La Cloche / Spring 2026 / Issue 70

Hello and Welcome

from the Editorial Committee

Welcome to the spring edition of La Cloche, our 70th edition, keeping you up to date with parish news, events and community features.

With the elections only weeks away, our Parish Secretary Marco Vieira, in his role as Electoral Administrator, has prepared a clear, informative article outlining the key changes to this year’s voting process. It contains essential details every voter should know - please turn to page 8 to read the full guidance.

By the time you read this, our Rector, The Reverend Martin Evans, will have left the island to take up his new role as Canon at St George’s, Windsor, and Chaplain to Windsor Great Park. You can read his farewell article on page 11.

We have a delightful feature from some Year 6 journalists at Grands Vaux Primary School who produce their very own newspaper - ‘The Grands Vaux Gazette’ - you find this on page 22. The same young journalists have also devised a new competition for La Petite Cloche – this is on page 24.

We also say a fond farewell to Anne Le Brun, who has retired from the Parish Battle of Flowers Committee after an incredible 25 years of service. Anne shares her memories and reflections in a feature written by Cara on page 38.

In late November, Jersey Heritage opened the Liberation80 painted panels to the public - a memorable and reflective community event. You can read the full story on page 46.

Like lots of great publications a lot of work goes on behind the scenes - so we’d like to extend a big thank you to all who help put this magazine together.

We hope you enjoy this spring edition and thank you for your continued support of our parish magazine.

Until next time

About the front cover:

• The young journalists from Grands Vaux School reading parish magazines

• ‘Honey Louise’ from Clairval Organic Dairy Farm

• St Saviour’s Parish Hall

Polling Arrangements for St Saviour

Farewell by the Reverend Martin Evans

Grands Vaux Young Journalists

Anne Le Brun’s Retirement from BoF

Jersey Heritage Liberation80 Panels

Picture Gallery

Clue – I am in La Vingtaine des Pigneaux

If you would be interested in joining Team La Cloche, writing articles, taking pictures or just contributing ideas, please contact us at lacloche@stsaviour.je or SuzieWebb@st.saviour.je

Cara, Colin & Suzie

From

Lé Connétable

Dear Parishioners,

I hope you are all keeping well following the recent heavy storms, the weather certainly has been challenging. I would like to thank our own parish works team for clearing the roads after the storms. Many trees came down with some localised flooding but was all cleared very quickly.

We recently held the St Saviour Christmas lunches at the Ambassadeur Hotel, it was wonderful to meet so many friends both old and new, a good time was had by all and many parishioners asked if a Christmas lunch would be planned for next year, and the answer is yes, it’s already booked.

Following a very positive response from the eighty-year celebration of our Liberation party in the fields next to the church, I have decided to hold a summer fête again in the same fields. Keep a look out for details.

By the time you have read this, plans would have been submitted for our new car park and parish park to the rear of the parish hall.

We recently purchased a cottage to supplement our parish housing rental stock; this is now occupied by a young St Saviour couple.

I am still working with the Safer Routes to School scheme, making roads and walkways a priority to keep our children safe.

I will also be looking at fields that belong to the parish to see which ones would be suitable for converting to allotments for parishioners, who may not have a garden of their own. With food prices increasing weekly as they say every little helps.

I will also still be looking after and maintaining the parish church clock running well since 1876.

After a week in the States maintaining the church clock is very therapeutic.

We have sadly had to say goodbye to our Rector Martin Evans who will be taking up a new position in Windsor, it’s sad to see Martin go but we wish Martin and Andrea our best wishes in their new position.

I recently organised twenty new parking spaces at Grainville for the teachers at St Saviour’s Primary School to alleviate parking issues, as we have most of the island’s schools in the parish, parking is problematic, it’s not part of our role but we do our best to help.

It’s going to be a very busy year and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Kind regards,,

Kevin C Lewis Connétable

Parish Rates

The notices of assessment are due to be sent out in May to all owners and occupiers of land within the Parish.

Your notice of assessment will show the rateable value for the property you owned or occupied on 1st January.

If you have any queries or disagree with the assessment of rateable value, you may request a review or meet informally with the Assessors to discuss your concerns. For further details please visit the Parish website www.stsaviour.je and click on the ‘Rates’ tab or call the Parish Hall on 735864

Refuse Collection UPDATE

To help keep refuse collections running safely and smoothly, please ensure all household refuse is placed in refuse sacks inside a wheelie bin.

Bins must be in good condition and able to be emptied using the collection vehicle. If a bin cannot be safely lifted or emptied, it may not be collected. Loose bags left on or beside bins will not be taken.

These requirements are in place to protect the health and safety of collection crews and to prevent waste spilling during collection.

This applies to general refuse only. Recycling collections are unchanged.

Thank you for your cooperation.

For further information, please contact the Parish Hall.

2026 Dog Licences

Under the Dogs (Jersey) Law 1961, all dog licences should have been renewed by 31st January 2026

If you have not yet renewed your dog licence, please apply online at doglicences.je

Changes for 2026

Dog name tags

Dogs must wear a collar or harness with the dog name and licence number, and the owner’s telephone number, inscribed on the collar (or a plate/badge attached to the collar) when on a highway or in a public place. It is not sufficient to have only a microchip or an identity number. If you had a dog licence before 2 December 2025 you may, as an alternative, display your name, telephone number and address until that information or the dog collar or plate/badge is changed.

Dangerous dogs - Dogs (Jersey) Law 1961

Certain breeds or types of dog are defined as “dangerous dogs” in the Dogs (Jersey) Law 1961 and must be registered with the States Veterinary Officer (SVO). It is a criminal offence to keep a dog of this type after 31 December 2025 without the dog being registered with the SVO.

Contact the States Veterinary Officer at 01534 441600 or email at rva@gov.je to arrange an assessment and registration of a “dangerous dog”

REGULAR UPDATES from the Parish

Would you like to know what’s happening in the Parish?

You can now subscribe to receive regular updates from the Parish direct to your inbox, keep up to date with Parish events, Parish assemblies, rates information, road works and other Parish related notifications.

All you need to do is visit the Parish website, go to ‘news and events’ and click ‘sign up’. Every time a news item or event is added to the website, you will receive the information straight to your inbox.

www.stsaviour.je

Freddy the Cockapoo

Generous Donation Supports St Saviour’s Honorary Police

St Saviour Parish is grateful to Mike Bates, Manager at Secure Solutions G4S, for a generous donation of essential equipment to support local policing.

Secure Solutions G4S has donated £2,638.90 worth of highquality torches to the St Saviour Honorary Police, significantly enhancing officers’ ability to carry out their duties safely and effectively, particularly during evening and night-time patrols.

The donation reflects G4S’s ongoing commitment to community safety and its support for frontline services across the Island. Reliable equipment such as professional-grade torches plays a vital role in ensuring officers can respond confidently and efficiently in a range of situations.

Chef de Police, Centenier Martins, is pictured receiving the donation on behalf of the St Saviour Honorary Police and expressed sincere thanks to Mike Bates and Secure Solutions G4S for their generosity and continued partnership.

The Parish of St Saviour extends its appreciation to Secure Solutions G4S for their support.

Welcome to Our New Constable’s Officer

The Honorary Police system in Jersey is one of the oldest continuous policing systems in the world, dating back over 800 years. Rooted in parish life, it relies on local volunteers who serve their community alongside their everyday working lives — a tradition that remains as strong today as ever.

St Saviour is therefore pleased to welcome Adam Leyton as the Parish’s newest Constable’s Officer. A Constable’s Officer is the most junior rank within the Honorary Police, supporting Centeniers and Vingteniers with patrols, traffic duties and community policing.

Adam combines his new voluntary role with full-time employment as a Computer Infrastructure Engineer with the Jersey Electricity Company (JEC). The Parish is grateful to JEC for its continued support of the Honorary Police system, enabling employees to undertake this important community role.

By the time you read this, Constable’s Officer Leyton will have completed his Foundation Training, which includes speed detection equipment training and essential vehicle handling. At the time of writing, he had already reached two notable milestones — issuing his first parking ticket and attending a road traffic accident in another parish, gaining early hands-on experience.

Adam is happy to start his service at Constable’s Officer level, learning the role thoroughly, but has clear ambitions to progress within the Honorary Police and hopes in time to move on to the next rank of Vingtenier.

Outside work and policing duties, Adam enjoys many hobbies, helping him maintain a healthy balance between work, volunteering and personal interests.

St Saviour is fortunate to have Adam joining the Honorary Police team, and we wish him every success in his new role.

Swearings In

Following the Parish Assembly on 20 October, 2025 the following officers were elected as Constable’s officers and sworn in at the Royal Court on 23 October 2025.

Carlos JASMINS CO for the La Vingtaine of Pigneaux. Carlos was originally sworn in as CO in 2019 and this will be his third term of office.

Adam LEYTON CO for the Vingtaine of Petite Longueville. This will be Adam’s first term as a new recruit.

Centenier Martins receiving the generous donation

Front L to R: Cent Martins, Cent Ruane, Cent Friel, CO Jasmins, CO Leyton, Connétable

Back L to R: Vingtenier Hatcher, Cen Laffoley-Edwards

Constable’s Officer – Adam Leyton

POLLING ARRANGEMENTS For The June 2026 General Election In St Saviour

by Marco Vieira – Electoral Administrator

As Electoral Administrator for the Parish of St Saviour, my responsibility is to ensure that elections are delivered in a manner that is accessible, secure and well organised. Under Jersey’s elections legislation, the Parish Secretary acts as Electoral Administrator unless another officer is appointed.

Working alongside the Autorisé—the independent officer appointed by the Royal Court, usually a Jurat, to supervise the poll—I am responsible for ensuring that appropriate polling arrangements are in place so that every eligible elector is able to exercise their democratic right to vote.

The next General Election will take place on Sunday, 7 June 2026. On that day, voters in St Saviour will elect their Connétable, Deputies and, for the first time since 2018, Senators. The reintroduction of Senators means that electors will participate in an island-wide election of up to nine Senators, while the number of Deputy seats in St Saviour will reduce from five in 2022 to four in 2026.

By 2026, automatic voter registration is expected to be in effect. While this should result in a higher number of residents being included on the electoral roll, increased registration does not necessarily lead to increased participation. Turnout at the 2022 General Election was 42%. As at 2 February 2026, St Saviour has 8,040 registered electors, representing approximately 72% of those eligible to vote.

The 2026 General Election also coincides with a number of major island events taking place over the same weekend. When considered alongside potentially higher registration levels, this may place additional pressures on turnout and voter engagement on polling day, with a risk of adversely affecting participation.

To mitigate this risk, concerns have been raised with the Greffier of the States and the Jersey Electoral Authority regarding the importance of early and improved promotion of alternative voting methods, particularly pre-poll and postal voting. Clear communication, effective public information campaigns and careful planning of hustings and other election-related events will be critical to supporting voter participation.

Since the 2022 General Election, St Saviour has continued to grow and evolve. Planning for 2026 has taken account of feedback from voters, polling staff and candidates, as well as lessons learned from the previous election. Our objective is straightforward: to make voting as simple, accessible and secure as possible for all electors.

Voting Process

On arrival at the polling station, each voter will be issued with three ballot papers:

· one for Connétable;

· one for Deputies; and

· one for Senators.

Voters will be required to present valid photographic identification, such as a passport or driving licence. Further information will be provided closer to polling day.

Voter Eligibility

To be eligible to vote in Jersey elections, an individual must:

· be aged 16 or over on polling day;

· have been resident in Jersey for at least one year; and

· vote only in the parish in which they are resident.

Ways to Vote

There are three ways to vote in Jersey elections:

· in person at a polling station on election day;

· by postal vote; or

· at a pre-poll station during the week prior to polling day.

Further details about each voting method will be made available closer to the 2026 General Election.

Central Polling Station for St Saviour

For the 2026 General Election, St Saviour will operate a central polling station at the Parish Hall.

In 2022, the parish operated three polling stations: Georgetown Methodist Church, the Maufant Community Centre and the Parish Hall. While this approach was intended to improve convenience, post-election feedback indicated that dispersing resources across multiple sites increased costs, caused confusion for some voters and placed significant pressure on a limited pool of trained volunteers.

The Parish Hall is well suited to serve as the sole polling station. It is centrally located within the parish, familiar to voters and already configured for electoral use. The building offers step-free access, accessible toilet facilities and designated disabled parking. Clear signage will be in place, together with measures to support voters with additional needs, including high-contrast signage and clear ballot paper presentation.

Marco Vieira – Parish Secretary & Electoral Administrator

Parking will be available on site and in nearby fields, with capacity for more than 200 vehicles. Clear directions and maps will be published in advance to help voters plan their visit.

To support voters who have traditionally attended polling stations at Georgetown Methodist Church or in the Maufant area, and who may have difficulty travelling to the Parish Hall, a transport service will be provided. Voters may attend their former polling locations, from where return transport to the Parish Hall will be arranged for those who require it.

Security, Integrity and Value for Money

Operating a single polling station strengthens electoral integrity, security and efficiency. Concentrating staff and resources in one location allows for closer supervision of key processes, including voter identification, accurate marking of the electoral register and the correct handling of tendered ballots. Staff training will focus on these areas to ensure that voting is conducted fairly, consistently and with care.

From a security perspective, a single site is easier to manage and monitor. Honorary Police and trained parish staff will be present throughout the day to ensure a safe and orderly environment for voters, candidates and polling staff.

This approach also represents a responsible use of public funds. It reduces duplication of equipment, simplifies logistics and enables resources to be deployed more effectively, while maintaining a high standard of electoral service.

