Island's Titanic connection

by James Varley

TITANIC’S journey and demise in 1912 is legendary. Archive film footage, news cuttings and big-budget movies mean the tragic tale of the ship dubbed ‘unsinkable’ will never be forgotten.

However, not many people are aware of Alderney’s link to the most famous cruise liner in history. In fact, despite Titanic’s notoriety, a surprisingly small number of islanders know that the ship sailed past Braye Harbour on its way to Cherbourg more than 97 years ago.

Thankfully, some locals do know about Titanic’s Alderney connection, and one of them is former States member Eileen Sykes. She heard tales from her grandfather, Thomas Wilkes Burland.

‘He often spoke about the Titanic because I was interested in it,’ said Eileen, 82, who lives in High Street.

‘He said people went out to look at it from the Butes and Trigale.

I remember him saying it was a wonderful sight – all illuminated from end to end.

He also said it was such a calm night that everyone could hear the music from the band. What a wonderful experience it must have been.’

John Field, from Surrey, also remembers being told about Titanic’s passing-by, as his mother, Ruth Le Brun, saw the ship from the Butes.

‘My mum was only 11 at the time but she remembered the harbourmaster letting off fireworks to let people know the Titanic was going past,’ said John, 78. ‘She said a lot of people gathered on the Butes, including many soldiers from the various regiments.’

Eileen’s grandfather, who worked as a builder, was about 35 when the cruise liner set sail.

‘The Titanic was big news. There was no television in those days so I think he would have heard something on the radio. My grandfather used to listen to the news as he had travelled and was interested in what was going on.’

Thomas, who married Ellen Louisa Odoire, was born and bred in the island. He died in his 60s during the 1940s.

The late Ruth Le Brun was the sister of Phyllis Forsyth, who died in the island 11 years ago, aged 107. Ruth was the daughter of John Le Brun, a vicar in Alderney from 1886 to 1927.

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in the island have been suspended.

During the summer, gatherings were held twice a week at the Salvation Army Hall and attracted several islanders. However, all but two members have decided to give up attending.

Organiser Fran Lay said she didn’t want to waste cash that had been donated by Guernsey AA members.

‘The meetings have been suspended due to the fact that there are only two of

us left. All the other members have decided to carry on drinking,’ she said.

‘We decided not to waste any more money on paying for electricity and rent at the Salvation Army. Instead we’ve bought a mobile solely for AA use.

‘The two of us have still been meeting regularly. We’ve been going for walks on the beach and enjoying the lovely evenings while they are still available.’

Fran is hoping meetings will start up again next month, this time in the Meditation Centre.

‘I had a call from a guy in the UK a few days ago who saw our recent article in The Journal. He is coming to live here and wants to attend a meeting, so that’s great.’