Battle Day

I have been busy making the final arrangements for the Battle Day Ceremony in London on 10th December with the AGM afterwards. Due to a misunderstanding I failed to get a booking for the room at the Union Jack Club and we are returning to the London Scottish Regimental HQ in Horseferry Road for the AGM this year. It is about the same distance from The Cenotaph so we should be OK. I was suprised to be told that I had to carry out a Health and Safety Inspection of the premises before I could use the Hall!

I wish people would answer letters and emails - how long does it take to say "OK Col, no problems" especially with emails. I still haven't had a reply from the FCO despite a letter (the first formal approach) and two emails.

Whilst whinging about people not replying to emails and letters I emailed all the FI students at UK universities asking for an address to send the FIA Newsletter to them as so many sent last Spring had been returned "Gone Away". Eight out of 22 replied, one email bounced. Not quite sure what this response, or lack of it, means.

I also wrote to the FI students at Peter Symonds College, all eleven of them, with a copy of the Newsletter and an invitation for two of them to come to Battle Day and lay a wreath on behalf of the Young Falkland Islanders. That was only a week or so ago but so far not a whisper of a response, not even "No thanks". I write this in the hopes that the post on Monday or an email will restore my faith in the young Falkland Islanders.

Falkland Student in the UK

The FIA likes to keep in touch with young Falkland Islanders whilst they are in the UK attending College or University not least so that we can send them a copy of the Newsletter but invite them to participate in events that we organise. However, keeping a track of them is a problem as students, once they move on the Chichester or Winchester, seem to be forever on the move. A large number of the Newsletters mailed out are returned by the Post Office as Gone Away. As this represents a considerable waste of money I am attempting to use email to maintain contact and have today sent an email to all those students who are at university in the hopes of finding out where I can post their Newsletter. Wish me luck.

THIRTY YEARS ON - A CONFERENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENT

Details have arrived of a Conference at the University of Kent entitled "The Falklands Conflict 30 years on". The conference will open on Thursday 26th April, 2012 and ends on Saturday 28th April. The papers I have received say 'To mark the 30th anniversary of the conflict, the School of History and the Centre for Journalism at the University of Kent will unite policy makers, academics and reporters at a unique conference. Argentine and British historians of the conflict and journalists who covered it will share analyses, perspectives and memories with residents of the islands and service personnel who fought over them. The registration fee is £35 with reductions for students and South Atlantic Medal holders. Full residential costs including all meals and the conference dinner are £246.20 and day delegate rates are available. I await electronic copies of the application form and flyer from Professor Mark Connelly.

Our attention has been drawn to a serious error in the October Newsletter. On page 17 and 18 we have reported on the reception which was held in the Great Hall at Lincoln's Inn on 14th June 2011. The main heading which reads 'Lincoln's Inn Reception' is incorrect and should read 'Falkland Islands Government Reception at Lincoln's Inn'. There was a time when the FIA organised the event but since the establishment of the Falkland Islands Government office in London they have taken on this responsibility and the FIA assists with booking the Great Hall and makes a small contribution to the costs. We are all guests of the Falkland Islands Government at this event.

I have to admit that it was my mistake and apologise for the error. A correction and an apology will appear in the Spring 2012 Newsletter

The lapel badge for members of the Association has arrived. 2cm wide x 3cm fitted with a secure pin clip on the back they are available at £1.50p each plus £1 for post and packing from the Hon Secretary at 6 St Annes Road, Shrewsbury, SY3 6AU and they will be on sale at the AGM on 10th December 2011.