Communication and Voter Awareness

Clear and consistent communication will be essential in the lead-up to polling day. In previous elections, some voters attended incorrect polling stations due to unclear or outdated information. Operating a single polling location significantly reduces this risk.

Information about the polling station—including location maps, parking and accessibility arrangements—will be publicised through parish communications, the parish website, social media, local media and Government of Jersey channels. Where possible, information will be made available in multiple languages.

Where automatic voter registration is in place, some residents may not realise that they are registered to vote. Electors are therefore encouraged to check their registration details in advance and to contact the Parish Hall with any questions.

About the Electoral Administrator

I have served the Parish of St Saviour for almost ten years as Parish Secretary, as well as more than fifteen years in various and senior commercial roles in the retail sector. I hold professional qualifications in accounting and information technology and work closely with the Connétable, the Procureurs du Bien Public and parish officers to oversee day-to-day operational services and to ensure that elections are delivered with integrity and professionalism.

The principles of teamwork, discipline and community underpin my approach as Electoral Administrator and guide the way elections are planned and delivered in St Saviour.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 General Election is an important moment for our parish and for the Island. By operating a single, central polling station at the Parish Hall, prioritising accessibility and focusing on clear communication, we aim to make voting as straightforward and inclusive as possible while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and public confidence.

Further information will be shared closer to polling day. In the meantime, residents are welcome to contact the Parish Hall with any questions or to seek assistance.

St Saviour’s Parish Hall – The Polling Station

From your Deputies

As we approach the end of this political term, to avoid any references to politics, I thought I would use this opportunity to focus on the parish system which I believe is so central to the island’s identity and community life.

While each of the twelve parishes’ functions as a close-knit civic unit, preserving local traditions while providing essential administrative services. St Saviour, in particular, has a system which enables highly responsive local governance: our parish assemblies allow residents to voice opinions directly, shaping decisions on planning, rates, and community projects. Honorary Officers, the Connétable and Honorary Police reinforce a strong culture of civic duty and volunteering.

Deputy Louise Doublet

Spring is my favourite time of year as it brings with it the feeling of new beginnings and a sense of possibility. I would encourage anyone feeling like trying something new at this time of year, to check out the Connect Me social prescribing at elementalsoftware.site/jersey

The Connect Me project is still growing and is about bringing islanders together. You can selfrefer to be put in touch with a link worker who will help you navigate the various offerings. Some are free or partially funded, and can help target loneliness and isolation. I really encourage you to give it a go.

Beyond administration, our parish plays a vital social role in organising events, maintaining community spaces, and supporting our vulnerable residents, strengthening our sense of belonging.

I have been proud and privileged to play a part in it all over the last 4 years.

Malcolm Deputy Malcolm Ferey

Deputy Raluca Kovacs

Dear Parishioners,

As the world celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March, I honoured the remarkable women of St Saviour - past and present - whose courage, talent, and dedication shaped our community.

Among them is Lillie Langtry, the ‘Jersey Lily’, who rose to international acclaim in a male-dominated world as an actress, producer, businesswoman, and sportswoman while balancing motherhood. Her legacy endures at Langtry Gardens, inspiring generations with her intelligence, talent, and determination.

That same spirit continues in Jersey’s women, from Dame Joan Stevens, who championed lifelong learning in St Saviour, to Margaret Le Sueur, who

As part of Connect Me I am working with Liberate Jersey, Channel Islands Humanists and Andium Homes to start a new reading group on the border of our Parish and St Helier in an accessible location. Check out my Facebook page for details and come along! Facebook.com/LouiseDoubletJersey

With warm regards,

preserved Jersey’s history and parish identity. These women embody resilience, leadership, and community commitment.

Reflecting on this term, which counted the most women elected, Lillie’s story feels especially relevant. I am proud to announce the launch of a Women’s Caucus to support women in public life, as part of our work within the Diversity Forum and Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians.

I am grateful for the recognition my activity received, including speaking invitations and being called a trailblazer.

With best wishes, Raluca

Louise

A Dog Watch

(but a very fond farewell)

The Reverend Martin Evans Rector of St Saviour’s

(20 Jan 2022 – 20 Feb 2026)

If you’ve wandered into St Saviour’s Parish Church recently, you’ll know there’s something we do especially well: welcoming people. Not just the polite, formal kind but the real thing - the kind that notices when you’re missing (or looking a bit off colour) and quietly shows up when life is hard.

Andrea and I have experienced and hopefully been a part of that welcome time and again, and it’s the main reason this farewell article is so difficult to write. On 12 March I will move to take up a new role as a Canon at St George’s, Windsor, and Chaplain to Windsor Great Park. I’m genuinely honoured (and, if I’m honest, a little daunted) but the dominant feeling right now is sadness. My wife, Andrea, and I love this island, this parish, and the people who have made St Saviour’s feel like home. To borrow naval language (old habits die hard after 23 years in the Royal Navy): in the centuries of our parish’s history, I’ve only stood a ‘dog watch’ here, meaning a short stint on deck rather than a whole voyage, but what a dog watch it has been.

Parish life in the fullest sense

One of the great privileges of being a Rector in Jersey is that it isn’t only “church life” — it’s parish life in the fullest sense. And as well as a place of worship, our beautiful church (the most beautiful in the island, but I am a little biased…) is used by the Scouts, Crafty Coffee Group, Choirs, for Yoga, to display art and even as a rehearsal space for local thespians.

I’ve loved the civic side to my role: attending the Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch in January, sitting on the Roads Committee, learning how the parish works, and getting to know the superb team at the Parish Hall. The Roads Inspectors and Parish Workers have been a joy to work with: cheerful, capable, and quietly committed in ways that deserve far more thanks than they usually receive. And then there’s the Branchage! Wonderfully quirky, deeply practical, and a reminder that community is built as much by steady care as by big moments.

A sadness in the first year

I can’t look back without naming one deep sadness. In my first year, the parish lost its Connétable, Sadie Le Sueur-Rennard, and very suddenly. I had only begun to get to know her, but I was genuinely looking forward to learning from her and getting to know her better. Her death shocked us all but also revealed the parish at its best: the way people rallied, supported one another, and honoured her life of remarkable service, in the Parish Church she loved (despite being a proud Methodist!)

Martin & Andrea in St Saviour's Parish Church

Young people, learning, and being “Bish”

A highlight has been time with young people, in schools and beyond. At St Saviour’s Primary I encouraged the nickname “Bish” (naval slang for chaplain), which I’m choosing to interpret as affectionate. I’ve also been privileged to serve as a Governor at Grainville School and to be involved a little at St Michael’s Preparatory. Serving as Chaplain or the ‘Bish’ to the Sea Cadets has been equally important. I’ve seen young people grow in confidence, teamwork and resilience and tie knots much faster than I can.

A royal visit… and the day I became part of the weather

The Sea Cadets also led to one of the more memorable moments of my time here: King Charles III’s visit, when TS JERSEY received the unit’s new colour. I’d love to claim a positive spiritual metaphor but the rain was more reminiscent of the flood in Genesis than any baptism I’ve ever taken part in. Typically, we smiled and laughed at the sheer quantity of water coming from the heavens.

Jersey’s gift: walking, coastline, and surprise connections

Outside parish life, Jersey itself has been a gift. Andrea and I have loved walking, especially the coast. Here I must lodge the only serious complaint I can muster about St Saviour’s as a parish: our lack of coastline! So we did what any sensible couple would do, we borrowed the rest of Jersey. We set ourselves the challenge of walking round the island and have now done it twice (not in one go; we’re committed, not daft!). The Governor’s Walk remains one of our favourite days.

And then there’s the sea. For the first time in our lives, we’re about to live a long way from it. Windsor Great Park will be extraordinary, but it won’t smell like salt or sound like waves.

Jersey also has a gift for unexpected connections. One of ours has been the Lieutenant Governor, with whom I was lucky enough to serve in the Royal Navy with me, at one point as my Captain afloat and then later, ashore, as Fleet Commander. When he arrived in Jersey and became not only a fellow parishioner but literally our next-door neighbour, it felt like a plot twist too unlikely for a novel. And yet it was real, and a lovely renewal of friendship with him and Lady Kyd.

Gratitude, and the ache of leaving

These years have held family joys and family grief: the death of Andrea’s dad not long after we arrived, and the loss of my parents within weeks of each other in early 2023. More positively, both our children have graduated from university too. Through it all, we have felt supported, by family and friends, and by the steady kindness of this church community.

Alongside our own losses were moments when the whole island seemed to grieve together, not least the terrible days of December 2022, from the loss of the fishermen from L’Ecume II to the Haut du Mont explosion. Those events reminded us that behind the beauty of Jersey life we are never far from fragility and never more in need of one another.

So as we prepare to leave, we do so with gratitude, and a real ache.

Thank you to the congregation of St Saviour’s Parish Church and to the wider parish community; thank you for your welcome, your humour, your patience, your faith, and your goodness. And thank you for the friendship that sustains life more than we know.

This can’t be a grand farewell address, I haven’t been here long enough for that, just a dog watch, but it’s a dog watch I will always treasure.

With every blessing,

Martin and Andrea Evans

Martin & Andrea Celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary in style - groovy!

From His Excellency

“It has been such a pleasure to see Martin as our Rector in St Saviour. I have known him, personally and professionally, for many years, from our days when we served together in the Royal Navy and in several aircraft carriers. Martin is a special man. His humbleness, sincerity and empathy for everyone he meets underlines why he will be so sorely missed by me, our wonderful Parish community, and more widely across Jersey too. My wife, Karen, and I wish him the very best in Windsor where I know he will continue to serve God and his people brilliantly. God speed.”

From the Connétable

“It seems only yesterday that we welcomed our Rector, Martin Evans, to the Parish Church of St Saviour.

Although Martin has been with us for just a few years, he has made a valued contribution to parish life and will be greatly missed.

While we are sorry to see him leave, we wish Martin and Andrea every happiness as he takes up his new role”.

From The Dean of Jersey

“Martin has been an outstanding Priest during his time in Jersey and is hugely respected in the island and amongst his colleagues. We shall miss Martin and Andrea but we are delighted that Martin is beginning a new season of ministry and mission in this unique environment. On behalf of all his colleagues, we thank him for being part of the team and we wish them every blessing”.

The King’s Visit

Governor’s Walk

Seren & Luna receiving their choir surplices

Diary Dates

MARCH

24 March u3a* Film Group. Brighton Rock (1948). Langtry Gardens Community Centre starting at 2pm. Contact: Hamish Kean on 720267

27 March The Old Rectory, Rectory Lane, St Saviour. 10am – 12pm. Contact: Suzie Webb on 490698

27 March u3a* Talks. - How Book Clubs Can Help Spread The Joy Of Reading To Children - Annette Le Bail and Megan Toal. The Old Rectory, Rectory Lane, St Saviour. 2.30pm – 4pm Contact Tom Bunting 482822

28th March Lent Lunch at St Saviour’s Church – 12pm to 2pm

APRIL

11 April Join Olivia Nobes ‘Clean up the Parish’ project – starting point to be announced in ‘Latest News from the Parish’ emails and the St Saviour’s Parishioners Facebook page. 10am – 11am. Picker uppers supplied.

10 & 24 April u3a* Chess Group. Venue and contact as above

10 April u3a* Talks. Jersey Trees For Life – Alex Morel. Venue and contact as above

24 April u3a* Talks. Poland: Bigger Than You Think, Closer Than You Know, Everything You Wanted to Know About Poland and a Few Things You Didn’t - Courtesy of the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland , Magda Chmielewska – Venue and contact as above.

28 April u3a* Film Group. The Searchers (1956). Venue and contact as above

MAY

May 8 & 22 May u3a* Chess Group. Venue and contact as above

16 May Join Olivia Nobes ‘Clean up the Parish’ project – as above

16 May St Saviour’s Church Fete – 1pm to 4pm. The fete will include a ‘fun’ dog show, open to all, and will be judged by Pamela Mottershaw.

26 May u3a* Film Group. Becket (1964). Venue and contact as above

JUNE

13 June Coffee Morning in St Saviour’s Church - 10am to 12pm.

*You do need to be a member of u3a Jersey to attend the films at Langtry Gardens Community Centre and the Chess and Talks Groups at the Old Rectory. They currently have over 30 active groups offering a range of activities and learning experiences to keep our minds active, whilst offering friendship and fun. The current annual membership subscription is £18 per annum. Check out the u3a Jersey website for full information jersey.u3asite.uk

St Saviour QUIZ

1. How many vingtaines are in St Saviour?

A. 2

B. 4

C. 6

2. Which historic estate in St Saviour once served as the home of several prominent Jersey families and is known for its link to the island’s agricultural heritage?

A. Samares Manor

B. Oaklands Manor

C. Longueville Manor

3. The reservoir in Grands Vaux was originally constructed for what primary purpose?

A. Irrigation of farmland

B. Flood control

C. Drinking water storage

4. Which of these features of St Saviour’s Parish Church is architecturally unusual compared with other Jersey parish churches?

A. Its baptismal font

B. Its double-transept layout

C. Its detached bell tower

5. What was the original historical function of the building now known as the Parish Hall?

A. Manor house

B. Military store

C. School

6. Government House, located in St Saviour, became the official residence of the Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey in what century?

A. 16th

B. 17th

C. 18th

7. What is the date on the original St Saviour’s School building?

A. 1882

B. 1883

C. 1884

8. The parish boundary between St Saviour and St Helier is unusual because part of it follows which type of historic feature?

