Historic Masnieres house where Guernsey soldiers sheltered purchased for £46,000
- Royal Guernsey Light Infantry LBG has transferred £46,000 to purchase historic house at 16 La Rue Verte in Masnieres, France, where Guernsey soldiers sheltered during battle
- War diary records 453 Guernsey soldiers were lost, missing or wounded over three days of fighting for the town
- Fundraising appeal for £350,000 has raised £236,000 in eight weeks, with £114,000 still needed for preservation work
- Trust has restructured as limited by guarantee company and established French charity to hold the property
- Property will become living memorial and cultural facility to strengthen ties between Guernsey and France
The Royal Guernsey Light Infantry LBG has bought a house in Masnieres, France, where hundreds of Guernsey soldiers sheltered during one of the regiment's bloodiest battles.
The property at 16 La Rue Verte was signed over to representatives from Guernsey on 9th June, marking a significant milestone in what the organisation has dubbed 'Project Seize'.
According to the regiment's war diary, 453 Guernsey soldiers were lost, missing or wounded over three days of fighting for the town during the First World War. Many sheltered in and around the house during the battle.
Colin Dodd, Jeff Guilbert, Francis Noblecourt and Chris Oliver are in France during this year's RGLI Student Exchange week and have signed and taken possession of the property on behalf of Guernsey. It cost £46,000.
Following the purchase, they will meet with architects, surveyors and builders to determine how much of the structure can be preserved and how the site can be developed while respecting its historical significance.
They plan to release draft plans once available and encourage island-wide participation in what it describes as Guernsey's most important building outside the island.
The purchase forms part of a £350,000 fundraising appeal launched eight weeks ago at Government House. To date, £236,000 has been raised, representing nearly 70 per cent of the target and sufficient funds to commence works.
To facilitate the project, the RGLI trust has undergone significant structural changes. Following expert professional advice, the organisation has transitioned to Royal Guernsey Light Infantry LBG (Limited by Guarantee), a move designed to better protect growing assets, members and volunteers.
Ella Kirk, Ellie Mahe and Helen Wyatt of Mourant provided pro-bono legal support for the restructuring.
In France, a new charitable entity called the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Association has been established with pro-bono advice from Richard Searle and Virginie Deflassieux of BDO Guernsey, alongside assistance from Francis Noblecourt, the retired mayor of Masnieres.
The French charity is now recognised by the French state and will hold the property and surrounding land at the centre of Project Seize.
A town hall meeting for local residents in Masnieres will take place during the June visit. The meeting, organised with Gregory Boulanger, the new mayor of Masnieres, will outline objectives for Project Seize and explain how 16 La Rue Verte will function as more than a building.
The trust envisions the property becoming a living memorial that demonstrates Guernsey's ongoing commitment through a cultural, historical and community facility with accommodation. The development aims to enrich the commune and strengthen ties between the island and France.
Island residents will have the opportunity to hear from the team later this year in Guernsey.
"We remain steadfastly committed to building a shared, positive legacy to hand to our next generations, that continues to honour the sacrifices of those who came before us," the organisation said.
Q&A
Q: When will the property at 16 La Rue Verte be signed over?
A: The property will be signed over on 9th June during the RGLI Student Exchange week. Colin Dodd, Jeff Guilbert, Francis Noblecourt and Chris Oliver will take possession on behalf of Guernsey.
Q: How much money has been raised towards the £350,000 target?
A: The trust has raised £236,000 in eight weeks since the appeal was launched at Government House, representing nearly 70 per cent of the target. A further £114,000 is still needed.
Q: What will the property be used for?
A: The property will become a living memorial and cultural, historical and community facility with accommodation. It will strengthen the relationship between Guernsey and France whilst honouring the sacrifices of RGLI soldiers who fought at Masnieres.
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