years on from the war are winning the peace No.93 November 2007

Earl of Veterans to visit

TWO hundred and fi fty lifted by spirit veterans are scheduled to arrive at Mount Pleasant Airport on Novem- ber 6. Governor Huckle will greet the veterans who visit under the auspices of the of Falklands South Atlantic Medal As- sociation (SAMA 82). The HRH the of Wessex described group will primarily be himself and other honoured guests hosted in the homes of Is- of the Govern- landers in both Stanley and ment as uplifted by the ‘spirit’ of the and the schedule Islanders during their visit this at the Falklands end has year to commemorate the 25th been organised by SAMA Anniversary of the liberation of Falklands Chairman Gary the Falklands from Argentine oc- Clement. cupation. Early in the week the In a very personal message veterans will attend a public to Islanders in June, the Earl ex- reception at which around pressed his gratitude at being in- 700 residents are expected. cluded in the special week long Veterans will also visit commemorations, during which a variety of East Falklands he travelled all over the Islands farms and attend services meeting residents. and wreath layings at the Writing after the visit he told British memorial at San his hosts, “Undoubtedly each and Carlos and the Argentine every one of your guests over cemetery. the past week will return to their Receptions are to be homes with a variety of personal held during the week at the memories. However, all of us Falkland Islands Defence have been bowled over by the Force Hall and Government enthusiasm of your welcome and House. hospitality.” There will be battlefi eld He thanked the people of the tours by air and overland Falkland Islands for, “... help- and visits to the site of sunk- ing me to understand something en vessel HMS Ardent and a of the emotions that you feel not sea dedication in San Carlos just towards the events of 1982 water for HMS Antelope. but also subsequently in relation Towards the end of the to the veterans and the families of week veterans will attend those who died and what drives the annual Service of Re- you forward. membrance on November These are complex, but the 11 at Christ Church Cathe- events surrounding the 25th an- dral before the parade at the niversary allowed free expression Cross of Sacrifi ce. of all with some dedicated to the After the service the past and to memories and others group will have the opportu- to the present and future. nity to visit Memorial Wood No one could have left your and in the evening after shores without a very clear sense HRH the in the Falkland Islands. Photo: N. Clark. social time with the FIDF of your gratitude, your determina- there will be a Royal Engi- tion and your patriotism and in so last) visit to the Falkland Islands. Lord Parkinson, who served on neers Sunset Ceremony on doing, be lifted by your spirit.” Thank you.” Prime Minister Margaret Thatch- Sapper Hill. HRH the Earl of Wessex con- The Earl of Wessex was one of er’s war cabinet, Armed Forces The Falklands veterans cluded his message saying, “Fi- 50 guests invited by the Falkland Minister, Adam Ingram MP and will depart on Wednesday nally, and just in case any of you Islands Government to join in the a number of Falklands’ veterans November 14. are in doubt, I thoroughly enjoyed Liberation Commemorations. and families of men killed in the my fi rst (and hopefully not my The other guests included 1982 Confl ict. Commemoration and after Editorial by FIA Chairman David Tatham CMG

IT is time to draw breath after the How could they become self-sup- 25th Anniversary of the victory porting? Would the decline of of 1982 and the liberation of the population continue? Falkland Islands. I fi nd it hard These doubts have been con- to see how the commemoration founded and the Islanders may could have gone better. justly claim to have won the The ceremony on Horse peace. Lord Shackleton’s second Guards Parade on 18 June was not report sketched the outlines of simply memorable – it seemed to recovery and revitalisation and me that it struck exactly the right thanks to the presence of a strong note. It celebrated the courage and garrison it was possible to intro- fortitude of the men and women duce the fi shery protection zone of the task force, but it was not which transformed the economic triumphalist and it remembered prospects for the Islands and pro- the suffering of the wounded and duced the prosperous and self- the pain and loss of the bereaved confi dent society we see today. families. The achievements of the past 25 The large screen television years will not be news to readers allowed us to share in the cer- of this Newsletter. emony at the San Carlos military But what was really encour- cemetery in some pretty blustery aging was to see the theme of the Falklands weather and to sym- Falklands transformed taken up pathise with those who had lost by the British media, almost to their loved ones. But for me the a man. In part this is a tribute to most touching part of the whole the very effective way in which afternoon was the fi nal message Councillors have spoken out of thanks from two young Island- for the Islands and in part to the ers, Liam Stephens and Emily very professional work of Sukey Hancox, neither of them born at Cameron and the staff of FIGO the time of the confl ict; speaking in . clearly and sincerely they deliv- We in the Association, in sup- ered one of the key messages of porting the right of the Falkland the commemorations. islanders to determine their own This was the gratitude of Is- future must also, in discussing landers, to the task force, to the Above and below: Liberation Monument, Stanley. Photos: N Clark. the events of 1982, ensure that the government which sent them messages of 2007 are not forgot- and to the leader of that govern- sociation were guests of FIG: which the people of the FI paid ten – fi rst that Islanders are deeply ment, Margaret Thatcher. Grati- Sir Rex and Mavis Hunt, Merle the task force and the people of grateful to the task force which tude which was a keynote of the Christie, Robert Elgood and Ha- the UK was the revival which saved them from foreign occupa- equally successful celebrations in rold Briley were all present in they have achieved in the past 25 tion, and second that they have Stanley and which was expressed Stanley, recognition of the Asso- years. made the best use of the victory in the list of guests invited by the ciation’s years of lobbying before It is easy to forget how, even of 1982 to rebuild their country as Falklands Islands Government to the Argentine invasion and the after the victory of 1982, there a successful and responsible soci- share in the events on the Islands. hectic political activity in the UK was considerable gloom over the ety – one of which we can all be We in the FIA can be proud during the confl ict. future prospects for the Islands. justly proud. that several stalwarts of the As- The most effective tribute How could they be defended?

2 news news news news news news news news news news news

Iron lady launches liberation coin BRIEFLY BARONESS Thatcher launched Fishery update the fi rst legal tender Falkland Is- lands Liberation Coin on Thurs- IT has been a reasonable year day May 31. She visited Pobjoy for squid fi sheries in Falkland Mint in Kingswood, Surrey, to Island conservation zones. launch the fi rst coin in the series The second Loligo season produced to mark the 25th An- closed slightly early to ensure niversary of the Liberation of the conservation targets were met, Falkland Islands. however with total Loligo Baroness Thatcher said “It is a catches for the year reaching great honour to have been invited just over 40,000 tonnes, the to Pobjoy Mint to strike this very results are likely to be good. special coin which commemo- It proved to be a very favour- rates such a remarkable event.” able Illex season with catches Baroness Thatcher was joined of 161,000 tonnes, although by Sir Rex Hunt CMG, Gover- the high catches have created nor of the Falkland Islands at the some marketing problems. time of the invasion, and the coin Director of Fisheries John they struck portrays a triumphant Barton said “It is pleasing to Britannia – the fi gure of national see both squid fi sheries pro- personifi cation of the United Sir Rex Hunt and Baroness Thatcher display duce reasonable results in the Kingdom – who stands draped in the liberation coins at the Pobjoy launch. 20th anniversary year of the the Union Flag in the centre of the fi shery. The consistency of coin and holding a shield contain- ‘Yomper’ in the centre. person- the Loligo fi shery in Falkland ing the Falkland Islands Coat of What makes this coin particu- al message to Islanders on Island zones contrasts with the Arms. larly special is that each school the occasion of the anniversary fl uctuations of the Illex fi shery, In addition Pobjoy Mint also child in the Falklands received of the liberation on June 14. In which extends across Falkland launched its fi rst ever 50 pence one of these wonderful coins as a her message she commented, Island, Argentine and high piece on behalf of the Govern- memory of the War and the Lib- “For two and a half months the seas areas. ment of the Falkland Islands, eration of their Islands. islands had to endure occupation Both conservation status which depicts a magnifi ed map with your way of life curtailed and profi tability in the Illex of the Islands in the background Message to Islanders and your freedoms restricted; but fi shery could be improved with a back view of a marching Baroness Thatcher sent a very your spirit was never broken.” through a regional fi sheries agreement including the high seas area” Three Islanders awarded by Humane Society Mines still deadly THREE Islanders are to receive conditions unsuitable. turned his attention to those under THE death of a bullock in a Royal Humane Society awards Neil is the owner of Long Is- the infl atable, and by repeatedly minefi eld on East Falklands for bravery. land farm where the tourists were diving under the boat he managed has shown mines are no less Farmers Neil Watson (64) and to visit on landing. to bring them to the surface. dangerous 25 years after being Pat Whitney (61) and taxi fi rm The infl atable with 10 tour- After 20 minutes all of the placed by Argentine forces. owner Chris Hawksworth (31) are ists was approximately 20 metres group were rescued and brought In August the sound of to be presented with two parch- from the shore when it rode the to shore. After warm drinks and an explosion rattled windows ment and a vellum award respec- crest of a large curling wave some dry clothes were distributed at along the Stanley waterfront tively for coming to the rescue three to four metres high, turned Long Island farm house all were and members of the Explosive of tourists when their infl atable side on and capsized. Some of the returned safely to Stanley over- Ordnance Disposal, the Royal capsized into the sea near Long tourists were thrown out into the land then to their ship. Falkland Islands Police and Island beach. near freezing water, others were With a fear of water this was the Fire Service gathered to On February 10 2006 a tour- trapped under the upturned boat. no easy feat for Pat who said at one investigate. ist liner was to land a group by Chris, Neil and Pat who had stage he was completely breath- At fi rst nothing was lo- zodiac infl atable boat on the beach been waiting on shore to receive less with panic and had to let the cated however, the following at Uranie Bay, East Falklands. the group, immediately waded waves wash him and the lady he morning the landowners (FIC This was despite the fact that Neil into the sea to rescue those visible was helping, up the beach. Ltd.) discovered the decapi- had passed on information to the in the water. “I’m honoured to receive the tated animal and informed the ship that he considered the sea Chris, the strongest swimmer, award,” he said. relevant authorities.

Bishop of Dover licenses Richard Hines as Rector of Falkland Islands THE Right Reverend Stephen bishop of Canterbury has held the sor for Kathy Biles when she of- pleased to welcome either or both Venner, Bishop of Dover in Can- title of Bishop of the Falkland Is- fered herself for ordination train- of them back to the Islands at any terbury, licensed the Revd. Dr Ri- lands and Dean of Christ Church ing and in January 2006 he visited time, however added that nei- chard Hines to serve as Rector of Cathedral, Stanley. the Islands to ordain Kathy to the ther have offered (or have been the Falkland Islands at Norwich Archbishop George Carey vis- priesthood. in a position to offer) the ongoing Cathedral on September 23. ited the Islands for the Cathedral’s During this visit, he also spent support which Falkland Islands Bishop Stephen has for sev- centenary celebrations in 1992. time with military personnel at clergy have received from Bishop eral years now acted on behalf of The current Archbishop of Mount Pleasant and with civil- Stephen over the past few years. the Archbishop to provide a high Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, ians in Stanley and in camp set- The spokesperson added, level of pastoral support and care has taken a personal interest in the tlements. “Bishop Stephen serves the Ca- for the clergy and congregation of Falkland Islands, licensing Paul Christ Church Cathedral have thedral and the Islands well. He Christ Church Cathedral, Stanley. Sweeting to serve in the Islands also much appreciated visits from maintains frequent contact with The links between the Falk- (2003) and ordaining Associate the past and present Anglican the clergy and the church council. land Islands and the diocese of Minister, Kathy Biles to the di- Bishops of Chile, Colin Bazely We are pleased that this warm and Canterbury are both longstanding aconate in 2004. and Tito Zavala, and a spokes- supportive relationship has now and close. Since 1979 the Arch- Bishop Stephen acted as spon- person commented they would be been made offi cial.”

