A chance to recapture that sense of togetherness
In his Christmas message Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon reflects on the meaning of community in the island and looks both back and forward to important anniversaries of war-time both this year and last.
Christmas means something special for each of us. It might be underpinned by faith, where hope for the future remains the cornerstone, or it may be more to do with exchanging gifts and a general sense of wellbeing. Christmas offers us all an opportunity to recapture that sense of togetherness that was at the forefront of our responses just a few years ago, and which sadly seems now to have diminished the more we forget our collective actions during the pandemic.
For some, though, Christmas is not the joyous season that so many of us look forward to. It may be tinged with sadness or anxiety. If each of us were to aim to do one or more acts of kindness over the Christmas break, recognising that we are a stronger and better community when we pull together, I believe it would benefit us all.
We should aim to be selfless, thinking about what good we can do for others who might be less fortunate or vulnerable. It is what makes us proud to be members of our fantastic community.
The highlight of my year was the visit of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Welcoming the sovereign to our shores is a rare event but it was wonderful to see so many people out and engaging so positively with them both. It was a pleasure to showcase just what makes the Bailiwick such a great place, with groups explaining throughout the visit more about our traditions, language and how we endeavour to conserve our environment. And we now have Royal Golden Guernsey Goats. It was a memorable day and we were blessed with good weather.
I have very much enjoyed meeting so many people from different walks of life throughout the year. That rich tapestry of all the component parts of the diverse people living here contributes to making our community so vibrant.
We cannot forget the past, but should also look forward to what lies ahead. That message was reinforced when I had the privilege to attend the events in Normandy on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. But for the immense sacrifices made by so many, we would not enjoy the freedoms we cherish. This applies equally to the losses suffered by the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry during WWI, especially in Masnieres in 1917.
It was very moving to attend events there recently and to reflect on the impact it had on so many local families. Next year we will mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation. This significant milestone is bound to be a time for further reflection and celebration.
However you plan to spend your Christmas, please do think about others, sharing in my hope for a better future, but above all enjoy yourselves, and may I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
