Les Laurentins / Winter 2025 / Issue 90

End of the Road

Learnings From a Volatile Year

Investment management and financial planning are not one-off tasks to be ticked off to-do-lists once implemented. Strategies must continually be reviewed and refined to reflect the evolving financial landscape. As we work our way through the final quarter of 2025, now’s a good time to take stock of the year to see what learnings can be taken for 2026 and beyond.

Arguably, 2025 saw the world become a more uncertain place, both geopolitically and economically. Geopolitically, look no further than the ongoing Russia/Ukraine war and Israel’s invasion of Gaza; economically, developed countries’ high debt/low growth profiles and global trade tensions have weighed on markets. Take trade. Liberation Day was a game-changer - not the 9 May Liberation Day here in Jersey, but US President Donald Trump’s self-declared Liberation Day on 2 April, when he announced all US imports will be subject to a 10% tariff. Certain nations, including China, were hit harder. A full-blown trade war and global recession seemed likely. A sell-off in global stocks followed.

Trump’s Liberation Day, a stand-out example of how in 2025 previously regarded givens - free trade, globalisation, responsible US global leadership – could no longer be taken for granted. Elevated uncertainty became the order of the day.

Takeaway: Government bonds rose in the immediate aftermath of Liberation Day. So too, did other safe-haven assets, highlighting how diversified, multi-asset portfolios can provide protection.

In the event, a global recession was averted as the US significantly rowed back tariffs, while companies adapted by diversifying supply chains, adopting near-shoring strategies, adjusting prices, and investing more in technology. Together with renewed excitement surrounding technology stocks and artificial intelligence (AI), it wasn’t long before the ‘everything’ rally resumed. Markets from equities to gold soared.

Takeaway: The turnaround highlights the importance of staying the course. Volatile markets, geopolitical/ macroeconomic uncertainty will cause strategies to drift off course but, with insightful stewardship, they can be corrected. Withdrawing funds during a market downturn, by contrast, can derail long-held plans and be hard to recover from.

2026 and Beyond

Many of the issues that dominated sentiment in 2025 remain. Cue recently reignited trade war fears following China’s decision to impose export controls on rare earth minerals and Trump’s tit-for-tat threats to hit China with 100% tariffs. Closer to home, a year after her £40bn tax-raising budget, UK chancellor Rachel Reeves is looking to plug yet another multi-billion-pound funding gap. Against such an uncertain backdrop, expect further bouts of volatility.

As April 2025’s tariff tantrum showed, knee-jerk fund withdrawals often lead to poor results. Cutting through the noise, focusing on market fundamentals and maintaining an analytical approach to investing was the correct course of action. That’s the longterm approach we take at Quilter Cheviot when constructing and managing diversified, multi-asset portfolios. We believe this not only generates better outcomes for investors but will also position portfolios better to deal with whatever 2026, and beyond, has in store.

Investments and the income from them can go down as well as up, you may not get back what you invest.

Tim Childe Chief Executive Officer Quilter Cheviot International

Sarah Carolan Legal Assistant

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As 2025 draws to a close, it gives us an opportunity to reflect on the past year and what we have achieved. If the content of this magazine over the year is anything to go by, we have achieved quite a lot.

Despite all the problems of the Battle of Flowers in 2025 – the question earlier in the year was ‘would it even go ahead at all?’ As shown on the front cover of the autumn edition St Lawrence Battle of Flowers achieved great success and enjoyment in producing their two excellent floats – a real community effort across the age spectrum of the parish. As a group, they are looking forward to the next Battle, continuing their fundraising through their popular monthly bingos and inviting ideas for the two floats they are intending to enter into the Parades in 2026.

Mike Haden, Chairman of the Jersey Branch of Hands Around The World, tells us, both in words and beautiful pictures, of the success of the strong partnership the charity has with schools in south-west Rwanda. Mike regularly arranges opportunities for volunteers to visit and participate in the charity’s projects in the country, and his article describes such a visit to Bugarama in Rwanda last year.

Fondré for her poem, Anne Haden for her article about the now, sadly, rare wildflowers she has encountered in the churchyard and Colin Vibert who described a walk he and his wife have undertaken along an ancient parish pathway.

With that said, please continue to get in touch with your ideas and contributions either by ‘phoning the Parish Hall Office on 861672 or by emailing me at: editorstlawrence@gmail.com

As this is my final piece for this year (although it feels rather early as I write this in the bright October sunshine), I wish you all a very joyful and happy Christmas and a peaceful and successful New Year.

from the editor Welcome Got share? something to

Looking forward, the St Lawrence Twinning Association is hoping for success in 2026 in a reinvigorated partnership with our twin town, Barneville-Carteret. Three members of the town’s newly formed twinning committee visited Jersey recently and were warmly welcomed by people in the parish representing sport, the arts and the youth groups. The visit was a great success and it is hoped, in the near future, to strengthen ties between our two communities by participating in activities that can be shared between us.

My thanks, as always, goes to the parishioners who send me ideas and articles which I hope will be of interest. This winter edition is no exception and so, my thanks go to Jenni Le

Boîte Grillée

With very best wishes Marion St Lawrence Community Centre –Available for Children’s Parties!

For further information or to make a booking email: stlccjsy@gmail.com

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

St Lawrence Ladies Action Group Upcoming Events at the Parish Hall

CHRISTMAS FAYRE

Saturday 29th November – Opens at 2pm in the Parish Hall with raffle drawn at 4pm JUMBLE SALE

Saturday 21st February 2026 - 10am to 12 noon

Too Much Litter!

Roads Inspector Monica Ison has been in touch to alert parishioners to the amount of litter that she has noticed accumulating on parish roads. Recently, when taking a short walk along La Rue des Saints Germains, she picked up an assortment of discarded plastic bottles and paper packaging left in the road and hedges by passers-by. This is not only unsightly but could be a hazard to wildlife.

It would be wonderful if people took their rubbish home with them and left the countryside unspoilt and beautiful as it should be. Monica asks if, when walking, people could take a carrier bag with them to pick up any litter they find.

In addition, Monica has collected some larger items on La Route de St Jean just before Les Charrieres Nicolle. Could they have fallen off a tradesman’s lorry, she wonders? These tiny pieces of plastic will be entering our soil and water courses which is not good for the environment or for us!

Bottles and paper discarded in hedges

Large broken pieces of polystyrene

From the Connétable

Dear Parishioner

As the nights are drawing in and the weather gets colder, it seems a good opportunity to settle down to read about what has been happening in our Parish, and indeed, further afield, involving parishioners of all ages.

New Build at Parish Hall

Right at the heart of the Parish, I am pleased to say that the new development behind the Parish Hall [which started at the end of last year], is almost finished, and we have a new ground floor [easily accessible] meeting room and Honorary Police offices. Our two new homes for older people are also completed, and we have been able to welcome new residents to our housing community.

I know it has been a difficult time for some of the residents who have been affected by a year of noise, dust, dirt and disruption, which I regret, but I hope they will be as pleased as I am with the outcome.

With the work almost at an end, they can get to know their new neighbours and begin to enjoy the new garden amenity area that is also nearing completion. Look out for further details in the next magazine, when the work will have been finalised.

Bring Bank [Recycling] Centre at St Lawrence Community Centre, Three Oaks

St Lawrence was the second Parish to provide a kerbside recycling scheme, but two Bring Bank sites were also provided in the Parish by the Government; those sites are at the Community Centre at Three Oaks, and in St Peter’s Valley.

I know some of you will be disappointed to learn that we are losing the Community Centre facility, which will be removed on the last working day of November [Friday 28th]. By way of explanation, I have received the following from the Government of Jersey, Operations and Transport, Solid Waste Department.

“The Government’s Solid Waste Department periodically reviews the provision of recycling Bring Banks to understand how the sites are being used and ensure that the service is being run efficiently. Where householders have access to kerbside recycling collections and larger Bring Bank sites are available, by removing smaller sites we are able to focus resources on the running of the remaining sites and the promotion of kerbside services which provide a more accessible level of service to more householders. The Department continues to work with Parishes around the provision of recycling services and to promote the services available”.

The Militia Hall

Recycling to be removed from Community Centre

Coffee Morning

Many thanks to the St Lawrence Ladies Action Group, led by Ann Pilley, who held a successful coffee morning on Saturday November 1st to raise funds for the Royal British Legion poppy appeal.

And finally

The year seems to have flown past, and this is the final edition of Les Laurentins for 2025.

Once again, I take the opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to our Parish magazine over the past year; we could not produce it without you, so please continue to let us have your stories in 2026. If you haven’t contributed, but would like to, we are always interested in learning about the lives and activities of parishioners, so please do contact us.

Thanks too, to everyone involved in Parish life, in whatever capacity, and whatever your contribution.

It all adds up to us having a thriving, varied and vibrant community and what more could we ask for?

With best wishes to all for Christmas and the New Year.

Kind regards

Deidre Mezbourian Connétable de St Laurent

St Lawrence Senior Citizen’s Christmas Lunch

Hotel Ambassadeur

Monday 8 December 1pm

Limited coach transfer availability from the Parish Hall at 12pm

Please contact the Parish Hall to reserve your space before Thursday 4 December tel 861672

The refreshments went down very well

La Rue de Douet du Rue, St Lawrence, JE3 1GY

Closer Ties After Twinning Visit

by Deputy Kirsten Morel, Chair of St Lawrence Twinning Association

A short but important visit from BarnevilleCarteret looks set to bring St Lawrence and its Norman twin closer together.

