Les Laurentins / Spring 2026 / Issue 91

This edition of Les Laurentins highlights several important parish milestones. For those of you who have a connection with Bel Royal School – whether as former pupils or as parents of children who attended – we have a lovely article written by the current Headteacher about the 50th Anniversary celebrations which took place in November last year.

In addition to this, the parish is marking another notable golden anniversary – the founding of the youth club for the young people of the parish. To commemorate the occasion, Peta Clayton is inviting members of the community to send her any old photos or newspaper clippings they may have and to share their memories of the youth club over the years. Plans are underway for a special celebration weekend taking place in June.

from the editor Welcome Got share? something to

Bel Royal Motors are celebrating their centenary this year, marking an impressive milestone for the business. Remarkably, the company has remained under the ownership of the same family and has operated from the same site since it was first established by Philip Le Marquand in 1926. In an era when many former family-run businesses in Jersey have been taken over by large corporations, this is a fairly unique achievement and a testament to the enduring legacy and commitment of the Le Marquand family.

Another important milestone was marked by the Pipon Family when Alfie and Mary Pipon celebrated seventy years of marriage on 29th December last year. Mary’s sister, Janet Noel, contacted me to let me know and agreed to write a short article about them. Many congratulations to Alfie and Mary on such a wonderful achievement.

I am grateful to Kaspar Wimberley from SCOOP for providing us with an update on their latest initiatives aimed at making our community more environmentally conscious. He has also shared another recipe for you to try – this time from Moldova!

For those of you who appreciate a glass of wine or two, In Vino Veritas has made a return in this edition with an introduction to the wines of Spain which I hope you will find both informative and interesting, as it offers an insight into the rich winemaking traditions of that country.

As always, I am so grateful for all the ideas and articles you continue to send me so please contact me in the usual way either by ‘phoning the Parish Hall office on 861672 or emailing me at: editorstlawrence@gmail.com

With very best wishes

Marion

Please continue to send me your ideas and articles either by ‘phoning the Parish Hall office on 861672 or emailing me at: editorstlawrence@gmail.com

Boîte Grillée

Occupation VIPs Liberation Lunch

The Constable invites St Lawrence residents who were in the Island during the Occupation, were deported, evacuated or were serving in the Armed Forces to the Occupation VIPs Liberation Lunch at the Hotel Ambassadeur, St Clement on Sunday 10th May at 1pm for 1.30pm.

If you would like to join us, please contact the Parish Hall by ‘phone on 861672 or email: parishhall@stlawrence.je before Tuesday 5th May to reserve your place.

Limited transport from the Parish Hall is available, leaving the Parish Hall promptly at 12.30pm and returning mid-afternoon.

Volunteers Needed

We’re looking for friendly volunteers to support the Parish Secretary on Election Day, Sunday 7th June 2026, at the Parish Hall. A rota of time slots will be available, so whether you’re free in the morning, afternoon or evening, your help would be greatly appreciated.

Volunteers will assist in welcoming voters to the Polling Station and help things run smoothly throughout the day. Tasks can be tailored to suit your interests and availability, ranging from meet-and-greet and refreshments to more involved election duties.

If you’d like an informal, no-obligation chat to find out more, please call or email: Leasa Nozedar on 861672 or leasa.nozedar@stlawrence.je. Thank you.

ELECTION DAY

7th June 2026

Jersey Election ‘26

On Sunday 7 June, Jersey’s polling stations will be open from 8am – 8pm for the election of all 49 States Members, including Senators, Connétables (Constables) and Deputies.

This will be the first time the election has taken place on a Sunday, a move designed to help more Islanders get to the polls without the time pressures of the working week and/or school commitments.

In Jersey, you can vote if you’re aged 16 or over and have lived in the Island for one year on election day (i.e. since 7 June 2025) or for six months plus a period that totals five years. That means that more people than ever will be eligible to have their say in 2026.

The introduction of Automatic Voter Registration will mean that anyone who is eligible to vote on Sunday 7 June will automatically be added to the electoral register. This is another move designed to make it easier for more Islanders to have their say on the running of the Island.

This summer you’ll also be able to vote for more candidates following the reintroduction of Senators. Senators are voted for Island-wide, and you can vote for up to nine of them. You’ll also be able to vote for your Parish Connétable (Constable) and between two and four Deputies depending on your constituency (visit Vote.je for more details).

Election Day has always been an exciting, community-driven occasion but if it suits you better, you can choose to vote ahead of election day at pre-poll, or by post. Pre-poll is open from 26 May – 1 June at St Paul’s Centre in St Helier. Postal voting is available to all Islanders, providing even greater flexibility about when to cast your vote.

If you’re new to voting in Jersey or just want to feel more confident about how it all works, Vote.je is offering free ‘Election Explained’ sessions in the States Chamber. These one-hour events are designed to provide an introduction to Jersey politics and the practicalities of voting. Book your tickets by visiting Vote.je/events.

For more information, and to stay up to date on all election news, head to Vote.je and sign up for the newsletter and/or follow Vote.je on social media.

Les Laurentins Spring 2026

From the Connétable

Dear Parishioner

With Spring around the corner, hopefully we will all have something to look forward to after the dull Winter months we have just experienced.

2026 will be a busy time for us here in St Lawrence, with preparations for the General Election that is being held on Sunday June 7th, beginning well in advance of that date. If you are interested in helping with the election, please contact Leasa on 861672

Municipality News

With thanks to Roads Committee members Winston Le Brun, Jenny Cartwright and Rodney Pallot Roads Inspectors Bunny Le Brun and Mitch Stephan who all stood down in December; their service to the Parish is much appreciated.

Congratulations and thanks to Pam Staley who was elected for her fourth term as a Rates Assessor in December.

Meanwhile, 2nd December 2025 saw the election of members of the Comité des Chemins [Roads Committee] and of the Inspecteurs des Chemins [Roads Inspectors]. My thanks and congratulations go to the following who will serve the Parish for the next three years.

Comite des Chemins: Mr Mark Bingle and Mr Simon Dowling [first terms of office]

Inspecteurs des Chemins

Vingtaine Haut de la Vallée: Mrs Antonia Pittom and Mr David Bisson [first terms of office]

Vingtaine Bas de la Vallée: Mrs Christine Gill and Advocate Guillaume Staal [third terms of office]

Vingtaine Coin Hatain: Mr Derrick Frigot MBE [seventh term of office] and Mr David Pittom [fourth term of office]

Vingtaine Coin Motier: Mr Ian Le Brun [seventh term of office] and Mr Jonathan Emmanuel Jr [first term of office]

Vingtaine Coin Tourgis Sud: Mrs Monica Ison [fifth term of office] and Mr Matthew Bartlett [third term of office]

Vingtaine Coin Tourgis Nord: Mr David Renault [ninth term of office] and Mr Stephen Pearl [first full term of office, having completed the term of a former Inspecteur from November 2024]

Les Laurentins Spring 2026

Back row left to right: D Pittom, A Pittom, M Ison, D Renault, P Staley, G Staal, S Pearl Front row left to right: M Bingle, D Frigot MBE, I Le Brun, J Emmanuel Jnr, M Bartlett

Public Election for Procureur du Bien Public

At the public election held at the Parish Hall on 27th January 2026, only one person was duly proposed and seconded for the role of Procureur du Bien Public. Congratulations to Mr Stephen Linney, who was elected to serve a second term of office, and thanks for his service to date; he will be sworn in at the Royal Court on 20th March.

Public Election for Centenier

The second public election to be held on 27th January was for the role of Centenier. Mr Stuart Lusby was duly proposed and seconded, and there being no further nominations, I was pleased to declare him duly re-elected as Centenier. Stuart, who will be sworn in by the Royal Court on 13th March, was first elected as Centenier on 25th October 2019, and subsequently re-elected on 21st February 2020 and 2023. Many thanks to him for his dedicated service to us all, and congratulations on his further re-election.

Rates Assessor

With thanks to Mrs Mary Cotillard for allowing her name to go forward for election as a member of the Rates Committee. She was elected at a Parish Assembly held on 27th January, for her first term of office. Mary was sworn in at the Royal Court on Friday 6th February and has already begun working with her colleagues to assess the attributes of properties across the Parish.

New Parish Development

Work began on our new development [behind the Parish Hall] in September 2024 and is now complete, with new tenants joining us in November last year. When the weather improves, our residents will be able to enjoy the setting of the peaceful courtyard garden at the heart of the new build. With thanks to everyone involved in the project, particularly Procureur Bruce Harrison and our architect, Harris Collie. We were ably supported by HLG Associates and the work was carried out by Hacquoil and Cook, with landscaping by Augres Landscape Services.

