From Ken Taylor.
I AGREE entirely with Mr and Mrs Le Brun (JEP, 16 May) regarding the Liberation Day decorated lorries.
I have driven one such lorry for St Peter’s Parish for the past seven years, until this year, that is, when it was suddenly curtailed at the 11th hour!
I have, in the past, often been alongside the Le Brun lorry, from St Saviour, outside the Pomme d’Or Hotel and along with lorries from St Lawrence, Trinity and St Ouen, all with decor flowers, and a crowd of happy people enjoying the celebrations from the back of the vehicles.
The best decorated parish lorry was awarded the Bailiff’s Cup, a trophy held by the winning parish until the next Liberation Day. Incidentally, St Peter won it in 2008.
The lorries carried people of their parish who were here during the Occupation and/or their children or even grandchildren, and on our lorry we often had an accordion playing the old wartime songs which all added to the atmosphere. The lorries were as much a part of Liberation Day as the services and parades.
So to suddenly end this historic part of Liberation Day after 63 years is wrong and I do not understand why. I think I am not alone in this as other letters have already been printed on this subject, and many people have spoken to me expressing their disappointment about it.
I, too, join those who wish this part of our Liberation Day celebrations should continue.
14 Halcyon House,
West Hill.
