Little Chapel souvenir guide sales to go towards repairs
A NEW souvenir guide has been produced to give visitors more information about the Little Chapel.
The booklet was compiled by Dr Nick Paluch, in conjunction with the other members of the Little Chapel Foundation’s executive.
He was co-author of the previous official guidebook to the chapel, which was published 17 years ago while he was on the board of governors at Blanchelande College.
‘Since taking over custodianship of the iconic and much-loved chapel on behalf of the people of Guernsey, the foundation has embarked on a programme of essential repair work and improvement,’ he said.
‘The roof has been rebuilt and the foundations have been stabilised but a daunting amount remains to be done. As a result, there is a pressing and ongoing need to raise further funds in order to be able to safeguard the chapel for future generations to admire and enjoy.
‘The new souvenir booklet will be an additional source of income for us but it is also a great opportunity for us to bring the inspiring story of the chapel right up to date. It has very much been a team effort and it contains a lot of beautiful new colour photographs, including some that highlight the extensive refurbishment that has already been done on the inside.’
The booklet also includes pictures of the chapel lit up at night and covered in snow in winter.
‘A particular favourite of mine shows a group of German soldiers looking admiringly at the chapel during the Occupation,’ Mr Paluch said.
He added that they were extremely grateful to the translators, photographers and designers who have helped with the project.
The Little Chapel Foundation fundraiser Jack Honeybill said they were keen to get more information out to visitors.
So far 5,000 of the booklets have been printed. They are being sold for £4.95, with profits going towards the foundation’s work.
Mr Honeybill said the foundation currently had enough money to pay for the bills for the next three months’ work, but it was important to get more money in place.
‘We are getting about £1,000 a week thanks to the cruise ship passengers,’ Mr Honeybill said.
‘But that will slow down from September.’
The foundation still needs about £150,000 to cover the remaining work, as well as £50,000 for a visitor centre.
Mr Honeybill said they were also hoping to fund having new gardens put in.
n The guides are available from Martyn Guille Silversmiths. The text is in three languages – English, French and German – to cater for the many people who visit the chapel from overseas.
