We have just returned from the Island of Guernsey where I was delighted to
be have been asked to be the guest judge from the UK for this years competition.It
was a fantastic weekend. The films were great, the hotel leisure facilities
excellent and the food and staff at the hotel all of a very high standard.
The weather was overcast on Saturday for the judging, (not that it mattered)
but very warm in the hotel room. The sun came out on the Sunday and it just
got better during our extended 4 day stay.
The judging process was as fair and democratic as any can be. Of course,
we didn`t all agree on everything, but mostly there was in fact a broad
range of agreement on many films.I think we all had several of our personal
favourites in the top selection.
Several of the runners up would also have been worthy winners, but narrowly
missed out.
The winners and finalists were all of a high standard and there was a very
varied mixture of styles and genres.I can honestly say that there was not
a poor one amongst them.
We were so impressed with the whole thing, that we had hoped to return for
the festival in October. Sadly, as it turned out when we checked our diary
at home, we have a previous engagement for that weekend. (We plan to visit
next year!)
But for those of you reading this who have never been to the Guernsey festival
but have often considered it, I would urge you to get your bookings in for
this year. It promises to be a great weekend and I`m sure you will have a
fantastic time.
The hospitality we received was second to none and I would like to say a
special thank you to Peter and Mary Rouillard, who took us on a tour of the
Island and looked after us so well. Great films, great company and great
food. What more could anyone ask?
A lot of work goes into the weekend and it deserves to be a spectacular success.
Why not give it a try? (Our flight from Manchester took only 80 minutes;
the same time it took us to drive to the Airport.)
Ken Wilson.
GUERNSEY FESTIVAL
-
Willy Van der Linden
Re: GUERNSEY FESTIVAL
"Ken Wilson" <forums@theiac.org.uk> wrote:
third time. Also some friends of my club, like Douglas Boswell, have already
attented the Lily festival. Eight years ago I was there for the first time.
My entry was a documentary called "Highland Road", my Scottish film about
wildlife. It was still a film with Dutch spoken commentary, but the Guernsey
judges encouraged me to make real English films. My Belgian-Japanese friend
Toshi Sakurai won the festival. Mary Rouillard told me that there are cheap
flights from Dinard in Brittanny. The flight only takes 30 minutes ! I didn't
know that. It's good that people from the Continent know. I myself will go
to Guernsey by Condor ferry from St. Malo. I could combine it with an oyster
festival for my wife and me in Cancale on the eve of embarkation. A ferry
trip is a bit more expensive, but I'm afraid of flying. I've already read
books to overcome fear of flying, but without any result. My boss had the
same "disease" and he visited a psychologist. Now he even flies to South
America, but I think he has overcome his fear because he has found a girl
friend in Brasil ! The Lily Festival is always well-organized and the island
with its palm trees and flowers, with its lovely beaches and impressive
seacliffs, its cosy hustle and bustle in Peter Port has a unique atmosphere.
I'm looking forward to my trip to Guernsey, not only because I love the festival,
but also because I love the island. The Guernsey Tourist Board has not asked
me to write this.
Yes, you're right, Ken. Guernsey is always great ! I'll be there for theIt promises to be a great weekend and I`m sure you will have a
fantastic time.
A lot of work goes into the weekend and it deserves to be a spectacular
success.
Why not give it a try? (Our flight from Manchester took only 80 minutes;
the same time it took us to drive to the Airport.)
third time. Also some friends of my club, like Douglas Boswell, have already
attented the Lily festival. Eight years ago I was there for the first time.
My entry was a documentary called "Highland Road", my Scottish film about
wildlife. It was still a film with Dutch spoken commentary, but the Guernsey
judges encouraged me to make real English films. My Belgian-Japanese friend
Toshi Sakurai won the festival. Mary Rouillard told me that there are cheap
flights from Dinard in Brittanny. The flight only takes 30 minutes ! I didn't
know that. It's good that people from the Continent know. I myself will go
to Guernsey by Condor ferry from St. Malo. I could combine it with an oyster
festival for my wife and me in Cancale on the eve of embarkation. A ferry
trip is a bit more expensive, but I'm afraid of flying. I've already read
books to overcome fear of flying, but without any result. My boss had the
same "disease" and he visited a psychologist. Now he even flies to South
America, but I think he has overcome his fear because he has found a girl
friend in Brasil ! The Lily Festival is always well-organized and the island
with its palm trees and flowers, with its lovely beaches and impressive
seacliffs, its cosy hustle and bustle in Peter Port has a unique atmosphere.
I'm looking forward to my trip to Guernsey, not only because I love the festival,
but also because I love the island. The Guernsey Tourist Board has not asked
me to write this.
-
Dave Watterson
Re: GUERNSEY FESTIVAL
I totally agree with Ken and Willy that the Guernsey Lily Festival is a great
one. Jan and I got hooked only a couple of years ago. We should have listened
to Norman and Dorothy Speirs and all the other people who enthused about
it.
Coming at the end of the season we have seen many of the movies at earlier
events, but there are always a few special gems which they find and other
festivals miss. But the warmth of the hospitality, the relaxed happy feeling
on the island and the fine company make the weekend unmissable.
Many regulars stay a week using the other days to unwind Guernsey-style,
walking the headlands, visiting museums, eating and drinking very well indeed
- or even starting their Christmas shopping in the many craft and art shops.
If you can do so ... do go!
It is the weekend 7-9th October. There are flights from most parts of the
UK and Dinard. La Villette Hotel, where it takes place, is keeping all its
accommodation that weekend for festival guests, so mention the Guernsey Lily
Festival when making a booking. However, if the hotel is full, there are
many others a few minutes walk or car ride away. You can find more on the
festival website or for real friendly Guernsey help and advice contact Peter
and Mary Rouillard, Moneta, Marette Road, St Martins, Guernsey, Channel Islands,
GY4 6LB Tel: +44 (0) 1481 236461. Fax: +44 (0) 1481 236461 Email: rouillard@cwgsy.net
Oh - and I'm not paid by the Channel Island Tourist Service or the Guernsey
Lily team either!
Dave
one. Jan and I got hooked only a couple of years ago. We should have listened
to Norman and Dorothy Speirs and all the other people who enthused about
it.
Coming at the end of the season we have seen many of the movies at earlier
events, but there are always a few special gems which they find and other
festivals miss. But the warmth of the hospitality, the relaxed happy feeling
on the island and the fine company make the weekend unmissable.
Many regulars stay a week using the other days to unwind Guernsey-style,
walking the headlands, visiting museums, eating and drinking very well indeed
- or even starting their Christmas shopping in the many craft and art shops.
If you can do so ... do go!
It is the weekend 7-9th October. There are flights from most parts of the
UK and Dinard. La Villette Hotel, where it takes place, is keeping all its
accommodation that weekend for festival guests, so mention the Guernsey Lily
Festival when making a booking. However, if the hotel is full, there are
many others a few minutes walk or car ride away. You can find more on the
festival website or for real friendly Guernsey help and advice contact Peter
and Mary Rouillard, Moneta, Marette Road, St Martins, Guernsey, Channel Islands,
GY4 6LB Tel: +44 (0) 1481 236461. Fax: +44 (0) 1481 236461 Email: rouillard@cwgsy.net
Oh - and I'm not paid by the Channel Island Tourist Service or the Guernsey
Lily team either!
Dave