A. Old railway embankment

B. Former stream/ruisseau

C. Defensive earthwork

9. Which St Saviour school site stands on land once occupied by a significant 19th-century institution?

A. Beaulieu Convent School

B. Jersey College for Girls

C. Grainville School

10. St Saviour was historically home to several clay deposits and small quarries. What was the primary historical use of clay extracted in the parish?

A. Roof tiles

B. Drainage pipes

C. Pottery and domestic wares

TWINNING ASSOCIATION

by Cara Billot Miller

The Parish of St Saviour is twinned with Villedieu les Poeles, and the Twinning Association held its Annual General Meeting recently followed by lunch and a raffle at the Hotel Ambassadeur.

There were many prizes generously donated by members for the Raffle which raised £168.00.

There was a lovely ambience throughout the afternoon, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

During the AGM, the Chairman, Bob Olliver, delivered his report with particular emphasis on the Twinning Games held last year on Gorey Common. The Games were a huge success and new friendships made with our French friends. It was noted that our Rector of St Saviour had hosted a young French family who became firm friends.

The Treasurer’s report indicated a healthy balance, despite fewer members and four lunches last year; including the dinner in the evening following the Games 2025. The Chairman confirmed that more Twinning badges are ordered, and a good stock of badges is available. Two new Committee members Suzie Webb and Jenny Gorvel, were duly elected to join Bob Olliver, Chairman, and Jill Olliver, Vice Chair and Cara Billot Miller as Secretary. The idea of organising a trip to Normandy, France, was discussed, but the usual problem with the ferry timings was prohibitive.

Subscriptions for 2026 will remain at £5 single and £10 family, or couple. The next quarterly lunch will be arranged and members notified.

Anyone interested in joining the Parish Twinning Association should enquire at the Parish Hall office in first instance.

A great turnout for the AGM & Lunch

Gouldson Finance

Festive Fun (and a Little Festive Chaos!) at the Children’s Party

The annual Christmas Children’s Party took place in early December, organised by the Deputies — and from the moment the doors opened at 5.30pm, it was clear this was going to be a very lively evening.

Any attempt at calm disappeared instantly as excited children surged up the stairs to the Parish Hall, determined to secure the best possible spot for Father Christmas’s arrival. What followed was a wonderful mix of laughter, chatter and festive excitement — proof that Christmas had well and truly arrived in St Saviour.

With so much energy in the room, plenty of volunteers were needed, and this year we were delighted to be joined by the Grands Vaux Youth Club and the Parish Community Volunteers. A huge thank you goes to Grands Vaux volunteers Kelsey, Ava, Myckliea and Sharon, who worked non-stop all evening, leading games, keeping little ones entertained and somehow maintaining a degree of order while the countdown to Santa continued.

Deputies Binet, Kovacs and Ferey were on hand to show their support, while the Constable bravely took on the role of compère. Even with a microphone, his voice was no match for a hall full of excited children — but then, that’s exactly how it should be.

Face painting was a firm favourite, with long queues forming for Karen Biddlecombe Mitchell, whose designs transformed many eager faces — boys and girls alike — into festive works of art.

In keeping with current guidance around photographing children, no photos were taken of the activities, but the hall was full of colour and movement: children gathered around tables colouring, others taking part in group games, and plenty of festive fun led by the Grands Vaux team.

The evening reached its peak with the arrival of Father Christmas, complete with sleigh and elves courtesy of the Lions Club of Jersey. Every child received a Christmas gift from Santa, bringing big smiles and a very happy end to the evening.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Christmas Children’s Party such a joyful and memorable occasion.

Lennon & Lucas

Jordan and Jackson

Lily-Mae, Bella and Myan

Princess of Hearts

Santa’s Sleigh arriving at the Parish Hall

Deputies Ferey, Kovacs and Binet

Measure of Champions

Champion trees are exceptional examples of their species. More specifically, a champion tree is typically classified as such by its size, relative to other specimens of the same species in the same geographical area – whether global, national, regional or local. Age, rarity and historical or cultural importance are further factors that can lead to a tree gaining champion status.

These specimens are crucial to the wellbeing and preservation of their local ecosystems. For context, a normal healthy mature tree supports hundreds of wildlife species while sequestering something like 20-40kg of carbon annually (a very approximate figure before considering size, species, methodology etc). Therefore, you can ramp up these numbers for a healthy champion.

Champion trees also provide important information about genetics and resilience traits such as drought tolerance, disease resistance and structural stability. All of these are considerations when cultivating, which, unsurprisingly, is another of their uses.

We can’t talk about champion trees without a nod to their cultural and historical importance. They’re a symbol of cultural heritage, often acting as landmarks and providing identity to an area, as well as being a source of interest, engagement and education to the local community and visitors from further afield.

Standardised measurement methods differ by country. In the British Isles we measure the tree’s girth (circumference) at a height of 1.5m above ground level on the upper side of any slope. Height is measured formally using a hypsometer or clinometer, although more traditional (i.e. non-technological) techniques can be used to approximate.

Although by no means universal, many countries have systems and processes to identify and register their champion trees. In our region, Tree Register of the British Isles (TROBI) is responsible for granting this status. Around 80,000 British and Irish trees are currently listed, of 275,000+ on its database.

TROBI is a registered charity run by volunteers. Despite the practical limitations this brings, they visited Jersey in 2003 and again in 2013 to undertake assessments, updating the database to include around 500 local specimens in total. While some are sure to have since been lost to Storm Ciáran, many more will be unidentified.

Appreciating the incredible work TROBI does, Jersey Trees for Life is contributing by providing information about our island’s finest arboreal examples. Its volunteers have started assessing potential candidates for champion status and, from spring, when trees are easier to identify and far more photogenic, the mission will begin in earnest. Potential champions include a bearded alder at the Alder Collection (Alnus glutinosa subsp. barbata), a handkerchief tree (Davidia involucrata) at Rozel Valley and a magnificent Chinese swamp cypress (Glyptostrobus pensilis) at Val de la Mare.

The charity is also contributing to an upcoming JEP series profiling prominent local trees.

If you think you have a champion tree, or know of one in the island, let us know at admin@jerseytreesforlife.org

A potential champion silver lime in Coronation Park.

A handkerchief tree in bloom – there’s a champion handkerchief tree at Rozel

The largest of the four Chinese swamp cypresses at Val de la Mare Arboretum, the only known genetically diverse specimens of their type in the northern hemisphere.

(credit: Oldiefan (Pixabay)

Small school, BIG IDEAS and a whole lot of heart!

by Newspaper Club Members

Hello there!

We are the Year 6 journalists from Grands Vaux School, and we are excited to introduce ourselves to you, the readers of ‘La Cloche’, and share what makes our school special.

Grands Vaux is a warm and vibrant primary school in the heart of St Saviour. As the smallest school on the island, we have a strong community feel where everyone knows one another, and every child is noticed, supported, and valued. Our core values - Ready, Respectful and Safe - guide everything we do and help create the positive atmosphere across our school.

Our diversity is another thing that makes Grands Vaux stand out. We are proud to have more than fourteen different languages spoken, creating a rich and welcoming multilingual community where we learn from each other’s cultures and stories.

At the start of this year, we decided to create the Grands Vaux Gazette to share pupil voice and highlight exciting events in our school. What began as a small project quickly grew, and now we’re proud to share our news with the whole St Saviour’s community!

Join us as we celebrate what makes Grands Vaux such a fantastic place to learn and grow!

Section 1 School Council by

Naomi Mezec

At Grands Vaux School, we are incredibly proud to have our very own School Council! The School Council is where two representatives from each year group meet to share ideas from their class and talk about how we can make school more enriching and enjoyable for everybody.

We also have four extra-special roles:

• Chairperson of the School Council

• Vice Chairperson

• Secretary

• Treasurer

In the Autumn term, many brave Year 6 children wrote speeches and put themselves forward for these roles. Children from the lower year groups got to vote for who they thought would make the biggest and best changes to our school. It felt just like a real election!

Section

2 House Captains and Pupil Ambassadors by Aaliyah Hotton

In our school, each child is part of one of four houses, and these houses are named after local sports stars (Guthrie, Searson, Banahan and Watson). Each house has its own colour, and every term we take part in exciting House Competitions. So far, we’ve had competitions such as Slam Poetry, House Rap, a Talent Show, an Art Competition, and even a Photography Competition – the children have loved taking part in these!

This year, our Year 6 children have also taken on some very important jobs as ambassadors around the school. These include being Eco Ambassadors, Music and Dance Ambassadors, as well as Reading Ambassadors. We really enjoy our ambassador roles and take them very seriously.

Section 3 OPAL Award by

Gabi Kochan

Last year, Grands Vaux School achieved the Platinum Award for OPAL (which stands for Outdoor

Play and Learning) – this was the highest award a school can achieve! OPAL makes playtime super fun, and it is all about risk-taking in a safe and manageable way. We use ropes and tyres to build dens and castles, and lots of our toys come from amazing charities like Durrell, Acorn and many more.

In our playground, we now have monkey bars and hanging bars in all different sizes, so everyone in our wonderful school can use the equipment they like best. We go outside in all sorts of weather. If you don’t have wellies… fear not! We have loads of spare pairs, so there’s really no excuse not to go outside… unless it’s absolutely pouring down!

Section 4 Voice 21 Oracy Centre of Excellence Award and White Rose Maths Champions Award by Alex

Standen

We are also very proud to be a Voice 21 Oracy Centre of Excellence, especially as there are only four primary schools in Jersey with this title! Oracy helps us learn how to speak clearly, use interesting vocabulary and understand each other’s ideas. In our lessons, we use different Oracy groupings to help with our discussions, and we are given strategies to build on each other’s ideas, challenge these, clarify what we mean, summarise and ask deeper questions. Talking helps us to learn and our strong speaking and listening skills were even noticed by visitors from the White Rose Maths team. This helped us to be awarded as White Rose Maths Champions!

Section 5 Zones of Regulation

by

Emily De Gouveia Figueira

To help us understand and talk about our feelings, we use the Zones of Regulation. If we feel sad, angry, bored or even very excited,

we have things we can use (such as books, fidgets and cushions) to help us be ready to learn again.

• If you are in the Green Zone, you will be feeling ready, respectful and safe.

• If you are in the Blue Zone, you might be feeling sad or tired.

• If you are in the Yellow Zone, you might be feeling excited or a bit worried.

• If you are in the Red Zone, you might be feeling angry or frustrated.

You can move between these zones throughout the day and talking to adults about how you feel can really help.

Section 6 After School Club by Nina Birch

Did you know that Grands Vaux has its own after school club and breakfast club? There are loads of different activities on offer – both in the morning and the afternoon – so everyone can find something they love. The brilliant clubs on offer include arts and crafts, a Makaton signing choir, netball and football. When the weather is dry, we also visit our Forest School, where we make real fires and cook yummy snacks like tray bakes, pizzas and s’mores. In the past, we’ve even had a magician club, which was amazing! It’s honestly so much fun!

Cosy Studying place

Martin Farley & Suzie Webb talking to the children

Cloche La Petite

Year 6’s Brilliant Book Review Competition!

designed by the Year 6 Journalists at Grands Vaux School

Do you enjoy reading? Have you ever finished a book and wanted to tell everyone how amazing it was?

Now’s your chance!

Your Challenge

We would like you to write a book review on any book that you have personally enjoyed and would recommend to other children.

It could be:

· A funny story

· A mystery

· Fantasy or adventure

· Non-fiction

· Or even a comic book!

Your review should be 100–200 words and should tell us the following:

· What the book is about (without giving away the ending!)

· What you liked – think about your favourite characters, a moment that surprised you and how the book made you feel.

· What could be better

· Who you would recommend it to

Please see the photograph of Gabi’s example of a book review to help you!

Submitting your review

Please send your book review to Grands Vaux School, Les Grands Vaux, St. Saviour, JE2 7NZ. Entries to be submitted by Friday 1st May 2026.

Make sure to include:

· Your name

· Your age

· The title and author of the book

· Your school or class

Judging Panel

The Year 6 judging team will look for the following:

· Clear ideas

· Honest opinions

· Interesting detail

· A review that makes other children want to read the book!

There will be two categories, both with prizes available!

Children aged between 5-8:

One lucky winner of this age will receive a book of their choice, kindly donated by Waterstones Jersey.

Children aged between 9-11:

One lucky winner of this age will receive a book of their choice, kindly donated by Waterstones Jersey.

Good Luck!

We cannot wait to read your book reviews and discover new books through your recommendations!

We’re coming to your Parish!

Whether you’re looking to protect wealth, grow your investments or prepare for life’s important events, the support of an expert can help you make the most of your money.

Drop in, say hello, and find out more about how we work, the services we provide and how we support islanders every day.

Stay tuned for confirmed dates and more details.

Want to learn more or get

• St Clement – September

• St Saviour – October

• St Helier – November • St Lawrence – December

with Evolution Eye Care Advanced Vision Correction

Specialist-led laser and lens treatments now established in Jersey

Islanders seeking freedom from glasses or contact lenses can now access expert vision correction closer to home. Led by renowned refractive surgeon Mr Mike Tappin, Evolution Eye Care’s Vision Correction Service has become an established part of its regular clinic schedule.

Patients considering treatment are assessed in Jersey directly by Mr Tappin – the same surgeon who would perform their procedure.

Mr Tappin is a leading surgeon with over 30 years’ experience in refractive surgery. He conducts clinics in Jersey, and operates at Prema, a state-ofthe-art surgical facility in Portsmouth operated by Laser Vision UK. Prema is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Southampton airport, with three modern hotels next door if accommodation is required.

