Staying close from miles away
DOES Guernsey want to risk missing the chance to secure parts of its history when they become available?
Given the state of public finances, that appears increasingly likely. And so we applaud the efforts of a United States citizen, who is keen to build on his Guernsey connections.
Earlier this week we highlighted the efforts of John Deichler, who was raised in Dallas but whose roots on his maternal side go all the way back to Guernsey. He has built on those connections by buying a local fief, and collecting historical items with a local connection, for Island Archives, libraries or museums.
‘I wished to add value to the community in a way that was meaningful,’ he told us. ‘While I am deeply proud of my connection, I am not native-born and feel compelled to earn it through meaningful contributions.’
So he is putting his own money up, and working with fellow members of La Societe Guernesiaise, to enhance the chance to grab these collectibles.
Now he wants others to join him – primarily to ensure that the island doesn’t miss out on big opportunities in the future, and to spread a larger awareness of the island’s history.
Mr Deichler may live nearly 5,000 miles from Guernsey – but his sense of community spirit and desire to give something back to the island is an example to be followed.