Possible Traffic Delays 20th May 2012–for those travelling to the National Memorial Arboretum

Just to make everyone aware  and  give advance warning that there are currently traffic delays at the village of Kings Bromley there are signs advising of road closure from 19^th for two days.  No doubt there will be diversion signs in place but please leave enough time to arrive at the National Memorial Arboretum, by 11.45 am at the latest.

SAMA 82 Platoon, Remembrance Day

If you are intending to march in the SAMA 82Platoon at the Cenotaph in London then you must get your application in to the office without delay.

We are restricted in the number of tickets we can apply for and we are not far off that figure.

To apply for your ticket then send a stamped, self addressed envelope to the SAMA Office. 

There will be a lunch afterwards at the Union Jack Club, tickets for this lunch are £8 per head, and  must be purchased in advance by sending a cheque payable to SAMA 82 to the office.

Falklands 75 Mile Charity Run

Steve Morris, Dave Leibrick and Bob Chatterton are returning to the Falkland Islands on 26th November 2012 to run 75 miles in 20 hours from Port San Carlos to Stanley.

They will be following the 3 PARA route from 82, and will be raising funds for SAMA 82 and Combat Stress.

To help them raise funds go to http://www.justgiving.com/falklandsrunsama82

SAMA Items, Price Increases

Due to increases in manufacturing costs and postage costs that came into effect on Monday, we have been forced to increase the prices in our shop.

We apologise for this and have kept the increases to the absolute minimum.

Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church Yeovilton, Falklands 30 Commemoration Service

On Thursday 14th June, a local service of Commemoration for all Yeovilton Falklands Veterans whether serving on a front-line or second-line basis, serving here at the time, or elsewhere but working at Yeovilton now, families of those who lost their lives, or representatives of either group.

For further details and application form, please contact:

Tina Cullen (Chaplaincy RNAS) Tel: 01935 455257

e mail: yeovilton-chaplaincy-verger@mod.uk

Closing date for application is: 14th May 2012

Canoeing Expedition–Dordogne

Warm weather, clear waters, amazing scenery, good food and wine are all elements that combine to give an amazing canoe trip.

This trip has been offered to 2 of our Members by the Not Forgotten Association and the dates are Sunday 1st – Saturday 7th July.

All flights, accommodation, equipment, tuition and meals are provided (some camping involved).

Contact the office by Tuesday 1st May if you are interested in this trip.

30th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict Commemoration–Sunday 27th May 2012

As you may be aware, Gosport Borough Council has a strong association with the Falklands Campaign 1982 and those who were involved in it.  As a Borough, Gosport has arranged ceremonies of commemoration of national significance in 1997, 2002, 2007 and intends to do so again on 27th May this year.

The aptly named Falkland Gardens, with its Admiral Fieldhouse bust, mosaic designed by the Falklands Government and the Falklands Stone have become a place of pilgrimage over the years and, again this year, it is intended to remember the 255 members of the Task Force and the 3 Falkland Islanders who died in the campaign by laying a flower for each of them on the Memorial Stone.

The event includes a muster of veterans at the Falkland Gardens, a service of remembrance, a march past where the salute will be taken by Rear Admiral Chris Parry CBE Ma (Oxon) with the Mayor of Gosport and a reception on Walpole Park for veterans and families and other Town Military Freemen.

Rear Admiral Chris Parry was an aviator who served on HMS Antrim and was involved in events which took place in South Georgia in the run up to the invasion as well as in the Falkland Islands.  Guests also expected at the event include the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire’s representative Rear Admiral Henderson and Mrs Sukey Cameron Falkland Island Government representative.

The service will be conducted by Reverend Andy Davis vicar of Holy Trinity Church with the address given by Reverend Godfrey Hilliard who served with 40 Commando during the conflict.  A Guard will be provided from HMS Sultan with music by The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marine School of Music.

Special Arrangements for the Parade.

The Area around the Ferry Gardens will be restricted and no buses or taxis will be permitted into the area from 0900 until completion of the service and the march past (approx 0900 to 1300).

The Gosport Ferry to/from Portsmouth will be suspended, with the last ferry arriving at Gosport at 1025.  The service will resume at 1215.  This is of special importance if you are coming to the service from Portsmouth.  No vehicles will be permitted into the restricted area after 1000 with road closures in place until after the March Past.

