A great day in the sun at Lihou – plus mince pies
HUNDREDS of people walked to Lihou Island yesterday for what is thought to have been the biggest annual ‘mulled wine and mince pies’ event yet.
Warden Steve Sarre said the Lihou Charitable Trust had held the fundraising day about this time for several years and the biggest previous attendance was thought to be in the region of 500 people.
‘About 800 people indicated via social media that they would be coming today so we knew it was going to be busy,’ he said.
All car parks in the surrounding area, including the one at L’Eree, were just about full as people took advantage of the fine weather.
A game for youngsters where they had to find letters on elves which formed an anagram was particularly popular. Youngsters paid £2 per sheet and those who guessed the mystery word were given a lollipop.
As well as mulled wine and mince pies, tea, coffee and hot chocolate were served in the house for a donation.
The Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder and Lady Corder were visiting the island for the first time.
‘It’s a delightful place and we couldn’t have picked better weather,’ said Sir Ian.
‘It’s a great facility for Guernsey to draw on. Hats off to the Lihou Charitable Trust for keeping and maintaining this resource which people of all ages can enjoy and learn from.’
Chris Fisher, 49, his wife Yvette and their children Ella, 8, and Sophie, 11, were among those enjoying a day out.
‘The girls go to La Houguette so they come and stay here for the night with the school sometimes,’ said Mrs Fisher. ‘They know more about the house than we do.’
Philip Sweet, who works in analytics, was there with his partner Steph Clarke, 30, and their son, Albert, five months.
‘This is about the second time that the sun has come out in the past two months, so we’re making the most of it,’ he said.
Zoe Gosling, 43, who works in communications for the States, crossed the causeway with son, Reg, 3, and her mother, Jean.
Mrs Gosling said she could not believe how many people were there.
‘It’s such a gorgeous day and people are probably ready now to get out again after Christmas,’ she said.
Chris Taylor, 31, who works in finance, and partner Cat Rowles, 28, said they had read about the day on social media and thought that they would give it a try.
They were there with their children, Nylah, six months, and Chloe, 12, who goes to Les Beaucamps High School.
Chloe said she had slept at the house on Lihou when she went to Amherst Primary School.
‘I like the idea that Lihou is so close to Guernsey and that you can just come here and walk around the island,’ she said.
