The Garden Party 2019

It was the perfect day – Buckingham Palace bathed in sun, delicious food, music by The Band of The Royal Armoured Corps, HRH The Duchess of Gloucester and some 3,000 members of the Armed Forces community having a party – and what a party it was.  Our biggest ever with every arm and service, representing all campaigns since the Second World War, enjoying this unique occasion and the chance to meet friends, new and old, to share some banter, revel in the camaraderie and feel valued.

Bringing together so many service personnel from over 150 military charities and organisations is The Not Forgotten’s greatest annual achievement.  It goes to the heart of what we do; working together, we seek to boost morale, restore confidence and thereby improve the physical and mental health of those who have served their nation and now suffer.  Such events help defeat the causes of isolation and loneliness – a blight that affects too many of our community.  Having a party, being made to feel special in the company of likeminded individuals does so much to lift one’s spirits which all helps to restore dignity and independence.  As a consequence the individual, their family and community all benefit.  We are only a small part of the military charity environment but working with others, we make a difference and together we provide the solution.

Thank you for being part of this phenomenal community.

James Stopford, Chief Executive

Enjoyed this slideshow? More photos from the day can be found in our galleries.