3 Gold certifi cate for Who’s new? shooters at Games David Pickup - Attorney General

By Patrick Watts neer Gareth Joseph, who has been THE Islands new Attorney Gen- THE Greek island of Rhodes clearing mines in the Falklands for eral (right) was a former Director hosted the 2007 NatWest Island the past four years, won a Silver General of Her Majesty’s Rev- Games. Certifi cate in the Automatic Ball enue and Customs. David Pickup The small Falklands team, Trap team event with a combined was also a solicitor for Customs coming out of an austral mid- score of 134. The Gold went to and Excise. winter, were hit by unexpectedly the tiny island of Sark (pop. 500). From 1995 to 2005 in this high temperatures of 40 degrees The Swimming Pool was situ- duty Mr Pickup headed a team plus, which took several days of ated high on the sea front, captur- of 130 lawyers and 230 other acclimatization. The golf team ing the blazing sun, which left staff, providing legal services to of Troyd Bowles, Kevin Clapp, many competitors complaining HMCE and prosecuting drug im- Rod Tuckwood and Steve Vincent and spectators scorched. How- portations, VAT fraud and other found that playing nine holes in ever Thomas Burston and Drew criminal cases investigated by the practice was as much as their bod- Robertson combated the condi- commissioners. ies would allow. tions well and achieved several He was also a member of the Because of the anticipated personal bests. Thomas broke Board and Management Commit- high temperatures the football the Falklands National 50m but- tees of the department. club decided against sending a terfl y record of Alistair Ceballos Despite facing a suspension team to Rhodes. They were not (33.63), set in 1999, with a time in 2004 as part of a police investi- alone in this respect as the 2005 of 31.95 secs. gation into Customs and Excise’s gation had concluded no basis for gold medalists, the Shetland Is- He also broke his own 200m handling of a series of excise di- disciplinary or any other action lands, also gave these games a freestyle record with a time of version frauds in the 1990 it was being taken against him and the miss. 2’17.53. Drew established a per- ultimately judged that the investi- matter was closed. Thankfully the heat-wave did sonal best in this event with a time subside a little by the time com- of 2’30.29. petition began, although one clay The golf competition is usu- FICS Headmaster - Alastair Baldwin target shooter from Gibraltar col- ally played over two courses, with lapsed on the stand through heat the Ladies and Mens competitions MALTA born Alastair Baldwin is exhaustion. alternating each day, so allowing the new headteacher at the Com- Despite being awarded the early starts for all players. Rhodes munity School. Games some four years in ad- could only offer one course of the Brought up in Rhodesia (now vance, the Greeks were not really required standard, meaning that Zimbabwe) he brings a, “...wealth ready for the 3,000 competitors some players were required to of experience both as a teacher and offi cials and many malfunc- tee off in the middle of the day. and headteacher,” said the Direc- tions of equipment, particularly Scores were understandably high, tor of Education Barbara Booth. at the shooting venues, were but Kevin Clapp returned an ex- Beginning his career in recorded. A normal 20 minute cellent 84 in the fi rst round, which Harare, he has taught in the UK, round shoot took over two hours turned out to be the lowest score India, Qatar, Thailand, China and to complete, because of repeated by a Falklands player. Mozambique. breakdowns. The team fi nished in 15th po- Alastair is accompanied by The Clay Target Sporting sition, ahead of the Faroe Islands, his wife Meilin who is known as Team of Saul Pitaluga, Steve Dent Saaremaa, and the Orkneys, but ‘Apple’. He says he has been de- and Matthew Vincent were placed behind St Helena. lighted with fi rst impressions of fourth overall, narrowly missing Individually Kevin Clapp was the Islands. a bronze medal. However their placed 49th of the 68 competitors Everyone has been, “...wel- combined score of 74 gave them with a four round total of 359. coming and friendly,” he said. a Gold Certifi cate. The Certifi - Troyd Bowles recorded 365, Rod cates are awarded to competitors Tuckwood 405 and Steve Vincent FIG Chief Executive - Tim Thorogood from the six smallest islands with 442. populations under 10,000, namely A HEAD of the UK Local Gov- and service improvement organi- The 2009 NatWest Island ernment Information Unit (LGIU) sation aimed at strengthening lo- Alderney, Sark, St Helena, Falk- Games will return to the island of land Islands and the two small is to be the next Falkland Islands cal government in the UK, a post Aland, which belongs to Finland, Government Chief Executive. he has held since July 2006. Norwegian islands of Froya and but where the population speak Hitra. Three of the islands have to Tim Thorogood has extensive Councillor Summers told local Swedish. Aland hosted the 1991 experience in local government press this is a “key appointment” be represented in an event before Games. The weather should be a the Certifi cates can be awarded to in the UK having also been a Di- to the government “...and one that little more acceptable than Rhodes rector with Three Rivers District requires energy, enthusiasm and the highest fi nishing competitors. with temperatures of between 20- Lee Clement and Royal Engi- Council and the London Borough commitment as well as relevant 25 degrees forecast. of Haringey before becoming skills and experience.” Chief Executive of Swansea City Mr Thorogood is expected to and County Council in 2003. arrive in the Falkland Islands in FIDF team in UK prove skill at arms He is currently Chief Execu- January 2008. tive of LGIU, a national policy THE Falkland Islands Defence tain Andy Brownlee, Major Force (FIDF) returned home Pete Biggs, Private Matthew with an impressive array of Newton, Lance Corporal Dus- New Chief Justice and Senior Magistrate medals from the Pirbright/Bis- tin Gilson-Clarke, and Pri- FORMER Turks and Caicos Chief Alison Thompson is the new Sen- ley Skill At Arms shooting vates Daniel Biggs and Zoran Justice Christopher Gardner QC ior Magistrate for the Falkland competition in July. Zuvic. has taken up the same post for the Islands. A nine person team trav- The performance of the Falkland Islands. She was called to the Bar in elled to the UK to take part team was the best they had Mr Gardner replaces James 1986 and has extensive experi- in the competition based on ever achieved with 58 medals/ Wood as Chief Justice of the Falk- ence including two years as a combat shooting and marks- bars won. land Islands who was appointed Magistrate and Coroner in Hong manship. Major Biggs said the high- in September 1998 following the Kong. She was formerly the The team comprised Sgt light was coming second in the death of Sir Renn Davis. Coroner for the Greater London Ian Betts, Private Kevin Ross, TARA Trophy Team event. Senior Magistrate (Western District) a post she held Captain Derek Clarke, Cap- Bachelor of Science and Barrister for seven years.

4 FIA’s Merle is honoured by Islanders

FALKLANDS activist Merle Hunter-Christie was honoured at a reception at Government House in June. With her late husband Bill, Mrs Hunter- Christie set up the Falkland Islands Associa- tion whose primary role was to lobby the Brit- ish Government against the Argentine claim to the Falkland Islands. Speaking to the FIA Newsletter, Mrs Hunt- er-Christie said the Falkland Islands fi rst came to the attention of her husband during his pe- riod in the Foreign Offi ce. While serving at the Embassy in Buenos Aires it was his task to master the past his- tory of the Islands, and of the Falkland Islands Dependencies, in order to answer the claims which were then being forwarded by the Ar- gentine Government. Bill Hunter-Christie returned from Ar- gentina in 1948 to read for the Bar. Dr Brian Roberts, Senior Research Fellow at the Scott Polar Research Institute, suggested to him that he should research and write a history of the Falkland Islands to counter Argentina’s claim. Mr Christie had been much concerned by this claim, and consequently spent 1948 and most of 1949 at the SPRI writing The Antarctic Problem, which was published in 1951 by Al- Merle reunited with old friends and former Falklands students from lobbying days in London. LR: len & Unwin. Jane Cameron, Mike Summers, Leif Pollard, Merle, Robert Rowlands and Lewis Clifton. On May 20,1950 he married Merle and with her support in 1968 he played a prominent 1982, and provided a headquarters for the two gave up large amounts of his time in this quest part in forming the Falkland Islands Emer- councillors in London at the time (one having and gave us continuous excellent advice. Eve- gency Committee which followed a direct ap- been deported from the Falklands by Argen- ry step of the way Merle was with him. If it peal for help made to members of the House tina). wasn’t for the commitment and dedication of of Commons by Falkland Islands Councillors; Merle, as well as undertaking the adminis- Merle and Bill together I doubt the Falklands and by 1976 he formed the Falkland Islands tration of the Falkland Islands Association and would have survived those dark days.” Association in order to provide an offi ce for selfl essly supporting the work of her husband, Speaking of the current role of the FIA Mrs the UKFIC in London, and to bring together provided her house as a haven for Falklands Hunter-Christie commented to the Newsletter, all those interested in the future of the Islands. students who were also encouraged to lobby “Although it doesn’t have much of a political He was Chairman from 1976–1983. Known as on behalf of other Islanders. At the Govern- role at the moment I think it is always good ‘The Falkland Islands Offi ce’, this provided a ment House ceremony Councillor Mike Sum- to have the outline of an organisation such focal point for Falklands information and af- mers, while presenting Mrs Hunter-Christie as this because there is always a threat from fairs during the ten week Falklands Confl ict in with a Certifi cate of Honour commented, “Bill Argentina.” St. Paul’s wedding for Falklands London Rep Sukey THE wedding of the Falkland Islands Gov- ernment Reprentative in London, Sukey Cameron MBE and Howard Pullen took place in the Chapel of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, on August 4. Sukey wore a full, ivory satin skirt (made from her late mother’s wedding dress) with a lace and satin top with three quarter length sleeves, all complimented by her mother’s veil. Sukey was given away by her brother Donald and was supported by her two nieces Katie and Eleanor Cameron as bridesmaids. They and the groom’s niece Phoebe Pullen all wore pink/blue silk doupion dresses and pink satin shoes. The bride’s sister Jane and the groom’s brother Richard were the two witnesses. Following the ceremony a reception for 140 guests, including Baroness Thatcher, was held at the nearby Plaisterers’ Hall. The couple honeymooned in Canada.

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5 Falklands 25 in Britain

Left: The Queen at Pangbourne, escorted by Rear Admiral Jeremy Sanders, Chairman of the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel Trust. Above: The Queen meeting the people with the Me- morial Chapel in the background. By Peter Pepper Margaret Beckett, the Secretary COMMEMORATIONS of the of State for Defence Des Browne, 25th Anniversary of the Falklands and many other dignitaries – War took place in June all over both civil and military. Baroness Britain. Gosport, on the western Thatcher also attended, as did side of Portsmouth Harbour, and families of the fallen, and veter- where the Falklands Veterans ans. After the service, the Queen Foundation is based, was particu- laid the fi nal stone from the Falk- larly active, with a parade through lands at the Commemoration the town, receptions, and major Cairn behind the Chapel, where veterans’ reunion. there is now a stone for each of But the principal national the 255 Servicemen and 3 Island- events took place at the Falk- ers who gave their lives. land Islands Memorial Chapel at Pangbourne’s cadets were Pangbourne College, which has formed up smartly throughout the so many naval connections - and proceedings, wearing their dark in London. These began on Lib- blue uniforms, which follow the eration Day, June 14th, at Pang- naval traditions of the college. bourne, with a Harrier fl y past; Forty-four former pupils served followed by a commemoration in the Falklands war, fourteen of service. This was televised live whom were decorated. Headmas- by the BBC. It was attended by ter, Thomas Garnier said: “Even H.M. the Queen and the Duke of though all of our students were The Rt. Rev Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Woolwich, escorts Princess Edinburgh, the then Prime Minis- born long after the Falklands Anne, the , to the Commemoration Service at Greenwich. ter Tony Blair, Foreign Secretary Confl ict ended, they live in a Photos: Defence Public Relations (Navy) time of war. They learn about this British Legion in the King Wil- country’s military casualties in liam Colonnades adjacent to the the media and they see this in the famous Painted Hall, which was context of our Chapel”. Rear Ad- then the venue for the magnifi cent miral Jeremy Sanders, Chairman Heroes Dinner. for the Falkland Islands Memorial Some 450 guests attended all Chapel Trust, escorted the Queen. this, 75% of whom were veterans The function ended with a and their families, or members of buffet reception in a marquee in families who lost loved ones in the the grounds of the College. war. Guests of honour were the Princess Royal and her husband, Commemoration Service and Vice-Admiral Timothy Lawrence. Heroes Dinner at Greenwich. She managed to meet and talk That same day, a service was to scores of veterans. Mrs Sara held in the Chapel of St. Peter and Jones, widow of Col “H” Jones, St. Paul at the Old Royal Naval was there too as president of the College at Greenwich. The Chap- dinner. Others attending included lain, the Rev Dr. Jules Gomes, the Heads of all the Armed Forc- conducted the service. “Eternal es, and the Chief of the Defence Father Strong to Save” was sung, Staff. Last, but not least, Baroness and the Bishop of Woolwich, Thatcher arrived direct from the the Rt. Rev Christopher Chessun Lincoln’s Inn Reunion. She got delivered the sermon. Admiral Sir a rapturous reception – in fact a Alan West, a veteran of the war standing ovation. The event was Admiral Sir Henry Leach, First Sea Lord in 1982, and Commodore Michael Clapp meet the younger generation, AET Andy Johnson of HMS Ark himself, read the famous Prayer a fantastic success, and organiser, Royal. When there were doubts over whether the Falklands could be for the Royal Navy. Bruno Peek, told the Newsletter recovered, it was Sir Henry who told Margaret Thatcher “Yes we can The service was followed by that it was an honour to organise recover the Islands... and we must”. a reception hosted by the Royal it all.

