Plans are now complete for a day of commemoration and reflection to be hosted in Carlisle on Saturday 14th May, as 2022 sees the 40th anniversary of the end of the Falklands conflict.
The event will start with a military parade at 1pm marching from Carlisle Cathedral to the war memorial where there will be a short service and the laying of wreaths. The parade will be led by Pipe Major Steven Duffy, veteran of the Scots Guards who saw active service in the Falklands conflict, and residents from across Carlisle and Cumbria are encouraged to line the route.
A service of commemoration will then be held at St Cuthbert’s Church at 2pm led by Padre David Cooper, Padre to 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment during the Falkland’s campaign. Members of the public are very welcome to join the service and there will be tea served afterwards at the Tithe Barn.
On the evening of 14th May, there will be a formal commemorative dinner to be held at the Station Hotel, Carlisle. Tickets for the dinner are available to purchase from 08am 1st March (until 08am 14th April) via Skiddle.
The event is being organised by a group of people which includes Carlisle resident Rachel Simons who grew up in Stanley during the Falkland’s conflict, Carlisle Falkland’s Veteran Howard Foster, and Canon Jim Hyslop of St. Cuthbert’s Church whose son Richard Hyslop was appointed the Falkland Island’s Government Representative to the UK in 2019. This group is being supported by local Carlisle MP John Stevenson.
Speaking John said, ‘I am delighted than plans are now in place for the event with a great deal of interest being shown both locally and nationally. The Falkland’s conflict was a significant moment in British history and it is important that we do not forget those that made the ultimate sacrifice. I would be very pleased to see as many people as possible come along on the day, honouring those that took part in the conflict.’
Howard Foster, a Forward Observation Officer with the 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment during the conflict said, ‘I have been delighted with the amount of interest being show in the event from Falklands veterans all over the country and I am hoping to welcome as many as possible with their families on the day.’
Rachel Simons added, “I’m grateful that we have this opportunity to commemorate peace and freedom being returned to the Falkland Islands, to honour those who gave so much.”