Bailiwick says: "À la perchoine"

Thursday 25 November 2021

Guernsey's Bailiff, senior politicians and community leaders yesterday recognised the Lieutenant-Governor's service to the Bailiwick on his last day in the island before his Royal Warrant officially ends next Tuesday.

His Excellency Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder KBE, CB and Lady Corder, with their treasured dog Milo at their side, left the island after nearly six years as the Crown's representative in the Bailiwick. They are relocating to North Norfolk.

Sir Ian's last morning in the island was spent at a meeting of the States, which unusually was held at St James Concert and Assembly Hall rather than in the Royal Court to provide more space for members and officials to be socially distanced. 

Pictured: The States met at St James and their first item of business was to say farewell to Sir Ian and Lady Corder on their last day in the island.

The Bailiff, Richard McMahon, said that Sir Ian and Lady Corder would be greatly missed. 

"We have been delighted at the way you adjusted to filling the position of Her Majesty's personal representative with such aplomb," said the Bailiff.

"During your time here, you have stamped your mark on the office as a well respected figure and a friend to many across the islands. As you depart later today to your home in Norfolk, it is safe to say that you, Lady Corder and of course Milo will be much missed.

Pictured: Sir Ian and Lady Corder supported and encouraged many charities and voluntary services. Here they are pictured visiting the National Trust shop in Cornet Street. 

"You quickly blended the need for formality and dignity when that was appropriate whilst also recognising that society's norms continue to evolve with the introduction of certain adjustments to other aspects of your role. Such personal touches have been well received. Indeed, your relaxed approach demonstrates precisely why the people of our community have taken you to their hearts.

"As a community, we are grateful to you for making Government House accessible to a larger and possibly more diverse group than may have been the case previously. 

Pictured: Sir Ian and Lady Corder's Hungarian Vizsla, Milo, has never been far from the couple's side during their time in Guernsey and became well-known to regular visitors to Government House. Credit: Chris George.

"Your Excellency, the people of this Bailiwick wish you and Lady Corder many years of happiness, good health and enjoyment of whatever new adventures lie ahead for you. We hope that you will wish to return to visit the Bailiwick when the time is appropriate and so look forward to seeing you again.

"God speed, bon voyage...and à la perchoine."

Pictured: The Bailiff, Richard McMahon, spoke warmly of Sir Ian and Lady Corder's contribution to the life of the Bailiwick since their arrival at Government House in 2016.

Guernsey's senior-most politician, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, President of the Policy & Resources Committee, was absent from the States' meeting. He was recently diagnosed with covid-19. In his place, the Committee's Vice-President, Deputy Heidi Soulsby, spoke on behalf of States' members.

"Discussions with His Excellency have meant a chance to benefit from the viewpoint of someone who is not part of Guernsey's political scene or the machinery of the island's government but who understands it well. I'm sure many have appreciated Sir Ian's candour and impartial views," said Deputy Soulsby.

"On behalf of the members of the Assembly, we trust that Sir Ian and Lady Corder will enjoy their new life in North Norfolk and their retirement having dutifully served Her Majesty and her interests in this Bailiwick. 

"When Sir Ian and Lady Corder leave the Bailiwick today, I hope they know that they leave us with fond memories of their time here and that they take our very best wishes with them."

Pictured: Deputy Heidi Soulsby, Vice-President of the Policy & Resources Committee, spoke on behalf of the States' Assembly and thanked Sir Ian for his candour and impartial advice to senior members. 

Lieutenant-Governors have the right to attend States' meetings but by convention speak in the States only once, immediately before departing from their post. Sir Ian accepted the Bailiff's invitation to address States' members.

"Yours is not and never will be an easy role," he said. "I pay genuine tribute to you all for having the courage and commitment to take it on.

"I've had the chance to get to know many of you in the Assembly personally and likewise your predecessors in the last States. I can say without hesitation that I have not yet met a Guernsey deputy who has entered the political ring motivated by anything other than an absolute heartfelt desire to do what is best for their island."

ECJS was delighted to be invited to say its goodbyes to Lt-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder at Government House yesterday. The children waved their flags & banners in a cheery send-off as they made their final journey to the airport. À la perchoïne! pic.twitter.com/21OxvGmqxG

— Elizabeth College (@Eliz_Coll) November 25, 2021

Pictured: Well-wishers, including children from Elizabeth College Junior School, gathered along the drive to Government House as Sir Ian and Lady Corder made their final preparations to leave the island.

Sir Ian spoke of the Bailiwick as "a genuinely special place". 

"What a genuinely special community we have. The Bailiwick is defined by its community and its people. People who are hospitable, generous, warm hearted, fun loving and loyal. People who have taken Kathryn and I into the very heart of their island lives for the past six years. 

"We both feel immense privilege to have been accepted so readily into your midst and to have had the opportunity in whatever small ways we may have been able to contribute to this special and unique place.

"We have enjoyed our time here immensely. We have made many new friends and we will take away many special memories. And we have been proud to call Guernsey home."

Thank you for an unforgettable final day in #Guernsey, following 5.5 happy years in the Bailiwick. Fabulous farewell that we shall certainly not forget! Too many to thank in 280 characters but special mention to @specsavers for getting us home safely - and in style! #Alaperchoine pic.twitter.com/oEAoUsmDIa

— Gov House Guernsey (@GvHouseGuernsey) November 24, 2021

Pictured: Sir Ian and Lady Corder tweeted their thanks for the various farewell events which marked their last day in the island before starting a new chapter of their lives in North Norfolk.

From 1 December, the Bailiff will be the Acting Lieutenant-Governor until the installation of Sir Ian's successor, Lieutenant-General Richard Cripwell CB, CBE early in 2022.