Liberation Day Hampers Return to Residential Homes for 80th Anniversary

This year, more than 800 islanders living in residential homes or attending Age Concern groups in Guernsey will once again receive special Liberation Day-themed hampers as part of the 80th-anniversary celebrations. 

The hampers are proudly sponsored this year by Howden, a global insurance broker with a strong commitment to community initiatives. As part of Howden, SPF is a long-established and trusted name in Guernsey, specialising in mortgages and insurance.  

Deliveries will begin on 8 May to residential homes, with Age Concern groups receiving their hampers during the week of Liberation Day.  

Carefully selected by The Guernsey Hamper Company, the hampers are inspired by the Red Cross food parcels delivered by the SS Vega on 9 May 1945. Each hamper will include Guernsey Gâche, banana bread, orange drizzle cake and scones, accompanied by products from the Guernsey Dairy and traditional ration cards. Recipients will be able to enjoy these nostalgic treats with a cup of tea. 

Fresh fruit was almost impossible to find during the Second World War, and on Liberation Day, the troops gave the children oranges and bananas. Many children tried to eat their bananas without peeling them first, and used the oranges as balls, as they had never seen either before.   

‘The Liberation Day hampers provide such joy to residents of Guernsey’s residential homes and Age Concern groups, and we are so looking forward to creating them once again this year,’ said Deputy Sue Aldwell, Committee for Education, Sport and Culture.  

‘The hampers allow us to ensure that all generations are able to participate in the Bailiwick celebrations and we know they provide the residents with a chance to reminisce and commemorate.’ 

Sophie Jones, Client Director at Howden, shared her pride in sponsoring the initiative: ‘Having lived in Guernsey, I understand just how important Liberation Day is, especially for this historic 80th anniversary. Guernsey holds a special place in my heart, and I’m delighted that Howden can contribute to celebrating this milestone. Through our partnership with SPF, we are deeply committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work.’ 

Pierre Blampied, Managing Director of SPF Guernsey, added: ‘Being part of the 80th anniversary celebrations is incredibly important to us. Liberation Day is a day of profound reflection - a time to commemorate and honour the generation whose lives were shaped by the war and its aftermath. Howden shares our commitment to supporting the community, and we are proud to play a role in this meaningful initiative.’