Liberty Lodge
The Falkland Island Government leased the land at Rowlands Rise to the Falklands Veterans Foundation (FVF) at
a ‘peppercorn’ rent to enable them to build a place of residence in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands,
for Veterans of the Falklands War of 1982, their families and present day service personnel 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.
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Cutting the First Sod – Feb 2008
Left to Right: Kevin Ormand, Derek Cole, Tony Davies, Ian Stewart
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Foundations
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Erection of First Wall Panel
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Erection of West Wall Panel – Ian Stewart
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The Main Entrance
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Mercian Regiment – Landscaping the garden
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Cubs planting spring bulbs
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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 MBE, Chairman SAMA(82) (2006-2010), Russell
Thompson OBE, Royal British Legion’s Director of National Events and Fundraising and our many sponsors in the Falkland Islands.
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'Opening Speech' - Derek 'Smokey' Cole, also in frame Tony Davies MBE (Former Chairman SAMA (82))
& Russell Thompson OBE - Director of National Events and Fundraising - Royal British Legion.
Air Commodore Moulds MBE
& John Perrens
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Air Commodore Moulds MBE
& John Perrens
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Derek ‘Smokey’ Cole, CEO FVF
presenting gift to John Perrens
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Opening Tour
at Liberty Lodge
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The above five photos were supplied by ‘Norman Clark Photography, FI’
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Comments by Visiting Veterans
"Just to let anybody know who hasn't yet taken advantage of the Indulgence system, it is a great way
to go and visit the Islands. Had a great time down there, which at times was very emotional. Things I
had forgotten came to light and memories came flooding back.
The Lodge is amazing .... It is Sanctuary, it is warm, comfortable and well looked after.
I don't know if it was the Lodge or the fact that I was in the Falklands but for the first time in years
I managed to sleep without nightmares. I would just like to thank everyone involved in making my journey
and stay such a memorable part of my life."
A/B(M) RFA Sir Percival 1982
"When myself and fellow veterans Jim Foster and Wayne Rees first decided to do the walk for Combat Stress,
I knew that returning to the site of the battles would have a devastating impact on me. Once we visited the
graves not just of the British soldiers, but of those on the Argentine side too, and the places where friends
of mine died, the memories came flooding back and it became quite overwhelming. I must admit returning to the
Islands has confirmed my own belief in the conflict. I gave a talk about how, since the end of the conflict,
I had questioned whether the war was worth it. However, having gone back again, spoken to the Islanders, seen
the transformation in places like Port Stanley, it was clear to me that it was a just cause and the sacrifice
of the 255 British servicemen who died was not in vain.
Our re-visit to the Islands also gave us the opportunity to
visit Liberty Lodge which is a fantastic facility devised to benefit veterans and their families who visit the Islands.
The facilities on offer at the Lodge are of an excellent high standard which will make visitors stay all the more relaxing and
enjoyable. I felt, not only is this an attractively decorated Lodge it also provides breath-taking views with it being
situated high on the hill overlooking the harbour. The location is perfect which also allows easy access for the visiting
veterans and their families to the centre of Stanley. I believe that the Lodge will provide an excellent opportunity
for the veterans and the people of the Falklands to build a rapport. Liberty Lodge is a great asset for all veterans
and the FVF must be congratulated for making the project happen and integrating the Lodge into the Port Stanley community."
Tony Banks, 2 Para
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