But that's ok the crew are fabulous and is there to always assist you if you need help. Safety is there main concern. This island is very compact its was only 24 square miles, so where ever you go its really not far. We were here till all aboard at 5:00 so today we hopped on a local bus to go see this china church I read about. bus 91 & 92 takes you all around the island. We ask the bus drive to tell us when we should get off. In the town is so charming
with its cobbled streets, picturesque marina and historic gardens, it is easy to see why St Peter Port is considered one of Europe's prettiest harbour towns.
Guernsey's capital has been a busy port since Roman times and today its gentle bustle spills out onto the vibrant squares from informal cafes and quaint boutiques.
The Chapel:
The Little Chapel was substantially the work of one man, Brother Deodat Antoine who arrived in Guernsey in December 1913. When he saw the wooded slope, he perceived the idea of building a grotto similar to that in Lourdes. The current chapel is the third one that he built.
He built the first one soon after he arrived in Guernsey in 1913. It was very small and after receiving some caustic criticism he pulled it down.
The second chapel was built during the First World War and could accommodate 4 people. In 1923, it was visited by the Bishop of Portsmouth. He was so fat he could not get through the door so Brother Deodat decided to destroy this chapel as well.
He began work on the third chapel, a laborious task. Each day he would collect pebbles and broken china to decorate the shrine.
The Little Chapel became famous due to an illustrated article in the Daily Mirror. Islanders brought china, the then Lieutenant Governor donated mother of pearl and gifts arrived from all over the World.
The current Chapel was almost complete when the Second World War broke out. Brother Deodat returned to France in 1939 due to ill health. He died there without ever having seen his work completed.
The care of The Little Chapel was entrusted to Brother Cephas who continued to decorate the building until his retirement in 1965.
The building lacked proper maintenance for many years. In 1977, a Committee was set up to restore the Chapel. It is recorded that they stabilised the foundations and renovated the roof.
The Little Chapel was then placed under the care of Blanchelande College Trustees. Under terms of their lease, they were responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the chapel. its only 14x9
In August 2016, The Little Chapel Foundation was established and the site was gifted to the Charity by the De la Salle Brothers.
Thanks for grabbing that seat. Hope your still enjoying.
Bob & Leslee
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