“Our goal is to make the vision correction process as seamless and reassuring as possible for Jersey patients,” said Mr Tappin. “By combining consultations onisland with surgery at Prema, patients on our collaborative pathway receive the convenience of local care, with the safety and reassurance of a leading UK surgical environment.”

“It’s important that patients meet the surgeon who will perform their procedure,” added Mr Anish Shah, co-founder of Evolution Eye Care. “That continuity builds trust and ensures decisions are always made in the patient’s best interests.”

Genuine Advice, Not Sales

Some refractive clinics offer free consultations. This can create pressure to convert enquiries into surgery, just to cover costs. At Evolution Eye Care, a £99 vision correction consultation fee reflects a commitment to transparency, allowing the clinic to provide honest, impartial guidance –even if the best recommendation is not to proceed with surgery.

“Charging a modest consultation fee allows us to offer genuine advice rather than sales-driven opinions,” said Mr Shah. “Our patients receive clarity, not persuasion.”

Modern Technology and Trusted Standards

Prema is equipped with modern, regularly serviced laser and surgical equipment, maintained to the rigorous standards required by the UK Care Quality Commission (CQC). This ensures every procedure is performed with the precision, safety, and reliability expected of the UK’s top ophthalmic centres.

Established Expertise, Local Convenience

Jersey patients are already benefiting from this trusted and convenient pathway, exploring laser vision correction or lens replacement surgery with world-class expertise and modern technology – all coordinated through Jersey’s largest private eye clinic.

For more information or to book a consultation, visit www.evolution.je/book email info@evolution.je, or call 01534 835400

1st Floor

Little Grove Clinic

Rue de Haut St Lawrence JE3 1JZ

Mr Mike Tappin, Consultant Ophthalmic, Corneal and Laser Refractive Surgeon

Procedures are carried out at the purposebuilt, state-of-the-art Prema clinic

St Saviour Household recycling collection 2026

This guide explains how to use the St. Saviour household recycling collection. A collection planner is included so you know when your recycling will be collected.

Every home in St. Saviour receives a recycling collection, in addition to the existing rubbish and glass collections. Recycling collections will be on the same day as your General Waste. All items to be placed in either Clear or Blue bag as per guidance, these are available from the Parish Hall. For

Collection Planner 2026

All refuse, recycling and glass out for collection before 6am please.

For collection enquiries, contact St. Saviour Parish Hall. (01534) 735864

parishhall@stsaviour.je

www.stsaviour.je

NEWSPAPER

PLASTIC BOTTLES

BUTELKI PLASTIKOWE

GARRAFAS DE PLASTICO

PLEASE : Blue Recycling Bag

Newspapers and magazines

Cardboard packaging and brown paper

Cardboard boxes

Catalogues and phone directories

Paper and envelopes

Wrapping paper (not shiny or metallic)

Greeting cards

PLEASE : Clear Recycling Bag

Plastic bottles (all shapes and sizes)

Food and drink cans

Metal lids (from bottles and jars)

Aerosol cans (empty only)

Clean foil and foil trays

DRINK CANS

THANK YOU

Milk and juice cartons

Shredded paper

Takeaway cups and food boxes

Metals

Plastics

Clothes / Textiles

Glass

Plastic pots, tubs and trays

Plastic bags

Plastic bottle pumps

Full/half full aerosol cans

Crisp packets and food wrappers

Please rinse and dry, cans, tins, bottles and trays

Your Daily Guide to Collection by Road Name

Fosse à l’Ecrivain

Jardin à Pommiers

Les Cinq Chènes

Mont de la Rosière

Mont ès Neaux

Petite Ponterrîn

Pré de Talbot

Rue à la Dame

La Ruette des Êcorvées

Rue des Prés

Rue du Ponterrîn

Rue du Pré

Community Support GroupNEWS

Greetings all,

We were perhaps fortunate in that we weren’t needed to support parishioners during October’s Storms Amy or Benjamin, November’s Storm Claudia, December’s Storm Bram and neither of January’s Storms Goretti or Chandra. Did you realise or remember that we had so many?

Icertainly hadn’t! If needed, we would have probably gone to the Parish Hall or perhaps a local school, to help with refreshments, a listening ear, handing out clothing or whatever was to hand, perhaps making phone calls on behalf of those needing further help. When we experienced those Grands Vaux floods on 17 January, 2023 – yes, two years ago already - it was Andium Homes who were so well organised and took much of the credit for the onward support. Our Honorary Police were out in full force and a credit to themselves and the Parish. We haven’t been truly tested, perhaps I hope we won’t be, but it will be part of our role if the need is there.

Apart from times of crisis, we are here to help with everyday needs like shopping, some transporting for essential appointments, perhaps collecting prescriptions although many chemists deliver and a general support role in parishioners’ own homes. But…there is a but - we can only provide a great service if we have great support, which at the moment means more volunteers. We will meet you over a coffee to discuss what we do and how you think you can help. You will then be asked to complete a short application form and the Parish will pay for an online security check as you will be going into private houses on behalf of the Parish, probably on your own. It offers a generous mileage allowance when you use your car so you won’t be out of pocket.

Could you help?

Once a week or fortnightly, it’s up to you. Please contact me below for that first chat and we’ll go from there. I hope to see some of you, our readers!

Colin Ireson 07797 828660 / Colin.Ireson@stsaviour.je

Les Conteurs Singers

50 Years of Music, Song and Smiles

by Colin Ireson

Fifty years ago a small family singing class in the Jersey Eisteddfod Festival’s Music Section grew into something much bigger - and louder, and cheerier! Les Conteurs Singers began in November 1975 when the late Eric Le Conte’s family success in a Festival class sparked the idea of a mixed-voice choir for the island.

November 2025 was the choir’s Golden Anniversary, having celebrated throughout the year with varied events - a chance to sing, remember and make new memories. Recent seasons have kept us busy across the island, from weddings to parish halls to seaside terraces - and Guernsey’s Eisteddfod in March 2025 when we brought some silverware back with us! – proof our singing is as fresh now as ever! Although we are celebrating 50 years of singing, this wasn’t our 50th Christmas Concert, thanks to Covid – that will be December 2026!

On the evenings of 15 and 16 December last year, our Parish Hall hosted our 49th annual Christmas Concert, we’re a very local choir with roots firmly embedded in the Parish. During the interval, traditional mulled wine and warm mince pies were served, and the last tickets sold for a generous raffle. Proceeds are split each year, with a generous donation given to a charity of the choir’s choice and to the Parish of St Saviour’s Charité Account. Les Amis Inc., were the chosen charity for 2025 as they were also celebrating 50 years; Les Amis Chairman Leslie Norman attended on both nights to outline Les Amis’ work to the audience.

Over the decades Les Conteurs have been a familiar and muchloved presence at community concerts, charity events and local festivals - so much so that Jersey Heritage and local archives hold many photographs of the choir performing as far back as the 1980s. From those modest roots in St Saviour the choir has blossomed into a warm, friendly chorus of around thirty-five singers, drawn from all walks of Island life. Whether it’s tackling light pop, seasonal favourites or choral classics, the common bond is always a love of singing - and a healthy appetite for harmony!

We’re happy to welcome new singers, you don’t need to be able to read music (that will come!), if you’re interested, please contact me, Colin Ireson, on 726871, for more information.

Paul Le Conte and family, whose parents were the founders of Les Conteurs

Chapter for the Government’s Music Service

Jersey Music Service Moves to St Saviour’s A New

Jersey Music Service relocated to the Education Building on the Highlands Campus in September and is now settled in the parish.

This move marks an exciting new chapter for the Service, providing dedicated rehearsal spaces, improved facilities, and a vibrant hub for hundreds of young musicians who visit each week for lessons, ensembles, and performance opportunities.

Being based in St Saviour places Jersey Music Service at the heart of our thriving parish community, and many local families are already enjoying the convenience of having their rehearsals, performance platforms, and concerts on their doorstep.

Last term, Jersey Music Service rounded off the year with a highly successful series of concerts within their Winter Spectacular at Highlands College, where more than 250 students in 14 ensembles representing schools across the island took to the stage.

Their ensembles and choirs continue to contribute to events across the island, with additional performances last term at the Cross Nation Education Leadership Summit, the Government Our Stars Awards, and the Jersey Leadership Conference, amongst others. In December, you may have come across them with their festive weekend performances in the Royal Square at Simply Christmas.

The Jersey Music Service Inspire Ensemble performed to more than 5,250 primary pupils through in-school performances in the final week of term, spreading some festive cheer.

by Matthew Lombard

You may have seen more instruments being carried to school in recent years, as each term whole classes of Year 2 and Year 4 students participate in Access to Music projects. The Governmentfunded projects ensure that all children get the opportunity to learn a selection of instruments. In Year 4, pupils get the opportunity to take home to practice either the violin, cello, flute, clarinet, trumpet, French horn, or trombone and, following the project, perform to family and friends. At the end of the project, children have the opportunity to sign up for weekly lessons, which are subsidised by the Government, also providing free lessons to families in receipt of income support and bursaries for those who require additional assistance.

JMS in Numbers – Spring Term

• 1,132 students receiving weekly individual and smallgroup tuition

• 571 Year 2 and Year 4 pupils taking part in whole-class instrumental projects

• 250+ students involved in weekly ensembles and choirs

For more information about Jersey Music Service, and forthcoming events, visit their website at www.jms.je

A Fond Farewell to a Battle of Flowers Legend - Anne le Brun (nee Rive)

by Cara

After 27 years of extraordinary dedication, creativity and hard work, Anne le Brun (nee Rive) has finally hung up her needle, bringing to a close a remarkable chapter in the history of the St Saviour’s Battle of Flowers Association.

Anne was a costume designer and her creations quickly became legendary. Known for her imagination and resourcefulness, she sourced materials from everywhere possible – her own attic, hardware shops and haberdasheries alike. Long before joining St Saviour’s, Anne had been a leader of Eden Chapel Youth Club (now sadly closed) where she designed the float ‘Bill and Ben the Flower Pot Men’. That float won its class, giving Anne the encouragement to continue designing and entering floats for the next six years.

In the early days, all materials were purchased personally. In 1998 the Parish of St Saviour issued a call to form a Battle of Flowers Association, led by Terry Gorvel with enthusiastic backing from the late Connétable Philip Ozouf. A Parish Assembly was convened, attracting around 50 people – and Anne, already brimming with enthusiasm, was among the first to step forward. With considerable prior experience in float creation and construction, her involvement proved invaluable from the very beginning.

The Association’s first float, ‘Knight Fever’, was entered in 1999. Although it did not win any awards, it sparked a lasting passion –‘Battle Fever’. The following year 2000 saw the millennium float ‘Mutiny in the Parish’, and Anne’s commitment only grew, even as she balanced the demands of a young and growing family.

At the heart of the organisation throughout were Anne and her three children, Stephen, Matthew and Aimee, all of whom became deeply involved. When Stephen was old enough, he took on the

role of float driver, and in 2018 his design ‘Catch Me If You Can’ won the prestigious Prix d’Excellence du Papier. Aimee was just 15 when she designed the junior float ‘Pick n Mix’, which achieved an extraordinary clean sweep of the top prizes and in 2016 she was chosen as Miss Jersey Battle of Flowers. This was a huge achievement for the whole family, reflecting their many years of dedication and involvement.

Anne also served as Vice Chair on two occasions, either side of her appointment as Chair of the St Saviour’s Battle of Flowers Association in 2013. During her time as Chair, she worked alongside many people designing, creating and building the floats. In 2013, the senior float was ‘Never Ending Stories’ and the junior float ‘Magic Round About’.

A highlight came in 2009 with ‘Hanamachi’, designed by Jean Roche. It was a huge success since ‘Hanamachi’ won first prize, the Prix d’Honneur, and swept the board with many other prizes. Notably,’ Hanamachi’ was created using real flowers, now no longer feasible due to the cost of importing flowers, so all future floats were decorated with paper flowers.

Billot Miller (with assistance from Aimee!)

Curtain Call – Giselle Trehorel, Anne Le Brun and Paula Turner

The 25th Anniversary year was ‘Welcome to Wonderland’ which swept the board with five awards

Everything Changes

We begin with a goodbye: a trusted voice at the altar moving on, and gratitude for what has been as we ready ourselves for who will come next.

As winter softens and light returns, gardens brighten, evenings stretch, and we step outdoors again to enjoy the beauty of St Saviour on our doorstep.

Fields behind the Parish Hall may yet be reneweda place shaped by hope, community, and shared purpose.

A reminder that spaces, like people, can grow into what they are meant to be.

In June we’ll mark our ballots, welcoming new voices and fresh ideas to help guide our parish and our Island.

And the wider world draws a little closer: New routes carrying us to Amsterdam, Munich, and Guernsey more oftenJourneys that remind us where home truly is.

Through it all, one truth remains: Change can be a gift, and we step forward together as a parish, with hope.

In 2022, another huge Battle success was ‘Huang Long’, dedicated to the late Sadie Le Sueur Rennard. ‘Huang Long’ swept the board winning the top prize of the Prix d’Honneur du Papier as the only float wholly decorated in paper flowers. All paper flowers were hand made by a huge team of people from the Parish. The other prizes awarded were Best Two-Dimensional Set; the Parish Award for the best float under 35ft and Best Set Piece in paper flowers. Then during the Moonlight Parade, the float was awarded the Best Illumination Award.

2024 saw the 25th Anniversary of the St Saviour’s Battle of Flowers Association and was one of the most successful years ever! ‘Welcome to Wonderland’ included folding, fluffing and boxing 16,000 paper flowers, many hours spent constructing the float, adding lights, and even more hours sticking the flowers on and the end result? Not one, but five awards!