September’s weather may well have been gusty but that was never going to stop Tania, Marie-Noëlle and Hélène, members of the new Barneville-Carteret twinning association, from braving the crossing from Granville. They did so to spend one September Saturday morning in the Parish Hall meeting the St Lawrence Twinning Committee and representatives from parish clubs and societies.

Tea, coffee and croissants were on the menu, as leaders of local community groups including schools, Scouts, football teams, martial arts, dance and art groups, gathered in the hall to meet the wonderful trio from Barneville-Carteret.

A wide range of activities

Over the summer, Tania and her twinning committee had reached out to groups in our twin town, to see if any were interested in linking with similar groups in St Lawrence with a view to getting to know each other through sporting competitions, exchanges and joint exhibitions. In fact, any way which will help strengthen ties between residents in our twinned communities.

The response has been excellent on both sides of the water. On the morning itself, plenty of people attended to learn more about those groups that shared similar interests in Barneville-Carteret.

Our Connétable, Deidre Mezbourian, Brian Morin, Toni and David Pittom, and Rosie Boleat had done a great job promoting the morning to parish groups and were on hand with me to welcome everyone and make sure that there was plenty of tea and coffee to go around.

Norman music and dance

The morning’s Norman theme was given a clear focus with a lively performance of traditional music and dance from Les Chaboleurs, the Jèrriais dance group. Whilst I joined others in supporting with enthusiasm from the sidelines, Marie-Noëlle and Hélène jumped at the opportunity to join in the dancing.

After a hearty pub lunch, the ‘official’ part of the BarnevilleCarteret visit came to an end and our three friends headed back on Sunday delighted that there was such a strong desire in St Lawrence to bring our two communities closer together. Tania has confirmed that they made eighteen group contacts from the morning’s session and we all hope that the day will lead to more activity between Barneville-Carteret and St Lawrence.

It really does feel like a new beginning for Twinning after all the difficulties caused by Covid.

If you take part in a community activity and would like to get in touch with similar groups in Barneville-Carteret, please do let me know by email: k.morel2@gov.je

Tania meets representatives from parish groups

Traditional music from Les Chaboleurs

Dancing with Les Chaboleurs

Lunch with our friends from Barneville-Carteret

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 throughout 2025.

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-of-the-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

Honorary Police

Summer has been relatively quiet in the parish, largely due to the Battle of Flowers being a different format this year. Autumn looks to be more active with the Battle of Britain Air Display already behind us and the Marathon, Rally and La Faîs’sie d’Cidre all taking place during October.

In addition, many of the team (including me) are attending some of the excellent training provided to the Honorary Police teams around the Island, ranging from the foundation course and officer safety programme organised by the States of Jersey Police, to more specialist instruction on the proper use of our radios, statement writing, vehicle checks, conduct of Parish Hall inquiries and presentation of cases in the Magistrates Court. I’m very pleased at how keen we are to undertake these courses since practice changes over time and it’s vital we keep up to date. We don’t see as much volume or variety as some of the other parishes, so this is time well spent.

On recruitment, I’m sorry to be reporting that the candidate we had anticipated joining us during September withdrew from the nomination for entirely warranted reasons, which only surfaced further to a discussion with the Connétable, so I’m grateful to the Connétable for being so thorough. Happily, the candidate told me they’ll consider standing again when the time is right, so I have a diary note to follow up in due course. That said, I'm very happy to advise that our longest serving CO has agreed to serve a further term,

by Centenier Norman Laverack, Chef de Police

which will be her last due to the age limit, so we continue much as before.

That officer is one of four, representing about half our team, that served with me up to 2018. Two of these were already long serving members when I joined. I take my hat off to all these officers for the stalwart nature of their commitment to their parish and wider community, along with other long serving members of the municipality and our more recent recruits. The roles are diverse, embracing oversight of parish assets, raising revenue, maintenance of roads and law enforcement, and each requires a different skillset, albeit founded on each individual's sense of duty.

Engagement through the parish system has so many benefits to each of us as volunteers and to the Island. Some of the duties would doubtless have to be undertaken by professionals if those able to contribute to the parish didn’t offer their time, in many cases for multiple decades. I gather one of the Inspecteurs de Chemins has been a member of the municipality in one form or another for some 50 years - that’s a tremendous commitment! As I continue to learn about the parish system it is increasingly apparent that much of what we cherish about our Island has been preserved and protected by the service of these dedicated individuals who, together, achieve so much.

Once again, thank you for reading. If you need us urgently, your Duty Centenier can be reached on 07797 715602 Alternatively, please email honpol@stlawrence.je. We’d be happy to hear from you.

Centenier Norman Laverack

Les Laurentins Winter 2025

Celebrations Brightly 100 Years

Brightly, formerly Brig-y-Don Children’s Convalescent and Holiday Home, has been celebrating a 100 years of supporting children in Jersey with events ranging from planted flower displays in the Howard Davis and The Lower Park courtesy of the Parish of St Helier; flying of the Brightly flags all over the island and the publication of an original book launched at St Clement’s Primary School and given to children in Years 1 and 2 islandwide.

Two special events were held, one at Brig-y-Don House for people with a connection to the home, the other at Government House in June where many memories were shared and old friendships renewed.

The centenary will end with the planting of a time capsule at Brig-yDon House to be opened in another 100 years.

Saying Goodbye After 46 Years

The centenary year will see the retirement of its longest serving member of staff Allison le Blancq after 46 years.

“My 46-year journey with Brig-y-Don Children’s Charity began in 1979 with a one-year role in the playgroup. The wonderful staff showed me what it was to be part of a caring, fun, supportive team who looked after and advocated for the children, unable to be with their families, with such compassion that I am still with the charity.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff and Board members I have worked with over the years. It has been a privilege to work for such an invaluable charity,” she said.

Brightly wishes to thank all its donors large or small for the support given to the charity and looks forward to the next 100 years!

For more information contact Wendy@brightly.je

RBC flying flags for Brightly in 2025

Allision le Blancq – retiring after 46 years

St Lawrence Primary School

It has been another busy and joyful few weeks at St Lawrence School!

We were delighted to join voices with our friends from St John, Les Landes and Mont Nicolle in a mega choir for Jersey Children’s Day. What a wonderful way to celebrate together through song!

Our Sports Celebration was a real highlight before the Summer Holidays. We congratulated children from Years 5 and 6 who represented the school in the Jersey Primary Athletics Championships, showing fantastic effort, resilience and sportsmanship throughout two exciting days of competition. We are incredibly proud of them all.

In Year 2, the children enjoyed a fascinating workshop with Greg from the Orchid Foundation. Each pupil had the chance to handle their own orchid flower while learning about the different parts of the plant and how they grow. Greg explained that orchids often take 5–7 years to bloom — about the same age as our Year 2s!

The children were amazed to discover that one orchid even shares a name with our Headmaster, and they were captivated by another variety with a foul smell that attracts flies to help pollination. A huge thank you to The Orchid Foundation for bringing science to life in such a memorable way.

There has been a special language moment to tell you about, as Year 3 pupils gave Year 2 their very first French lesson. Our

by Amory Charlesworth, Head Teacher

budding linguists can now hold a simple conversation — perfect preparation for anyone who went to France for their summer holidays!

Music continues to thrive at St Lawrence. We are thrilled to congratulate our sixteen new Bronze Music Ambassadors and two Silver Ambassadors. These children have demonstrated dedication by supporting their peers, joining recorder club and orchestra, and practising beyond lesson time. Well done on this wonderful achievement!

As the new school year gets underway, we bid a fond farewell to our Year 6 children. We thank them for their contribution to school life and wish them every success as they move on to Year 7. At the same time, we give a warm welcome to our new nursery pupils, who are settling in beautifully and enjoying the start of their journey with us.

Finally, cooking has got off to a fantastic start this term with the help of Caring Cooks of Jersey. Year 1 pupils have begun the Let’s Get Cooking programme, learning essential kitchen skills such as safety, food hygiene, spreading, grating and measuring. Their first challenge was to make cheese and tomato sandwiches — and what a delicious beginning to their food journey it was!

It has been wonderful to see so much learning, creativity and joy in school life at this early point in the academic year — a true celebration of our community.

Mega Choir Performance at Howard Davis Park

Music Ambassadors

New Nursery Class settling in

Orchid Foundation Visit

Year 1 Cookery Lesson

Year 6 Leavers Day

THE SCOOP

News, insights

and

seasonal recipes from your local farm shop!

By Kaspar Wimberley

The team at SCOOP are busy getting ready for a Christmas that celebrates local producers, sustainable gift ideas and delicious festive food.

There will be cooking workshops, wreath making, German biscuit making, SCOOP vouchers, and an opportunity to gift somebody a locally grown fruit tree. The kitchen team will be making our popular sugar free mincemeat, traditional cloth bound Christmas puddings and vegetarian nut roasts, while the shop team will be placing orders for organic bronze turkeys, handmade beeswax candles, artisan cheeses and German hazelnut praline. We’ll have plenty of locally crafted items too, from pottery to woodturned bowls and chopping boards. Pop in to find out more!

