Fete de la Liberation proves a big success

By Aimee Le Cocq

Hannah, 9, left, and Charlotte Simon at the Royal British Legion’s Fete de la Liberation at L’islet on Saturday. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0577546)

LIBERATION Day wasn’t the only celebration of freedom at the weekend. A Fete de la Liberation was held on Saturday to mark the 63rd anniversary of Liberation Day. The event took place at the Royal British Legion Northern Branch Club at Le Picquerel, L’Islet.

Those attending were invited to dress in 1940s or traditional Guernsey Costume. Vintage military vehicles were on display and a bean-jar was served up courtesy of a wartime-style kitchen. Rex Champion, a member of the British Legion, was one of the organisers of the event.

‘I just felt that we should do something as a British Legion, especially near Liberation Day, Armistice and Poppy Day, as we are all ex-members of the forces. We came up with this idea but had mulled it over for a few months. The day has been really good. We’ve had the weather and I think people are still in the Liberation Day spirit.’

Mr Champion estimated that more than a thousand people had visited the fete. Bric-a-brac stalls, food, fresh crab and teas and coffees were on offer. Author Molly Bihet was also signing her books and the Dorset Army Cadet Force had set up a stall. All money raised at the fete will go to the British Legion Club.

‘This is the first year we have held such an event and we would like to do it again next year. But it’s down to the committee. However, it’s been such a success and people are really pleased with it,’ he said.

‘I can’t thank those who have helped enough. It’s been a big team effort. It really has been first-class.’