6 Above: Baroness Thatcher is escorted to the Chapel of St. Peter & St. Paul, at The Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich, by Mr Bruno Peek, organiser of the commemoration events at Greenwich. Right: Royal British Legion standard bearers leaving the Commemoration Service. Photos: Defence Public Relations (Navy)

Principal sponsor of the event The ceremony was attended was the News Desk Media Group, by HRH Prince Michael of Kent. which was also largely responsi- Also there was the Under-Secre- ble for a contribution of £26,000 tary for Defense and Minister for to the Armed Forces Memo- Veterans Affairs, Derek Twigg, rial Appeal. Other sponsors were: Lord Mayor of London John Quinetic, AgustaWestland, BAE Stuttard, and the Lady Mayoress. Services, the Royal British Le- The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir gion, the Royal Navy, MOD, and Jonathan Band, read the address. Lord Stirling of Plaistow. There was a good turn out of serving offi cers and men and the Trinity Gardens Service and Sunset Ceremony Next day, Friday the 15th, an Royal British Legion. The band of It was all organized by the evening service was held to com- from Portsmouth Ministry of Defence and the memorate the 17 merchant sea- played. Merchant Navy Association. men who lost their lives in the Among the veterans who took Falklands, from the Atlantic Con- part was Admiral Sir Michael La- veyor, and the RFAs Sir Galahad, yard, the RN Captain on Atlantic Guildhall Dinner Sir Tristram and Fort Grange. It Conveyor, and Kate McCabe, After the service at Trinity Gar- was held at the special memorial, niece of Captain North, Master dens, many of those present went opened in 2005, to those who lost of the Atlantic Conveyor, who directly on to the Guildhall of the their lives in the Falklands War, in lost his life. Captain Martin Reed, City of London as guests of the Trinity Gardens. This is in front Chief Offi cer on the Canberra in Lord Mayor. A total of 500 guests of Trinity House, which is respon- 1982, and former Chairman of attended this, many of them veter- sible for lighthouses, etc. Also in SAMA-82, was there also. ans. They were dined by the City Trinity Gardens, of course, is the Wreaths were laid, one by FIG and Corporation of London in the huge memorial to the 24,000 mer- Representative, Miss Sukey Cam- Great Hall. The Duke and Duch- chant seamen who lost their lives Admiral Sir Michael Layard, the eron. There was a two minute si- ess of Gloucester attended this, as in the two World Wars. The Tower RN Captain onboard the Atlantic lence, and the service ended with did Lady Thatcher, and the Chief of London provided an imposing Conveyor, at the Trinity Gardens the lowering of the Red Ensign at of the Defense Staff, Air Chief background to the proceedings. Service. the fl agpole at sunset. Marshall Sir Jock Stirrup.

The Trinity Gardens Service at the Falklands War Monument for those The Guildhall Dinner for Falklands War Veterans, hosted by Lord Mayor from the Merchant Navy who laid down their lives. John Stuttard.

7 Horse Guards Parade and Fly Past The last, and greatest, ceremony took place at Horse Guards Parade on Sunday 17th. It was televised by the BBC, and their coverage was displayed on a giant screen at Horse Guards. Be- fore the ceremony, fi lm clips of scenes from the Falklands and the war were shown. Veterans were interviewed, in- cluding Admiral Sir Sandy Woodward, General Julian Thompson, and Commo- dore Michael Clapp, who all explained the tactics and diffi culties. Interviews with several Islanders were broadcast. These included Tony Smith, Tony and Ailsa Heathman, Trudi McPhee and Pe- ter Gilding. He recalled how a bullying Argentine offi cer had told them: “Don’t think Margaret Thatcher is going to help you now”. How wrong he was. Then Major Charles Carty, a veteran, introduced the pro- ceedings in Horse Guards. Hundreds of veterans then marched, together with serving members of all branches of the Armed Forces, into Horse Guards. These formed a “U” facing the Royal Enclosure. The VIPs gathered in this: HRH the , the , himself a veteran, Baroness Above: The scene at Horse Guards, with the choir in the centre, the VIP enclosure on the left, and the vet- Thatcher, Prime Minister Tony Blair, erans and serving troops formed up. Below is the other half of the parade. other ministers, and leaders of other political parties, including David Cam- eron and Sir Menzies Campbell, and many military dignitaries. Lt Col Tony Davies, Chairman of SAMA-82, then welcomed everyone to the ceremony, and Tri-Service massed bands, led by the Royal Marines, played. The TV scenes switched between Horse Guards and the Falklands. Veter- ans, including the Duke of York, gave short addresses. A fi lm clip of Bette Sullivan, who lost her husband Paul at , was shown, fi rst visiting the battlefi eld, and then meeting Andrea Clausen. As a child Andrea had been lib- erated after the Battle of Goose Green, but is now a Councillor. Singer, Kath- ryn Nutbeem, who lost her father in the Sir Galahad, sang beautifully. Another clip showed Colonel Babbington of the Royal Marines back in the Falklands. A company commander during the war, he described how his men took Mount Harriet. Yet another fi ne clip showed Pipe Major Brian Donaldson playing a haunting tune from Mount Tumble- down that he actually composed there in 1982. This was taken up by pipers playing at Horse Guards. Then a drumhead service began both in Horse Guards and at the British After the service, two young military cemetery at San Carlos in the Islanders, Liam Stevens and Emily Falklands – with the television cover- Hancox spoke briefl y about their age switching between the two. A 258 islands and hopes, and gratitude voice choir sang at Horse Guards. HMS for liberation. Edinburgh fi red a salute from San Car- The ceremony ended with the los Water. Lewis Clifton, Speaker of the National Anthem, and the partici- Council, spoke from the Falklands, the pants then marched up the Mall, Last Post was sounded, and a silence with the Prince of Wales taking observed. Wreaths were laid, fi rst by the the salute from the Earl of Wessex, representing the Queen, Monument outside Buckingham by the Minister for the Armed Forces Palace. Adam Ingram, by HE Governor Huck- This was followed by a fl y- le, by Lord Parkinson, who was a mem- past by military aircraft, including ber of Baroness Thatcher’s Government Nimrods, Hercules, and helicop- in 1982 and was representing her in the ters that had taken part in the war. Falklands; others followed. Air Chief Typhoons, the new Eurofi ghter, Marshall Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of the fl ew past too, as did the Red Ar- Defense Staff, gave the fi nal address at rows with red, white and blue Typhoons, the new Eurofi ghter, taking part in the fl y-past over Horse Guards. smoke trails. the Mall. Photos: P.J.Pepper

8 Lincoln’s Inn Reunion

MORE than 400 guests at- Derek Twigg MP, before they our status as an Overseas Terri- to those who wish to take from us tended the Annual Reception at made their way to Greenwich for tory of the United Kingdom; the by economic sanctions what they Lincoln’s Inn on the evening of the Heroes Dinner. internal self-government we en- failed to take by military force.” June 14. Falkland Islands Gov- Ms Cameron gave a moving joy, soon to be underpinned by a Association Chairman, Mr. ernment Representative, Sukey speech which was well received. new constitution; the progress we David Tatham CMG, then read Cameron, welcomed the Countess Paying tribute to the sacrifi ce of have made in achieving economic a message from Her Majesty the of Wessex – whose husband was British troops in 1982, she said, self-suffi ciency in everything but Queen, and proposed the Loyal taking part in the commemora- “As we celebrate our liberation, let defence; our determination to fol- Toast. The Band of the Parachute tion events in the Falklands. Bar- us strive anew to match their sac- low the path of sustainable devel- Regiment beat the retreat to end oness Thatcher attended for the rifi ce with our resolve to preserve opment, and protect our unspoilt the evening. Ms Cameron was early part of the evening, as did what they fought for: the right to environment and wildlife; and our joined on the dais by the Countess the Minister for Veterans Affairs, self-determination, enshrined in resolve that we will never submit of Wessex, who took the salute.

