Islander "honoured" and surprised at being made a ‘Chevalier’

Thursday 02 August 2018

A Jerseyman who’s spent years promoting the French language and culture has been given a top award in recognition of his hard work.

Bob Le Sueur – a former teacher – was awarded the level of ‘Chevalier’ in the Ordre de la Pléiade from the Bailiff at a special ceremony in the Old Library.

This honorary order is administered by the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF), an organisation which brings together French-speaking parliamentarians from across the world.

The order was created to recognise the outstanding merits of those who have distinguished themselves serving the ideals of the APF and French-speaking communities. This includes promoting the role of the French language in their own country.

Speaking of his award, Mr Le Sueur said: “I feel so privileged and honoured to have been awarded the level of ‘Chevalier’ in the Ordre de la Pléiade. I have always had a close affiliation with the French language and a fondness for French culture but I would never have imagined that I would receive an award such as this. I am very grateful to the APF Committee for their encouragement and this recognition, which I see as recognition for all those I have worked with on encouraging the use of French in our Island and on fostering a close relationship with France. Long may it continue!”

As well as being an English teacher, Mr Le Sueur is a proficient French-speaker and a founding member of Les Amitiés Franco-Britanniques de Jersey. The organisation was created to foster good relationships between France and Jersey and to encourage the use of French in Jersey. He did this by delivering numerous talks and hosting many visitors over the years. 

Pictured: Bob Le Sueur was presented with his medal by the Bailiff, Sir William Bailhache, in a special ceremony in the Old Library.

He also taught French, and has also used his French skills as an occasional translator for Durrell, working on scientific papers dealing with animals threatened with extinction.

Mr Le Sueur is also well-known in local circles for his wartime bravery helping to hide escaped Russian slave workers during the Occupation, for which he received an MBE in 2013.