An excellent day for two great causes

First to the top of Smith Street, where hundreds of islanders gathered for Remembrance Sunday.

There was an impressive turnout, including dozens of armed forces veterans and local cadets, for a respectful occasion. It was appreciated by, among others, Bob Place, the president of the Guernsey branch of the Royal British Legion, who said it was important to commemorate the sacrifices made in defence of our values and freedoms.

‘It gives us a chance to focus, because we say we’ll always remember but we don’t, and it’s nice that Remembrance Sunday is a time for everybody to stop and reflect,’ he said.

Mr Place also thanked the Guernsey public for its strong support for this year’s Poppy Appeal. More money is now being spent in the island, particularly in welfare, including supporting people with mental health problems.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the island, Guernsey’s latest world record holder was entering the record books. Simon Johns is a well-known competitive rower, who was undertaking his challenge not only to get back in the record books – in 2016, he broke the world record for the 24-hour indoor rowing men’s 30-39 lightweight category with teammate James Coquelin – but also to raise money for two local charities, Bright Tights and the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation, which have supported the families of two close rowing friends.

It is easy from afar to underestimate the extent of that challenge, rowing at a pace even relatively fit people would struggle to maintain for more than a few minutes, consistently for hours on end, through night and day.

Mr Johns was well supported by corporate partners and well-wishers, many of whom gathered early in the morning to push him on for his final assault on the record. Which, of course, he obliterated.

Congratulations to our new world record holder and to all involved with the Royal British Legion and Remembrance Day. Two excellent causes, who would still be pleased to receive a donation today.