SCOOP SCHOOL

The Sustainable Cooperative works with a range of schools and educational groups to explore the notion of conservation cooking and the impact our food system has on our health, the environment and the community around us.

We focus on hands-on learning – harvesting produce at local farms, cooking together, building pizza ovens, cultivating mushrooms, developing design and technology ideas, or working in our glass reuse facility. Hopefully some of the 600 children we have worked with can now go home and make their own fresh pasta, personalised pies, or sushi! We also support Young Enterprise initiatives and offer placements for Project Trident and the DofE Award.

We aim to provide memorable experiences in which young people learn new life skills and gain a deeper understanding towards regenerative farming practices and the provenance of their food. We hope that this can help them feel more connected to the rural economy and take the lead in creating a more sustainable future.

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.

800g Stewing meat of choice (If using meat)

800ml Water (ca. 1.25l if using meat)

50ml Sunflower Oil

2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar

5 tbsp Tomato Concentrate

500g Beetroot

200g Onions

200g Carrots

200g Potatoes

¼ Celery

50g Celeriac (optional)

¼ Garlic Bulb

15g Fresh Dill

15g Parsley

2 Bay Leaves

¼ tbsp Coarsely Ground Black Pepper

½ tbsp Salt

¼ tsp Smoked Paprika/Paprika

¼ tsp Caraway Seeds, crushed

Ukrainian Borscht

A warming hearty winter stew

Serves 4-6

• (If using meat ) Rub salt and pepper into the meat and then brown in a little oil. Add approximately 1 litre of water, the bay leaves, half the garlic, a small onion or leeks. Simmer for 2-3 hours until meat is tender and falls off the bone. Skim off some of the fat and reserve the liquid as stock. Break meat up into small chunks.

• Boil half the beetroot in water until tender. Peel and grate. Put to one side.

• Crush or finely dice the garlic, coarsely grate the carrots and celeriac, finely slice the celery, dice the onions. Sauté these vegetables in the oil with the caraway and some of the salt and pepper until soft.

• Grate and add the remaining raw beetroot and continue to sauté until al dente.

• Add the peeled chunky chopped potatoes and sauté for a further 10 minutes.

• Add water or meat stock and cook until potatoes are done, then add the meat, herbs, grated cooked beetroot and the remaining finely diced or crushed garlic.

• Season with red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Serve with sour cream and chunky bread.

A borscht is even better the next day.

Enjoy!

St Lawrence

Community

Market

by Rose Morin

We were so sorry, due to unforeseen circumstances, that the October Market had to be cancelled at the last minute. We know this would have been a great disappointment to everyone, not just our stall holders but all those of you who come each month to join friends for lunch or just a cup of coffee and a chat

We are looking forward to the November Market and our Christmas Market on 5th December. This is always good, with a full complement of stall holders selling Christmas produce and gifts. We also serve a roast Christmas lunch in addition to the scallops so I hope many of you will come along to enjoy the extra special festive atmosphere.

There will be no market in January as we are taking a short break, but we will be back on 6th February and will look forward to seeing you then.

Most months there are free tables for anyone having something to sell and it’s always good to have some variety for our customers. If you would like to give it a try, we provide a large table for £6 or £10 for 2 so please get in touch. My contact details are below.

The whole team at the market wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and a Healthy 2026.

Rose Morin

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

Jean Le Cornu Meet the stallholder

Here is another in our series meeting the stallholders who can be found regularly at the St Lawrene Community Market on the first Friday of each month (except January). This time we meet Jean Le Cornu who tells us a little about her passion for the art of crochet.

Istarted crocheting over 40 years ago as a hobby. I have always crocheted baby items and thoroughly enjoyed it.

As I am now retired, I spend a lot more time crocheting and sell my items at many local markets including the St Lawrence Community Market. I use good quality yarn and look for interesting patterns. As well as having a range of items for sale at the markets, I also take orders.

I make shoes, booties, mittens, hats, matinée coats, cardigans and jumpers, as well as blankets.

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

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Paper/Card, Plastic & Tins Glass

Monday 12th

Monday 9th

Monday 9th

Monday 13th

Monday 11th

Monday 8th

Monday 13th

Monday 10th

Monday 14th

Monday 12th

Monday 9th

Monday 7th

If your refuse is collected on a Friday

Month

January

February

March

Monday 19th

Monday 16th

Monday 16th

Monday 20th

Monday 18th

Monday 15th

Monday 20th

Monday 17th

Monday 21st

Monday 19th

Monday 16th

Monday 14th

Paper/Card, Plastic & Tins Glass

Tuesday 13th

Tuesday 10th

Tuesday 10th

Tuesday 20th

Tuesday 17th

Tuesday 17th

April Tuesday 14th Tuesday 21st

May Tuesday 12th Tuesday 19th

June Tuesday 9th

Tuesday 16th

July Tuesday 14th Tuesday 21st

August Tuesday 11th

September Tuesday 15th

October

Tuesday 13th

November Tuesday 10th

December

Tuesday 8th

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

Tuesday 18th

Tuesday 22nd

Tuesday 20th

Tuesday 17th

Tuesday 15th

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 !

Myth Plastic bottle tops can’t be recycled.

FAct !

Metal lids and tops should be removed and placed with your household metal recycling. Glass can damage the Energy Recovery Facility , leading to costly repairs. It must be recycled properly.

bottle tops can be recycled, so don’t throw them away!

Ancient Parish Path Parishioners Walk an

by Marion Hibbeard

It was in early July that I was contacted by parishioner, Colin Vibert who had some concerns about the state of an historical path in the parish, which is maintained by a private owner. He and his wife, Angela, are both keen walkers and the previous Sunday they had decided to attempt the walk described as ‘West St Lawrence’ from the book ‘Discovering Jersey – 30 Circular Walks’ by John Mallett.

The walk begins just behind the Church in the path officially known as Chemin de Corps (a coffin path), but unfortunately, they failed at the first hurdle. The moment they turned off the road, they could see the path was impassable through being overgrown – very likely a victim of the storms that devastated many parts of the Island in recent times.

A few weeks later, however, Mr Vibert contacted me again delighted that it appeared the path had been cleared and on the 15th August, Colin and Angela, finally completed the walk. He advised that: “you need sturdy shoes, appropriate clothing for brambles, stinging nettles and so on, dry weather, and on the way down be prepared to climb over fallen trees. The way up from the valley is easy”.

I have since also walked along the path which, after negotiating a few fallen down tree trunks (no mean feat for someone in his early 80s like Mr Vibert) then takes a left turn at the bottom and rises a little steeply to emerge next to Badier Farm in Les Charrieres Malorey.

Jersey Village Vets 10th Anniversary

“At the heart of the Community” is a phrase that can be banded about without substance but here at Jersey Village Vets, it’s more ethos than phrase.

As Jersey Village Vets enters its eleventh year, having previously traded as Allen Rushton-Taylor Vets since 1976, our mission to be at the heart of the outlying Parishes, goes from strength to strength.

Most of our team know most of our clients, and more often than not, a chat and a catch up proceeds an appointment.

We throw ourselves into community projects and strive to help our communities where we can. To us at Jersey Village Vets, our clients are our friends and as the world and peoples lives become more insular and isolated, it’s important to us to maintain that human interaction when we can. We consciously locate our five, well equipped branches and expert teams, in the country Parishes and always aim to support those parishioners and communities we serve. That’s not to say we distract from our core value of providing your pets with the best possible care and compassion, using the most up to date methods and state of the art equipment. We just like to go that one step further and really be at the heart of the community.

Sporty, elegant and visually stunning

Urban Legends

Urban trees have become something of a cause célèbre recently, with good reason. While we’ve long known about their benefits, the idea is now gaining wider traction.

There’s no shortage of excellent reasons for this, of course, including the twin drivers of shade and cooling; indeed, most of us have experienced the heat-retaining properties of concrete and metal that can make urban life unbearable, especially further south.

Boosting urban tree cover is a relatively simple way to improve life for millions, with statistics firmly backing this up. It’s beyond doubt that urban tree cover lowers maximum temperatures, reducing heat-related deaths. In fact, a 2023 study in The Lancet posited that 30% canopy cover in Europe could have prevented almost 40% of deaths during extreme heatwaves.

Spending time around trees provides a wide range of health benefits, notably improving air quality, lowering blood pressure, boosting immunity and reducing the prevalence of heat-related health issues. It also reduces stress and anxiety, improves mood and can even benefit cognitive function.

In 2021, Dutch urban forestry expert Dr. Cecil Konijindijk devised a new rule of thumb for urban planning. Seeking a mantra to “enhance urban greenery, biodiversity, climate adaptation and public health”, he coined 3+30+300:

• At least three mature trees visible from every home, school and workplace.

• Minimum 30% tree canopy cover in every neighbourhood.

• Residents live 300 metres (max.) from nearest high-quality green space.

While the numbers clearly have an arbitrary element to them, the criteria do not. Tree visibility, canopy cover and access are all integral to optimal neighbourhood life.

