An Appeal On Behalf of The Somme Nursing home
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An End Of year message from Our Chairman
Dear All,
Christmas is a time for reflection and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all most sincerely for your hard work and dedication throughout the past year for The Not Forgotten Association Northern Ireland.
2021, like 2020, was a very difficult and challenging year, notwithstanding, we managed to hold two important events during the year; our Founders Day in August and the Annual Christmas Lunch in December. By virtue of the hard work and determination of the organisers, both were excellent events and this was echoed by the positive feedback received from those who attended.
Like the rest of the Charity Sector we have been greatly impacted by Covid-19 and the continuing challenges which we all face. Yvonne continues to network with most of our beneficiaries by electronic means and has arranged for the most vulnerable and lonely to receive jigsaws, quizzes and other interesting items on a regular basis. Unfortunately, as I pen this message, we find ourselves yet again in a period of uncertainty with the new variant Omicron continuing to dominate the daily news. I am hoping that we will be able to hold our Annual General Meeting in May and possibly look forward to planning some events and functions…………..only time will tell!
Finally, I would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe Christmas and a Happy & Healthy 2022.
With my kindest regards,
John
The Not Forgotten Centenary Reception
Our parent charity The Not Forgotten based in London, marked it’s centenary year in 2020, unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions, no formal celebration to mark this incredible and important milestone was possible. In October 2021, with the lifting of restrictions in England, the organisation held a Centenary Reception in the House of Lords hosted by General The Lord Dannatt. This was an excellent event, attended by the Patron, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal along with a number of dignitaries, veterans and serving personnel. Northern Ireland was represented at the reception by John Davies MBE, Chairman and Yvonne Mulholland BEM, Events Organiser. This was a really special occasion and both John and Yvonne were absolutely delighted to have had the opportunity to attend.
As a footnote, The Not Forgotten Association Northern Ireland was 90 years old in 2020, having formed 10 years after the main charity in 1930. Plans were at the early stage to have an event to mark this important date in our calendar, however, due to the pandemic this was not possible.
2020 Annual Report
Our Chairman’s annual review is now available by clicking the link below
H.R.H Duke of Edinburgh
It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the father of our Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
Everyone at The Not Forgotten Association Northern Ireland wishes to pay tribute to HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. We are hugely thankful for everything he did over many years in highlighting our work supporting both serving personnel and veterans.
Our thoughts are with Her Majesty and The Royal Family.
Further announcements will be made in due course. Visit www.royal.uk to read the announcement in full.
Message from The Not Forgotten Association Northern Ireland
Our thoughts are all focused on dealing with COVID-19 and ensuring our beneficiaries, family and friends remain safe.
Most of our events have been cancelled and I suspect more will be, although where possible we will aim only to postpone them – we shall keep everyone updated either my email or via our website. For anyone who was due to attend an event with us, which has been cancelled, we will ensure you are top of the list for future events – you will not be forgotten. 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. Also please note that our Annual General Meeting due to take place on Thursday, 7 May 2020 in The Somme Nursing Home, Belfast has been postponed and we will arrange a new date as soon as we possibly can.
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.
Planning continues for future events so that when we can we restart our programme of events we will do so as soon as circumstances allow.
In the meantime, please stay safe, look out for those around you and let us know if we can help.
John Davies MBE
Chairman
The Not Forgotten Association Northern Ireland awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
The Not Forgotten Association Northern Ireland have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
The Not Forgotten Association in Northern Ireland was established in 1930 and since then volunteers have provided entertainment, social activities and challenges for wounded and injured service personnel and veterans with disabilities.
The QAVS award is given annually to a small number of voluntary groups across the UK for exceptional work. In Northern Ireland the dedicated team of volunteers have worked tirelessly and quietly helping a large number of beneficiaries connected to the Armed Forces enjoy a wide range of events and challenges in a safe and secure environment.
Chairman of the Not Forgotten Association in Northern Ireland, John Davies, said it’s a huge recognition for the small but highly committed team. “This accolade is a fitting tribute and great honour and recognises the enthusiasm, hard work and total commitment of our small team of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly in providing a valuable support service to the wider Armed Forces community throughout Northern Ireland”.
