The Not Forgotten

Property professionals from across the Midlands came together at Warwick Racecourse earlier this month to raise more than £11,500 for The Not Forgotten.

The 2026 Virtus Property Race Day welcomed more than 170 guests from across the property and construction sector for a day of racing, networking and fundraising.

We are deeply grateful to Virtus Property Services – part of the The Wigley Group – who held the event to continue its long-standing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and veteran causes, with Wigley having championed military charities and initiatives such as the Armed Forces Covenant for many years.

A huge thank you to the event's sponsors Stockton House, Insight Surveyors, ehB Residential, Rainier Developments and Strategic Land and Taylor Wimpey plc and to all the companies who hosted a table.

Guests were moved to hear TNF beneficiary Rae Scarff share her incredible story of life after injury and the impact The Not Forgotten has had on her life and recovery.

Chris Parsons, Managing Director of Virtus Property Services, said: "Supporting veterans has always been incredibly important to us and the wider Wigley Group, so being able to bring together so many people from across the property sector to raise more than £11,500 for The Not Forgotten was something we are very proud of.

"The charity does remarkable work helping former and serving members of the Armed Forces rebuild confidence, form new connections and enjoy experiences that many of us take for granted. The generosity shown by everyone who attended was fantastic. It was a brilliant day, and we're grateful to our sponsors, guests and supporters for helping us raise such an incredible amount for a superb cause."

The funds raised will help The Not Forgotten continue delivering activities, events and challenges that improve the wellbeing of veterans and serving personnel across the UK.

Community & Charity at Wigley

Last week our Regional Connect Weeks kicked off in style with our Ely Garden Party at The Old Hall Ely in Cambridgeshire.

There were beautiful outfits and smiles galore as almost 100 veterans and their guests joined us in the stunning setting of this picturesque restored Jacobean manor house, with views out across the fields to Ely Cathedral.

After gathering for canapés on the terrace we sat down for a truly impressive afternoon tea accompanied by music from Annie Riley and Lloyd, and a chance to talk, laugh and connect with fellow veterans from the Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Merchant Navy.

Even the odd downpour and dramatic thunder and lightning couldn't dampen our spirits!

HUGE thanks must go to the Cambridgeshire Freemasons who not only funded the event but were absolutely splendid in their role as hosts for the afternoon. Most of them veterans themselves, their friendly smiles and tea-pouring skills were the icing on the cake for the event, and we are extremely grateful for their support.

Thanks also to the attentive team at The Old Hall Ely for their beautiful venue and catering.

We were honoured to be joined for the afternoon by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Julie Spence OBE CStJ QPM, the Dean of Ely The Very Reverend Michael Bonney DL, and the Mayor of Ely Cllr Rebecca Dennes. Most of our guests had the chance to speak to the VIPs, and the Lord-Lieutenant in particular said she had loved talking to the veterans and learning more about The Not Forgotten.

Travelling around the country to hold prestigious events like this is what drives our Regional Connect agenda this summer - we are determined to connect as many veterans as possible throughout the regions, giving them unforgettable experiences and memories to treasure, bringing them out of their struggles or isolation, and enabling powerful partnerships and networks throughout the regions.

See more photos in our gallery - https://thenotforgotten.org/image-gallery/ely-garden-party/

💂‍♀️Capel Military Show - 3-5th July 2026 💂‍♀️

As their featured charity for this year's show, our friends at Capel Military Show have generously offered us 10 FREE TICKETS to TNF beneficiaries for each day of the show Friday 3rd, Sat 4th and Sun 5th July.

Capel Military Show is the South East's best annual military show and family fun weekend, featuring military vehicles from helicopters to tanks along with action-packed shows - cars being crushed, big guns being fired, and battles fought.

Discover fascinating exhibits covering all nationalities and eras of military history, including uniforms, equipment and symbols from wartime periods on display.

Plus a whole range of children’s entertainments including inflatables, mini tanks, big tank rides, climbing walls, archery, laser quest and airsoft ranges. And catering stands to suit every taste and pocket.

