Southwest / Autumn 2025 / Issue 11

Peace of Mind Through Planning

If you’re anything like many people in Jersey, two things come up time and time again:

• “I’m not actually sure where all my assets are.”

• “I don’t know when I last reviewed it all.”

Sound familiar?

Life gets busy, and financial admin often takes a back seat. But here’s the thing: not knowing can quietly chip away at your peace of mind, and potentially your future financial security.

The Power of Knowing Where Everything Is

When you have sight of all your finances in one place, something powerful happens: you gain clarity. You know exactly what you have, where it is, and how it’s working for you. This brings piece of mind.

We can then build a plan that’s grounded in facts and aligned with your goals, whether that’s preparing for retirement, supporting the next generation, or simply enjoying life. With everything clearly laid out, you gain a sense of control, seeing how each piece of your financial jigsaw fits together to support the life you want today, tomorrow, and into your future.

“Am I going to be ok?”

An important question to ask yourself is:

“If the worst was to happen tomorrow, would you know where everything is and feel financially prepared?”

Common worries are:

• “I don’t have a will”, or “I haven’t reviewed it in a long time” – It’s easy to put this task off, but having it sorted can really help your family. Having a will makes everything smoother, quicker, and less stressful at a difficult time for your loved ones.

• “I’m not sure what insurance I actually have.” – Many people don’t realise they might be overpaying for insurance, underinsured, or missing important cover altogether. Taking the time to understand what you have and what you might need, can give you a real safety net when life doesn’t go to plan.

• “I’m worried my savings and pensions won’t last in my retirement”

– Many people realise their Jersey state and workplace pensions may not be enough for the retirement lifestyle they worked hard for. With retirement possibly lasting 30+ years, that gap can be significant.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. With the right plan, you can feel more in control.

How Financial Planning Can Help

This is where working with a financial planner can make a real difference.

• We can help you bring everything together into one clear picture.

• We can use cashflow planning to see what your future could look like.

• We can together build a plan with that’s tailored to your life and your family’s objectives.

Let’s have a no-commitment conversation. It’s never too early, or too late, to plan for the future you want.

Matthew

Fielding Chartered MCSI Financial Planner

Email: matthew.fielding@quiltercheviot.com

DL: +44 (0) 1534 506128

Thank you so much to all our regular and new contributors for the time spent writing articles and collating photographs to share with our readers.

We are now racing towards the end of our third year of publishing “Southwest” and continue to be amazed at the wonderful diversity of activities and opportunities available in our local community. We hope that you enjoy reading about them and are perhaps tempted to get involved.

Our fantastic front cover photograph is of St Brelade Youth Project’s surf lessons with Laneez Surf School. Find out more about this on page10.

We have delighted to have contributions from all four of our Parish Deputies for the first time ever! Read about matters which are important to us all on pages 18-21.

Our youngest Parishioners have been very busy as usual as you will see in updates by Pathways, 10th St Brelade Scout Group, Mont Nicolle School and La Moye School.

Read about the wonderful work of voluntary initiative Plastic Free Jersey whose mission is to reduce the amount of plastic we use and advocate for a healthier ocean and island. Find out how you can play your part on page 26.

Wetwheels celebrates their 12th year of operation in Jersey waters, providing inclusive and transformative experiences at sea for people of all ages. Find out more about who they are and what they offer on pages 46-47, with some joyful photos!

The Jersey Repair Café has reached the remarkable milestone of 70 events since its launch in 2022, preventing over 4000kg of waste from being thrown away. Read all about this on pages 50-51.

We welcome new contributions which might encourage readers to get involved, meet new people or try a new skill. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have a club, activity or news to share.

À la préchaine

If you would like to contribute to future editions of Southwest, please email Susan Parker at susiep99@hotmail.com or call 07797 916991. The deadline for the next edition is Tuesday 21st October. All contributions are greatly appreciated.

St Brelade Battle of Flowers REPORT

This year’s Battle of Flowers, held on 8th and 9th August, marked a significant shift from its traditional Victoria Avenue route to a more intimate town-centre experience.

The parade featured 19 floats, street entertainers and a fireworks finale, all free to the public.

With 14 days to go and with heavy hearts, St Brelade Battle of Flowers Association made the extremely difficult decision to withdraw the Senior float from this year’s parades.

In 2026, they intend to be back with a Senior float, and they will need lots of help! Without the continued support of the local community, the Parish floats simply would not happen.

The Parish was still represented by a fabulous Junior section, who did sterling work and produced a fantastic High School Musical themed float named “We’re all in this together!”

If you would like to find out more, please get in touch at bofstbrelade@gmail.com

Summer Reading Challenge

by Michael Franco

This summer, Communicare Library was once again at the heart of parish life, hosting the annual Summer Reading Challenge.

Created by the National Reading Agency, the challenge was open to all children in Jersey aged 4-11 years, offering a free, fun and friendly way to keep the joy of reading alive over the school holidays. There was also a special mini challenge for our youngest readers.

This year’s theme, Story Garden, celebrated the magic of storytelling and the wonders of nature. From the moment they signed up, children could choose any books they fancied, earn colourful stickers and be rewarded with a certificate and medal for their reading efforts. They could also enjoy a host of free activities at the library, such as colouring and a garden-themed scavenger hunt.

The library was alive with excitement as young readers discovered new adventures, shared their favourite stories and developed a lifelong love of reading. Thanks to the glorious weather, many participants enjoyed reading in our beautiful library garden. If you haven’t yet visited, we highly recommend wandering in to admire the flowers and plants, or simply to spend a peaceful hour reading on one of the benches. It truly is one of St Brelade’s hidden gems.

SW

Inspirational Young People: Daniel’s Marathon Challenge

On 5th October 2025, Daniel will be taking on an incredible challenge – running the Jersey Marathon. This is the very first time anyone from Pathways has committed to something so demanding, and we are thrilled to see how well he has trained and prepared for the big day.

