THE sounds of Beautiful Jersey rang out on the Albert Pier on Sunday as dozens of Islanders took part in the annual evacuees’ commemoration.
Around 60 people, including Chief Minister Kristina Moore and the Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, gathered for the service and wreath-laying ceremony organised by the Jersey Evacuees Association.
The commemoration, which is held each year to remember the departure of evacuees from Jersey before the Occupation – and their eventual return – also included music from the La Ronde Concert Band and a recording of the late Sadie Le Sueur-Rennard singing Beautiful Jersey.
Former evacuee Jean McLaughlin, who chairs the association, thanked those who attended.
‘It went really well,’ she said. ‘The wreaths were beautiful and the La Ronde band were absolutely amazing. Thanks to everyone who came out on such a hot day – I hope to see you again next year.’
She added that it was important the service, now in its 18th year, continued to take place on the Albert Pier.
‘It’s a very special place because it’s where we left and it’s where we came back – can you imagine leaving your home and not knowing how long it was going to last? Those were some very brave people to make that decision.’