Baroness Thatcher, the Countess of Wessex and Falkland Islands Govern- Des King, Sir Cosmo Haskard, Lady and General Sir Peter de l.a Billiere, ment Representative Ms Sukey Cameron photo: Lewis Photos and Lady Haskard. Argentina Repudiates Joint Declaration over Oil - by Robert Jones THE Argentine Foreign Ministry that signed the Oil agreement also diplomatic agreement. Their texts But this means that any nego- earlier this year announced the re- knew very well that a licensing in no way suggest this. Argentina tiations over sovereignty must end pudiation of the Joint Declaration round would follow immediately is just saying that they are “pro- in a total hand over of all British over Oil signed with Britain on after it. visional” to pretend that they are territory in the South Atlantic. September 27 1995. Its repudia- Proof is that in conjunc- somehow intended to lead up to Nothing less can satisfy the tion communiqué states that this tion with British Gas, the former a settlement of the Falklands dis- Argentine constitution. As the was caused by an “abusive inter- Argentine state oil company pute. Newsletter headline said at the pretation” by Britain of the area to Yacimientos Petroliferous Fis- Also, there is the usual com- time, it is a question of “All or which the 1995 Agreement should cales (YPF) took part in the bid- plaint of “unilateral” British Nothing for Argentina”. Such a apply, and that on the basis on this ding round in 1996. action, when such action over oil hand over is not going to happen. “abusive interpretation” the Brit- Their bid was considered was effectively authorized by the But, if it were even to be thought ish had launched a “unilateral” sub-standard but, anxious to have 1995 agreement. about, common sense would dic- licensing round shortly after this them onboard, the Foreign Offi ce Argentina’s repudiation com- tate that such a capitulation by was signed. twice gave them warnings about muniqué ended with the mes- Britain would have to be done in The facts are very different. this. Their bid was not improved sage that it is not averse to co- stages - based on agreements. The 1995 agreement was accom- suffi ciently and, as a result, failed operation in practical matters in But now we know that a panied by joint declarations, each to get a license. the South-West Atlantic, under subsequent Argentine govern- stating the full claim by each side Argentina would probably the safeguards of the sovereignty ment might just tear up any such to all the territory involved. The have been quite satisfi ed with the umbrella, but only if this contrib- agreement. It is impossible to deal agreement itself was vaguely 1995 agreement, if YPF had suc- utes towards creating the condi- with countries that behave like worded too – it had to be, to get ceeded in getting licenses. tions for a re-establishment of this. any agreement at all. But there is Lastly, when the successful discussions to solve the Falklands no doubt about the meaning put licensees began drilling in 1998, dispute. Sabre Rattling on the agreement at the time it there was no interference from Argentina has also been cam- was signed. the Argentine Government that paigning for such negotiations in PRESIDENT Hugo Chavez of It was to allow Falklands oil had signed the Oil Agreement. international fora too. These are, Venezuela has threatened Britain exploration to go ahead inside They knew that it did effectively of course, out of the question, as with ‘revenge’ for the Falklands Falklands waters, as defi ned by authorize this. Shell, which was the British Government has made War, reported Martin Arostegui the fi shing zones - effectively a licensee and so took part in the clear, unless Islanders want this. for the Sunday Times in Septem- with Argentina’s consent, and drilling program, operated in Ar- But Argentina has now added an- ber. without interference or govern- gentina too. It did not receive any other major impediment even to In what the journalist ment involvement by them.” harassment over its involvement the possibility of such negotiations. referred to as a ‘new outburst of An area straddling the borders in this. The fi rst such impediment was anti-western sabre-rattling, the of Falklands and Argentine waters The Argentine repudiation the introduction, in 1994, into Latin American leftist warned was designated to be exploited communiqué comes with two the Argentine Constitution, of a that his recent build-up of so- jointly, although, Argentina sub- pieces of rhetoric peculiar to the claim to the exercise of 100% of phisticated Russian and Iranian sequently showed no interest in present Argentine Government. sovereignty over the Falklands, weapons would be used to de- this. But its existence proves that They are now referring to the South Georgia and the South stroy the British fl eet if it at- oil development inside Falklands 1995 agreement, like other agree- Sandwich Islands. This was tempted to return to the South waters, was intended to be by the ments made since the Falklands really just a red herring to sweeten Atlantic. Falklands alone. If it had been War, as “provisional” agreements. the changes that President Menem On his weekly television otherwise, there would have been This is nonsense. wanted in the Constitution then to show he called for a regional no need for such a joint area at These agreements are no enable him to stand for a second military alliance against Britain all. The Argentine Government more provisional than any other term of offi ce. and the .

9 Community ISLANDERS were able to gather together to both commemorate and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the liberation of the Falklands at a number of private and public events funded by the Falkland Is- lands Government in mid June. Events open to the public be- gan with a reception on June 14 at the Falkland Islands Defence Force Hall following the Libera- tion Monument Service (see cen- tre pages). More than 800 people attended, including Islanders, in- vited guests and Falklands War veterans. For the younger mem- bers of the community a raucous children’s party was held in the Community School gymnasium. The following day began with Falklands Expo 25 held at the Falkland Islands Community School and organised by SeAled

Clockwise from top left: Falklands Expo 25 held at the Community School. Rainbows demonstrate their skills. DHL stand at the Expo. Benjamin Jaffray at Liberation Chil- dren’s Party. Cakes galore at the children’s party. Falklands Fresh stand Expo.

10 commemorates PR. Visitors to the Expo had the opportunity to view stands and presentations offered up by a large proportion of Falklands businesses as well as Government Departments. Guest of honour was HRH the Earl of Wessex who spent almost two hours meeting standholders. On Saturday June 16, the Earl and invited guests were enter- tained at a Gala Dinner held in the Town Hall. Later in the evening guests moved to the public Liber- ation Ball at the FIDF Hall where dancing was well underway with music provided by local bands as well as the Royal Marine Dance Band and RAF member and swing singer Rich Lucey. The week began and ended with a welcome and goodbye re- ception in the Town Hall for HRH the Earl of Wessex.

Below: Miss Falklands 25 Harley Berntsen. Bottom: Children enjoy the Liberation Day party.

Top: A computer gener- Centre: SeAled PR details ated image of ‘the yomper’ from the Gala Dinner. Hand- greeted guests outside at made chocolates sporting an the Town Hall Gala Dinner image of the Falklands. A Below: Guests enjoy food poppy on the back of every catered by Malvina Hotel. chair and left, Prince Photo: N Clark. Edward’s place card.

11 Fallen but not forgotten memories preserved in camp Clockwise from left: Repairs to Coventry Cross on by crew members of HMS Exeter sailing on HMS Edinburgh - Photo A White. Camp Education pupil Rhian Alazia plants a tree in memory of the 1982 fallen at Port Edgar - Photo W Reynolds. Islanders erect their own memorial to British Forces at . Monica May remembers at the Landing Day Memorial at San Carlos. Nanette Morrison pays her respects at the Lt. Nick Taylor Memorial at Goose Green.

12 Earl of Wessex is welcome visitor

Above: HRH Prince Edward Earl of Wessex with Governor Huckle and Captain Tony McNally.

Above right: At the dedication service to Atlantic Conveyor with veteran Charles Drought.

Left: Falklands Expo with Beaver Scout James Tyrell and Rainbow Guide Meredith Ellis and a locally made penguin for Lady Louise Windsor.

Right: Arriving at the Service of Rembrance held in Christ Church Cathedral.

Below left: At the San Carlos service of remembrance which tied in via a live television link with Horse Guards parade in London.

Below right: At San Carlos the Earl of Wessex meets Islanders Donna May and Naomi and Sheila Summers.

Photographs by Norman Clark.

13 Liberation THE twenty-fi fth anniver- the Royal Marines added to with bayonets fi xed and drums sary of the liberation of the the poignancy of the touching beating. Falkland Islands from Argen- event with a fi tting musical ac- A fl y past then took place tine occupation was offi cially companiment. as the parade moved between marked on June 14 with a serv- Wreaths were laid by a host Government House and the ice at the Liberation Monu- of individuals and organisa- Liberation Monument and the ment on Ross Road in Stanley, tions including representatives British Forces were saluted by Falkland Islands. of the Armed Forces, veterans the Falkland Islands Defence Hundreds of Islanders, of the 1982 Confl ict and the Force as they marched past visitors and Honoured guests invited guests. Victory Green. of the Falkland Islands Gov- The Right Reverend Preceding the parade, ernment including the HRH Stephen Venner, Bishop of the Bishop Venner delivered the Earl of Wessex attended Falkland Islands, delivered the the sermon at the service of the emotionally charged com- Invitation to Remember and thanksgiving. It followed a memoration on Stanley sea- prayers were read by Father traditional format, with four front. Augustine Monaghan, priest hymns sung. The Royal Marines were of St. Mary’s Church in 1982. Lessons were read by HRH on parade alongside detach- The parade was followed the Earl of Wessex, Chief of ments from the Falkland Is- by the British Forces exer- Staff Nick lands Defence Force, the cising their Freedom of the Watson, veteran John Hladkj Army, the Royal Navy and the Falkland Islands by marching and Falkland Islander Zoe . A band from through the streets of Stanley Whitney.

Information and photographs: Penguin News. Left: Jack Chater. Below: HE the Governor, the Rt. Hon. Adam Ingram and HRH the Earl of Wessex. Top right: Falkland Islands Defence Force. Royal Marine Drummer. Below right: The Army’s Detachment of the Rifl es.

14 15 falklands images falklands images falklands images falklands images All year round dance season for Islands’ youngsters

Top left: Belle of the Winter Ball Delen Montgomerie with ‘most outstand- ing young man’ Shaun May. Left: May Ball dancers Tansie Bonner with Matt Newton and Nadia Arkhipkina and David Hewitt. Above: Joanne Butler and Diahiana Trinidades and partners. Below: Stacey and Liam. Bottom right: Liberation Ball - Junior Miss Falklands 25 Tasmin Tyrell with RMA Chairman Bill Kidd presenting her ‘sweet bouquet’.

16 falklands images falklands images falklands images falklands images

FOR some years now traditional additions as set dances (reels and dancing for Falklands youngsters jigs) and two-steps, three-steps, has experienced a quite dramatic Gay Gordons and other waltzes. revival thanks to a dedicated few. This years formal functions While the May Ball has al- began in February with the vis- ways been central to the Islands iting Glenelvan Scottish Dance formal functions, now younger Band holding a ceilidh. members of the community can The May Ball brought a fl urry be seen demonstrating their new of new dresses which were then found dancing skills at a number recycled for the Liberation Ball in of other additions to the social June. The Winter Ball took place calendar. at the end of July and the Falk- But why the new interest in a lands Conservation Charity Ball style of dance that has its roots in was in September. early Scottish settlers to the Falk- Derek summed up saying; “I land Islands? enjoy traditional music and danc- Derek Howatt, keen ballroom ing and like to share this by help- dancer and Financial Secretary for ing the youngsters (and the not so the Falkland Islands Government young) to learn the basic steps and is one of those behind the revival. techniques. He explained that Falklands “It is encouraging that so couple Sharon and Dennis Mid- many of our youngsters want to dleton decided to offer dance les- learn and practice the old dances sons to youngsters, “many moons thus keeping this important local ago,” in order to help them en- Ball. these youngsters happily at- the May Ball practices while ap- tradition alive and kicking, liter- joy the very popular May Ball at tend “lessons” limited to the tra- proximately 20 attend the rest of ally.” which a May Queen and Prince ditional May Ball dances. How- the year. At a less formal level, old and Charming is traditionally chosen. ever, the weekly dances that take Derek said, “Islanders Mar- young alike once again take to the Islanders of fi fteen years old place during the rest of the year lene Newman, Marj Adams and fl oor at the Camp Sports in Febru- see the Ball to some (light-heart- are not really lessons as such. Derek run the May Ball practices, ary and ‘two-nighters’ also held in ed) degree as their ‘debut’. The range of dances is ex- while The Scottish Dance Group the Camp throughout the year and Parents are invited by their panded to include Scottish ceilidh (Karen Chenery, Steve Massam at dances held around Christmas off-spring to dig deep in their and other old time dances. and I) run the other sessions.” time to include the Stanley Sports pockets to provide sons with The age range is 13 upwards The dances taught to the horse-racing prize-giving func- smart lounge suits and daughters and the dances take place on a youngsters include ballroom (lo- tion. with ball gowns for the two nights Wednesday in local venues such cal style) such as Fox Trot, Quick- Photos: Penguin News: Top: Win- of traditional dancing. as school halls, but now at the step, Waltzes, Samba, plus Circas- ter Ball line-up.. Above left: Gov- Derek said, “Once a week for ‘night club’ The Trough. sian Circle and Palais Glide. ernor Huckle presents May Queen about 8 weeks prior to the May Around 50 children attend The other sessions have such Michaela Ford with bouquet.

