News from Lance Corporal Toby James

Pictured above: Lance Corporal Toby James with Her Excellency Governor Blake CGM

Attending the Banquet hosted by the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers & Coach Harness Makers for the Falklands 40th anniversary was an immense honour, writes Lance Corporal Toby James, nephew of the Immediate Past Master. What a treat to be invited by my uncle, Consort John Sillars. Hearing the stories of Falklands veterans and seeing them honoured by everyone was extremely special.

On Monday 17th October 2022, I was selected with a handful of other service personnel from RAF Mount Pleasant, to visit Government House in Port Stanley. We were there by invitation of Her Excellency Governor Blake CGM, who kindly welcomed us to these beautiful islands and to thank us for our work there.

Being the only serviceman from my cap badge on the islands at the time; it was a great honour to represent not only my corps but also ‘British Forces South Atlantic Islands’ (BFSAI). We were all given the opportunity to chat at leisure with Her Excellency and explore the lovely grounds of Government House. In a short but poignant speech, Governor Blake discussed her enjoyable time so far on the islands and to commemorate the events of 1982 in this the 40th anniversary year. We finished by raising a toast to our new sovereign, His Majesty King Charles III.