The NFA Christmas Party at St. James’s Palace
Posted 12 December, 2011
The Not Forgotten Association was again hugely privileged to be allowed to host its Christmas Party in the State Apartments of St. James’s Palace on 8th December.
This year’s event was graced by His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex, accompanied by Lady-in-Waiting Mrs Pippa Southgate-Sands. HRH was greeted by Field Marshal The Lord Inge and escorted by the NFA Chairman Brigadier Heywood and Chief Executive Piers Storie-Pugh.
During a 1½ hour walkabout His Royal Highness visited every table in the magnificent Throne, Entree and Queen Anne Rooms and spoke to many individuals who had served in all three services in WWII and subsequent campaigns, including those injured in Afghanistan. Everybody was thrilled by his interest in where they had served and what they had done.
Over 300 beneficiaries – the youngest 21, the oldest 93 - enjoyed a wonderful tea party as guests of the NFA almost exactly 90 years since the first such event in December 1921 which was graced then by HRH The Princess Mary.
As ever the arrangements were made with the full co-operation of the State Apartments staff under their Superintendent, who all went out of their way to make this a happy and successful event. The staff regard the NFA Christmas Party as very special given that the beneficiaries are the serving wounded and the ex-service with disabilities and even say that for them it marks the start of Christmas.
To ensure that the event ran even more smoothly, we had enlisted the support of 40 helpers drawn from the Regular, Territorial and Reserve Forces who chatted to guests and provided any assistance required. They added great colour to the afternoon, as did the delightful choir from Farnham Junior Girls Choir.
Tables were hosted by NFA Presidents, past Chairmen, Trustees, celebrities and members of staff. Guests were entertained by magicians, caricaturists, balloon modellers, celebrities and Father Christmas himself whilst being serenaded by The Brass Quintet of the Band of the Coldstream Guards, before being piped into the Picture Gallery for the afternoon’s concert.
Brigadier Heywood read out the loyal greetings that had been sent to HM The Queen and the reply that had been received which was hugely appreciated by everybody. The concert, arranged by Dougie Squires and his team, then got under way. A variety of artistes including singer Mica Paris, pianist Jean Martyn, Tony Blackburn, Dick and Dom, the Swingtime Sweethearts, Marawa The Amazing, Mandy Muden and Mickie Driver, delighted and entertained the audience. Children from St Edmund Campion Catholic School Maidenhead set the nativity scene and sang carols with the entertainers.
The event was a huge success and our deepest thanks go to all those who helped to make it such a delightful afternoon which brought great joy to many people of all ages.
To see photographs of the 2011 Christmas Party in our Gallery section click here