The Falklands Veterans Foundation (FVF)

I am writing to announce that the Trustees of the Falklands Veterans Foundation made the decision to retire last year from what has been one of the most honorable, rewarding and enjoyable times of their careers. The FVF ceased trading on 31 December 2023 and are taking the relevant steps to dissolve the charity.

Before moving on I would like to express the sadness of the FVF Trustees on hearing that Mr Gary Butler our Company Secretary and Governance Officer, passed away suddenly on 21 July 2024. The support he showed to the Trustees since his appointment in 2009 has been second to none. His family are in our thoughts at this sad time.

I would like to take this opportunity of reminding people that it is the Trustees of a charity that make decisions and work as a team, and I can assure you that our beneficiaries always came first and foremost and this has been evidenced by the success achieved over the past years. Having been Chairman of the FVF for the past 13 years, I would like to say those that know me will know that every decision taken over that time has been chaired by me with the total support of all the Trustees. Nothing has ever been done by any individual that resulted in anything untoward.

Further to my statement made previously, regarding the running of the FVF, with the Trustees support I would like to again clarify a few points, my reasoning for this is because I remain extremely dismayed by the continuing viscous attacks on the FVF and in particular those aimed at Smokey and Karen Cole. I can assure you that both Smokey and Karen have worked tirelessly for the FVF over the years with one aim, and that was to ensure the beneficiaries of the FVF received the highest level of service and respect at all times. I am personally astounded that the dedication and excellent work they have done continues to be slighted for reasons that are beyond me.

I can confirm that the FVF received an enquiry from the Charity Commission (CC) in 2022 with regards to a Trustee and connected party being paid, the Trustees sought legal advice, supplied the CC with the documentation they requested, including signed service agreements and it was accepted that an honest mistake had been made with regards to seeking approval for the payment of services to Smokey Cole as the CEO and his wife Karen as the Operations Manager, I can confirm that the FVF Trustees acted on the CC's advice.

I can further confirm that not all of these payments were made from donations, the administration costs had been accounted for and provided in the form of a grant that we received in 2016. The Trustees were open and transparent about the payments made in their annual accounts; nothing was hidden. The CC have been regularly updated on all the decisions that the Trustees have made since October 2022.

Now onto a more positive note. The FVF was first formed in 2002 and since its conception we have been dedicated to assisting Veterans, their families and families of those whose loved ones paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Our achievements over the years are too long to list but of course receiving the LIBOR grant allowed us to purchase full fare flights for Veterans and NoK/immediate family, we supported bereaved families, liaised with other service charities to assist Falklands Veterans and family members, arranged events so Veterans and families were able to get together and talk about their experiences and creating a strong bond with the Falkland Islands Community. Most importantly of all Liberty Lodge was built which gave those returning to the Falklands a tranquil place to stay whilst coming to terms with any distress and trauma they may be suffering with since the conflict. Liberty Lodge is quite unique in this respect.

With the permission of the Falkland Island Government, the FVF assigned the lease of Liberty Lodge to a Falkland Island Charity in November 2023 and the Trustees agreed unanimously that all the FVF's remaining financial funds be transferred to this charity, FVF Liberty Lodge FI. FVF Liberty Lodge FI will continue managing the Lodge for as long as Veterans and families wish to return to the Islands, it was only right that the Trustees chose a charity where the legacy would continue for the benefit of the beneficiaries and we wish them all the very best for the future.

If you are a Veteran or family member wishing to return to the Falkland Islands and would like to book accommodation at Liberty Lodge, then all you need to do is email fvf@libertylodge.co.fk and you will be given all the information that you need. If you would like to continue supporting Liberty Lodge, then please visit their website: https://libertylodgefi.com.

NB: All the FVF's regular donors were informed in Nov 23 that we were closing our donation platform and permission was sought of those to share their details with the FI Charity, unfortunately only a few replied. Those names/details were passed onto the new charity.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the organisations and each and every person who provided financial donations or voluntary support over the past years. Without your commitment, kindness and support the FVF would not have been able to achieve the valuable and positive outcomes for its beneficiaries, for this we are eternally grateful, thank you.

Finally, I would like to say I personally have a feeling of great pride and satisfaction of all we, (the FVF Team), both here in the UK and the Islands have achieved over the years. In 2023, Derek 'Smokey' Cole was awarded the Falkland Islands Kings Certificate and Badge of Honour in recognition of meritorious services given to the Falkland Islands, supporting Veterans returning to the Falkland Islands, including establishing Liberty Lodge. A huge debt of gratitude must go to both Smokey and Karen Cole for all they accomplished over the years on behalf of Veterans and family members. Their dedication and hard work knew no bounds.

Tony Davies OBE
FVF Chairman