Daniel’s journey with Pathways began when he was just a little boy attending our holiday clubs. As he grew older, he gradually took on more responsibility, stepping into the role of a young leader when he moved into secondary school. We’ve watched him grow through the different stages – starting out in an orange t-shirt in Years 7 & 8, moving up to a purple t-shirt in Year 9, and now, at 19, helping at our after-school club and leading one of our leadership sessions on Tuesday evenings at Mont Nicolle.

Through Pathways, Daniel says he has developed leadership skills, resilience, teamwork and the ability to use his initiative in challenging situations. Most importantly, he shares that Pathways has given him opportunities and lifelong friendships:

“Pathways has given me so much and now is a chance for me to give back and say thank you for all it has done for me.”

We are incredibly proud of Daniel’s determination and commitment to this challenge. His example has already inspired others within Pathways, and we are delighted that two relay teamsmade up of young people aged 15 and over - will also be running in the Jersey Marathon this year.

We wish Daniel and all our runners the very best in their training and on marathon day. If you would like to support Daniel and help Pathways continue inspiring children and young people, please consider donating through the link below.

www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/daniel-kelly-1

Pathways Expands to the East of the Island

Pathways is expanding to St Clement, marking the start of a new chapter in the East of the Island. This expansion has come about through conversations and shared vision with St Clement Constable Marcus Troy, who has taken a personal interest in bringing new opportunities to young people in St Clement and Grouville.

Transforming Youth Through Pathways

Transforming Youth Through Pathways is the first book by Liz Lambotte, founder of the charity Pathways.

Liz has dedicated her life to children and young people –whether through Sunday school, schools or youth work. With two degrees and a master’s, she combines academic insight with a genuine passion for empowering the next generation.

At the heart of Pathways lies a powerful belief: every young person carries greatness within them. With the right support, encouragement and opportunities, they can step into their future as confident, capable and compassionate leaders.

Through leadership sessions, positive relationships and meaningful opportunities, Pathways has helped countless young people discover their strengths, embrace their value and unlock their potential.

This inspiring journey is now captured in Transforming Youth Through Pathways

To order your copy, email hello@pathwaysjersey.co.uk

All profits from sales go directly to the charity, supporting the ongoing work of transforming young lives.

10th Scout Group St Brelade

Summertime is when we camp!

We camp all year round at the 10th St Brelade Scout Group, but in the summer, we get our tents out, practise putting them up and check they are in good order with enough straight tent pegs and no holes or tears. The older children help the younger ones learn how to get a large amount of canvas folded up into an impossibly tiny bag! It's quite a skill.

What is lovely about the summer is that, along with our individual camps, we all joined in with a group camp. Both Scouts and Cubs spent weekends at St Aubin’s Fort.

by Evelyn Langlois – Akela 10th St Brelade Dome Cubs

team from the 1st Scout Group ran kayaking sessions for us, a big thank you to them, and the evenings were spent chilling over board games.

The Cubs participated in a wide range of fun activities: kayaking, learning knots to rescue treasure, experiencing V.R., (virtual reality, fighting off smurfs), building dams from sand and rocks, and playing challenge games. One big challenge for the Cubs was to carry their kit over the causeway by themselves. It was incredible to see their determination to do it without help, despite being laden down.

The Scouts were out there a couple of weeks later. Due to the tides, they had to be taken out and returned by boat, which was quite an adventure in itself! The Scouts were tasked with cooking their own meals. Some were created in the kitchen, others on open fires.

Our Oak Beaver colony camped over the weekend of the Island Walk. Their theme was how to make our world better, and they had lots of ideas. As well as helping at the Beauport base, they painted pebbles, weeded our growing patch and planted seeds. They finished off the evening with a campfire and toasting marshmallows.

Our final joint camp of the summer was Beech Beavers, Dome Cubs and Beauport Scouts. This year, we set a challenge for everyone. The youngsters had to pair up and face paint each other’s faces. There were prizes for the most colourful, the best matching pair, the silliest, the most detailed, the most creative, and many more. A lot of fun was had, and there were some amazing creations. Luckily, all the paint came off when we set up the huge slip ’n’ slide, which is always a big favourite with everybody. We had a big beetle drive with the Cubs and Beavers competing while the Scouts painted plant pot people to cheerfully decorate our grounds.

For the final evening of camp, parents and grandparents all came along, brought a dish and shared a BBQ with us. It was such a successful event. Everyone was able to enjoy the lovely outdoor space and delicious food. The Cubs were amazing organisers and servers, and the Beavers helped with keeping the hall spick and span. To finish off, we presented Bronze and Silver Awards at our campfire and had a super time around a lovely fire.

They made enough kebabs to feed a small army, and we had onions with everything, as our supplied onions were so big and we had so many!! The leadership

We are always keen for new helpers and leaders. Come and join our team. If you enjoy fun activities and want to make a difference to little lives, please do contact c.totty@scouts.org.je

Youth Project St Brelade’s

by Stacy Benstead

As the summer draws to a close, St Brelade’s Youth Project has been bursting with energy, creativity and community spirit. Here's a look at what we've been up toand what’s coming next!

Youth Club Sessions: Fun, Friendship & Fresh Air

All our Juniors, Inters, Seniors and Street-Based sessions have been running brilliantly, with young people diving into a wide range of activities:

• Creative Arts: Members have been designing artwork to brighten up our youth club space, adding colour and personality to every corner.

• Outdoor Games: Badminton matches and spike pool tournaments have brought out friendly competition and plenty of laughter.

• Healthy Cooking: We've explored how to make nutritious meals like sushi and fresh pasta.

• Island Explorations: From peaceful sunset viewings to energizing nature walks, we’ve been discovering the beauty of Jersey together.

Young Worker Residential

To support our young people during their GCSE revision period, we hosted a relaxing overnight stay at Crabbe which involved a digital detox with phones off, a pizza night, games and team bonding.

