Les Nouvelles / Spring 2026 / Issue 56

Spring 2026

ISSUE 56

Moooving into Spring Photo courtesy of Karen Shenton Stone

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Welcome from the Constable Karen Shenton Stone

As I write, there is a glimmer of sunshine after enduring one of the wettest winters on record.

Thank you to all involved in the clear up in the aftermath of Storm Goretti. Unfortunately, the Parish and homeowners lost more trees to this recent storm and, together with the devastation caused by Storm Ciarán, the number of trees felled by these storms have created some vistas in the Parish not seen for generations.

D

espite being delayed by one week due to the inclement weather, the Gorey Fête and Bonfire Committee’s Bonfire in November 2025 was the most successful Bonfire and Fireworks event ever organised by the Committee.

Thousands of people - Parishioners, Islanders and visitors, descended on the Village Green to enjoy the fireworks, bonfire, live music, fire jugglers, food concessions and stalls.

As mentioned in previous editions, we are a relatively small committee of hard working and dedicated members, who, along with a group of volunteers, annually stage two very large and successful events, namely the Gorey Fête and St Martin’s Bonfire. The organisation and long hours that go into staging these events is phenomenal and, in some years, such as in 2025, the Committee helped organise a third large event during the year, our highly successful and enjoyable Liberation 80 celebrations on the Village Green. For all these events, we include representatives of St Martin School’s PTA in the organisation.

Due to the success of the Gorey Fête and the Bonfire, the Committee invited representatives of the chosen charities to a Presentation Evening where they received a share of £50,000 in charitable donations, with four charities each receiving the sum of £10,000. This sum can be transformative for a charity. The strength of community spirit to achieve this cannot be quantified, and I

In this Issue

10 Honorary Police p18 Silva Yates p

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Issue 56

am so grateful to every committee member, members of the PTA and to all our volunteers, and to Jersey Mutual for their generous sponsorship of Gorey Fête and St Martin’s Bonfire. Grateful thanks also to the neighbours in the environs of the Green and those who live and work on Gorey Pier and surrounding area for their understanding when these events take place.

In November, we were saddened to lose former Connétable Silva Yates, who died aged 91. Silva was Connétable of St Martin for five years from 2006 to 2011. In 2006, he won a contested election against two other candidates to become Connétable.

Apart from his role as Connétable, Silva Yates served his Parish as a Centenier and a Rates Assessor, and, over the years, was a member and Chair of several committees.

During the hustings in 2006, Silva made it clear how he saw the role of the Connétable “Like the father of any family, the Connétable needs to be mature, wise and loving – characteristics which are learnt in the ongoing experience of life – I qualify on every count.” Silva retained an active interest in the Parish and was still a member of the St Martin Housing Association when he sadly passed. Amongst his many attributes, Silva possessed a keen mind, was a gifted and innovative yacht designer, and a man who loved his family and his Parish. In November 2024, we held a celebratory 90th Birthday Party for him and former Procureur Gerald Le Cocq, who is only one day younger. It was a very happy occasion and Silva recommended being 90 to all the assembled guests! We miss Silva popping into the Public Hall and recognise his achievements and his dedication to the Parish. Our thoughts are with his family and many friends.

I am delighted and somewhat relieved to report that our very long-awaited Roads Review is almost complete. We have now consulted with and received speed recommendations from the review team at Infrastructure. The Roads Review Consultation for Parishioners to comment on the recommendations will hopefully take place at the Public Hall in March and the date will be well advertised.

On Tuesday 3rd March, the Public Hall hosted a Community Engagement Workshop for Gorey Pier. Gorey Pier is a valuable and iconic destination for our community, aesthetically, economically and culturally. The Parish invited Parishioners to share their views on how small, everyday changes to Gorey Pier’s buildings and public space are managed, and how greater consistency and care could help steward its future.

The aim of the project is to develop clear guidance for future management and investment in the area. The Parish is working with Ports of Jersey and Infrastructure. Create Streets have been commissioned to compile the design code and collate the community data. I would like to reassure you that this is at no cost to Parishioners.

20 p39 WI p46 Hedgehogs p

Primary School

continued on page 6...

If you would like to contribute to future editions of Les Nouvelles de St Martin, please email Susan Parker at susiep99@hotmail.com or call 07797 916991.

The deadline for the next edition is Friday 8th May 2026. All contributions are greatly appreciated.

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Welcome from the Constable continued...

We have recently hosted our two annual Senior Citizens lunches which were held at The Dolphin in Gorey. Both lunches were very well attended and enjoyable occasions. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, with much good humour and laughter.

The two lunches are held every February and are advertised on the Parish website, in the Parish magazine and in the JEP. I would encourage all Parishioners to sign up for regular Parish updates on the Parish website at stmartin.je then select News & Events.

If you, or anyone you know has ever thought of joining the Honorary Police, please come and talk to us. New recruits are always welcome.

At the Nomination Meeting, William Sutton was nominated and elected for a second term as Procurer du Bien Publique. William is a chartered accountant and ran a trust company; he carries out his role in the Parish with integrity. He is very hard working, is forensic with accounts, is good to work with and loves the Parish.

We are so grateful to William, Anne and Carole for taking on these roles.

Regarding my States work, I am pleased to give an update on the vital work relating to Violence Against Women and Girls, whose taskforce was established after I secured the funding through the States Assembly. Currently in the States Assembly, five new propositions have now been lodged by the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs as part of this vital, ongoing work programme. The legislation covers several areas that are vitally needed to further the protections for women and girls and help to implement on the recommendations made by the taskforce.

The new protections and support this legislation will provide will significantly improve safety for women and girls in Jersey.

Nomination Meeting (left to right) Carole Bisson, Anne Stone, Constable Karen Shenton Stone and William Sutton

At the beginning of February, we held a Parish Assembly and Nomination Meeting for a Constable’s Officer, a Centenier and a Procureur de Bien Publique. C.O. Carole Bisson was elected for her third term as Constable’s Officer for which we are most grateful. Carole is reliable and knowledgeable, always has a smile, and is held in high regard by her peers. C.O. Anne Stone (no relation to me) has stepped up to the role of Centenier. Anne is a nurse and a musician. She has been very enthusiastic in her Honorary Police training and is a great asset to the team.

The phrase ‘if you want something done, then ask a busy person’ fits Anne Stone perfectly. Anne plays The Last Post at the Remembrance Services in the Parish. During the evening, C.O. Nathan Wright was presented with the Mick Eden Trophy, a very worthy winner. Anne Stone is replacing Centenier Dave Burmingham who has served two terms as Centenier with the Parish. A former Chief Inspector, Dave was a valuable member of the St Martin Honorary Police, his knowledge and skills are much appreciated. He will be missed.

Chef de Police Centenier Alan Phillips and new Constable’s Officer Alun Parry (read more about this on page 11)

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Issue 56

For the first time, our Island’s General Election will be held on a Sunday, 7th June. During my time as Chair of the Assembly’s Privileges and Procedures Committee, I was determined to find ways to make voting easier and increase our turnout at elections.

It is my strong belief that the additional hours Islanders will have to vote, the introduction of automatic voter registration, and the improvements made to postal voting will help to deliver this.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to James Bedding - Quad Photography, who allowed us to use his image for our Christmas card.

If I write anymore, there will not be enough room in the magazine to print it!

I hope that, by the time you receive this magazine, the incessant rain has stopped and that we are enjoying drier and sunnier weather.

All good wishes,

Karen

Constable’s Officer Nathan Wright and his wife Angie with the Mick Eden trophy

Rates Assessors Bob Pallot (left) and Steve Rondel

Farewell and Thank You to Centenier

Dave Burmingham Regular elections underlie the workings of the Municipality and the Honorary Police, and therefore it falls upon me to both welcome and say farewell.

On this occasion, we are saying Farewell and Thank You to Centenier Dave Burmingham.

D

ave has a distinguished background in law enforcement, having served for 30 years with Surrey Police and the States of Jersey Police. In 2018, he transitioned to a new career in the finance industry. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, Dave volunteered to support St Martin’s Honorary Police, becoming an integral part of our community.

The role of our Honorary Police is vital to community safety and engagement, involving a range of responsibilities. Over the past few years, Dave has dealt with a wide range of incidents, from managing loose livestock, responding to traffic accidents, and conducting welfare checks, to missing persons and Parish Hall Enquiries, along with community events such as the Gorey Fête and St Martin’s Bonfire.

Dave's policing career began with Surrey Police, where he ultimately reached the rank of Detective Chief Inspector.

He moved to Jersey in 2006 and married Mary Le Hegarat, who currently serves as Home Affairs Minister. Following his tenure as head of the Financial Crime Unit in Jersey, he sought new challenges in the finance sector, but his commitment to community service led him back to the Honorary Police during the uncertainty of Covid.

As Dave steps back from his Centenier duties to focus on his Doctoral studies, he wants to express his gratitude for the warm reception he received from his colleagues and the broader parish community. “It is not an easy decision to take a step back. I have enjoyed my time as a Centenier enormously and am grateful for the support and friendships,” he stated. He encourages anyone interested in voluntary work within the Parish to consider joining the Honorary Police.

We are extremely grateful for Dave’s service; we are sad to see him go and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

Karen

We hope you enjoy this edition of Les Nouvelles

Find out what else is going on around the Island at

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Spring 2026 Issue 56

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Honorary

Police

by Centenier Alan Phillips, Chef de Police

First of all, and I know it is February, but I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

W

ith Christmas, New year and Auld Lang Syne now a distant memory and 2026 well under way, the Honorary Police in St Martin are eager to help and looking forward to whatever challenges this year may bring.

