Chelsea Pensioners’ cardboard cut-outs join church tea party

ALTHOUGH without the Chelsea Pensioners this year, guests of St Saviour’s Church’s Remembrance tea party still had a great time.

Former Bailiff Sir Richard Collas with Sue de Garis, left, and Enid Guille at the St Saviour’s Church Remembrance tea party. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 28881674)

Richly decorated with poppies in every nook and cranny of the church, islanders enjoyed ample tea and cake as they took the time to reminisce and remember those who gave and still give their lives for their country.

The Chelsea Pensioners usually attend but unfortunately this year were unable to due to the ongoing pandemic.

However, that did not stop their cardboard cut-out versions of themselves attending.

Remembrance display at the St Saviour’s church including cardboard cut-outs of the Chelsea pensioners who couldn’t make it this year. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 28888268)

They stood side by side with Remembrance-themed wreaths, banners and a variety of poppy flower creations, greeting the church’s regular congregation as well as new faces.

Some of these would have been those who had come from some of the residential homes, plus several of the La Houguette Primary School children, who gave Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder and Lady Corder a tour of the church’s displays and explained the things they had been learning.

Rev Mark Charmley with Lt Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder and Lady Corder. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 28881672)

‘Our older members of the school council were invited to remember those that died in the two world wars,’ said nine-year-old Isaac Pickford.

Sophia Bailey, 8, and Savannah Menhenitt, 9, added that they had brought decorations made by pupils at the school as they learned more about the history.

‘We learnt about the Cenotaph [the war memorial in London], the different colour poppies and that the leaf of the one you wear should be pointing at 11 to mark when the First World War ended, on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour.’

St Saviour's Church Remembrance tea party. Margaret Martel offers cakes. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 28881676)

Also coming to enjoy the decorations and have a chat and sample some of the assortment of cakes on offer were several former Bailiffs.

They included Sir Richard Collas, who said he had come to enjoy the company of friends in a place that was a huge part of his life.

‘This is the church I came to as a boy and they do a wonderful job of putting this on every year,’ he said.

‘The decorations are always fantastic and it’s such a lovely atmosphere.’

St Saviour's Church Remembrance tea party. (28881670)

The Rev. Mark Charmley continued to welcome guests throughout the event.

‘The turnout is fantastic, it’s lovely to see so many people come down from places like the Ron Short centre, the care homes and the Lt-Governor,’ he said.

‘Our purpose is mainly to get together and have a good time, while also importantly remembering all those who served and who continue to serve in our armed forces.’