Home / War and Conflict / Falklands Veterans Reunite for New Hope Factory
Falklands Veterans Reunite for New Hope Factory
3 Nov
Summary
- Two Falklands War veterans, Simon Weston and Steve Hammond, reunited for a project.
- A new £15m factory is being built to create jobs for veterans.
- The factory aims to provide independence and opportunity for veterans, not charity.
Two veterans who survived the 1982 Falklands War attack on their regiment have reunited to mark the commencement of a significant building project. Simon Weston, a former Welsh guardsman who endured severe burns during the bombing of the Sir Galahad, participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Royal British Veterans Enterprise's (RBVE) new site in Aylesford. He was joined by Steve Hammond, a fellow survivor from the Sir Galahad, who worked for Britain's Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC) for 27 years.
The new £15 million factory is set to replace RBVE's current outdated facility and is expected to generate up to 80 new employment opportunities. Over 70% of BBMC's workforce, a division of RBVE, comprises veterans or individuals with disabilities. This project aims to offer independence and meaningful work to veterans, providing them with structure and hope after their service.
Simon Weston highlighted the profound positive impact the initiative will have on people's lives, offering hope and changing life trajectories. Steve Hammond, who previously felt desperate after redundancy, expressed how RBVE rebuilt him. Lisa Farmer, CEO of RBVE, emphasized that veterans seek opportunity and independence, which this factory will provide through structured, meaningful employment.