Les Laurentins Spring 2026

Rates Assessor Chairman Pam Staley outside the Royal Court with new Rates Assessor Mary Cotillard

PARISH MATTERS

And finally

This will be my last contribution as Connétable as I have decided to step down at the General Election in June.

When I was first elected to the States Assembly as Deputy for St Lawrence in 2005, and then as Connétable in 2008, I could not have anticipated how profoundly this experience would shape my life. The traditions of our Parish system are what make Jersey unique, and it has been my great privilege to serve you, the Parishioners of St Lawrence, for twenty-one years.

As the oldest elected role in the States Assembly, Connétables have been at the heart of Parish life for centuries. I am honoured and humbled to be the longestserving female Connétable in Jersey’s history.

Over the years I have served in many roles as a States member, including as Assistant Minister for both Home Affairs and for Health and Social Services, as Chairman of the Comité des Connetables, Chairman of the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel and as a member of the States Employment Board. Despite the inevitable differences in viewpoints across the States Chamber, it has been an honour to work alongside so many colleagues dedicated to the people of Jersey.

Within the Parish, I have been involved in different ways, including service in the Honorary Police from 1999 until 2005, being a founder member of the Twinning Association and as a long-term member of the St Lawrence Ladies Action Group.

As Madame le Connétable, I have overseen a variety of recognisable changes across the Parish. At the Parish Hall, they include the new reception area, new kitchen and planting of the War Memorial Garden. Top to bottom interior and exterior renovations of the Parish Hall were undertaken during Covid, ensuring that it is wind and watertight.

In the historic village area, around the Parish Hall and the Church, pavement provision has improved pedestrian safety, the removal of on road parking has improved traffic safety and the old cement streetlights have been replaced with more appropriate heritage lighting.

The Militia Colours were returned to their correct final resting place in the Church early in my first term as Connétable and more recently, a “Green Canopy” was planted behind the Church to mark the Platinum Jubilee

of HM Queen Elizabeth the Second. As a Parish, we had commissioned an illuminated Loyal Address in 2012, to mark her Diamond Jubilee [it is on display in the Parish Hall].

One truly memorable occasion was in January 2018, when a Parish Assembly voted to support the proposal for an extension to the Church. I could never have imagined that I would chair a Parish Assembly at which more than five hundred electors turned up to have their say! Since completed, the extension sits comfortably at the west of the Church and looks as if it has always been there.

In wider Parish areas, there has been the installation of new bus shelters and a reduction in many speed limits.

I am particularly pleased with the creation of the Moignard Liberation Garden, a welcome new amenity area at the heart of our village centre. Providing off road parking, a pétanque terrain, pavilion and safer walking routes to St Lawrence School, it was undertaken to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Liberation, being opened on Liberation Day 2016 by the Lieutenant Governor His Excellency Sir John McColl. The garden subsequently received the “Best Landscape Architecture” award in the Jersey Design Awards.

My latest project has been the development of new Parish housing and municipal offices behind the Parish Hall, ensuring improved facilities for years to come. With that completed, I feel this is the right moment for me to move on.

I am grateful to those staff, elected officers, volunteers and countless Parishioners who have worked alongside me over eighteen years as Connétable. Thank you for your dedication to the Parish and for the support you have given to me.

Above all, I owe more than words can express to my late husband, David, and to my daughter, Amber. Their unwavering love and support have carried me through twenty-one years of public service.

As I prepare to retire from office, my priority is to leave the Parish in a strong and well managed position. Public roles may be temporary, but the responsibilities endure, and I hope the systems I have put in place will continue to serve Parishioners well.

I now look forward to contributing to community life in a different capacity, and to seeing my beautiful Parish continue to develop and thrive.

Kind regards

Deidre Mezbourian

Madame le Connétable de St Laurent

Gouldson Finance

Honorary Police

As mentioned in my last article, we had a few events during the autumn. The Marathon was perhaps the most significant of these and while I think our efforts delivered for the runners and organisers of the event, we did receive a few comments from motorists regarding road closures, which could have been signed more clearly.

We’ve taken steps to improve our own signage and will relay comments back to the organisers regarding theirs which, while prolific, were rather impacted by the gales over that weekend, rendering many of them ineffective. We were assisted by three officers from St Saviour for the Marathon, so I’m grateful to them for their time. Then the Rally, La Faîs’sie d’Cidre, Princess Anne’s transit through the parish and the Remembrance Sunday commemorations all took place without incident so I’d like to offer my thanks to the officers who were on duty for each of those.

We then had the various events organised in the run-up to Christmas, which began mid-November with the Battle of Flowers night parade. My aim was to reduce the impact on traffic and think that was largely achieved, with floats remaining to one side of Victoria Avenue, permitting more traffic to pass than had been possible in the summer. Then Father Christmas arrived at our own Parish Hall and following that, we escorted him around a number of other parishes, which seemed to pass without incident. I heard from a parish escorting him on another day that the reindeer used on-Island are diesel powered and that it’s not always apparent when they need feeding, so will leave to your imagination the type of issue that arose. I daresay the elves will be motivated to keep a keener eye on them in future!

Then of course we had the impact of Storm Goretti during January. While our team remains well below the full complement, the Duty Centenier was able to muster three additional officers who between them managed the aftermath as well as could have

by Centenier Norman Laverack, Chef de Police

been hoped. The fallen tree across La Grande Route de St Laurent by La Petite Ruelle and the bough suspended above the same road at Three Oaks had perhaps the most dramatic impact, almost completely isolating the northern vingtaines from the rest of the parish. Access was just possible via Le Mont au Meunier but only thanks to someone clearing the tree that had blocked that road - so I offer my thanks to them.

Special mention should go to the Duty Centenier that week, our most recent recruit, who was impressed how well the team worked together. I did also hear reports of some individuals having slept jolly well the night after the storm, being indicative of the amount of effort that went in, both in preparation and delivery. We were not alone in dealing with the storm so I would like to thank the Infrastructure and Environment Department for their assistance clearing a number of their roads in the parish so quickly, the various tree surgeons and others who took it upon themselves to assist, and also the other parishes who were of great assistance, particularly with the roads at our borders that were blocked.

Since my last article I have received two quite specific comments from parishioners which I think could be relayed. The first of these concerns fireworks and a request for those organising displays, including ones that might be considered small-scale and private, to alert their neighbours and others within earshot of the date, time and duration of the display. We gather that this is not always the case and that those with pets or other animals, particularly horses, are often most distressed that they were not advised of the display in advance since they would have been able to take precautions, if only they had been made aware. The distress of the parishioners is surely reflective of the distress suffered by their pets or other animals, so am confident this is something we’re all keen to avoid.

The second comment concerns the many roads within the parish and around the Island without pavements and the number of individuals my interlocutor has observed walking on the left-hand side of the road, i.e. with their back to the lane of traffic on that side of the road. Rule two of the UK Highway Code (accessible online via gov.je) refers and states that pedestrians are better served walking on the right, facing oncoming traffic, except on approach to sharp right-hand bends when they are advised to cross to the left ahead of the bend, to permit oncoming traffic to see them earlier than would otherwise be the case. My hope is that this reference will be received in the spirit with which it is intended.

As ever, I’m grateful for your attention. In the event we might be of assistance our duty number is 07797 715602 and we can also be reached by email to honpol@stlawrence.je

Centenier Norman Laverack

Something for everyone

historical harbour-view dining

Perfect for: refined local dining in historical surroundings, romantic moments & stunning sea views in a elegant yet relaxed harbour-view setting.

Location: st aubin’s village

Mont du Boulavard, St Aubin, www.somervillejersey.com

candlelit grills & sunset moods

Perfect for: candlelit sunset dinners, sun-soaked lunches & mouth-watering international grills in a relaxed yet classy setting overlooking the ocean.

Location: st aubin’s bay

Le Mont Felard, St Lawrence

www.cristinajersey.com

quality comfort food by the beach

Perfect for: delicious local seafood, juicy British meats, wholesome vegetarian & vegan meals in a relaxed fuss-free beachfront setting.

Location: st brelade’s bay

La Route de la Baie, St Brelade www.labrise.je

cocktails, curiosities & more!

Perfect for: curious cocktails, classy coupes de Champagne, cake filled afternoons, outstanding sea views and the history of Mr J.W. Chapman.

Location: st aubin’s village

Mont du Boulavard, St Aubin, www.somervillejersey.com

azur moods & relaxing tunes

Perfect for: sunny cocktail sessions, intimate evening catchups, delicious snacks, afternoon teas & live music in a relaxed yet classy sea view setting.

Location: st aubin’s bay

Le Mont Felard, St Lawrence

www.cristinajersey.com

beachside coffee, cake & cocktails!

Perfect for: artisanal coffee, home-made cake, fresh juices, shakes, cocktails & craft local brews in a shorts & t-shirt setting right on the beach.

