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Alderney is making the final preparations for its Homecoming Day celebrations later this month, commemorating the 75th anniversary of islanders’ return after World War 2.
The Germans officially surrendered Alderney on 16 May 1945, but there was much to be done before anyone could return.
Most islanders were eager to go back home although they knew they would endure great hardship, and it took from May to December 1945 to make the return possible following the mass evacuation in 1940.
VisitAlderney have organised two events around the 15 December celebrations.
The first is an arts project called 'In the footsteps of Alderney’s Homecomers', which will see 18 paintings placed on display.
People were invited to express what Homecoming and the end of the WWII means to them and features work made by St Anne’s school, the play school, as well as members of the Art Club and other residents. The exhibition will go on display 12 Saturday until Sunday 20 December, on the railings around the Island Hall.
The second is an online screening of 'The Homecoming’, a documentary produced by Eye Film Company in 2015. It will be free to view for 24 hours only from 00:01 on Tuesday 15 December 15 on Visit Alderney’s website.
70 years after the Homecoming Charlie Gauvain and his team interviewed Alderney residents to capture their memories on film of what it was like in the post-war period and how their parents and grandparents set about rebuilding Alderney.
The two events have been added to a timetable for the day that also includes:
10:00 - A special Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service for the Homecoming at St Anne’s Church
11:30 - The laying of the wreath at the Memorial Stone at the Harbour, followed by a re-enactment of the Homecoming by children of St Anne’s School accompanied by The Alderney Voices
12.30 - Vin D’Honneur at the Island Hall for homecomers and invited guests
15:00 - Tea Dance including music by the Alderney Band and songs by Rosie Evans at the Island Hall (by invitation)
17:00 - Show-reel of past Homecoming celebrations
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