Those islanders who were living in Guernsey during the Second World War, or who were evacuated or deported, are now able to register to receive one of the 500 hampers full of Guernsey tea-time staples.
‘Liberation Day is a community effort, and initiatives like this show the power of local organisations coming together,’ said vice-president of the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture deputy Andy Cameron, who is also serving as the committee’s Liberation Day lead.
This year marks the third year since the hampers were established as a Liberation Day custom, and, this time around, a separate hamper initiative has also been launched for eligible individuals who live in residential homes or attend Age Concern groups.
For the standard hamper initiative, islanders aged 80 and over are eligible, provided that they are living in private accommodation or with family.
The hampers include scones, orange cake, Guernsey Gache, tea and jam, as well as dairy products donated by Guernsey Dairy and fruit donated by the Channel Islands Coop.
Each is accompanied by a traditional ration card and, for the first time, a locally-produced postcard and a St Peter Port crested label made out of seed paper. Once soaked in water for 24 hours, the label can be planted in a pot of soil, and will eventually produce a pot of flowers.
‘We are thrilled to support the Guernsey hampers as we remember a key part of our island’s history,’ said senior constable Diane Mitchell.
‘Personally, my family – like so many others on the island – were serving, evacuated or living here during those five long years, and so we can absolutely understand how much these hampers mean to the recipients, some of whom are in their late nineties. We look forward to meeting some of the island residents and hearing tales of the Occupation and evacuation and hope they enjoy the hampers.’
Eligible individuals or their carers can now register to receive the hampers, either by emailing hampers@gov.gg, phoning 01481 223552, or completing an online form. The registrations close on Thursday April 30.
You need to be logged in to comment.