Location: st brelade’s bay

La Route de la Baie, St Brelade www.labrise.je

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.

- 11:00

- 11:00

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

St Lawrence Primary School

by Amory Charlesworth, Head Teacher

A Term of Independence, Responsibility and Success

As the Autumn Term drew to a close, it was a pleasure to reflect on the many ways our children at St Lawrence Primary School had grown, learned and flourished. The term had been rich in experiences that had not only supported academic learning but had also helped our pupils live out the school’s core values of Independence, Responsibility and Success.

Our youngest children made a particularly strong start to school life. Nursery children settled beautifully, developing independence as they explored their environment, learned through play and spent time outdoors noticing seasonal change. Reception children embraced new routines and learning opportunities with confidence, curiosity and enthusiasm, laying strong foundations for the years ahead.

Across the school, learning was enriched through a wide range of visits, workshops and visitors. Children explored history through hands-on workshops with Jersey Heritage, learning about Ice Age animals, tools, castles, Vikings and Jersey’s past during the World Wars. Educational visits to places such as Mont Orgueil, Hamptonne and the Zoo brought learning to life, helping pupils make meaningful connections between classroom learning and the wider world. These experiences encouraged children to ask thoughtful questions, work collaboratively and take responsibility for their learning.

Creativity and the arts had also been a strong feature of the term. Pupils enjoyed cooking sessions, art projects inspired by animals and nature, and opportunities to explore music through brass demonstrations, recorder lessons and choir performances. Our choir performed at the Town Hall and later at the Opera House, while our recorder players achieved outstanding success at the Arts Centre, performing to a large audience, demonstrating both musical skill and perseverance. These moments of success reflect not only talent, but commitment, practice and confidence.

Sport played an important role in developing teamwork, resilience and responsibility. Children represented the school in football, cross-country, hockey and netball events, showing excellent attitudes, sportsmanship and support for one another. Staff and spectators alike commented on the children’s behaviour and determination, which has made the school proud.

Alongside academic and enrichment opportunities, pupils have also been encouraged to reflect on values such as kindness, respect and service. Fundraising activities, including the Elf Day sale in support of Dementia Jersey, allowed children to contribute to causes beyond the school gates. Assemblies and special events have supported children to consider how their actions affect others and how they can play a positive role in their community.

The school is fortunate to benefit from strong links with local organisations, visiting professionals and the parish community. Visits from emergency services, farmers, musicians and community groups have enriched learning and helped children understand the many ways people serve and support others.

None of this would be possible without the dedication and care of our staff, the generosity of volunteers and visitors, and the continued support of our families and parish community. Together at St Lawrence School, we are nurturing children who are confident in their independence, thoughtful in their responsibilities and proud of their successes.

As we looked ahead to the new term, we did so with gratitude for all that had been achieved and excitement for what lay ahead and we thank the parish community for its ongoing support.

Elf Day. Making Christmas crafts and selling them to raise money for Dementia Jersey

Choir getting ready for their Opera House performance!

Visit to Hamptonne

THE SCOOP

News, insights and seasonal recipes from your local farm shop!

By Kaspar Wimberley

It has been a busy start to the year at SCOOP. We have continued our programme of cookery workshops, covering fresh pasta, bread making, fermentation, pickling, Indian cooking, Eastern European cooking, butchery, filleting and shellfish, while our first Open Farm Days of 2026 will start in March.

We are also launching a range of SCOOP deli items into farm shops across the Island and delivering our first fruit and veg boxes into local primary schools.

We’re looking forward to everything that 2026 brings!

The ‘SCOOP LOOP’

We believe it is important to reduce food waste and unnecessary packaging. Since opening the farm shop in 2018 our refills have saved over 3 million pieces of single use plastic. In this edition we shine a spotlight on the SCOOP LOOP, our attempt to eliminate waste streams created by our organisation and provide Islanders with opportunities to do the same.

The SCOOP LOOP re-use depot allows customers to return their empty glass jars, where they are sorted, sterilised and reused in our production kitchen. Feel free to drop off any clean jam jars and passata bottles!

Our waste innovation production kitchen uses surplus produce from local growers, to help them manage fluctuations during the growing season. We turn this into preserves, ferments, healthy snacks and ready meals. We also make use of by-products from local productions, such as lemon juice from the lemons used to make limoncello, or the wheat bran left over from milling flour.

To distribute our ready meals, we launched the Island’s first closed loop takeaway service. Customers pay a deposit on a stainless-steel tiffin lunchbox, which they return when they come to collect their next takeaway. To date we have served over 10,000 meals in our reusable tiffins.

At times we have needed to work in partnership with other local businesses. Woodside Logistics provide assistance that enables us to return empty canisters of cleaning detergents to our supplier SESI for reuse, creating a circular zero waste system for our refills. Surplus packaging for imported produce, including crates, canisters and boxes, are repurposed by local residents and farmers. Any remaining materials are collected for recycling.

Potty Eco Pots Reuse Box

Fermentation Workshop

SCOOP LOOP Tiffin

We are also a Potty Eco Pots partner, a wonderful local initiative that encourages Islanders to reuse plant pots, so if anybody needs some pots for their seedlings this Spring, come by and help yourself!

Our experiences have demonstrated that the cost of managing a closed loop system is similar to buying in new packaging materials. Financial resources are directed towards people and planet, rather than single-use plastics.

We believe there is huge potential for more integrated Island-wide circular economies. We will continue to work with local businesses and government departments to support the transition towards a more sustainable management of resources in Jersey.

The Sustainable Cooperative (SCOOP) is a community owned organisation committed to creating more sustainable food systems, to protect natural resources and biodiversity. We see our diets as a tool for positive change. “We are all custodians of the land”. Our farm shop is open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

Plachindy

Comforting Moldovan flatbreads

Makes 6 large Plachindy

DOUGH

700g Le Tacheron White Flour

500g Blanc Pignon Kefir

10g Sugar

10g Vinegar

10g Sunflower Oil

10g Bicarbonate of Soda

5g Salt

FILLING

100g Foraged Sorrel

100g Parsley

250g Feta Cheese

5-10g Cracked pepper

ca.50g Sunflower Oil (for frying)

METHOD

• Combine together and lightly knead the dough ingredients into a soft dough.

• Wrap the dough and allow to rest for 30-60 minutes.

• Flour your surface. Divide the dough into 6 pieces and roll each into a large 30cm round.

• Spread the herb and cheese mixture generously into the centre of the dough.

• Fold one of the sides of the dough over the filling and into the centre. Then take a corner from this fold and fold that into the centre. Continue doing this until you have completed the round and all of the filling is covered.

• Fry your filled flatbreads on both sides in a small amount of sunflower oil until golden brown.

Enjoy!

Les Laurentins Spring 2026

St Lawrence Community

Market

by Rose Morin

We hope that you all enjoyed Christmas and are looking forward to outings in this new year.

We will enjoy seeing our regulars who come to the market to meet with their friends and enjoy a lunch in the café and we love to see new faces so make a note to come to the market which takes place on the first Friday of the month.

We always have eggs, fresh vegetables and other produce from Hamptonne Farm. We also have ready-made single portion home cooked meals from Jersey Family Food Kitchen who bring sourdough bread which is very popular. If you want to see their weekly specials menu you can go to their website: jerseyfamilyfoodkitchen.com.

In April the first Friday is Good Friday so the market for that month will be on Friday 10th April.

If you are setting up a new venture and would like to display and sell your goods and promote yourself there are usually tables available. We provide a trestle table at the minimal cost of £6 for one and £10 for two, so please get in touch with me if this appeals to you.

My contact details are as follows: Rose Morin

M: 07797737973 / T: 863783 E: monsmorin@gmail.com

Celebrating 70 Years

by Janet Noel

On 29th December 2025, Alfred and Mary Pipon celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They were married in 1955, by the Reverend Lawrence Helleur, at St Lawrence Parish Church. They have always lived in St Lawrence, and were active members of St Lawrence Church, and the Parish over very many years.

Their daughter, Janice, was born in 1964, and Andrew, their son, in 1966. They have four grandchildren, Aaron, James, Matty and Ben.

Alfie and Mary were thrilled to receive a card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla as well as flowers from the LieutenantGovernor of Jersey, His Excellency Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Kyd KBE, and Lady Kyd, and a lovely bouquet from the Parish of St Lawrence.

Their wonderful achievement was celebrated in style.

Enjoy Board and Card Games with St Lawrence Social Club

If you and a friend or partner are keen on board or card games but often struggle to find enough players - since many of these games are best played with three or four people - there’s a perfect solution available most Thursday evenings at St Lawrence Parish Hall.

