Heritage groups kick off Liberation celebrations

The museum does not have Occupation displays itself and therefore partnered with other organisations.

‘We invited the Guernsey Motor and Cycle Club and the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Trust along to help,’ said museum manager Elainer Laine.

‘It’s lovely to have something different and be part of the celebrations.’

RGLI volunteer Jenny Vaudin said the trust had been happy to help and share the story of the men from Guernsey who lost their lives during the First World War.

‘It also gives us a chance to raise funds for our latest project, as we are trying to raise funds to purchase the building in Masnieres in France that sits behind the memorial,’ she said.

The trust is trying to raise £350,000 to buy the dilapidated cafe and create a cultural and education centre.

Carl Armitage from the GMCC said the club had been getting together for 20 years.

‘We are really just a group of good friends with a shared passion,’ he said.

‘All the vehicles are British apart from one Russian motorcycle, and all are totally original.’

Phil Hartley was there with the Austin Tilly he had restored in honour of his grandfather who drove one during the war.

‘All I’ve had to go on was one photograph,’ he said.

‘I bought it in February last year and I’ve managed to get it up and running just in time for Liberation Day.

‘Getting parts can be hard and you do spend a lot of time on eBay, but there are some Facebook groups who are really helpful.’

Mr Hartley is planning to go to the UK soon to try to recreate the photo of his grandfather.

‘I pinpointed it to a town just south of Barnstaple,’ he said.

‘I’ve restored it in his memory and named it “Winifred Maud” after my grandmother.’

Anyone who missed the vehicles will get a second chance to see them as they will be stationed on the Albert Pier on Liberation Day.