The Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel, in Pangbourne in Berkshire, was opened in March 2000 by Her Majesty The Queen. It is a place where people can go to commemorate the lives and sacrifices of those who died in the South Atlantic in 1982 and the courage of the thousands of servicemen and women who served with them to protect the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity has given the Trust a donation of £11,500 towards their Annual Service costs, welfare leaflet and yearly newsletter. The newsletter is the Chapel’s main information vehicle which is issued to over 2,300 veterans, families, and supporters for the news of forthcoming services and events as well as being an archive of past happenings and comment.
The grant will also cover the cost of providing food and refreshment for the Annual June Service of Remembrance. This is a gathering of up to 600 veterans, veterans reunion groups, families, and serving personnel. This year’s service will be held at 12 noon on Sunday 17th June 2018.
The Chairman of the Trust, Major General Jeff Mason, stated: “This is wonderful news from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity – it means that we not only support the next-of-kin of those who died in the Falklands, but also those veterans from the campaign, by providing the means to communicate with those connected with the Chapel, and continuing to provide an Annual Service which allows all to remember those who gave their lives in the Conflict. Thank you to The Soldiers’ Charity.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity adds: “The Falkland Islands Memorial Trust helps families and friends remember their loved ones who lost their lives in battle. Our grant helps towards supporting the cost of veterans and family members having access to pastoral support and advice throughout each year, or to arrange financial assistance to access the Chapel events and facilities when needed, by providing travel and accommodation allowances. Thank you for all the hard work you do to make the tough times that little bit easier.”
Find out more about the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel here.