On 5th December, we said a sad farewell to our much loved and highly respected former Connétable Silvanus (Silva) Yates who passed away on 11th November at the age of 91. Silva was Connétable of St Martin from 2006 until 2011, and he brought with him experience in business, as a Centenier, and a Rates Assessor for the Parish. After his retirement he was never a stranger at the Public Hall, always with a smile and kind words of wisdom, he was nevertheless busy with the Diamond Club and as a member of St Martin's Housing Association. I became a member of the Honorary Police in St Martin in the same year that Silva was first elected to Connétable, and he made me feel at home and was always there to offer advice and encouragement.

In October, we held the second of our annual DVS assisted Road Checks during which 150 vehicles were stopped and checked with mostly minor defects coming to light including Windscreen Insurance Disc offences, lighting offences and bodywork condition offences, and a case of a mismatching number plate from vehicle to trailer!

November saw what turned out to be what was probably the most successful Bonfire event to date with over 7500 attendees filling the Village Green to join in with the festivities and watch the firework display. This year, we were missing key officers who regularly set up the signage and direct the traffic at junctions. Fortunately, we had plenty of assistance from neighbouring parishes to help make it a success, and the event passed without incident with the exception of a lost child, who was soon reunited with their parents.

On 9th December, we assisted Santa and his Elves when they brought a little of their magic to St Martin and was met by delighted children and parents. St Martin's Honorary Police escorted Santa’s sleigh from his hideaway in St Lawrence to firstly Centre Point and

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then Wellington Park and Maufant Youth Centre where the children and parents were eagerly waiting and cheering him.

At St Martin's Public Hall, the Honorary Police of St Saviour took over to escort him and his elves to St Saviour's Parish Hall and then back to his hideout, and at no time did Santa and his sleigh take to the sky!

The evening of 14th December saw the inaugural Island Tractor Run take place which involved 50 decorated, illuminated tractors of various types interspersed with several police vehicles to the delight of watching crowds who were gathered at strategic points along the route and, although a small group of tractors took a wrong turn, they all ended up together at the finish. A little tweaking should have the run spot on for this December.

When Storm Goretti hit Jersey in the evening of 10th January, St Martin did not escape unscathed. At 7pm, as the storm began to increase in intensity, St Martin officers were on duty at the Public Hall with all other officers on standby at home. At 10pm, the storm grew to nearly its maximum while all we could do was sit in the Public Hall and monitor the phones and police radio while watching the storms progress in real time on the computer.

All Honorary units received a welfare call from States of Jersey Police and were told to not venture outside as the risk to life was real.

The expected calls from the public did not come, and at approximately half past midnight the storm had begun to decrease as

it passed. We took to the police car and did a patrol of the Parish, logging which roads were blocked and which roads were passable with care. On our return to the Public Hall, we passed the information on to the States of Jersey Police who passed on the information to IHE who had units ready to respond when it was deemed safe to do so. This had the desired effect of mobilising crews to where they were most needed, and my thanks go to Vingtenier Sam Falle who manned the Public Hall with me and assisted in logging the damage when some might have thought it unsafe to do so, and to all officers who were on standby and thankfully not needed, and also the crews that were out and about to make roads passable and get things back to normal.

Never far from our attention is vehicle maintenance. Lights and tyres need constant checking, and with your tyres being the only thing between your vehicle staying on the road or, at worst, failing please keep an eye on tyres and lights. Make sure your tyre tread depth doesn’t fall below the minimum of 1.6mm and become illegal, sound advice is to change your tyres when the tread depth is at about 3mm and look for cuts to the tyre walls and cracking to the rubber which is a sign of an old tyre even if it has good tread depth. If in doubt, your local tyre supplier will be able to advise you.

Unfortunately, we are saying goodbye to one of our Centeniers, David Burmingham, who has for personal reasons decided to step down from his role and not renew his term of office when it expires in March. David joined us during Covid in 2020 with his vast knowledge gained from 30 years of policing on the mainland and in the States of Jersey Police and reaching the rank of Detective Chief Inspector, this experience helped him to step in as Centenier just when we needed it and I must say he has done a very good job completing two terms. He did mention, just like Arnie, "I'll be back!" I would like to thank David for his service and professionalism - he will be missed.

On the recruitment front, I am pleased to say that we have a new recruit in the form of Constable’s Officer Alun Parry who, after training, will be looking forward to policing in St Martin.

Alun comes with previous experience of Honorary Policing with St Helier many years ago. We also have two other recruits who, when they have passed the States of Jersey Police Vetting Department, will hopefully be sworn in in the near future, and two prospective recruits who have been in for an informal chat and taken away with them an application form, so we are hopeful to see St Martin’s Honorary Police start to grow once again.

Parish of St Martin

Community Support Group

Our team of volunteers is pleased to offer the Parish of St Martin parishioners the services of our Community Support Group.

W

e promote independent living and recognise everyone needs a little help from time to time – whatever our age.

We are here to support you Here are some examples of what we may be able to help with:

• Picking up prescriptions • Helping with shopping • Completing forms • Accessing community facilities and activities • Changing a light bulb • A friendly face for a chat and cup of tea Whatever your need we will do our best to help.

Please telephone the Public Hall in the first instance on 853951 open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 2.00pm.

Please note we are not an emergency service.

I cannot emphasise enough the importance residents of St Martin make to the policing of the Parish so, if you are aged between 21 and 69 years and you have a few hours per week to spare, please give us a call and we will be pleased to speak to you and answer your questions.

Your Parish Needs You! And finally, we will be saying goodbye to our caring, friendly Parking Control Officer Sharon Williams when she leaves us to tour the continent in her motor home. We all wish her bon voyage and good luck.

We will also be welcoming Sharon's successor in the form of Mario Serban who has been shadowing Sharon for the last few weeks and is ready to take over, insisting that he is also caring and friendly!

Spring 2026 Issue 56

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We would not be beaten by the weather!

by Paul Sims

The annual Gorey Christmas pétanque competition in aid of Headway Jersey did not get off to the best of starts.

O

wing to the extreme weather conditions, we had to cancel the competition. However, despite this set back, we remained undeterred and, with a bit of lastminute planning, we organised a pool doubles knockout tournament instead and all within the warm confines of The Pembroke Pub! 12 teams participated and, in keeping with Christmas tradition, bad puns for team names were the order of the day. Team names included “Boule Jingles”, “Boule Aid” and “Stop The Carvery”.

HEADWAY JERSEY Headway Jersey would like to extend its sincere thanks to everyone involved in the annual Gorey Christmas pétanque competition for choosing to support our charity and for the incredible effort shown in ensuring the event could still go ahead despite the challenging weather.

The £701 raised will help support adults living with the effects of acquired brain injury, providing vital rehabilitation, social connection, and ongoing support to help people rebuild confidence, independence, and quality of life following injury or illness.

Headway Jersey offers a welcoming day centre, rehabilitation physiotherapy, rehabilitation swimming, speech and language support, therapeutic activities, peer support, and practical assistance for individuals and their families as they navigate life after brain injury. Around 98% of our members are stroke survivors, from all ages and backgrounds.

Community-led fundraising events like this play a crucial role in enabling us to continue delivering essential services, including our door-to-door bus service, which supports members with limited mobility to access rehabilitation and social connection.

We would like to extend an open invitation to anyone who has experienced any form of brain injury, we may be able to help. Please do reach out.

To learn more about our work, visit www.headway. org.je. For fundraising enquiries, please contact nikolett.jones@headway.org.je.

Following several hours of pool and fuelled by mulled wine, “Boule Aid” (Martin Vasev and John Sweeney) and “The Petanque Shop Boys” (John Thwaites and Barry Ratcliffe) reached the final.

“Boule Aid” ultimately won the intense encounter and just in time for lunch!

A total of £701 was raised for Headway Jersey.

A big thank you to those that participated and to the Gorey community for their generosity and support.

Special thanks to Le Gallais Self Storage and The Pembroke for their contribution to the raffle prizes.

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Issue 56

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Remembering

Silva Yates

pioneers of UK fibreglass surfboards, he remained well-known in surfing circles with his early boards still being found in surf museums and considered to be highly collectable.

In 1969, he set up his own business, Silva Yates (Plastics) Ltd, manufacturing everything from brewing vats to the pay kiosk at Mont Orgueil. When repairing early fibreglass boats, he felt that they were not strong enough for local waters. Following an introduction to Alan Buchanan, the firm began to build one of Alan’s designs for a 22ft motor cruiser. Named the Channel Islands 22 and, later, followed by its larger sister the 32. Several hundred of the boats were built and sold as far afield as Japan, St Helena, the Baltic and Bermuda.

Silva Yates

Silva Yates, who died on 11th November 2025 at the age of 91, dedicated many years of his life to serving the parish of St Martin and was Constable for five years from 2006. He will be remembered as a Constable who cared passionately for the well-being of all his Parishioners.

S

ilvanus Arthur Yates, always known as Silva, was born on 14th October 1934. His father, who was from Jersey, was a career soldier who was serving in the Royal Army Service Corps when Mr Yates was born.

In 1938, his father had a “home” posting to St Peter’s Barracks in Jersey. When the Second World War began, the Yates family evacuated to England. At the end of the war, his father was posted to Germany and in 1948 his father was posted to Berlin during the Berlin airlift. Concerned about their family’s safety, Mrs Yates and her children returned to Jersey.

