Liverpool to commemorate 40 year Anniversary of Cunard Falklands loss

LIVERPOOL is to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the loss of the Cunard owned and Liverpool-registered Atlantic Conveyor in the Falklands conflict, in which 12 people died. In 1982, a South Atlantic Task Force of merchant ships, including:- Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 and Atlantic Conveyor, joined the UK Government mission to regain control of the British Overseas Territory of Falkland Islands after an invasion by Argentine forces. At the time, Cunard formed part of a consortium owning and operating the Atlantic Conveyor and her sister Atlantic Causeway, which was also deployed in the Task Force, with Cunard crew volunteering to sail and serve on each ship. Atlantic Conveyor served as a logistics support vessel transporting aircraft, aircrew and supplies to the war zone and sailed from its homeport of Liverpool.

It was struck by 2 Exocet missiles, on 25 May 1982, as final preparations were being made on board QE2 for the transfer of more than 3,000 British troops and their kit at:- Cumberland Bay, South Georgia, in readiness for landings on the Falklands.

The dead included:- her Master Captain Ian North DSC and 5 other Cunard personnel. It was the 1st British Merchant Navy loss in conflict since WW2.

The commemoration in Liverpool, Cunard's spiritual home, takes place, on Wednesday, 25 May 2022, and will also recognise the wider role of the Merchant Navy in the South Atlantic Task Force.

At 9:15am, a service will take place at the Merchant Navy Memorial at the Pier Head, led by the Rector of Liverpool, the Reverend Canon Dr Crispin Pailing, attended by the Lord Mayor, civic dignitaries and representatives from Atlantic Container Line, Cunard, the South Atlantic Medal Association and the Falklands Islands Government.

Later, at 10:30am, a Service of Remembrance will take place, at Liverpool Parish Church, and at the Atlantic Conveyor Memorial outside the Church. It is being live streamed at:- YouTube.Com. Members of the public are welcome to attend both services.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Mary Rasmussen, said:- "Liverpool has a proud history of playing a key role in supporting all of our Armed Forces during conflicts, and the Falklands was no exception. The 40th Anniversary of the attack on the Atlantic Conveyor is an opportunity for us to reflect on the selfless sacrifice made by the Cunard crew who volunteered to be part of the mission, as well as the Merchant Navy personnel who lost their lives. Even though this tragedy took place 4 decades ago, conflicts and wars remain an ever present danger."

Angus Struthers, Senior Vice President, Cunard, said:- "Service to the nation is embedded in Cunard's 182 year timeline. Our ships; and their crews who volunteered to sail on them; as part of the South Atlantic Task Force 40 years ago, played a significant part in the Falklands Campaign. The attack on the Liverpool ship Atlantic Conveyor on 25 May 1982, and its loss with six Cunard crew and 6 service personnel was the 1st sinking of a British Merchant ship in action since World War 2. It is entirely fitting that we return to the Conveyor's homeport, and Cunard's spiritual home at Liverpool, to mark this important Anniversary of lives lost in service."

Rector of Liverpool, the Reverend Canon Dr Crispin Pailing, said:- "The Falklands Conflict is a moment in our lifetime, but it had a profound effect on so many people and we mourn many lives lost, including from this City. It is a privilege to host this commemoration, but we also celebrate the commitment which led to the forming of a taskforce to liberate islanders from the oppression of an invading force."

Southport crowned the best City for fitness fanatics

FORBES Advisor found that Southport is the best location for exercise lovers in England and Wales with a score of 79.94. The Town scores particularly well for green space with over a quarter (25.76%) of surface area in the Town being green. This is the 7th largest percentage of green space of all Cities analysed, and just 9.97% less green space than Sutton Coldfield which takes the top spot in this category (35.73%).

Newcastle-upon-Tyne takes 2nd with a fitness score of 78.32 out of 100. On average, there are 20.30 fitness facilities available to Geordies per 100,000 people; the 13th highest number of all Cities analysed and 86.75% more than the neighbouring City Sunderland (10.87 per 100,000).

With a fitness rating of 74.18 out of 100, Stoke-on-Trent ranks third. Although there are just 7.18 fitness facilities per 100,000 people in the City Stoke-on-Trent is home to a staggering 58.94km of cycle routes; the 5th longest of all Cities analysed and just 1.86% less than the neighbouring City Derby (60.06km).

St Albans ranks 4th with a score of 73.82 out of 100. Despite having just 17.60km of cycle routes available, 27.63% of St Albans is covered in greenery, the 5th largest amount of green space analysed. This is 12.17% more green space compared to the neighbouring City Hemel Hempstead (15.46%).

Chatham is the worst City for fitness fanatics... Forbes Advisor found that Chatham is the worst location in England and Wales for exercise lovers. Scoring just 14.42 out of 100 in the fitness index, the Town situated in North Kent had just 5.17% of green space, and just 3.72 fitness facilities per 100,000 people the loWest of all Cities analysed.

Kevin Pratt, from Forbes Advisor, commented on the research:- "Exercise, for many of us, is its own reward. It helps us feel better, and it gives us the energy and sense of well being we need to set about our daily lives with a positive attitude. And when it comes to an important product such as life insurance, it can even help us save money. When you apply for life insurance, you'll be asked to provide detailed information about your health and medical history, including your height and weight, how much alcohol you drink, and whether you are a smoker. If the insurance company judges that you're in good shape for your age and have a healthy lifestyle, then generally you'll get a lower premium than someone who is broadly similar to you, but who is deemed seriously overweight or who overindulges in alcohol or uses tobacco. If you live in an area that has the spaces and facilities to enable you to get plenty of exercise, that's something to celebrate, but even if you aren't, you can hopefully find a safe and enjoyable walking, running or cycling route nearby that will help you stay fit and on top of your game."