A veteran Channel Island’s holidaymaker celebrated his 75th trip to Guernsey this week, which also coincided with his 75th birthday.
A veteran Channel Island’s holidaymaker celebrated his 75th trip to Guernsey this week, which also coincided with his 75th birthday.
Travelling from Poole onboard Condor Ferries’ state-of-the-art fast ferry, Condor Liberation, Gareth Gwyn-Jones, from Barnet in Hertfordshire, was welcomed aboard by crew as he set sail for a week of birthday celebrations.
The States Culture and Leisure Minister, Deputy Mike O’Hara, believes Mr Gwyn-Jones’ 75th visit to be a record for the Island, and has kindly arranged to mark the occasion by firing the noonday gun on 1 August.
Alicia Andrews, Executive Director – Commercial for Condor Ferries, commented: “We were delighted to welcome My Gwyn-Jones onboard Condor Liberation as he celebrated this fabulous anniversary. We wanted to ensure this trip was particularly special so we arranged for him to meet the Captain, who presented him with a bottle of Champagne to mark this special occasion.
“To ensure he ends his trip in style, we have also upgraded him to Ocean Club for his return journey, so he can enjoy the panoramic views across Channel as he sails back home.”
Although Mr Gwyn-Jones chose to travel on Condor Liberation for this trip, over the years, the professional actor has sailed on most of the ferries linking the Island with the mainland, including the mailboats St Helier, St Julian and St Patrick. He has also flown from most of the major airports and had the unusual experience of flying accompanied by his car from Eastleigh in 1967.
Gareth first visited Guernsey in 1948 with his parents and sister and holidayed nowhere else for the next 15 years. He even spent his honeymoon at La Favourita Hotel in Fermain Bay.
Besides holidaying on the Island, he has worked there several times, firstly in 1967 when he drove a drinks delivery van for Guppy’s. Between 1988 and 2004, he brought his Gilbert and Sullivan Company, the New Savoyards of London, to St James for a number of popular performances.
His family connections to Guernsey date back to 1912, when his Great Aunt Gwladys moved to the Island after marrying grower Perce Le Marchant. His Great-Grandmother Elizabeth Jones also moved to the Island and died there in 1916 and his father was a frequent visitor.
Issued on behalf of Condor Ferries by McKenna Townsend
For further information please contact Mel Bradley on 01425 472330 or email condor@mckennatownsend.com