Silva & Nancy on retirement from Connetable Silva & Nancy after his election as Connetable

Having lived in St Martin from 1961, Mr Yates was elected as a Centenier in 1986 before being elected as a Rates Assessor in 1992, becoming chairman of the Rates Assessment Committee in 2006 and later chairman of the Jersey Rates Assessors Association. He also served the Parish as chairman of the Gorey Fête committee.

When Constable John Germain retired in 2006, Mr Yates was nominated to replace him. At the hustings meeting, Mr Yates outlined how he saw the Constable’s role. “Like the father of any family, the Constable needs to be mature, wise and loving – characteristics which are learnt in the ongoing experience of life”, he told Parishioners. “I qualify on every count.”

After leaving Victoria College in 1952, Silva went to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Woolwich Arsenal, training in the Mechanical Engineering section of the Ministry of Defence. He was posted to various military establishments in what was an exciting time of Cold War weapon development.

Mr Yates first met his future wife, Nancy Mallet Dorey, at a Jersey Swimming Club dinner dance in 1951 when he was still at Victoria College and she was at the Ladies’ College. After leaving school Nancy went to teacher training college in London and they were married in Sidcup in 1957. They returned to Jersey soon after.

Between 1957 and 1969 Mr Yates worked for Jersey Steel and Channel Island Welding. Having experienced the manufacture of reinforced glass fibre during his time at the Ministry of Defence, Silva set up a department to make products for the building industry, including water tanks and architectural mouldings.

In the early 1960s he began using fibreglass to make surfboards.

Being much lighter and more manoeuvrable than wooden boards, Mr Yates sold a number to local surfers. As one of the Silva in his 90s taking his youngest grandchildren for a ride at Gorey Fete

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Issue 56

Diamond Club

Silva’s surfboards and art after funeral service

After his successful election, Mr Yates took office at a time when the States were debating the introduction of both GST and income support to replace parish welfare. Although he did not oppose their introduction, he often spoke about the need to ensure that low-income families and others who relied on parish welfare were not prejudiced by the changes.

In October 2008, he was re-elected unopposed. In the Parish, Mr Yates oversaw the ongoing development of the parish green and campaigned vigorously for the rezoning of an area of land for first time buyer housing. He was very keen to ensure that the Parish did not become unaffordable for young families.

After five years as Constable, he decided not to stand for re-election as he felt it was right to step aside for a younger candidate. After his retirement, he remained active in the Parish serving as a member of the St Martin Housing Association. He also regularly attended the Diamond Club and the Twinning Association. For his 90th birthday in 2024, the Parish organised a special joint celebration for him and former Procureur du Bien Public, Gerald Le Cocq, who was born one day after him.

Mr Yates’ wife Nancy died in January 2022. He is survived by his five children: Marc, Daniel, Alexa, Conrad and Bruno and his 16 grandchildren. We extend our sympathy to them and the members of their families.

MdlH

Gerald Le Cocq and Silva celebrating their 90th birthdays

by Karen White

We had a very busy winter with a Christmas Party in December and a New Year Party in January.

Festive lunches were the order of the day meaning everyone could be back home in daylight.

B

oth events were largely organised by Betty and Bob Fosse with help from our members. Big thanks to them both. We were particularly appreciative of the delicious soup provided

by The Kitchen in Gorey Village.

The lovely Dawn Stark entertained us with her guitar and got us into the mood for the Christmas celebrations, and our very own Alan Mollet took us down memory lane with a good old sing-along in January.

Betty and Bob Fosse

We met in February for Bingo in the Public Hall. As you can see from the photo a very happy Barbara Carter was the lucky winner and was 'in the money'. Don't spend it all at once Barbara!

We meet on the first Thursday of each month usually at 2.30pm at the Public Hall and we also enjoy meals out twice per year.

If you are interested in joining us, please call Karen White on 852062.

Bingo winner Barbara Carter Spring 2026 Issue 56

19

St Martin’s

Primary School

by Year 6 pupils

Our Amazing PGL Trip

Sea Perch Challenge

Six pupils took part in the Sea Perch Challenge against other primary schools. They worked hard measuring pipes, drilling holes, melting wax and building their model. On Friday 14th November, they competed in five events at Langford Sports Centre, including a presentation and four water challenges. All their efforts paid off when they won the trophy!

Our Year 6 PGL trip was an adventure from start to finish! We left on Monday 15th September for five exciting days. Everyone was buzzing as we flew to Gatwick and then travelled by coach.

When we finally arrived, we met our team leader, Josh, who helped us settle in.

The food was great, and we especially loved the flavoured water. Our rooms had three bunk beds, and although many of us were asleep by 10pm, we were up again bright and early at 6am. On the very first night, the lights suddenly flickered and we had a power cut. Only the emergency lights were on, and hardly anyone slept!

Throughout the week, we faced lots of challenges. Many of us conquered climbing for the first time. On the trapeze, we had to climb a tall wooden pole, stand on a tiny platform and then jump off into the air. “All Aboard” was even taller - fifty feet high!

The climb was scary, especially when the top wobbled, but we worked together and played games once we reached the top. If we slipped, our harness kept us safely hanging in the air.

One of the most thrilling activities was the King Swing. Being pulled up high was scary enough, but when the swing dropped, everyone screamed and laughed at the same time. Our PGL week was full of courage, teamwork and unforgettable memories.

Phase 2 Show – The Wizard that Woz In September, Mr Godden, Miss Cadoret, Mr Pallot and Mrs Lawrence directed a brilliant school show called ‘The Wizard that Woz’ for Years 4, 5 and 6. Mr Godden wrote the script himself.

After auditions, everyone got a part that suited them. We found our own colourful costumes, and the stage was full of dancers, singers and confident actors. When the show came together, it was amazing to see what we’d created as a team.

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Choir Visits

In December, our choir performed at Eyecan and Ronceray. The audience joined in with the songs, clapped along happily, and smiled the whole way through. Afterwards, we chatted to them and asked questions. It felt wonderful to brighten their day.

Jèrriais Eisteddfod Every Tuesday, six Year 6 girls practised for the Jèrriais Eisteddfod for many weeks.

On Friday 23rd January, they performed their poem brilliantly and won the trophy - a bachîn used for making black butter.

They also received gold certificates.

Girlguiding Jersey

by Megan Barette

This term, Girlguiding marks the celebration of 100 years of World Thinking Day. On 22nd February, we took time to think of the 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world and the special friendships both near and far that Girlguiding gives us.

T

he Rainbows and Brownies have been working on some pieces for the Needlework section of the Eisteddfod, and they also enjoyed a disco held to raise funds for the Ranger section (14-18 year olds) who are attending a camp in England this summer.

A new Rainbow unit has just opened which meets at St John's School on Wednesdays. There are a couple of spaces available for girls aged 5-7 and we would also welcome any adults interested in volunteering.

We also celebrated Ella’s achievement of the Brownie Gold Award, and Olivia and Kaitlyn earning their Bronze Awards.

We are looking forward to a busy second half of the term with a Rainbow competition, a half term badge day and look out for our random acts of kindness that we hope to scatter around the Parish towards the end of term in late March.

Please register at www.girlguiding.org.uk/joinus.

We’re coming to your Parish!

Meet the team. Ask questions. Discover how we can help you.

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

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

Stay tuned for confirmed dates and more details.

Where we’ll be: • St John – June • St Martin – July • Grouville – August • St Clement – September • St Saviour – October • St Helier – November • St Lawrence – December

Want to learn more or get in touch?

Scan the QR code to visit our Contact us page.

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

Quilter Cheviot, Quilter Cheviot Investment Management and Quilter Cheviot International are trading names of Quilter Cheviot International Limited. Quilter Cheviot International Limited is registered in Jersey with number 128676, registered office at 3rd Floor, Windward House, La Route de la Liberation, St Helier, JE1 1QJ, Jersey and is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission and as an approved Financial Services Provider by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa.

OS016388_QC_Ad_Parish_Magazine_190x133-v2.indd 1

20/02/2026 10:27

Spring 2026 Issue 56

21

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

J

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

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

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

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

MOBILE LIBRARY

TUESDAY 09:30 - 11:00 Holme Grown Barbara Le Ruez, Josephine St George and our volunteer Liz at Maison St Brelade.

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

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

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

11:15 - 12:45 Gorey Common Carpark 14:30 - 16:30 Jersey Zoo

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

SUPPLIED CONTENT

Advanced Vision Correction with Evolution Eye Care

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

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

“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.”

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

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

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

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 Procedures are carried out at the purposeclarity, not persuasion.” built, state-of-the-art Prema clinic

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

by Sophie Channing Senior Youth Worker

Thank you to the Parish of St Martin and The Maufant Youth Project Charity for such a warm welcome to the Youth Project. I took over the running of the project in January 2026 from Ted Pafitis after his retirement at the end of December 2025.

O

n Saturday 8th November, as part of National Youth Work Week, we held a community open day which also doubled up as our celebration event with various activities. We presented over 30 youth project certificates and 8 Jersey Youth Service YOSCARs awards to those young people who have consistently made a difference to their project and peers with their contributions. We had 48 young people attend with their families and friends.

The end of 2025 saw some of our young members lay a wreath on behalf of the young people of the Parish and community, at this year’s remembrance Sunday.