Riding Waves

This summer, a group of our young people had the incredible opportunity to take part in three surf lessons with the fantastic team at Laneez Surf School. Thanks to generous funding from Carey Olsen, we were able to enjoy the waves, learn new skills and build confidence in the water. The sessions were so fun and created some unforgettable moments - many of our young people had never surfed before, and they absolutely loved it. A huge thank you to Carey Olsen for making this experience possible!

Skate Park Project

Our Summer Skate Jam was a huge hit! Young skaters of all ages and abilities came together for a day of fun, competition and community spirit.

Off-Island Adventure

This August, twelve young people and three staff members will set sail with the Ocean Youth Trust for a week-long adventure. Living aboard a sailing boat, they’ll learn essential skills in navigation, teamwork and resilience. Stay tuned for the next issue to hear all about their journey!

Next Up

We’re planning another Skate Jam this October for Halloweenexpect Fancy dress, thrilling tricks and more prizes!

Join the Team

St Brelade’s Youth Project thrives thanks to its passionate staff and volunteers. If you’re interested in supporting local young people and making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

New Opening Times from Septembers

TUESDAY SENIORS Year 9+ 18:30 – 21:00

THURSDAY INTERS Year 7 & 8 18:30 – 20:30

FRIDAY JUNIORS Year 5 & 6 18:30 – 20:30

If you would like to know any more, please contact Stacy Benstead at stacybenstead@jys.je or 07797 723260

SW

Mont Nicolle UPDATE

Headteacher

The children had so many enriching experiences during the past year at Mont Nicolle. It has certainly been a truly successful year filled with growth, learning and memorable moments for all. There was an abundance of educational visits throughout the year to support and enhance learning, including visits to La Hougue Bie, the Royal Square for a Battle of Jersey reenactment, Eric Young Orchid Foundation, Safety in Action, Ronez Quarry and the Synagogue.

We have had so many sporting opportunities and achievements including tag rugby, football, netball, athletics, tennis, cross country and the Swimarathon. We have also celebrated many achievements beyond the school, such as roller-skating competitions in the UK, Dance World Cup in Spain, Kids Triathlon, gymnastics and dance, and the Family Nursing Colour Run.

Our community spirit has led us to Silver Springs, where our choir entertained the residents at Christmas time. The choir have also performed with Les Landes, St Lawerence and St John’s schools at the Children’s Day event in July. Our families also donated over 180 gifts for all the residents in our Parish care homes last Christmas.

We bid a very fond farewell to our Year 6 children as they walked the red carpet, leaving behind Mont Nicolle Primary School for the very last time. The whole school cheered them on as we wished them lots of good luck at their Secondary School.

Mrs Paul

Nursery

Mont Nicolle Nursery recently held a fun-filled Sports Day that brought together children, families, and staff for a day of excitement and friendly competition. The little ones eagerly participated in running races, egg and spoon challenges, and an adventurous obstacle course, showing great enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Laughter and cheers filled the air as parents, grandparents, and siblings gathered to support and encourage every child. The event concluded with all participants proudly receiving medals and enjoying a refreshing ice lolly.

Mrs Knight

Reception

The children have been exploring the fascinating themes of growing and changing as part of their recent learning. To enrich their understanding, the children enjoyed an educational visit to the zoo, where they had the opportunity to observe a Madagascan Hissing Cockroach, affectionately named Gary. Their studies have been complemented by reading stories such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Tiny Seed, which beautifully illustrate the stages of development in nature. Additionally, the children have been learning about the life cycles of butterflies, frogs, and humans, gaining a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them.

Miss McEnery & Miss Anderson

Year 1

We have been looking at poetry this half term and the children have been able to write some amazing pirate poems which they were able to recite to other children with such clear, grown-up voices! We have been recapping all our Maths work this year, including adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing simple numbers. We have enjoyed lots of Art this year and the children have recently been creating clay pieces based on what they find in Forest School.

To celebrate the end of term, we enjoyed a morning at St Brelade’s beach with Year 2.

Mrs Campbell

SW

Year 2

The highlights of the term have most definitely been being able to home the stick insects - a different child each weekend has taken home our sticky friends to care for and then returned them safely to the classroom on Monday morning. We also enjoyed meeting the new rector of St Brelade’s Church and had a lovely visit. Our topic this term for History was the Battle of Jersey and Year 2 re-enacted the Battle again in the Royal Square. We also loved our beach trip to St Brelade with Year 1.

Miss Watson

Year 3

We made papier-mâché volcanoes and exploded them with our mixture of vinegar, food colouring, bicarbonate of soda and fairy liquid! We also learned about the Romans and how they built their Empire, conquered Britain and what important things they left behind for us. At the recent Primary Engineer Celebration Event, one of our teams brought home the prize for the best themed Tippy Truck. All of Year 3 did a fantastic job designing and making their truck, which lit up and was able to empty a load! We visited Crabbé and Grève de Lecq, and created our own zoos out of nature, playing capture the flag through the forest and rock pooling at the beach.

Miss Gardener

Year 4

This term, the children have learned to play the trumpet, under the expert guidance of the Jersey Music Service. They explored the Norman Conquest, including a memorable visit to Mont Orgueil Castle. The children created their own torches, combining their knowledge from science (electricity) and design technology. The children have also been learning Jèrriais; through fun activities and conversations, they have begun to understand basic vocabulary and phrases, helping them connect with the island’s rich cultural heritage, and we enjoyed a trip to Hamptonne Country Life Museum to meet the bouonnefemme.

Miss Goncalves

Year 5

Year 5’s underwater adventure began in the classroom, where they learned about the marine species they might encounter during their sea swim. Then we went to the Haute Vallée swimming pool to practise their skills, trying on flippers and snorkelling gear for the first time. But the real highlight was a trip to Bouley Bay, where the children fully embraced the experience. With enthusiasm and curiosity, they explored the waters, spotting wrasse, a school of sand eels, and even a jellyfish! It was a truly memorable day, and the children gained new skills and some found a new love of snorkelling.

