Category: News

It was noted this year that the first iteration of the FIJ website was published in 2004. The site is now on it’s 4th iteration!

We are happy to report that Nikki Buxton has agreed to take on the role of Deputy Editor to share some of the editorial load of the Journal. The journal has continued to expand in range and quality and it is gratifying to know that the increased load (and technical competence required) is being shared between Jim and Nikki, with valuable input from others on the editorial team. Our aim is to produce articles which are factually correct, represent the expertise of our authors and are presented in as user-friendly manner as possible.  In this, we are presenting and preserving the heritage and history of the Falklands and, most importantly, encouraging young people in the Islands to take an interest in their history.

We are happy to report that the Journals are now on their way to the Islands (sponsorship courtesy of Richard James International)  on V541 due to arrive on 24^th November. Front cover and contents etc. can be previewed on this site.

FIJ committee meeting held on 24th June 2024 in the 1982 room, Historic DockyardMuseum, Stanley. Left to right: Tasmin Tyrrell, Chloe Anderson-Wheatley, Jim McAdam, Geraldine McAdam, Nikki Buxton. Photo – Sandra Alazia.

FIJ Editor, Jim McAdam and committee member Geraldine McAdam were fortunate enough to be able to get to the Falklands this winter to participate in Farmer’s Week, and took the opportunity to have the regular FIJ committee meeting with those members present in the Islands (see picture above). These meetings are always very special and help keep the strong bond between those living in the Falklands and dedicated to producing the Journal and those based further afield. Jim said:

“I feel this is one of the great strengths of the FIJ and why it has continued to flourish and thrive.”

The Journal is now  formally linked with, and is an official publication of the Historic Dockyard Museum, Stanley  ( https://falklands-museum.com).  The Museum Director and Exhibitions Director both sit on the Editorial Committee of the Journal. One of the best moves we have made in recent years is to completely align the Journal into  the outputs and activities of the FI Museum and National Trust. While this has the huge benefit of logistics and distribution support in the islands it particularly brings on board the expertise, skills and enthusiasm of Andrea and Tamsin – hugely encouraging for the future. Looking at the list of the skills and experience we all bring to the team it is no wonder we can face any challenges the future might bring with a huge level of optimism.

In what is  a substantive advance, the 2020 Journal has been printed in full colour. This is largely due to advances in printing technology and generous underpinning support from the Falklands. Readers confirm what a bonus this is and how it greatly enhances the quality of the final product.

It  is my sad duty to report the death of Ian Strange . Ian was a naturalist, wildlife artist and active promoter of sustainable land use and environmental management in the Falklands (long before either concept was fashionable). We will recognise his contribution in the 2019 issue with an appreciation  (for which I thank Stephen Palmer and Maria Strange for their contribution) and listing of his extensive publication output. Ian  strongly supported the Falkland Islands Journal, contributing articles, including one to the first issue in 1967. He was part of the small Editorial Committee (with  A. G. Barton, John Smith, and Maria M Rowe)  which, in 1973,  was highly instrumental in saving the Journal from demise.

We regret to have to report the passing of Sir Cosmo Haskard (aged 100) in February of this year. During his time as Governor of the Falkland Islands (1964-1970) and thereafter he was a great supporter of the Falklands
and undoubtedly his interventions and representations to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office paid a large part in securing the future of the Islands at what was a very difficult time. These events are aptly recorded by David Tatham in his obituary to Sir Cosmo (see attachment below). He was, of course, Governor at the time the Journal was founded (1967) and his respect for, friendship and close working relationship with Tommy Thompson, Colonial Secretary, undoubtedly was instrumental in the continued success of the Journal in the early, precarious years.

The Editor and supporting Committee of the Falkland Islands Journal made a (successful) proposal to the Stamp Committee in the Falklands that the Journal merited recognition through a commemorative stamp issue in 2017.

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