The Muster

The parade will form up on the Bus Station site and march into position in the gardens at 1030.  Veterans are requested to wear their South Atlantic Medal which will gain them entry to the march past but not to the reception afterwards.  Some veterans are marching within their associations (for example HMS Coventry) and have expressed a wish to march with their standards.  Standards will be arranged by The Royal British Legion for the service and will join with their units for the March Past.

Control of the Parade and March Past will be under the control of Gunner Staff from HMS Sultan who will designate unit command as required.  If your association has a parade commander for the morning please let the staff know on arrival.

Families of veterans will be given access to an area close to the Service on production of valid tickets.  An area has been set aside for the families of those who died in the conflict who will be invited to lay a flower at the memorial during the reading of the roll call.

Arrangements are in hand to contact these families, but if can help with current names and contact details the Falkland Veterans Foundation who are associated with SAMA would be glad to hear from you.

Gosport Borough Staff will be on hand at the Ferry Gardens to assist ticket holders as necessary.

Access and Parking

Access to the area reserved for families of Veterans for the Service at Falkland Gardens and the reception on Walpole Park will be by ticket only and the space is limited.  Some limited car parking has been set aside for veterans in a short stay car park close to the event.  Once again access to this area will be restricted and entry will only be permitted on production of a valid ticket.

There is a charge for parking in ALL car parks in the Town Centre, however time allowed in this short stay park has been extended and will cost on 50 pence for the duration of the service and up until 1415 on Sunday 27th May for Veterans and pass holders only.  This car park has also been designated for disabled and permit holders.  Other car parks are available within walking distance of the Gardens and additional parking will be provided as overflow on Walpole Park South should it be needed.

Tickets for Access

Ticket for the event are being handled by the Falkland Veterans Foundation and details can be found by E mail at info@falklandsveterans.org.uk.  One ticket will gain entry for one person only into the restricted areas so Veteran + partner and 2 guests will require 4 tickets.  Because of space limitations, there is a limit on the number of guests who may be invited, contact the FVF for more details.

The Reception

On completion of the March Past a reception for Veterans and Military Freemen and guests will be hosted by the Mayor and Councillors of the Borough Council on Walpole Park.  Entry will be restricted to ticket holders only.  Tea, coffee and juice will be available.  A cash bar will operate within the marquee area.  The reception is expected to end at approx 1400.

Time Table of Events

1000     Veterans gather at the Bus Station

1020     Official guests not in the procession leave the Town Hall for Falkland Gardens

1025     Last ferry arrives at Gosport from Portsmouth.  RM band and Guard muster at the Town Hall

1030     Veterans and Military Freemen march onto the Esplanade de Royan from bus station.  RM Band and Guard step off from Town Hall

1035     Mayoral party leaves the Town Hall

1050     Mayoral party arrives at Ferry Gardens.  Rear Admiral party leaves Town Hall by car, greeted by the Mayor on arrival at Ferry Gardens

1055     General Salute by guard and band

1100     Service of Commemoration.  Reading of the Roll Call.  Laying of Floral Tributes

o/c     Mayoral party process to the Town Hall to receive the salute

1200 (approx)  The parade led by Her Majesty’s Royal Marines School of Music will lead the March Past and salute

o/c     Reception for Veterans and Military Freemen on Walpole Park hosted by The Worshipful Mayor of Gosport and Council

 

SATURDAY 26th MAY 2012

FVF are providing facilities for veterans to meet on Saturday 26th May.  The Warrant Officers mess at HMS Sultan will be open from 1600 to 2300 for all Veterans and families.  There will be a variety of entertainment and a bar will be open throughout.  Food outlets may be provided if numbers are sufficient.  A small charge of £5 will be levied to cover hire and staff.  To register for this event please e mail: info@falklandsveterans.org.uk as a guest list must be prepared for entry.

AND FINALLY, if you have any queries regarding attendance at this event please contact Derek (Smokey) Cole on Tel No 02392 511582 or 07850 793776 or Councillor Derek Kimber on 02392 552151

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO DURING SATURDAY 26TH MAY?

Why no visit the Falkland Exhibitions at the Submarine Museum or the Discovery Centre (Main Library) or at Explosion The Home of Naval Gun Fire.  All these attractions are within walking distance of the Gosport Ferry.  For more information visit the Gosport Borough Council website for links.