The Architects’ Company (more formally known as The Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects) is a modern livery company that celebrates the global architectural profession and promotes quality architecture in the City of London. It contributes to an annual Charity giving of over £80 million and supports younger members of the profession as part of the annual Lady Mayor’s Livery Apprentice Awards. The Master holds the post for twelve months, and as part of their year in office they organise a weekend away for members of the company in a location of their choice. The aim is to build fellowship within the company and link with the local architectural profession: a chance to socialise informally, as well as, in this instance, to visit several architectural sites of interest to members. Chris Bicknell RIBA is currently serving as the 40th Master of The Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects. He and his wife Sara visited us at The Old Government House in February for an initial site visit and to scope out a programme of events further afield in Guernsey. Although he now resides in England, the island holds a special place in Chris's heart, as he once lived here and was the architect behind La Valette Underground Military Museum, among numerous other projects. After much planning and discussion, Chris and Sara arrived in Guernsey on a glorious Wednesday, with the rest of the group landing the following day. Ben Hall, Sake Sommelier, TokkuriAfter a day at leisure, guests had the opportunity to join a weekly Sip and Sketch event in St Peter Port in the early evening. Afterwards, back at The Old Government House, the group was joined in the Regency Room by local RIBA members for a fun and informative sake tasting hosted by Ben Hall, founder of Tokkuri - Guernsey's first and only sake sommelier. With the ice well and truly broken, the group and their guests enjoyed a fabulous barbecue in The Olive Grove and Crown Club, featuring a delicious assortment of meat, local fish, and vegetarian dishes, accompanied by an array of salads and sides, and finished with a selection of afternoon tea desserts. After a sunny start to the trip, Friday's weather turned a little overcast as the group visited the The Royal Court, directly opposite the hotel, for its architectural significance, followed by a visit to the 13th-century Castle Cornet, where Chris was given the honour of firing the noonday gun from the ramparts, dressed in full livery costume. The firing of the noonday gun at Castle CornetThe afternoon brought a fascinating visit to Hauteville House, home of French author Victor Hugo during his exile in Guernsey. Across fifteen years on the island, Hugo wrote some of his finest and most famous works, including Les Misérables and Toilers of the Sea. That evening's itinerary included a trip to the island of Herm for drinks at The Ship Inn, followed by dinner at The White House Hotel. Herm is just 1.5 miles long and less than half a mile wide, with a population of around 60, including a handful of schoolchildren who attend its tiny primary school. Cars and bicycles are banned on the island, though locals use tractors and quad bikes to transport luggage. The White House HotelOn their last full day in Guernsey, the group enjoyed a half-day coach tour, taking in sights including The Little Chapel, an extraordinary work of art and labour of love by Brother Déodat, modelled on the famous grotto and basilica at Lourdes in France; the Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum, housed in a Martello tower; and Sausmarez Manor, Guernsey's only stately home, rumoured to have connections to Sir Christopher Wren. The Little Chapel That evening, The Old Government House hosted pre-dinner drinks on the terrace, followed by a gala dinner in the Regency Room, with spectacular views across Le Petit Roussel to Herm and Sark.The Regency RoomLarry Malcic, architect and chairman of the Victor Hugo Centre in Guernsey, gave a talk on plans for the centre and his role in its development. The following day, guests visited La Vallette Bathing Pools and the nearby La Valette Underground Military Museum – both of architectural interest – before one last lunch together in town at Rouge ahead of their departures. La Valette Underground Military Museum Chris Bicknell thanked the hotel team for their support in organising the visit: “Everyone who worked with us in the event was so helpful, friendly, and professional – with that personal touch which makes all the difference. Thank you all for a truly memorable visit and for the absolute focus on making our stay so special.” For us at the hotel, hosting this prestigious organisation was a true honour, giving us the chance to showcase the breadth of hospitality on offer for groups such as these. If you are considering a group visit to Guernsey, please contact Helen Gregory, Director of Sales, who will be delighted to assist: hgregory@theoghhotel.com.
