Among the many attractions at this year’s West Show, the Grand Pageant brought to life the coastal tradition of vraic gathering. Gemma Hockey, Tom Edwards and Kieran Guilbert report. Pictures by Steve Sarre THOUSANDS flocked to the West Show to watch this year’s Grand Pageant. Allair au vraic was a demonstration of how seaweed used to be collected for fertilizer from the beaches on Guernsey’s west coast.

The rain clouds parted and the sun came out for the highlight of the show.

Committee member Ali Bourgaize said the day had been fantastic, with many people showing an interest in the pageant.

‘We think we’ve had in the region of 10,000 people over the course of the two days,’ said the 44-year-old.

‘The popularity of the show has been proved by the number of people here to see the pageant,’ she added.

Dressed in traditional Guernsey costumes, participants braved the mud and soggy fields of L’Eree and got stuck into the show-and-tell performance.

‘I really enjoyed taking part,’ said Mrs Bourgaize. ‘My character was Mrs Darcy Le Prevost, after Pride and Prejudice, and I ended up falling in the water.

‘I had every intention of going as a well-to-do lady, but you have to be game and put in 100% with this,’ she said.

She said it had been great for children to see the horse and carts, hear some Guernsey French and see the traditional costumes that their great-grandparents might have worn.

‘That’s what it’s all about – living history. Bringing the past to life so it is never lost.

‘Not only is it educational for visitors, locals enjoy delving into their heritage too,’ she said.

Lloyd Robilliard designed the setting, with sea and sand included.

‘He has done a fantastic job and it really paid off,’ added Mrs Bourgaize.

Lt-Governor Sir Fabian Malbon and Lady Malbon were guests at the show.

Sir Fabian said: ‘We came on the Wednesday last year so missed out on the pageant, but I’m extremely impressed with what I have seen today.

‘It’s important that people learn about their history and there have been some wonderful costumes today,’ he said.

Steve Torode, 42, who took part in the re-enactment, said it was a great family day out.

‘My mother-in-law, Angela de Garis, supplies the costumes and it’s nice to keep up the history,’ he said.

St Saviour’s resident Barry Carre said the pageant, which has a different theme each year, was always well put together.

‘It’s good for the children to see a bit of their heritage and the more they can see, the better,’ said the 56-year-old.

‘I’m quite impressed with the costumes, which are always very good.

‘The West Show is an annual meeting place for many people.

‘It’s great to be down here.’ FOR some people, the West Show just gets better the more they participate.

Hazel Ozard, 90, was declared second-best lady for her effort and dedication in getting into the spirit of yesterday’s pageant.

She played the part of a Lavender Lady and carried around a basket of the shrub to hand out to visitors.

Mrs Ozard wore an old-fashioned but elegant purple dress from her days with the Guernsey Dancers.

‘I’ve been coming to the West Show since I was knee high. I love the friendly atmosphere and it’s such a good mix of people,’ she said.

‘It’s also nice to hear some patois being spoken as it’s an important tradition that needs to be kept going The pageant is popular because the organisers work extremely hard to create something different every year.’

Mrs Ozard moved from St Martin’s to L’Eree when she was three years old.

She said she was thankful the weather had been so sunny.YESTERDAY’S Grand Pageant had every authentic detail correct – even down to the transport.

Dave Lowe, 73, was in the hot seat of a refurbished Victoria carriage being pulled by stallion Breeze (left). He delivered some of the ladies in white smocks to the arena and performed a lap of honour.

Mr Lowe has been driving carriages for more than 60 years and said it was always a joy to appear at the West Show.

‘There is a special atmosphere here and people have been wanting to pat the horse, especially the children,’ he said. ‘I used to ride a lot but I’m getting too old for that now, so I stick to carriages.

‘I’m a member of the Guernsey Horse Driving Society.

‘It’s a lot of work keeping the horse and carriage in tip-top condition, but luckily I have someone else to do that for me.’