Most of the paperwork was finished and the filing done by Christmas so have spent some time sorting out the photographs from Battle Day and the AGM to go onto the website in the New Year

These were the wreaths that were laid at The Cenotaph in Whitehall, London during the service. Later at the Annual General Meeting David Tatham (on the left) stood down as Chairman and handed over to Alan Huckle.

Doug Lapsley, who runs the website for us has promised to update the website as soon as he gets back to work. I have updated the members page and that will go on line at the same time.

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!

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.