decommissioning in 2011 - when you serve nearly 44 years you see a lot.”
Barbara served two separate tours of Gibraltar in the early 1980s and a very formative four-month tour to Diego Garcia in 1984, a British territory in middle of Indian Ocean where the American military presence is policed by the British. “It was an extremely isolated place. We were really out on a limb with no communications whatsoever other than infrequent letters and parcels. Policing the American servicepeople was an eyeopener for me - I was very naïve and witnessed some astonishing things!”
But her favourite jobs have been taking girls through Basic Training at HMS Raleigh in 1987, and more recently in the Royal Navy Careers service, serving as Warrant Office to Commodore Miller, promoting naval recruitment across a huge area of the UK.
“I have been given so many opportunities through the Navy – I have grasped every one of them; you have to.” Barbara remembers meeting many members of the Royal Family. “I met Lord Mountbatten on my 18th birthday on a parade on HMS Mercury – he was much smaller than I thought he would be!”. And as Master at Arms at HMS Raleigh Barbara looked after many a VIP at passing out parades – after several encounters with the Princess Royal she asked in astonishment ‘Are you still here?!’”.
When the Berlin Wall came down the Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union came to HMS Raleigh. When he enquired about the living conditions on base Barbara ended up showing him round her house! And as lead Warrant Officer at the NATO Summit in Cardiff in 2014 she found herself briefing many top politicians including the Secretary of State for Defence and the First Minister for Wales.
She has also worked with a wide range of women, from those she is still close to, to those she found less agreeable - I have worked with some lovely Wrens in my time, but I’ve also worked with some complete battle-axes – who have taught me how not to behave and how not to treat people!”
Amidst all these formative encounters and fascinating people, Barbara has witnessed seismic changes in the role and treatment of women in the Royal Navy.
“If you think back to 1977 when I joined, we were still riding the waves of the Second World War and its aftermath - the wartime recruitment drive of ‘Free a man for the fleet’. It was very hard to overcome that culture; to become more than just an add-on or support but something of significance. We had to work really hard as Wrens.
We were held in high esteem by senior officers - they were aware of our history, what Wrens had done and what we were continuing to do. I think they realised Wrens were more intelligent than the average sailor! But working alongside our male colleagues we had to work hard to prove that we were equivalent to if not better than men – there’s no room for complacency, you always had to keep your standards high. And apart from my very first course as a communicator, I have always been the only female on any leadership course I have ever done.”
Barbara thinks probably the biggest change she has seen is being allowed to continue serving whilst marrying and having children. “You could get married as a Wren from the 1970s, but you had to request to do so. And for decades if you became pregnant you had to leave service. That didn’t change until April 1991 – and guess what, my son was born in September 1992! I was a ‘geriatric mother’ because of that! It was often a lottery as to how you were treated if you became pregnant – before 1977 things like that were decided by local orders and depended on how sympathetic your Chief Wren was. That all changed when administration was centralised in ’77.”
“The other huge change is women actually serving at sea. From 1993, women who joined the Navy were signing up to go to sea, you couldn’t opt out. If you had served before ’93 you could opt out – which is what I had to do as it was too late for me to go to sea by then, with no experience and with a family. But if I was 18 again I would jump at the chance to go to sea and travel the world.”
Sea-legs aside, Barbara is incredibly proud of everything she achieved during her 44 years in the Navy – and indeed since, in influential roles as a veteran.
Her Guinness World Record as longest-serving female in the British Navy was “one of my proudest moments - I was absolutely honoured to receive that”. Her record was talked about in Parliament and the Welsh Assembly - she has the Hansard record to prove it! She is also particularly proud of her final three years of career when she was First Command Warrant Officer for Recruiting, responsible for briefing The First and Second Sea Lords on the state of recruitment across the entire Navy. This was a new role she was the first to hold, and for the final nine months had to maintain through Covid with no careers offices open and staff working from home facing the challenges of isolation.
In 2017 for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the WRNS, Barbara organised the inspirational ‘Wrens Walking Wales’ initiative – four Wrens completing a 100-mile walk from Newport Parog (West Wales) to Cardiff in nine days, raising £6,500 for charity and engaging with all sorts of communities on the way including the Wives of the Aberfan disaster who held an afternoon tea in Aberfan Chapel in the Wrens’ honour – “up there in the highlights of my whole life”. Wrens Walking Wales then developed into ‘Wrens Out Walking’ which has over 600 members all over the world and proved a lifeline for many during Covid.
