The FVF Falklands Veterans Foundation will be launched hopefully by the end of November. This will be the only charity dedicated to the Veterans and families of the Falklands War.
It has taken a lot of planning and lots of hard work to get it through as a charity, which we have been told will occur within the next two weeks.
The Trustees so far are: Jim Davidson, Simon Weston and Mike Osman. It is hoped that Lady Thatcher will be standing as Patron.
I am trying to get the web site up to provide a detailed view of the aims and objectives, though as many of you know I am plagued by problems with health at present.
This year has meant a lot to me and to have set two major projects away has helped to take its toll.
PLEASE help and support what we hope will be a major charity aimed at helping all those who served and received the South Atlantic Medal.
This is a major step forward with regards to the Veterans of the Falklands and their families and is well overdue in its begining, why I keep asking has it never been done before and why is it down to me again....
Never mind Colin its only pain was what it said on the sign....
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Falklands Veterans Charity
Falklands Veterans Charity
Last edited by ratso on Wed 01 Jan, 2003 6:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Falklands Veterans Foundation
www.fvf.org.uk www.yomp30.co.uk
Save the Fearless www.hmsfearless.co.uk
Give Her A Home So We Can All Remember
www.fvf.org.uk www.yomp30.co.uk
Save the Fearless www.hmsfearless.co.uk
Give Her A Home So We Can All Remember
I would just like to bring to your attention the fact that there is already a charity that helps holders of the South Atlantic Medal. So any claims for the FVF being the first are spurious. This is the Falklands branch of SAMA(82), which is a registered charity. Based in the Falklands this charity mainly helps out vets with visits to the islands to "lay the ghosts", and for many these visits work wonders.
Visit www.sama.horizon.co.fk for more info. So far we have raised over £40,000 and helped quite a few people out. Not least we recently organised the Falklands end of the SAMA(82) pilgrimage.
Regarding your desire to find some sort of accomodation in the Falkands. I think that you will find the SAMA(82) already has this in hand.
Cheers.
Visit www.sama.horizon.co.fk for more info. So far we have raised over £40,000 and helped quite a few people out. Not least we recently organised the Falklands end of the SAMA(82) pilgrimage.
Regarding your desire to find some sort of accomodation in the Falkands. I think that you will find the SAMA(82) already has this in hand.
Cheers.
Just to point a few things out CJ. (this is me speaking frankly and not on behalf of the FVF)
Yes we know about SAMA in the Falklands and my claim related to the UK. Which I also now know is not accurate.
In 1982 a charity was established and over 20 million pounds raised, known as the South Atlantic Fund, in the early 90's this fund was split between the main forces charities. It still has millions in the split fund BUT you try getting some of this money for a good cause or if you are a vet suffering.
My one bone of contention with the SAMA issue is quite simple, I am not a member. Yes I hear you say! Well not being a member precludes me from anything SAMA organizes such as the Pilgrimage, you had to be a member to be eligable to go. How many who weren't members or families were taken of those who lost their lives?
Some people I am speaking to are still waiting to hear if they are going on the Pilgrimage, not a good way to treat members.
How many people had flights paid for by SAMA other than the committee?
Yes people got help from the Forces charities.
I have a lot of issues with SAMA the main one is that they have been advised for five years not to be a charity in the UK, the person advising them works for the Army's charity, he was also the person instrimental in closing the South Atlantic Fund and distributing the funds. My last chat with him he waffled on telling me their was no need for another charity in one breath then said he was advising SAMA to register next year. Funny That!!!
With regards to the money raised by SAMA where does it all go? I would love to see the accounts (they should be open record) and many people I know have asked to see them and so far have not (that is the UK branch), the money raised by SAMA in the UK is taxable and does not benefit in any way from schemes the Government run. What a waste the Pilgrimage would have saved over 30,000 minimum if they had been a charity. Their financial adviser works for the largest Forces charity. How many flight tickets could have been paid for with what was spent minting Gold and Silver presentation medals for the FI Government and the Queen? As an association the members should be approached to agree on what happens with funds.
With regards to SAMA we had many discussions with them and I went to meet them in London at which time the main people agreed that what we were doing was good and they would like to be part of it, yes it's in their minutes for the meeting. Though we have tried many times to arrange meetings they seem to have hidden agendas.
The house idea was again something we discussed at length with SAMA months ago. The accomodation you refer to CJ is actually on West Falkland, a bit of a problem there with travel and lonelimess I would say.
We set out our stand to be a charity raising body to help all organisations with links to the Falklands Veterans their families and dependants. That is the charity.
