Pale Maiden - a song written to raise money for VIC and South Atlantic Medal Association 1982 (SAMA82)

A POEM written by Falklands Islands’ veteran and VIC member Steve Butterworth has been transformed into a song that has been recorded by a choir from Port Stanley.
Steve returned to the islands for the first time in 32 years in 2014.
He served in the Royal Navy from 1976 until 1983 and was a catering accountant on HMS Intrepid, but during the day he was a medic patching up the wounded, mainly Welsh Guards from the Sir Galahad.
On his return to the Falklands, Steve was moved by the islands’ national flower Pale Maiden and its strong scent, small white bloom with a yellow centre and red veins.
Steve said “That little flower turned a negative experience in 1982 into a positive in 2014. Returning again in 2015 he approached the Port Stanley Cathedral Choir with a view to them recording my song.”
The song is a sentimental dialogue of how the Pale Maiden grows and protects the islands from land, sea and air and acts as a ‘Guardian Angel’ to the fallen.
A second female section, co-written and sung by acclaimed folk singer Corrie Shelly, portrays the flower singing to herself.
On the CD Port Stanley Cathedral Choir and Infant and Youth Choir sing one version, the male part of the song, with music composed and lyrics arranged by VIC member Alan Willetts and Veteran’s sweetheart Sarah Dennis. VIC member Nina Birley composed the second female version of the song and Steve provided backing vocals.
It has been played on the Falkland Islands radio station and is available to buy from VIC on 01706 833180 or email info@vic.org.uk

Pale Maiden is now being sold for £5 with all profits benefiting VIC and the South Atlantic Medal Association.