MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Veterans 'Liberty Lodge' opens in Falklands

L. Tony Davies, Smokey Cole and Russell Thompson

LIBERTY Lodge, built in the Falklands to house visiting British Falklands War veterans, was officially opened last night by the Commander British Forces Falkland Islands.

Chairman of the South Atlantic Medal Association (82) Lt Col Tony Davies MBE emphasised the lodge was, "?not intended to cut across the rapport between veterans and the people of the Falklands," and in fact he hoped the house, "?will become part of the community." He said visiting veterans had been absolutely dependent on the hospitality of Islanders for many years and the lodge was in no shape or form intended to affect the close bond that had been created as a result. The idea for the four bedroom lodging house was the brainchild of Derek (Smokey) Cole of the Falklands Veteran's Foundation. He and Tony Davies made the decision to attempt to raise funds and were boosted by a generous gift of £90,000 from The Royal British Legion. Russell Thompson, Director of Fundraising for the RBL attended the opening on Tuesday along with British Forces representatives, Falkland Islands Government officials and many other sponsors and donators to the cause. After an opening address Reverend Richard Hines conducted a short service of dedication. This was followed by the opening and naming ceremony by Air Commodore Moulds and Master John Perrens, the young man who came up with the idea for the name 'Liberty Lodge'. Guests were given a tour of the bright and spacious house in East Stanley. Furniture for the lodge was purchased in Montevideo, Uruguay, and the house was built by local company, Ian Stuart Construction Ltd. Construction company owner Ian Stuart said the wooden kit house building took approximately one year to build from start to finish. One of the rooms has been named the 'Sir Rex Hunt Suite' in honour of the Governor of the Falkland Islands at the time of the Argentine invasion on April 2, 1982. The attractively decorated lodge is situated high on the hill overlooking the harbour and has a spectacular view of both the Narrows (the entrance to Stanley Harbour) and part of Port William behind. Visiting veterans will have easy access to shops and pubs in the centre of Stanley confirmed manager Anya Cofre. When not in use by war veterans the lodge will be open for use by members of the Armed Forces serving in the South Atlantic. By Lisa Johnson – SeAled PR – Stanley

Categories: Politics, Falkland Islands.

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