A regional branch of SAMA 82 opened up in Wales last year. The seeds were sown on the Pilgrimage in 2002 and at last years’ AGM in Twickenham. It was decided to try and get about 20 people to attend its' inaugural meeting in Cardiff in August. Hard work paid off and to everyone's surprise over 100 people attended its’ launch. Because of the topography of the area covered by the branch, it was decided early on that this would take a team effort comprising of Chairman Stephen Hopkins (Hoppy), Sec/Tres Andy Jones (Curly), Fundraiser Chris Duggan (Blanche) and Uncle Denz stepping in as area Welfare Officer. We have now created an infrastructure with our own database of 250 names and addresses. A bank account was opened and we immediately set about recruiting new members to SAMA 82. Some excellent local media coverage from both TV and various newspaper articles aided this. One of our first jobs was to assist two members to return to the Falklands last November. Hoppy organized them at short notice with accommodation and gifts and also and probably most importantly alleviated any concerns they had. Wayne Trigg and Charlie Bale duly set off and had, with the help of the Falklands people, in particular Tim & Jan Miller their hosts for the week, a very moving, emotional and rewarding pilgrimage. During their time on the Islands they kept a diary, which we will publish in our regional newsletter later this year. SAMA Wales has also during its short life referred needy veterans to Combat Stress; two colleagues in particular were in need of urgent referrals. We wish the boys all the best, and hope this will make a difference to their lives! We have already published a regional newsletter and hope to have the next one out in early June. If any SAMA member outside Wales wishes to receive copies please let Curly know your address for mailing. There are, among other things, planned for this year three main events. The first is our 2nd reunion on the 4th of September in Cardiff at the TA Centre where we welcome everyone who wishes to support us. Then in November we will parade in Cardiff at the Cenotaph as a detachment, this will be a first for SAMA on mainland Britain having two dedicated contingents parade simultaneously. We hope that families will support us while we try to remember how to march. The third is a fundraising event for SAMA 82 office; in December we will hold a Grand Christmas Draw and are on the lookout for ticket sellers everywhere and not just in Wales. Proceeds will go to SAMA and if you think you can help contact any of the committee.
 Finally we exist as a regional branch to support SAMA 82 and its members, we will recruit new members and endeavour to maintain the high degree of professionalism set to us by SAMA 82.