From Our Chairman Colin Roberts CVO: Greetings at Christmas after a Difficult Year

AS WE approach the end of a difficult year, I thought I would write a few words to bring you up to date with what the Friends have been doing and to look ahead to 2021. In more normal times we would have held our AGM in the Spring, but as this fell in the middle of the first lockdown it did not seem feasible. Since then we have all been able to learn more about the scope for low cost virtual meetings and I am confident that in 2021 we will be able to come together, either in person or virtually to hold our AGM.

       It has, of course, also been a challenging time in Stanley for the Museum and Archive. The Museum in particular has had to make do without the flow of tourists in the austral summer. We have remained in close touch with Stanley throughout the year. Despite the impact of Covid on their visitors and their finances, they have kept busy, including with an imaginative programme of events for the local community.

       I am pleased that through the efforts of our Trustees we have been able to secure at auction in the UK and Germany three collections of memorabilia relating to WW2. Two of these are the letters, photos and other papers of men who served in the Falklands during the war. The other is a collection of one of the crew of the Graf Spee. Together these items, which we are sending to Stanley for conservation and examination, will make a significant contribution to their Second World War holdings. Unfortunately we were outbid in our attempts to secure some Antarctic items.

       Separately, we have received two gifts on behalf of the Museum and Archive: a set of historic French prints of Port Louis from a benefactor; and a collection of old film reels found in the Falkland Islands Government Office in London.

       The Museum continues its work to construct a new building to house the larger items in its collection (aircraft, vehicles etc). We have reconfirmed our commitment to contribute a substantial sum to this project and stand ready to assist with their fundraising in the UK.

       At our AGM in 2019 we noted with sadness the death earlier last year of our long serving Membership Secretary David Langridge. Derek Howett was subsequently elected to replace David and is busily engaged on plans to expand our membership and ensure members are more involved in and informed about the Friends’ work.

       I should also let you know that Bill Featherstone, who has managed our finances since the creation of this charity, is handing over the treasurership to Richard Holme. At the last (virtual) trustees’ meeting we thanked Bill for his excellent service and welcomed Richard on board. Richard is currently busy taking over and will stand for formal election at the next AGM.

       On behalf of all the Trustees I thank you for your support in the last year, look forward to working with you in 2021 and wish you as happy a Christmas as is possible in the circumstances.