In December, the Youth Project welcomed Santa from the Round Table for mince pies and mulled fruit juice. This was a great experience for the community to come into the project. There were many families of our members and non-members enjoying having this very special guest together. We also went on an exciting trip ice skating followed by hotdogs - a treat to recognise the young helpers for their support and help throughout the year.

January was full of lots of new exciting ideas from young people on activities they would like to do, trips they would like to go on, improvements for development of spaces in the Youth Project and ideas for new equipment and resources. Activities such as baking, sports and arts and crafts continue to be popular.

Upcoming events Wednesday 25th March Maufant Youth Project Charity AGM Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June Queen’s Silver Jubilee Activity Centre Crabbé Residential Trip Friday 21st August to Sunday 23rd August 2026 St Aubin’s Fort Residential Trip For further information about the project, please contact Sophie Channing on 07797 78287 or email sophiechanning@jys.je.

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by Susan Parker

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you are interested in embarking on your own Jèrriais learning journey, you can access a free subscription to the uTalk app: 1. Go to www.jerriais.org.je then click the

English menu drop down, and select Learn

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

3. Under Online Apps, please complete

the very short registration form under the uTalk logo with your name and email address

4. You will be taken to a special uTalk

page to create an account using the same email address and a new password. You should receive a verification email to complete set up

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

You can hear and speak Jèrriais every weekday, so please join native speakers and learners on: MONDAYS Santander Work Café, St Helier 1.00 - 1.50pm TUESDAYS The Adelphi Pub, St Helier 5.30 - 6.30pm WEDNESDAYS The Village Café, St Martin 10.30 - 11.30am THURSDAYS Jersey Museum, St Helier 10.30 - 11.30am FRIDAYS Jersey Pearl, St Ouen 10.30 - 11.30am

À la préchaine! (Until next time) JCG student Mya Primrose, being awarded a trophy by native speaker Brian Vibert

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

Northern Parishes

Battle of Flowers Association

by Collette Bisson

The Northern Parishes Battle of Flowers Association celebrated the run up to Christmas with its junior float taking part in the illuminated parade.

Pétanque UPDATE

by Sophia Welland

The St Martin Pétanque Team finished 5th in the 2025 Inter Parish League competition and the 2026 season got underway in February.

T

he annual Christmas team lunch was held at the Dolphin Hotel in Gorey where the winner of the Player of the Year Trophy, Barry Maindonald, was presented with the trophy by Tosh Germain.

T

he Christmas Parade through the streets of St Helier was great fun and there was a fantastic atmosphere with hundreds of people all along the route.

With the arrival of a new year, plans are in hand for the 2026 Battle of Flowers parades which are due to be held on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th August. Like last year, there will be no cost to spectate, but there will hopefully be a return to Victoria Avenue, using just one lane to enhance the carnival atmosphere and the crowd's connection with the parades. The organisers also plan to include more local bands, dancers, performers and youth groups.

Subject to sufficient helpers, the Northern Parishes Association hopes to enter both junior and senior floats, so if you would like to get involved or would like more information, please get in touch at the contact details below.

Tosh Germain presenting the Player of the Year Trophy to Barry Maindonald

Our fixtures and results table can be found on our shelter notice board or at pétanque.je. Support on match days would always be most appreciated.

If you would like to support the fundraising efforts, please look out for details on the Parish Facebook page. This year, plans include taking over the running of the monthly bingo sessions at St John's Parish Hall.

Please contact Collette Bisson at collette@bisson.je or send a text message to 07797 720615.

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If you are a St Martin resident and think you may be interested in playing pétanque, for more information please contact Judy Eden on 721601 or judyedenjersey@yahoo. co.uk.

From your

Deputies Deputy Steve Luce As I start to write this contribution, I have a feeling of real mixed emotions because, after 15 years and around 70 articles, this will be my last piece for Les Nouvelles de St Martin.

L

ooking back, there is hardly a part of “St Martin’s Parish Life” that I haven’t written about. I hardly know where to start…such is the marvellous diversity of community and environment that we enjoy in our little corner of this wonderful island...but maybe the word “community” is a fitting one to describe St Martin. In all walks of parish life, we see groups of parishioners doing great things. Whether it’s in our churches, school, bonfire or Gorey Fête, walking groups, sailing clubs, flower clubs, lifeboat, to name but a few, we have such a great variety of community spirit that it’s almost impossible to not find something to get involved in.

While some might be asking why I am stepping down, I also know that others will be quietly (or not so quietly) relieved. Keeping everyone happy is an impossible task, and I am absolutely aware that I haven’t yet delivered for everyone, and for that I apologise.

Nevertheless, I hope that I’ve managed to help “do my bit” in keeping St Martin the wonderful place that it is.

Before the election back in the late summer of 2011, when I knocked on every door in St Martin, there was a real feeling that the Deputy should live in the parish. As you may know, I’m now living over the border in Trinity and, with that in mind, I think it’s right that I step back. The other reason is that I have always been an ardent supporter of the role of Senator and, after voting to bring them back, I felt it was only right that I practise what I preach and offer myself for election in that role.

Writing this article has caused me to look back at highlights of the last 15 years. While I’ve had a host of little victories around all corners of the parish, the real stand out for me is at the physical heart of the parish, where we have built the centre of our parish community. I remember the Parish Assembly where I fought to put a new school in, what was then, the old school playing field.

I wasn’t prepared to have our children attend a primary school in another parish…and it was a fight worth having…what a wonderful school we ended up with. The other event I clearly remember was standing in the road outside the old school arguing with M&S that we wanted their store in our new parish community building and, again, it was worth the effort. My work with all of those who have helped deliver our “parish centre” has been hugely rewarding. How lucky we were that our Constables over the years have had the vision to purchase and develop The Village Green and how lucky we were to have owned our own school. We need to be grateful, every day, for what we have there.

Deciding how to finish this article is turning out to be even more difficult than starting it. Being your Parish Deputy in, and outside of, the States Assembly has been a real privilege. Being able to represent you all, on and off Island, has been a hugely rewarding experience. I can’t say that it’s always been easy, but I’m hugely grateful to have had the opportunity.

All I can say in closing is a very big and heartfelt thank you.

Steve

s.luce@gov.je / 07797 718166

Spring 2026 Issue 56

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From your

Deputies Welcome to the world of politics Deputy Carolyn Labey This year much of my work has centred on education, leadership and strengthening Jersey’s international profile which I firmly believe are critical to our Island’s future.

I

n January, I had the privilege of opening a Conservation Livelihoods conference in Cambridge, hosted by Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) alongside Durrell. Conservation Livelihoods is one of JOA’s three core pillars of sustainable development, alongside Dairy for Development and Financial Inclusion. Welcoming delegates from 19 countries reinforced something I have long championed - that Jersey is recognised globally, sharing our knowledge and experience in our three focus areas and delivers on practical, measurable impact.

Since launching JOA’s Conservation Livelihoods programme in 2018, Jersey partnerships supported by Jersey have helped drive sustainable change for more than 532,000 people across fragile environments including afro-alpine forests, rangelands, river systems and wetlands.

In 2024 alone, projects helped protect more than 162,000 hectares of forest, supported over 250 community groups, and strengthened incomes through sustainable forest products, improved market access, renewable energy and business training - while tackling human-wildlife conflict. Across six partner countries and Madagascar, 17 active projects are now supporting more than 388,000 people directly and training over 18,000 frontline workers and community facilitators. Some of the outcomes shared from the conference can be found on www. joa.je.

Knowledge sharing and building future leadership continued through the Jersey International Development Network - a JOA-hosted event open to all Islanders. This time we welcomed UNICEF as our guest speakers. During their visit, we introduced them to the revitalised Jersey Youth Assembly, under the very able leadership of Molly Gladwin at the States Greffe. Watching young Islanders debate global development challenges alongside international experts was a powerful example of the next generation stepping forward with confidence and global awareness.

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Political and civic education was one of the recommendations of the Island Identity project. If Jersey is to remain confident internationally, we must continue investing in our young people’s understanding of their island, and its place in the world.

I have also been working closely with UNICEF to continue offering JOA supported, two-year UN Professional Officer placements for local people, building on our partnership with UNHCR. Over the past five years, we have supported Islanders working on the front line in places such as Cox’s Bazaar, Lebanon, Cairo and Kyiv. These opportunities build careers, while also building Jersey’s global reputation and networks.

One of the most meaningful moments this quarter was visiting Grouville School to speak to Year 5 and 6 students about my role as Minister for International Development. I was genuinely humbled by their knowledge, curiosity and compassion - a tribute to their teacher Sam Hall and headteacher Nichola Turner.

The students presented me with a book containing 160 beautifully handwritten postcards sharing their thoughts on supporting developing countries. It was one of the most moving reminders that Jersey’s future lies in the values we pass to the next generation.

Deputy Rose Binet

A

s it is the last time I am able to contribute to Les Nouvelles de St Martin, I just wanted to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you all in the States Chamber and also in Government. It has been a real privilege.

Best wishes,

Alongside my international work, I continue to lead the Island Identity project (www.islandidentity.je) I have recently finalised a new Island Identity brochure, which will be available through the Parishes, the States Bookshop and online. This work is about ensuring Jersey tells its own story, something I believe is increasingly important in a rapidly changing world.

Rose

855223 / r.binet@gov.je

St Martin’s

Rifle Club

Are you interested in target shooting? St Martin has a shooting club that does 5 different types of shooting each year.

E

ach disipline is only shot once with events spread throughout the year, followed by an informal dinner.

The club is purely a social club with a bit of friendly competition thrown in.