The Social Club is a warm and inviting group that gathers from 7pm to 10pm, offering a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy each other's company and a little friendly competition over a game or two. During a conversation with Rose Luce, she said that the group currently tends to play Rummikub, Canasta, Progressive Rummy, and Sequence. However, anyone attending is welcome to suggest alternative games for everyone to try.

The club meets every Thursday, except for the Thursday evening before the Community Market. Participation costs just £1.00, which includes a cup of tea or coffee and a chocolate bar. Parking is available at the Parish Hall, and entry is through the back door.

Everyone is welcome to simply turn up on the night, but if you would like further information, you can contact Rose on 863197 by Marion Hibbeard

St Lawrence Household recycling collection 2026

This guide explains how to use the St Lawrence household recycling collection. A collection planner is included so you know when your recycling will be collected. Every home in St Lawrence receives a recycling collection, in addition to the existing rubbish and glass collections.

Glass and Recycling Collections 2026

If your refuse is collected on a Wednesday & Thursday

Month Paper/Card, Plastic & Tins

April

Monday 13th

May Monday 11th

Monday 20th

Monday 18th

June Monday 8th Monday 15th

July Monday 13th Monday 20th

August Monday 10th Monday 17th

September

October

Monday 14th

Monday 21st

Monday 12th Monday 19th

November Monday 9th Monday 16th

December Monday 7th Monday 14th

If your refuse is collected on a Friday

Month

Paper/Card, Plastic & Tins Glass

April Tuesday 14th Tuesday 21st

May Tuesday 12th Tuesday 19th

June Tuesday 9th Tuesday 16th

July Tuesday 14th Tuesday 21st

August Tuesday 11th Tuesday 18th

September Tuesday 15th Tuesday 22nd

October Tuesday 13th Tuesday 20th

November Tuesday 10th Tuesday 17th

December Tuesday 8th Tuesday 15th

All refuse, recycling and glass out before 5am please

For more information, visit gov.je/recycling

For collection enquiries, contact Vautier Municipal Ltd. Tel: (01534) 500191 Email: office@vml.je

Recycling in Jersey MythBusters

Myth

FAct !

All recycling collected in Jersey just gets burned in the Energy Recovery Facility.

Items sent for recycling through Parish and Government of Jersey collections are not incinerated Only contaminated materials are diverted for energy recovery.

Myth Recycling and general refuse are collected by the same truck, and get mixed together.

FAct !

Some collections rounds use the same type of vehicle , but the loads are kept separate to ensure proper recycling.

Myth You don’t need to rinse out food containers or bottles before recycling.

FAct !

Dirty items can contaminate the whole collection, making them unrecyclable . Always rinse before recycling!

Myth You should leave metal lids on jars and bottles

FAct !

Myth Glass can go in general waste orenergy recovery.

FAct ! FAct !

Myth

Metal lids and tops should be removed and placed with your household metal recycling.

can damage the Energy Recovery Facility , leading to costly repairs. It must be recycled properly.

A Fun and Festive Season for St Lawrence Ladies Action Group

by

The St Lawrence Ladies Action Group has had a fun and busy few months, starting with our annual Christmas Fair held at the Parish Hall on Saturday, 29th November.

Acommunity market. We are always on the lookout for bric-a-brac, books, or any goods you think may be useful to sell.

We are already collecting for next year’s Christmas fayre so if you have any unwanted presents or anything that you think would be useful, please think of us and call Ann Pilley on 865222

crowd was waiting for the doors to open, and people soon rushed in to see what bargains they could find. The Parish Hall was filled with an array of stalls including bric-a-brac, Christmas handmade goodies, books, vegetables, cakes, and jewellery. After making their purchases, people were able to relax and catch up over a mince pie and cuppa before hearing if they’d won a prize in the raffle. The raffle was a huge draw, with wonderful prizes including food baskets, meal vouchers, beauty items, and much more. We also had a Christmas cake to raffle and a 'guess how many sweets in the jar' competition. A huge thank you goes to all our members who set up the hall and worked tirelessly to make sure the stalls were full of goodies. Thank you also to Hamptonne Farm who donated all the vegetables and eggs for us to sell and non-members who came to help on the day. Together, we raised a staggering £2,904.09, which was donated to St Lawrence Parish for the annual Senior Citizens' lunch held in December.

In December, we decided to support the St Peter's Church Christmas Tree Festival. Earlier in the year, our members came up with some amazing and creative ideas for decorating pinecones. Members transformed them into a festive themepenguins, doves, reindeer and many more with some members even knitting tiny hats for them! A small group decorated the Christmas tree at St Peter’s Church with the decorated pinecones and popcorn that had been threaded together, enabling it to be wound around our tree. We hope those of you who visited the festival spotted our fabulous tree, all lit up.

After a break in January, we will be starting our preparations for the new year and we have lots planned.

A small group of our members give up their time on the first Friday of each month to man a table at the

Les Laurentins Spring 2026

Liz Pallot, Chair

Val Deverill, Anne Amy and Jackie Hartley on the bric-a-brac stall

Denise Pallot on the vegetable stall

Viv Godel and Louise Farmer

Rue de Douet du Rue, St Lawrence,

St Brelade Parish Hall

St Clement Parish Hall

St Ouen Parish Hall

Trinity Parish Hall

St Saviour Parish Hall

St Martin Public Hall

Saturday 10am-12pm

Throughout the year we will be offering free legal guidance at the above locations around the island.

All are welcome at each event no matter your parish. No need to register or book, simply show up on the day.

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)

of Learning, Growth and Community Celebrating 50 Years

On 21st November 2025, Bel Royal Primary School marked an historic milestone - its Golden Jubilee, celebrating 50 years of education, inclusion, and community spirit. Since opening its doors in 1975, Bel Royal has provided a nurturing environment where generations of children have discovered their passions, forged lifelong friendships, and embraced new experiences.

A Journey Through the Decades

The anniversary celebration invited families and friends to step back in time. Each classroom was transformed into a vibrant showcase of a different decade - from the disco-inspired 1970s to the tech-driven 2020s - allowing visitors to experience the evolution of education and culture over the past half-century. Pupils and staff donned 1970s attire, honouring the decade when Bel Royal first opened its doors.

by Claire Hammond, Headteacher

Planting for the Future

The day’s centrepiece was the official opening of Bel Royal’s new fruit orchard, a project that every pupil helped to create. His Excellency The Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey, Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Kyd, and Lady Kyd led the ceremony, joined by Deputy Rob Ward, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, and Mr Keith Posner, Chief Officer of Children, Young People, Education and Skills. The orchard stands as a living symbol of sustainability and growth - a promise that Bel Royal will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Les Laurentins Spring 2026

School under construction

Pupils welcome His Excellency and Lady Kyd

In a touching moment, Bel Royal’s multilingual pupils greeted His Excellency in 18 languages, reflecting the school’s inclusive ethos and vibrant cultural diversity. Guests were treated to performances by the Bel Royal School Choir, including the uplifting “Try Everything”, setting the tone for a day of celebration and optimism.

Honouring the Past

Adding to the sense of history, former headteachers and past staff members returned to join the festivities. Their presence underscored the enduring bonds that connect Bel Royal’s past, present, and future. These educators shared stories and memories, reminding everyone that schools are not just buildings - they are communities built on relationships, collaboration, and shared purpose.

A Message from the Headteacher

Current Headteacher Claire Hammond expressed her pride and gratitude, as follows:

“I am extremely proud to be the Headteacher of Bel Royal School. For five decades, we have aimed to offer all pupils an education that nurtures and develops the values, knowledge, and skills needed to flourish and make positive differences to our community and the wider world. Our motto, ‘Each Unique, Together We Thrive,’ reflects our commitment to diversity and individuality.”

She continued:

“Bel Royal is more than a building—it is a nurturing community of pupils, parents, carers, volunteers, and professionals. The strength of our school lies in the hearts and commitment of all these people. Thank you for being part of our story - and here’s to the next chapter.”

Core Values That Endure

Bel Royal’s guiding principles - Include, Believe, Achieve - remain at the heart of its mission. These values shape not only academic success but also the development of respectful, responsible global citizens. As Claire Hammond notes, “Schools are about life - the challenges, the celebrations, the milestones, and the adventures. I often tell the children how lucky I am to have a job I love, spending every day with the most inspirational, honest, and motivating young people.”

Looking Ahead

The celebration concluded with a nostalgic performance of “Make Your Own Kind of Music”, a tribute to the school’s founding decade. As Bel Royal looks toward its centenary, the newly planted orchard and the enduring motto serve as reminders of the school’s unwavering dedication to growth, inclusivity, and excellence.

Special thanks were extended to Rod Bryans for capturing the day’s memorable moments.