Miss Waters

Year 6

Year 6 pupils took part in the Speak Up Speak Out event - a powerful platform where each child chose a topic or campaign they felt passionate about. After researching and writing persuasive speeches, they presented them to our school community with confidence and purpose. Each speech reflected the children’s growing awareness of the world around them and their desire to bring about positive change. We are incredibly proud that Matilda was selected to represent Mont Nicolle School at the island wide event where she delivered a powerful and passionate speech on the importance of equality in football. In June, Year 6 had a fantastic time on their French trip to Lac de Guerledan. From canoeing, to abseiling off an iron bridge and rock climbing, they embraced every challenge.

Mrs Michel

La Moye School

I can’t quite believe it is the end of another school year! What a year it has been, and as everyone that has ever worked in a primary school knows, the last half term is always non-stop, filled with events and celebrations.

Sports Days

This year, our new PE lead, Mr Scurr, led his first La Moye Sports Day and what an incredible Sports Day we had! With 12 exciting and inclusive events, every child had the opportunity to shine. From start to finish, the enthusiasm, effort and team spirit on display was truly inspirational. Our children not only showcased excellent physical skills but also demonstrated the very best of our school valuesaspire, achieve, together.

Celebrating Learning

One of our summer traditions is to invite parents into school to have a tour d’excellence of their child’s learning, with their child as the tour guide! We are so grateful to all our parents, grandparents and carers for their support at this event - the school was literally packed with people, inside and out: the hall, the library, the playgrounds, the corridors and the classrooms! There was a fabulous community feeling, but also a sense of celebration of the children’s hard work and progress through the year as the children compared their learning last September with their learning at the end of the school year. Of course, this progress and success would not have been possible without a team of dedicated staff working tirelessly to ensure this happens.

Young Interpreters

We have had another successful year following the Young Interpreters Scheme and supporting our multicultural community. After completing the training, our carefully selected Year 5 and 6 volunteers, used their skills to help their younger peers to enhance their reading, extend vocabulary and build confidence, whilst communicating both in English and in their mother languages. We are very proud of our Young Interpreters and would like to thank them for their time, skills and commitment supporting our multilingual community.

by John Baudains, Headmaster

New Sensory Space

We have been setting up a new sensory, calming space in school to support pupils in need of this kind of provision, as well as developing their learning. Our sensory space is now equipped with specialist tools designed to address a wide range of needs, including the development of gross and fine motor skills, emotional regulation, and support for pupils who collaborate with Occupational Therapists.

Importantly, this resource is now accessible to students throughout the school, and we are confident it will have a profoundly positive impact on the growth and well-being of many pupils. This significant achievement would not have been possible without Appleby’s generous support, and we are incredibly grateful.

Leavers and End of Term Celebrations

During the last week of term, we held our Leaver’s Presentation Assembly. As is our tradition, we presented the Year 6 children with a specially designed medal and a book of their choice, donated by the PTA. We also present them with a special Leaver’s Yearbook. The yearbook has a page for each child, letters from staff, photo pages and much more and is an important keepsake of their time at primary school.

In our Leaver’s Assembly, we also present awards for outstanding contribution to our school in sport and also most importantly in reflecting our Core Values awards. Awards are presented for outstanding aspiration, outstanding achievement and outstanding togetherness.

This year, to reflect our increased focus on our Rights Respecting Schools work, we have introduced a new award. This award is for an outstanding contribution to the school community, and in its inaugural year it was won by Jack - well done.

All these awards are nominated by the staff and selected in a formal meeting with the Senior Leadership Team. This year, it was harder than ever to choose - and if you have met our Year 6 pupils, you will know why! There is talent everywhere! Their secondary schools are extremely lucky; we will miss them and wish them the best of luck.

I wonder what excitement and success another year at La Moye School will bring!

I used to have hedgehogs in the garden, but not now.

On the UK mainland hedgehog numbers have declined by 30% in urban areas and 50% in rural areas. They are listed as “vulnerable” on the red list of mammals in danger of extinction.

The Jersey Hedgehog Preservation Group has seen the decline mirrored here, through the reduction in admissions to the Group.

Our mission is to rescue, treat and rehabilitate sick and injured hedgehogs before releasing them back into the wild.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so their eyesight is poor and they rely on their heightened sense of smell and hearing to find prey. Leading up to the branchage in July and September, we receive hogs with severe strimmer injuries. Very few can be saved.

The summer months are birthing time. If a nest is disturbed by over exuberant gardeners, or mum is injured, abandoned or orphaned hoglets are unlikely to survive unless they are rescued and brought into care.

Long grass, undergrowth under hedges, leaf piles and compost heaps all make cosy nesting sites, as well as providing ideal conditions for the caterpillars, beetles, grubs and other insects that hedgehogs like to eat. In warm weather hedgehogs will just lie up in long grass and not use a nest.

It takes just a minute so please do Check Before You Chop!

The erosion of habitat, use of pesticides, and global warming are all playing a part in the decline.

Increased human population means more houses encroaching on rural land. They often have enclosed low maintenance gardens, with few places to nest.

Fewer wild areas, and fewer invertebrates means less food for hedgehogs.

Pesticides and rat poison leave poisoned carrion, which hedgehogs may eat, and it will kill them.

Our admissions have included hogs wrapped in netting, dog bites, one rescued from a cesspit, one shut in a garage, another trapped in an uncovered drainhole and one with a six-pack plastic ring around its middle.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

• Shallow dishes of clean water topped up daily all year round. This is a life-saver particularly in hot dry spells when the ground is too hard for them to dig for natural food.

• Ensure ponds or swimming pools have escape routes, such as bricks or rigid mesh over the side.

• Garden access can be created with a 13cm hole in fences, gates or walls. Hogs must be able to roam.

• Supplement their natural diet, particularly in dry weather and through winter with cat or small size dog kibble. In mild winters Jersey hedgehogs only hibernate for short periods if at all.

• Never give mealworms, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and definitely no milk and bread.