How does St Helier fare? Let’s not forget how many of us head there daily, after all. According to Global Forest Watch, it has 4.17% cover – a very low figure compared to UK cities like London and Birmingham (18-19%) or even the least green US cities like Denver (9.6%) and Phoenix (8.5%).

While it’d be wrong to compare like-for-like with these metropolises, it’s still a fascinating metric that strongly suggests we could be a lot greener. You can’t plant trees anywhere, however, making it vital to protect what we have.

For example, the felling of 33 mature trees at St Joseph’s Care Home was successfully blocked but, at the time of writing, is under appeal. These are the only trees visible to many of the residents, providing colour, wildlife and seasonal variation in a way only nature can.

Surprisingly few trees are protected locally and there’s certainly a strong case for more tree protection. Architects can also make a huge difference by integrating existing trees into design.

It’s not going to get any cooler, so it’s time to up our urban tree game.

Beautiful magnolia tree at St Joseph’s

Three trees outside St John’s Ambulance add leafy greenery to Midvale Road

A stunning old tree in La Motte Street

Percentage of tree cover by parish according to Global Forest Watch, 2020

of working for the UNHCR in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh Experiences and Impressions

By Amber Mezbourian

Since January 2025, I’ve been living in Cox’s Bazar, a coastal city of around 200,000 people in south-east Bangladesh. It’s one of the country’s most popular domestic tourist destinations, with busloads of visitors arriving daily to enjoy the long sandy beach and bustling markets.

Just 30 kilometres away, however, lies a very different reality: the world’s largest refugee settlement. Almost 1.2 million Rohingya refugees are crammed into an area nearly five times smaller than Jersey, with a population density of 48,000 people per square kilometre.

By comparison, the most recent census in Jersey [in 2021] showed my home Parish of St Lawrence had a population density of 566 people per square kilometre.

The Rohingya are a stateless ethnic minority from neighbouring Myanmar. For decades, they’ve experienced persecution – denied citizenship, barred from education and jobs, and restricted in their movements.

In 2017, following brutal violence by the Myanmar military, hundreds of thousands fled across the border into Bangladesh. The United Nations described the atrocities they faced as a ‘textbook example of ethnic cleansing’, with entire villages burned, and rape, torture, and killing carried out on a mass scale.

The conflict in Myanmar continues, and around 150,000 people have arrived in the refugee camps over the past 18 months.

Seeking asylum is not a crime – it is a fundamental human right, protected under international law. Most refugees seek safety in neighbouring countries, hoping to one day return home. In fact,

nearly three quarters of the world’s refugees are hosted by lowand middle-income countries, many of which face significant challenges of their own.

UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, works with the Government of Bangladesh and other partners to provide shelter, food, clean water, healthcare, and protection to Rohingya refugees, who rely almost entirely on humanitarian aid to survive.

Thanks to support from Jersey Overseas Aid, I’ve joined UNHCR’s external relations team through the UN’s Junior Professional Officer (JPO) programme. My role involves strategic communications, organising donor visits to the camps, and reporting on the impact of our work.

The refugee camps are densely packed and precarious. Shortly after I arrived in Cox’s Bazar, a colleague showed me a ‘hazard calendar’ outlining the cycle of risks throughout the year –cyclones, floods, landslides, and fires.

October marks the end of the rainy season, when heavy downpours can trigger landslides that destroy shelters and endanger lives. Children are at risk of drowning in swollen ponds and streams.

During the dry season, a stray spark from a stove or discarded cigarette can quickly spread through the cramped bamboo and tarpaulin shelters. UNHCR trains refugee volunteers to respond to fires, but the narrow roads and steep hillsides make access difficult for fire-fighting equipment.

One of my first tasks here was to report on UNHCR’s emergency response to a fire that killed a five-year-old child, injured multiple people, and destroyed around 50 shelters. This was a sobering introduction to the challenges of refugee life.

Rohingya refugees are not officially allowed to work or to leave the camps. Over half the population is under the age of 18, meaning a whole generation is growing up behind a barbed wire fence, with little experience of the world beyond and limited opportunities for the future.

Those Rohingya who remember life in Myanmar dream of returning home. But unless the situation there significantly improves, it is not safe for them to go back. Instead, they remain in limbo.

Just weeks into my posting to Bangladesh, the US government – the world’s largest humanitarian donor – announced a freeze on foreign aid, followed by sweeping cuts. The UK and other countries have also slashed humanitarian budgets. The ripple effect was immediate, with organisations around the world scaling back operations and laying off staff.

UNHCR estimates that 11.6 million displaced people globally risk losing direct assistance in 2025.

In Bangladesh, Rohingya refugees face deteriorating conditions. Funding cuts threaten vital services like education, healthcare, and food. UNHCR has had to make impossible decisions over what to prioritise, even though refugees here depend on aid for nearly everything.

Many countries are reducing foreign assistance and looking inward, but people will continue to seek safety across borders from violence, persecution, and other hardships.

Jersey has a proud tradition of looking outward, supporting people far beyond its shores. For such a small place, Islanders have consistently shown they can make a big difference. Jersey Overseas Aid offers many opportunities to get involved, including through volunteering placements, internships, and the UN’s JPO programme.

With shrinking funding the future of humanitarian work feels uncertain. Nonetheless I am grateful for the chance to contribute to UNHCR’s response to this overlooked crisis in Bangladesh.

My personal experiences of the past year have convinced me that now, more than ever, the international community must uphold its obligation to share responsibility for refugees more fairly and show solidarity and compassion to those in desperate need.

Les Laurentins Winter 2025

Delivering more than Healthcare –the Social Value of the new Acute Hospital

In my previous quarterly updates on the progress of the New Healthcare Facilities Programme (NHFP), I have focused on key developments and milestones. However, this Programme is about more than just bricks and mortar – it is about creating lasting benefits for Jersey that extend well beyond the enhanced healthcare services enabled by the new buildings and infrastructure.

What is Social Value – and why does it matter?

I confess, Social Value is not something that meant a lot to me as a phrase before I started working as a Minister. Here, it refers refers to the broader positive impact a project can have on society beyond its core purpose. These are all part of a business case for a project that tries to communicate not just the cost of a project, but also the benefits, including Social Value. For the NHFP, this means making sure that every pound invested not only delivers new healthcare infrastructure, but also supports jobs, skills development, community wellbeing, and environmental sustainability, locally and also globally.

Social value is considered in every procurement across the Programme, ensuring that benefits are measurable and meaningful. Contractual commitments will deliver long-lasting improvements for Jersey – during construction and into the future. This is a Government of Jersey requirement for all procurements and the NHF Programme is taking it very seriously.

The Programme has committed to 19 areas for Social Value that are aligned with Jersey’s Common Strategic Policy and the Future Jersey vision, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Social value in action – Jersey Demolition Contractors

Much of the social value activity will be confirmed once a Main Works Delivery Partner has been appointed, however meaningful social value is already being achieved through contracts already awarded. For example, social value was fully embraced by Jersey Demolition Contractors (JDC) during the demolition of more than 20 buildings and associated structures at Overdale. Amongst other social value, JDC added:

• more than 200 hours volunteering towards biodiversity at Overdale, including planting and replacing hedgerows that were damaged by Storm Ciarán

• sub-contracted work as part of the demolition project to at least 10 local companies

• provided more than 300 hours of training and development as part of the Overdale demolition contract, enhancing the knowledge and skills of the existing workforce

In addition, JDC donated more than £13,000 worth of demolition waste from the site, including timber to local charities to support the circular economy.

Constructing Your Success

The Constructing Your Success education outreach programme, which ran in October 2024, was designed to inspire young people to explore careers inconstruction and the built environment. Delivered as a partnership between the NHFP team and Skills Jersey, the initiative aimed to build students’ confidence, skills, and awareness of the wide range of careers available within the sector.

During the programme, the team hosted a week of sessions tailored for students in Years 7 to 11. A total of 12 sessions were delivered, supported by 19 volunteers – including the NHFP team and professionals from contractors working on the NHFP – who collectively contributed 136 hours of their time. The programme included creative engineering challenges, project management tasks, and insights into roles such as quantity surveying, architecture, and electrical engineering.

Feedback from the week was overwhelmingly positive. Of the 23 students who attended, 91% reported feeling inspired to pursue a career in construction by the end of

• employed six people facing barriers or challenges to employment to work on site.

it is a long-term commitment. The Programme’s approach includes monthly monitoring, quarterly reviews, and annual reporting with all parties involved in the Programme (including professional advisors) to ensure that objectives are met, and lessons are learned.

This structured and robust approach ensures that social value is delivered consistently and meaningfully throughout the life of the Programme. As described here, it’s not just the Programme’s contractors who contribute towards the social value initiatives, but the Government of Jersey Programme team, too.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SHINGLES

This year more Islanders are eligible for their shingles vaccination than ever before:

Those aged 50+ with a weakened immune system

Those turning 60 this year

Those aged 68 to 79 who have not previously been vaccinated for shingles

Anyone who's had chickenpox in the past may still go on to develop shingles.

Vaccination provides strong protection from shingles and reduces your chances of getting serious problems if you do get shingles.

Shingles can be very painful and is most common in people aged 60+.

Contact your doctor’s surgery to book an appointment today.