Les Laurentins Spring 2026

Phoebe and The Lieutenant-Governor

Gill Trott and Josie Fernandes

The official party at the opening of the fruit orchard

Year 6 pupils and Claire Hammond

100 Years Later

Bel Royal Motors isn’t quite the “passing fad!” predicted

2026 marks 100 years since Philip Le Marquand founded Bel Royal Motors and it’s been a family-owned garage from day one. Instead of going into his father’s business, Philip Le Marquand, the shoemaker’s son, took the brave decision to move into the motor trade at just 23 years old. His father told him “It’s a passing fad! Very soon motor cars will be finished but people will always want shoes.”

After completing his mechanical apprenticeship at Barnes Garage, New Street, Philip bought Perkins’ Forge at Bel Royal and established it as a garage and general engineering workshop. He and his wife Vida lived in a house on site that is now our offices. Philip imported the hugely successful Standard Twin Tractors from America, which can currently be seen again in our showroom as part of our rotating display of vehicles over the century. The workshop serviced tractors, boat engines, mill and bakery machinery and of course, motor cars. In the early days Philip would also go down to the beach to service a visiting Bristol F2B Fighter plane that flew over to Jersey, landing at St Aubin’s Bay to take people for short jollies over the Island. The pilot would taxi his plane up the slipway at Bel Royal and have Philip service the engine.

The Standard Twin Tractor

The garage in 1926

An early sales ledger

One of Philip’s first ever jobs was to reassemble a Ford Model T for a local farmer, who had bought it and taken it apart piece by piece and then realised that he didn’t know how to put it back together again. In 1926 this car would have set the farmer back £300, around £23,500 in today’s money. The Ford Model T was the most popular car in Britain in 1926 when over 15 million were sold during its years of production between 1908 and 1927, making it the most popular automobile of the time.

In 1926 a Jersey vehicle owner would have made far more frequent trips to a mechanic for maintenance than we would ever conceive of today. Many cars, like the Ford or its rival the Austin 7, featured primitive engine lubrication systems without oil filters and, as a result, oil changes every 2,0003,000 miles were the norm for anyone wanting to avoid unnecessary wear on the engine. Unlike cars of today, which need plug changes measured in years, in 1926 routine stops to change or, at the very least, clean spark plugs would have been the norm. Anyone who left a choke out for too long in cold weather, and ‘fouled’ their plugs, would soon have learned not to make the same mistake twice. As a result, a spare set of plugs, a wire brush for cleaning, a ‘feeler gauge’ and a plug spanner would have been found in nearly every car at the time, or certainly every car that did any great distance. Petrol and petrol stations were few, Petroleum Spirit, or Motoring Spirit, was more often sold by pharmacists than it was at the roadside.

Philip’s father wasn’t alone in his views on motor cars. The feelings of his generation can be summed up in stories of the first motor cars to arrive in Jersey being dubbed “les machins du diables” (devilish things). But motor cars continued to be imported to the Island and in 1923 speed restrictions were adopted by the States. The new law stated that char-a-bancs, omnibuses and motor lorries were not to travel at more than 6 mph when in town. Outside the town the maximum speed allowed was 10 mph. Jurat Le Boutillier said that even three miles per hour might be ‘dangerous’ and went on to say that the proposal was ‘absolutely absurd’. However, his fellow members disagreed and the proposition was adopted.

It was a different world in Jersey 100 years ago; there was a railroad still at Bel Royal, Coronation Park was yet to be built and there were very few houses along the front. From the 1920s to the late 1930s our airport was here at St Aubin’s Bay and mains electricity only came to the Island in 1924, just two years before Bel Royal Motors opened. What hasn’t changed is that Bel Royal Motors continues to still be very much a family business. Philip’s sons, Noel and Michael, both worked at Bel Royal, as the Chairman and Managing Director respectively. Their sister, Ann, worked for the company as well as two aunts, an uncle and two cousins. Michael’s wife Elizabeth worked for many years as the Accounts Secretary and her brother, David Wilson, worked as Sales Director. And now that Michael is semi-retired his children, Robert and Nicola Le Marquand, are heading up the business alongside the 37 strong workforce that make up the wider Bel Royal Motors family - some having worked their entire careers at the garage.

We hope that you visit Bel Royal Motors showroom to discover more photos, objects and stories from our family’s century.

Les Laurentins Spring 2026

Display of early memorabilia

The Craven-Bee Dry Duster

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St Lawrence “Allsorts”NEWS

by the “Allsorts” Mascots

Our “Allsorts” group members, continue to be busy bees in the community, taking part in many activities and having lots of fun along the way, whilst supporting many good causes. Here are some of the things we have got involved in over the last six months.

As well as continuing with making many items for good causes at our regular weekly workshop, some of our regular 'workshoppers' got involved in a new project last year by helping to paint some of the Occupational themed painted panels for St Lawrence, which was a Community Outreach Project organised by Jersey Heritage. Even one of our “Allsorts” doggies, Millie, was allowed to participate with her paw print on the panel! We will be getting involved with a new Jersey Heritage Community Outreach Project this year by learning how to do the traditional Bayeux Tapestry embroidery stitches so that we can help the local community to create a Jersey interpretation of the Bayeux Tapestry.

As well as continuing to host the monthly bingos for St Lawrence Battle of Flowers, some of our “Allsorts” quiz enthusiasts continue to enjoy entering teams in charity quiz nights and have recently taken part in quizzes for Jersey Hands Around the World, Parkinson’s Jersey, Friends of Anthony Nolan and the Jersey Lifeboat. A great time is had by all of us who take part and 'surprise, surprise', we do have some wins along the way too!

We also gathered a team together to go and help the National Trust for Jersey with their 2025 Black Butter Event with peeling apples, doing a bit of stirring and also helped to put the butter in the jars ready for sale. Some of us are also involved in Les Chaboleurs Jerriais Folk Dancing and we put on a display at the Black Butter Market.

With the opening of the Jersey Opera House, a group of fourteen “Allsorts” went along and enjoyed the hysterical performance of “Fascinating Aida”; a sense of humour was a must!! It was a great night with everyone on good form, and it was lovely for the doors to be finally open again. We will certainly be back to see some more exciting shows coming our way soon.

Our Christmas Tree creation which we entered into the St Peter’s Church 2025 Christmas Tree Festival was admired by many as the tree became a six foot plus version of one of our “Allsorts” mascots, Ali Allsorts, with his big head and body as the tree. It really was a happy tree! After installing it at the festival, twelve of us then went and enjoyed a Christmas Lunch at Les Ormes Restaurant to finish off the day. We proudly wore our new “Allsorts” necklaces, which have become part of our group identity when we are out and about, for those of us that choose to wear them, and have been admired by many!

If anyone is interested in knowing more about our group or has a challenge we can take part in or a project we can undertake at our workshop, then please contact Sally on 07797 797996 or Marion on 07797 727785

Traditional Cider Making

Alive and well and happening in St Lawrence

by David and Toni Pittom

A few parishioners have been pressing cider apples by traditional methods for many years using the horse powered granite crusher and wooden press at Hamptonne.

Each year in early October, a small group of volunteers produce about six barrels of cider over the Jersey Heritage Cider Festival Weekend. They use ancient varieties of cider apples, some grown in the orchard at Hamptonne, and others donated from around the Island.

The apples are tipped into the granite crusher where they are pulped by horsepower pulling a large millstone around the trough. No juice is produced at this stage. They are then shovelled onto hessian sacking in the press. The sacking is folded to hold the pulp in place and layered into cheeses. When the press is full, usually about fourteen layers, a board is placed on top to help spread the load and then the twin screws are turned slowly so that the apple juice is pressed from the cheeses leaving a cake which can be fed to the pigs.

The apple juice is collected in an open half barrel, and, at this point, it is sweet and delicious. Children love it! The juice is then transferred directly to the barrels, nothing having been added at this stage. It is left for one week and then topped up with water and corked, allowing the natural fermentation to occur. With time, an alcohol content of being between 4-8%, volume can be achieved. This is a totally natural product with nothing extra added. It relies on the sugar and yeast in the apples. It has been recorded that rats were added for protein in the old days but not now! In times past it was safer to drink cider than the water, so all the family drank cider, including the children.

Traditions like this are so important to the Island and will, hopefully, be continued. Cider making is very much a family and friends’ activity and we would like everyone to come and either watch or help in October.

Hopefully see you there!

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LEARNERS EVERY YEAR

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.

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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

St Lawrence Battle of Flowers

The St Lawrence Battle of Flowers Committee and Community are absolutely thrilled as we gear up

for an exciting 2026!