17 Obituaries Thomas Harris Davies OBE Former pilot Jim remembered fondly MANY Islanders and people with associations FORMER Falkland Islands Government pilot with the Falklands will remember with great Jim Kerr will be remembered fondly by many affection Tom Davies, who died on 15th Sep- Islanders for his years of work in the Falk- tember 2006, aged 84. lands. In 1969, while working for the UK Agri- Jim joined the Falklands Government as cultural Development and Advisory Service a pilot in 1954. He trained to be a pilot at a (ADAS), Tom was asked by the Overseas De- very young age and by the end of his career velopment Administration to lead a small team had logged an impressive list of 17 different of pasture and livestock specialists selected types of aircraft. for their long practical experience of farm While continuing to fl y he later became advisory work in conditions relevant to the the Superintendent of Civil Aviation and in his Falkland Islands. The “Davies Team” were latter years the fi rst Director of Civil Aviation. asked to study the sheep and cattle industries For much of his time he shared the pilot of the Falklands and in the summer season of work with Captain Ian Campbell. 1969/1970, spent nearly seven months in the In 1975 one of the entries in his log book Islands during which they set up a laboratory shows 8,265 fl ying hours. On June 12, 1965 and actually conducted experimental work. Jim was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty the Their report led to the establishment in 1976 of Queen. the fi rst permanent centre for agricultural re- Jim was married to Joyce, a familiar voice search in the Islands, then known as the Grass- on the radio at that time and they had three lands Trials Unit or “GTU”. It also guided the daughters, Cherry, Jane and Julia. direction of subsequent research efforts. In early 1982, on retiring from a long and distinguished career with ADAS, Tom re- turned to the Falklands with his wife, Gwen, Farewell to shepherd Robert ‘Bobby’ Smith as the senior agronomist with the GTU. On SHEPHERD, horseman and marksman Robert the morning of the Argentine invasion on 2nd ‘Bobby’ Smith (left) will be missed by Island- April 1982, their house suffered a direct hit by ers. a mortar shell but, fortunately, both were un- Bobby was born in Stanley on January hurt. In the years following 1982, the research 21, 1955 the second child of Peter and Mary team undertook an expanded and increasingly Smith. diverse programme of work enabled by an Part of his early life was spent on Beaver Is- increase in funding. In 1984, Tom was ap- land before a move to Stanley. His fi rst job was pointed team leader of the Agricultural Re- a labourer with the Public Words Department search Centre. During the post war period his before he worked for Johnston’s Construction advice was much sought by farmers planning Limited building the Stanley Airport. their own pasture improvements and also by Following this he returned to the Camp, the Falkland Islands Government in relation to initially to Roy Cove and then Pebble Island the implementation of the newly invigorated before moving to join the FIC farms in Lafo- land reform programme. Cont: Page 26 nia. Bobby was a member of the Falkland Is- lands Defence Force and always a keen com- Teacher John Dixon petitor at Camp Sports. Bobby had many skills; he was a shearer, JOHN Dixon arrived in the Falkland Islands dog trialer and jockey and always made an ex- in November 1964 on a three year contract cellent dance-partner at the Sports Week. in a teaching post involving extensive trav- elling by horseback and living with fami- lies in remote and isolated locations. Adults and children were to be taught Skilled mechanic Bill generous to a fault basic educational skills in an effort to in- WILLIAM Kenneth Porter (right) or Bill as he crease levels of awareness in the long term was known had a love of mechanics that began social development of the Islands. when he started work for Johnston’s Construc- His fi rst two years teaching were spent tion in 1975. on Islands between the two Having become a skilled mechanic he settlements of and San moved on to work on the MV Forrest before Carlos. returning to employment with his beloved During 1967-8 John spent 14 months heavy plant. on the West Falkland Islands between In the Falklands War he comandeered a Saunders Island and Main Point outside PWD Land Rover and used it throughout that house ( Camp). diffi cult time to deliver supplies to people in At the end of his three year teach- the camp on East Falklands. ing contract John returned to London and After the War he eventually moved to Fox joined the Prison Service where he gained Bay on the West where he had spent his early considerable experience and expertise in life. Bill was known as being generous to a the management of a variety of demanding fault. and problematical young offender estab- Bill died on May 17, 2007. Info NE. lishments. Towards the latter part of his career John served in a number of senior positions Death of world famous explorer Sir William ‘Wally Herbert in adult establishments. According to his wishes John’s ashes SIR Walter William ‘Wally’ Herbert (1934 15 years in the wilderness regions of the polar were scattered at the jetty at Port San Car- 2007) was a British polar explorer, writer and world, and travelled with dog teams and open los by the Medical Contingent of the Brit- artist. In 1969 he became the fi rst man to walk boats well over 23,000 miles - more than half ish Antarctic Survey team. undisputed to the North Pole, on the 60th an- of that distance through unexplored areas Londoner John tragically died of ter- niversary of Robert Peary’s famous, but dis- In 1955 he carried out surveying in the minal cancer on 24 January 2003 at the age puted, expedition. Antarctic with the Falkland Islands Dependen- of 62. During the course of his polar career, cies Survey, during which he became an expert which spanned more than 50 years, he spent in dog sleighing.

18 Births and marriages

Above: Shiralee and Andy Findlay with Above: Stevie and Caroline Bonner. Above: Jasmine and Craig Clark. bridesmaid Madeline. Births and marriages

Above: Vanissa Teya McCallum. Above: Ryan and Katie McGill. Above: Gareth and Bernie Goodwin.

Above: Georgina Alice Dawson. Above: Kaden Kenneth Ronald McCor- Above: Fredrick Sombat Betts. Below: Blake Emilio Benjamin Peters. mick Below: Tristan James Clark. Below: George Robin Lee.

19 Falklands Minerals Focus on Rockhopper Exploration plc.

ROCKHOPPER was set up in both encountered oil, so the new 2004 by Richard Visick to explore 3D will mark an important step for oil in the shallow water of the forward in the understanding of North Falkland Basin. Rockhop- the northern half of the Basin. per has four 100%-owned licenc- Interpretation of that 3D seis- es and a 7.5% interest in two of mic data will not be completed Desire Petroleum’s licences. until later in the year, but initial The company, which joined work shows highly encouraging the AIM market in London in signs. August 2005, has a high quality Rockhopper is now conduct- board, led by Executive Chairman ing an Environmental Impact Dr Pierre Jungles who was previ- Assessment (EIA) with RPS on ously CEO of Enterprise Oil Plc licences PL023 and PL024 as it and is now on the boards of Baker considers Ernest ready to drill Hughes and Woodside Petroleum subject to all normal permissions. amongst others. The company will also perform The 100% licences are PL023, an EIA on licences PL032 and PL024, PL032 and PL033. PL023 PL033 in the future. and PL024 are near the Islands, The company believes the while PL032 and PL033 are fur- market for mid water rigs of the ther north in the area where Shell type capable of drilling in the found oil when drilling in 1998. Rockhopper Exploration Basic Information North Falkland Basin is easing in Since listing on AIM Rock- terms of availability. They also hopper has pursued an aggressive Licences: believe the market for farm-ins exploration programme, consist- with larger companies is showing ing of 2D seismic, Controlled - 100% Operated Licences some signs of improvement with Source Electromagnetic Mapping PL023 PL024 awarded Nov 2004 initial term 3 years the continued high oil price. (CSEM) with Offshore Hydrocar- PL032 PL033 awarded June 2005 initial term 5 years In fact, the oil price is now - 7.5% non operated licences bon Mapping and most recently, PL003 and PL004 almost six times higher than it the largest 3D seismic programme -Total acreage circa 6000 km2 was during the last round of Falk- yet undertaken in the Islands, with lands drilling in 1998 and there CGG Marine Work Programme: are signs that large oil companies Interpretation of the 2D seis- Late 2005 / Early 2006 are fi nding it more diffi cult to get mic data in conjunction with the 920 km 2D seismic on PL023 and PL024 with GSI access to high quality exploration CSEM yielded 11 targets in li- acreage. cences PL023 and PL024 with a Early 2006: The Falklands has one of the 4 CSEM lines with OHM, 2 lines on target Ernest, 2 lines on target P50 volume of 2.5 billion barrels Dolphin, all PL023 and PL024 most attractive fi scal regimes in of recoverable reserves. Addi- the world and a legislation based tional targets are expected to be Late 2006 / Early 2007 upon that of the United Kingdom, identifi ed in PL032 and PL033 850km2 3D seismic on PL032 and PL033 with CGG Veritas which makes it attractive com- from the 3D seismic data. Largest and most modern 3D seismic survey in the Islands to date pared against many other juris- Rockhopper was the fi rst dictions. In addition, Rockhop- small oil company in the world to Phase 1 work commitment completed on PL023 and PL024 per has done a signifi cant work commercially use CSEM technol- programme and successfully de- ogy and also the fi rst oil company Both targets gave a positive re- current oil prices, a fi eld of that risked the acreage over the past in the world to use the technique sponse which means that the pros- size could be worth over 1 billion couple of years. commercially in shallow water. pects could be full of oil. US dollars to Rockhopper. With a huge amount of work The CSEM work, which was The Ernest target is currently The 3D seismic was collected having been completed in a short carried out during January and the best in Rockhopper’s portfo- from November 2006 to January space of time, a number of highly February 2006, was over two of lio, with a most likely size of 130 2007 over licences PL032 and encouraging results and oil al- Rockhopper’s targets in PL023 million barrels of recoverable oil PL033 and covers the locations ready proven on its acreage, the and PL024, Ernest and Dolphin. and a 40% chance of success. At of both Shell wells. Those wells future is looking very bright for Rockhopper. Below: Image of positive CSEM on Ernest. Top left: Executive Chairman Dr Pierre Jungles. Top right: Basic Rockhopper licence map. Falklands oil information Exploration for hydrocarbons in waters around the Falkland Islands is at a very early stage. Six wells were drilled in 1998 approximately one hun- dred kilometres north of the Islands. Quantities of gas and some oil came to surface from two Shell wells and traces of oil were found in others. Sub- sequent analysis by licensees indicates that a very rich or- ganic source rock is present in the area of the North Falkland Basin. Licence holders Desire Petroleum, Argos Evergreen and Rockhopper Exploration are seeking partners to enable a second drilling round to take place shortly to fi nd the oil.

20 Falklands Agriculture MPM sheep farming method for West Lagoons A FALKLANDS farming couple plenty of more improvements have made a brave but what ap- to make yet in body, wool and pears to be a very successful deci- fecundity. sion to move entirely away from With the help of our sheep traditional sheep breeding. classer/mentor, Wally O’Connor, Peter and Shelly Nightingale we are still selecting for the have owned West Lagoons farm best type of animal suited to our since 1987 and since the early farm.” 1990’s, like so many other Falk- Shelley told the Newslet- lands farmers, have been strug- ter, “West Lagoons Farm is now gling to make a living. in a position to sell good quality Again like some other farmers rams to farmers in the Falklands they eventually decided that tradi- following the same breeding tional methods and sheep breeds programme. were never going to be enough, Already the project looks like “...so it was either fi nd another being a successful investment.” way to make money or leave the farm,” said the couple. The Multi Purpose Merino: One day through a friend Pe- zFirst and foremost it is the only ter and Shelley heard about the merino sheep without wrinkles ‘soft rolling skin sheep breeding zA fast growing sheep with a method.’ long body and neck Peter said, “It sounded too zA sheep that grows 19 to 20 good to be true, so we went to see micron wool faster than any other for ourselves, to South America merino where there are now millions of zAn open headed sheep with these animals. care plain bodied ani- bare lower legs This was in the days of the mal, capable of producing zA fertile proud looking sheep £1 a day Holiday Credits in case not only plenty of fi ne soft with measured fertility rates of anybody is wondering how farm- wool, but also a good meat over 20% above the Australian ers could afford to travel. carcass, productivity and average At a two-day workshop led by temperament.” zA sheep that requires little or Dr Jim Watts, we learned the im- Only two years after no mulesing portance of thin skin and of class- the pair fi rst had their ewes by 2.3 micron, without losing ing the whole breeding fl ock and and rams classed and 800 either body or wool weight. Photos: Main: Peter Nightin- not just a selected few. ewes inseminated with semen Last season showed an im- gale with a shearling ram. Ewes and rams are then from Multi Purpose Merinos provement of 2 micron through- Inset: Flock of shearling rams. matched for optimum results. from Australia, “...our aver- out the total fl ock. This alone The objectives are for an easy age hogget micron had dropped means a better farm income, and Falklands Tourism New manager exciting development for Tourist Board THE coming season heralds ex- ing’s arrival; FITB Directors, creasing steadily each year, with citing developments for tourism Members, and FIG representa- wholesalers and retailers looking in the Falklands, most notably the tives attended workshops in July for new destinations that offer the appointment of a General Man- and August of this year where visitor a novel, genuine travelling ager to FITB, and an anticipated they developed a set of seven experience. 81,000 cruise ship passengers - goals with the aim of improving Similarly, Liz Dimmlich of with the fi rst vessel due at West internal tourism infrastructure, FITB completed a business trip Point Island on October 20, 2007. and land and cruise-ship sector to Australia and New Zealand Jake Downing will relocate to performance. It is anticipated that in July to raise awareness of the the Falklands from New Zealand the strategy process will be com- Falklands. Liz commented that and take up his two-year Gen- pleted with Mr Downing’s input previous marketing efforts fo- eral Manager contract in early in early 2008, ahead of the FIG cused on the UK and selected November 2007. Mr Downing, budget process. European countries had failed a British national, has prior expe- Land-based sector to deliver signifi cant increases rience managing a chain of visi- The Falklands received a in visitor numbers. As such, it tor information centres and niche huge amount of publicity in the The Downing family is hoped that forging direct rela- destination development. Jake fi rst half of 2007, due in-part to community that land-based tour- tionships with specialist agencies will join the existing FITB team the 25th anniversary of the 1982 ism is both viable and sustain- in new countries will result in a of Liz Dimmlich (Tourism Devel- Confl ict. Such publicity, centred able. gradual increase (and diversifi - opment Coordinator) and Steph in the UK and US, has resulted FITB and local travel agencies cation) of visitor numbers to the Middleton (Tourism Assistant) in in a surge of bookings which will remain committed to expanding Islands. Stanley. benefi t locals providing accom- this lucrative sector. Sally Ellis of The infrequency of interna- A key part of Mr Downing’s modation, internal fl ights, vehicle ITT and Jo Turner of Falkland Is- tional air access to the Falklands role will be the development and transport, and land-based tours. lands Holidays have just returned still remains a barrier to the long- implementation of a national tour- Several new accommodation from Travel Mart Latin America term growth and development of ism strategy, and the sourcing of providers have opened in time in Cartagena, Colombia - one of this sector. funds to support the identifi ed for the coming season, and the the most important events in the However Government and lo- strategic actions. To demonstrate number of private tour guides is year for South American travel cal agencies are working behind to FIG that FITB is moving for- also on the increase to meet visi- specialists and international trade the scenes to ensure that this issue ward, the strategy process has tor demand. These new ventures press. Both agents reported that remains on the table with the rel- commenced ahead of Mr Down- demonstrate to the wider business interest in the Falklands is in- evant authorities.

