THE owner of the Jersey War Tunnels has sought to reassure Islanders that events held at the historical site will continue to be “in keeping” with its mission if its bid for an annual entertainment permit is successful.
Lance Trevellyan also said that a lot of the events would be charitable, citing Jersey War Tunnels’ relationship with the Red Cross and Royal British Legion, among other organisations.
He explained that permission for events was currently sought “on a one-off basis” each time and that “it was suggested to us that we should apply for an annual license”.
But he stressed that: “This is a site through which we intend to promote education, reflection and remembrance.”
He continued: “History does not preserve itself.
“Our mission is to preserve what’s there and there is absolutely no intention to hold any event whatsoever that is not in keeping with our continuing, respectful commemoration of this significant site in the Island’s experience of and its role in World War Two.”
As well as charitable events, Mr Trevellyan said that there would be a focus on “gatherings of like-minded societies” such as the Channel Islands Occupation Society.
Listing further examples of possible functions, he added: “It could be a regimental reunion, it could be a celebration for the life of a veteran, it could be historical lectures of wartime stories.”
He also noted that none of the events would go past 10pm.
