I haven’t updated the blog for a few weeks so what have I been up to?
Bespoke Private Tour
It started with welcoming my guests for a private bespoke tour of Guernsey & Sark focusing on the German Occupation of the Channel Islands.
We started with a trip to Castle Cornet on the day they arrived as it was closing early for the season but they really wanted to visit the castle, so we fitted it in on their travel day. Even though it meant they had to go straight from their flight, jump in a taxi to their hotel, drop their bags and meet me. As everything worked to schedule we made it in time for them to see the noon day gun which was on their wish list.
Following that we had a stroll around the castle and I was able to explain some of the occupation history illustrated with some photographs from the time. We strolled back to town and on the way we looked at the memorial to a Typhoon pilot who was shot down during June 1944.
A spot of lunch and then I left them to rest or explore, which had been the original plan, when this tour was first planned months ago and before we knew the castle was closing early for the end of season.
Day 2 they were in the capable hands of Amanda from Tours of Guernsey to take them to the German Underground Hospital, German Occupation Museum and a visit to one of the gun batteries.
Day 3 and they were back with me. I had a plan involving a walk past some key places on our way to the German Naval Signals Bunker. The weather gods had other ideas and it was chucking it down with rain! That meant plan a and plan b were out of the window, but fortunately I had a plan c!
Plan C involved us getting a taxi to the German Navy Signals Bunker for a tour there while we hoped the rain would ease. Fortunately it did and we were able to get back on track. Winding our way back down the hill into town via a number of historical locations including a gun battery, home of Frank Falla, Victoria Tower, and then lunch at the Old Government House Hotel which had been used as a Soldatenheim (a recreational home and social club for German officers). We then carried on to look at some of the memorials at the White Rock and I explained the stories of the people recorded on them.
Day 4 was a busy day taking in the Commando raids on the south coast cliffs before jumping on the midday boat to Sark. Once in Sark we followed the route of Operation Basalt after talking about Operation Hardtack 7. A stop at key locations to talk about the murder of a doctor, followed by the scene of the surrender. Our final stop was at the excellent occupation exhibition at the Old Hall. Whilst there the Seigneur of Sark took some time to speak to my guests about his role, his family and the history of the island.
Following our return to Guernsey we watched the Battle of Britain air display before heading off for a farewell dinner. Before we parted I presented them each with a signed copy of my book.
I received a wonderful Tripadvisor review for this tour.
If you would like to discuss organising a bespoke private tour please do get in touch.
Defiance, Danger & Liberation Walking Tour
As part of the Autumn Walking Festival I ran this tour on 20 September. 15 people had booked in advance but on the day I ended up with 26 guests.
Some excellent questions and some great reviews on Tripadvisor.
I will be running this tour again as it has proved so popular.
What is coming next?
I have town tours on the horizon next month. 10th October and 31st October. No need to book for those just arrive at the Visitor Information Centre, in Market Square, for a 10:30am start.
There are a number of other things that are works in progress news of which will come in a future update.
I was working on one of them this lunchtime, certainly a great office to have today.
In the meantime do get in touch if you have any questions or would like to enquire about a tour.
À la perchoïne!
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