21 Conservation Trust a leading light Information and photographs - Ian Strange THE New Island South Conserva- tions of this species are increasing tion Trust, recently renamed the Island wide, is of immense value. New Island Conservation Trust The monitoring of other Agree- since its acquisition late in 2006 ment on the Conservation of Al- of the whole of New Island, is a batrosses and Petrels species, in leading biological and conserva- particular White chinned petrels, tion research establishment in the is also a long-term program and Falkland Islands. in 2006 was part of joint census In Falkland terms, New Is- work with another conservation land is a medium sized one. It is organisation, the Falkland Con- eight miles in length, but in many servation Trust. parts less than a mile wide, and The history of New Island embraced by some 50 miles of goes back to the late 1700’s when rugged coastline. New Island is it became an important base for relatively remote, being situated early American whalers. Part of at the western extremity of the that history remains on the island Falkland archipelago and on the in the form of an old stone build- edge of the Falkland Current. It ing, the origins of which go back is this position, which makes it an to a Captain Charles Barnard who Important Bird Area (IBA). New was marooned on the island in Island has the distinction of hav- 1812. With the help of the OTEP ing been operated as a wildlife re- grant, this building is now fully serve for 36 years and remains the restored as a museum and visitor only purpose designed and built centre. Not only does it fulfi l the facility, including a large fi eld sta- New Island Conservation Trust’s tion, for conservation research in memorandum, which embraces the Falklands. the conservation of historical Its remote situation, 147 miles buildings, the building now offers from Stanley and centred in one an important educational facility of the Islands richest wildlife and centre for the wildlife tourists areas, presents a unique site for who visit New Island on special- research, and for the fi eld scien- ized cruise vessels. tists who work on the reserve. A The New Island Conservation total of eight scientifi c person- Trust is a Registered Charity No nel worked on the reserve in the 1047676 and NGO working for 2006 - 2007 season. On the other Top: Aerial view of the southern section of New Island and its formidable conservation in the Falkland Is- hand its remoteness gives it an West Cliffs. Above: The interior of the recently restored Barnard Building: lands and the SW Atlantic. Please element of isolation from some Museum and Visitor Centre. take a look at our web site at public activities and recognition www. newislandtrust.com. for its research. The award of an Island, Falkland Islands - A South NICT work. The continuation of If you would like to obtain OTEP grant in 2005 to the New Atlantic Wildlife Sanctuary for its work on non native species a copy of the recently published Island Conservation Trust was not Conservation Management” This has been possible, the result be- work “New Island Falkland Is- only of fi nancial importance, but is now available as a high quality ing that at least three scientifi c lands A South Atlantic Wildlife of immense value in bringing at- printed soft back. Containing 160 papers will shortly be published Sanctuary for Conservation Man- tention to the work it does. The pages, it has 150 photographs in covering some six years work. agement” please direct enquires completion of a management plan colour, plus maps and charts. It is Continuing long term monitoring to: for the New Island reserve, an not only a plan for the islands fu- and study of Black-browed alba- Sarah Jones-Parry, Secretary Overseas Territories Environmen- ture, but traces the islands history tross has been made possible. The NICT, Dairy Cottage, Swan’s tal Programme (OTEP) funded and development over the last 200 importance of this work on the Farm, Winchfi eld, Hook, Hants. project, which has been running years. New Island reserve, with its 29 RG 27 8DB. for the last two years, has now The OTEP funded project, years of monitoring data, to sup- Or to: Ian J.Strange, The Dol- been completed. Entitled “New embraced several aspects of the port its fi ndings that the popula- phins, Stanley, Falkland Islands. Below right: Researcher Anja Gladbach from Germany who is studying Upland Geese on the New Island reserve. Below left: Section of mixed colony of Black-browed albatross, Rockhopper penguins and King Cormorants on New Island. Orea Anderson a PhD student, monitors the colony which has been ongoing for the last 29 years.

22 Falklands philately records liberation Images and information provided by FI Philatelic Bureau

Above: This set of stamps, listing the names of all the British contingent together with the three Islanders who lost their lives in the campaign for liberation is a unique issue within the philatelic world. For the fi rst time a country and its people pay thanks to each individual by name and this set of 16 stamps, so aptly entitled ‘Lest We Forget’ stands as a memorial in the same way as the sculpted memorials that already exist in Stanley, St Paul’s and Pangbourne Chapel.

Right: The primary objective of Vulcan Bomber Black Buck 1 was to place at least one bomb on the runway at Stanley in 1982. As the lone Vulcan ap- proached the Falklands signals were detected from Argentine radars attempting to lock onto her. Two miles out a total of 21 1,000 lb bombs were dropped diagonally across the runway, one hitting the runway dead centre, while others hit fuel and ammo stores and even the golf course. Without its payload the Vulcan was able to return to Ascension with just a single Victor for company. It had been airborne for a remarkable 16 hours and 2 minutes. Below left and right: First Day Covers remember the men posthumously awarded with the Victoria Cross for heroic deeds in the 1982 confl ict. Below left: Liberation issue and Princess Diana issue. The latter honours her charity work with regard to landmine clearance. The labels depict the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, now Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven, taken in 1983 whilst viewing a minefi eld in the Falkland Islands shortly after Liberation. In the surround of the sheetlet is printed the staggering information “It is estimated that 20,000 land mines still remain in the Falkland Islands in an area covering approximately 20 square kilometres”.

23 ALTHOUGH my fi rst home was in fact Mount Pleasant, I was born February 15, 1910 at Dar- win Harbour, in central East Falklands at my grandparent’s house because it was the prac- tice for daughters to be with their Mothers at The Falklands such a time. Dr. Wace wasn’t at all pleased to be called away from the Sports Week horse-racing, how- Mrs Ellen Rogers is the granddaughter of Stuart and Margaret Middleton ever my sisters Jean and May were far more from Angus, Scotland (on her father’s side) who came to the Falkland Is- thoughtful, both being born in November 1911 lands with early settlers. They had seven children: Violet, Andrew, David, and 1913 respectively. Linsey, Stewart, James and Margaret, Our nearest neighbour was an hour away Her Mother’s Parents were George and Jane Jennings from Basingstoke, on horseback, our only means of transport. Life in the camp was uneventful, but our par- England, who had nine children: William, Ellen, Thomas, Frederick, Jessie, ents worked hard. When my Mother went to Mary, Charles, Henry and Mabel. live at Mount Pleasant as a young bride, the Both sets of parents spent their working lives with the Falkland Island only means of cooking was by shadrow; an Company, and on retirement, returned to the United Kingdom. iron pot with a lid and rings on the side, which Ellen’s parents, James and Mabel returned to the UK after her Father was placed under the fi re place and hot ashes raked on top and was moved by means of two retired from the after 53 years. She had three long irons with hooks on the end. They always sisters and one brother: Jean, May, James and Georgina. vowed that food never tasted as good as when There is now a Sixth generation of Middletons in the Falkland Islands. cooked this way. Ellen wrote the following story because, “...future generations may have My Father was a shepherd looking after several thousand sheep, also a troupe of horses some idea of my childhood and as a young woman living the simple life, in and a herd of cows. My Mother’s day started the Falkland Islands.” early; she would milk cows, bake bread and cakes, make butter and look after the vegetable garden. As our house was on the track about and was transferred to Darwin to live. snooze at times. half way between Stanley and Darwin, and Other later additions to my family were In the school holidays when the birds were known as a ‘Track House’, Mother was also my cousin Mary (her mother died) and my laying we used to go for picnics and go bird expected to cater for travellers who might oc- brother James Darwin. Mary, Jean and I used nesting. We would take the food our Moth- casionally stay over-night or for a few days, to go for long walks, especially when the wild ers’ had prepared and as soon as we got out of depending on their business. birds were laying. We would go looking for the settlement, we would eat it, as we decided In those days the allowances paid to cover eggs. it was the easiest way to carry it, and would such extra expenses was a couple of pounds Once we found a wild goose sitting on a spend all day looking for eggs. I can’t actually per month. In the spring the peat was cut by clutch of eggs in the Deep Valley. We used to remember ever fi nding many. the shepherds for their own homes. Heating go each day to see if they were hatched, fi nally I went into service at the doctor’s house and cooking fuel, peat, was cut from a bank one day all the eggs were chipped, we could a year before I left school at the age of 14. I and left to dry for a few weeks, then carted wait no longer, we gave them a helping hand. would rise at 6am in the summer and milk home and stacked up near each home. Meat We peeled the shells off the goslings and took the cows, six I think, and take the milk to the was plentiful and part of the wages. Father them out of the eggs, held them by the wings doctor’s house, clean the dining room grate, would kill mutton or beef for our own use. and stood across a stream to teach them to light the fi re, set the breakfast and wash up the Darwin was a sheep station and had 91,000 swim. No, we were not successful. So much breakfast dishes and go home and get ready sheep. In the summer all the shepherds had to for the vandals of yesteryear. for school. go from one camp house to the next and gather On our eventual move to Darwin settle- When Dr Herclots’ term ended he returned the sheep and take them to Darwin to be shorn ment to live we began our journey by travel- to England. His wife was always very kind to which would take about two months. ling to a little bay where a boat picked us up. me and sent me a present on my birthday eve- The wives were all alone all week and the We left Mount Pleasant by horseback and all ry year until I got married, then she sent me a husbands would only get home at weekends. of our household goods were on a horse drawn clock as a wedding present. I did not hear from I remember when Dad would get home very sleigh as far as the bay. The goods were then her again after that. late on a Friday night, we would watch for his transferred to the boat. Dad left us there and Dr Moir came to replace Dr Herclots, I coming down the Lantioca Ridge, he would went by horseback to Darwin to be there to continued to work there but I was unhappy strike matches so we would know he was meet us when we arrived. That night we suf- and did not stay long. The only employment coming. fered a terrible storm and were suitably re- for girls in those days was domestic service Children on the farms had very few toys lieved and grateful to safely reach Darwin. and very few opportunities in the camp. If the and never expected them. We would play with Life was very different in Darwin; there girls wanted to work they had to go to Port bones we found in the camp, bleached white were several houses and a cook-house which Stanley. Many never had work at all, but just from the weather. We used the foot bones of housed the unmarried men who worked the stayed at home with their parents. In Stanley cattle for cows and toe bones for calves. Shank farm. there was more scope as they could get shop bones were horses, the bones out of sheep trot- There were also a doctor, farm manager, or offi ce work. ters were sheep, and the toe bones lambs. We book-keeper and teacher resident. Harry, the When I left school fi nally, I went to work played for hours with those in make-believe cook at the time, was quite a character, he at Darwin House for Mr Slaughter who was farms. liked his drop of scotch. When the boat came Manager. I stayed there for nine years until I Schooling was rather a problem in the out from Stanley with the stores he would get married. I started as ‘between maid.’ They had camp so the farm owners, the Falkland Islands a crate of whiskey – on one occasion, Mr Moir, two children, Dick and Eileen. I had to help Company, employed a travelling teacher who who was storekeeper, book keeper and school in the kitchen and help with the children, ‘in would spend three weeks at each camp house teacher, asked him what was in the crate? between’. When the Housemaid married I was teaching. On their departure they would leave “Boots,” says Harry. given her job. It was very hard work with little set work with the parents until they came Mr Moir said, “Well Harry, your boots are or no time off. I would be up by 7am to prepare again. Father used to give us regular schooling leaking.” early morning tea and take it to the bedrooms; between the visits from the teacher. Our fi rst Harry used to bake lots of bread so we al- they frequently had guests so there were very teacher was a Scot, Jimie Lacky, who Mother ways had a good supply of fl our in stock and often several teas to prepare. Then it was time didn’t like. He used to shout a lot at us chil- would hide his whisky bottles in the fl our bin; to clean the dining room and drawing rooms dren. Mother used to peep through the keyhole well away from his wife. before preparing breakfast. We were kept busy to see what he was up to and one day he was We had regular schooling and life was all day as we had to do all the laundry and din- peeping through the keyhole at her at the same not so busy for Mother and Dad. In 1920, my ner was at 7.30pm. By the time that was over time. I think it was the only time they saw eye youngest sister, Georgina was born, so our it was time to take water and hot water bottles to eye. family was complete. We enjoyed having oth- to the bedrooms. When all that was done it was Our next teacher was Tom Goodwin, who er children to play with as there were several time for bed. We had to be in our rooms for we were told was a very strict teacher. But we in the settlement. Mr Moir was a stern but fair 10pm. The boss used to check on us by mak- found him a right old softie, and we thought a teacher with 20 pupils to deal with. He taught ing the excuse to see if the fi re was safe. Dur- lot of him and he helped us a lot. By then Dad us a basic education and included geography, ing those years we had our boyfriends. Many had a promotion and was made Head Shepherd latin and algebra even if he did have a little times when the boss came out we would be

