Falklands Veterans
The Falklands Veterans Foundation
Incorporating Liberty Lodge

The first UK based charity for
Falklands Veterans and their Immediate Families

The Falklands Veterans Foundation (FVF) - Liberty Lodge

Liberty Lodge

Liberty Lodge is now firmly established in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, at a cost of £350,000. The accommodation is for Veterans of the Falklands War of 1982 and their families, NoK of those killed in action and present day service personnel who are serving in the South Atlantic.

During 'Falklands25', the Commemoration Year, Derek 'Smokey' Cole (CEO, Falklands Veterans Foundation) got together with Tony Davies to raise the remaining funds for the project when the awareness of the Falklands War was at its height.

The FVF would like to thank the Falkland Island Government, people of the Falkland Islands, all major Service Charities, visiting Veterans and all supporters of the FVF since its conception. We would like to especially thank Sodexo, Falkland Island Company and Stanley Services for their continued support in providing yearly donations to Liberty Lodge.

This has allowed the charity to produce and maintain first class accommodation in the form of Liberty Lodge as a peaceful and tranquil place for Veterans and their families to return to after visiting the battlefields and significant locations, which are poignant to them.


The Falkland Island Government leased the land at Rowlands Rise at a 'peppercorn' rent to the Falklands Veterans Foundation, to enable a place of residence to be built in Stanley, the capital of the Falklands Islands, for Falklands Veterans, their families, Next of Kin of those Killed in Action and present day service personnel who are serving in the South Atlantic, when the Lodge is not in use by Veterans and their families.

The Stewart Milne Group, Aberdeen, Scotland, produced the timber framed building. The company liaised with local Scottish companies to supply all the fixtures, fittings and utility equipment required and it was all shipped to the Falkland Islands from Marchwood in Southampton.

Ian Stewart Construction Limited, based in Stanley, FI received the containers on behalf of the FVF and started construction in October 2008.

The naming of Liberty Lodge came about when all the school children in Stanley took part in a competition to choose a name for the building. This was very successful, lots of children took part and the name of Liberty Lodge, which was proposed by John Perrens, was chosen.

Liberty Lodge is a self-catering facility with 3 twin rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and a self-contained twin bed flat. At full capacity the Lodge can sleep up to 12 people.

The Lodge boasts a large communal kitchen/diner to prepare and enjoy your meals, utility room and a spacious lounge, which overlooks a beautiful view of Stanley Harbour. It is maintained to the highest of standards.

The Lodge has been fully utilised since opening in February 2009 by Veterans, families and serving members of HM Forces.


Falklands Veterans
Cutting the First Sod - Feb 2008. Left to Right: Kevin Ormand, Derek Cole, Tony Davies, Ian Stewart

Falklands Veterans
Foundations

Falklands Veterans
Erection of First Wall Panel

Falklands Veterans
Erection of West Wall Panel - Ian Stewart

Falklands Veterans
The Main Entrance

Falklands Veterans
Mercian Regiment - Landscaping the garden

Falklands Veterans
Cubs planting spring bulbs

Falklands Veterans
Veterans entertaining volunteer drivers as a thank you

Falklands Veterans
Veterans enjoying a hearty breakfast

Falklands Veterans
Members of Parliament visiting Liberty Lodge and meeting Veterans

Falklands Veterans
The Margaret Thatcher Lounge

Falklands Veterans
Liberty Lodge in the snow

Formal Opening of Liberty Lodge

An opening ceremony took place on 3 February 2009 and Liberty Lodge was opened by Air Commodore Gordon Moulds MBE, Commander British Forces, Falkland Islands, who served in the Falklands during the War in 1982, assisted by John Perrens and witnessed by His Excellency The Governor of the Falkland Islands, members of the Falkland Island Government, Derek 'Smokey' Cole, CEO FVF, Tony Davies OBE, (Chairman, FVF), Russell Thompson OBE, Royal British Legion's Director of National Events and Fundraising and our many sponsors in the Falkland Islands.

The four photos below were supplied by 'Norman Clark Photography, FI'


Falklands Veterans
Opening Speech - Derek 'Smokey' Cole, also in frame Tony Davies OBE & Russell Thompson OBE - Director of National Events and Fundraising - Royal British Legion

Falklands Veterans
Air Commodore Moulds MBE & John Perrens

Falklands Veterans
Derek 'Smokey' Cole, CEO FVF presenting gift to John Perrens

Falklands Veterans
Opening Tour at Liberty Lodge

Booking Accommodation at Liberty Lodge

To book accommodation at Liberty Lodge please send your request to fvf@libertylodge.co.fk. All booking enquiries must be made via email. You will need to inform us of the dates you wish to be accommodated at the Lodge. You will receive an email confirming your booking if space is available at the Lodge. Upon receipt of this email you may use the address of Liberty Lodge for the duration of your visit to the Falkland Islands.

The allocation of accommodation at Liberty Lodge is on a 'first come first served' basis. Please be aware that you would be sharing an en-suite bedroom if the Lodge is at full capacity and each room can sleep up to three guests.

A laptop is provided for communal use and Wi-fi is available. Wi-fi and telephone cards can be purchased from the Lodge Manager. Towels and all bedding are provided.

Bookings can only be made on an individual basis.

Concessionary Flight Scheme

The MoD have kindly agreed to continue the Concessionary Flight Scheme which allows holders of the South Atlantic Medal 1982 to fly on the Falklands Airbridge. This makes travelling to the Falkland Islands so much easier and affordable. If you would like an Application Pack please apply to:

The Secretary
SAMA82
Unit 25 Torfaen Business Centre
Panteg Way
New Inn
Pontypool
Gwent NP4 0LS

Tel: 01495 741592
Email: conflight@sama82.org.uk
Website: www.sama82.org.uk.

PLEASE NOTE:
If you fly via the Concessionary Flight Scheme you will be notified approx. 1 week prior to your flight date.



Falklands Veterans
Falklands Veterans
Falklands Veterans
Falklands Veterans
Falklands Veterans
Falklands Veterans
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Falklands Veterans

Falklands Veterans

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