From start to finish, our recent trip to Guernsey was an utter delight. Along with my lovely husband, Lee, I had been asked to partake in BBC Radio 4's "The Listening Project".
The Listening Project collects conversations all over the British Isles. Each one makes history as the project is a partnership between the British Library, BBC Radio 4 and BBC local radio. All of the conversations become part of the oral history collections at the British Library, some are broadcast nationally (on BBC Radio 4) and others are aired locally (on BBC local radio). The project began in 2012 and so far over 600 conversations have been recorded - and we were lucky enough to be asked to participate!
After foggy skies started to threaten in the Channel, we boarded Aurigny's dinky little 16-seater Trislander for a speedy hop to our big sister isle...as the mist melted away, the familiar coastline came into view...oh St Peter Port you lovely big show-off with your pretty Castle Cornet and marina!
The Listening Project collects conversations all over the British Isles. Each one makes history as the project is a partnership between the British Library, BBC Radio 4 and BBC local radio. All of the conversations become part of the oral history collections at the British Library, some are broadcast nationally (on BBC Radio 4) and others are aired locally (on BBC local radio). The project began in 2012 and so far over 600 conversations have been recorded - and we were lucky enough to be asked to participate!
After foggy skies started to threaten in the Channel, we boarded Aurigny's dinky little 16-seater Trislander for a speedy hop to our big sister isle...as the mist melted away, the familiar coastline came into view...oh St Peter Port you lovely big show-off with your pretty Castle Cornet and marina!
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Just missing the "rush hour" (or should that be "rush 10 minutes"?) traffic, we headed to the capital and straight to the gorgeous 4* La Fregate Hotel which I am still gushing about to our pals nearly a whole week later!
For a start...you're welcomed with spectacular views of Castle Cornet and Herm & Sark islands!
For a start...you're welcomed with spectacular views of Castle Cornet and Herm & Sark islands!
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And then the real hardship...being forced to stay in a beautiful suite, with a little terrace to enjoy some "sundowners" with our friends...at this point the lovely staff at La Fregate felt it necessary to ply us with lots of lovely drinks and delicious nibbles to while away the time.
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But there's no rest for the wicked and we had to saunter to Candie Gardens to meet the production team and get cosy in the (very warm, sound-proofed) Listening Project caravan, complete with faux wood-burner and cute little seating area built for two!
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Lee and I both think we're pretty amusing (we're not!) and had bet each other that we'd be straight in and straight out - one-take-wonders - and have it in the can within 30 minutes.
An hour and a half later, our lovely producers were asking for "just a little bit more..."
It was rather strange at first, talking to someone you know almost better than yourself. Being asked to converse about subjects that are so familiar to you, seems rather odd and out of place. But within minutes, we'd forgotten the microphones were there and managed to chat quite casually (and rather emotionally) about our little life story.
We both learned things that evening in the "caravan booth" - and we were both surprised by certain little revelations! You'll be able to hear our little broadcast (which will be whittled down to 3 minutes) very soon.
But enough mush and gushy loved-up chit chat...the Listening Project had to end when Lee's stomach started rumbling loudly enough for the microphones to pick it up...so back to La Fregate for a much anticipated dining experience!
Of course, after all that talking, we were famished. Our Maitre'D, ever attentive, offered us sophisticated-yet-snazzy cocktails, witty banter and excellent advise. After pondering the carefully planned menu we decided on some delicious Shiraz and then, naturally, ordered the largest steak on the menu. Our lip-smackingly outstanding Chateaubriand arrived, perfectly rare, to be carved and served at our table soon after!
An hour and a half later, our lovely producers were asking for "just a little bit more..."
It was rather strange at first, talking to someone you know almost better than yourself. Being asked to converse about subjects that are so familiar to you, seems rather odd and out of place. But within minutes, we'd forgotten the microphones were there and managed to chat quite casually (and rather emotionally) about our little life story.
We both learned things that evening in the "caravan booth" - and we were both surprised by certain little revelations! You'll be able to hear our little broadcast (which will be whittled down to 3 minutes) very soon.
But enough mush and gushy loved-up chit chat...the Listening Project had to end when Lee's stomach started rumbling loudly enough for the microphones to pick it up...so back to La Fregate for a much anticipated dining experience!
Of course, after all that talking, we were famished. Our Maitre'D, ever attentive, offered us sophisticated-yet-snazzy cocktails, witty banter and excellent advise. After pondering the carefully planned menu we decided on some delicious Shiraz and then, naturally, ordered the largest steak on the menu. Our lip-smackingly outstanding Chateaubriand arrived, perfectly rare, to be carved and served at our table soon after!
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The entire meal from starter to dessert was outstanding, beautifully presented and well balanced. We enjoyed delicious wines & after-dinner digestifs before winding our way up the beautiful wooden staircase to bed to sleep the slumber of kings!
The next morning, the vibrant and sophisticated restaurant of yesterday evening had turned into a sun-drenched, peaceful and stylish breakfast room allowing a gentle start to another hectic day.
Of course, after the previous night's supper, we couldn't possibly have managed much for breakfast...until we saw a perfect sliver of smoked salmon and perfect scrambled eggs.
The next morning, the vibrant and sophisticated restaurant of yesterday evening had turned into a sun-drenched, peaceful and stylish breakfast room allowing a gentle start to another hectic day.
Of course, after the previous night's supper, we couldn't possibly have managed much for breakfast...until we saw a perfect sliver of smoked salmon and perfect scrambled eggs.
The only way to get away with two spectacular meals in less than 12 hours was to take a stroll down the quaint steps straight into St Peter Port for a little retail therapy before our onward journey!
We stayed at La Fregate Hotel on the Guernsey Residents Overnight Break package in a Deluxe Room.
Check their special offers HERE or call them on +44 (0)1481 724624
Check their special offers HERE or call them on +44 (0)1481 724624
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