Over its 27 years history, the St Saviour’s Battle of Flowers Association has enjoyed tremendous success, with junior floats often setting the standard that even the seniors admired.

Anne’s legacy is woven into every stitch, petal and parade. Her passion, generosity and creativity have left an indelible mark on the Association and on everyone fortunate enough to have worked alongside her. Anne tells me that she has lasting memories, and many wonderful friends.

Battle of Flowers

by Sharon Ellis

Hi everyone

We hope everyone is well and you have all had a great start to 2026 !

Apologies that we have been so quiet with limited contact but we have had some challenges to overcome before being able to start Battle 2026.

As everyone knows, there were some changes to the parade routes and float sizes last year and we have been asked to continue this into this year. This has meant that our existing chassis, that has served us so well for the last 25 years, has had to be retired as it's just a little bit too big for the potential routes. It also takes a huge amount of flowers and time to complete and unfortunately, as we have seen a decline in volunteers/helpers, it is too much of a challenge for the team we have at the moment. We have been very lucky to secure another chassis which is much more manageable so we can still enter this year - yeah !!

We had some downtime over the winter but we are now raring to go. The shed has been open since early February, where we had this year’s float model on show and when we finalised details and decided on an action plan. Volunteers are always needed at the shed, so please come along any Saturday morning from 10am. As always, tea, coffee and doughnuts will be available :-)

Hope to see you there

The Committee

St Saviour's Battle of Flowers Association

Sharon Ellis / 07797 827579 / stsavbof@gmail.com

2024 ‘Welcome to Wonderland’ with Anne Le Brun on the left

Located on the edge of the Jersey National Park in St Ouen, Maison des Landes Hotel and Community Hub is nestled amidst breathtaking countryside and offers panoramic sea views.

Built around a strong sense of community and run by a charitable trust, we have recently celebrated 60 years of welcoming locals and visitors to the island, with the very best in modern design to provide a fully inclusive environment.

Want to try a new restaurant?

You’re in for a treat! Chef Sachin and his team proudly create fresh, locally sourced dishes at very reasonable prices. We also welcome group lunch and afternoon tea bookings. Join us for lunch on Easter Sunday, we’d love to see you!

Fancy a break?

Relax and recharge whilst enjoying the tranquil gardens and uninterrupted coastal views. Swim in our indoor hydrotherapy pool, maintained at 33 degrees, which is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. With 15 out of 23 rooms adapted to suit a range of needs, everything has been thought through.

Looking for somewhere different for an event or special occasion?

Our stunning venue is perfect for a wedding or special occasion, wellness retreat, corporate offsite, or private event in a calm, natural setting.

At Maison des Landes, our guests come first. Friendly, dedicated and always willing to go the extra mile, our staff team take genuine pride in what they do, and nothing is too much trouble.

During April and May, we’re offering over 50% OFF a delicious two-course evening meal and a choice of full English or continental breakfast.

• £129 per night for 2 adults

• £85 per night for 1 adult

• £99 per night for 1 adult and 1 child

• plus £20 per night per child

These offers are open to Jersey residents only and are valid for stays during availability at time of booking.

To book please call the hotel directly on 01534 481683 or email reservations@maisondeslandes.co.uk

Bringing Books to Your Door

Just because you can’t make it to the Town Library, Communicare Library, or the Mobile Library doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joy of reading.

Jersey Library offers a completely free home delivery service for anyone who finds it difficult to visit in person, whether due to health issues, mobility challenges, or full-time caring responsibilities.

The service is open to people living independently at home as well as those in residential care. When you join, a member of our friendly library team will chat with you about your reading preferences. Whether you need normal print, large print or audiobooks, and the genres and authors you most enjoy. We then hand-pick a selection tailored especially for you, so every delivery feels like a personalised book bundle.

Our dedicated team of library volunteers delivers books across the island, covering 12 routes each month. In 2025, we made more than 800 deliveries to around 80 readers. For

many, this service is a lifeline, a way to stay connected, entertained, and comforted by the pleasure of reading.

If you or someone you care for would like to use this service, please contact Angela at the library on 448700 or email je.library@gov.je

We’re here to help bring books straight to your door.

MONDAY

10:00 - 11:00 St Ouen's Parish Hall 11:15 - 12:15 St John's Parish Hall

TUESDAY 09:30 - 11:00 Holme Grown 11:15 - 12:45 Gorey Common Carpark 14:30 - 16:30 Jersey Zoo

WEDNESDAY 09:30 - 11:00 Langtry Gardens 11:15 - 12:45 St Martin's Village Green 14:30 - 15:30 Le Rocquier School

Barbara Le Ruez, Josephine St George and our volunteer Liz at Maison St Brelade.

The Mystery Wheel of St Saviour

A Glimpse into Jersey’s Rural Past

by Suzie Webb

If you have ever walked along Rue de la Retraite, you may have noticed a curious piece of iron machinery standing proudly on a grassy mound - a large hand-turned wheel attached to two upright cast-iron pipes.

Weathered by time but still striking, it looks like something from a bygone era. Many parishioners have asked what it is, and the answer offers a fascinating glimpse into Jersey’s agricultural history.

This wheel is almost certainly the remains of an old handoperated agricultural pump or winch, dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century. Before electric pumps were widely available, farms relied on manual mechanisms like this to move water or liquid waste. The two upright pipes are typical of traditional lift pumps, where one pipe would draw liquid up from a pit or well, and the other would direct it onward - often into a cart or onto nearby fields.

Although sometimes described as a device for “removing pig muck”, it would not have handled solid waste. Instead, it was more likely used to pump liquid slurry or wastewater from an underground pit associated with animal housing. Such pumps were common on older Jersey farms, especially where pigs or cattle were kept in small numbers.

Today, the wheel stands as an evocative reminder of how much manual labour once sustained everyday farming life in St Saviour. Long out of use but still remarkably intact, it connects us to a time when simple mechanical ingenuity helped islanders manage the practical challenges of rural living.

Nance Hicklin neé Rondel Flower Lady Extraordinaire Tribute To

by Cara Billot Miller

Many people will remember Nance for her careful attendance to the superb flower display around St Saviour’s Parish Hall. An enjoyable job she carried out for many years. Her work enabled the Parish to win the Parish in Bloom Award several times.

Nance was very keen to encourage children in the arts and crafts. She instigated the annual children’s painting competitions which was judged in the past by the wives of the Lieutenant Governors. Although we have not seen any annual painting competitions since before Covid.

She was very active in the Parish and a devoted Methodist who attended Methodist Church services regularly. Often making tea and coffee for Methodist meetings. Nance also played the organ at Wesley Grove Methodist Church, and arranged the flowers and served the nursery committee leading the Wesley Grove Cubs.

La Cloche was always busy reporting Nance’s activities. She had a lot of energy and was involved in many activities.

Nance was born in Millbrook, St Lawrence, in 1942, where she lived with her parents. Her passion for flowers developed when she joined her parents in their florist shop on Stopford Road. She enjoyed a long career as a florist and worked at the Hotel de France where she became known for her artistry and creativity with flowers.

Nance met her husband David at Wesley Grove Youth Club in the 1960s. They were married in 1964 and in 1971 made a lovely family home in Clos Paumelle, and had two sons, Andy and Tim. They ran a bed and breakfast business for several years, with many customers returning year after year.

Nance enjoyed working with the Battle of Flowers where her skills as a florist was much in evidence. Also, she was very involved with the RJAHS where she regularly entered competitions and judged flower arrangements. One epic occasion Nance entered a jar of Marmalade and won first prize! Mark Jordan, a well-known local chef, was the judge and very complimentary about Nance’s Marmalade!

She will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.

Nance Hicklin and the late Connétable Sadie Le Sueur in 2019 with the ‘Best Parish Hall’ Gold Award

Clubs & Associations

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Georgetown Methodist Church Coffee Morning with homemade cakes! Thursdays between 10am and noon in the hall of the chapel. A warm welcome is extended to all with proceeds going to local charities. Just turn up!

u3a in St Saviour Looking to meet new people, share ideas, and enjoy some friendly activities? Our u3a groups in St Saviour are a great way to do just that. At The Old Rectory, you can join Book of the Month, Canasta, Chess, or come along to one of our engaging Talks. If films are more your thing, our Film of the Month group meet in the Langtry Gardens Community Centre. For more information, contact Steve Read: stevejread@icloud.com jersey.u3asite.uk

St Saviour’s Twinning Association promotes educational, social and cultural exchanges with our twin town of Villedieu-les-Poeles in Normandy. For more information please contact the Parish Hall on 735864

‘Crafty Coffee’ morning meets every Tuesday from 10am –12pm in the Parish church to make greetings cards and other gifts, many of which are sold in aid of church funds. Just turn up and join in.

St Saviour Whist Club!

Looking for New Members!

Looking for a fun and friendly way to spend your Wednesday evenings? The Whist Club meets every Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:30 pm in the Parish Hall, Come along for some good company and great cards. For more details, please call Sylvia Conetta on 630139

SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

The Caesarean Tennis Club, Grands Vaux. The club have ten courts - two of which are permanently indoors under a synthetic ‘bubble’. The outdoor courts are free for all members. The club offers adult and junior sections and have a fantastic club house. All enquiries please to: 789321

Grainville Tennis Club (below cricket pitch & Grainville School) offers a comprehensive range of tennis activities for all age groups throughout the week and at weekends. The club has a junior coaching programme, after school and holiday clubs and mini tennis. The adult league is sponsored by SASO Strategic Advisers. For more information contact head coach Rychlund Aldridgerychlund62@gmailcom or come along any Sunday morning from 10.30am. wwwgrainvilletennisclub.com

St Paul’s Football Club has progressed into one of the most respected clubs in the Islands, offering football to both junior and senior players at their headquarters in Clos des Pauvres, Rue du Chateau Clairval. For more information email: President - Paul Sowney - paulsowney@hotmail.com

Secretary - Brendan Boyle - brendan@indexventures.com

St Saviour Bowls Club NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME

Please contact the club training coach with any questions you may have – Paul du Feu on 732441 or 07797 733304

St Saviour’s Pétanque Group meets at Grainville, near the indoor bowling club, on Mondays and Thursdays at 9.45 for a 10am start of play. Just come along or contact Rob Birch on 862127

Jersey Indoor Bowling Association offers coaching and has sessions at Grainville starting at 9.30am. They offer ‘Try 3 Times for Free’ and encourage everyone to have a go. This is an all-ability sport. Contact Alan Shaw on 768772 or 07797 852465 or email: jerseyindoorbowling@gmail.com

St Saviour’s Battle of Flowers Association

volunteers of all ages always welcome to contribute their time to make the paper flowers and prepare the float in general. Le Quesne’s Nurseries sell second-hand books for only £1 each to raise funds. Please contact stsavbof@gmail.com or contact Sharon Ellis on 07797 827579

St Saviour Netball Club

The club is for girls aged 16 and over who want to play in the senior league. We have teams in Divisions 2 & 3 and play matches on Monday and Tuesday nights. For further details please contact the club secretary Lucy Fogarty lucy_fogarty91@hotmail.co.uk

Swimming Thinking of taking to the sea? Why not join Mermaids & Mermen Having Fun, a friendly group of sea swimmers led by Sally Minty-Gravett. The group meets regularly, with swims arranged around the tides, and welcomes swimmers of all levels. For more information or to join in, contact Sally Minty-Gravett on 07797 713252 or Smintyg@icloud.com

NEW - Aikido Mukyokan Jersey Thinking of trying a martial art? Aikido is a Japanese martial art that incorporates development of the mind and body, and its unique essence is suitable for all ages (14+), genders, and abilities. We can be found in Studio 1, Oakfield Sports Centre three times a week. For more details visit www.aikidojersey.com or contact Róisín Pitman on 07797 713370 or roisin.pitman@hotmail.co.uk

MUSIC, DANCING & YOGA

Flex&Flow Yoga with Rachel. This class is suitable for everybody and focuses on building strength, particularly in the core. It uses a lot of Pilates influences throughout every class. You do not need prior experience of yoga, as the exercises are layered and so they will challenge as well as be accessible. Takes place in the Parish church. Friday: 4.15-5.25pm, Saturday: 9.30am -10.40. The cost is £20 for 5x classes or £5 for a one off . For more information please contact Rachel on 07896 803704

Jersey Scout Band meets on a Thursday evening at the Kenneth Fauçon Memorial Hall, Rue des Pres, from 6.30pm –8.30pm. No musical knowledge is required and we provide teaching, instruments & uniform free of charge. Please call Mick Marett on 874708 or email mickmarett@gmail.com or jerseyscoutband@org.je

The Feel Good Choir meets every other Wednesday 7-9pm in the Parish Church. Contact Abby Brown for more informationabby_brown01@icloud.co

St Saviour’s Parish Church Choir St Saviour’s Parish Church is blessed with an accomplished choir which enhances the Sunday morning worship and occasionally performs at concerts. Anyone with experience of singing choral music would be welcome to join. If you feel you’d like to sing in the church choir and live nearby, perhaps come along and see? The Choir usually practises before the main service on Sunday, which starts at 9:45am so rehearse from about 9am; the choir also rehearses on some Saturday afternoons and at other times by arrangement. For more information please contact Nic Turner at nicturner53@gmail.com

YOUTH CLUBS

Grands Vaux Youth Project opens every evening Monday to Friday offering a broad range of activities. If you have any youngsters who are looking for new interests why not ring Tino on 722935

CADETS, CUBS, BROWNIES, SCOUTS, GIRL GUIDES

2nd Jersey (Grève d’Azette) Scout Group meet at Kenneth Faucon Memorial Hall, Rue des Prés (opposite Waitrose). Beavers (6-8 years) Tuesdays 6pm-7pm or Wednesdays 4.45pm 5.45pm; Cubs (8-11 years) Mondays 6.30pm-8pm or Wednesdays 6.30pm-8pm; Scouts (11-14 years) Friday 7pm-8.30pm. For more information contact Mick Marett on 874708 or email: mickmarett@ gmail.com. We are always on the lookout for adults who wish to help with a fun-packed programme.