Closer to home, and over the winter I have been working alongside Deputy Rose Binet and the “Save St Martin from Solar Farms” group. I am pleased the proposals for groundmounted solar panels have now been withdrawn by Jersey Electricity. I strongly believe renewable energy must be delivered in ways that protect our landscape, prioritising rooftops and car parks rather than productive agricultural land.

Finally, as this will be my last article before the election period, I want to say how much I have enjoyed serving the Parish of St Martin and its harmonious community. I was initially apprehensive about representing two parishes and effectively doubling my workload, but working alongside fellow Deputies and meeting so many wonderful Parishioners has been a real privilege.

Serving the Parish, Island and International Communities with pride and passion c.labey@gov.je / 852488 / www.carolynlabey.je

Newcomers enjoy a year’s free subscription. Join now for some friendly banter with fellow Parishioners. Anyone with a connection to St Martin can join, so you don’t have to live in the Parish to apply.

No previous experience is needed. Coaching and all equipment will be supplied.

Please contact Chris Clark for further information on 07797 786469 or chris@clarkclan.co.uk.

JOIN US FOR: Smallbore Rifle April Pistol June Fullbore Rifle July Clay Pigeon August Archery August

Spring 2026 Issue 56

29

Measure of Champions Champion trees are exceptional examples of their species. More specifically, a champion tree is typically classified as such by its size, relative to other specimens of the same species in the same geographical area – whether global, national, regional or local.

Age, rarity and historical or cultural importance are further factors that can lead to a tree gaining champion status.

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

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

T

hese specimens are crucial to the wellbeing and preservation The largest of the four Chinese swamp cypresses at Val de la of their local ecosystems. For Mare Arboretum, the only known genetically diverse specimens of Appreciating the incredible work context, a normal healthy mature tree their type in the northern hemisphere.

TROBI does, Jersey Trees for Life supports hundreds of wildlife species while is contributing by providing information about our island’s sequestering something like 20-40kg of carbon annually (a finest arboreal examples. Its volunteers have started assessing very approximate figure before considering size, species, potential candidates for champion status and, from spring, when methodology etc). Therefore, you can ramp up these numbers trees are easier to identify and far more photogenic, the mission for a healthy champion. will begin in earnest. Potential champions include a bearded alder at the Alder Collection (Alnus glutinosa subsp. barbata), a handkerchief tree (Davidia involucrata) at Rozel Valley and a magnificent Chinese swamp cypress (Glyptostrobus pensilis) at Val de la Mare.

(credit: Oldiefan (Pixabay) A handkerchief tree in bloom – there’s a champion handkerchief tree at Rozel

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

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

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

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A potential champion silver lime in Coronation Park.

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

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

www.jerseytreesforlife.org jerseytreesforlife

treesforlifejersey

jerseytreesforlife

St Martin

Household recycling collection 2026 This guide explains how to use the St Martin household recycling collection. A collection planner is included so you know when your recycling will be collected. Every home in St Martin receives a recycling collection, in addition to the existing rubbish and glass collections. Recycling collections will be on the same day as your glass collection.

Glass and Recycling Collections 2026 For the month of April

Glass & Recycling

Thursday 16 Apr 2026

Friday 17 Apr 2026

For the month of May

Glass & Recycling

Thursday 21 May 2026

Friday 22 May 2026

For the month of June

Glass & Recycling

Thursday 18 Jun 2026

Friday 19 Jun 2026

For the month of July

Glass & Recycling

Thursday 16 Jul 2026

Friday 17 Jul 2026

For the month of August

Glass & Recycling

Thursday 20 Aug 2026

Friday 21 Aug 2026

For the month of September

Glass & Recycling

Thursday 17 Sep 2026

Friday 18 Sep 2026

For the month of October

Glass & Recycling

Thursday 15 Oct 2026

Friday 16 Oct 2026

For the month of November

Glass & Recycling

Thursday 19 Nov 2026

Friday 20 Nov 2026

For the month of December

Glass & Recycling

Thursday 17 Dec 2026

Friday 18 Dec 2026

All refuse, recycling and glass out before 5am please.

For more information, visit stmartin.je

For collection enquiries, contact GermBusters Ltd. Tel (01534) 869918 | Email info@germbusters.je

Recycling in Jersey MythBusters Myth

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

FAct !

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 !

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

Myth

Glass can go in general waste or energy recovery.

FAct !

Glass can damage the Energy Recovery Facility , leading to costly repairs.

It must be recycled properly.

Myth

Plastic bottle tops can’t be recycled.

FAct !

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

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Book your test drive today and discover how the LBX blends performance and agility with efficiency.

SUPPLIED CONTENT

What Was but What If… PART 3 Extracted from

We Shall Eat Grass A compendium of myths, mysteries and minutiae of the only German Occupation of British Soil.

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

Compiled by Peter Tabb

What if…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Louis-Mountbatten

In the Royal Court House in St Helier, a stunned Bailiff Coutanche, who has just arrived behind his desk because of the curfew, telephones the Platzkommandantur but receives no response.

He hurries down to the Royal Square where he is joined by Charles Duret Aubin, the AttorneyGeneral, still wearing a pyjama jacket under his overcoat.

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

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

The bombardment is halted at 0800 CET.

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

HMS Royal Sovereign

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

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

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

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

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

“It seems, Charles, that we are…”

“Where are the Germans?”

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

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

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

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

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

Kernwerk St Peter

SUPPLIED CONTENT

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

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

“The man’s a fantasist!” Winston Churchill is still in his silk pyjamas although a cigar is already clamped between his teeth.

Brendan Bracken gently disagrees. “Not necessarily, Prime Minister. I suspect he recognises that having some 65,000 British civilians at his mercy gives him significant bargaining power…”

Wurzburg Radar

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

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

“Not with me, it doesn’t!” The PM turns to his naval adviser.

“Could it ever be possible? To evacuate so many civilians in just two days?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Then what do you suggest, Friedrich?”

“We fight back, Herr Generalmajor.”

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

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

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

“What about the Islanders?”

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

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

“It is war,” Vizeadmiral Hüffmeier retorts.

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

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

“Friedrich, Friedrich…” von Schmettow soothes. “Hear me out.

What I propose is an armistice, for 48 hours, to allow the Britsih to discuss with us the evacuation of the civilian population…”

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

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

“What Was but What If ”

will be published later this year.

Women’s Health, Community and Connection in St Martin

by Trudi Roscouet

Just over a year ago, I became a resident of St Martin.

From my home, I look out over Gorey every morning, watching the light change across the harbour and castle. It’s a view that encourages me to pause, breathe and reflect - something I’ve come to appreciate deeply, particularly as I’ve spent the last decade working in women’s health and wellbeing.

A

s women, our health needs change as we move through life, yet many of us are taught to quietly “get on with it”. Menopause, changing energy levels, joint pain, sleep disruption and anxiety are often treated as things to endure rather than address. For older women in particular, these challenges can be compounded by isolation - especially once work, parenting or caring roles fall away.

Through my work, and through conversations with women locally, I hear the same themes repeatedly: “I don’t feel like myself anymore,” “I don’t want a gym,” “I’d like to move more, but I don’t know where I belong.” These are not niche concerns; they are shared experiences.

That is why women’s health must be about more than exercise. It is about connection, confidence, safety and community.

Movement plays a vital role, but so does being seen, welcomed and understood.

Earlier this year, I opened Eve Studios, a women-only wellbeing hub created to support women at every life stage, including those over 65. Eve is not about keeping up or pushing through. It is about moving in ways that feel supportive, social and sustainable.

Classes such as Latina Vitality, Pilates and Seated Yoga are fully inclusive and designed to meet women where they are. Seated Yoga, for example, supports balance, mobility and relaxation without requiring you to get up and down from the floor. Latina Vitality brings music, rhythm and joy into movement, while Pilates helps maintain strength and posture as we age. There is no expectation to have done these classes before - curiosity is enough.

Just as importantly, Eve provides a space to come together. Women over 65 are increasingly forming friendships, meeting for coffee after sessions and rebuilding a sense of community that can be lost over time. This social connection is as vital to health as any physical benefit.

Living in St Martin has reminded me how powerful local community can be. Women’s health does not need to be complicated or intimidating - it starts with feeling welcome and supported. My hope is that, together, we can continue to create spaces where women feel less isolated, more connected and confident to prioritise their wellbeing at every age.

More information about Eve Studios is available on our website eve.je, or you can reach us at 07797 799513 or email hello@eve.je.

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Spring 2026

Issue 56

SUPPLIED CONTENT

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

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

Want to try a new restaurant?

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

Fancy a break?

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

Join us for a Spring Staycation!

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

Looking for somewhere different for an event or special occasion?

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

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

• £129 per night for 2 adults • £85 per night for 1 adult • £99 per night for 1 adult and 1 child • plus £20 per night per child These offers are open to Jersey residents only and are valid for stays during April and May 2026, subject to availability at time of booking.

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

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St Martin’s

Women’s Institute

by Anne Pasturel

Our November in-house craft evening was the usual mix of animated conversation and the making of lovely Christmas themed items.

W

e are so fortunate that our talented craft members share their skills with the rest of us. Items made included folded angels, flower arrangements and Christmas baubles.

Festive entertainment by the Jersey Ukelele Band

December was our Christmas Party and was organised by our excellent committee - it is always good, but this year was really special. Binney and Boarder supplied poached salmon and baked ham, which were very tasty. The committee supplied salads, bread, cheeseboard, wine and soft drinks, in addition they set up the hall which looked very festive. Several members supplied some delicious desserts, so we were very spoiled.