TO CLAIM YOUR FREE TICKETS AS A TNF BENEFICIARY REGISTER YOUR INTEREST AT https://thenotforgotten.org/web-app/?app=tnf&eventId=6a301fae085cd19bc3f817e1

Find out more about the Show at https://www.capelmilitaryshow.com

Based in Devon? Fancy joining us for Afternoon Tea next week?🍰🥂

Next Monday (22nd June) The Not Forgotten will be hosting an afternoon for veterans of tasty food, great company, and excellent music from Annie and Lloyd at The Barnstaple Hotel in Barnstaple, Devon, from 1pm - 4.15pm

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to get out and socialise amongst like-minded veterans and forget your troubles for a few hours, with delicious tea and cake and great music.

If you'd like to join us - and bring a guest or two if you'd like - please email [email protected] to snap up a ticket.

Look forward to seeing you there!

(Photo - Ely Garden Party last week, but we're hoping for similar treats in Barnstaple -though which way do they do the scones, jam first or cream first?!)

🎉🕺Partying 28 For 28 Style!🎉🕺

We have had an absolute blast over the past two days with the start of our '28 For 28' Party Tour!

Marking the 28 years that our Head of Events Rosie Thompson has dedicated to The Not Forgotten before her retirement at the end of the year, these parties combine all the things our veteran community love about The Not Forgotten events – team building, camaraderie, silly games and music - and they are coming to regions all over the UK this summer!

This week we have been in the Kitchener’s - Lowestoft and the Naval and Military Club Southend on Sea - thank you to the teams at both venues for their warm welcome. 🙏

For everything from building towers out of spaghetti and marshmallows to game-show rounds and a famous TNF conga! Smiles all round and the atmosphere only a room full of like-minded veterans can produce ❤

Bringing veterans together, reducing loneliness and lifting spirits with light-hearted fun and some good old-fashioned gentle team rivalry. We've never seen veterans take spaghetti so seriously!

🍾🎂Wishing a very happy birthday today to Mr Robert Piper, beneficiary and dedicated friend of The Not Forgotten, who turns 101 today!

World War Two veteran Mr Piper from Southwater in West Sussex was only 14 when World War Two broke out; he joined the Home Guard before managing to conceal his age and sign up with the Army aged 15 in 1940.

He served with The Royal Sussex Regiment and the Royal Corp of Signals during World War Two, taking part in the D-Day landings and surviving intense fighting in Northern France.

At the end of the war Mr Piper was deployed to the Middle East, tasked with establishing a wireless link between Amman and London, before finally returning to the UK at the end of 1947.

Mr Piper has attended many Not Forgotten events over the years, with his son Robert Piper Jr. Many of our supporters and beneficiaries have enjoyed speaking to him and hearing his stories, always told with a real sparkle in his eye.

At this year's Not Forgotten Garden Party at Buckingham Palace Mr Piper was overheard advising HRH Princess Anne humourously to 'slow down' in her duties!

Happy birthday Mr Piper - thank you for all you gave for your country at such a young age.

And we're off! Our eagerly anticipated TNF Regional Connect Weeks Summer 2026 start today, with our East of England week getting off to an uplifting start as our entertainers Annie Riley and Lloyd Ellery perform at British Legion Halsey House, a Royal British Legion Care Home in Cromer on the Norfolk coast.

Tomorrow we then head to Ely in Cambridgeshire for the first of our 2026 Regional Garden Parties. Veterans will be defying the weather forecast to gather in their finery for an elegant afternoon of drinks, afternoon tea and entertainment in the grounds of The Old Hall Ely, a beautiful Jacobean manor house.

Joined by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Julie Spence OBE CStJ QPM, the Dean of Ely The Very Reverend Michael Bonney DL, and the Mayor of Ely Cllr Rebecca Dennes, it promises to be a very special occasion launching our summer of regional engagement with veterans and our supporter networks around the country. Our thanks to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Cambridgeshire Cambridgeshire Freemasons for their funding and support in delivering this event.

