Memories shared at Liberation Tea Dance

Saturday 11 May 2019

Hundreds of people have gathered together for a cup of tea and a dance to commemorate Guernsey's occupation and eventual liberation.

The annual Specsavers Tea Dance took place at Beau Sejour yesterday and was once again a popular event with those who remember what the island was like during the war.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for people to share their stories," said the Bailiff Sir Richard Collas. "It is not often said but it's this generation that saved Guernsey after the war. They made sure that Guernsey prospered and thrived.

"Today is about remembering their suffering and thanking them for what they did for the rest of us."

The guests were served tea and coffee by Specsavers staff in 1940s dress, while enjoying a spread of traditional sandwiches and cakes. Some even took to the dancefloor, with live music from the Ashby Big Band and the D-Day Darlings.

Pictured: Some of the guests at this year's Liberation Tea Dance.

"It is lovely to get all these people together," said this year's oldest guest, 92-year-old Ruth Mahy. "We are very privileged to be able to get together!"

Ms Mahy was evacuated from Guernsey at the age of 13 and spent five years living with relatives in Stockport and Bath. When she returned to the island at age 18 it was completely different to the home she remembered: "You remember home as being a lovely place but when you came back there were lots of fortifications. It was a lovely homecoming though to see all my family."

Alongside the food and music the entire St John Loveridge hall was kitted out with 1940s-style decor including flags, banners and posters of the time.

Pictured: Specsavers staff sold themed hats to raise money for Guernsey Mind.

85-year-old Joan Foote, who was also evacuated, attended the tea dance for the first time this year and was impressed by the amount of work that went into it: "I think it's fantastic! I can't believe there are so many people here."

The commemorations and celebrations have not stopped there though, with the second Specsavers Hangar Ball taking place this evening.

"You can't live in the Channel Islands for long without realising what a seminal part of our history the occupation was," said His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor. "It's an extraordinary thing for us all to share."