24 A simple life by Ellen V Rogers

my friend were bridesmaids, and the galley, and very happy ones Jimmy Sarney was the best man. they were. During that time, our After the service we had a recep- son Gerald Thomas was born and tion at my parents’ home. then our fi rst daughter, Shirley In the camp there was an old Mabel. tradition which I believe came To travel with babies they down from the Scots. On the eve were wrapped tightly in a travel of a wedding, the groom had to rug, and with a pillow tied to the have his feet washed in public. front of the saddle on the horse, Some of his friends would get they were just held in front of you hold of him and take him out-side and would travel very well like to a water tank and stick his feet that. in and scrub them with a yard We seldom went to Port broom. Usually their enthusiasm Stanley as we preferred camp life. would run away with them and Anywhere outside Port Stanley anyone nearby could be in for the was known as the camp and as same treatment! travel was mostly by horseback The day of my wedding, in with miles and miles of camp and the middle of dinner, two men no signs or roads, it was rather came in and took me out to the marvellous how anyone could Above: Typical Falklands shanty and palinque. water tank and dipped my feet in fi nd their way from place to place but they spared me the use of the with only beaten tracks. in the back kitchen saying good- and a month in the hospital I soon yard broom. They then came back Dotted about the camp was night to our boyfriends, holding recovered and went back to Dar- in and treated my Father and my what was known as the ‘standing our breath in fear that he may win by schooner. We had a very sister to the same fate, all in good man’, this was a heap of stones on come and catch us. We had lots of rough voyage, the cargo was roll- fun though. Weddings at the camp a hill as a guide. One had to keep fun during those years. ing around the deck and we were were usually quite big affairs as to the track because of getting to Our main pleasure was dances glad to get into smoother water af- a notice would be placed in the the gates and the correct pass in and whist drives; and in the sum- ter we passed Walker Creek. I was store and all were invited. the rivers. I was told by someone mer we would go horse riding. off work for three months. Mostly there would be a wed- who was travelling to Port Stanley Darwin House employed a cook, A liner called at the Falklands ding breakfast after the ceremony when a mist came up and they got gardener, housemaid, houseboy from the UK once a month with and a dance would be held in the lost as it was dark, that the only and nursemaid. When the cook mail and provisions; everyone evening at which an accordian way he knew which way to go married, I was given the job, and looked forward to receiving the accompanied the dancers. At one was by putting his hand in the wa- there I stayed until I was married mail. We also used to shop by mail time there was a band consist- ter to see which way the stream in 1933 order to the UK; it would take ing of violins, mandolin, piano was fl owing as he knew it would We very rarely had a holiday, about three months from the time accordion and drums. No short- fl ow to the sea and from that he and it was only in later years that we sent our order until the goods age of gaiety at those dances and could get his bearings. People in we were given a half day in the were received. Most of the moth- there was a much more romantic the Islands used to visit each other week and every third Sunday af- ers were quite able to do their own mood – we actually danced with a lot, call in for afternoon tea and ternoon off. dressmaking and many could spin partners. exchange recipes, paper patterns, There was a habit of giving wool and knit for the family. The next day we started our books or records, as the gramo- nick-names. For example my Fa- In the summer, when the milk new job as cooks. We were cook- phone was always popular. ther had three nephews all named was plentiful, it would be bottled ing for the single men which usu- The sovereignty of the Falk- James after him, my Father was and then corked; the corks would ally numbered 26 but in the sum- lands was even in dispute in the James Middleton. To distinguish then be tied down with string. mer when the shearing season days when I lived there. Atelio the others they were called, Jim- The bottles would be placed in a was on we had approximately 56 was an Argentinean, and when he mie the Hogg, Jimmie the Gull bucket of water on the range and to cater for, and on Saturdays we had had a few drinks too many, and Jimmie the Gander. boiled. When cold the next day, always had extra to cook for as would argue that the Argentinean One of Don’s (my future hus- they would melt dripping and the shepherds came into the set- fl ag should be fl ying instead of the band) mates was called Diver. dip the bottle necks in to seal the tlement to do their weekly shop- Union Jack. When he was sober, When he went to corks. The milk would then be ping at the settlement store; which he was a peaceful old chap who fi rst, he got drunk one night and stored until the winter when the stocked most things and had a worked for many years as a butch- the men had to put him to bed, family would keep only one cow. drapers department as well. er in Goose Green. but each time he would dive out They also made butter and In the busy season the FIC When I lived in Darwin, we again, hence his nickname. He is salted it and put it in earthenware would provide us with a young would never miss the Saturday still known as Diver today. Travel jars sealed for the winter, and as lad to help about the house. The night hop in Goose Green. We out there was by boat or horse- everyone kept hens, during the bell of the SS Great Britain was had to walk from Darwin along back. The boat which belonged laying season they put the surplus erected beside the galley, my the shore which is about one and a to the Falkland Islands Company eggs in ‘water glass’ to preserve husband rang regularly each day half miles, but coming home was used to make regular trips around them. to call the men for their meals much more pleasant as we had our the Islands and call at the settle- Life was much more leisure- and to denote the time to resume boyfriends to accompany us. ments with stores and passengers. ly in the winter; we would hold work. The SS Great Britain was We nearly always wore long When I was eighteen years dances and whist drives in the set- damaged off Cape Horn in 1886 dresses which we mostly made old, the people I worked for went tlement. I met my husband Don at and taken to Port Stanley where ourselves. I can safely say that at to England on six months leave a dance. He came to the Falklands she remained and was used as a that time all the girls were good which they did periodically. I to work from Somerset in 1924. storage for wool and coal until cooks, and most could turn their went to work in Stanley for that He went fi rst to North Arm and 1933, when she was towed to Port hand to dressmaking. Darwin and period at the King Edward Me- worked there for a few years, then William and holed and left on North Arm would have a special morial Hospital. When I returned he moved to Goose Green where the beach to disintegrate. She re- dance during the winter; the Sec- to Darwin at the end of that time, he was a carpenter. He was very mained there until it was decided tion Ball, when many would gath- I was taken ill with acute appendi- happy out there, and made a lot of to bring her back to Bristol where er for the dance on the Friday and citis, then peritonitis developed so friends. she was built. The original bell Saturday nights. a boat had to be hired to take me We were married in 1933 at has now been returned to the ship back to Stanley for an operation. the little church in Goose Green. in Bristol and a duplicate hangs Continued The RRS William Scorsby came The registrar, Mr J Trailwood per- outside the galley. for me by which time I was very formed the ceremony; Georgina, We spent nearly four years at on page 26 ill. However, after an operation my youngest sister and Betty Scott

