This Is Guernsey

By Thom Ogier

Left to right: new MBEs music teacher Christine Anthony, racing driver Andy Priaulx and swimming instructor Alison Frankland. (Montage by John O’Neill, 0593547)

ISLANDERS reacted with joy to news that three of our own have been awarded an MBE.

But that joy was edged with concern in political circles. Three years after his installation as Guernsey’s first citizen, Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland is still waiting for the knighthood that has generally accompanied the position.

And it seems likely that retiring senior politicians Mike Torode and Dan Le Cheminant were put forward for an honour but were rejected. Chief Minister Lyndon Trott was sure that ‘Sir Geoffrey’s’ time would come.

‘I am delighted that the hard work and achievements of three Guernsey residents have been rewarded by Her Majesty in her Birthday Honours List,’ he said. ‘I am sure that it is only a matter of time before the superb job that our Bailiff does on behalf of the Bailiwick of Guernsey is also recognised.’

Lt-Governor Sir Fabian Malbon was among those praising music teacher Christine Anthony, racing driver Andy Priaulx and swimming instructor Alison Frankland, who were recognised in the list.

‘I am very pleased for them and all three are completely deserving,’ he said.

‘Andy Priaulx is racing as we speak so let’s hope he is doing well.’

He said the triple World Touring Car champion had put Guernsey on the motorsport map.

‘He is such a rounded guy as well and that’s especially evident in his excellent work for the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation.’

Sir Fabian said that Mrs Frankland had been hugely supportive of swimming since she started teaching it in 1973.

‘She has also been very pivotal in securing the involvement of islanders in important competitions,’ he said.

He said that Mrs Anthony’s great influence on Guernsey’s young singers was obvious.

‘Guernsey’s music scene is a huge success story and we have her to thank for much of that,’ he said.

Mr Priaulx’s mother Judy was delighted. ‘It’s quite an emotional day. We are all absolutely thrilled, so proud of him,’ she said.

Mr Priaulx was not able to spend Saturday celebrating in Guernsey because he was on the racetrack in Brno in the Czech Republic, explained his sister, Fiona Gomes.

‘I just hope he isn’t going to be busy on the day he’s meant to be going to the palace to receive the MBE,’ she said.

Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland said: ‘This year we have been truly blessed with recipients from three totally different backgrounds who have put so much into our community.’

Secretary of the Eisteddfod Society Barbara Minta said she had long experience of Mrs Anthony’s involvement with Guernsey music and thought her very deserving.

‘I know the calibre of her choirs are just splendid and she works so hard and is terrific at it,’ she said.

Mrs Anthony had seemed over the moon when the two of them had spoken earlier in the day, said Mrs Minta.

Although she had not received swimming lessons from Mrs Frankland, Mrs Minta said she knew the teacher also deserved the honour.

‘Alison has been incredibly dedicated to Guernsey and especially to young swimmers,’ she said.

‘I’m really very pleased for them all.’