WWII memories preserved for Liberation anniversary

The 80th anniversary of Guernsey’s liberation from German Occupation is next May

BBC Guernsey is partnering with Guernsey Museums to record and save islanders' memories for future generations.

The oral history project will store the recordings in a digital archive.

With the 80th anniversary of Guernsey's Liberation from German Occupation next May, the first memories the project wants to capture are about World War Two.

Building on the work in the 2005 People's War Project, the Island Memories team wants to hear from people who stayed in the island during the German Occupation, who were evacuated, deported, interred or served in the military.

Stories of island life

Helen Glencross, from Guernsey Museums said: "We're very excited to launch this new project.

"We will not only digitally archive these recordings for posterity, as part of our collections, but we also plan to share them in the future."

It is hoped the archive will also feature stories about farming, growing, fishing, family life, food, sport, traditions and events.

Isla Blatchford, senior communities journalist at BBC Guernsey, said: "Everyone has a story to tell, even if they don't realise it.

"My grandparents were evacuated from the island during the Occupation and I regret not asking them more about that time of their lives before it was too late.

"I want to make sure we record, and keep, the memories of those who are willing to share."

The Island Memories Project launches on 8 November.

Anyone wanting to contribute to the project should contact BBC Guernsey or Guernsey Museum.