Feeding boxes are available from Jersey Hedgehog Preservation Group for a donation.

If you find a sick or injured hedgehog out in daylight, please telephone 01534 734340

St Brelade appears to be the hedgehog capital of Jersey, where we know a lot of residents regularly feed their hedgehogs. Sadly, it is also a hot spot for road deaths, particularly near the Rugby Club, the Airport Road opposite the entrance to Lakeside, and Red Houses. It featured the highest number of recorded sightings in the survey.

St Mary which is less lit up and has more wild areas for hogs to roam after dark had the least sightings in the survey (130 in St Brelade, only 10 in St Mary).

St Saviour, St Helier and St Peter recorded the next highest numbers of sightings (in that order).

St Michael’s Preparatory School

“It is a privilege to serve as Head of St Michael's We believe in prolonging childhood, nurturing every child’s talents, and fostering a love for learning. Our mission is to create enriching experiences that inspire a sense of community, curiosity, and confidence, preparing our pupils for the next stage of their education and beyond.” - Henry Marshall

CONSIDERATION | CURIOSITY | CHALLENGE | COMMUNITY

When choosing a school, you need to be clear about its defining features Here are eight points to help you understand what we offer at St Michael's Preparatory School...

A wealth of opportunity: Pupils have countless opportunities to challenge themselves and explore new interests Our extended school day enables a diverse range of after-school activities, ensuring every child can find something that inspires and excites them

Small class sizes:

Individualised Care: With a staff ratio of 1:7 we treat every child as an individual and quickly learn their strengths, interests and what makes them tick. Allowing us to create an environment for

We have around 310 boys and girls aged between 3 and 14, with an average of 15 children per class We run a two form entry from Reception to Year 8. In Year 7 and 8, Maths and English are set three ways

Resilience and independence:

By the end of Year 8 and Shell, pupils have become confident young people, ready to work, play and socialise, alongside the young adults of their next school.

Freedom to be yourself: As a non-selective school, we welcome pupils of all abilities, personalities and interests. Attainment and progress of each year group are well above the national average.

One inclusive family: Effective education depends upon the strength of the triangle that exists between the pupil, the parents and the School. We pride ourselves on a strong sense of community

An inspiring environment: We inspire academic curiosity across all age groups Our impressive 80-acre campus features purpose-built classrooms, an Engineering and Science Lab, a swimming pool, playing fields, a forest school, an astro, tennis/netball courts and a sports hall

A sense of belonging: Every new pupil is greeted with a warm welcome and, with consideration and kindness, they quickly fit into their new school. St Michael's pupils are very proud of their school.

Want to find out more?

If you’re interested in finding out more about life at St Michael’s and why our School is so special, please email: admissions@stmichaels je for further information and to arrange a tour.

Michael’s

Individualised Care:

With a staff ratio of 1:7 we treat every child as an individual and quickly learn their strengths, interests and what makes them tick, allowing us to create an environment for them to thrive.

Your Parish Politicians

Ageism is alive and well

Every ‘old’ person knows what it is like to be young, but no young person knows what it is like to be old. I have been reflecting on this recently as I just turned 46. It was a poignant anniversary, as that is how old my mother was when she gave birth to me.

Many cultures, particularly in Asia, value the life experience that comes with age: in the Philippines, younger people greet elders by touching their forehead to an elder’s hand as a sign of respect (a gesture called "Mano"). In Japan, elders are addressed with honorific language and live in multigenerational households. In Sardinia, elders are celebrated for their wisdom; and in many indigenous cultures, they are seen as custodians of culture and tradition, passing down oral history, and playing an important role in community decision-making.

So how do we compare?

In Jersey, much of the current political discourse is focused on the ‘aging population’ as a problem for the ‘future economy’. This narrative can often frame the elderly as a burden because they are no longer ‘economically productive’. This assessment overlooks the contribution that grandparents make in terms of child-care* in families, or valuable voluntary work that they may undertake, as well as involvement in clubs and associations. And of course, retired people still spend and contribute to the economy that way (the value of the ‘silver pound’ is well understood by astute marketeers).

Whilst much progress has been made when it comes to society understanding and combatting sexism, racism and

by Deputy Montfort Tadier

disability discrimination (and much more still needs to be done), it can be argued that ageism remains the final acceptable ‘ism’. ‘Don’t worry about him – he’s just a grumpy old man,’ is still unlikely to raise an eyebrow in 2025, even less likely to get challenged.

Of course, it is not just the elderly who can be subject to age discrimination: Invisible woman phenomenon is something experienced by many women who in mid-life report feeling less recognised and valued in society due to a combination of ageism and sexism. Meanwhile, younger generations are sometimes unfairly stereotyped as either delinquents or snowflakes.

The solution to solving some of these problems may be to build more inter-generational solidarity; that is to say, more opportunities for reciprocal learning, guidance and mentorship between different age groups.

The world my mother was born into in 1933 is perhaps a million miles away from my world of 2025. To understand the present and be ready for the future, it will require us all working together across the generations to use our collective experience, knowledge and humanity to face the challenges of what is likely to be a Brave New World.

* A 2023 survey cited by the Financial Times found that half of UK grandparents providing childcare during the working week would earn around £13,000 a year if they were paid at market rates.

m.tadier@gov.je / 07797 844358

Your Parish Politicians

Out West? Higher Education

Recently, the Education Minister signalled that he is reviewing the future of Sixth Form provision on the Island. This is therefore a good opportunity to raise the question of whether there should be a Sixth Form at Les Quennevais School, rather than the current transfer to Hautlieu School for A Levels or Highlands College for vocational courses. There would be many advantages for St Brelade residents, including less travel and a more vibrant school community.

As it happens, I was in the very first year of students who transferred to Hautlieu from Les Quennevais, and the system worked for me. But that was almost 50 years ago and times change. Les Quennevais is now a very different school. Academic results at Les Quennevais are strong, so relatively few students transfer to Hautlieu for GCSE’s. The original rationale for Jersey’s unique system is no longer as clear as it was.

