Exmouth marks 40th anniversary of end of Falklands War

On Sunday 19 June, Exmouth townsfolk did us proud once again. It was on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Falklands liberation that a service of commemoration and celebration was held in the Strand.

Starting at 10.50am, members of Exmouth Town Council, East Devon District Council and Devon County Council together with Exmouth Royal British Legion, veterans and townsfolk paraded to show respect to those whom were involved in the unofficial war.

Despite some minor difficulties, it all came together in the end.

Adrian Pierce laid a wreath and the Freedom of the Falkland Islands to all South Atlantic Medal Holders' Scroll on behalf of the town; he was one of the veterans of the Falklands war.

Exmouth Chairman, Neil Gregory, read 'In the Beginning', which gave a brief history of the Falklands and the war.

The Chaplain, Padre Jim Gosling led prayers and hymns (sorry for the choral attempts; but we have a cunning plan for next time) and Si Reed read an Account of Cfn Alex Shaw who died on Mt Longdon.

It was also available, to those who could not attend, on FB Live; they watched from home (the event has been updated to include photos and documents) and the rain held off until after the service so thanks to Padre Jim Gosling for putting a good word with Him upstairs.

A special thanks goes out to:

• The Crusty Cob for allowing the use of their electricity at the last minute owing to us not having the correct leads for power;
• Franklins Cafe & Bar for the use of their table as the sound cable was short;
• Andrew Cutler of Exmouth Salvation Army Church for sounding both the Last Post & Reveille;
• Duncan Nelmes for playing the Piper Lament  'The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain';
• The Town Crier for doing what he does best;
• The Town Mayor, Cllr Steve Gazzard, for his eloquent speech;
• Mollie Carey, (Personal Assistant to the Town Clerk & Secretary to Mayor and Town Crier) for all her hard work behind the scenes.

 Thank you one and all for making this day possible. But the biggest thank-you goes to the townsfolk of Exmouth for making it all worthwhile.

If you missed it or wish to look at the readings – you still can. Please click here.