HSBC has donated £1,000 to the running costs of the colourful bunting flags, which are put up each summer by a team of volunteers who are committed to making the town centre look colourful and vibrant for both islanders and visitors.
Volunteer and bunting co-ordinator, Andrew Pouteaux, said the last twelve months had been a challenging time for town retailers and it’s especially important that the town looks beautiful.
“The pandemic has challenged retailers all over the world and it is no different here in Guernsey. The bunting is synonymous with summer in St Peter Port, it makes a real difference to the atmosphere. We’re extremely grateful of the support, which everyone will benefit from,” Andrew said.
“HSBC’s generous donation, together with support from Cherry Godfrey, Hansa, the douzaine, Sarnia Memorial Trust and Ravenscroft, means we can continue to decorate St Peter Port and the bank has also offered to provide volunteers to help with the decoration, which is also hugely appreciated.”
Pete Turner, HSBC’s Head of Wealth and Private Banking in Guernsey, said: “HSBC is extremely proud to have its Guernsey flagship branch and offices in St Peter Port. It’s a beautiful Town and we’re very happy to provide support for the summer bunting.”
Korinne Le Page, head of the Guernsey Retail Group, added: “We can’t underestimate how much vibrancy the bunting adds to our Town, and we are very grateful to HSBC for their generosity and to all supporters for their ongoing enthusiasm and the time given to this.”
Event Services, with the help of volunteers, puts up and take down the bunting through the Lower Pollet, La Plaiderie, Pollet, Smith Street, High Street, Mill Street and Fountain Street and work weekends and early mornings to reduce any disruption to deliveries and shoppers. Volunteers also put up and take down the bunting in the Arcade which cannot be accessed by a lorry.
Following the summer season, the bunting will be taken down in October. Any company wanting to join HSBC as supporters of the bunting can contact Andrew Pouteaux by emailing him.