To help the party go with a swing, we were entertained by members Anne Dupre and Elspeth Legg who told the Christmas story in a different and amusing way. Anne was the long-suffering teacher and Elspeth the child with all the endless questions. Following that, the Jersey Ukelele Band performed for us and what fun they were.

They donate their fees to charity.

If that was not enough, we had some community singing of carols and were kept in tune by member Anne Hembry. Our Christmas raffle followed and most members were lucky. Most WIs go out at Christmas, but we in St Martin's like a good party!

In January, we had Laugh, Move and Groove, and the photo says it all, huge fun and Carol and Jackie are already booked for next year.

They have classes all over the Island and they too give the fees to charity. Also in January, Kay Laverty was presented with a certificate for completing a first aid course run by St John Ambulance. The course was open to all WIs and was partly funded by our Federation and partly by the Institutes.

Laugh, Move and Groove

Our activities continue with our Canasta afternoons being popular not only with members but with any player who would like to join us.

We meet in the Public Hall at 2.15pm on the third Monday of every month and the cost is £5pp which includes refreshments. Our Craft and Book Group continue with a smaller number of enthusiastic members attending each one. The Craft Group make lovely items which are donated to organisations at Christmas. The most recent recipients were the community groups in both St Helier and St Clement, Age Concern and The Salvation Army. We also support Brighter Futures.

It would be wonderful if more St Martin residents would join our happy band. It is possible to visit us 3 times before joining as a member. To quote one recent new member who after her visit said "I didn't know you did so much".

The welcome mat is in place, and the contact is Anne on 730409 or 07797 757679 or email apasturel@ live.co.uk.

Anne Pastural (right) presents a first aid certificate to Kay Laverty (left) Spring 2026 Issue 56

39

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Flower Club St Martin’s

by Kay Laverty

In December, as our previously booked demonstrator cancelled, six of our members volunteered to do an arrangement. Sandra Le Vesconte and Mim Hill did a wonderful arrangement using red and lime green carnations on a stylish tall, curved stand with berried holly wrapped around it.

M

argaret Le Cornu made a lovely white and green arrangement suitable for a hall table and Darlene Hewitt’s was a delightful arrangement using dark pink orchids, purple gerberas, muted pink scabious and pale green eryngium.

Ikibana arrangements in February

Next, she showed us a video of her visit to Floraholland in Aalsmeer which is the biggest Flower Auction site in the Netherlands from where they deliver flowers all over the world. The huge amount of flowers are moved around their massive warehouses on small trains and trucks.

Kay Laverty did an inverted crescent design on top of an ‘antique’ gas lamps using red roses and variegated holly. Philippa Romeril made a beautiful pedestal with red roses and carnations ferns, and attractive fir cones, and Christine Coen did an arrangement to look like a small Christmas tree using silver eucalyptus leaves.

In February, we hosted Galina Tod from Creative Floristry who teaches Ikibana. We were asked to bring just three flowers, a few sticks or branches and a tall narrow vase, then Galina demonstrated how to arrange these in Ikebana fashion. It was easier said than done, but we all did our best with Galina December arrangement by Sandra and Miriam coming around and helping us! In the end most of In January, we held our tea party us managed to do a satisfactory arrangement but some practice with sandwiches and delicious homemade cakes. Also, Jennifer would result in more amazing results!

Rendell showed us slide shows from her visits to London and Holland. She showed us the flowers used for Queen Elizabeth’s Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings. The first meeting funeral and then the flowers used for King Charles’ coronation is free and after that it is £8 per meeting which includes tea and and told us from where they were sourced. She also showed us biscuits. For details, please contact Kay Laverty on 853041 or Superbloom which were the wildflowers that were grown in the 07797 769536. moat at the Tower of London in 2014.

December arrangement by Darlene

Members work on their Ikibana arrangements

Ikibana arrangements in February Spring 2026 Issue 56

41

St Martin’s

Church

by Reverend Pete Stone

Why Easter Moves — and Why It Matters Every year someone asks: “Why does Easter keep moving?” Christmas behaves itself and stays on the 25th December, but Easter wanders around like a distracted spaniel.

T

he short answer is that Easter is tied to the Spring Equinox and the full moon. The slightly longer answer is that the Church in 325 AD decided, to unify the celebration of Easter Day, that it would fall on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the (fixed) Spring Equinox. To make calculations simpler and consistent, the Church settled on 21st March as the official equinox date, even though the real astronomical one can vary slightly.

In theory, the Church could have fixed Easter on a set date, but that would sometimes mean observing Good Friday on a Monday, which rather misses the point. Linking Easter to the rhythm of the week, the moon and the season kept the story anchored in worship and the natural year.

But behind all that sits something older. Some ancient writers noticed a pattern — the idea that great figures were sometimes said to die on the same date they were conceived — and later Christian thinkers used that notion to link 25th March when Gabriel visited Mary and Good Friday and then, nine months on, 25th December for his birth. That way of thinking helps explain why Christmas and Good Friday were tied together in Christian calendars, and why we still have Christmas on 25th December.

Even the name “Easter” has its quirks. In English (and German) we use a word that may have older local roots, possibly linked to springtime or dawn. But in most other languages the name comes from the Hebrew Pesach — Passover. In Jèrriais and French it’s Pâques and in Portuguese Páscoa. Those names point straight back to the Passover story and to the events in Jerusalem that shaped the first Easter, reminding us that the festival sits within a wider, older story.

Thank you to Ted Pafitis for his work from the Maufant Youth Project on his retirement from the Jersey Youth Service. (left to right) Sophie Martin (Ted's successor), Ted Pafitis, Vickie Corson (Chair) and William Sutton (Secretary)

42

Spring 2026

Issue 56

All of this is interesting — but none of it is the heart of the matter.

Easter is not about equinoxes or ancient calendars. It is about a moment when everything changed: a moment when death did not get the last word, when hope broke through in a way that still echoes today.

The resurrection is not meant to be a comforting tale we dust off once a year. It is a declaration that transformation is possible: that despair can give way to courage, that endings can become beginnings, that life — unearned, astonishing life — can rise where we thought everything was finished.

We mark that hope with the Paschal Candle, lit on Easter Sunday as a sign of resurrection, light and new life. It burns through the Easter season and is used at baptisms, weddings and funerals — a living reminder that transformation is possible and that endings can become beginnings.

So yes, Easter moves about. But perhaps that is fitting. Hope has a habit of turning up where you least expect it, and that is always worth celebrating.

Church Diary You are always welcome to pop into St Martin’s Church during the day, for a quiet moment of reflection or prayer. Every Sunday, we meet at 8am and 10am, you will be very welcome to join us.

Lent, Easter & Special Services MARCH

Sun 29th 9.30am

Mon 30th 8pm Tues 31st 8pm

APRIL Wed 1st Thu 2nd Fri 3rd

8pm 7pm 11am 2pm

Sun 5th 8am & 10am

MAY 9th 24th 31st

Palm Sunday Procession Meet on the Green Compline (Night Prayer) Compline (Night Prayer)

Compline (Night Prayer) Maundy Thursday Communion Good Friday All-Age Story Time and Craft. Music, Readings and Meditation Easter Sunday Service (Easter Egg Hunt after the 10am service)

9am Liberation Day Service 8am & 10am Pentecost Service 4pm Pet Service on the Labyrinth

Methodist Minister Rev Keith Sandow at an exhibition at Jersey Museum in December, where three of Keith's glassworks were displayed alongside others from the parish.

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44

Spring 2026

Issue 56

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www.highlands.ac.uk Spring 2026 Issue 56

45

HOGS on the (H) Edge

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

I

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

Jersey’s much-loved mammal is now ‘threatened with extinction’.

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

We cannot do this alone; we need your help!

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

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

Leaf piles could be a nesting site for hedgehogs

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

Take great care when turning over your compost heaps or raking your leaf piles.

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

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

If possible, leave some wild areas alone – leaf piles as they rot down, bug hotels, twigs and log piles are also home to the very beetles and bugs and other invertebrates that supply the hedgehog's natural diet. However, supplementing that diet with a small dish of cat food or small dog kibble will be appreciated, particularly in dry weather when there is less natural food around.

Never give mealworms, sunflower seeds, peanuts, or milk and bread (hedgehogs are lactose intolerant).

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

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

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

jerseyhedgehogs.co.uk Check for hedgehogs before you dig, fork or strim your garden

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Spring 2026

Issue 56

Thank you for caring!

Methodist Church

by David Marett

Circuit study groups at Ebenezer during Advent were an imaginative and helpful preparation for the festivities of Christmas.

S

unday 21st December was a highlight with an ecumenical “Carols on the Green” during a narrow respite in the weather and then our own Candlelight Carol Service in the evening – a firm favourite in the annual calendar. A couple of days before, our ‘Messy Church’ children had celebrated their Christmas complete with an important visit from the ‘man in red’.

January brought further ecumenical opportunities with our congregation joining with our Anglican neighbours for Plough Sunday, with Rector Rev Pete Stone and members of the farming community very much showing us its continuing relevance in a rural parish like St Martin. In difficult times for farming communities all over the country, it is good that its members can continue to go forward in faith that their hard work will be rewarded with success.

The following Sunday, we were delighted once again to welcome our friends from the Parish Church for our Covenant Service, one of the gems of Methodism instituted by John Wesley himself, but once again given an American twist by our Minister, Rev Keith Sandow, combining the traditional words with a ‘Feast of Light and Water’, an act of worship full of meaning and challenge.