It is possible that the future of Sixth Form provision on the Island could well involve multiple sites, with students attending facilities at more than one school. However this provision is envisaged, it would be good if Les Quennevais were considered in the mix. I’d be interested to hear Parishioner’s thoughts on this matter.

by Deputy Jonathan Renouf

I wouldn’t normally write about something outside our Parish, but the planning application for a 179-bed hotel on the Strive site just across the parish border in St Peter is worth mentioning as it will be visible from many parts of St Brelade (and indeed further afield).

I know that some Parishioners will be supportive, and I am not opposed to the idea of further development at Strive, but I want to draw attention to the scale of what is being proposed. Including the roof terrace, this would be a 6-storey building. At comfortably over 70 feet tall, I believe it could be the tallest inhabited building in St Peter and St Brelade (and probably in all the western parishes). Or, to put another way, it would be 10 feet taller than Corbière Lighthouse.

If you want a sense of just how large the hotel would be in its local context, take a look at the floodlights at the rugby pitch, a couple of hundred metres up the road from Strive. They tower over the road, but Strive’s new hotel would be 15 feet taller than the floodlights at the rugby pitch. Whatever the merits of the business case for the hotel, there is no getting away from the fact that it would be a very large building, with a considerable visual impact, constructed on a green zone site. Details of the Planning Application can be found at gov.je, search for PP/2025/0774

To finish, a reminder that Deputy Miles and I hold constituency surgeries on the second Wednesday of every month at the Jersey Library at Communicare at 11.30am, on the last Friday of each month at the Waitrose Café at 1pm, and on the last Tuesday of each month at the Parish Hall at 6pm, if there is a Parish Assembly.

j.renouf4@gov.je / jonathanrenouf.je

Credit: Artist's impression, HD Planning and Design LTD / Axis Mason

Together Working

It has been another busy and enjoyable year as Parish Deputy, and I’ve greatly valued the chance to meet and chat with so many parishioners at different events.

Each month I hold three parish surgeries, which are always a good opportunity to share ideas and raise concerns. I’m also very happy to meet outside of these times if something needs to be discussed at either a parish or Island level.

Alongside parish work as a committee member for the St Brelade’s Youth Project, Maison St Brelade and Pathways, I also serve in several Island-wide roles. I chair the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel, sit on the Children, Education and Home Affairs Panel, and I have recently joined the Jersey Police Authority.

As a French speaker, I am a proud member of the Assemblée Parliamentaire de la Francophonie (the Jersey branch is chaired by fellow St Brelade Deputy Montfort Tadier) and in July, I had the honour of travelling to Paris with our Connétable to represent Jersey at the 50th Annual Conference. Representatives from 87 parliaments took part in the plenary session, which covered several topics, including the ratification of agreements, the adoption of resolutions, and the general debate on the theme: “La Francophonie, an anchor in a world in crisis.” I was proud to represent Jersey as a speaker in this debate. I would never have imagined, even in my wildest dreams, that one day I would have the opportunity to speak at the French National Assembly!

by Deputy Helen Miles

Closer to home, I am working on a proposition to ask for a review of commercial tenancies and to speed up the development of the West of Island Planning framework so that we can consult widely to develop a detailed plan of regeneration for Les Quennevais parade and precinct and the Red Houses area. There is no ‘quick fix’ here, but we need to consider some of the options which would enhance this area for the benefit of the parishioners and islanders alike.

Earlier this year, I set up a special Review Panel to look at how the parishes and the Government of Jersey work together. The parish system has served us well for centuries, but it’s important to check that it still meets the needs of Islanders today. The review will explore how services such as refuse and recycling, honorary policing and licensing matters are delivered, and how parishes can best support Island priorities like putting children first and community safety. We’re also looking closely at how parish rates are applied across the island, making sure the system is fair, transparent and sustainable for the future.

If you’d like to learn more or share your views on St Brelade’s role in this review, please visit statesassembly.je/scrutiny/government-andparishes-review-panel or contact me directly at h.miles@gov.je

Your Parish Politicians

Development Economic

The debate of the next government budget in December offers an opportunity for States Members to seek funding to support constituents. However, there are many competing demands for public spending and government’s books must balance.

If our economy produces less for the Island, government has less to spend on supporting Islanders. Proposals to raise more tax, or use government reserves, can reduce its revenue. International businesses and wealthy individuals can react to higher taxation by changing their tax location relatively easily. Likewise, Jersey’s reserves need to be sufficient to weather economic crises… and avoid higher interest payments on government borrowing.

Our economy also needs people. High living and housing costs have led some Islanders to leave the Island to live and work elsewhere.

These costs have risen in many places. They are further increased in Jersey by the need to pay for the transport of most of our supplies and by our restrictions on property development.

If our incomes all grew at the same rate, this would matter less to us. Pay packets in Jersey have not kept up with inflation since 2001. This is because Jersey has fallen behind other places considerably in the area of economic output, which is 28.57% lower for each working person than in 1998.

by Deputy Moz Scott

Much of this is to do with the way the world is changing and how we, as an Island, are responding to that. Our finance industry has helped bring business visitors to the Island, but numbers of other visitors have reduced significantly. Some are looking for different experiences from those traditionally provided by the Island. Some can find more reliable weather in cheaper places, served by cheaper flights. The global marketplace has become more accessible with the advance of technology. This provides local businesses with a larger marketplace, but many struggle to compete with larger companies investing more in their products and advertising.

Government can only do so much to help businesses to compete, such as by reducing red tape and costs within its control. An October 2023 strategy explained businesses need to adapt to changes in demand and invest in new technologies to be more competitive, if they can. At the same time, our Island has an unusually high proportion of people aged over 50 who intend to work less… or not at all.

Our economy therefore needs more investment from outside the Island and an increase in businesses that can pay much higher salaries. Islanders need encouragement to create such businesses and to retrain to work for them. To support our economy, States Members need to support the necessary measures. Voters can play their part next year by choosing State Members who will do so.

