Oil slick threatens Guernsey beaches
The SS Torrey Canyon, a Liberian-registered tanker, ran aground off the coast of West Cornwall this week in 1967, and spilled 119,328 tonnes of crude oil. The Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm attempted to burn off the leaking oil by bombing the wreck multiple times.
However, despite their efforts, the oil reached Guernsey within a week, polluting beaches and affecting miles of coastline in Cornwall and France. The spill covered 270 square miles and led to the deaths of 15,000 sea birds. Clean-up efforts involved sucking up the oil into sewage tankers and transporting it to a quarry in Vale, where microbes were added to break it down over several years.
BBC Radio Guernsey launched
BBC Radio Guernsey took to the air this week in 1982, as the first radio station in the island. Initially operating on AM in mono, it later transitioned to full stereo on FM. The station started with one hour of daily broadcasting and has since expanded to offer an average of ten and a half hours of original local programming per day.
Today, BBC Radio Guernsey broadcasts on both AM and FM frequencies, as well as digitally and online. The station shares a building with ITV on Bulwer Avenue and it collaborates with other BBC local stations during non-peak hours to air regional programs.
Mutiny at Fort George
A mutiny occurred at Fort George this week in 1783. It was staged by soldiers from the 104th Regiment who were upset by the arrival of new soldiers from the 83rd Regiment. The mutineers ambushed their officers during dinner, leading to a violent confrontation in which the rebels took control of the fort.
Officers were forced to regroup with the Guernsey Militia and the Royal Irish in an effort to retake Fort George. After being surrounded and engaged in a firefight, the mutineers found themselves outnumbered and they were forced to surrender. As a result of this incident, the 104th Regiment was disbanded to prevent such an incident from happening again.
Guernsey’s new banknotes
Guernsey issued new banknotes this week in 1980, with the £5 note featuring Thomas de la Rue, a famous local figure who founded De La Rue security printers. The company is well-known globally for producing stamps, passports, and banknotes – including Guernsey’s new notes depicting the man himself.
The £1 note in the series showcased Daniel de Lisle Brock, the £10 note depicted Major General Sir Isaac Brock, and the £20 note displayed Admiral Lord de Saumarez. All the banknotes featured men from Guernsey's history, with no women represented except for the queen on the front of the notes.
The Book of Ebenezer Le Page published
The Book of Ebenezer Le Page, written by Gerald Basil Edwards, was published this week in 1981, five years after the author's death. The novel, set in Guernsey and written in Guernsey English, follows the life of Ebenezer Le Page from the late 1800s to the early 1960s. It portrays his experiences as a fisherman and tomato grower, his love for Liza Queripel, and his friendship with Jim. The book also delves into historical events such as the German occupation during World War II, despite the author not having been in the island at that time. The novel is structured as if written by Ebenezer himself in old age and was intended to be part of a trilogy, although only the first volume was completed.
Guernsey’s worst snow in years
Guernsey experienced its heaviest snowfall in years in March 2013, with significant snow accumulation leading to closures of airports, ferries, buses, and schools. The snowfall lasted from the 10th to the 12th of March and took until the 17th to be fully cleared away. Guernsey Met Office reported that it was the heaviest snowfall in 16 years, creating drifts deeper than those seen since the 1960s, some exceeding 8 feet in depth.
The closure of essential services and infrastructure, such as airports and schools, caused disruptions across the island. The clean-up operation involved removing fallen trees, repairing power cables, and clearing debris for several days following the snowfall. Such weather is relatively uncommon in Guernsey as the island is surrounded by mild waters.
Guernsey guidebook pioneer
Renowned travel writer Henry Inglis, passed away this week in 1835. He is remembered for writing one of the first guides to the Channel Islands, titled "The Channel Islands," which covered Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney. Inglis was praised for his insightful observations on society in the islands and for providing valuable historical and statistical information.
Despite his success as a travel writer, his attempt at fiction with "The New Gil Blas" was not well-received. He died at the age of 40 apparently due to a brain disease caused by overworking.