First, let's take a step back to 2025. After the Summer Parades, we channelled our energy into creating a spectacular float for the Christmas Parade. Our float was a charming depiction of Santa’s workshop, complete with elves busily making toys, revolving Christmas trees, and Mrs Claus cosily seated in a rocking chair by the fireside. Santa himself drove the tractor that pulled the float. We had an absolutely fabulous time, and the young people in our community danced in front of the float and the younger children were seated on the float. We dazzled the crowds with our lights and actions. What an amazing team effort from St Lawrence!

As the new year began, our marquee sustained some damage during a storm, but we have since worked diligently to secure it. With our marquee now watertight, we held an Open Day to begin preparations for the Summer 2026 Parade. The tasks included stripping flowers from the floats and removing lights and cables to make way for new designs.

We are incredibly proud of our community and are always eager to welcome new members to join in the fun and creativity. Would you like to get involved? There are numerous ways you can contribute:

Building/Creating the Float Whether you have a few minutes or several hours to spare, we need help with sawing wood, using a jigsaw, screwing items onto the wood base, gluing wood together, and creating shapes from polystyrene. There are tasks of varying difficulty; some requiring specific skills and others that can be learned on the job. It's a fantastic opportunity for different generations to work together.

Flower Folders Join our ‘flower folding’ events where you can collect tissue paper to fold at home, transforming them into beautiful flowers.

Flower Counters We constantly need to count and store the folded flowers to ensure they remain pristine for the Summer Parade.

Marquee Sorters This ongoing task involves sorting reusable wood, sweeping leaves, organising equipment, and ensuring all tools are properly stored and accessible.

Kettle Duty A vital role to keep the kettle full and ready for teas and coffees, keeping everyone refreshed and motivated.

by Bev Waller

We warmly invite you to be a part of the BOF St Lawrence Community for 2026. Pop in and say hello at our next events:

Flower Folding at St Lawrence Community Centre, 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

• Tuesday, 24th March 2026

• Tuesday, 28th April 2026

• Tuesday, 19th May 2026

• Tuesday, 23rd June 2026

We are also grateful to those who help organise or attend our bingo nights. Please see the above image for details.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Let's make 2026 a year to remember!

Please email us for further details: stlawrencebof@gmail.com

Les Laurentins Spring 2026

The Revival

of the Association de Jumelage Barneville-Carteret

By Tania La Vaullée, Présidente

I am delighted to shine a spotlight on the Association de Jumelage BarnevilleCarteret, and the St Lawrence Twinning Association, a vibrant partnership dedicated to strengthening the historical and social bonds between our beautiful corner of Normandy and our "cousins" across the water in Jersey.

A New Chapter began in 2025

Our Association here in France has recently entered an exciting new era; in April 2025, the Association de Jumelage BarnevilleCarteret was officially relaunched with a fresh mandate and a brand-new committee.

Our Mission

The objective of our Twinning Association goes far beyond organising formal annual visits between France and Jersey. We see ourselves as a facilitator to create links between us, whether it is supporting local clubs or providing the logistics for new friendships. Our goal is to offer an interactive and enriching experience for the wider public in Barneville-Carteret and St Lawrence. We have already been successful in forging links between Ecole les Chardons Bleus here in France and Bel Royal School, who are now exchanging letters.

Our Committee

As Présidente, I am grateful to have the support of a dedicated team of volunteers who work tirelessly towards our mission, arranging "living" exchanges that involve schools, sports clubs and local families.

Strengthening Ties: Recent Highlights

It has been a whirlwind of activity since our membership drive began. In July last year we welcomed St Lawrence Parishioner Nick Dotter and other swimmers to our shores. They had swum from Gorey and were welcomed by your Connétable and Twinning Committee member Brian Morin. This was a testament to the physical and social links we are building, culminating in a return visit to St Lawrence in September, when we experienced your unique hospitality. The swim is an annual event, and we look forward to welcoming anyone from St Lawrence who wishes to join us to support the Jersey swimmers, as well as the French teams who also take part in this event.

A Warm Welcome in Jersey

In September, we travelled to Jersey to meet representatives of many of the clubs and associations in St Lawrence, and from both primary schools. The energy in the Parish Hall was electric as we discussed how to build lasting, practical links between our two communities. We were welcomed with open arms by your Connétable and members of your Twinning Association and greatly enjoyed our visit to Hamptonne Country Life Museum.

Strengthening Our Twinning Ties in 2026

Here in Barneville-Carteret we had a fantastic turnout for our recent presentation to explain our mission and what we hope to achieve this year. We had nearly 50 members and non-members whose enthusiasm for building new connections between Jersey and France is stronger than ever. Our members are interested in creating links with St Lawrence [or more broadly, in Jersey] in the following areas:-

Golfing / Vintage cars / Patchwork and Quilting / Artists / School Teachers / Work Experience / Theatre Groups.

The Connétable and the Maire of Barnville-Carteret, David Legouet at the Fête de la Mer

Barnville-Carteret Jumelage Committee

Waiting for the swimmers from Jersey on the beach at Barnville-Carteret

Want to get involved?

If you represent one of these groups, or know someone who does, please contact the Parish Hall in St Lawrence on 861672, or jumelage.barneville-carteret@gmail.com

Looking Ahead: Joint Projects for 2027

We are thrilled to announce two major cross-border collaborations currently in development for 2027. These projects embody our mission to move beyond simple visits and create truly interactive, shared experiences for our communities.

The Windmill Heritage Project

This will be a unique sensory and historical exchange led by herbalist Amanda Bond. The initiative will host joint activities at the historic windmills in both France and Jersey, exploring our shared landscapes through the lens of traditional herbalism.

Living History, Theatre and Film

This will be a creative partnership with a professional theatre group. The project aims to interview and film residents from both Barneville-Carteret and St Lawrence, capturing the authentic voices and stories of our people to create a lasting cinematic tribute to our twin communities.

Why Join the St Lawrence Twinning Association?

Having seen what we have planned for next year, I do hope that you will feel encouraged to join the St Lawrence Twinning Association. It is an opportunity to discover Barneville-Carteret and experience the unique culture of our region through the eyes of locals, not just as a tourist. You can improve language skills and practice your French in a relaxed, friendly environment. You can discover our beautiful coastline and enjoy the local culinary delights whilst visiting the many places of interest. A major benefit is that you can benefit from a 20% reduction whenever you travel with Manche Îles Express. To become a member, or to find out more information, please contact Deidre, your Connétable, on 861672 – she is looking forward to hearing from you and we are looking forward to meeting you.

Cordialement

Tania La Vaullée

Présidente du Jumelage Barneville-Carteret

Barnville-Carteret and St Lawrence civic leads meet in the Connétable’s office

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

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!

Stuart Court

by Elaine Jackson, Home Manager

Hello

2026! Storm Goretti brought in the year with a whirlwind!

During the first few cold and blowy months of the new year we have focused mainly on indoor pursuits. We have been baking and cooking; many of the residents really enjoy this activity as it brings back memories of baking for friends and family. We love to share our favourite recipes.

We have embraced many cultural events and celebrations by trying to replicate special foods and traditions. In January, Burns Night was celebrated with the traditional Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, and a Scottish Singalong. Chinese New Year is always a great success with homemade lanterns and a wonderful array of food.

Our Valentine’s Day is always fabulous; the residents all received a card and special treats to ensure everyone feels loved. An afternoon of dancing and merry making reminds us of times past with loved ones.

A few days later, on Shrove Tuesday, pancakes were enjoyed by all the residents. A pancake tossing competition with the residents was held in the morning – it’s all in the wrist action apparently. St David’s Day and St Patrick’s Day, World Book Day, International Women’s Day and of course Mother’s Day were all celebrated in March

On the brighter days we enjoyed some lovely trips out to the Glass Church, Acorn and the Garden Centres for a chat, change of scene and a coffee. With the nicer weather anticipated, we have many more local trips planned.

We are all very excited about our new revamped patio garden and we hope you will visit our open garden on 7th June. It would be lovely to see as many parishioners as possible for a cup of tea and a catch up.

Please take a look at our new website where you can see what we have been up to in recent weeks or find details of our open garden.

www.mhajersey.org

ST LAWRENCEWI

by Veronica Langlois

For the members of St Lawrence WI autumn was busy with Island-wide activities of sports, crafts, board games, quizzes, exhibitions and outings. In St Lawrence we had fascinating speakers at our monthly meetings.

In October Tina Palmer spoke of her trip to Nepal for Overseas Aid and the work of the Rotary Club in Jersey. The Christmas appeal is now 110 years old!

In November Gill Morgan from the Jersey Hedgehog Preservation Group, explained how to deal with injured hedgehogs.