3rd Jersey (St Saviour) Scout Group Scouting welcomes male and female members. Meetings are held on Monday evenings in term time at St. Saviour’s Parish Church Beavers (6-8 years), 5.45pm 6.45pm; Cubs (8-10 years) 7pm-8.30pm; Scouts (10-14 years) 7pm-8pm; Young Leaders (14-18 years) to work in any section. We are also looking for adult support, 18+ years old –no experience needed! Boys and girls, males and females welcome. Please contact Hayley Dewar, Group Scout Leader on 07797 739294 or email: 3rdjerseywelcome@scouts.org.je www.scouts.org.je

3rd East Rainbows for girls aged 5-7 meet at Maufant Youth Club on Thursdays from 4.30pm-5.30pm. Contact: Helen Barette: 3rdeastrainbowsjersey@gmai.com

7th Jersey (St Luke’s) Brownies (7-10 years) meet at St Luke’s Church Hall, La Route du Fort, Tuesday 6.15pm – 7.45pm contact: girlguidingatstlukesjersey@gmail.com

17th St Saviour Brownies for girls aged 7-10 meet at Maufant Youth Club on Thursdays from 5.30-6.45pm. Contact: stsaviourbrownies@gmail.com

17th St Saviour Guides Jersey (10 - 14 years) meet at St Luke’s Church Hall, La Route du Fort, Tuesday 6.45pm – 8.30pm contact: girguidingatstlukesjersey@gmail.com

Jersey Sea and Royal Marine Cadets meet at TS Jersey, Rouge Bouillon, on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Ages from 10-18 can join. Please call 878252 or email: sccjersey@gmail.com

ART CLASSES

Come and enjoy a friendly and creative morning at the Victoria Cottage Homes Art Club, meeting every Tuesday from 10.30am to 12.30pm in the conservatory. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have painted before, you’ll be made very welcome.

Led by local artist Elizabeth Bisson, these relaxed watercolour sessions take inspiration from the theme ‘Reflections of Nature’. All materials are provided and refreshments – so all you need to bring is yourself. Each session is £5.

There’s parking at Grainville School, and no booking is needed. Just come along, or for more information contact Elizabeth on 871046

SUPPORT GROUPS

St Saviour’s Community Support Group. SSCSGaims to support parishioners in variety of ways - it also needs more volunteers, especially drivers, in order to expand. Please call Coordinator Colin Ireson on 07797 828660 (Mon-Fri daytime) for more information.

Need a new interest?

The above clubs and associations would welcome new members or help with their projects

To add information to this list please contact Suzie Webb, email suzie.webb@stsaviour.je

St Saviour Parishioners Contribute to Occupation 80 CommunityArt Project

Thirty One years ago, Jersey Heritage brought islanders together to create the Occupation Tapestry — twelve beautifully stitched panels, one for each parish, which now hang proudly in the Maritime Museum. The project became a cherished symbol of community spirit and collective remembrance.

Twenty-one years later, eager to keep that spirit alive, Jersey Heritage organised the creation of a thirteenth tapestry panel, sewn collaboratively by volunteers from every parish. This continued tradition of shared creativity inspired a new project for Occupation 80 in 2025.

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of Liberation, replicas of the original twelve panels were produced — but this time islanders were invited to paint them. Volunteers from across Jersey took part, including many from St Saviour. Among them was Daphne Picot, who also contributed to the original Occupation Tapestry, making her involvement especially meaningful.

In November 2025, Jersey Heritage hosted a private viewing of the completed painted panels at the Maritime Museum. Contributors were invited to see the full collection displayed together — a vibrant, modern companion to the iconic stitched originals. It was a warm and celebratory evening, bringing together people of all ages who had played a part in the project.

Those from St Saviour who contributed were: Nanette Ahier, Rose Allen, Cara Billot Miller, Elizabeth Bisson, Vanessa Daligault, Deputy Malcolm Ferey, Beverley Ferey, Mary Hillyard, Colin Ireson, Lesley Jenkins, Joan McKnight, Lesley Parker-Garner, Daphne Picot, Julie Thomson — and me!

Due to space, it’s not possible to include photos of everyone who took part, but here are a couple to give a flavour of this wonderful community effort.

The panels stand as a colourful and heartfelt tribute to 80 years of liberation, created by the community, for the community.

Mary Hillyard and Rose Allen

Nanette Ahier and Beverley Ferey

Cara Billot Miller and Rose Allen

‘Everyday Needs’ St Saviour’s Panel

Vanessa Daligault and Colin Ireson

by Suzie Webb

SunWorks helps islanders take control of their energy future. Roofs are the number one energy-saving attribute of any home and often an essential project delayed by hassle or uncertainty over the right contractor.

That’s why SunWorks has evolved from Jersey’s leading solar specialists into a complete home energy and roofing partner. From design through installation and beyond, our in-house technical team provides one clear point of contact every step of the

Combining roofing with solar PV is a smart, future-focused investment.

•Build long-term resilience.

•Generate clean power.

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Built on Quality. Backed by Trust. Driven by Service.

HOGS on the (H) Edge

When Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne in 1952, there were over 30 million hedgehogs roaming around Britain. As her reign came to an end in 2022, there were less than one million.

Ido not attach any blame to the late monarch for the demise of the hedgehog population; I merely give pause for thought.

Jersey’s much-loved mammal is now ‘threatened with extinction’. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has placed them on the red list after numbers declined by 30% in just the last 10 years. Our experience mirrors this. We have admitted far fewer hedgehogs this year, with many of them so sick, injured or emaciated that they could not be saved. Yet we fight on, knowing that the work we do at Jersey Hedgehog Preservation Group means each and every hedgehog we can treat and release back into the wild is a precious life saved.

We cannot do this alone; we need your help!

Hedgehogs do not hibernate during the mild Jersey winter, except during exceptionally cold snaps. They will be out and about looking for food when the weather allows.

They will have built weatherproof winter nests called hibernacula. Favourite nesting sites are in piles of twigs and leaves, compost heaps, pampas grass, thickets, long grass and log piles. As you begin to tidy the garden ready for spring planting, please be aware that you may be disturbing more than earthworms! Take great care when turning over your compost heaps or raking your leaf piles.

It goes without saying that you should refrain from using pesticides; there are many cost-effective natural remedies to ensure your garden grows beautifully. If you are strimming or mowing weeds and long grass, please check carefully for sleeping hedgehogs before you start. CHECK BEFORE YOU CHOP!!

If you net your fruit bushes, leave a 13cm gap between the ground and the bottom of the net and put football goal nets away: you would be amazed how many hedgehogs get caught in netting!

If possible, leave some wild areas alone – leaf piles as they rot down, bug hotels, twigs and log piles are also home to the very beetles and bugs and other invertebrates that supply the hedgehog's natural diet. However, supplementing that diet with a small dish of cat food or small dog kibble will be appreciated, particularly in dry weather when there is less natural food around. Never give mealworms, sunflower seeds, peanuts, or milk and bread (hedgehogs are lactose intolerant).

Finally - would your school, charity or association benefit from a visit from one of our volunteers?

In addition to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs, we are also here to educate the public about hedgehogs and the dangers they face going forward.

If you think your organisation would be interested in finding out more about our prickly friends, please contact us via facebook, e-mail us at jerseyhedgehogs@hotmail.co.uk or phone on 734340 and we will endeavour to help. You can also find out more at jerseyhedgehogs.co.uk

Thank you for caring!

Check for hedgehogs before you dig, fork or strim your garden

This hedgehog brought in, appeared to have been stabbed with the prong of a garden fork.

Leaf piles could be a nesting site for hedgehogs

Pétanque Group Bowls Club

The St. Saviour Petanque group has continued to flourish during 2025 with the good summer weather allowing play on Mondays and Thursdays to be well attended and enjoyed.

However the autumn and winter seems to have turned against us and many mornings have seen no play. We look forward now to a good spring and summer.

The results from the Parish League have been quite varied with all the players who have wanted to participate getting chosen for matches and thus we have had some very close games. All the games being played in a friendly manner. The Parish Knockout Competition was as usual very competitive and we reached the finals for the second year up against St. Brelade again. The final being played on Grouville new terrain. Unfortunately we lost by a single point this year, so we must set our sights on maybe making it third time lucky in 2026.

Unfortunately this year we have lost some of our members who have in the past supported our league teams, although some who have retired from competitive Petanque still come to play when the weather is good for our morning roll ups. They are always welcome to play and to join in our activities and are great supporters at our team matches.

Usually the first Thursday of the month is our melee day and many successful melees have been held with a wide selection of winners.

The year has also seen a very successful barbecue on a good sunny day and a most enjoyable Christmas lunch. We now look forward to the association lunch and presentation of trophies in February.

Please remember we are always ready and willing to welcome new Petanque players to join our friendly group. Petanque is played for fun and enjoyment and those who wish to play competitively can do so if they wish.

Please come and see if you enjoy it by turning up on a Thursday morning at 9.45. We are lucky enough to have our 2025 vice captain who has moved Parish and retired from competitive Petanque offering to do some coaching for us so anyone can come and give it a go!

Protection Application

Parishioner Richard Le Quesne has applied for a Tree Protection Order for the large, conspicuous and old Oak tree located on the corner of his land by the entrance from Bagatelle Road into Le Clos Paumelle.

At the time of writing, the application was out for consultation, with a decision anticipated in early January. By the time you read this, the outcome of the application will have been confirmed.

As the days lengthen and temperatures get warmer, the hardy outdoor winter bowlers at St Saviour look forward to welcoming their team mates who’ve played indoors or off island in warmer climes.

The Club’s 2026 SPRING/SUMMER programme will start in April with stewards at the Club every morning to welcome members and guests for the 10.00am session. They will oversee a random draw to give everyone a relaxed (often competitive!) session. Some members find an hour enough for them whilst others are happy to play for up to two hours, according to the conditions.

The afternoons and evenings are available to members who can access the Club using the various passcodes.

Once again the Club is making TUESDAY and FRIDAY evenings as their NEW FACES sessions. There’s no strict time set for people to arrive with someone there from 5.00pm till late on both these days.

The weekend of Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th APRIL will be the first OPEN DAYS of the summer with the Club open ALL DAY from 10.00am.

We are hoping to run a mini league on Tuesdays in May where anyone new to the sport can play with experienced members in a relaxed competition.

The club has some excellent facilities with members and guests able to access PARKING on the area directly behind the green. The club’s kitchen will be open, as well as the licenced bar, so everyone can relax and discuss the excellent shots they pulled off that day.

Anyone interested in coming along to the club can always call Paul on 07797 733304 or Graeme on 07797 855642. Visit our Facebook page for up to date information or email us on info@stsavioursbc.com

The oak tree which was the subject of a Tree Protection Order application

The St. Saviour Parish Knockout Team at Grouville

Petanque Group at the Christmas Melee

PARISH Gallery

Cake & Cabaret - December

Silver cleaning at the Parish Church 15 Nov

Remembrance Sunday 9 Nov

Eva Hsieh - Methodist Church Concert

Boxing Day Walk - Swiss Valley

Les Conteur Singers Christmas Concert

Senior Citizens' Lunches

Joyful January Gatherings

by Suzie Webb

The annual Christmas Senior Citizens' Luncheons once again proved to be delightful gatherings filled with warmth, laughter and community spirit.

Ithink most parishioners will agree that having our Christmas lunch in January is a good idea - it gives us all something to look forward to and brightens the long winter days.

As usual, two luncheons took place, each welcoming approximately 150 guests who enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of food, conversation and cheer. The atmosphere was lively, with old friends reconnecting and new connections being made over delicious food and drink.

A highlight of the events were the fantastic raffles, each featuring a range of beautiful prizes generously donated by local businesses. The raffles added an extra touch of excitement, and we extend our sincere thanks to those who contributed to its success.

The luncheons were held at the ever-reliable Hotel Ambassadeur, where the staff once again provided impeccable service and a warm welcome. Their care and attention to detail played a big part in ensuring the events were as enjoyable as ever.

With such a large number of attendees it’s impossible to include photos of everyone, but here are some of the many smiling faces that clearly enjoyed the festivities.

Thank you to everyone who helped organise these events, to all the attendees who made them so special, to the parish staff who kindly gave up their Saturdays to ensure the smooth running of the days, to our wonderful Honorary Police and of course to Lé Connétable for inviting us.

Here’s to more community gatherings in 2026!