You’re a sky full of stars!

Mike Haden, former Chef de Police in St Lawrence, is the Chairman of the Jersey Branch of Hands Around The World. HATWJ has developed a strong partnership with a number of schools in south-west Rwanda. Mike regularly arranges opportunities for volunteers to visit and participate in HATWJ projects in the country.

The highlight of our visit last year to Bugarama in Rwanda was a gathering in the playground at St Paul Muko School of over 300 students with teachers from Jersey and Rwanda, singing and dancing to Coldplay’s song to celebrate the end of a ten-day teaching programme.

These were ‘Street Children’ who had dropped out of school through poverty or family breakdown. They were being supported by the school with regular meals, reintegration into classes as well as sports, music and dance activities and, in some of the most desperate cases, provided with hostel accommodation.

The aim of the programme was to raise self-esteem, improve reading and confidence in English and above all create an atmosphere where they enjoyed learning and could be successful – summed up in the words of the Coldplay song: You’re a sky full of stars!

Fourteen teachers from various Jersey schools worked in collaboration with local Rwandan teachers. The success of the programme was evident in the positive relationships between teachers and learners which visibly grew throughout the ten days.

Six other volunteers with HATWJ worked alongside local volunteers and workers renovating and painting classrooms. Our catchphrase is ‘Giving a Hand, not a Handout’.

by Mike Haden

Besides the Street Children programme our partner schools in Bugarama have developed a number of self-help schemes. We admire their determination and commitment to improve teaching and learning conditions and support disadvantaged students, and we have been delighted to do what we can to support them.

In one of these schemes, Father Emmanuel, the headteacher at St Paul Muko, after a visit to Jersey, decided that he would introduce support for disabled children to access school. Thirtyfive children who had previously been hidden away and stayed at home, started attending school for the first time in May this year.

Over the past 15 years, Jersey Overseas Aid has given us magnificent support enabling us to build new classrooms and reduce overcrowding. Most recently they gave us a three-year grant totalling £520,000. This comes with a commitment on our part to raise a further £280,000. A massive task for a small volunteer organisation but something we have achieved – and exceeded!

There isn’t room in a short article to tell you everything about our partnership in Rwanda. You can read more about it in our new website www.hatwj.org.uk. Anyone interested in finding out more about what might be involved in volunteering with us, contact Mike on hatwjersy@gmail.com

Disabled Assembly

Bugarama Cite new building

Emyr’s experience of volunteering - July 2024

The three weeks I was there I felt fully prepared and comfortable from the support received from the HATW team. The members and associates of the charity in Bugarama were overwhelmingly hospitable. I loved the generous welcoming nature of celebrations involving speeches and traditional dances; the unique gifts including chickens. Above all I felt embraced into the routines of their lives making me rapidly feel a part of the community and an established friend.

Street children

Local volunteers

ST LAWRENCE Youth Project

by Jamie Dyer,

Following on from the success of our “Festa Italiana” fundraiser earlier this summer, we were able to use the money raised to provide some activities and opportunities for our young people across the summer holidays.

We kept the project open one evening a week as a drop-in session for our young people to attend and it was fantastic to have a core group engage through the holidays.

We started off with a litter pick as a way to give something back to the community who have so generously supported us with our fundraising and helped to make some of these activities possible. We spent a few hours walking the lanes around club and gathering as much litter as we could (and enjoying some snacks) and had quite the collection by the end of it. We’re hoping to use this to inspire some focus on other environmental issues in club sessions.

We also visited Love Bird for some pottery painting! It was lovely to get creative in a slightly different medium than we’re used to at club and the finished results were great! We celebrated our creations with some frozen yoghurt and toppings! An amazing day!

The money generated from Festa Italiana meant that we were able to offer a trip to the Valley Adventure Centre to go on the zip line and giant king swing at no cost to our young people. These activities gave them the opportunity to challenge themselves and take the kind of managed risks that are essential to healthy development. They demonstrated amazing teamwork, and all supported each other to step outside their comfort zone and try something amazing and I think we're as proud of them as they are of each other!

We unfortunately couldn’t go surfing due to the tail end of the recent storm disrupting the surf, but our amazing and resilient young people still managed to enjoy lunch at the Watersplash and a round of mini golf at Rocco’s!

We also held an end of summer party at club where we watched movies, ate popcorn and pizza and played music and games!

All in all, a fairly successful summer and with an upcoming residential at the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Activity Centre at Crabbé to look forward to for our seniors, the fun isn’t set to stop just yet!

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+ £1 entry Wednesday 7-9pm Inters Years 7 & 8 £1 entry Friday 7-9pm Juniors Years 5 & 6 £1.50 entry

Lead Youth Worker at St Lawrence Youth Project

St

Ladies Action

by Liz Pallot, Chair

Lawrence Group

The St Lawrence Ladies Action Group did not meet during August; however, we're delighted to have made donations to various local charities, including £650 to ‘You Matter’ and £200 to ‘Caring Cooks’

We are also thrilled about the success of our stall at the St Lawrence Day event, which raised £140 for the church. A huge thankyou to everyone who supported us - we could not do it without you.

Our recent Jumble Sale at the Parish Hall raised an impressive £412.76! A huge thankyou to everyone who helped set up, sell items, and browsed the stalls. It was fantastic to see our new members joining in and contributing to the lovely atmosphere. The hall was buzzing with people snapping up some fantastic bargains. Well done to all involved.

Each year we support the St Peter’s Church Christmas Tree Festival. It was decided at a meeting to decorate pine cones and place these on the tree. During our September meeting examples were shared with members and they are now busy sticking and gluing making colourful creations, some of which will be on sale at our Christmas Fayre.

Over the next few months, we are planning a range of exciting events, including:

SATURDAY 29TH NOVEMBER

Our annual Christmas Fayre at the Parish Hall

SATURDAY 21ST FEBRUARY

Jumble Sale at the Parish Hall

For anyone that is new to the Parish and does not realise what the St Lawrence Ladies Action Group is all about, we are a group of ladies of all ages, proud to be working together fund raising to help local charities and also we treat our senior parishioners to a Christmas party each year.

We have had some new members join our group but there is always space for more. If you feel this is something you would like to be involved with please email liz.pallot@gmail.com or just turn up at one of our meetings at St Lawrence Parish Hall on the second Monday of each month (except August) at 7:45pm.

All are welcome.

Les Laurentins Winter 2025

Our members helping at the Jumble Sale

Anne Amy on the bric-a-brac stall

Carol Le Maistre and Lynn Bouchard on the book stall

Stuart Court

by Elaine Jackson, Home Manager

As the leaves have turned golden and the evenings are drawing in, our residents have been keeping busy with a wide range of autumn activities.

Gentle exercise sessions have been a regular feature, helping everyone stay active and energised. Alongside this, our craft sessions have brought out lots of creativity including seasonal decorations with an autumnal focus.

We’ve also enjoyed several outings, giving residents the opportunity to explore the local area, take in the fresh air, and enjoy time together outside the home. Musical entertainment has been another highlight, with visiting performers and singalongs lifting spirits and filling our home with music and laughter.

Of course, no season is complete without celebrations. We’ve marked residents’ birthdays with plenty of cake and cheer, and everyone enjoyed getting into the spirit of Halloween with themed decorations, costumes, and a fun-filled party.

Looking ahead, our community has been busy planning a revamp of the patio garden. Residents have been sharing their ideas for plants, seating, and features to make the space even more welcoming and enjoyable for all.

ST LAWRENCEWI

by Veronica Langlois

It has been a joyful and active autumn, and we look forward to many more memorable moments as we move towards the festive season.

Each summer St Lawrence WI plans an outing. In August we went to a special opening for us of the National Trust Georgian House next to De Gruchy’s. We all dived into the gift shop where there are unique high quality gifts for sale.

Then we felt very privileged to have a succession of guides telling us the history of the house which is set out as it would have been in the time of Philippe Journeaux in 1800. We saw that he worked from home as a public notary. They were a wealthy bourgeois family whose house had extensive gardens back in the day. The guide explained the building procedure due to the sand-based ground.

In those days, the house and gardens were run by several servants. One, the cook, explained the fascinating kitchen to us. We were surprised that the 12-year-old kitchen maid slept under the table. This was a better proposition for her, apparently, than staying at home. Some members felt that this regency house was not so distant from their own past. People brought up in the country remembered water coming from the well, the copper for heating the water and a weekly bath in a tub in front of the fire.

Our tour ended in the beautifully panelled club room where an excellent afternoon tea was served.

It was a great visit, and the National Trust would like more groups to make these special bookings. They can be contacted at: enquiries@nationaltrust.je

St Lawrence WI contacts are: 01534 736093 or stlawrence.wi@gmail.com

Framed portrait of Philippe Journeaux

Afternoon Tea in the Club Room

In the gift shop

In the kitchen

Rosemary Le Moine

Colleen McQueen

ONE DIABETES DIAGNOSIS EVERY DAY IN JERSEY

In almost all of its publicity, and even at the foot of many of the letter written from Diabetes Jersey will use the phrase that “every day one more person in Jersey acquires diabetes”. This is statistically accurate since the number each year is circa 400, i.e. around one every day.

Why does this happen?

