NEWS

Marie Randall’s life and legacy

On 24 January 2024, Guernsey residents marked the unveiling of a Blue Plaque for Marie Randall. Marie Randall was the first female deputy in Guernsey, elected 100 years ago in 1924. She was also a student at The Ladies’ College.

Our students have been learning about Marie Randall’s life and legacy and taking inspiration from her groundbreaking position in the States of Guernsey. This week, students attended the Blue Plaque unveiling by Deputy Bailiff, Jessica Roland. More than 150 people attended the event in honour of Marie.

Some of our students were also interviewed by local media to discuss their learning. Here are some thoughts shared by our students:

How do you think Marie Randall would feel to be honoured with a Blue Plaque?

‘She would think it’s a really special opportunity that she is being recognised for her bravery of being the first woman to put herself out there and have a voice in the States.’

How does Marie’s life and story resonate with you today?

‘I think it’s really inspiring to see someone so long ago that has trailblazed and put a path forward that we can then follow. But I also think it’s important to recognise that we’re not all the way yet. There’s still only eight female deputies and we still have so far that we have to travel until we get to the point where men are at now.'

‘I think it’s important that she listened to similar messages that we might hear today and she internalised those and put them into action by doing something so important. We can continue her legacy and try to achieve equality in the States at the moment.’

What do you think about Marie being only the second woman in Guernsey to receive a Blue Plaque?

‘I think this will show girls and women in Guernsey what we really could achieve even 100 years ago. The fact that she went to The Ladies’ College is so special because it shows that even if her pathway was quite narrow, she managed to use her connections and voice in the States and that is so inspiring. As only the second, hopefully, there will be many more women to come in the future.’

‘Women have to stand up for what they believe in and I think that’s scary because you’ve got to put yourself out there, and especially as Marie Randall was the first woman to be a deputy. I think it shows others can also do that and follow what she believed in.’

Learning about Marie Randall, does it make you proud to be a woman and go to this school?

‘It makes me really proud to see how she’s helped Guernsey. It feels like we’re following in her footsteps.’

Deputy Marie Randall was a true pioneer, serving in the States of Guernsey for more than 30 years. For 24 of those years, she remained the only woman in the States.

This has been an amazing opportunity for our students to learn about the history of our school and one of our most prominent alumni.