Festung's enthusiasm is infectious
FOR some years the island wrestled with the issue of whether Nazi Occupation structures should be retained, or torn down.
Over the years that argument has largely disappeared, and the focus today is on maintaining and opening up some of the structures that survive, even using them as a tourist attraction.
Much of the access available today is through the unstinting efforts of the volunteers from Festung Guernsey.
These enthusiasts embody all that is good about partnering between the States of Guernsey and the third sector.
Festung graciously acknowledges the support of the States Museum Services on its website, but its strength is its base of volunteers, their deep knowledge and enthusiasm to get involved for the benefit of their chosen hobby and passion, and by extension, to benefit the island as a whole.
Festung’s role in island life has been highlighted again by its involvement in securing listed building status for the German Naval Batterie Strassburg at Jerbourg, a collection of 64 World War Two features across the headland.
Now, if similar Occupation sites locally are to receive protected status, Development & Planning Authority president Deputy Victoria Oliver has said that Festung would be expected to ‘take the lead’.
And the island, and particularly its Occupation history, will be better recognised as a result.