On Wednesday and Thursday we are excited to launch our very special '28 for 28 Party Tour', with our first parties at the Kitchener’s - Lowestoft and the Naval and Military Club Southend on Sea. Bringing together all the best bits of The Not Forgotten as we celebrate the 28 years that our Head of Events Rosie Thompson has been supporting veterans through our events. Get ready for photos of game-show type entertainment and audience participation, camaraderie, music and no doubt a famous conga...

We look forward to a summer of celebration, camaraderie and connection, reaching out into the regions to combat isolation and loneliness amongst those who have served, wherever they are in the UK. Lifting spirits, empowering veteran communities, and ensuring no veteran is forgotten.

City Of Ely Council

✨Every event, every smile, every moment of connection happens because volunteers chose to give up this time of theirs to others.✨

This week is ! In recognition, we are celebrating the outstanding contribution that volunteers make to The Not Forgotten throughout the year. Giving their time, energy and enthusiasm to help ensure that veterans and service personnel feel seen, supported, and never forgotten.

Whether collecting at one of our railway station or supermarket collections around the country; manning stalls at festivals and shows; or supporting our staff at our day or week-long events: without these incredible people we would not be able to fund and facilitate our full events programme impacting over 10,000 veterans and serving personnel every year.

In 2024-25, TNF volunteers selflessly gave over 1,000 volunteering days in total between them, helping at collections and supporting our events.

This outstanding commitment is absolutely vital in raising donations, spreading awareness, and making our beneficiaries feel safe and supported at our events.

Many of these volunteers are beneficiaries of The Not Forgotten themselves and want to give back to a charity which has meant a lot to them. Others are family members, or simply people with whom our mission resonates.

Other volunteers from our corporate partners and partner organisations attend our events as teams to provide ‘on-the-ground’ assistance like handing out refreshments, their contribution forming part of their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Not forgetting the hundreds of serving Armed Forces personnel and cadets who volunteer at our events - they can often be seen setting up events, directing, assisting and reassuring guests, or performing military music. And last but not least our entertainers who often provide their acts for free to lift the spirits of our veterans.

Every event, every smile, every moment of connection happens because volunteers chose to give up this time of theirs to others.

To every volunteer: thank you. Your impact reaches further than you know.

If you’re curious about joining our amazing volunteer community, go to https://thenotforgotten.org/support-us/volunteer/ to find out more.

Opportunity for Young People (aged 9–18): Outward Bound Week August 2026

We are pleased to share an opportunity, in partnership with the Forces Children's Trust, for up to three young people from the Armed Forces community to take part in a fully funded Outward Bound residential week in the Lake District.

As The Not Forgotten is not usually able to support children of military families in this way, we are excited to be able to offer this opportunity via our extended network.

The residential week is open to young people aged 9–18, whose parent has died or has sustained life‑changing injuries while serving or as a veteran. They must be able to participate safely in a group outdoor setting.

The week in the Lake District is run and funded by The Forces Children's Trust, and runs from 17–21 August 2026. Travel from London Euston is fully funded, as is accommodation and all meals. The outdoor activities are a structured programme focused on confidence, resilience and teamwork., with professional supervision and support throughout. The only expense required is to buy the young person a hoody and t-shirt from the FCT online store.

If you work with or know a young person who would benefit from this opportunity, please get in touch with the Forces Children's Trust directly, quoting Then Not Forgotten advertisement. Email [email protected] as soon as possible (all places must be allocated by 17th June).

Please include the name and age of the young person, a brief description of their background and connection to the Armed Forces community, and any relevant supporting information.

ARMED FORCES DAY - CAN YOU HELP?

On on Saturday 27th June, The Not Forgotten has been offered a stand at both the Scarborough Armed Forces Day event, and the Huntingdon Armed Forces Day event.

We just need a few more volunteers to help run these stands - can you help?

If you live in the Scarborough or Huntingdon areas and can spare a few hours to represent The Not Forgotten at these vital regional events, we need you!

For full details or to volunteer, please email [email protected]

Thank you so much, from the TNF team 🙏