I come from a very proud military family, my Father (Bryan) and Brother (Mark) both served in the 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (3 Para).  Mark fell while tending to a wounded colleague during the battle for Mount Longdon on 12th June 1982.

It wasn’t possible for me to follow in their footsteps and join the ‘family business’, I was born with a disability that severely curtails my mobility, but I have always maintained a special interest in all matters concerning the Falkland Islands, along with my relentless pride of my family’s service and sacrifice.

My disability pointed me to a career path in computing, which was in its embryonic stage when I was at school.  Today, over four decades later, I am still surrounded by boxes, wires, flashing lights and gadgets.  This is why, when I saw an advert from SAMA (while in the Falklands attending the 40th Commemoration events) asking for help with their digital needs, I contacted them straight away.

The vast majority of my 30 year career, was spent with two organisations, BP Oil and the National Health Service.

I joined BP as an IT Systems Engineer, this involved implementing and supporting their IT systems, including mainframes, networks and the many PCs, printers and peripherals running on those networks.  My years there allowed me to gain extensive knowledge of systems, processes and analysis.

Following BP, I moved to the NHS, again as an IT Systems Engineer.  Over the subsequent two decades I progressed to IT Manager and then to Head of ICT Operations.  I was responsible for the day to day operational running of a team of ICT Engineers.  My managerial responsibility included oversight of ICT Support, systems security, information governance (data security), service, asset and budget management, plus the creation, implementation and development of polices and procedures.

Since taking early retirement in 2015, I have undertaken various voluntary IT Roles,  including designing and mastering websites.

I officially joined the board of Trustees in April of 2023, although I had been working in the background from January of the same year.  My initial task was to redesign the online Garden of Remembrance.  My aim was to create an easy to use online area of contemplation and reflection.  A space where not only the families, friends and comrades of those that lost their lives in 1982, can visit to remember, but also where the general public can learn more about them.  Going live in July 2023, this project was and remains deeply personal to me, it was my honour to complete and continue to maintain.

  In 2024 I was asked to step into the not insignificant shoes of Andrew Lockett and become Treasurer to the Association.  Following a period of handover I took up the reins at the AGM of 2025.  I look forward to carrying on Andrew’s illustrious work,  ensuring a safe fiscal future for SAMA(82).

Disclaimer: Profile written and submitted by Mr Alan Dodsworth