Barbara finally retired in January 2021 but continues to be as involved as ever in championing and empowering women within the Royal Navy (as well as travelling the world with her husband, Stuart). She was a Trustee of the Association of Wrens until last October and continues as Chair of the Association of Wrens in Swansea, and as Naval representative for female veterans with COBSEO. She liaises and facilitates with all sorts of networks such as the Naval Servicewomen’s Network, the Maritime Reserves and the Queen Alexandra’s RN Nursing Service.
“It is vital”, she concludes, “that women in the Navy continue to support each other. The Naval Servicewomen’s Network inspires and empowers female naval personnel today, and promotes to females that they really can do anything. I truly believe that women are treated very well in the Navy, but they still need that mentoring and that support.”
On 31st December The Not Forgotten bade farewell to its outgoing Chairman, Mr David Cowley OBE, who has been the steady hand at the helm of The Not Forgotten for the past eight years and widely involved with the charity for over forty.
As he steps down and hands over the watch, we wanted to pay tribute to a remarkable man and reflect upon the profound impact he has had on the lives of our staff, our partners and our beneficiaries.
David took over as Chairman of The Not Forgotten in 2015, and has seen the charity through eight years of triumph and challenge; from celebrating our Centenary to piloting us calmly through the shock of a global pandemic. He has patiently advised and guided our Trustees, our Chief Executives and our team at HQ, and engaged personally with thousands of veteran beneficiaries.
Under David’s guidance The Not Forgotten has gone from strength to strength, embracing new ways of working and expanding its reach to ever more veterans all over the UK. He has encouraged a culture of positivity and collaboration, inclusivity and camaraderie far beyond the boardroom; veterans, staff, supporters and partners have all been touched by his wisdom and kindness.
A legacy of which Marta Cunningham herself would be proud
David has overseen and helped foster a very special caring community at The Not Forgotten. Beneficiaries and their families feel part of a loyal and supportive family, and David has contributed significantly to this ethos with his approachability and genuine compassion as Chairman. He has given hours and days of his time to supporting The Not Forgotten office team and been spotted at beneficiary events all year round whatever the setting engaging with the veterans and enjoying their company as much as they his.
In 2016 David deployed on a TNF challenge event to Iceland, joining twenty veteran beneficiaries on a three-day trek across Icelandic terrain - a personal challenge but also a defining moment for David in witnessing first-hand the life-changing (and often lifesaving) impact the charity he loves so dearly has on so many people from all walks of life and military backgrounds.
Cementing our legacy and configuring our future.
In 2020 David worked closely with many stakeholders including our Patron HRH the Princess Royal, to appropriately mark the Centenary celebrations of The Not Forgotten, a huge milestone in a distinguished history. At this key moment David reinforced the importance not only of looking back over the past 100 years, but ensuring the charity was configured for the next 100. David has thrived on shaping this, and his guiding emphasis on family, people and impact will drive the charity for years to come.
Of course, TNF’s Centenary brought with it the extra unforeseen shock of a global pandemic hitting the same year. David’s calm leadership at the helm through COVID was vital to the charity carrying on through the challenge of lockdowns. A charity whose mission is to combat isolation and loneliness suddenly had to support its beneficiaries through the most isolating of experiences possible: David’s can-do attitude ensured that while others shut up shop, The Not Forgotten carried on. He motivated the team to rethink and re-set, reaching veterans and delivering events and support despite pandemic restrictions; some initiatives were so successful that they continue to be delivered post-Covid.
Recognition for his tireless commitment
In the New Year's Honours of 2019 David was appointed an OBE in recognition of his remarkable service to The Not Forgotten for over three decades. In November 2023 he received a 'Best Heroes' Award at a star-studded ceremony, and with typical humility said "The heroes are the men and women we look after; not me. But it is a great and unexpected honour".
This certainly isn't goodbye...
David may be stepping down from his formal role, but he will continue to volunteer his time and expertise: some inspirational events he intends to spearhead are already in the pipeline. He has engineered a smooth handover to his successor Mr Mark Nicholls, and his fellow Trustees and The Not Forgotten team will of course continue to deliver his vision over the coming years.
To David - thank you. From everyone whose lives have been touched by your tireless commitment, your steadfast leadership, and your inspirational kindness. From beneficiaries to staff, members of the Royal family to volunteers: we are all beneficiaries of your vision and dedication. As you step away from your duties we hope you enjoy spending a little more time with your family and pursuing your own interests, knowing what a huge difference you have made and how much warmth, joy and fulfilment you have brought to so many lives.
This summer The Not Forgotten gained a new piece of artwork for our office - and it's one with a very moving story behind it.
The painting (above) of HMS Argonaut making her way home after sustaining severe damage during the Falklands conflict was painted by Navy veteran Ross Watton and gifted to The Not Forgotten by the HMS Argonaut Association as a thank you for inviting some of their members to The Not Forgotten Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May 2023.