Me well I just do not like what I see with regards to SAMA, yes they have done some good but out of over 29,000 medal holders they have life membership of just over 2,000. They raise a lot of money but where does it go?
They have helped many people but you have to be a member to get help!
As you can see I do not think that SAMA is the be all end all.
Yes I will have a lot of angry retort on this one, then I hope that you all read this then question it all the right way. I still think they have done some good BUT they could have done much more in five years.
The Reunion at Gosport was credited by many to SAMA when in fact it was one man Smokey Cole who set it all up and how much did SAMA contribute? NIL ZIP NOTHING!!!!!
Yet RJ stood up and said what a good job SAMA had done at the end of the night.....
Sorry All but as you know I speak my mind.
Yes we know about SAMA in the Falklands and my claim related to the UK. Which I also now know is not accurate.
In 1982 a charity was established and over 20 million pounds raised, known as the South Atlantic Fund, in the early 90's this fund was split between the main forces charities. It still has millions in the split fund BUT you try getting some of this money for a good cause or if you are a vet suffering.
My one bone of contention with the SAMA issue is quite simple, I am not a member. Yes I hear you say! Well not being a member precludes me from anything SAMA organizes such as the Pilgrimage, you had to be a member to be eligable to go. How many who weren't members or families were taken of those who lost their lives?
Some people I am speaking to are still waiting to hear if they are going on the Pilgrimage, not a good way to treat members.
How many people had flights paid for by SAMA other than the committee?
Yes people got help from the Forces charities.
I have a lot of issues with SAMA the main one is that they have been advised for five years not to be a charity in the UK, the person advising them works for the Army's charity, he was also the person instrimental in closing the South Atlantic Fund and distributing the funds. My last chat with him he waffled on telling me their was no need for another charity in one breath then said he was advising SAMA to register next year. Funny That!!!
With regards to the money raised by SAMA where does it all go? I would love to see the accounts (they should be open record) and many people I know have asked to see them and so far have not (that is the UK branch), the money raised by SAMA in the UK is taxable and does not benefit in any way from schemes the Government run. What a waste the Pilgrimage would have saved over 30,000 minimum if they had been a charity. Their financial adviser works for the largest Forces charity. How many flight tickets could have been paid for with what was spent minting Gold and Silver presentation medals for the FI Government and the Queen? As an association the members should be approached to agree on what happens with funds.
With regards to SAMA we had many discussions with them and I went to meet them in London at which time the main people agreed that what we were doing was good and they would like to be part of it, yes it's in their minutes for the meeting. Though we have tried many times to arrange meetings they seem to have hidden agendas.
The house idea was again something we discussed at length with SAMA months ago. The accomodation you refer to CJ is actually on West Falkland, a bit of a problem there with travel and lonelimess I would say.
We set out our stand to be a charity raising body to help all organisations with links to the Falklands Veterans their families and dependants. That is the charity.
Me well I just do not like what I see with regards to SAMA, yes they have done some good but out of over 29,000 medal holders they have life membership of just over 2,000. They raise a lot of money but where does it go?
They have helped many people but you have to be a member to get help!
As you can see I do not think that SAMA is the be all end all.
Yes I will have a lot of angry retort on this one, then I hope that you all read this then question it all the right way. I still think they have done some good BUT they could have done much more in five years.
The Reunion at Gosport was credited by many to SAMA when in fact it was one man Smokey Cole who set it all up and how much did SAMA contribute? NIL ZIP NOTHING!!!!!
Yet RJ stood up and said what a good job SAMA had done at the end of the night.....
Sorry All but as you know I speak my mind.
Falklands Veterans Foundation
www.fvf.org.uk www.yomp30.co.uk
Save the Fearless www.hmsfearless.co.uk
Give Her A Home So We Can All Remember
www.fvf.org.uk www.yomp30.co.uk
Save the Fearless www.hmsfearless.co.uk
Give Her A Home So We Can All Remember
How can you substantiate your claim that SAMA(82) Falklands is not related to SAMA UK? Of course it's related, it's finances and the people running it are independet of the SAMA UK, and of course it's a registered charity, but the two committess work together.
Your points regarding SAMA in the UK may well be true. In fact the lack of accountability is a major concern. But these points do not apply to SAMA(82) Falklands.
However, and it's a big HOWEVER, SAMA(82) Falklands is a very real charity, and publicly accountable, and raises it's money separetly from SAMA (UK). If fact if vet where to contact them I am sure that they will help even if that vet was not a member of SAMA UK, I'm pretty sure that it has already happened.