The Association’s volunteers received the award, which included an English Crystal trophy with a QAVS logo insignia and Citation signed by Her Majesty The Queen from Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Belfast, Mrs Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle CBE at a ceremony held on Wednesday, 16th October 2019 in the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum, Belfast.
Colonel Robin Charley OBE JP DL
A Thanksgiving Service for Colonel Robin Charley OBE, JP, DL, our recently deceased Senior Vice President, will take place at St.Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast on Sunday 20th October at 3.30pm. All are welcome to attend.
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Colonel Robin Charley OBE JP DL, our Senior Vice-President, who died peacefully surrounded by his family, in the Somme Nursing Home, Belfast on 15th July 2019.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, 25th July at 11.00 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Patrick’s, Drumbeg, Co.Down, BT17 9LE. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, to The Royal Ulster Rifles Museum, c/o Norman McBriar & Son, Funeral Directors, 33a Main Street, Saintfield, BT24 7AB.
There will be a Thanksgiving Service in the autumn and details will be published when known.
The Battle of the Somme Commemoration Belfast City Hall – Monday, 1st July 2019 –
The one hundred and third Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, in which so many Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Men of the 36th (Ulster) Division, the 16th (Irish) Division) and other forces made the supreme sacrifice, was commemorated at Belfast City Hall Cenotaph on Monday, 1st July 2019. Wreaths were laid by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Belfast, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Representatives of the Government of Ireland, Belfast City Council, Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Police Service of Northern Ireland, The Royal British Legion and a number of Ex-Service and other organisations. The Not Forgotten Association Northern Ireland wreath was laid by the Chairman, John Davies MBE who was accompanied by Major Bobby Morrow TD. During the placing of the wreaths musical accompaniment was provided by the Band of The Royal Irish Regiment.
The Band of The Royal Irish Regiment
A Guard of Honour furnished by the 2nd Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment was mounted near the Cenotaph
Nearly 20,000 British troops were killed in a single day at the Battle of the Somme in 1916
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
The Not Forgotten Association Northern Ireland are delighted to announce it was selected to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (MBE).We have been in existence since 1930 providing activities, outings and respite to the Serving wounded, injured, sick and Disabled ex service personnel. Where there is need, we can provide televisions for those whom are housebound or in special care homes.Initially our task was defined as being ” to provide comfort, cheer and entertainment, for the wounded as a result of the Great War”. Over the years our task has been adapted to meet the changing needs of those injured in more recent conflicts around the world.We are absolutely delighted that we have been awarded this prestigious honour.This accolade is a fitting tribute and great achievement in recognition of our small team of volunteers for their dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work in providing a support service to the Tri-Service community throughout Northern Ireland. Thank you to all involved in rewarding us in this manner
The Late Brian Roberts
Brian Roberts, one of The Not Forgotten Association Northern Ireland’s longstanding, dedicated and stalwart volunteer members sadly passed away in November 2018. Brian was also a member of a number of other charities and military associations, including the Royal Military Police Association Northern Ireland Branch (RMPA NI), where he spent many years as an enthusiastic, hardworking and committed member.
In order to honour Brian’s memory, the RMPA NI decided to commission a shield, to be awarded annually, to the Best Cadet from Moira ACF (RMP) H Coy, 2 Bn, NI.
The presentation was made on the 17th June 2019 at the Moira ACF HQ, by Brian’s granddaughter, Zara Roberts, in the presence of Brian’s widow Mary and daughter Yvonne.
RMPA NI, together with members of 2 (NI) Pl, 174 Pro Coy, 3 RMP, joined cadet parents and dignitaries, in witnessing this fitting tribute to Brian.
At the specific request of Brian’s widow Mary, John Davies, Chairman of The Not Forgotten Association Northern Ireland, attended this presentation event. John reported that it was an excellent evening and a most appropriate tribute to Brian.
Brian is pictured here (Centre) with our Chairman John Davies and president the Duke of Abercorn receiving the Presidents Certificate at our 2018 AGM