SAMA Wales Region

CONTACT INFORMATION

SAMA Wales Regional Chairman
	Stephen Hopkins Tel:07779696589 E-mail: stephen-hopkins@computingwales.com
SAMA Wales Regional Secretary/Treasurer
	Curly Jones Tel: 01874 625125 E-mail: samawales@btinternet.com
SAMA Wales Regional Fundraising
	Chris Duggan Tel: 01792 416794 E-mail: chris.duggan27@ntlworld.com
Other Useful Contacts

USEFUL LINKS

A regional branch of SAMA 82 opened up in Wales in September 2003. The seeds were sown on the Pilgrimage in 2002. During the SAMA (82) AGM in Twickenham in 2003, 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 every ones surprise over 100 people attended its launch. This successful event now occurs every September 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 400 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 TV, radio and various newspaper articles aided this.

One of our first jobs was to assist two members to return to the Falklands. Since then SAMA Wales have sent back over a dozen Veterans form all units and area's of Wales. In addition during its short life we have referred needy veterans to Combat Stress, the ex services mental welfare society, where expert help is at hand for PTSD and the like. A very good working relationship is now enjoyed with Combat Stress and other service charities. We decided in the early days to publish a branch newsletter twice yearly this was done in the hope of communicating with the members as much as possible. This publication has now grown and included a number of articles per issue relevant to the Falkland Islands and also Veterans needs.

If any SAMA member outside Wales wishes to receive copies please let Curly know your address for mailing. In 2004 SAMA Wales paraded for the first time at the cenotaph in Cardiff on Remembrance Day. This very important occasion for Veterans will now have a dedicated detachment of Falklands Veterans marching every year to pay their respects to those who paid the ultimate price in restoring freedom and democracy to the Falkland Islands and its people. During 2004 SAMA Wales also received support from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and the First Minister for Wales the Right honorable Rhodri Morgan AM. Meetings were held with both were SAMA Wales put forward their objectives and aims.

Throughout our history SAMA Wales have also been a source of media advise and we've had some excellent coverage on a wide variety of projects. In May 2005 SAMA Wales was awarded Charity Status, a much needed recognition for their hard work and professionalism. Finally we exist as a regional branch to support SAMA 82 and its members, we will recruit new members and endeavor to maintain the high degree of professionalism set to us by SAMA 82. SAMA Wales has its own website with up to date news.

For a colour broacher of the latest merchandise on offer then please e-mail your postal address to samawales@btinternet.com If anyone has any questions or suggestions then please don't hesitate to contact us via the telephone numbers opposite.