The house on West Falkland is I agree a waste of time, but it was a donation, and charities can't look a gift horse in the mouth. I understand that there are plans to purchase somewhere more sensible, if not there should be. Perhaps you should contact SAMA(82), Falklands and work together on this.
I never said that SAMA was a be all and end all. But SAMA(82) Falkands is a lot closer to what you are trying to do. My main reason in writing a message here was to point out to you that your claim to be the first charity helping 82 vets was bogus, maybe you are the first charity in the UK, but certainly not the first.
CJ
Your points regarding SAMA in the UK may well be true. In fact the lack of accountability is a major concern. But these points do not apply to SAMA(82) Falklands.
However, and it's a big HOWEVER, SAMA(82) Falklands is a very real charity, and publicly accountable, and raises it's money separetly from SAMA (UK). If fact if vet where to contact them I am sure that they will help even if that vet was not a member of SAMA UK, I'm pretty sure that it has already happened.
The house on West Falkland is I agree a waste of time, but it was a donation, and charities can't look a gift horse in the mouth. I understand that there are plans to purchase somewhere more sensible, if not there should be. Perhaps you should contact SAMA(82), Falklands and work together on this.
I never said that SAMA was a be all and end all. But SAMA(82) Falkands is a lot closer to what you are trying to do. My main reason in writing a message here was to point out to you that your claim to be the first charity helping 82 vets was bogus, maybe you are the first charity in the UK, but certainly not the first.
CJ
CJ WHERE DID i SAY THE TWO WERE NOT RELATED??????
I agree my statement was not worded well but then whose is on here.
If both branches of SAMA are supposed to be linked then why is it that both work totally seperatly, and who is accountable to whom. As with any association if SAMA Falklands is a branch then it is accountable to SAMA UK.
I also point out that I was also wrong about the FVF being the first Charity for Falklands Veterans. Credit for this goes back to 1982 when the papers started raising millions (over 20 mill ).
This fund is still around though as I have said above it has now been split, something I totally disagree with, why did it get split? Who made the decission to split it? Was it done legally? It was set up to benefit veterans why is it now so hard to get any money from the Charities which are now custodians of this money? Do the charities have the right to have individual guide lines as to its use, should they not all have the same guide lines?
I feel this money should be put back under one banner not split between several as it can only be swallowed up eventually by these charities, which is exactly what they are trying to do.
If you agree with these funds being split, or feel that they should be under one banner let me know.
I know what I feel, this money was given by people like my dad to be used to help all veterans. As he said what good is it doing, sat doing nothing thats not why I gave it.
I agree with him with over three million still in the fund since 1993 why is it that it was split, even if it was being used unwisely, surely all they needed to do was change the way it was being used not close the doors (which I am sure is not legal) and split the money between some of the richest charities in the Uk never to be used, or used very rarely.
Just to point out I am not saying that the FVF should necessarily be the custodians of this money, and the FVF was never set up with this in mind. Also I never knew, as I dare say most of you are the same, that this money was still there. I thought it had all been spent, then I never knew they raised so much.
What I am saying is that when it was set up it was to meet the needs of that time, the needs have changed and the use of this money should change with the needs of those it was set up to benefit.
I need a vote to find out how strongly you all feel on this I think.
I agree my statement was not worded well but then whose is on here.
If both branches of SAMA are supposed to be linked then why is it that both work totally seperatly, and who is accountable to whom. As with any association if SAMA Falklands is a branch then it is accountable to SAMA UK.
I also point out that I was also wrong about the FVF being the first Charity for Falklands Veterans. Credit for this goes back to 1982 when the papers started raising millions (over 20 mill ).
This fund is still around though as I have said above it has now been split, something I totally disagree with, why did it get split? Who made the decission to split it? Was it done legally? It was set up to benefit veterans why is it now so hard to get any money from the Charities which are now custodians of this money? Do the charities have the right to have individual guide lines as to its use, should they not all have the same guide lines?
I feel this money should be put back under one banner not split between several as it can only be swallowed up eventually by these charities, which is exactly what they are trying to do.
If you agree with these funds being split, or feel that they should be under one banner let me know.
I know what I feel, this money was given by people like my dad to be used to help all veterans. As he said what good is it doing, sat doing nothing thats not why I gave it.
I agree with him with over three million still in the fund since 1993 why is it that it was split, even if it was being used unwisely, surely all they needed to do was change the way it was being used not close the doors (which I am sure is not legal) and split the money between some of the richest charities in the Uk never to be used, or used very rarely.
Just to point out I am not saying that the FVF should necessarily be the custodians of this money, and the FVF was never set up with this in mind. Also I never knew, as I dare say most of you are the same, that this money was still there. I thought it had all been spent, then I never knew they raised so much.
