National Armed Forces Day, Edinburgh

As everyone is aware the National Armed Forces Day takes place in Edinburgh with a programme of events taking place over the weekend of 24th – 26th June. The main event being a march of Service Units and Veterans from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile, to Holyrood Park on Saturday 25th June 2011.

The South Atlantic Medal Association is detachment 20 in the procession of Veterans and our National Standard will be on parade. This is an opportunity for Veterans of the 1982 conflict to gather and parade to remind people of what was achieved in 1982.

SAMA 82 hope that veterans will join them in Edinburgh and take their rightful place in the marching detachment os Falklands Veterans and help remind the public what was achieved in their name and of the high human cost involved.

Please support us on National Armed Forces Day in Edinburgh. Our detachment is open to all those who wear the South Atlantic Medal, not least those in the Merchant Navy who also suffered injury and hardship under fire in the South Atlantic waters.

On Saturday 25th June the muster point for the marching detachments is Johnstone Terrance adjacent to Edinburgh Castle and we are asked to assemble at 1020 hrs. Look for detachment (No. 20) where you will find our Standard Bearer and others who like you, belong to that unique group of Veterans who wear the South Atlantic Medal.

Prior to the Muster there will be a laying of a SAMA Wreath at the Falklands Conflict Memorial in Princes Street Gardens at 1000 hrs. We will be assembling at 0955 hrs at the Princes Street Garden gate (opposite the Next shop).

Please support us in ensuring that this is a memorable tribute to our ‘Fallen Comrades and Absent Friends’.

SAMA (82) Wales – 30th Anniversary Fundraiser Raffle

SAMA Wales wish to say thank you to all those who have supported this fundraising raffle and ask that anyone who has not yet returned their counterfoils does so by 17th June 2011.

The draw will take place at 5 pm on Saturday 25th June 2011 at Armed Forces Day, Cardiff.

Good Luck everyone.

Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC)

Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) formerly known as War Pensions Committees have existed since the 1920’s, supporting war pensioners and making recommendations to the government and its agencies.

There are now 13 VAPCs throughout the United kingdom, with a separate committee in the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland.

The committees can at any time, assist individuals with a problem or complaint they have regarding War Pensions or SPVA.

VAPC’s will be a regional focus providing advice, assistance and support to the Service and ex-Service community and local public service providers –

Advising all public bodies on the needs of veterans and their families

Raising awareness with public bodies and the local community about the needs of veterans

Assisting and providing guidance on accessing public services, assisting with claims and complaints (including War Pension and Armed Forces Compensation Schemes).

For details of your regional office please contact the SAMA Office

Are you attending Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph

Do you intend to march in the SAMA (82) platoon? If so, you MUST send in a stamped self addressed envelope to the office

We are 3/4 of the way to filling our quota of tickets. You must apply now to be sure of a place. Contact the office for further information if you want to know more about the day.

Also, if you want to stay for the lunch afterwards, this will be in the Feathers Public House, a short walk away and for the ‘Bangers and Mash’ lunch please send a cheque/postal order for £6.50 when you reserve your ticket. Lunches must be pre-booked.

Not Forgotten Association Events

Wimbledon Tennis Day – 20th June Boat Trip Stockton on Tees – 9th August Interservices Twenty20 Cricket – 28th June Cruise Loch Lomond – 8th August

The office has received invitations from the Not Forgotten Association for the above events.

For more information please contact the office by telephone (mornings) or by e mail.

Book Signing at the Falcon Hotel, Bromyard, Herefordshire.

On 28th May 2011, Fred Clark (Falkland Islands) will be signing copies of his novel DRY ICE at the above hotel between 11am and 3pm.

Fred Clark who is one of our Falkland Island members, has written the novel DRY ICE which is based on the invasion of the Falkland Islands in 82. You are invited to go along and have a chat with him on the day.

Wimbledon Tennis Championships 2011

The Not Forgotten Association have kindly invited 4 of our members to be their guests at this event, on Monday 20th June 2011

The Not Forgotten Association have kindly invited 4 of our members to be their guests at Wimbledon on Monday 20th June 2011. Seats will be either on Centre Court or No 1 Court and guests should be aware that some walking is required and stairs need to be negotiated.

Tea will be provided by the Wimbledon Authorities and male guests must wear jackets and ties at this tea.

If you are in receipt of a War Pension/Disability and would like to put your name forward, please contact the office.

Please be aware that this is for Medal Holders only, however if a carer is required then this can be accommodated.

South Atlantic Medal Found

SAMA (82) office are trying to reunite a SAM with its owner.

We are seeking the whereabouts of Marine P White who served with 3CDO. If you know of his whereabouts we would be grateful for the information so that we can reunite him with his medal.