2026 EVENT DATES

Saturdays 9.30am to 1pm

4 April 25 April 16 May 6 June 27 June 18 July 15 August 5 September 26 September 17 October

7 November 28 November 12 December

Grouville Parish Hall

Trinity - Philip Mourant Ctre

Les Quennevais School

St. Martin Public Hall

St. Helier - Janvrin School

St. Peter Parish Hall

Grouville Parish Hall

St. Helier - St. Paul's Centre

Les Quennevais School

St. Saviour Parish Hall

St. Helier - Janvrin School

St. Lawrence Parish Hall

Grouville Parish Hall

All dates and venues subject to change. Check online for latest news.

www.facebook.com/groups/jerseyrepaircafe www.instagram.com/jerseyrepaircafe www.repaircafe.org.je

Quiz Answers

1. How many vingtaines in St Saviour?

D 6

2. Historic estate linked to agricultural heritage?

C Longueville Manor

3. Purpose of the Grands Vaux reservoir?

C Drinking water storage

4. Architecturally unusual feature of St Saviour’s Parish Church?

C Its detached bell tower

5. Original historical function of the Parish Hall?

C School

6. Century Government House became the Lieutenant-Governor’s residence?

C 18th century

7. Date on St Saviour’s School

A 1882

8. Historic feature forming part of the St Saviour / St Helier boundary?

B Former stream (ruisseau)

9. School located on land once occupied by a significant 19th-century institution?

B Jersey College for Girls

10. Primary historical use of clay from St Saviour? B Drainage pipes

Women’s League Catholic NEWS

The Catholic Women’s League continued their Charity Fundraising recently with our popular Bingo in the autumn at a new venue, St Thomas’ Church Hall. We raised £756.00 in aid of Stroke Support Jersey.

In November we held our Christmas Hamper Raffle, also in aid of Stroke Support Jersey, which raised a further £813.00, making a total of £1,569.00

In December the Christmas tree angels were on sale at St Thomas’ Church in aid of Jersey Cares which is a Charity which advocates and supports children and young people in care in Jersey and in England. We also donated 120 Angels to the Charity for inclusion in their Christmas boxes, with a Christmas message from the Catholic Women’s League. The amount raised for these to date was £131.20. We are already planning our fundraising further for them and other charities in 2026.

The

Parish Church of St. Saviour

Church Services

Our Church is open every day from 8am –4pm to offer peace and tranquillity to all who enter.

If you would like to join the Church community, but feel a little apprehensive about it, in the first instance you are welcome to join us simply for tea/coffee and biscuits after the 9.45a.m. service. This normally finishes around 10.45a.m.

Weekly Sunday Services

8.00am Book of Common Prayer (1662) Holy Communion 09.45am Family Eucharist.

Morning Prayer

08.00am Morning Prayer on Mon-Thurs and Sat

Please come along at anytime for personal prayer or to light a candle. If there is a time when you need a prayer said for you, a loved one or someone in need and are unable to attend, please telephone or email the Rector or leave a note near the Prayer Tree in church.

We warmly welcome all members of our community whatever your beliefs.

Any individual groups wishing to use the church please contact Doreen Le Roy 875177 / doleroy@hotmail.com

General Enquiries:

Doreen, Church Warden 875177 / doleroy@hotmail.com

Andy – 07797 711920 / andy.ilton@gmail.com

Safeguarding Officers

Pam Aubert 07700 716664 / pamela.aubert@outlook.com

Anne Robertson 07797 745418 / Analiese729@hotmail.com

In addition to our fundraising we enjoy monthly lunches, visits to the theatre and places of interest and other social events.

We continue to seek new members and in 2025 we welcomed a new member and would welcome ladies of any age to consider joining us in 2026. We meet in St Thomas’ Church Hall on the first Monday of each month at 7.15 pm.

If you would like to join us please contact Pat Guegan on 07797724054 or via email at gueganfamily@gmail.com

Christmas Hamper Raffle Prize

by Rowland Heaven

With the Christmas festivities long over and the normality and patterns of life returned, we look forward to the return of the summer - that feeling of the warmth of the sun, rather than that produced by electric heating!

Easter celebrations signify for many the end of spring. At Georgetown we will share a Lent course with other Island Methodists, culminating in a Maundy Thursday service, an all-Island Good Friday service and the triumphant Easter Day at Georgetown. This service will be the last Easter Day led by our Minister, the Revd. Dawn Saunders, who leaves for pastures new in the UK in July. Further details of her final services in the Island will appear in the next edition of La Cloche.

You may have noticed en passant that the front façade of the church has been redecorated with fine pastel shades making it look much lighter. The hall doors also have had a makeover and are more welcoming with new signage and colour scheme. Soon we will be able to switch off our new boilers and they can rest until October... hopefully.

Thursday coffee mornings continue with an increase in attendances, as does the home-baking and coffee consumption. The community comes together for those few hours and all leave with smiles, having enjoyed food and fellowship. We will gather for our community Holy Week service on Wednesday 1 April with a Lent lunch of soup, hot cross buns and coffee. All are welcome.

We have much to celebrate in the coming months – three patron saints days, Easter itself, Liberation Day etc., but we have a special celebration at Georgetown: 2026 is the 25th ANNIVERSARY OF ‘THURSDAY NIGHT IS MUSIC NIGHT’. The initial idea was to organise concerts to raise funds for the huge Millennium church refurbishment but, after the first few years, it changed to support many charities, mainly local. The standard of music from the many instrumental, vocal and choral performers has always remained very high and we appreciate our regular support from friends and parishioners of St Saviour. Details of this year’s concerts are still cloaked in secrecy, but local media will keep you informed until the next La Cloche magazine. We guarantee a sparkling line-up of local, national and international musicians in this special year!

This year is also the 70th Anniversary of the Jersey Festival Choir and, to celebrate, they are performing Mendelssohn’s ‘Elijah’ on 2 May at St Helier Methodist Centre, with Jerseyman James Southall returning to the Island to conduct this outstanding work. He currently works with the Welsh National Opera in Cardiff, where he lives.

We trust that you will be able to join us for our celebrations.

Best wishes and a very happy Easter from the Georgetown Family

Rowland Heaven

What Was but What If…

Extracted from We Shall Eat Grass

A compendium of myths, mysteries and minutiae of the only German Occupation of British Soil.

By the autumn of 1944 the Channel Islands are starving but on 27 September, Winston Churchill writes: ‘I am totally opposed to our sending any rations to the Channel Islands for the civil population thus enabling the German garrison to prolong their resistance.’

Then, not for the first time, the prime minister has a change of heart. “If they’re starving,” he barks. “We must invade. I recall Mountbatten had a plan, Operation Condor. Get it dusted off!”

Despite immediate objections from the Chiefs of Staff that the Channel Islands are irrelevant to the thrust towards the heart of the German Reich, Churchill points out that the alternative is to send food to the Islands. “Any such sustenance will be seized upon by the Boche. A show of real force should be sufficient.”

Churchill is insistent and Mountbatten’s plans from 1943 are revisited.

Churchill himself proposes a task force comprising the battlecruiser HMS Renown and the Jutland veterans HMSs Royal Sovereign and Resolution, all currently in home waters, supported by a screen of antisubmarine destroyers.

“These islands are truly impregnable fortresses,” Churchill is warned.

He retorts, “Manned by a garrison that is hungry. They may be materially strong but spiritually they are weak. It can be done! It will be done!”

“Inevitably there will be civilian casualties,” Churchill is warned again.

“Surely they will be few, particularly if the attack takes place before dawn on a Sunday. This can be done! See to it!”

Thus plans are laid. The show of force will take place at dawn on Sunday, 8 October.

At 0630 Central European Time on Sunday, 8 October, the approach of three heavy units with escorts moving at high speed towards Jersey is reported by the Würzburg radar situated at Guernsey’s Fort George .

The invasion of the Channel Islands is nigh and within an hour the entire German forces in Jersey have retreated to their underground shelters and bunkers.

It is still dark at 0745 CET when HMSs Royal Sovereign and Resolution open fire on Jersey with their main armament, each firing three full broadsides. Their targets are Batterie Lothringen

It is understood that Admiral Friedrich Hüffmeier, commander-in-chief of the German forces in the Channel Islands, in April 1945 and despite Germany’s defeat being inevitable, stated to Jersey’s Bailiff Alexander Coutanche that ‘you and I will be eating grass before I surrender’. Even if that’s a myth, it makes a good title.

Compiled by Peter Tabb

What if… PART 3

at Noirmont Point, the airport and St Helier’s harbour installations, areas believed to be largely free of civilians

Several shells miss their targets and cause major damage in the town behind the harbour and in the countryside around the airport. A few civilians, although less than a dozen, caught in the open while hurrying to shelter, are killed but no member of the garrison suffers any injury.

The bombardment is halted at 0800 CET.

In the Royal Court House in St Helier, a stunned Bailiff Coutanche, who has just arrived behind his desk because of the curfew, telephones the Platzkommandantur but receives no response. He hurries down to the Royal Square where he is joined by Charles Duret Aubin, the AttorneyGeneral, still wearing a pyjama jacket under his overcoat.

Duret Aubin is aghast. “Surely we are not under attack, Mr Bailiff?”

“It seems, Charles, that we are…”

“Where are the Germans?”

“They must have gone to ground. Like the rats they are…”

In the aftermath of the brief bombardment, the breaking silence is eerie.

At that moment a signal is being received at the Kriegsmarine wireless station at St Jacques in Guernsey from the GOC Southern Command advising Generalmajor Graf von Schmettow that the subjugation of the Channel Islands has commenced with a bombardment of military targets on Jersey. Further bombardments will follow unless the garrisons indicate their immediate intention to surrender. The signal concludes that the

Kernwerk St Peter

Louis-Mountbatten

HMS Royal Sovereign

German will be held responsible for any civilian casualties. The German commander-in-chief has an hour in which to make up his mind.

In Guernsey von Schmettow mutters, “They are killing their own people.”

“They will claim that we are letting them be killed, Herr Generalmajor.” The dry comment is made by von Schmettow’s chief-of-staff, Vizeadmiral Friedrich Hüffmeier.

Von Schmettow raises an eyebrow. “Are you suggesting we comply, Friedrich?”

Hüffmeier flushes. “Certainly not! Our ultimate victory is certain, Herr Generalmajor. We must not weaken now.”

“Then what do you suggest, Friedrich?”

“We fight back, Herr Generalmajor.”

“The Tommies are out of range of our guns, Friedrich, even Batterie Mirus… We are facing an enemy we cannot fight…” Yet to surrender would be regarded by Berlin as treason, with untold consequences for the families of the men who had committed it.

“Herr Generalmajor, I suggest we sit out any assault. The defences are quite capable of withstanding this type of bombardment. If the Tommies attempt a landing, then we will annihilate them on the beaches…”

“What about the Islanders?”

“Their fate is in the hands of their countrymen. It is my suggestion that we remind the British of that.” He looks at his watch. “Before their deadline…”

Von Schmettow confers with his senior officers. In the tobacco smoke-filled headquarters there is no talk of surrender but concern at the number of civilian casualties.

“It is war,” Vizeadmiral Hüffmeier retorts.

“Quite so,” agrees von Schmettow. “Nevertheless I propose that we seek an armistice…”

Vizeadmiral Hüffmeier is outraged. “An armistice! This is treason!”

“Friedrich, Friedrich…” von Schmettow soothes. “Hear me out. What I propose is an armistice, for 48 hours, to allow the Britsih to discuss with us the evacuation of the civilian population…”

“The Führer will never agree. The civilian populations are an important bargaining counter…”

“Indeed, Friedrich. But we cannot be held to blame for the consequences if our offer is refused…”

“But just 48 hours? How will the Tommies evacuate more than 60,000 civilians in just 48 hours?”

“They will have to find a way.” Von Schmettow chuckles. “I recall they withdrew more than 300,000 combatants from Dunkirk in a matter of days. And this time there will be no-one shooting at them.”

“The man’s a fantasist!” Winston Churchill is still in his silk pyjamas although a cigar is already clamped between his teeth. Brendan Bracken gently disagrees. “Not necessarily, Prime Minister. I suspect he recognises that having some 65,000 British civilians at his mercy gives him significant bargaining power…”

“Not with me, it doesn’t!” The PM turns to his naval adviser. “Could it ever be possible? To evacuate so many civilians in just two days?”

Admiral Cunningham scratches his jaw. “In theory, yes. But in practice, no.”

Churchill paces the Cabinet Room pausing to stare out at Downing Street.

Eventually he speaks. “Gentlemen, I have decided. Notify the Germans that we agree that the International Red Cross feed the civilian population.” A blast of cigar smoke. “Give the order to the Navy to withdraw. Tell the admiral ‘well done’.”

The foregoing is a work of fiction. It did not happen but it might have done.

The foregoing is a work of fiction. It did not happen but it might have done.

“What Was but What If” will be published later this year.

Wurzburg Radar

Charity Open Gardens

Saturday 21st March 11am to 4pm

Sunday 17th May

Domaine Des Vaux

St Lawrence

Sunday 28th June

Seafield House St Lawrence

Sunday 19th April Government House St Saviour

Sunday 31st May Woodlands Court Grouville

MAKE YOUR NAUTICAL DREAM COME TRUE

ISLANDERS hoping to achieve a nautical ambition are invited to apply for the 2026 Jersey Clipper Bursary – a £1,000 cash award aimed at furthering maritime endeavour.

The bursary, which also offers a £500 runner-up award, is designed to assist an Islander of any age to fulfil a particular nautical dream. This could, for example, be a trip on a tall ship, attending a training course, participating in a watersports competition or competing in an ocean race –anything with a maritime theme.

The annual award, a legacy from the three Jersey campaigns in the Clipper Round- the-World Yacht Race, was established 19 years ago through the generosity of Dandara, Les Pas Holdings and UBS.

The successful applicant will follow in the wake of Jamie Le Marquand (17) who used the funds to take part in the 2025 Tall Ships Race, joining the crew of the historic fishing boat Excelsior on the leg from Scotland to Norway.

‘Everyone should try sailing on a tall ship,’ said Jamie, following his Baltic adventure. ‘It’s a truly incredible experience with people coming from all over the globe for the same reason – to sail.

‘Thanks to the Jersey Clipper Bursary for making this dream possible for me and I hope that other Jersey residents will be encouraged to apply for the 2026 bursary.’

