Saving Guernsey's Finest Hour

On Tuesday 31st March His Excellency Sir Richard Cripwell hosted a reception at Guernsey's Government House to launch the purchase and restoration of Number 16 Rue Verte, the building in which so many men sheltered, fought and suffered in late November 1917, stopping the largest German advance of the war, and at terrible cost.

Guernsey' Lt Governor Sir Richard Cripwell addressing the Reception at Government House

The RGLI have agreed the purchase terms with the current owner of this derelict building and raised sufficent funds to now put this in Guernsey's hands, which is ongoing at the time of writing.

The objective of the evening is to begin the campaign to raise the required £350,000 needed to preserve, extend and build for future generations this core piece of history outside the island referred to as 'Guernsey's Most Important Building Beyond Our Shores'.

The RGLI memorial and derelict No 16 Rue Verte, where so many men took shelter in late 1917

No 16, was the site Major Eddie Parks refered to in his book as the 'Stand of the RGLI' and the media entitled 'Guersney's Finest Hour'.

Chairman Chris Oliver, launches the appeal at Government House

It is yet to be given an official name, but will very clearly be a multi-centre facility - cementing the student exchange for new generations of islanders and Masnieres children, providing a cultural and historic centre, delivering a community centre (in line with its original cafe background) and somewhere that will offer accommodation not just for the student teams but also to islanders who will be able to stay in this historic place.

Membership, donations and contributions can be made by going to the Membership section on the website or contacting membership@rgli.org