Simon Weston O.B.E. Chairman
Simon is often referred to as the face of the Falklands after that fateful day, 8 June 1982, when he was a young Welsh Guardsman aboard the Sir Galahad during the Falklands War. His sheer determination not to allow what happened to him in 1982 rule his life, has given hope and encouragement to many.

Simon is in great demand as an inspirational guest speaker, which has seen him travel all over the UK and Europe.

Simon remains a tireless worker for charities and was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 1992 and awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool in 2002.

Mike Osman
Mike served with the Royal Navy as a Marine Engineering Mechanic and left in 1982, shortly before the Falklands War. He has strong links with the Armed Forces, appearing often at special events. He is also a Vice President of the British Forces Foundation.

Mike became a full time professional entertainer as an impressionist in 1984. His famous impressions range from former Prime Minister John Major, Bruce Forsyth and Chris Tarrant, naming but a few.

Mike is a well-respected radio presenter and entertainer and became a successful After Dinner Speaker in the early 1990s and still is today.

Derek ‘Smokey’ Cole
Derek, most commonly known as ‘Smokey’ served onboard HMS Intrepid as a POMEM(M) during the Falklands War.

After leaving the Royal Navy in 1996, after serving 25 years, he set up his own Entertainment Agency, which he still runs today. During this time he has worked with several well-known celebrities and has always kept close links with the military. He is an Ambassador of the British Forces Foundation.

Derek arranged several Falkland Reunions in Gosport and was also highly involved in the organisation of ‘Falklands 25’ in London.

Derek was nominated as the CEO, FVF in 2002 and became a Trustee in 2005 due to his passion in ensuring that the Liberty Lodge Project came to fruition.

Jim Davidson O.B.E.
Jim is firmly established as one of Britain’s most popular entertainers and one of the country’s finest comedians.

Jim was one of the founding Trustees of the FVF but due to his impending move from the UK in 2005 became a Life Vice Patron. The FVF is proud to have him associated with the charity.

Highlights of an outstanding career have included five visits to the Falkland Islands, and engagements throughout the world entertaining British service personnel. Jim launched The British Forces Foundation in 1999 to promote the well-being and esprit de corps of service personnel.

Jim presented a British Forces Foundation and BBC One TV special from HMS Invincible, ‘Homeward Bound for Christmas’ and in 2002 he filmed ‘Jim Davidson Falklands Bound’, which was screened during the 20th Anniversary of the end of the hostilities. In July 2003 ‘Jim Davidson Basra Bound’ was screened on BBC One and further BBC TV Specials of his live stand-up show followed.

Gary Butler

Ellen Davis
Ellen was born in Stanley, Falklands Islands. She spent most of her childhood at Goose Green and at the young age of 14 went to work for the Manager at Darwin House.

After her marriage she moved to Fitzroy and then moved to Port San Carlos where she was at the time of the invasion in 1982.

Ellen, who is fondly known by some of the returning Veterans as ‘Mother’, was employed by the FVF as the Lodge Manager in November 2009. She takes pride in welcoming all visitors to the Lodge, and due to her first hand knowledge of the Islands can assist in making everyone’s stay a special one.