Some very big promises are made, which in faith and by God’s grace, we hope will not suffer the same fate as traditional New Year resolutions.

Meanwhile, the remarkable Dr Nola Webster has embarked us on a study of the book of Revelation, which to many Christians can seem very obscure and difficult to understand. With Dr. Nola’s huge background of Biblical knowledge, she is able to open up the three principal sections, their styles and meaning, probably better understood by earlier readers, not ‘locked-in’ to modern rationalism as we tend to be. She brings a wonderful clarity out of the mist of unaided reading. Our thanks, as ever, to Nola.

As I write this, Lent is just round the corner, leading to the shortlived triumph of Palm Sunday and the harrowing events of Holy Week, before the ultimate glory and life-giving triumph of Easter Day. Pancakes at the start and chocolate eggs at the end are of course all part of the delight of the season, but our studies throughout Lent show us that there is very much more to this ‘delight’. For many, it is truly the most important Festival of the Christian Year.

Spring 2026 Issue 56

47

Catholic Community NEWS

Catholic Women’s League

by Pat Guegan

The Catholic Women’s League continued their charity fundraising recently with our popular Bingo in the autumn at a new venue, St Thomas’ Church Hall. We raised £756 in aid of Stroke Support Jersey.

I

n November, we held our Christmas Hamper Raffle, also in aid of Stroke Support Jersey, which raised a further £813, bringing the total to £1,569.

In December, the Christmas tree angels were on sale at St Thomas’ Church in aid of Jersey

Easter Message from Catholic Dean of Jersey As Easter begins, I am reminded of what that inspiring holy man Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote to a friend from his prison cell in July 1944:

“The Christian hope of resurrection is distinguished from mythological ideas by the fact that human beings are directed to their authentic life on earth.

They have no final flight into eternity from the responsibilities and difficulties of this world, but must, like Christ, savour and fulfil this earthly life. Only in this way are they crucified and risen with Christ the Risen Lord who meets us in the midst of life, not only at its edges.”

In the midst of what we are living through, with all its ups and downs, let us keep trying to welcome Christ. What might he be directing us to? Surely, it is to the efforts we should be making each day to practise a solidarity and a hope capable of giving strength and support to those around us. In such endeavours, we can, I believe, discover what our true life on earth is all about. May the Risen Lord bless us all as again we strive to be his Easter people.

Best wishes,

Fr Dominic

Cares, a charity which advocates and supports children and young people in care in Jersey and England. We also donated 120 angels to the charity for inclusion in their Christmas boxes, with a Christmas message from the Catholic Women’s League. The amount raised for these to date was £131.20. We are already planning our fundraising for them and other charities in 2026.

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

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

If you would like to come along, please contact Pat Guegan on 07797 724054 or by email at gueganfamily@gmail.com.

48

Spring 2026

Issue 56

Holy Week Liturgies Palm Sunday

usual Sunday Mass schedule

Holy Thursday

8pm at St Thomas Church, St Helier

Good Friday

3pm at St Thomas Church, St Helier and at St Bernadette Church, Quennevais 6.30pm Stations of the Cross at St Thomas Church, St Helier

Holy Saturday

7.30pm Easter Vigil at St Thomas Church, St Helier

Easter Sunday

8am, 10am and 12pm at St Thomas Church, St Helier 9.30am and 11.30am at St Bernadette Church, Quennevais

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Man Doue d’la Vie! par Dâvi Mathet

Nos v’là dêjà bein lanchis dans l’année 2026, mais quand j’êcoutons au radio ou à la télévision, ch’est bein la même chose comme tréjous – d’la fripponn’nie, des politiciens à lus entré-chicangni, jusqu’ au temps qué nous n’ sait pus tchi n’en penser.

Tchi qu’en est la vethité ou tchi qu’en est eune bîngue dé mensonges. Et j’avons ieu eune mâsse dé tempêtes ch’t’ année sans pâler des dgèrres tout l’tou du Monde. Oh-là.

M

ais heûtheusement, pus d’prés d’nous, Dieu mèrcie, i’ y’ a tout pliein à nouos consoler et à nouos êl’ver les esprits – des touffées dé p’tites bouonnefemmes, et même des g’zettes, au mais d’Janvyi ch’t’ année! Heûtheusement les pus tardives n’sont pas accouo là, ou bein i’ n’ y’ en éthait pon pouor Pâques. Les siennes ichîn sont dans nouot’ gardîn. (J’sommes si èrconnaîssants à Thomas d’aver travailli si bein à clièrgi les ronches et toutes sortes dé sèrcl’yes, qué j’pouvons les vaie achteu!)

Ch’est mangnifique étout dé ouïe les p’tits ouaîsieaux à chanter du matîn, même dévant qué l’solé s’montre dans l’ciel. Ch’est tréjous un grand pliaîsi dé pâsser tchiques minnutes à les dgetter sus lus tabl’ye dans l’gardîn. La mâjorité sont tchiques bliûtinnes et les démouaîselles cope-bouton, comme les deux ichîn. J’ai pèrdu compte combein dé généthâtions dé ches dreins qué j’avons veu ch’t’ année, auvec lé temps mîngnon qué j’avons ieu. Nou les viyait craître et avaû les s’maines et pis, d’un co, n’en v’là d’autres tout p’tits.

Tout d’ tchi bein positif. Comme j’ai dit au haut d’la page: “Man Doue d’la Vie”, si janmais j’tionmes tentés d’penser qué not’ bouonne vielle langue ‘tait pathée, j’eûnme la bouonne rêponse à l’Eisteddfod ch’t’ année. Tchi festîn à nouos l’ver les esprits et caûffer l’tchoeu. Les deux preunmiéthes journées, auvec les jannes êfants, ‘taient vraîment mèrveilleuses. Pouor c’menchi, i’ y’ avait eune telle dgaîngue et les rêsultats ‘taient vraîment ravissants. L’adjudicateûthe, la mangnifique Professeûthe Mari Jones, n’ donnit pon un seul cèrtificat dé bronze, mais deux’-trais d’argent et eune masse d’or, tchiques cèrtificats dé pliatinne, difficiles à gângni.

Nouos p’tits St Martinnaises fîtent hardi bein auvec un cèrtificat d’or et lé prix ‘Joan Tapley’.

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Mais lé Vendrédi i’ y’ eut deux cèrtificats dé dgiamant (pus dé nénante-chîn mèrques).

Iun fut présenté à eune èrmèrquabl’ye janne fil’ye, Sukey Mann. San accent ‘tait bein bouôn et ou présentit sa pièche hardi dramatiquement.

Juste dévant, j’avêmes ieu lé preunmyi donné au grand tchoeu dé l’êcole dé St Pièrre. J’n’ ai janmais ouï ‘Man Bieau P’tit Jèrri” mus chanté. Ch’tait un vrai pliaîsi.

Lé Sanm’di auvec les adultes, êtudiants et pâleurs natifs, fut êgalement un êvénement à bein apprécier. Lé nivé dé Jèrriais parmi les êtudgiants agrandit touos l’s ans.

Tama Coxshall, un êcolyi aut’fais à l’êcole dé St Martîn, c’menchit l’arlévée hardi bein auvec un cèrtificat pliatinne pour sa lectuthe prépathée. J’eûnmes lé pliaîsi, Ann et mé, d’être assis à eune tabl’ye auvec Tama et l’autre compétiteu dans sa clâsse, un moussieu bein întérêssant, Richard Simcott. I’ tait v’nu dé La Macédonie, où’est qu’i’ d’meuthe pouor achteu pouor prendre part à l’Eisteddfod! I’ fit hardi bein étout quand nou pense qu’il a apprîns lé Jèrrais auvec tchiques livres et l’aîgue d’ Aline Cattermole à l’înternet et, acouo mus, i’ pâle pâssant eune vîngtaine dé langues et il est à en êtudier eune autre trentaine!

S’ou l’ mantchîtes ch’t’ année, êprouvez à garder les dates l’année tchi veint. Ch’est bouôn d’saver qué l’Jèrriais est bein liain d’être mort.

Goodness me!

Here we are already well launched into 2026, but when listen to the radio or watch television, it is much the same as ever –

mischief, politicians quarrelling with each other, to the point that we no longer know what to think. What is the truth and what a basketful of lies. And we have had a load of storms, without speaking of wars all around the world. Oh dear!

But fortunately, nearer home, thank the Lord, there is plenty to console us and lift our spirits – clusters of snowdrops, and even daffodils in January this year!

Happily, the later ones haven’t appeared yet or there wouldn’t be any for Easter. These are in our garden.

(We’re very grateful to Thomas to have worked so hard to get rid of brambles and other weeds so that we can see them now!)

It’s also lovely to hear the birds singing away in the morning, even before the sun makes its appearance in the sky. It’s always a pleasure to spend a few minutes looking at them on our bird table. In the main we have few blue tits and great tits like the ones here.

I have lost count how many generations of the latter we have seen this past year with the relatively mild weather we have had. We could see them growing up over the weeks, and then suddenly there were another clutch of little ones.

All positive things. As I remarked at the top of the page: “Goodness me!”. If ever we were tempted to think that all was up for our good old language we had the perfect repost from the Eisteddfod this year.

What a feast to raise our spirits and warm our hearts.

The two first days, with the young children, were really wonderful. For a start there were so many of them and the results were truly astounding. The adjudicator, the marvellous Professor Mari Jones, didn’t award a single bronze certificate, only a few silver ones, and a whole mass of golds and a scatter of platinum, hard to achieve.