Our last meeting of the year became all ‘Christmassy’. We had a film show, “The Thursday Murder Club” (no one knew ‘who had done it’), followed by excellent canapés from the Beresford Street Kitchen, cracker jokes were exchanged and raffle prizes were drawn. It was a good end to a typically busy year. Please make a note of our email address: stlawrence.wi@ gmail.com

Gill Morgan from the Jersey Hedgehog Preservation Group

Tina Palmer from Rotary Club de-la-Manche

23rd Jersey (St Lawrence)

Scout Group

by J-P (Magpie) Fidrmuc, Section Leader 23rd (St George’s) Beavers

Hopefully, as you are reading this, the weather is improving, winter is behind us and the warmer and lighter days and nights are ahead.

Since the last edition of this magazine, we have completed our Autumn term, which was busy as always. Here is a summary of what we got up to.

Beavers (aged 6 to 8)

After welcoming the new starters, the Beaver Colonies took advantage of the last of the summer nights with a sunset hike to the headland around the airport. They have also continued to work through their two-year programme which, amongst other things, has seen them complete their Cooking and Experiment Badge. As the nights drew in the Beavers had a session of Halloween themed activities, a bonfire night campfire with the usual mix of songs and s’mores and took part in a Remembrance themed trail around St Helier visiting and learning about the memorials linked to WW1 and WW2. The Autumn camp at the Island Scout Centre was themed around 'Scout Skills'.

Cubs (8 to 10 years)

The Cub Packs had a busy Autumn term beginning with nighttime orienteering and toasted marshmallows and followed by a session using Trangias to cook some very tasty Korean BBQ chicken. As the nights drew in there was a full moon night hike, completion of the Communicator Badge and a session learning how to start a fire using a flint and steel. As December approached the Cubs had a two-night Christmas Camp, after

which the two packs visited Les Charrieres and Stuart Court Care Homes and the Cubs presented the residents with handmade decorations and entertained them with a mix of camp fire songs and Christmas carols, all of which were very well received and enjoyed by the residents.

Scouts (10 to 14 years)

The Scout Troop had a busy term developing and learning new skills. They began with the hotly contested annual String Burning Challenge - a race to make and start a fire which in turn burns a length of string suspended above the fire. The Scouts have also learned about electricity and electrical circuits. This included creating electric generating models of wind turbines, making

electromagnetic circuits and a session making and programming mini-Lego robots. The Scouts also got the Trangias out and made really tasty honey butter bread. In the outdoors the Scouts met up with Jersey Trees for Life at Greve de Lecq and together they planted over 400 trees in the hedgerows to replace those lost by storms and to increase biodiversity. The effort was even more impressive given the weather on the day!

Group Events

The autumn term ended with a session at the Bowling Alley. It was Christmas jumpers and Christmas bling all round, along with a few cracking jokes; a nice way to finish off 2025.

New Members (Big and Small)

For our younger members we have three intakes a year, all at the start of each academic term. Our Group covers St Lawrence and St Peter, and with over 100 young people in our Group we have a waiting list for new members. We encourage interested young people to register, and the QR code will take you to our sign-up page. We are always on the lookout for adults who are able to help out with our busy programme in any way you can. Our Group Lead Volunteer Elisabeth Blampied can be emailed at e.blampied@scouts.org.je

Easter Hope

Early on the first Easter morning, while it was still quiet and the sun was just beginning to rise, a group of women walked sadly towards a tomb. They were thinking about Jesus, who had been their friend and teacher, and they expected to find the stone still in place and the tomb closed. But when they arrived, everything was different. The stone had been rolled away. The tomb was empty, and an angel said words that have brought hope to millions ever since:

‘He is not here - He is risen’.

Easter is the greatest surprise story ever told. It begins with sadness and ends with joy. It starts with tears and finishes with celebration. For children and adults alike, Easter reminds us that God loves to turn what looks like the end into a brand new beginning.

Christians believe that Jesus did not just die on the cross, but that He rose again to show that God’s love is stronger than death itself. Jesus chose to give His life so that forgiveness, peace, and friendship with God could be offered to everyone. When He rose again, He showed that nothing, not even death, can separate us from God’s love.

For families, Easter is a wonderful reminder that hope is real. When things feel hard, when we are afraid or disappointed, or when life doesn’t make sense, the Easter story tells us that God is still at work. The risen Jesus is alive today, bringing light into dark places and joy where there has been sadness.

So as we enjoy chocolate eggs and time together, and as we celebrate new life all around us, may we remember the heart of Easter: the tomb is empty, Jesus is alive, and there is hope for everyone.

Every blessing

Phil Rector of St Lawrence Church

for Eveveryone

Easter Services

ST LAWRENCE CHURCH

SUNDAY 29TH MARCH

Palm Sunday Messy Church (9.30am)

FRIDAY 3RD APRIL

Good Friday Hour at the Cross (12 noon)

SUNDAY 5TH APRIL

Easter Celebration All Age Communion (9.30am)

ST MATTHEW’S CHURCH

SUNDAY 29TH MARCH

Palm Sunday Morning Worship (11am)

THURSDAY 2ND APRIL

Maundy Thursday Agape Encounter Night (7.30pm)

SUNDAY 5TH APRIL

Easter Celebration All Age Communion (11am)

Les Laurentins

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.

ST LAWRENCE Youth Project

by Jamie Dyer, Lead Youth Worker at St Lawrence Youth Project

We have had a fantastic few months since the last article and have been keeping ourselves busy! We’ve had some fun and games over Halloween, turning each other into ‘mummies’ (don’t worry we’re going to recycle all of that paper), decorating pumpkins with no mess and even the staff got involved in fancy dress!

We had a ‘world records’ night with a selection of challenges for the young people to try our termly session where we spend the evening navigating club and playing games in wheelchairs, and an edible art competition where we create amazing works of art out of delicious food and, for the first time since Covid 19, we celebrated the "Yoscars" an event which recognises the participation of our young people in the youth work process. Our young people chose pizza and a GIANT bouncy castle as the best way to celebrate, and the staff can confirm that they were 100% right!

Our young people helped us to create a Santa Mailbox, so that our members could make and send each other festive wishes, and this was a lot of fun!

Now that we’ve arrived in the new year, we’re gathering the voices of our young people to make sure that this term is packed with as much fun as possible!

Young people are welcome to come along and join our sessions and perhaps bring a friend. Details are as follows:-

Monday 7-9pm Seniors Years 9+

Wednesday 7-9pm Inters Years 7 & 8

Friday 7-9pm Juniors Years 5 & 6

We are very pleased to announce that we will be celebrating 50 years of Coin Varin/ St Lawrence Youth Club this year. An Open Weekend will be held at the St Lawrence Community Centre, Three Oaks on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June 2026

nyone who has been involved as a member or helper at Coin Varin Youth Club from 1976 or at St Lawrence Youth Project (when Coin Varin moved to the St Lawrence Community Centre) from 1996 is invited to join us on either day to view the display of photos and memorabilia called "50 Years of Club". We will also be having a boogie in our retro disco room, running fun family-friendly activities, enjoying some free "Youth Clubstyle" refreshments and selling sweets and chocolate from our Tuckshop "Youthilicious"- it will be open all

Posters will be circulated prior to the anniversary open weekend so please look out for these and make a note to come and see us to reminisce. Of course, any families or young people who are interested can come along to see what Youth Club has been doing over the past 50 years, or what we might be planning for the next 50 years!

A BIG request to anyone who might have old photos, newspaper clippings, videos etc of Coin Varin or St Lawrence club sessions, trips/camps/ residentials, Arts Alive shows/exhibitions or fundraising events/activities to please get in touch with Peta Clayton as she is collecting these (or scanned copies if they are very precious) for the big "50 Years of Club" anniversary celebration. Please contact Peta on 07797 856767 or claytonpeta@gmail.com as soon as you can.

Many thanks for your help and we hope to see you in

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

2.00 – 5.00pm

Adults £7.00, U12’s FREE

TEAS £5.50 Regret no dogs

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)

SPAIN An Introduction

by In vino veritas

A Bit of History

Spain’s wine production dates back more than 3,000 years to when the Phoenicians introduced wine to the Iberian Peninsula. The Romans then expanded vine cultivation and began exporting wine to other regions of their empire.

Some present-day wineries can be traced back centuries, e.g. in Rioja: Remelluri 1596, Marques de Riscal 1858, R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia 1877, C.V.N.E. 1879 and Bodegas Rioja Vega 1882; in Priorat: Scala Dei, founded by Carthusian monks in 1163; Codorniu* 1551; Sherry: Gonzalez Byass 1835.

*Codorniu’s wine production was started in 1551 by James Codorniu, becoming Spain’s oldest family business, uniting with the Raventos family in 1659 and revolutionising Spanish wine in 1872 when Joseph Raventos produced the first Cava using the Traditional Method with native grapes. The winery remains a leading producer of high-quality organic Cava today.

