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You may wonder where the spirit of Christmas has gone, as conflict and suffering dominate the headlines. It is easy to believe we live in a world of loneliness and mistrust. Yet this year has shown me otherwise: it’s friendship – sometimes over many miles and years – that is the real news.
Louise and I thank our lucky stars for the opportunity to live here, doing what we do.
My job brings me into contact with fascinating people, places and ideas that reveal how these islands - and islanders - are not short of friends.
Pictured: Mrs Cripwell has supported the Guernsey Voluntary Service this year.
A February visit to RAF Lossiemouth opened my eyes to a spirited Guernsey fanbase on the Moray Firth. The long affiliation with 201 (Guernsey’s Own) Squadron RAF is well documented, but it’s not until you are surrounded by the Guernsey flag - on bunting, aircraft, noticeboards and flying suits - and hear wistful recollections of a Cobo sunset, that you realise just how much it means there. We all felt that friendship when the Squadron exercised its Privilege of Guernsey during Battle of Britain Week, with bayonets fixed, drums beating and flags flying. And don’t forget those bagpipes.
Summer reminded us of long and deep links to the Crown that underpin the Bailiwick’s cherished autonomous identity. Islanders witnessed for themselves the very real enjoyment on the faces of The King and Queen on a sunny July day when memories were made.
Pictured: His Excellency accompanied the King and Queen during their visit to Guernsey in July.
What I was also privileged to see, both in the buildup and those rare moments out of the spotlight, is a deep respect and affection for the islands and their people that runs through the Palace. In the ebb and flow of the 21st Century, a friendship like that counts for a lot.
The year has ended with another lesson in fondness felt for the Bailiwick.
Quite rightly, we think of Normandy as our French connection, with shared language, culture and even family names. But who knew that, far away on the Belgian border, a generation of French children is growing up with a love for Guernsey and its people? I confess I had no idea until I spent three days in the town of Masnières, marking the anniversary of a battle that saw the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry defend the town at great human cost. From the Mayor down to the youngest school pupil, the welcome was warm and the respect deep for those islanders who made the ultimate sacrifice there 107 years ago.
Pictured: The Lieutenant Governor represented Guernsey in Masnières last month.
Next year will bring yet more friendship as we welcome representatives from the German town of Biberach for the 80th anniversary of Liberation. Again, from shared adversity springs an enduring alliance that offers succour in a fast-changing world.
Christmas is a time to reflect on all the precious bonds we share and to be thankful for good company.
Whether you are at home with loved ones or at work, keeping our islands running, Louise and I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year.
Pictured top: Lieutenant Governor, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell and Mrs Louise Cripwell at Bright Beginnings.
