More than 120 military veterans, their partners and carers gathered at The Old Hall, Ely, for a special Military Veterans Day hosted through a partnership between Cambridgeshire Freemasons and The Not Forgotten, one of Britain’s oldest military charities.
Founded in 1920, The Not Forgotten provides comfort, companionship, respite and support to serving personnel and veterans living with injury, illness, isolation and the lasting effects of military service, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The charity’s Patron is Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, whose longstanding commitment to the Armed Forces community reflects its enduring mission.
For many years, The Not Forgotten’s prestigious events have included royal garden parties held at Buckingham Palace. In recent years, the charity has expanded its reach by taking these memorable experiences into communities across the country, ensuring that veterans throughout the United Kingdom can benefit from its support and fellowship.
The Ely event was the first of six Military Veterans Days planned nationally in 2026 and brought together veterans from across Cambridgeshire for an afternoon of friendship, entertainment, refreshments and recognition. The occasion was attended by civic leaders, representatives of The Not Forgotten, and senior members of the Masonic Province of Cambridgeshire, including Provincial Grand Master Mark Shields and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Ed Williams.
The event was coordinated by Dougie Black MBE, a Cambridgeshire Freemason and veteran Royal Engineer who served for 37 years in the British Army. Reflecting on the success of the day, he said:
It was an absolute privilege to coordinate this year’s Veterans Day in Cambridgeshire. Witnessing the tremendous support shown by the Provincial Grand Master, Mark Shields, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Ed Williams, fellow Freemasons, civic leaders and distinguished guests was both inspiring and humbling. The event demonstrated the deep respect and gratitude we hold for those who have served our country and highlighted the strength of community support available to our veterans.
A particularly poignant moment of the day was the attendance of Wally Newman, a Burma Star veteran who is 100 years old. Wearing his distinctive WWII star-shaped medals, Wally’s presence was a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice and enduring spirit of the wartime generation.
The partnership between The Not Forgotten and Freemasonry continues to grow across the United Kingdom, united by shared values of integrity, friendship, respect and service. Together, they provide meaningful opportunities for veterans to reconnect with comradeship, reduce isolation and enjoy experiences that promote wellbeing, confidence and dignity.
Organisers emphasised that the day was not simply a celebration but a sincere expression of appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans and serving personnel. Through initiatives such as Military Veterans Day, both organisations remain committed to ensuring that those who have served are never forgotten.