Diabetes is all about sugar in the blood and occurs when the body becomes incapable of controlling how much sugar our blood is prepared to accept. Fortunately for most of us, our pancreas produces the hormone insulin which automatically regulates glucose levels in our blood.

Just what stimulates the pancreas in some people either to stop abruptly producing insulin or to slow down its production is not known. Therefore, there is no way we can prevent it. No-one has yet invented a vaccine and Type 1 diabetes (where the pancreas stops producing insulin completely) can strike children as young as two or three years old.

While there is no early detection of Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 can be detected with a simple blood test and if detected early enough, can be managed, and even reversed.

Today managing Type 1 diabetes with insulin injections is commonplace.

Type 2 diabetes, which occurs as the pancreas progressively produces less insulin, while not actually preventable, can be managed and diminished, either by diet or medication and particularly by the way in which we live.

What we consume can have a significant impact. If we knowingly adopt a lifestyle to which our body objects – putting on weight is the most obvious objection – then achieving well-being becomes more difficult. Sugar exists in almost everything we consume, e.g., fructose in fruit, lactose in dairy products and glucose generally.

However your lifestyle leading you down a path to Type 2 diabetes , is the very last thing you want.

Many elements of our adult lifestyle can increase the risk of acquiring Type 2 diabetes, e.g., being overweight, not exercising, drinking to excess and smoking. What’s more, already having diabetes in the family also increases that risk.

In Jersey around 4,500 people have diabetes of which around ten per cent are Type 1.

Flu and COVID-19 continue to pose a risk to thousands of Islanders who have lower levels of protection.

Vaccination is an important part of building your defences. Particularly if you are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and the flu.

If you’re 65 and over, or pregnant, or living with certain health conditions you’re eligible for a flu vaccine.

If you’re aged 75 and over, or living in a care home for older adults, or immunosuppressed, you’re eligible for both a COVID-19 and flu vaccine.

Book your appointment today:

Contact your doctor’s surgery. For more information or to check you’re eligible visit gov.je/wintervaccines

The Importance of Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations

As winter arrives, it’s crucial to think about keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe from illness. Two viruses that pose a risk to Islanders during winter are influenza and COVID-19. By increasing our defences through vaccination, our bodies are more able to fight off these viruses.

Why Vaccination is Crucial

Both flu and COVID-19 can be serious for many Islanders. According to Professor Peter Bradley, Director of Public Health and Medical Officer for Health, “Most people who get COVID-19 or flu experience mild illness, but some can develop severe disease.” This includes older people, young children, and those with conditions where the immune system may not be as strong, like heart or lung disease.

“The more people who are vaccinated, the less these viruses circulate, giving better protection for people with weaker immune systems and ensuring the health system can continue to function.” explains Prof. Bradley.

What’s in the Vaccines, and How Do They Work?

Both vaccines help the immune system build defences. They contain weakened proteins from the virus, allowing the immune system to develop a response without exposing us to the full virus. This means that if we do encounter the virus, our bodies are better prepared to fight it off quickly, helping us avoid serious illness. Over time, viruses mutate and our immunity wanes which is why booster doses are necessary. While not all vaccines prevent infection, they do significantly reduce the severity of the illness and risk of long-term complications.

Vaccine Safety

Vaccine safety is a common concern for some, especially given the speed at which COVID-19 vaccines were developed. Prof. Bradley emphasises, “COVID-19 vaccines went through the same rigorous testing as other vaccines but was done at speed thanks to advancements in technology. These vaccines have been administered to hundreds of millions of people, with their safety closely monitored.”

When Islanders choose to be vaccinated, the entire community is protected.

Professor Peter Bradley Director of Public Health

Side effects are usually limited to some soreness or redness at the injection site. “Serious side effects are rare and are much less common than the complications from the illnesses themselves.”

Prof. Bradley stresses.

Understanding Vaccine Fatigue

With regular COVID-19 boosters and other vaccines being offered over the last few years, some may feel exhausted by the idea of another. Prof. Bradley urges us to consider the broader picture: “These are serious diseases, and the viruses causing them are constantly changing. By getting vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself but also those around you. Someone infected with flu could infect another four people.”

Defending Our Island Community

High vaccination rates in Jersey have helped us avoid outbreaks of illnesses seen in other places like measles. Prof. Bradley notes, “When Islanders choose to be vaccinated, the entire community is protected.”

“If you’re unsure about getting a flu or COVID-19 vaccine, a simple first step is to check your eligibility on gov.je or consult your GP. In most cases, they will reassure you that vaccination is safe and highly beneficial.”

It’s Never Too Late

The Royal Society for Public Health emphasises that it’s never too late to get vaccinated. Even if you’ve missed previous doses, it is still beneficial to protect yourself going forward.

Take a proactive step to defend your health and the wellbeing of your loved ones this winter. Getting vaccinated means fewer days spent ill and more time enjoying the season.

Contact your GP or visit gov.je/wintervaccines for more information.

by Susan Parker

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

Few books have eaten their way into the hearts of more children than “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”. Written by Eric Carle, the book was first published in 1969 and has since sold over 60 million copies and been translated into more than 80 different languages – and now Jèrriais is one of those languages.

The book launch event at the zoo was attended by around 150 children and parents, where they enjoyed craft activities, dramatic book readings and received a free copy of the book.

The fun, energetic drama production brought the excitement of live theatre to young learners at 19 primary schools around the Island this term and was enjoyed by over 2,500 children. An audio recording of the story can be found at www.jerriais.org.je and additional copies of the book are available to purchase online at jerriais.sumupstore.com

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

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

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

Every year since the publication of J’allons à la chasse à l’ourse (We’re Going on a Bear Hunt) in 2018, the Jèrriais Teaching Service has translated a well-known children’s book which has been gifted to children starting school in Reception, including La P’tite Gruffalinne (The Gruffalo’s Child) in 2020 and D’vinnâle dé Marmoûset (Monkey Puzzle) in 2022.

This year, it is the turn of La Carpéleuse Hardi Affanmée (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) which is being given to 1,000 children throughout the Island to encourage young readers and their families to explore Jersey’s native language.

To celebrate the publication of La Carpéleuse Hardi Affanmée, the Jèrriais Teaching Service held a launch event at Jersey Zoo and staged a number of duallanguage performances in Jèrriais and English, in partnership with Flair Entertainment and kindly supported by Le Don Balleine Incorporated Association, as part of the Jersey Festival of Words 2025 Schools Programme.

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

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

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

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

MONDAYS Santander Work Café, St Helier 1.00 - 1.50pm TUESDAYS The Adelphi Pub, St Helier 5.30 - 6.30pm

WEDNESDAYS The Village Café, St Martin 10.30 - 11.30am

THURSDAYS Jersey Museum, St Helier 10.30 - 11.30am

FRIDAYS Jersey Pearl, St Ouen 10.30 - 11.30am

À la préchaine!

(Until next time)

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

Photos courtesy of Peter Mourant, Jersey Festival of Words

LEFT: Tama Coxshall (left) and Jemima Horn (right) reading the story in Jèrriais and English at the launch event at Jersey Zoo

André (caterpillar), Sam (narrator) and Rachael (butterfly) from Flair Entertainment brought the story to life

Scan to find out more

Help to prevent flooding:

Dos and don’t s

As the wetter weather approaches and autumn draws in, we kindly ask Islanders to take simple steps to help prevent flooding. By working together, we can reduce the risks to our roads, homes, and environment.

DO

Check and clean your drains and gutters

Ensure your gutters and surface water drains are free of debris, particularly after heavy rain.

Maintain watercourses

If a stream or watercourse runs through your property, keep it clear to ensure the free flow of water and prevent upstream flooding.

DON’ T

Don’t leave branchage debris on roads

After completing branchage or bank maintenance, ensure any cuttings are fully cleared from the road. Leaves, twigs, and branches can block drainage systems.

Help with road gullies

If you notice a road gully covered with leaves or debris, and wet weather is on the way, please clear it to help water drain properly.

Drive carefully through flooded areas

If flooding occurs, slow down when driving through these areas to avoid making the flooding worse or splashing pedestrians.

Don’t rush to report flooded gullies

After heavy rainfall, give gullies time to handle the excess water. Flooding during heavy rain does not always mean a blockage; it often just takes time to drain.

KEEPING

What Was but

THERE have been many histories written about the German occupation of the Channel Islands. The islands were the only British soil to be occupied by the Germans thus giving much to write about. This series of articles is not intended to be just another history of that time but an example of “What if…?”.

…in September 1942 an advertisement appeared in the Islands’ newspapers announcing that, at Adolf Hitler’s command, British-born men and their families were to be deported to Germany.

Could the unjustified deportation of non-combatant civilians to an unknown fate have been the trigger for an insurrection?

In Jersey, despite his colonel’s rank, Friedrich Knackfuss has not seen action since 1918 and the prospect of having to deploy armed force to quell civilian disorder is not one he wishes to contemplate. However, he has rarely seen Coutanche so angry at the notice and was acutely embarrassed when the usually urbane Bailiff accused him of a monstrous breach of faith.

The Islands’ Befehlshaber (commander in chief) in Guernsey, Generalmajor Erich Müller has been unhelpful. “You’re dealing with unarmed civilians, Friedrich, for God’s sake!”

