Lt-Governor: ‘Every day is a learning day’
In his Christmas message, Lt-Governor Lt General Richard Cripwell outlines how, at his second Christmas in the island, he is still enjoying learning about the Bailiwick.
This Christmas marks almost our second year in the Bailiwick and Louise and I have continued to try and see as much of the islands as we can. Anywhere else we might be able to say that we aren’t ‘new’ anymore, but we have learnt that these things are calculated differently here and with good reason. Every day is a learning day and we have done our best to visit schools, charities, businesses, farms, woods, paths and, above all, people.
Wherever we go we have been met with the kindness that is a key part of the character of the Bailiwick and we feel hugely lucky to live here and to play our part in the life of the islands.
It has been a year of contrasts. I had the honour of representing the Bailiwick with the Bailiff at the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, and His Majesty told me at a reception the night before how fond he was of the Bailiwick and how much he was looking forward to returning in the future.
Among other, very different, highlights have been sheep racing in Sark, an archaeological dig in Alderney, competitive muffin baking for the South Show and taking up rowing far too late in life. I also had the distinct pleasure of representing Guernsey as a parking attendant during the Island Games. These were magnificent, not just a celebration of sport but a celebration of all that is great about Guernsey. Whether you were an organiser, volunteer, spectator or competitor, no-one who was there will forget just how special and proud the island felt that week.
But for all the highs there were lows as well. 2023 has been a challenging year; the appalling loss of life in Ukraine, Israel and Gaza, the weather and global frictions all have implications and the Bailiwick is not immune to the tensions in the wider world. The response from the Bailiwick has been generous and humane to a fault both at home and abroad and the willingness of people to support others directly and indirectly has been exemplary. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, working or sometimes just lending an ear to those who have no-one to talk to, what you do matters.
This is a time of year that hopefully will bring family and friends together, provide a chance to take stock, perhaps have a break and to think about why this time is special. I am well aware that people will be working to keep us safe in the emergency services, hospitals and charities and my thanks go out to them. I also know that there will be people who will be facing this period with worry and concern and all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Finally, Louise and I would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and we look forward to celebrating a New Year full of peace and opportunity with you all.