Change

There has been a 20-year transformation sweeping the Spanish wine industry shifting focus from long-aged traditional oak-heavy styles towards terroir driven wines, led by a younger generation of winemakers, who have brought back forgotten varieties, and are refining the traditional low intervention and minimal irrigation techniques.

All of this is helped by greater regulatory freedom compared to other European countries coupled with a prevalence of ancient vines, many decades or even centuries old, which produce wine with concentrated flavours. Reading a selection of wine articles on Spain’s wine industry, one is struck by many similar descriptions, such as excitement, dynamism and innovation. Additionally, the movement is nationwide not just limited to the larger and better-known wine areas and has given rise to a lot of new wineries.

Local Grape Varieties

Spain, like its westerly neighbour, largely sticks to its own endemic grape varieties: Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Campo de Borja Reds – Tempranillo and Garnacha (aka Grenache), Whites – Viura; Toro - black fruited wines of power, Tinta de Toro, a Tempranillo clone; Rueda - good modern whites mainly from Verdejo; Priorat and Montsant – marvellous deeply scented Garnachas; Rias Baixas – home of the Albarino grape – growing in popularity with over 400 wineries currently compared to only c.20 in the mid 1980s; El Bierzo - Godello (white) and Mencia (red) varieties.

Some Spanish Wine Trivia

• The most planted grape in Spain is Airen, a white grape (In Vino Veritas had never heard of this variety – perhaps he needs a wine holiday!) - it is mainly used in brandy production.

• Spain is the country with the largest area under vines, 975,000 hectares, which roughly equates to 11% of the world’s vineyards.

• Spain grows 87% of the world’s Tempranillo grapes.

• Tempranillo derives its name as a diminutive of the Spanish word “temprano” meaning “early”, as it ripens several weeks earlier than most Spanish red grapes.

• The Spanish Register of Commercial Vine Varieties lists 235 varieties planted in Spain, though perhaps only 40 are regularly produced.

• Spaniards drink very little “foreign” wine – less than 0.3% of consumption.

• There are over 4,300 wineries in Spain.

• France, Spain and Italy are the top three wine countries accounting for 53% of world production.

Spain is such a large and diverse wine producing country that we can only scratch the surface in an introductory article; hopefully in the future we can delve deeper and showcase particular wines, many of which are world class.

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

Personal Impressions of the Rohingya Refugee Camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

By the Connétable

I know many of you enjoyed the article by my daughter Amber, in the last magazine [thank you for your kind comments]. In it, she described her experiences and impressions of working for the UN Refugee Agency [UNHCR], in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh; her role is sponsored by Jersey Overseas Aid.

Jersey Overseas Aid has long supported UNHCR’s work in Bangladesh, and when I visited Amber in October last year, because I am a member of the States of Jersey, I was able to spend a day visiting the world’s largest refugee settlement to see firsthand how Jersey taxpayers’ contributions are making a difference to the conditions in which the Rohingya people live.

Nothing could have prepared me for seeing the scale of this humanitarian crisis.

The camps sprawl haphazardly over an area five times smaller than Jersey yet are home to a population ten times larger. Nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees have fled violence and persecution in Myanmar, crossing the land border into Bangladesh.

What was meant to be a temporary solution has become a long, uncertain chapter in these people’s lives as the military regime in Myanmar continues to persecute them Many have spent nine years or more in the camps, and it was sobering to realise how many children are growing up knowing nothing else but life as a refugee.

During my visit, the heat, dust, and constant noise was overwhelming.

I saw how families live in small shelters made from bamboo and tarpaulin, without proper sewerage facilities, running water or electricity. Walking along the narrow pathways between the shacks, the reality of living with 48,000 people per square kilometre was staggering.

I could only imagine the devastation caused by the not uncommon catastrophes of fires, floods and landslides. At a registration centre run jointly by UNHCR and the Government of Bangladesh, I watched newly arrived refugees receive identity documents. For most, this is their only official proof of who they are, and it is vital for accessing services and assistance.

UNHCR offers vocational skills training to build refugees’ self-reliance. At a production centre I met women who use sewing skills to produce reusable sanitary products which are distributed within the camps. I met young refugees studying solar panel repair and engine maintenance, who were keen to show me their new skills and to speak about how they hope to use those skills one day back in Myanmar. Their resolve for a better future, especially given how limited their current opportunities are, was inspiring.

At a food distribution point run by the World Food Programme (WFP), I saw some of the basic food supplies available. With a monthly allowance of just US$ 12 per person, families must make painstaking choices between potatoes or rice, fresh vegetables or animal protein. This is barely enough to survive on, but limited funding means even this assistance is at risk of reduction.

One of the most moving parts of the intense day was visiting the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre, managed by the International

Organisation for Migration (IOM). The centre preserves traditions that refugees brought with them when they fled; traditions from pottery and embroidery to farming tools and music. Volunteers, themselves refugees, proudly guided me through the exhibits and eagerly explained the meaning behind each artefact. Coming from Jersey, where our own heritage is such a source of pride, I was deeply touched by their determination to protect their identity in the face of extreme loss.

Leaving the camps, I felt a mixture of sadness, admiration and hope. Sadness for everything the Rohingya people have endured; admiration for the resilience and strength I witnessed; and hope that, through the work of organisations like UNHCR and with continued support from us in Jersey, these families will one day have the chance to return home to lead safer, more stable lives.

Les Laurentins Spring 2026

Refugee women learn sewing skills

Walking the narrow alleyways between the shelters

We heard harrowing life stories from some of the refugees

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.

Diary Dates Parish Hall

APRIL 2026

Social Evening

Good Friday – Parish Hall Closed

Deputies Drop-In Session – Acorn Café

Easter Monday – Parish Hall Closed Community Market WI

Jersey Ballroom Dancing Association

Social Evening

St Lawrence Ladies Action Goup Coffee Morning

Battle of Flowers Bingo (doors open 6pm)

Gardening Club

Social Evening

Jersey Ballroom Dancing Association

MAY 2026

– 2pm 7pm – 10pm 8pm – 10.30pm 1pm 7pm – 10pm 7.45pm

7.30pm 8pm – 10pm

7pm – 10pm 8pm – 10.30pm

7pm – 10pm

JUNE 2026

1st – 5th

10am – 2pm

7.15pm – 9.30pm

8pm – 10.30pm

8pm – 10pm

7pm – 10pm

7.30pm

7pm – 10pm

8pm – 10.30pm

Community Market

Bank Holiday – Office Closed

Social Evening

Jersey Ballroom Dancing Association

Occupation VIPs Lib Lunch – Hotel Ambassadeur

Social Evening WI

Battle of Flowers Bingo (doors open 6pm)

Gardening Club

Social Evening

Jersey Ballroom Dancing Association

Bank Holiday – Office Closed

Social Evening

Hall closed for bookings – open for Parishioners Election Day

Community Market WI

Jersey Ballroom Dancing Association

Gardening Club

Social Evening

Battle of Flowers Bingo (doors open 6pm)

Social Evening

Jersey Ballroom Dancing Association

Parish Information

CONNÉTABLE

Mrs Deidre Mezbourian d.mezbourian@gov.je - 07797 751296

Parish Office: 861672, Home: 285054

PROCUREURS DU BIEN PUBLIC

Bruce Harrison – 722071

Stephen Linney – 857441

Email: parishhall@stlawrence.je

CENTENIERS

Norman Laverack (Chef de Police)

Jackie Brookfield, Stuart Lusby, Alexandra Winston Email: honpol@stlawrence.je

DUTY CENTENIER 07797 715602

In case of emergency please also call 999 or 112 and ask for the appropriate Emergency Service.

PARISH HALL OFFICE

Executive Officer: Leasa Nozedar

Assistant Parish Secretary: Emma Woodward

Administration Assistant: Lucie Oakes Telephone: 861672 Email: parishhall@stlawrence.je www.stlawrence.je

RECTOR ST LAWRENCE AND VICAR ST MATTHEW MILLBROOK

Rev. Phil Warren Tel: 869013 Office Tel: 07829 837997

Office hours: Wed & Thurs 2pm - 4pm

Email: stlawrencechurchjersey@gmail.com

DEPUTIES

Andy Howell 07797 888806 a.howell@gov.je

Hilary Jeune 07700 700995 h.jeune@gov.je

Elaine Millar 07797 744321 e.millar2@gov.je

Kirsten Morel 07797 753101 k.morel2@gov.je

Les Laurentins

EDITORIAL E: editorstlawrence@gmail.com

ADVERTISING

Martyn Farley T: 07797 743 191 E: martyn@farley.je

ACCOUNTS

Helen Carré E: helen@mediamasters.je

Published for the Parish of St Lawrence by MediaMasters