Islanders can apply for the 2026 Jersey Clipper Bursary by outlining their particular nautical ambition in no more than 200 words in an email to philipjeune@gmail.com The deadline is 30 April

For further information please call PHILIP JEUNE on 857309 or 07797 722127

photo: Rob Howarth Photography)

From Demolition to Delivery – moving towards construction of the new Acute Hospital at Overdale

With Development Works underway to prepare the Overdale site for construction, and with the ongoing procurement process to secure a Main Works Delivery Partner running in parallel, a new hospital for Jersey has never been closer.

If you drive past the Overdale site, you will notice it has changed progressively in less than two years – from delivering healthcare services to demolition, to an active construction site.

Ashbe Construction - along with local sub-contractorshave removed the areas of remaining hard standings and residual structures below the ground and cleared the site area. Good progress is being made on the site hoardings, which are currently being installed around the perimeter. Once complete, a total of 1,500 metres of hoardings will surround the full site.

Other Development Works to provide the required temporary and permanent water, electricity and drainage infrastructure to the site are also underway. Temporary water supplies have been installed along Westmount Road to the site, and the JEC substation installation for the Acute Hospital was completed in December.

In addition, local drainage diversions within the site have been planned and are scheduled for completion to enable the next phase of works. A new borehole has also been provided to supply the Rose Garden at the Crematorium. Finally, early works are underway to start creating the Active Travel Route from the JEC Substation on the inner road - all under the supervision of an Ecological Clerk of Works and in accordance with Planning Conditions.

A ‘hospital shaped hole’

A ‘hospital shaped hole’ can already be discerned in the hillside – but this will be taken down to near formation levels in the next Development Project that is currently out to tender. The foundations for the new Acute Hospital can then be formed.

With all these preparatory works underway - which have so far been won by local contractors - the site continues to be readied for the Main Works Delivery Partner to begin construction. More than a year of detailed procurement work has culminated in the selection of the Preferred Tenderer – Bouygues UK – to build the Acute Hospital. At the time of writing, they are preparing their final offer for the works, with Meet the Buyer events between Bouygues UK and local suppliers having taken place last month to understand the capability, capacity and skills available locally to support the final phase of the procurement process. The overview presentation was full to capacity and more than 100 face to face meetings between local suppliers, Bouygues UK and the New Healthcare Facilities team were held.

Next steps for the other healthcare sites

While delivering the Acute Hospital at Overdale has been the most immediate priority - and is the critical path to all of the future facilities - it is one part of the wider, long-term vision for multi-site healthcare for Islanders.

As the Acute Hospital moves into the construction phase, it begins to unlock further work across the wider portfolio of healthcare sites, including the Ambulatory (outpatients) facility at Kensington Place and the Health Village at St. Saviour. Whilst the Kensington Place site is not available for public use owing to its close proximity to various sensitive activities on the hospital access road, it has been used as much needed storage and operational space.

A significant amount of work is currently underway to refine the briefs and proposals on the other major healthcare facilities’ sites. Over the past six months, the New Healthcare Facilities team has met with more than 150 healthcare colleagues to ensure that the Development Control Plans and Functional Briefs developed nearly three years ago are fully refined and reflect Jersey’s current and future healthcare needs, especially with the ongoing progression of digital technologies in medicine.

In the months ahead, as work continues to progress, more detailed information about the next steps for these sites will be shared. We are looking forward to sharing these proposals with you, neighbours and other stakeholders to take your feedback – just as we did on the Acute Hospital site that has now progressed so far.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW AT

HIGHLANDS

I’m in employmentfull-time

I’ve studied at Level 6 (undergraduate programme)

Brand new Master’s (part-timeDegree while you work)

CollegeUniversityJersey

I’m doing my my A-levels / Level 3

I’d like to go to university

I’m doing my GCSEs

CollegeUniversityJersey

I’m looking for long-term learning withexperiencehands-on

I’d like to upskill or reskill in a profession Adult & Community Education

Adult & Community Education

I want to continue in full-time study

Apprenticeships

Highlands Apprenticeships

6th Form College Jersey

FOR YOU’LL

Students who want to achieve a degree

Study; business, social work, sport + more

Experience local work placements

Earn a UK degree right here on-island

Get tailored support in small classes

PROGRESS TO JOBS OR FURTHER STUDY 96%

Anyone who wants to earn while they learn

Work in your chosen industry

Gain experience and job-ready skills

Get paid while studying part-time

Earn qualifications in your craft

Adults wanting to upskill and get promoted

Study; leadership, project management + more

Choose flexible formats – day, evening, online

Apply new skills directly at work

Gain industry-recognised qualifications

School leavers FULL-TIME

Study Level 3 or JPQ courses

Join work placements + volunteering

Build future-ready real-world skills

Boost your confidence + independence

Look after your wellbeing

Meet new people and spark creativity

Uncover hidden passions and be inspired

Learn skills to start a job or side hustle Personal growth

Craft with a cuppa, get social, keep curious

LEARNERS EVERY YEAR

Taking Care of Your Feet

Here’s some tips for the colder months

The nerves which detect temperature in your feet can be damaged by diabetes. This is called neuropathy. If you have neuropathy you may not be aware that your skin is being damaged. Heat damage can lead to blisters which can become infected and ulcerate.

Check your feet at least once every day - twice is better! This is because neuropathy can also mean that you do not feel pain. If you cannot see to check your feet, ask someone else to have a look or use a mirror to look underneath.

If you are planning to have a bath or soak your feet, use your elbow to check the water temperature. Your hands can also be affected by neuropathy and thus are generally less sensitive to heat.

Keep your feet warm with socks, make sure that the seam does not cause pressure or irritation to your toes - you can turn them inside out or buy seamless socks. Try to avoid tight elastic around your legs as this can restrict blood flow and result in swelling.

Never apply direct heat to your feet, therefore do not use hot water bottles, electric blankets, heated socks, wheat bags or heat pads.

Never put your feet onto a radiator or heater, keep a safe distance from fires and be aware of the foot-well heater in the car. This can get hot enough to burn your feet.

Check your shoes or slippers before you put them on. Make sure that nothing has fallen into your footwear and that linings and insoles are smooth.

In wet weather, try to wear waterproof boots or shoes. Skin is more fragile when it becomes wet and prolonged wetness can make your feet more prone to damage.

Do not walk around with bare feet. You could easily stand on something which might damage your skin.

Wash and dry your feet carefully, paying particular attention to the spaces between your toes.

Moisturise your feet every day, particularly around the heels where skin is most likely to split.

If you have diabetes, regular checks will prevent minor cuts or blisters developing into something serious.

Remember, check your feet every day – twice is better!

What’s happening at the Community Centre! Jack Falle

Charlie Farley’s Nursery

It’s true to say that the big news for most of the children and the staff at Charlie Farley’s over the past weeks has been something to simply watch every day!

And that’s the careful demolition of the adjacent building which has dominated the car park of the JFCC and Nursery for decades and is now no more.

Thanks must go to the management and staff of Dandara as they have painstakingly and safely reduced the building to rubble to create the space for a new housing development and neighbour.

But for the children being so close to real diggers, lorries and big yellow machinery every day - as they arrive and leave for homehas been memorable!

Meanwhile, in doors…

Chef Martine, apart from creating wonderful daily menus, giving parents her recipes and never stopping smiling has been teaching the secrets of how to make pancakes to a new generation of crafty cooks.

The Culture Club Youth Project have proudly hosted their annual “Yoscars” at the Jack Falle Community Centre – an annual celebration recognising the achievements and contributions of young people across the community.

The event brought together families, professionals, and supporters to celebrate the dedication, creativity, and growth shown by young people throughout the year.

The Yoscar Awards highlight three key levels of youth involvement. The Gold Award honours young people who have delivered meaningful projects, showing impressive leadership and commitment. The Silver Award recognises those who have planned initiatives with thoughtful ideas and a strong sense of responsibility. The Bronze Award celebrates young people who have participated enthusiastically, taking important steps in their personal and community journeys. Together, these awards shine a light on effort, progress, and engagement at every level.

Guests enjoyed a lively cultural programme, including an energetic demonstration of Capoeira and a joyful performance of Bailinho da Madeira, filling the room with rhythm and excitement. The celebration was complemented by delicious Caribbean food from Jerk Oasis, which added warmth and flavour to the evening.

We were delighted to welcome representatives from the International Cultural Centre, the MLL Advisory Board, Jèrriais, and Lingo Language, all dedicated partners in promoting culture, inclusion, and youth opportunity. Parents, carers, and supporters also joined us, along with the Children’s Minister and the Associate Director of Young People’s Services, whose presence highlighted the value placed on young people’s voices and achievements.

The Yoscars offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how much young people can accomplish when encouraged and supported. We look forward to celebrating even more achievements in the years ahead.

Jack Falle Community Centre, Gordon Le Breton Close, Plat Douet Road, St Saviour, JE2 7PY

by Susan Parker

L’Office du Jèrriais is working hard around the Island to revitalise our native language. Learner numbers of all ages are increasing, and there is a quiet realisation that Jèrriais is something which makes our Island truly distinctive.

The Jèrriais Section of the Jersey Eisteddfod took place at the end of January at St Ouen Parish Hall. Over 150 young people from primary and secondary schools across the Island took part in the junior event, performing poems, songs and sketches in Jersey’s native language on the stage in front of an audience of fellow participants, family members, teachers and supporters, plus the adjudicator, Professor Mari Jones from Cambridge University, and her assistant, Colin Ireson.

One of the world’s leading polyglots, Richard Simcott, flew all the way from Madeonia to recite a poem in Jèrriais as part of the adult event. Poly is Greek for “many” and glot means “tongue” – and Richard is internationally recognised for studying over 50 languages to a high degree of proficiency. He began learning Jèrriais about 18 months ago with an online beginners’ course taught by Aline Cattermole from Jersey Heritage, and has since become an advocate for our native language.

During his visit to Jersey, Richard commented, “Sometimes in life, you can feel as if you’re flying around like a paper bag in the wind, but language can give you an anchor. And with Jersey surrounded by sea, it’s good to have a strong anchor so you don’t fly off in the storms!”

He went on to say in a recent blog on his website speakingfluently. com, “For me, learning Jèrriais does a few useful things: it gives you another lens on Jersey’s history and identity, it makes place names and local expressions feel less opaque, […] and it also pushes you to slow down and listen, and that matters.”

If you are interested in embarking on your own Jèrriais learning journey, you can access a free subscription to the uTalk app:

1. Go to www.jerriais.org.je then click the English menu drop down, and select Learn

2. Scroll down and select Adult Learning, then Learning Resources

3. Under Online Apps, please complete the very short registration form under the uTalk logo with your name and email address

4. You will be taken to a special uTalk page to create an account using the same email address and a new password. You should receive a verification email to complete set up

5. Download the free uTalk app onto your phone, tablet or laptop

You can hear and speak Jèrriais every weekday, so please join native speakers and learners on:

MONDAYS Santander Work Café, St Helier 1.00 - 1.50pm

TUESDAYS The Adelphi Pub, St Helier 5.30 - 6.30pm

WEDNESDAYS The Village Café, St Martin 10.30 - 11.30am

THURSDAYS Jersey Museum, St Helier 10.30 - 11.30am

FRIDAYS Jersey Pearl, St Ouen 10.30 - 11.30am

À la préchaine!

(Until next time)

For further information about Jèrriais, please contact L’Office du Jèrriais at info@jerriais.org.je

JCG student Mya Primrose, being awarded a trophy by native speaker Brian Vibert

Richard Simcott with his gold Eisteddfod certificate awarded by adjudicator Professor Mari Jones

With a strong focus on preventative care, we provide high quality contemporary dentistry in an environment with charm. We believe our patients should have access to trusted resources at any time and our new website is designed with this in mind. Please contact us if you would like help with any aspect of your oral care. We look forward to meeting you or continuing your care.

We’re excited to announce that 32Co clear aligners are now available at our clinic in Jersey, Channel Islands. 32Co is a UK-based, expert-led clear aligner system that helps you straighten your teeth with nearly invisible, custom-made aligners. What sets 32Co apart is its collaborative approach: treatment is planned with the support of specialist orthodontists to deliver predictable, high-quality results that fit your goals — all with comfortable, removable aligners that are tailored to you.

PARISH Information

OPENING HOURS

Monday to Friday 8:45 to 15:45

Parish Hall, St Saviour’s Hill, St Saviour JE2 7LF 01534 735864 parishhall@stsaviour.je

THE JERSEY MOBILE LIBRARY

TUESDAYS

Waitrose, Rue des Prés 11:35 to 12:35

Cinq Chênes 17:00 to 17:30

Grassett Park 17:50 to 18:15

Clos Gosset 18:20 to 18:40

WEDNESDAY

Victoria Cottage Homes 9:00 to 9:25 Maufant Youth Club 9:35 to 10:10

CONNÉTABLE

Kevin Lewis 01534 448394 k.lewis@gov.je

PARISH SECRETARY

Marco Vieira parishhall@stsaviour.je

DEPUTIES

Tom Binet T.binet@gov.je

Louise Doublet 07797 766784 L.Doublet@gov.je

Malcolm Ferey 07797847498 M.Ferey2@gov.je

Raluca Kovacs 07829 882124 R.Kovacs2@gov.je

Philip Ozouf 01534 832255 P.Ozouf@gov.je

THE EDITOR

E: Suzie.Webb@stsaviour.je

ADVERTISING Martyn Farley

T: 07797 743 191 / E: martyn@farley.je

ACCOUNTS Helen Carré E: helen@mediamasters.je