Student exchange scheme with Masnieres discussed

A TEAM of representatives from Blanchelande College, the RGLI Charitable Trust, St Peter Port douzaine and the States are taking a trip to Masnieres in France to discuss plans for an upcoming student exchange scheme.

Representatives from the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Charitable Trust met with St Peter Port constables and Blanchelande teachers to discuss a student exchange scheme with Masenieres. Left to right, RGLI trustees Chris Oliver and Sir Richard Collas, St Peter Port constable Zoe Lihou, RGLI memorial rider Martin Proudlove, Blanchelande head of sixth form Sarah Moores, history teacher Mike Elward and St Peter Port douzenier Rosie Henderson. (Picture by Luke Le Prevost, 30913262)

St Peter Port and Masnieres twinned in 2019, and are hoping to take the next step by involving young people from both locations.

‘2017 marked the 100th anniversary of a major battle in Masnieres, where the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry held the line for the Allies and lost 40% of its men,’ said Chris Oliver, chairman of the RGLI Trust.

‘We installed a memorial there, and the RGLI ride visited a couple of weeks ago, and so for our third stream we wanted to involve young people through an exchange scheme for students in Guernsey and Masnieres to experience the other.’

Mr Oliver said the scheme will contribute to turning commemoration into culture. The island representatives will meet members of Masnieres education services and of Jacques Prevet school.

‘It is really important to us to establish the relationship after the twinning in 2019, as Covid prevented this from happening for the past two years,’ said Mr Oliver.

‘We are really looking forward to pushing this initiative onwards.’

The group leaves for France next Thursday, and during their trip will also be meeting with local historians and the Mayor, having tours of battlefields and other notable locations which the students may visit, and most importantly sorting out the logistics for an exchange scheme.