UK and French officials join Sark celebrations

Stephanie Peacock, UK Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth, attended Sark’s celebrations after taking the lead for the government in organising its VE Day celebrations.

Her grandfather served in the RAF during the Second World War, so said it was personally quite moving for her.

‘It’s been a real honour and privilege to be here. It was a delight to meet the Princess Royal and see the planting of a silver birch tree,’ she said.

‘Silver birches show lasting memories of such a significant milestone and anniversary and to the last big celebration and commemoration where veterans and those who lived through the war will be present.

‘It is a beautiful, sunny day and I’m told that there’s not normally this many people around, but it’s absolutely stunning and everyone is so welcoming.’

From the other side of the water, Frenchman Jean Morin, president of the departmental council of La Manche in Normandy, said that this particular visit was much different to previous ones.

‘Twice I have been here in other circumstances, and it was empty. But everything is open and everyone is out and this is an exceptional visit for me because of the visit of Princess Anne,’ he said.

‘A lot of people in Normandy know about Guernsey and Jersey, but not many know about Sark or Alderney. Sark is a jewel and I think I will return here in summer for a few days for a personal visit.

‘We have to continue our friendship with these islands. It’s a treasure to keep because we are all Normans, we are cousins.

‘Our friendship with this population is very important, they were happy to receive us and it’s a pleasure to be here.’

Both visitors immersed themselves in the street party along the Avenue, meeting Sark locals and learning about the island’s occupation.