What I am saying is that when it was set up it was to meet the needs of that time, the needs have changed and the use of this money should change with the needs of those it was set up to benefit.
I need a vote to find out how strongly you all feel on this I think.
Falklands Veterans Foundation
www.fvf.org.uk www.yomp30.co.uk
Save the Fearless www.hmsfearless.co.uk
Give Her A Home So We Can All Remember
www.fvf.org.uk www.yomp30.co.uk
Save the Fearless www.hmsfearless.co.uk
Give Her A Home So We Can All Remember
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martin walkinshaw
- Member
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Mon 10 Mar, 2003 7:28 pm
- Location: taunton
looking forward
gentlemen my name is martin walkinshaw the somerset rep for the south atlantic medal association. three years ago i went pete tong and was put into a position where my choices were limited to two. first choice and i am going to be perfectly frank, to take my own life because i could see no other way of dealing with the absolute mahem that was my life. my insides constanly shook and probably the outsides most of the time aswell, not knowing why, and not, more importantly, having anywheere to turn to. i lost three and a half stones in three months and could not step foot outside let alone string a sentence together, man that was hard going. taking off from the lsl sir percival in a gazelle immediately after we had lost two of the same, was less daunting. with the pressures of my father taking his own life and knowing resulting problems, there was no way that i was going to put my children through the same ordeal. you can understand my dilema when i recieved a phonecall from a very dear friend who i had known since 1978, jacko jackson. although jacko obviously new how much suffering i was going through, how could i admit to the guy i had worked alongside in the corps. it was probably about a week later at about three in the morning after a good session, and i aint just talkin drink! i rang jacko absolutely destitute balling my eyes out uncontrolabley. i am now in a position to be able to do the same for anyone in the same position and preferabley before they get to the stage that i was at. sama82 has helped not only me but a great deal of people and not only veterans of our conflict. i am absolutely posative that the fvf will achieve an enormous ammount and if both sama and the fvf change one persons life that must make it all worthwhile. however, we all know that there is so much work to be done, especially with the current situation. it is sad to see that politics, one of the main reasons that we find ourselves in the position that we are in today, can interfere with the fabulous work done by both sama and the fvf. semantics and politics do not suit us lets leave that to the people who kid themselves that they can. the house that cj rightly said is on the west island and was heart wrenchingly donated by mrs norma edwards and her husband( thak you so much norma!) and as for its location its actually 8000 miles closer than number 1 maxwell st!!! yours very seriously and sincerely marti.
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harry hackedoff
- Member
- Posts: 14415
- Joined: Tue 19 Feb, 2002 12:00 am
Well done Marti, hardest step taken! Now then young sir, may I interest you in a 30 mile therapy session, especially if 'you are still adjusting toi the mainstream'. 
You know you want to, and no, flying boots won't hack it! 
You know you want to, and no, flying boots won't hack it! You should talk to somebody who gives a f**k.
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El Presidente
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El Presidente
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martin walkinshaw
- Member
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Mon 10 Mar, 2003 7:28 pm
- Location: taunton
thirty miler?
el prez my man, been very obvious from some of the replys to this adventure that the safety wagon is going to be toppers! i would depending on dates be more than happy to attend the debrief and support the event. at present i am attempting to orginise two fundraising events in taunton for the somerset branch of sama82. the first will take place on the 1st june with two live bands,( one of which has a veteran of the conflict), a bbq and dj. the other will be a top table dinner at somerset county cricket club. i intend to hold in conjunction with both events a raffle and auction, and have a few interesting donations up to now, however if anyone feels they can donate anything for either then i would be forever gratefull. yorkie malone mentioned that simon bywater might consider donating a signed copy of his book, please give me a buzz simon if that would be poss.
appreciate the offer of putting myself through 30 miles of sheer pleasure, however if i can be of any help please do not hesitate to get in touch!! take care all and be safe. marti w
appreciate the offer of putting myself through 30 miles of sheer pleasure, however if i can be of any help please do not hesitate to get in touch!! take care all and be safe. marti w
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harry hackedoff
- Member
- Posts: 14415
- Joined: Tue 19 Feb, 2002 12:00 am
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harry hackedoff
- Member
- Posts: 14415
- Joined: Tue 19 Feb, 2002 12:00 am
Don`t start.
About six months, since you ask.
Phot termorrer, by e-mail and you won`t be so sure of yerself.
Not once you`ve seen it. Er, I mean"her" of course
About six months, since you ask.
Phot termorrer, by e-mail and you won`t be so sure of yerself.
Not once you`ve seen it. Er, I mean"her" of course
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