Back home after Battle Day which went off rather well after a few panics when problems on the train prevented two of the wreath layers getting to The Cenotaph on time. The weather was cold but dry with sunshine and when the police closed off the road for the ceremony it was quiet - thanks to WPc Ashley Silburn and her fellow officers from Charing Cross Police Station. Air Vice Marshall Tony Stables laid the wreath for the Armed Services, followed by the retiring Chairman of the FIA, David Tatham CMG, and the Hon Dick Sawle, an elected Member of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly, who laid wreaths for the FIA and the Falkland Islands Government respectively.
They were followed by Colonel Keeble DSO, standing in for Col Mike Bowles, for SAMA82; Mrs Ann Townsend, standing in for Mrs Sara Jones MBE, for the Falkland Families Association, Miss Eileen Turner for the Association of the Men of Kent and Kentish Men; Miss Karen Minto and Miss Laura Minto for the Young People of the Falkland Islands; Mr Doug Harris for the HMS Protector Association; and Mr Andrew Rosindell MP for the UK/FI All Party Parliamentary Group.
The colour parties came from the Royal Navy (HMS Collingwood), the HMS Protector Association and Pangbourne College with the escort provided by the cadets from Pangbourne College. CPO Bilbe RN took command of the parade under the supervision of the Parade Marshall, Air Commodore Peter Johnson. Royal Marine Bugler Dave Nevatte sounded the Last Post and Reveille during the service. Prayers were led by the Reverend Prebendary William Scott, Sub Dean of Her Majesty's Chapels Royal and Domestic Chaplain to the Queen.
A large company of members and friends were present to take part in the ceremony after which we moved to the HQ of the London Scottish Regiment in Horseferry Road for the FIA AGM. After a quick coffee to warm us up we settled down to the AGM. David Tatham presented the Executive Committee's report on the past year. He proposed the election of Alan Huckle as the new Chairman who then took over and quickly went through the elections of the officers and members of the Executive Committee for the coming year.
The Vice-Chairman, Saul Pitaluga, then proposed a vote of thanks to David Tatham which was followed by thanks from Hon Dick Sawle on behalf of the Falkland Islanders.
Miss Karen Minto, who is studying at Worcester College, Worcester, was presented with the Hunter Christie Memorial Prize for the Student of the year. The presentation was made by Mrs Merle Christie.
Once the business was over an excellent meal was served by our caterers, Just Joe's, and then members had a chance to meet other members and friends present. They also met the cadets from Pangbourne who joined us after the AGM following a quick trip around central London led by their RSM, Colin Hearn.
Photographs of the event were taken by Karen Clapp and Peter Pepper and a selection will appear on the FIA website at
www.fiassociation.com once they have been processed.
Special thanks also to Laura Trueman at the London Scottish who made the arrangements in the hall.
Now to start on the plans for 2012!
