Past Finders Youth Group Celebrate their 5th Anniversary!

The group have had an amazing five years. Sandra said whilst being the leader she has learnt alongside the children about the Falkland Islands history. She has researched, carried out many recces, went out and talked to people and it has been key to her success in her role as Outreach Officer.

A few highlights over the past five years include,

The Saladero camp out, where we visited Hope Place and witnessed the sign being erected. We learned about the gauchos, measured foundations, attempted fishing and had a lovely BBQ. We won’t talk about heading through the forest though as it terrified me!

The Darwin camp out was kindly hosted by Eileen and Colin Davis, where we learned about early history and the site where their house has been converted which is packed with historical features. Thanks to my bible, Robert Philpott’s Archaeological Survey book the group went back in time and re-stepped the old foundations whilst learning of the history. The group visited Colonel H Jones memorial to pay our respects. We enjoyed a fun filled day of activities including beach combing, completing a quiz topped with a BBQ and smoko in the stone corral.

Port Louis Farm, the very first settlement established in 1764. A very complex history starting with the French, Spanish and then over to the British. We visited all the sites including the cemetery where Brisbane is buried with a little wild strawberry picking on the way. 

We got involved with the military; where we enjoyed an MPA tour, a tour of HMS Clyde and had a P.T. session at Hillside Lookout Camp.

During the West Falklands trip, we based ourselves at Fox Bay East living in the old Post Office and camping out. As soon as we arrived dropping off bags and getting stuck in pitching tents the group was off to Spring Point Farm. We discovered old foundations and talked about the mysterious tales of the legendary Stickney family disappearing. Mike Evans also gave a talk and showed us his large collection of interesting artefacts found in and around the Falkland Islands. The group walked around and were introduced to all the farm animals, they also gave the animals a feed including reindeer and pet lamb, not forgetting Rosco the goat. We were all a little drenched after a very heavy rain and finished off at the stone stable and corral then headed back up the road in the minibus. The group stopped off at Fish Creek Shanty, the outside house toilet was a giggle! Thanks to Justin and Nadia Knight for allowing us to roam on Leicester Creek Farm. Next day the group enjoyed learning how to cast out with a spot of fishing at Doctors Creek and enjoying a picnic on the bank. After lunch we headed down with Naula Knight, Sasha and Estha from Conservation to plant sea cabbage and sword grass at their Nature Area. Later that day the group walked around Fox Bay East learning about the 1982 Memorial, turf and stone corrals and the Falklands Mill. Sadly, due to the wind we didn’t finish on a BBQ. The next day after packing up the group set off heading towards Port Howard, on the way we got involved with a walk for charity raising money for the Australia Red Cross Relief Fund Disaster. We started by Lynn Blake’s Nature Reserve walking around the pond and finishing at Hawks Nest Shanty covering 5.63K in the wind, cold and the odd hail. We all enjoyed a well-deserved lunch break before heading off. The sun decided to pop out, so we stopped at the Millennium Camp Site for tea and a little paddle. Due to ferry delays, we ended up staying two nights at Port Howard Farm. This didn’t stop us as Bill and Shirley Pole-Evans organised to take us over the mountain to John Strong’s Cairn on Bold Cove Farm with Karen Jones blessing.

We were given the amazing opportunity to fly with F.I.G.A.S. to Saunders Island to visit Port Egmont, the very first British settlement established in 1765. After the group settled into the house in the settlement, we drove down to the Neck to see the abundance of wildlife including albatross, penguins and dolphins playing in the surf. It was a very blustery day, but we all enjoyed the outing thoroughly. The next day the group walked over to Port Egmont. Armed with Robert Philpott’s archaeological map the group explored the area and still see today stone foundations. There was huge excitement after a musket ball was found on the beach dating back over 200 years old. With Suzan and David Pole- Evans permission this will be kept in the Museum for safe keeping. Later that day it was a must to reach the summit of Mt Egmont with stunning views we signed the visitors’ book. Thanks to David and Suzan we all had a scrumptious BBQ and games to finish. 

We also did a minibus tour to Murrell Farm learning all about how to milk a cow, make cream and butter. The group learnt about camp life and taste tested the fresh cream and butter on some homemade baked goods.

We had another fantastic opportunity to fly with F.I.G.A.S. to Weddell Island and with a little help from Workboat Services we managed to get all our camping gear and food supply out safely. During this trip we explored shanty’s, did some fox spotting, visited Stone Penguin Corrals, Mt Weddell and the shipwreck Haddassa. The group had lots of fun beachcombing, team building, completing a scavenger hunt and BBQ. Thank you to Byron Marine Ltd for allowing us to visit and your generosity.

Sandra said there are so many people to thank for their hospitality, knowledge, guidance and help.

Special thanks to the sponsors over these past five years. We simply could not operate without your support.

Volunteers and work colleagues for all their help and support. 

Parents and not forgetting all the children. You are all amazing, thank you all.