Torben, Joannes V Hansen and Ian Bourne at the National Memorial Arboretum
Torben Nielsen, Joannes V Hansen and Ian Bourne at the National Memorial Arboretum
Torben Nielsen, Joannes V Hansen and Ian Bourne at the National Memorial Arboretum

A unique Lichfield business has welcomed the Faroe Islands ambassador to the city.

Jóannes V Hansen’s visit coincided with the official opening of Faroe Born – the UK’s first ever shop selling products from the country.

As part of the visit he was given a tour of the city and visited the National Memorial Arboretum, where he laid a wreath at the MN Sundial in memory of more than 200 islanders who lost their lives during World War Two assisting the British and their Allies.

The ‘friendly’ British occupation of the Faroe Islands in World War II, also known as Operation Valentine, was implemented in 1940 immediately following the German invasion of Denmark and Norway. It was to protect the islands, preempt a German invasion via the north and to act as a base to support the North Atlantic fleet.

Around 8,000 servicemen and women built roads and infrastructure and Faroese fishing vessels harvested the local sea and transported their catch to the UK.

Although Lichfield and the Faroe Islands may not have an obvious link, the ambassador feels that the Faroe Born shop at the Heart of the Country Shopping Village is the perfect venue to showcase his nation’s goods – which include wool clothing and decorative glasswear:

Ian Bourne, the owner of Faroe Born, said: “I am delighted that Jóannes made such a big effort to celebrate our little shop. I also feel humbled that he officially visited my home town and also visited the National Memorial Arboretum in nearby Alrewas to pay his respects to all those who lost their lives helping the British during World War Two.

“The islands maybe nearly 700 miles away from Lichfield, but I hope Faroe Born will help promote this wonderful, and little known isles who made many sacrifices for our country.”

Ian also believes there are more similarities than people might think between the Faroe Islands and Lichfield:

Torben Nielsen, business partner to Ian and a Faroe Islander, added: “I’m very proud to see the first Faroese shop in the UK.

“We are a very small but passionate and industrious island and I hope our Lichfield business is the first of many Faroe Born throughout the UK providing the people of the United Kingdom and beyond with products of the highest quality.”

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90qgMo3OOoM]

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.