25 Continued from page 25. There were about three men to All about books each girl, so we had no shortage of beaus. One year I went to North Arm, Dictionary of Falklands Biography - David Tatham Nora my cousin and I stayed with my Uncle Stuart. On the Friday FORMER Falklands Governor is the greatest problem, although profusely illustrated. I’ve tried night we danced from 7pm until David Tatham has been compil- e-mail is a great help. And apart to fi nd a picture for every en- 8am When we got home the fam- ing a Dictionary of Falklands Bi- from one visit last year, I haven’t try, though it hasn’t always been ily were at breakfast. ography for fi ve years now with been able to consult the Stanley possible. But Rob Still, who has We had to get a needle to let the help of a host of voluntary Archives myself, although Jane worked for Falklands Conserva- the water out of the blisters on contributors. Mr Tatham spoke to Cameron and Tansy Newman tion is designing it and we should our feet. We then danced from Newsletter Editor Lisa Johnston have been extremely helpful. have at least 350 images. 7pm until 2.30am on the Saturday about the challenging project: LJ: Who has contributed to LJ: When were you asked to night. I guess we had stamina in LJ:What/who was the inspi- it? take up the project? those days. It would take about ration behind the idea? DT: Over a hundred people, DT: I took it up in 2002. No fi ve hours on horseback to get DT: Well, what really started many of them Islanders. I’m not one asked me to do it but I have from Darwin to North Arm and me off was an obituary article I sure whom I should mention on received a lot of support and en- we had the same ride back on the once saw by Jane Cameron’s fa- the Islands when there are so couragement since I started. Sunday! ther about Christian Andreasen, many, but Sally Blake has prob- LJ: How much does it cost When the Falkland Islands a Dane who was shipwrecked on ably contributed most essays so and how do we get our hands on Company celebrated their cente- the Islands and had an interest- far. Of outside names, Lord Hurd it? nary in Stanley in February 1933, ing and successful life in Stanley. - that’s Douglas Hurd who visited DT: The paperback version a boat went around the Islands It struck me that there must be when he was Foreign Secretary will cost about £20 I hope, and the collecting passengers and there many other people whose lives – wrote up his father who was a hard–back around £35. In Stanley was a week of celebrations. HMS would be of interest and should director of the Falkland Islands I hope the shops will take it. In the Durban was there and as there be remembered. Company. Lord Jellicoe, who alas UK I shall send out fl yers and post was a shooting party, the toffs LJ: What will we fi nd in the died last year, wrote up his old the book to those who write in so wanted to go to Darwin. Betty, the DFB? friend Lord Shackleton. Frank I shall have to charge for post- parlour maid and myself as cook, DT: Essays on an enormous Mitchell is a great authority on age and it’s quite a large book. It had to go back to Darwin House variety of people, nearly 500. I’ve Falklands history and has written would add too much to the price before the end of the week to included not just residents of the up the admirals of the 1914 bat- to sell it through bookshops in look after the shooting party, and Islands, but also people who vis- tle. Several well known authors England. we had the privilege of travelling ited them and went to South Geor- have contributed on the explora- LJ: How has it been funded? from Stanley to Darwin on HMS gia. I’ve even included people who tion side and on South Georgia DT: It’s a voluntary effort; no Durban. infl uenced their history but never – Bob Burton, Alan Gurney, Bob one has been paid for their work After four years as cooks, and actually went there. So you have Headland, Andrew David, Ray and it is unlikely to make a profi t. having little time to spare, we de- the great explorers like Captain Desmond, the list goes on. I have received a sum every year cided to have a change so as to Cook and Ernest Shackleton, sci- LJ: When and where is the from the Falkland Islands Gov- give more time to the children. entists and naturalists like Charles launch and who will attend? ernment to meet offi ce costs and We decided to go back to Dons Darwin, ornithologists and geolo- DT: Let’s get it printed fi rst! the fees which museums ask for home in Somerset. It was not an gists. Then there is a wide range I hope in London in March – we reproducing pictures and I am easy decision, as it meant leaving of Falkland Islanders, from pillars shall invite all the contributors very grateful to councillors for all our friends and family. of the community to a fair crop of and present them with their cop- this support. In addition Stanley On the May 8, 1937 we left eccentric characters. ies of the book.. Services Limited have funded Goose Green by boat. We spent LJ: What particular diffi cul- LJ: Is it illustrated? the presentation of a copy of the one week in Port Stanley as it was ties have you faced? DT: Yes, indeed. I would say book to every contributor, which the coronation of King George DT: Distance from the Islands is very generous. V1. We left Stanley on the May 15 on board the SS bound Skeletons for sadness - E Southby-Tailyour for Montevideo. Cont. from page 18. The agricultural research We spent one night there, then SKELETONS for Sadness by who know the Falklands well boarded the RMS Almonzora at conducted in the Islands dur- Ewen Southby-Tailyour, pub- will enjoy the action, which ing the 1970s and 1980s, 10pm the next night. lished in the UK by Seafarer takes place at the many harbours First we called at Santos and much of it under Tom’s direct Books, 102 Redwald Road, Rend- around the Islands, and which is guidance and leadership, will then Rio de Janeiro where we lesham, Suffolk IP12 2TE. ISBN illustrated with sketch maps and could not go ashore owing to the stand as an important body 978-1-906266-02-8. £9.95 and thumbnail sketches. of work which has helped to fact that a cabin boy was missing will be published in the USA in For those unfamiliar with when we left Santos and we had defi ne the basic biological 2008 by Sheridan House Inc. 145 the Falklands there is a map at parameters underpinning ag- to sail without him. Rio looked Palisade Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY the beginning with the locations lovely at night, with all the lights riculture in the Falklands. 10522. ISBN 978-1-57409-260-8. marked. Tom brought to the Falk- on the shore. The Cross of Sac- $17.95. Softback. 347 pages in- Ewen Southby-Tailyour, of rifi ce showed up beautifully, we lands a lifetime of experience cluding Contents, Acknowledge- course, knows the Falklands, its as a pasture specialist and in- would have loved to have gone ments, Prologue etc. harbours, its people and the ways up to it. nate wisdom in human rela- This romantic novel divided of the Islanders well and the book tionships. We called at Bahia Blanca, into 23 sections from September with its fast exciting love story, and Purnambuco. We arrived at In 1987 Tom fi nally re- 1980 to June 1982 is background- which will soon be on sale in the tired and he and Gwen re- San Vicente in the evening, and as ed by the Falklands invasion and Stanley bookshops, will be en- usual the passengers would throw turned to Dawlish in Devon. War. joyed equally by those who visit Tom was also able to in- money over the side for little boys Falkland Islanders and those on holiday. RNS. who would dive for it. Our chil- dulge his lifetime interest in dren were so excited to see them. alpine plants and rock gar- We did not get ashore again A Doctor on Horseback - Tom Hopwood dening. Even in retirement, until we reached Lisbon where we Tom continued his commit- hired a taxi with two of our friends A book that looks back on life in West Falklands the tenderfoot ment to the Islands through and fellow passengers, and toured the Falklands in the 1940’s has doctor has to learn to ride as well Falklands Conservation, of a lot of the sights of the town for been reprinted this year. as make the most of his limited which he became Chair- two hours. A Doctor on Horseback tells medical knowledge. man, and he co-authored a I was most impressed, as I had how a newly qualifi ed and newly The story records what hap- number of scientifi c papers not left the Falklands before, and married doctor in 1944, Tom Hop- pens in his life over the following on the botany of the Islands. everything was new to me. After a wood becomes a medical offi cer three years. Tom is survived by brief stop at Cherbourg, we sailed in the Falklands. Check out www.lulu.com/ his wife, Gwen, his on to Southampton, England and There were no roads or even content/894373 for your copy. son and four daughters. the start of a new life tracks outside of Stanley. On By T. Peter Maitland

26 TThehe FalklandFalkland IIslandsslands AssociationAssociation Dates for your diary

Patron: The Rt. Hon. the Baroness Thatcher, LG, OM, FRS. Battle Day: December 8. President: The Rt. Hon. The Lord Hurd, CH, CBE. Vice President: General Sir Peter de la Billiere, KCB, KBE, To readers: A booking form was sent out with the last Newsletter DSO, MC, MSC, DL. The Hon. L Buxton, Mrs Merle Chris- and should have been sent to E.C.J.Clapp MBE, Hon Treasurer, 32 tie, Dr. R Elgood, Sir Cosmo Haskard, KCMG, MBE, Sir The Furlongs, Needingworth, St Ives, Huntingdonshire PE27 4TX Jack Hayward, OBE, Sir Rex Hunt, CMG, Mr C E Need- together with a cheque for £16 per person payable to the Falkland ham, CBE, Major R N Spafford, Councillor R E Walker. Islands Association. Applications, which should include the names Chairman: Mr David Tatham, CMG. of all those attending, should be with Mr Clapp by November 10th to allow time for the issue of Invitation/Security cards which will Vice Chairman: Mr Saul Pitaluga. give access to the AGM and Buffet Luncheon in the Foreign Of- Hon. Treasurer: Mr E C J Clapp, MBE. fi ce after the Battle Day Ceremony in Whitehall. Make sure you Hon. Secretary: Mr C E Wright. include your full address The Falkland Islands Association brings together those who support the continuing freedom of the people of the Falk- land islands. Its Constitution states that its objectives are: Advertising

“To assist the people of the Falkland Islands to decide their The present circulation of the Newsletter is 4,500 copies. It own future for themselves without being subjected to pres- is distributed to Members of the Association, all Members of sure direct or indirect from any quarter.” the House of Commons, the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly, members of the , all British Mem- The Association is independent, but maintains close links bers of the European Parliament, and to the Press, Radio and with many other Falklands organisations. It is a major source Television. Many copies circulate in the United States, Aus- of information about the Falklands. It publishes a newslet- tralia, New Zealand, Canada, and other Commonwealth and ter, which all members receive, covering political and social foreign countries. Seven hundred copies are distributed in the events in the Islands, wildlife, tourism, philately, and many Falkland islands. other subjects. It welcomes interest in the Falklands and in- Advertising rates as follows: vites all those who share its aims to become members. Full page ...... £250 Membership Application Half page...... £125 Quarter page ...... £65 I/We would like to support the right of the people of the Eighth page ...... £35 Falkland Islands to decide their own future for themselves Short insertions ...... £3 per line and to help them develop their islands in accordance with their wishes. Discounts for four insertions by negotiation. A special con- I/We wish to join the Falkland Islands Association (Indi- cession is offered to Association members living in the Falk- vidual members annual subscription £15, Pensioners and lands, who own small shops and businesses, to advertise in the Students £5, corporate members minimum £50, Corporate Newsletter at half the above rates. Sponsorship £500). Name ...... Release of copyrights .. Address ...... The Editorial Committee release all copyrights on the content ...... of the Falkland Islands Newsletter except on pictures, car- ... toons and maps. Other publications are invited to quote freely. Connection with Falklands, if any ...... However, we ask that quotations are made in context and the ...... Falkland Islands Newsletter acknowledged as the source. Signature ...... Date ...... Telephone ...... Please return to: Falkland Islands Association, Falkland House, 14 Broadway, London SW1H OBH. Applicants who do not wish to cut this form from a Newsletter are invited to use a photocopy of it. Members are requested are not to use this form for membership renewals. Falkland Islands Newsletter Bankers Order Published by the Falkland Islands Association To ...... Falkland House, 14 Broadway, Bank Branch ...... London SW1H OBH At ...... Telephone: 0845 260 4884 Please pay to National Westminster Bank Plc, Piccadilly ISSN 0262-9399 Circus Branch, 19 Shaftsbury Avenue, London W1V 7RL, Bank Code 56 00 29 for credit to: THE FALKLAND IS- Editor: LANDS ASSOCIATION, Account No. 24223999, the sum Lisa Johnston: [email protected] of ...... pounds on receipt of this order and thereafter annu- ally on the anniversary thereof. Editorial Committee: Name ...... Mr David Tatham CMG (Chairman) Address ...... Mr D G Ainslie ...... Major R Spafford ...... Mrs M Christie Account ...... Date ...... Mrs Judith Faulkner Signature ...... Mr Saul Pitaluga

27 Stanley’s historic racecourse safe for further fi fteen years

Top: Late 1950’s Falklands jockeys , Stan Clethero on Tronador and Keith Betts on Candelaja. Photo J Leonard. Below: 1960’s (left) a wheelbarrow race for the punters to enjoy and (right) a fl ying start on mainly Falkland Island bred horses. STANLEY’S much-loved race- Stanley spot at the West End of the racecourse site being under traditional two days of horserac- course has been preserved from the town, situated only two streets government ownership. ing as well as a ‘mini-sports’ in development for the next fi fteen back from the sea front with views In exchange for the FIC- February. years. of the harbour. owned section of the racecourse For the rest of the year the site Horse-owners, jockeys and It was on lease to the Falkland and adjacent paddock (21.4 acres) is greatly appreciated by residents punters alike have been con- Islands Government (FIG) from FIG had agreed to convey to FIC of West Stanley who can enjoy cerned from some years that the the FIC, but the lease ran out in two parcels of land measuring ap- the attractive open space behind land on which the course is situ- 2006. proximately 23.7 acres. their homes. ated, which is owned by the Falk- The Government and the FIC As part of the agreement FIG When the future of the course land Islands Company (FIC), was announced in September, how- has agreed not to develop the area was discussed some years ago, the in danger of being developed for ever, that they had reached an for a period of 15 years. majority of those commenting be- much needed housing. agreement on a land exchange The racecourse is primarily lieved the historic area should re- The racecourse is in a prime that would result in the whole of used at Christmas time for the main unspoiled by development.