Buckingham Palace Receives Falkland Islands’ Jubilee Gift
Councillor Roger Edwards, accompanied by Falkland Islands Government Representative, Sukey Cameron, presented the Falkland Islands’ Golden Jubilee gift to the Queen’s Assistant Private Secretary at Buckingham Palace on Friday, October 11, 2002
As a mark of respect and support for the monarchy, the people of the Falkland Islands have created for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II a glass-top, wooden occasional table with a tapestry showing the Falkland Islands coat of arms.
The tapestry was made up of stitches applied individually by Islanders, who were invited to "make a stitch for The Queen" or, alternatively, to make a charity donation. Members of the British Forces serving in the Falklands also contributed. There were over 300 ‘stitchers’ and additional donations raised over £1,300 towards the Blue Bus for the elderly in the Islands. A list of over 700 signatures of all those who took part was placed inside the table, as an historical record. Included in the presentation was a letter giving the story of the tapestry and a copy the signatures.
Lynda Lamont, the Governor’s wife, with the local Craft Group organised the tapestry and the charity fund raising, while Councillor Roger Edwards crafted the table. The wood used was 100-year old ash, donated by Falkland Islands Company. Various people in the Islands donated all other materials.
A special display of gifts received during the Jubilee year will be assembled for The Queen to view when she returns from her tour of Canada. Councillor Edwards was assured that the gift from the Falklands would be well received.
ENDS
For further information about the Falkland Islands visit www.falklandislands.com
Media contact: Sam A-Bailey or Deborah Ford, Falkland Islands Government Office, Tel: 020 7222 2542 or Fax: 020 7222 2375
15 October 2002
