Registration open for Liberation Day hamper gifts for the war-time generation

Registrations are now open for Liberation Day hampers for the island’s war-time community, made possible through the generous sponsorship of St Peter Port Constables. 

500 hampers will be gifted to islanders who remained in Guernsey during the Occupation, or who were evacuated or deported during the Second World War. 

Introduced in 2023 as part of Liberation Day’s commemorative programme, the initiative is now an important part of the day, recognising those who experienced the war. 

The hampers will include scones, orange cake, Guernsey Gâche, tea, jam, dairy products donated by Guernsey Dairy and fruit donated by the Co-operative. Each hamper will be accompanied by a traditional ration card. 

Islanders aged 80 and over, living in private accommodation or with family, are eligible for a hamper. 

A separate hamper initiative has already been announced by Liberation Day organisers for those individuals who qualify but live in residential homes or attend Age Concern groups. 

Diane Mitchell, Senior Constable, St Peter Port Douzaine, said:  

“We are thrilled to support the Guernsey hampers as we remember a key part of our island’s history. Personally, my family – like so many others on the island - were serving, evacuated or living here during those five long years, and so we can absolutely understand how much these hampers mean to the recipients, some of whom are in their late 90’s. We look forward to meeting some of the island residents and hearing tales of the Occupation and evacuation and hope they enjoy the hampers.” 

Deputy Andy Cameron, Vice-President and Liberation Day Lead for the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, said:  

“Liberation Day is a community effort, and initiatives like this show the power of local organisations coming together. St Peter Port Constables’ support helps us extend the celebrations beyond island-wide events and into people’s homes, ensuring the spirit of the day is shared across the island.” 

How to register 

Islanders aged 80 and over, living in private accommodation or with family, are eligible for the individual hampers. Those living in care homes or attending Age Concern groups will receive hampers via a separate hamper initiative.  

Only those who register will receive a hamper and will be limited to one hamper per person. After registering, individual hampers will be available to collect from Beau Sejour on Saturday 9 May from 8.30-11am. 

Eligible individuals or their carers will need to register to receive a hamper. The easiest way is to complete this form. Alternatively, registrants can email [email protected] or by call 01481 223552 between 9-11.30am or 2-5 pm until Thursday 30 April. Registrants will need to provide their full name, address, date of birth and contact details. 

When collecting the hampers, individuals, carers or family members are required to bring a form of identification for themselves and the recipient, such as a passport or driving license. 

Information supplied when registering will be held by the Liberation Day Organising Committee until Friday 15 May, at which point all data will be deleted.