Falkland Memorial Chapel marking 40 years since the Falklands War with memorial garden project

Work is already under way at the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel to mark the 40 years that have passed since the Falklands War occurred.

A 40th anniversary memorial garden project has been launched, with plaques being made available for those who want to commemorate the involvement of certain units and organisations in the conflict.

The chapel, located on the grounds of Pangbourne College, stands as a permanent memorial to those who served and lost their lives in the 10-week South Atlantic war that began on April 2, 1982.

A statement on the chapel’s website reads: “The plaques are intended to commemorate the involvement of units or organisations involved in the conflict or its aftermath (the names of the fallen associated with the organisation may be included, if desired).

“Plaques should not, however, commemorate solely an individual, as their names are recorded at the entrance to the chapel (individuals can also be remembered by sponsoring a chair).”

The trustees of the chapel want to enhance the relevance of the adjacent memorial garden with the project, and use the money raised through the plaque purchases to help maintain the chapel.

Plaques will cost £1,500 each, and those who hope to purchase one must contact the chapel’s trustees to discuss their idea of what they want on the plaque.

To find out more about the 40th anniversary memorial garden project, visit https://bit.ly/3tXQP8E

A 40th anniversary service of remembrance and thanksgiving will be also held at the chapel on Sunday, June 12, 40 years after the conflict ended on June 14, 1982.

Those who wish to attend the service must make an early reservation and complete the application form which can be found at https://bit.ly/3Dvut19

The Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel was opened in 2000 by the Queen, cost £2.3m to construct, and sits 580 within its ground floor area and gallery.

Its design, resembling the shape of a ship or hands cupped in prayer, came about as a result of a nation-wide competition which was won by Crispin Wride Architectural Design Studio.

The chapel also features a stained glass window depicting the Falkland Islands within Christ’s cross designed by John Clark, and three bronze albatross sculptures by Major Mark Coreth that were installed in the chapel grounds in 2007.