Our History and Founder
The Not Forgotten Association was founded by the Late Miss Marta Cunningham CBE, in 1920, and is a registered charity. Miss Cunningham, a famous American opera singer, was horrified to find so many wounded servicemen lying injured in hospitals up and down the country over a year after the terrible carnage of the Great War. She organised many events such as Tea Parties and outings. She enlisted the help of many friends to ensure those who had served were never forgotten.
HRH Princess Mary became the Association's first Patron and remained so for the rest of her life. She was succeeded by HRH The Duchess of Kent, who has since been succeeded by HRH Princess Anne.
The NI Branch is an autonomous voluntary branch of this organisation and was formed in January 1930 by the Late Sir Frederick William Moneypenny CVO, CBE who was a former Army officer. Sir Frederick spent many years in the post of Lord Chamberlain of Belfast and as secretary to the Lord Mayor of Belfast. He was made a Freeman of the City, and at one point held the post of Lord Belmont.
The Not Forgotten Association Northern Ireland was established in 1930 to provide voluntary and charity services to tri-service veterans and the family connections of ex service personnel. The aim then and still is now is to provide outings, entertainment and respite breaks to retired military personnel. People who are willing to donate their time or money to a local tri-service charity are most welcome. Most events are free to participants. We appreciate and acknowledge the services of our veterans and work towards the welfare and interests of the armed forces community. Whilst our core aims have not changed over time we have adapted to meet the changing needs of the serving wounded and veterans with disabilities.
About us in Northern Ireland
Yvonne Mulholland B.E.M. receiving H.M. The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service from H.M. Lord Lieutenant for Belfast Dame Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle D.B.E., D.St. J which was awarded to the N.I. Group in 2019
