History Review - Spring 2008

Normandy Visit

Bertram Bree, our Normandy expert, is again planning, managing and to a great extent guiding this trip. His itineraries are balanced, varied and educational and five days (4th to the 8th of September – inclusive) of enjoyment and satisfaction are anticipated. For comfort and control the group size is limited to 30 persons. A few places are still available. Thursday 4th (day one) we sail to St Malo and visit Chateau Combourg, once home of the writer Françoise Rénee Chateaubriand. After lunch we head for Coutances, possibly taking in the Chateau de Gratot, now in ruins but fabled for its resident fairies and the ancient Manoir de Brion nearby, which dates back to 1066 and where three French kings once stayed. Whilst there, the party will visit Manoir de Potrel opposite, once owned by George Carteret post 1651 whilst serving as an Admiral in the French Navy. At Coutances the party will check-in at Hotel Cositel, our accommodation for the trip. A special dinner has been arranged at the hotel where the host, Gilles Simon, will introduce us to some of the regional delicacies. Friday (day two) we travel to Villedieu-les-Poeles to visit the Cornille-Havard bell foundry and to enjoy a guided tour of the town, including seeing the Courts of the Three Kings, The Lily and The Monks. After lunch, off to Lessay Abbey, an historic building with ancient links to Grouville. Saturday (day three) the old town of Valognes just south of Cherbourg, beckons. Here are to be found many beautiful buildings, particularly hotels, many dating from the 1700s and this is followed by a visit to the Cider Museum, housed in a building constructed in the 1400s, containing a display of ancient agricultural artefacts. After lunch the party will tour the Cap de la Hague area, including the 'Tingwall', the site of a Viking court and Port Racine, the smallest harbour in France. Sunday (day four) there is a guided tour of the Abbeye de Cerisy, once linked to St Martin and St Mary churches. That afternoon we visit Abbey des Dames returning through the countryside south of Caen to view the abundance of wildlife. We conclude with a tour of Duke William's Castle at Falaise and view the lavoir where Duke Robert set eyes on Arlette. Monday 8th (day five) we depart Coutances and head south possibly calling at Cancale to see the oyster and mussel fish-farming museum, having lunch and moving on to L'Abbaye du Trouchet at Dol before spending some shopping time in St Malo before embarking on the ferry for Jersey. Readers wishing to join the trip should contact Bertram Bree without delay on Tel: 854533.

Normandy and the Channel Islands Viking Heritage

The History Section is pleased and honoured that Professor Jean Renaud of Caen University has accepted to talk on the above subject and launch his book on the same topic. This is the latest of a series of books relating to continental Vikings, on which he is a leading authority. Based on recorded evidence, supported by linguistic evidence, topographical and place-names, plus the large number of words in our local patois of Scandinavian origin, he is in no doubt that Vikings settled in the Channel Islands. His talk is scheduled to take place in the Members' Room at 8pm on Friday, 23rd May. A 'must' for all members interested in Old Jersey Norman French!

Summer Walks

Last year the History Section arranged three walks for the first time. They were well attended and well received. Our three walks for this year are given below:

• Walk One: Saturday 3rd May – "A Coastal and Countryside Stroll taking in Historical Sites" with Frank Falle. Depart from the car park at White Rock at 2.30pm. The walk will take approximately three hours, along lanes and rough paths and a couple of hills. Stout footwear is recommended and dogs must be on leads.
• Walk Two: Sunday 6th July – "Visit to the Seymour Tower area and to include the 'P' Vraic Marks" with Bob Le Sueur. Depart La Rocque Harbour at 2.45pm. The walk will take under three hours. Do not come in bare feet, be prepared to get wet to the knees and dogs to be on a lead.
• Walk Three: Time and date to be arranged. "Walk around St Aubin and its Environs" with Nicolas Jouault and Marie-Louise Backhurst.

Autumn Lunchtime Talks

Following past successes, another series of lunchtime talks by the History Section are scheduled. The format is to remain unchanged; venue the Members' Room, Wednesday 1.15 to 1.45pm, coffee and tea will be available and please bring your sandwiches and a friend! The dates, subjects and presenters are given below:

• October 15th Jerseymen in the Great War - Ian Ronayne
• October 22nd Growing up at First Tower between the Wars - Bob Le Sueur
• October 29th Votes for Women, Jersey Style - Suzanne Le Feuvre
• November 5th Alternative Theory of the Origins of Jersey Knitting - Frank Falle
• November 12th Jersey in the Year of Revolution - Christopher Harris

The Important set of Medals Awarded to Captain Henry Pitcher, VC

Hopefully most members will be aware of the strenuous efforts being made to raise £90,000. (plus a 20% buyers commission) to secure for the Island for posterity the medals of Captain Pitcher VC. We have until September 2008 to raise the money, which will subsequently be donated in full to "Help for Heroes", a new National charity created to support serious casualties from Iraq and Afghanistan needing long term rehabilitation; soldiers with missing limbs and those with other injuries. To date we have received almost £50,000 in donations and pledges. We need to maintain the momentum in order to close the gap. Your contribution would help to secure this one remaining 'Jersey' VC now available for purchase. Henry Pitcher attended VCJ and a stained-glass window is dedicated to him in St Martin's church. His grandfather was Vice-Admiral Le Geyt and Henry's widow, Emelie Selina married the Reverend Thomas Le Neveu, the Rector of St Martin. The appeal has attracted personal donations ranging from £10 to £1,000. More are needed. Please make cheques payable to The Army Benevolent Fund, endorsing the back, "Help for Heroes" and address to the Appeal Co-ordinator, Mr Frank Falle at the Société Jersiaise. Both the Société Jersiaise and Jersey Heritage support this appeal. Please help to enable us to deliver two mutually beneficial outcomes; support for disabled war heroes and the bringing home to the Island of the remaining 'Jersey' VC!

Frank Falle, Chairman

The rare 'Umbeyla' Victoria Cross Group of Three to Captain H.W. Pitcher 4th Punjab Infantry, awarded for two outstanding acts of gallantry during the mamous 'Crag Picket' actions, 30th October and 16th November 1863; he was wounded on both occasions.