Here to help

I look forward to meeting Parishioners at my drop-in constituency surgery at the Jersey Library at Communicare, generally held at 10.30am on the second Monday of each month. Please see statesassembly.je to confirm dates and times. You also can contact me by email at m.scott5@gov.je or telephone me on 07797 724328

in the West Brighter Futures

Brighter Futures Shines Through the Summer

This summer, Brighter Futures has brought colour, connection and care to the community with a series of vibrant projects that supported wellbeing and cared for families.

From creating a river of orange during the Walk on the Bright Side to experiencing the therapeutic benefits of coastal surf at Brighter Futures Shores event in partnership with Healing Waves, our summer activities delivered moments of joy whilst reinforcing the importance of early intervention and support.

We painted the seafront orange!

Take a Walk on the Bright Side was a community event. Participants donned bright orange attire as they stepped out in solidarity with Brighter Futures' mission to support families in Jersey.

Surf, Sun and Support: Beach Day

We partnered with Healing Waves to deliver a unique Beach Day experience, blending the fun of summer with the therapeutic benefits of the sea. Sponsored by Jersey Water, the event offered families supported by Brighter Futures the chance to take part in adaptive surf lessons, led by trained instructors.

Children enjoyed surf lessons, and, with parents and carers, they enjoyed a day filled with beach games, face painting and freshly cooked pizza, served by Pizza Box. The beach was awash with laughter and smiling faces.

Where Families Flourish: Gardening Group

Brighter Futures’ summer gardening sessions at the RJAHS showground offered a quieter form of outdoor engagement. Held weekly, the sessions invited families to come together to play, learn and grow. Children and parents explored planting, nurturing and harvesting…and picnics!

The RJAHS has supported the project over the years and provides a space where families can grow together.

Preventative Care That Works

At the heart of all our projects is Brighter Futures' commitment to early, preventative care. Its work supports not just individual families, but the broader community.

The common thread of our projects is empowerment: helping people feel seen, heard and capable of change. This summer has demonstrated that, when families are supported, entire communities grow stronger.

What is Brighter Futures?

We are a Jersey charity that supports parents, carers, families and young people to thrive. We help more than 150 families per week by supporting the main carer with a variety of free programmes and courses, combined with co-ordinator support. You can find out how to make a referral or self-refer on our website www.brighterfutures. org.je

What we do:

1. We provide Parent–Child Relationships programmes. 2. We offer positive mental health and wellbeing programmes, and 3. We provide Second-Chance Learning programmes.

How can you help?

It costs £8,000 per year to support one Brighter Futures family. Although we receive some government funding, we rely on fundraising to meet our £1 million plus annual costs. If you have a fundraising idea, or would like to make a monthly donation, we would love to hear from you at fundraising@brighterfutures.org.je

We also enjoy welcoming visitors to Communicare and The Bridge who would like to find out more about our work.

Photo: Paul Wright Photographer

at Evolution Eye Care World-Class Glaucoma Expertise

Islanders living with glaucoma now have access to the highest standard of specialist care, thanks to a new addition to the Evolution Eye Care team. Mr Alastair Lockwood, a leading UK glaucoma surgeon, joined the practice in May 2025, bringing his first-rate specialist expertise to Jersey.

Mr Lockwood’s academic and professional credentials include undergraduate studies at Cambridge and Oxford Universities, a specialist glaucoma fellowship at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, and a PhD in glaucoma surgery.

Mr Lockwood said: “I’m delighted to have joined Evolution Eye Care and brought a dedicated glaucoma service to Jersey. As a subspecialist, my clinical practice and research is focussed on glaucoma, so I’m able to offer up-to-date, tailored advice and treatment options for each individual patient.”

If backup reviews are needed between my visits, the experienced team at Evolution – the island’s largest private eye clinic – are on hand to support.”

Most glaucoma is managed with medications, regular consultations, and laser procedures – all of which take place with Mr Lockwood at Evolution Eye Care, offering convenience and reassurance. If specialist glaucoma surgeries are required, Mr Lockwood performs these at his dedicated unit in Portsmouth, where he continues to practise and lead in glaucoma surgery.

The only specialist glaucoma surgeon in Jersey

Evolution’s co-founder, Mr Anish Shah, welcomed Mr Lockwood’s appointment. “Alastair is the only fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeon consulting in Jersey, and his arrival marks a major step forward for eye care on the island,” said Mr Shah.

National expertise, Locally Delivered

“We’re proud to offer a glaucoma service that combines world-leading expertise with the personal, accessible care our patients expect,” Mr Shah said. “Evolution’s goal is to make the best ophthalmic care available here in Jersey — and Mr Lockwood’s glaucoma clinic is a huge part of that mission.”

Patients with glaucoma — whether newly diagnosed or under care elsewhere — are now seeking second opinions or transferring their management entirely to Evolution’s specialist-led service. Mr Lockwood’s regular Jersey clinics provide important constancy for glaucoma, a lifelong condition requiring close monitoring and timely intervention.

Specialist Care with Local Backup

Mr Lockwood added: “Continuity of care is vital in glaucoma. By visiting Evolution every month, I am building strong, ongoing relationships with my patients.

Patients wishing to book an appointment with Mr Lockwood, or seek a second opinion on their glaucoma care, can contact Evolution Eye Care directly.

To make a booking, 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

What Was and

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

On 1 July 1940, German forces invade the Channel Islands. But what if, as prime minister Winston Churchill (we will recall that he was formerly First Lord of the Admiralty) had actually suggested several days earlier, possibly goaded by an equally belligerent Jerseyman in the House of Lords, Lord Portsea, that the Royal Navy should be charged with the task of resisting any German invasion of the islands?

Let’s imagine the scene. “The Channel Islands will not be taken!” A blast of cigar smoke. “The Navy will see to it!” And the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Dudley Pound, always in awe of his former First Lord, will seek to comply.

