More than 800 islanders are set to receive a treat this May, with care home residents and members of Age Concern groups to be given specially-curated hampers for Liberation Day.
The Guernsey Hamper Company has designed the contents to mirror the iconic Red Cross parcels delivered by the SS Vega in 1945, with this year’s selection including Guernsey gâche, scones and Guernsey Dairy products.
They’ll also contain fruit donated by the Co-Op, loose-leaf tea and traditional ration cards, as well as a special orange drizzle cake, inspired by the oranges gifted to local children by liberating troops.
People in residential homes will get their deliveries on 8 May, while Age Concern groups will receive theirs throughout the week of Liberation Day.
Deputy Andy Cameron, Education, Sport & Culture Vice President, heaped praise the people helping create the hampers and the contributions across the community.
He said: Many of those receiving these special hampers experienced or remember the treats delivered by SS Vega in 1945.”
Attention to detail
This hampers “brought a lot of joy to islanders and we are pleased to be offering them again this year”, he said.
Deputy Cameron added: “There has been so much thought put into each detail in the hampers and we thank all those involved in their creation, from the Guernsey Hamper Company to all the volunteers who will deliver them.”
He said he was “grateful” to this year’s primary sponsor, construction company Rok.
Rok Director Kevan Nelson said the company was “proud to sponsor” the hampers as they tied “everything that Liberation Day represents into one neat package, for those whose lives were most shaped by the war”.
“While other islanders will celebrate in St Peter Port and in their parishes, these hampers allow many from the older generation who might not be able to access those events to reminisce and commemorate on the day of reflection and celebration,” he continued.
There will be more messaging in the future for those not living in a residential home or attending Age Concern, with extra information on individual hampers expected at the start of next month.
‘Special’ tea party
Sue Browning is the Matron of Summerland Nursing Home, which hosts an annual Liberation Day tea party for residents.
It had “become a favourite celebration for a lot of the team”, she said.
Mrs Browning added: “The staff dress up in traditional outfits from that era, we sing songs and we reminisce too as a lot of our residents remember the Occupation.
“Back then, they made the most out of the very little they had, so this annual tea party is a truly special moment for them.”