A CAMPAIGNER who has spent years trying to get the Delancey monument rebuilt has given the latest project his approval.
Former dean of the St Sampson’s douzaine, Peter Bougourd, tried to get a granite replacement built in 2000.
Despite getting public support and planning permission, he was unable to raise the funds. So he was pleased when he heard news of the latest scheme.
‘I think it’s wonderful,’ he said. ‘I’m pleased it will be substantial. I would have preferred granite, but this design reflects the current age.’
Mr Bougourd (pictured) said that despite the metallic design, he believed the new obelisk was appropriate.
‘Admiral James De Saumarez was a very go- ahead chap. Very modernist. I’m sure he would have liked it.’
He said he recognised the problems that the current architects have faced when looking to import granite.
Despite pushing the plans forward in 2000, money and materials proved hard to obtain.
The St Sampson’s douzaine even lobbied the German governments to try and raise funds, but did not get close to the amount needed to resurrect the monument. There was also trouble finding granite.
‘I remember playing with the stones from the old monument as a child,’ said Mr Bougourd.
‘But it is now in the Cobo seawall and Rosaire Steps.’
Mr Bougourd believed there should be no structural problems with rebuilding the monument on the site. When the douzaine looked into rebuilding the obelisk, they had tested the area to ensure it was safe.
‘We needed to be sure that the German tunnels didn’t undermine the area,’ said Mr Bougourd. ‘But it is very stable.’
The recent plans to construct a stainless steel obelisk were the latest in a series of attempts to rebuild the monument since its destruction by the Germans in 1943. A crane jib was installed on the site after the war for use as a shipping marker. This was removed in 1970, and since then there has been a popular move to rebuild the monument.
In 1989 Deputy Harold Allen took a requete to the States to look into constructing the monument. This was thrown out after the estimated cost reached £170,000.
In 2000, Peter Bougourd launched a popular campaign to rebuild the monument, but it flagged despite contributions from a local bank.
Article posted on 2nd July, 2009 - 1.00pm
2 Article Comments
As much I’m supportive of the rebuilding of this monument, as a general comment, this Island needs a bit of a rethink on its historical education.
Every time there is a naming ceremony our default position appears to be “Sausmarez”.
With 1000 years of history can we not think beyond, before or after the period of 1700-1850 and does it always have to involve some English naval battle?
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Couldn’t agree more Neil, it would seem as if no one else ever did anything. How about those who had the bailiff (of bailiff’s cross renown)justly condemned- of those who stood up to the occupiers; and don’t mention any of the Controlling committee.
I think of of memorial to those slave workers, treated in a bestial way because they were Russian,
As Neil says far too many of the non Island heroics. It would seem as if only the Battles for England are worth mentioning.. Islanders know better-
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