Guernsey's 65th Anniversary of the Islands Liberation

Rugeley Trefoil Guild members in Guernsey. Photo taken by Jean Walpole

On May 7th Rugeley Trefoil Members travelled to Guernsey at the invitation of Guernsey Trefoil Guilds. We were treated to home hospitality. That evening we enjoyed a meal at a restaurant in St. Peter Port.

Next day we visited the Guernsey Museum at Candy Gardens and the Millennium Tapestry in the Dorey Centre at St. James; consisting of ten embroidered panels illustrating the history and culture of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. We also visited Castle Cornet. That evening saw us all in our 40’s fashions at the Liberation Ball at Beau Sejour (800 people attended), with 1940’s style entertainment provided by the Glenn Miller Orchestra and other performers.

On Liberation Day, Church Services were held throughout the Island, in celebration and remembrance. Later we watched the Liberation Cavalcade consisting of old military and civilian vehicles, and tractors of the time followed by floats from various organisations. Later a choir of 1,200 sang on the quayside; the day was brought to a close with a spectacular fire work display.

On our final day we visited the Folk and Costume Museum at Saumarez Park where there was a display of Guiding uniforms and memorabilia showing the development of Guiding through a Hundred years. After Lunch we were taken to the Guide Headquarters where we enjoyed a walk followed by afternoon tea of Guernsey Produce, meeting other Trefoil members. We had a very happy and memorable time.

Mary Davis, Rugeley Trefoil Guild