Paul Morgan and I were sad to hear the passing of a lady who has helped many veterans retuning to the falklands. Ellen Davis was the manager of Liberty Lodge in Port Stanly and was known as “mum” by many. She wasn’t only the manager but also a great councillor for many who confided in her. She was a tower of strength and a rock to those suffering with laying ghosts to rest.

I have been planning a memorial bench for some time here in South Wales and thought the Falklands memorial rock in Cardiff an idealistic place to have one. However the council have thrown the idea out and will not grant permission.

Un-thwarted I pressed on with my plan for a memorial bench and have come up with the idea of the bench to be placed in the grounds of St Marie’s church Swansea under the stain glass window. I have contacted Pierre who is the SAMA Wales vicar who intern has spoken to the Dean on the subject of erecting the bench. It seems like permission will be granted so here we are looking for kind donations towards this.

We’re aware that there has been a plan put into place for a memorial service to Ellen on the 28th of September in Oxfordshire which I’ve no doubt there will be no dry eye in the place. A fitting final tribute to this remarkable lady is to have a Welsh slate engraved and dresses taken to the Falklands to be hung in liberty Lodge as a thank you from the Welsh veterans and the people of Wales.

Having spoken to Paul about the bench and the slate he’s asked if we could incorporate a dedication to Ellen on the bench. I think this is a marvellous idea.

If you’d like to donate please feel free. Thanks in advance Paul S and Paul M