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.

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

Compiled by Peter Tabb

What if…

“All routes to the harbour will be lined by armed troops,” Oberst Knackfuss announces. “Any attempt at disorder must be dealt with immediately. There must be no shooting. Unruly demonstrators must be detained, that’s all…”

The deportation notices are duly served and, to Knackfuss’s dismay, on 14 September, noisy crowds line the principal routes to the harbour to watch the deportees board the steamer La France for St Malo. And before the vessel sails with almost 300 detainees, the crowd will have grown to nearly five thousand.

On Pier Road is a gathering of almost two hundred young people who, since they are well away from the route of the deportees, are watched by only a handful of soldiers whose rifles are slung over their shoulders. In the crowd teenager Marguerite Mière begins to sing ‘There’ll always be an England’. Her song is taken up by the crowd with enthusiasm.

No-one knows who it is who throws the first stone but clearly many of the youngsters have filled their pockets with pebbles and pieces of brick. A stone strikes the helmet of a German soldier standing guard on the roadway below. Before the Germans can react, a hail of missiles falls down on them, knocking several from their feet. A soldier, Schütze Küpfler, unslings his rifle, intending to fire a warning shot above the heads of the throng, many of whom are his own age. However, Küpfer panics and pulls the trigger. The heavy Mauser K98k, its muzzle actually pointing downwards, fires. The bullet hits the road and ricochets into the crowd, hitting sixteen years old Daphne Le Bailly in the thigh. She falls to the ground screaming.

The crowd howls its fury but faced with alarmed soldiers holds back.

However, in the crowd one youngster draws back a catapult which is powerful enough, when firing a ball bearing, to kill a rabbit at 15 yards. Schütze Küpfer advances towards the crowd, his action entirely humanitarian since he is horrified to have shot someone, even by accident.

Although the picture is captioned “Star” – the Guernsey morning paper – the advertisement is identical to one that appeared in The Evening Post on the same date

but What If…

Daphne Le Bailly is lying on the road, moaning. As Küpfer bends over her, he is struck by a ball bearing fired just a few feet away. The bearing penetrates his skull above his eye and embeds itself in the soft tissue of his brain. In agony, Schütze Küpfer stumbles and falls. His colleagues cannot believe what they see. Despite the heavy Mausers the Germans are overwhelmed and punched and kicked to the ground in a frenzy of blows that their thick uniforms and helmets are helpless to deflect. Too late the crowd realises what is happening and suddenly they break and run, scattering in all directions, leaving four blood-soaked bodies lying in the roadway and a still moaning Daphne Le Bailly whose flesh wound is bleeding freely.

More armed Germans arrive on the scene. What they are unprepared for is four German soldiers and a teenage girl lying in the road, all bleeding profusely.

All the injured are bundled into vehicles and rushed to the General Hospital. Schütze Küpfer is pronounced dead on arrival. Daphne Le Bailly is treated alongside the injured soldiers.

La France sails for St Malo that evening with 280 deportees.

Oberst Friedrich Knackfuss is outraged. Schütze Küpfer was killed by a ball bearing probably fired by a catapult found in a gutter at the scene. Bailiff Coutanche is summoned and receives a severe dressing down and threatened with dire consequences.

“But we are talking about a crowd of almost two hundred youngsters,” Coutanche protests. “How will we ever find out who fired that ball bearing?”

“You must, Mr Bailiff,” Knackfuss replies. “Behlshaber, Generalmajor Müller, is most insistent and demands 20 hostages whose lives will be forfeit if the perpetrator is not forthcoming within seven days. I suggest that you publicise this action in The Evening Post.”

“If the perpetrator is found, what will happen to him?”

Although Bailiff Coutanche has a sickening apprehension of the perpetrator’s fate.

“That will be decided by the Militärgericht,” Knackfuss replies coldly. “We are not barbarians, Mr Bailiff.”

Following the rounding up of 20 hostages and publicity in The Evening Post, the morning before the German ultimatum expires, Mrs Edith Le Messurier appears at the Town Hall with her fifteenyear-old daughter Eunice and asks to see the Connétable. In the presence of Connétable Cuming and his Chef de Police, a tearful Eunice Le Messurier admits that it was she who fired the deadly ball bearing with her brother’s catapult.

PART 2

At 6.00 pm the hostages are freed and Mrs Le Messurier and her daughter are undergoing interrogation at the Feldkommandantur. Bailiff Coutanche insists the girl be legally represented but Knackfuss refuses. “This is entirely a military matter, Mr Bailiff.”

Within a matter of weeks Mrs Le Messurier and her daughter, have been transported to France, their sentences and ultimate fate unknown. Despite Bailiff Coutanche’s persistent enquiries and protests, he is unable to discover their fate.

They would be swept up by the notorious Nacht und Nebel (Night and Fog) decree of December 1941 whereby prisoners became property of the German state and could be made to disappear, usually to a death camp.

The foregoing is fiction, but could this have happened?

“What Was but What If” will be published next spring.

Friedrich Knackfuss

TO BE POSTING

WHEN DOES YOUR BUSY PERIOD START?

This starts from Black Friday in November, and we’re still very busy until mid-January with returns. Our Posties, Counter Colleagues and Customer Care team work incredibly hard at this time of year delivering parcels (in all weather) and answering queries to help islanders send to loved ones across the world.

HOW ARE YOU ?

We see an increase in items of around 30% – our team deliver up to 65,000 items daily! We’ve recruited extra team members to help us, and our Post Offices at Broad Street and Rue des Pres will extend their opening hours to help customers. We’ve delivered a handy guide to every household with everything you need to know about posting over Christmas.

It’s the busiest time of year at Jersey Post. Julie Thomas, Chief Operating Officer tells us how the team is preparing to deliver for our island community this Christmas.

WILL YOU BE DELIVERING TO ?

Absolutely! Seeing the handwritten envelopes from excited children, many decorated with glitter and stickers, is a highlight for us every year! We receive around 1,500 a year, which our Posties deliver to Santa in the North Pole. Children can post these free of charge in any Post Box around the island. It’s very important to include your address so Santa can reply, and we need to receive these by 12th December to get them to Santa in time. JERSEYPOST.COM/CHRISTMAS

We’d like to wish all our customers a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

And say a huge thank you to our teams, who work so hard to serve our community.

TOP TIPS FOR MAIL

• Beat the rush - post as early as you can before the last posting dates!

• Pre-pay VAT on goods going to the UK to speed up delivery.

• Buy your postage online – simply print your label and then drop your item at your nearest Post Office.

• Sign-up for SecureDrop – your letters and parcels (including signed-for items) will be delivered to your property, even when you’re not at home!

St Lawrence Battle of Flowers

Still Riding the Wave of Success following the new route through town!

The St Lawrence Battle of Flowers team are still buzzing from all the wonderful feedback received after this year’s parades! Both the Liberation 80 float and the Junior “Barbie” float captured the spirit and creativity our parish is known for, and the team would like to thank everyone who helped bring them to life — from the flower makers and dancers to the local supporters who cheered us on through the streets of St Helier.

The Christmas Parade took place on Friday 15th November, where our Juniors spread festive cheer with their “Santa’s Workshop” float.

And while 2025 may be drawing to a close, planning for the 2026 parades has already begun! We’re still welcoming design ideas for both the Senior and Junior floats. If you’ve got a great concept / theme, please contact us by sending in a rough sketch, accompanying music, the number of people it would involve, and whether it’s for the Senior or Junior entry to the contact details below.

Would you like to be part of our Battle 2026 community? Please submit your float ideas or if you wish to be on our mailing list please contact us via Facebook; ‘St Lawrence Battle of Flowers Association Official Group’ or via email: stlawrencebof@gmail.com

Let’s keep the creativity flowing and make 2026 another year to remember for St Lawrence!

23rd Jersey (St Lawrence)

Scout Group

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

Due to the Summer Holidays and publishing deadlines the 23rd Scout Group has only just had its first meeting of the Autum Term as I write this article, so in a slight change here is a bit more information about us and what each Section is about. Maybe after reading this, you or somebody you know would like to get involved and join us.

Beavers (aged 6 to 8)

Try new things. Make new friends. Joining Beavers can be the beginning of a big Scouting adventure. Beavers are young people who:

• Master new skills and try new things

• Have fun and go on adventures

• Make friends

• Are curious about the world around them

• Help others and make a difference, on their own doorsteps and beyond

Every week, we gather in our two Colonies to hop, skip and jump our way through lots of different games and activities

– achieving anything we set our minds to, and having lots of fun along the way. We have the excitement and enjoyment of adventuring into the outdoors, being creative, exploring our local community, investigating nature and having sleepovers.

Our Beaver Colonies meet on Wednesdays in term time at Bel Royal School from 5.45pm to 6.45pm, and at St George's Prep School between 6pm and 7pm.

Cubs (8 to 10½ years)

Develop new skills and soar to great heights. Being a Cub opens up a whole other world. Cubs are young people who:

• Master new skills and try new things

• Have fun and go on adventures

• Make friends

• Are curious about the world around them

• Help others and make a difference, in their own communities and beyond

Every week, we gather in our two Cub Packs to take part in loads of interesting and challenging activities – achieving anything we set our minds to, and of course having lots of fun along the way!

