Liberation celebration even reaches Australia

LIBERATION DAY was truly international this year, reaching as far as Western Australia.

More than 100 people of all ages gathered in King's Park – a National Trust area with magnificent views over Perth – for an event organised by Kate and Warren Barrett.

They took inspiration from the locals' celebration of Australia Day in January, which reminded them of 9 May in the island.

'Each time it comes around I think there must be other Guernsey people away from the island, missing the celebrations and feeling a little homesick,' Mrs Barrett said.

'As you can imagine, it wasn't long before we could all find someone we knew.'

Most of those who attended were born in Guernsey.

The largest cohort was young emigre families, but Mrs Barrett said that many of those present, like her, had moved to join their children.

The event came together mainly through word of mouth among Western Australia expats.

Despite receiving scant publicity in Australia, Mrs Barrett said she had had a terrific response from a letter to the Guernsey Press.

Home comforts such as beanjar and Guernsey gache combined with Australian clear skies and 27C heat to make the day a huge success.

'Next year we will celebrate Liberation Day, again at King's Park, when it will not only be the 65th anniversary but also Mother's Day in Australia.'