Blind veterans at Brighton area care home enjoy live music tribute to Dame Vera Lynn

Residents of Blind Veterans UK at Ovingdean were treated to a trip down memory lane and an afternoon of entertainment as part of a special concert series organised by The Not Forgotten on Friday July 24.
Blind veterans concert SUS-200728-110455001Blind veterans concert SUS-200728-110455001
Blind veterans concert SUS-200728-110455001

The Not Forgotten, a British Armed Forces charity for serving and ex-service men and women, recently launched Those Not Forgotten Years, a nationwide outdoor concert tour of care homes to entertain, boost morale and lift spirits by reaching thousands of residents across the country.

Around 30 Blind Veterans UK residents and staff gathered in the grounds for the concert and a fabulous afternoon tea, all at a suitable social distance, for a memorable afternoon to lift the lockdown blues.

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Residents sang along, tapped their feet and waved flags as The Not Forgotten professional entertainment team of singers and musicians performed a set of popular classics and rousing favourites from the 30’s to the 60’s including a poignant special tribute the late Dame Vera Lynn.

Blind Veterans UK resident Maureen Atkinson, 95, served in the Second World War as a VAD in the Voluntary Aid Detachment.

She has been supported by Blind Veterans UK since 2016 and after the concert said: “I thought all the singing was brilliant and they all had such good voices. Everyone enjoyed it very much. With everything that has been going on this was the first concert we have enjoyed in five months and it was an excellent one to open with.”

Brigadier James Stopford, CBE, CEO of The Not Forgotten said: “Sadly, events to commemorate VE Day, VJ Day and D Day could not take place properly this year, so we were determined to help WW2 veterans and those who have served their country mark these important days by bringing the celebrations to them.”

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The Not Forgotten combats isolation and loneliness amongst the Armed Forces community through social activities and challenge holidays. If you are a serving or ex-member of the Armed Forces or you know of someone that could benefit from the help of The Not Forgotten, please get in touch by contacting Tel: 0207 730 2400.