Adventure and excitement are key for Cub Scouts. Our programme is packed with inspiring activities including areas of fitness, beliefs, and global, whilst also allowing the Cubs to be creative and involved in the local community. Cubs take part in many outdoor adventures learning many skills and in thrillseeking activities, along with residential experiences and camps.

Our Cub Packs meet on Wednesdays in term time at Bel Royal School from 7pm to 8.30pm, and St George's Prep School between 7.15pm and 8.30pm.

Scouts (10½ to 14 years)

Jump in and get muddy. Give back and get set. Scouts ignore the butterflies and go for it! Scouts are a go-getting group of young people who:

• Master new skills and try new things

• Make new friends

• Have fun and go on adventures, at home and abroad

• Explore the world around them

• Help others and make a difference, in their own communities and beyond

Week in and week out, our Scout Troop gathers to conquer the small task of changing the world.

Within Scouts there is a great sense of adventure, outdoor skills and it can help to build and develop confidence whilst also offering the independence to put these skills into practice at camps and international adventures. Scouts are encouraged

to work together and take the lead on all sorts of projects from community-based work to planning games and activities for meetings, as well as encouragement to be creative and explore beliefs and attitudes.

Our Scout Troop meets at the Island Scout Centre in St Ouen’s Bay from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesdays in term time.

The Adult Volunteer Team

Giving back will improve your wellbeing, equip you with skills for the future, and help you make a positive impact on the lives of young people, and without adult volunteers we simply wouldn't be able to offer our amazing programme of activities. At Scouts we celebrate difference and welcome everyone. Whatever your background, identity, age or ability, there’s a volunteer spot with your name on it! Volunteering can be a brilliant way to boost your mental wellbeing. It’s a great feeling knowing you’re helping young people get skills for life, and you might even learn a lot about yourself along the way. Scouts can make you feel good in other ways too. We’ll guide you to an opportunity where you’ll:

• Make friends and meet people

• Try new things and challenge yourself

• Get outdoors and get stuck in

• Positively impact your community

• Create vital opportunities for young people

• Make memories that'll last a lifetime

Even if you can only occasionally help, that’s OK. Whether you’d like to be an activity planner, tea-maker or craft creator, we would appreciate any time you can spare. We also have 'behind the scenes' opportunities available as one our Trustees.

How to Find Out More

With over 100 young people in our Group we have a waiting list for new members. We encourage any interested young people to register their interest, and the QR code will take you to our sign-up page.

Our Group Lead Volunteer Elisabeth Blampied can also be emailed at e.blampied@scouts.org.je.

Kickxia Elatine

Sharp-leaved Fluellen

by Anne Haden

This dainty little wildflower was once frequently found flowering in the Island in cultivated fields and along the roadsides. Now however it is rare and only found in a few places on the Island.

One site is at the airport, and another is in the churchyard in St Lawrence. It has been known here for over 40 years; we know this because it is mentioned by Frances Le Sueur in her ‘Flora of Jersey’. This year one plant was seen flowering on the grave where it has been seen for many years. Sharp-leaved Fluellen has arrow shaped leaves which are fuzzily hairy and they grow intermittently along delicate thin stems. The flowers are like tiny snapdragons and are yellow and purple.

Churchyards are special havens for wildflowers; they are not sprayed with chemicals and are managed to encourage wildlife.

Mystic Horses

From Jenni Le Fondré of Les Marais Farm

Stables to all horse owners and lovers of horses - this beautiful poem by Laurel Burch tells everything!

Mystic Horses – all grace and beauty these elegant beings

Strong legs pulsating, pounding rhythms upon the earth

Like a drum beating in resonance with my own ancestral heart

Is there anything more sensuously beautiful than a horse?

I think not.

office@shopmobility.org.je

www.shopmobility.org.je

Over the next few years, we will carry out the largest ever upgrade to the Island’s energy network. It will ensure every home and business continues to access affordable, sustainable energy.

www.jec.co.uk/thebigupgrade

A ordable driving with a Honda

Honda

Honda

Honda

Honda

Honda

Honda

Honda

Honda

St Helier Town Hall

St Brelade Parish Hall

St Clement Parish Hall

St Ouen Parish Hall

Trinity Parish Hall

St Saviour Parish Hall

St Martin Public Hall

10am-12pm

Throughout

Always Present

I read this lovely story recently and thought it would be good not only to share, but also to know how much our small acts of kindness make such a difference in people’s lives.

It was Christmas Eve, and Hannah sat alone in her small cottage. The fire crackled weakly in the hearth, but her heart felt colder than the winter wind outside. Since her husband had passed away and her children had moved far away, Christmas had become a season she endured rather than celebrated.

As the clock struck seven, Hannah heard a knock at the door. Surprised, she opened it to find a small parcel on the step. No one was there. The paper was plain, tied with a simple piece of string, but inside was a beautiful loaf of homemade bread and a note that simply read: “You are not forgotten. With love.”

Hannah’s eyes filled with tears as warmth spread through her body. She broke off a piece of bread and whispered a prayer of thanks. In that moment, she remembered the words from John’s Gospel: ‘The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.’

That night Hannah realised she was not alone. The gift of bread reminded her of the One who called himself the Bread of Life, who came down from heaven and gave Himself in love to fill every empty and lonely heart. Christmas was not about who was absent, but about the God who is always present with us; Jesus, Emmanuel – God with us.

May we all know His presence with us always and share His gift of love and light in big ways and small to those around us.

Every blessing

Christmas Services

St Lawrence Church

Sunday 30th November 6pm

Advent Evensong with Cantabile

Sunday 7th December 9.30am

Messy Church Christingle / Nativity

Tuesday 9th December 7.30pm

Christmas Concert - Vocalise Choir

Sunday 14th December 5pm

Carols by Candlelight

Sunday 24th December 11pm

Christmas Eve Communion

Sunday 25th December 9am

All Age Christmas Day Communion

St Matthew’s Church

Sunday 14th December 7pm

Carols by Candlelight

Sunday 21st December 4pm

Christmas Extravaganza

Sunday 25th December 10am

All Age Celebration with Communion

St Lawrence Parish Church

Phil Warren Rector Sunday 30th November 2025 at 6pm

Choral music by Bennett, Bob Chilcott, Ola Gjeilo, James MacMillan, Mendelssohn, David Ogden, Arvo Pärt, John Scott, Philip Stopford & Judith Weir

Well-known congregational carols

Seasonal organ music from 5.45pm

Caldbeck director & organ

Rector of St Lawrence Church

Diary Dates Parish Hall

DECEMBER 2025

3rd 5th 8th 10th 11th 12th 13th

2pm – 4pm 10am – 2pm

6pm – 7.30pm 7.15pm – 10pm 7.45pm 8pm – 10.30pm 7.15pm – 10pm

8pm – 10.30pm

8pm – 10.30pm

8pm – 10.30pm

JANUARY 2026

Ballet d’Jerri – Cake and Cabaret

Community Market

Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch

Deputies Drop-in Session - Parish Hall

Social Evening WI

Jersey Ballroom Dancing Association

Social Evening

Simply Ballroom

Simply Ballroom

Simply Ballroom

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

7.15pm – 10pm

7.15pm – 9.30pm 8pm – 10.30pm 7.15pm – 10pm

7.30pm 8pm – 10pm 6pm – 7.30pm

7.15pm – 10pm

8pm – 10.30pm

7.15pm – 10pm

3rd 8th 9th 10th 15th 16th 20th 22nd 22nd 24th 29th 11am – 12 noon

Deputies Drop-in Session – Acorn Café, Trinity

Social Evening WI

Jersey Ballroom Dancing Association

Social Evening

Battle of Flowers Bingo (doors open 6pm)

Gardening Club

Deputies Drop-in Session – Trinity Parish Hall

Social Evening

Jersey Ballroom Dancing Association

Social Evening

FEBRUARY 2026

6th

10am – 2pm

11am – 12 noon

7.15pm – 10pm

7.15pm – 9.30pm 8pm – 10.30pm

7.30pm 8pm – 10pm

7.15pm – 10pm 10am-12 noon 6pm – 7.30pm

7.15pm – 10pm 8pm – 10.30pm

Community Market

Deputies Drop-in Session – Acorn Café, Trinity

Social Evening WI

Jersey Ballroom Dancing Association

Battle of Flowers Bingo (doors open 6pm)

Gardening Club

Social Evening

St Lawrence Ladies Action Group Jumble Sale

Deputies Drop-in Session – St John’s Parish Hall

Social Evening

Jersey Ballroom Dancing Association

Deputy Surgeries

DATE TIME WHERE

Wednesday 10th December 6pm – 7.30pm St Lawrence Parish Hall

Saturday 3rd January 11am - 12pm Acorn Café

Thursday 22nd January 6pm – 7.30pm Trinity Parish Hall

Saturday 7th February 11am - 12pm Acorn Café

Wednesday 25th February 6pm – 7pm St John’s Parish Hall

Saturday 7th March 11am - 12pm Acorn Café

Wednesday 25th March 6pm – 7.30pm St Lawrence Parish Hall

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

for the Parish of St Lawrence by MediaMasters