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The Not Forgotten Centenary Prom
Annie Riley
Armed Forces Charity, The Not Forgotten is celebrating a century of supporting wounded serving personnel and injured veterans at the prestigious Danny House in Hurstpierpoint, writes Eddie Bingham
THE NOT FORGOTTEN Centenary Proms
Formed in the wake of World War I, The Not Forgotten works with 10,000 beneficiaries every year to improve their physical and mental health, address isolation and loneliness, and promote a sense of community and balance.
The charity regard it as a real privilege to be able to mark their centenary at Danny House, which was famously the location of vital War Cabinet meetings which helped bring an end to World War I.
The Not Forgotten was founded by American soprano Marta Cunningham, who was inspired to support veterans after visiting a Ministry of Pensions hospital in 1919, having heard that there were ‘perhaps a handful’ of soldiers wounded in WWI still residing there.
She called on the Matron and asked if she had a few lonely patients who would like to come out for tea. The Matron looked surprised and replied that there were in fact 600 injured patients lying in the hospital, with many more across the country.
Marta was horrified by what she saw and said, “Could these wasted, listless men be the once adored youngsters, who, but a few years, nay months ago, went so dashingly, with a swing and a song to the Nation’s rescue. Alas and this was their reward, suffering, silence and loneliness.”
Marta was an avid charity worker during World War I and soon set about contacting her friends to organise tea parties, concerts and outings for those able to attend. During one of these early invitations one injured soldier said, “We don’t want no charity Miss, we are forgotten by everybody and we’d better stop so.” But, undeterred, Marta formed The Not Forgotten for the ‘comfort, cheer and entertainment’ of the war wounded.
Thanks to the generosity of other charities and the public, as well as the firm backing of the Royal Family; hospital visits and tea concerts were followed by outings, drives and gifts such as fruit, chocolate and cigarettes.
Today, The Not Forgotten continues its tradition of holding an annual Garden Party at Buckingham Palace for veterans, but now offers a much wider array of activities for veterans such as mountain climbing, canoeing, and concerts for care homes.
The Hurstpierpoint Centenary Proms will pay tribute to Marta and The Not Forgotten on 21st August through a series of musical performances and will be capped off by a beautiful Son Et Lumiere, projecting the history of The Not Forgotten on the side of Danny House.
Annie Riley, who regularly works with The Not Forgotten to provide entertainment for wounded service personnel and disabled veterans, also volunteers her time to support the charity at collections, fundraisers and has surprised isolated beneficiaries with performances.
She said, “These people who served us have done so much to keep us safe, and when they’re sadly injured or become ill, it becomes our duty to look after them and lift their spirits. The Not Forgotten is a wonderful charity and the work that they have done for
service personnel and veterans to put smiles on faces for 100 years is priceless and needs to be celebrated. If she were here today, I think The Not Forgotten’s founder, Marta Cunningham, would be shocked to learn that the small charity she started to support World War I veterans is still thriving and has maintained its core values for over a century.”
Annie will be joined by the British Police Symphony orchestra and a collection of world-class musicians who have kindly offered to support the event. She added “It’s going to be an evening of wonderful music, dance, and we’re really lucky to have so many talented performers for the occasion. I’m so excited to be doing this at a place like Danny House that holds so much history and shares the World War I link with The Not Forgotten. The Son Et Lumiere will be absolutely stunning.” l www.thenotforgotten.org
MAIS HOUSE
A Royal British Legion Care Home, providing residential and nursing care, exclusive to the Armed Forces and their spouses
Mais House is a large care home located near the sea in Bexhill-On-Sea, with a capacity to house 54 residents inclusive of 3 double rooms for adults over the age of 65.
Mais House is one of six care homes across the country dedicated to care for our veterans and operated by The Royal British Legion, providing a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, delivering 24-hour care from a team of nurses and care assistants. We also offer respite care.
18 Hastings Rd, Bexhill-On-Sea TN40 2HH If you would like further information or to arrange a virtual tour contact us on 01424 215871 www.britishlegion.org.uk
