MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Channel Islands Occupation Society's Message to Falklands

The Channel Islands Occupation Society has sent a message to the people of the Falklands following a visit from a group of tourists from Guernsey and Jersey. In a letter from the Society they say "although the Falkland Islands occupation lasted for a few months compared to the occupation of the Channel Islands by the Germans which lasted for five years, they can appreciate the tension and distress that such an occupation must have caused, and the joy liberation can bring." The Society was formed in 1971 not only to preserve and record all aspects of the German occupation of the Channel Islands, but also to promote friendship and reconciliation between former enemies. In the letter it states that "This is perhaps easy to say after an interval of 55 years, whereas the Falklands occupation ended only 18 years ago. Nonetheless," writes Michael Ginns, Honourable President and Secretary of the Society "it is important to now look forwards and to rebuilding links with old adversaries." The tourists met with His Excellency the Governor, Mr Donald Lamont on 28 November, when they left him with some letters, a memento of the German occupation and the letter from the Channel Islands Occupation Society.

Former Legislative Councillor Dies Aged 88.

It is with regret that we must report the death in England of Mrs Marjory Vinson on 30 November. Marjory was 88 years old and was the widow of Dick Vinson who worked most of his life for the Falkland Islands Company and retired as Camp Manager in 1971. Marjory spent some years as a member of the Falkland Islands Legislative Council. The couple left the Islands in 1971.

Half Marathon this Sunday

Finally in sport, the closing date for entries to the Cape Pembroke Half Marathon is today. The race will take place this Sunday and walkers must check in at the totem pole on the Airport Road between 9 and 9.15am for a 9.30 start. Runners check into the Stanley Leisure Centre between 9.45 and 10.30am for an 11am start from the totem pole. The finish will be at Victory Green and all finishers will receive a millennium souvenir coaster and snack as well as a free swim and shower at the Stanley Leisure Centre at any time