Remembering Errol Groves

Thursday 02 May 2019

Family and friends of Errol Groves - one of the Vale Earth Fair founders - will join together today in celebration of his life.

Mr Groves passed away at his home last week, aged 69.

As well as being a much-loved father, grandfather and brother, he was widely-known among local musicians and formed part of the popular band Edith's Head, in which he played the Congos.

Mr Groves fought for peace and equality throughout his life, going out of his way to support and promote environmental and humanitarian causes.

Using both his passion for music and helping others, Mr Groves played a vital part in setting up the Vale Earth Fair festival in 1976 which has, in recent years, celebrated its 40th anniversary. He was the only founder to have remained involved throughout the event's existence.

Pictured: The Vale Earth Fair is held each year at the Vale Castle.

"He was a very dear friend of mine who I will miss greatly," commented Rob Roussel who worked on the festival with Mr Groves.

Hundreds of musicians, friends and groups have used online platforms to share their thoughts and fond memories, including the Vale Earth Fair Collective: "You only have to mention the Vale Earth Fair or Errol's name to any of those there in the early years for stories to come out. One that sticks in the mind involved a much more DIY stage and using himself, along with other collective members, as weights to keep the roof on during a storm!

"Much of the reason for the success of the festival over the years is down to his ability to inspire those around him. We carry on the work of the Vale Earth Fair with his words, his rants and his ethos in our hearts and minds, and hopefully this will ensure that his example and legacy continues for many more decades to come.

"We will always remember what Errol has done for the Guernsey community. He lives on with the Vale Earth Fair."

A celebration of Mr Groves' life is taking place at the Peninsula Hotel from 13:00 today. Everyone is welcome to attend and donations in lieu can be sent to the Guernsey Society for Cancer Relief.

Pictured: Image of Errol Groves from valeearthfair.org.