Alongside the painting hangs a plaque dedicated to The Not Forgotten in gratitude for the assistance we gave in spreading the ashes of the parents of Able Seaman Iain Boldy at the spot where their son was killed in action aboard HMS Argonaut during the Falklands War.
Adrian Fisher from the Association came to present the beautiful painting and plaque to us in July - pictured below presenting it to Steve Bates from the TNF team.
Adrian and one of our beneficiaries Paddy Gallagher, who also served aboard HMS Argonaut, gave us the full moving story behind HMS Argonaut and what she experienced.
[Read the full account below...]
The following is extracted from the book, One Hundred Days: The Memoirs of The Falklands Battle Group Commander, by Admiral Sandy Woodward:
"21 May 1982: Then it began. An Argentinian light attack two-seater jet aircraft, the Italian built Naval Macchi 339, flying at wave-top height along the northern coast, swung suddenly into the narrow entrance to Falkland Sound, going as fast as he could. The first ship he saw was Kit Layman’s Argonaut and he fired all eight of his five inch rockets at the frigate, coming on in low and raking the decks with 30mm cannon shells. One rocket hit the Seacat missile deck area and injured three men - one of whom lost an eye; another, the Master-at-Arms, took a piece of shrapnel one inch above his heart.
The attack had been so swift and sudden that the raider was making his escape away to the south-east before any kind of hardware could be aimed at him. As it was, they had a shot at him with a Blowpipe missile from the deck of Canberra; Intrepid launched a Seacat missile and David Pentreath opened up with 4.5 inch guns of Plymouth. But the Macchi got away doubtless to stagger his High Command with the tale of what he had just seen spread out below him in Carlos Water...
Back in Carlos Water another hour went by before the Argentinians sent in their most lethal and sustained air raid of the day. It would last for just over half an hour and it did great damage. The opening assault was made by six Skyhawks flying extremely low along the north coast, out of sight of all our radars. As swiftly as any of the opening attacks, they came through the narrows at more than five hundred knots. There they found Kit Layman’s Argonaut, from which the crew was desperately trying to evacuate their wounded by helicopter over to Canberra. At the last moment the Argonauts saw them and opened fire with everything they had, but they had no hope whatsoever of stopping all six. Five made it through, dropping a total of ten thousand-pounders, eight of which exploded in the water close to the embattled Leander Class frigate. The other two hit her, but mercifully failed to explode. The first one hit forward, going through a diesel fuel tank and coming to rest in a Seacat magazine, starting a fire and causing considerable structural damage. By the most extraordinary bit of luck, the escaping diesel fuel was cold enough to put the fire out without itself igniting and adding to the fire instead. The second bomb rammed through the bulkhead between the engine room and the boiler room, wrecking the steering mechanism and the reverse gearing.
Argonaut was perilously close to the rocks around Fanning Head and still going ahead with effectively no brakes and no steering. With remarkable presence of mind, Sub-Lieutenant Peter Morgan [D.S.C.] raced off the bridge, collecting a couple of ratings as he went, and managed to let go the anchor, which dragged the three-thousand-tonner to a halt, just short of the shoreline. Seconds later they lost all power, there was almost total devastation in certain parts of the ship and, with two men killed in the magazine, Argonaut’s war was almost over."
The following is an extract from the Ships Log from the 21st May 1982, although it was much more eventful than what was able to be recorded at the time …
The holes in the ships side where the bombs entered. One midships and the other into the forward Seacat magazine, killing the two lads in there.
At anchor in San Carlos Bay, two unexploded 1000 lb bombs still onboard.
The Seacat missile magazine where one of the bombs came to rest, and the hole through the ship's side.
Able Seaman Iain Boldy and Seaman Matthew Stuart were killed down here.
The Mess Deck above the magazine, which buckled as one of the missiles exploded.
The fire was put out by the cold diesel and sea water that came through from a ruptured fuel tank.
The magazine was flooded and it was days before we could get the lads out.
The firefighters went into the Mess to extinguish the fire and didn’t realise the floor was raised as it was pitch black with smoke ….
They fought the fire even though the bomb was still in the flooded compartment below them.
Iain Boldy.
Iain was 20 years old when he died; he had only got married in March.
Buried at sea – 51 23S 59 078W
Matthew Stuart.
Tragically, Argonaut was hit on Matthew's 18th birthday.
Buried at sea – 51 23S 59 078W
We will remember them.
Argonaut veteran Paddy Gallagher with his wife Shirley, who came to see the painting, plaque and background story hung in pride of place in our office, next to our elephant statue.
Our deepest thanks to Adrian, Paddy, and the entire HMS Argonaut Association.