La Hirondelle 12

 

Merriment fills St Peter Port's main street. People in period costume, with vehicles to match. The road closed, to other users, for the occasion.

For I have awoken in the midst of the Guernsey Liberation Day celebrations. Having slept through the Coronation. 

A, crowd pleasing, parade of military vehicles powers its way around the perimeter of the harbour.

Where Stargazer still wears a Ukranian flag, first hoisted when Putin invaded last February, at her port spreader. Tattered and faded now, as his self aggrandising land-grab continues. A reminder of how quickly the lesson's of Hitler's European expansionism have been forgotten. Or distorted to hold different meaning, by a new despot.

Astern lies HMS Puncher. Hosting a steady stream of visitors. A message of thanks, from Buckingham Palace, read to the crew, before the day’s proceedings began.

Dressed overall, the flags flutter in the breeze up on the flying bridge. Where the officers take questions, from an enraptured public.

As big band jazz plays from the pier, against which we lie.

The main street now the preserve of sociable Bank Holiday drinkers. Tables pushed out into the sunshine of the carriageways. A relaxed, good time atmosphere palpable.