Our little St Martinaises did very well with a gold certificate and the Joan Tapley prize.

But on the Friday, there were two ‘diamond’ certificates awarded (over 95 marks). One was presented to a remarkable young lady, Sukey Mann.

Her accent was very good and her presentation very dramatic. Just before that, the other one went to a large choir from St Peter’s primary school. I’ve never heard “Beautiful Jersey” better sung. It was a real pleasure.

On the Saturday with the adults, both students and native speakers was equally an event to cherish.

The standard of Jèrriais improves every year. Tama Coxshall, a one-time pupil at St Martin, started the afternoon extremely well with a Platinum for his ‘prepared reading’. We had the pleasure, Ann and I, to be seated at a table wit Tama and the other member of his class, a most interesting gentleman, Richard Simcott. He had come all the way from Macedonia, where he lives at the moment, to take part in the Eisteddfod! He also did very well when you think he had learned Jèrriais in some eighteen months from books and with the help of Aline Cattermole over the internet. He speaks more than twenty languages and has studied another thirty.

If you missed it this year, try to keep the dates in your diary for next year. It’s really good to know that Jèrriais is very far from dead.

GourayChurch

by Reverend Jeff Wattley

Did you know that 20th March is the International Day of Happiness! All 193 United Nations member states have adopted a resolution calling for happiness to be given greater priority.

T

here is a paradox about happiness. As Aldous Huxley observed, “Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities."

The organisation Action for Happiness points to ten ‘other activities’ that are likely to result in the by-product of happiness if they are pursued genuinely and wholeheartedly. These include: 1. doing things for others 2. connecting with people 3. being part of something bigger Volunteering with a local charity can be a perfect way to engage in all three of these things so I am really cheered that the volunteering culture is so vibrant here in Jersey. Whether it be running uniformed organisations for young people, care for the elderly, support for the needy through foodbanks or the numerous charity shops across our Island, there is a very well-established tradition of volunteering. And here’s the bonus - on top of the direct benefits for people in need, the volunteers themselves are blessed with fulfilment and happiness as a byproduct of their time and commitment.

There’s a spiritual dimension to this too. In Matthew’s Gospel, we hear Jesus’ recipe for happiness. In the Beatitudes the word ‘Blessed’ (the Greek word ‘Makarios’) can equally be translated as ‘Happy’: Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!

Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them!

Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised!

Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully!

Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them!

Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God! Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children!

Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!

Matthew 5 v 3-10 GNB The key to happiness is not self-seeking as the marketing world relentlessly tells us. It is in self-giving and showing care and compassion to others.

Easter Services GOOD FRIDAY

3rd April / 2-3pm / ‘An Hour at the Cross’

EASTER SUNDAY

5th April / 8.30am / Holy Communion 10.30am / All Age Communion Every Sunday, we have 8.30am Holy Communion and 10.30am Service with Sunday Club for children.

Spring 2026 Issue 56

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SUPPLIED CONTENT

Taking Care of Your Feet Here’s some tips for the colder months The nerves which detect temperature in your feet can be damaged by diabetes. This is called neuropathy. If you have neuropathy you may not be aware that your skin is being damaged. Heat damage can lead to blisters which can become infected and ulcerate.

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

If you are planning to have a bath or soak your feet, use your elbow to check the water temperature.

Your hands can also be affected by neuropathy and thus are generally less sensitive to heat.

ACTION TODAY FOR TOMORROW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider for a check up.

diabetesjersey.com

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

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

New Healthcare Facilities Programme

@NHFPJersey

From Demolition to Delivery – moving towards construction of the new Acute Hospital at Overdale With Development Works underway to prepare the Overdale site for construction, and with the ongoing procurement process to secure a Main Works Delivery Partner running in parallel, a new hospital for Jersey has never been closer.

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

Ashbe Construction - along with local sub-contractors have removed the areas of remaining hard standings and residual structures below the ground and cleared the site area. Good progress is being made on the site hoardings, which are currently being installed around the perimeter.

Once complete, a total of 1,500 metres of hoardings will surround the full site.

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

In addition, local drainage diversions within the site have been planned and are scheduled for completion to enable the next phase of works. A new borehole has also been provided to supply the Rose Garden at the Crematorium.

Finally, early works are underway to start creating the Active Travel Route from the JEC Substation on the inner road - all under the supervision of an Ecological Clerk of Works and in accordance with Planning Conditions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

DEREK WARWICK HONDA

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‑

ST MARTIN PARISH

PUBLIC HALL OFFICE

NOTICEBOARD

853951 publichall@stmartin.je www.stmartin.je

RATES 2026

Office Opening Hours

Thank you to all Parishioners who have returned your completed Annual Returns for 2026. If you have not done so, you are urged to complete and return it as soon as possible to avoid a fine. The next stage of the Rates process is the publishing of the Rates Assessments which will be posted or emailed to Parishioners in April. Please ensure all details are correct once received. A Rates Demand will then follow when the Parish rate is approved at the Parish Assembly on Thursday 16th July.

VISITE DU BRANCHAGE

The first Visite du Branchage will take place on Thursday 9th July 2026. The second Visite will be on Thursday 3rd September 2026. If you are responsible for managing banks, hedgerows, trees, etc which effect roads and footpaths, please acquaint yourself with the branchage guidelines which can be found on the Parish website (stmartin.je) or on request from the Parish Office.

DUTY CENTENIER – 07797 717799 (Police matters only) MONDAY TO FRIDAY WEDNESDAY SATURDAY & SUNDAY

8.30am to 2.00pm 5.30pm to 7.30pm CLOSED

A MediaMasters publication in association with the Parish of St Martin.

EDITORIAL Susan Parker T: 07797 916991 / E: susiep99@hotmail.com ADVERTISING Martyn Farley T: 07797 743191 / E: martyn@farley.je ACCOUNTS Helen Carré E: helen@mediamasters.je

notice: 2026© Parish of St Martin Magazine (Les Nouvelles de St Martin). The entire content of Crafty Quilters Copyright this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this journal may be reproduced, sorted in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written consent of the copyright owner.

QUARTER STRIP 35mm X 90mm 2023 Reprint details: Reprints of articles can be purchased by contacting the publishers.

VISITE ROYALE – WED 29TH JULY

The Connétable will be hosting the Visite Royale this year when the Royal Court will be sitting in the Public Hall to inspect Parish accounts followed by an inspection of Parish roads. The inspection will commence at approximately 11am.

MUNICIPALITY OFFICERS

A Parish Assembly was recently held for the election of Centenier and Procureur. The following candidates were elected: Procureur du Bien Public – William Sutton was re-elected for a further three-year term Centenier – Anne Stone was newly elected for a three-year term Constable’s Officer (Vingtaine de Faldouet) – Carole Bisson was re-elected for a further three-year term.

David Burmingham has stepped down from his role as Centenier which he held for six years. It is with much gratitude for his services to the Parish that we say goodbye to David and wish him well.

Disclaimer: Whilst the Parish of St Martin Magazine Team and contributors to this magazine have provided the information contained in it in good faith, they accept no responsibility, financial or otherwise, for any action taken by any other party as a result of the information so provided. Independent and appropriate advice should always be sought on such matters. The views expressed within this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.

The Editor accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions that may occur.

TRADES & SERVICES IN YOUR PARISH APPROVED AGENT FOR SEWING MACHINE

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GENERAL ELECTION – SUN 7TH JUNE

As you may know, the islandwide election will take place on Sunday 7th June. Please ensure you are registered on the electoral roll in order to vote. Please see www. stmartin.je/elections for full details.

RECYCLING AND GLASS COLLECTIONS

Some properties were recently omitted from the delivery of the three types of recycling bins. If you need any containers, please contact the Public Hall as we may have some available for collection. The dates for all collections can be found on the Parish website at www.stmartin.je.

Les Nouvelles is a community parish publication by MediaMasters and is printed on FSC certified paper using vegetable-based inks by an ISO 14001 accredited printer.

SWIMMING “Get Fit, Stay Fit” • Lessons for Babies, Children, Adults – any level • Groups – One to One • Swimming for Exercise, Fun, Stress & Pain Relief • 90*F/32*C Heated Pool • Swim England – Trained Teacher

Contact Heather Uwins 852678 heather_uwins@hotmail.com Spring 2026 Issue 56

57

Charity Open Gardens

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

Saturday 21st March 11am to 4pm

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

Sunday 19th April Government House St Saviour

The annual award, a legacy from the three Jersey campaigns in the Clipper Round- the-World Yacht Race, was established 19 years ago through the generosity of Dandara, Les Pas Holdings and UBS. The successful applicant will follow in the wake of Jamie Le Marquand (17) who used the funds to take part in the 2025 Tall Ships Race, joining the crew of the historic fishing boat Excelsior on the leg from Scotland to Norway.

Sunday 17th May

Domaine Des Vaux St Lawrence

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

Sunday 31st May Woodlands Court Grouville

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

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

The deadline is 30 April.

Sunday 28th June Seafield House St Lawrence

For further information please call PHILIP JEUNE on 857309 or 07797 722127. photo: Rob Howarth Photography)

GARDENS OPEN 2.00 – 5.00pm ENTRY Adults £7.00, U12’s FREE CREAM TEAS £5.50

Regret no dogs

Most gardens will also be offering guided nature walks and a tombola.

For more details, please see

www.jayf.org.je

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Spring 2026

Issue 56

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