The taking of the Channel Islands – Unternehmung Grüne Pfeile (Operation Green Arrows) - was planned by Admiral Karlgeorg Schuster and his Flag Officer Vizeadmiral Eugen Lindau. Schuster relies on the Luftwaffe to prevent any intervention from the Royal Navy. Although the German Navy possesses modern and sophisticated warships it does not, in 1940, possess enough of them to threaten Britain’s dominance of the seas.

Despite the Kriegsmarine’s interest, surrender demands have been received on both Islands from the area’s Luftwaffe commander, Generaloberst von Richthofen, and

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 for a compendium of myths, mysteries and minutiae of the only German Occupation of British Soil, compiled by Jersey author and historian Peter Tabb.

Let’s start right at the beginning with the first possible “What if…”.

communicated to London. The local authorities are advised not to respond for, during the 24 hours’ grace given by the Germans, units of the Royal Navy, including two County-class heavy cruisers (HMS Norfolk and HMS Suffolk are temporarily but conveniently positioned at Portsmouth) with escorting destroyers will be despatched to provide both resistance to any invading naval forces and anti-aircraft cover against any incursions by the Luftwaffe. The cruisers both carry companies of Royal Marines who will be landed on Guernsey and Jersey to bolster the local defences.

The Island authorities wait in nervous anticipation (the German air attack of 28 June had come without warning and killed more than 30 islanders). Although those attackers flew from an airfield near Paris, Heinkel bombers are now based at Querqueville near Cherbourg and Pleurtuit near Dinard, just ten minutes’ flight from the Islands).

Norfolk and Suffolk sail from Portsmouth. The fast Countyclass cruisers, with their distinctive high freeboard and three funnels, bear a passing resemblance to ocean liners and although heavily armed with eight 8-inch guns, they are lightly armoured and possess little specific anti-aircraft armament.

The appearance of Norfolk and Suffolk and their attendant destroyers off the Islands is reported by German aerial reconnaissance. Schuster has no forces capable of dealing

The Little Russell today, still the main sea way to St Peter Port

HMS Norfolk, County Class 8-inch gun cruiser

and What If…

with 8-inch gun cruisers and confers with von Richthofen. The invasion must be postponed, he reasons. Von Richthofen is scornful. His attitude towards the Kriegsmarine is one of cordial loathing.

Von Richthofen is one of Hitler’s favourites and, in February 1943, he will be appointed Germany’s youngest ever Generalfeldmarschall. He insists that if the Channel Islands authorities fail to respond to his demands, they, and their supposed protectors of the Royal Navy, should be attacked without mercy. He proposes supplementing his force of Heinkel He-111 medium bombers with Junkers Ju-87B Stukas, the screaming gull-winged dive-bombers that created terror during the Blitzkrieg across Europe.

With 12 hours before the ultimatum to the Islanders expires, von Richthofen assembles his air fleet; three squadrons of He-111 bombers and two squadrons of Stukas flown from Paris. Schuster and Lindau are nervous. The fighting spirit of the Royal Navy is well known. But von Richthofen ignores their objections and his air forces take off into the setting sun.

HMS Norfolk and HMS Suffolk are ten miles south of Alderney approaching at 25 knots the Little Russel on Guernsey’s east coast. The cruisers, more used to patrolling the world’s oceans, are line astern, their commanders wary of the unfamiliar waters with their swirling tides and barely concealed reefs.

The Stukas swoop out of the dusk. The warships are slow to react, despite being at Action Stations. The Stuka pilots are well practised at their craft, plummeting vertically like screeching gannets towards their prey. A deadly hail of 500-kilogram bombs hurtles towards the cruisers; the bombs have whistles fitted to their fins to ensure that the intended recipients know just what to expect. Norfolk is the first to be hit, the Stukas seemingly immune to the barrage of anti-aircraft fire directed towards them from the destroyers. The 10,000 ton cruiser shudders under the impact and slows, gravely wounded. Suffolk, so far unscathed, swerves to avoid her injured consort.

The Royal Navy’s big guns are useless against concerted air attacks (in 1941 the Japanese Air Force will sink the battleship Prince of Wales and battle cruiser Repulse) and the attackers are too fleet to be deterred.

Despite the lively barrage put up by the escorting destroyers the cruisers are now both hit and on fire. Norfolk is almost stopped in the water and is down by the head. Suffolk is now circling her, barely under control, her bridge has suffered a direct hit, killing her captain and navigating officer. On after control and with little room to manoeuvre, Suffolk, which draws more than 20 feet, runs aground on the Platte Fougere reef and comes to a shuddering stop, immediately heeling over. The destroyers close to assist but come under further bombardment from more Stukas and He-111s.

With a similar mix of high explosives and incendiaries, other bombers devastate St Peter Port and St Sampson.

With Norfolk and Suffolk reduced to sinking, smoking hulks, the remaining Royal Navy vessels hurry off into the last remnants of a fiery sunset.

The Royal Navy’s attempt to prevent the invasion of Jersey and Guernsey causes the loss two heavy cruisers and a destroyer, severely damaged in the Stuka assaults, sunk by its own consorts. Altogether more than a hundred RN officers and men die in the futile defence of the Islands.

German casualties are light: three Stukas shot down into the sea and a He-111 damaged by anti-aircraft fire crash-lands into Guernsey’s power station on the Northside at St Sampson’s. In London, no-one dares tell the prime minister ‘I told you so’.

The foregoing, of course, didn’t happen, but even if it had, the Occupation would have evolved much as it did.

How the Occupation forces visualised they would enjoy the Channel Islands

The Junkers Ju-87, the fearsome dive bombers that created a whole new style of airborne warfare

Community Beach Clean Boxes gifted to every Parish in Jersey

by Louise Carson

Plastic Free Jersey is an initiative that brings together individuals, groups, businesses and organisations to reduce the amount of plastic we use, inspiring environmental advocacy for a healthier ocean and island.

Eighteen months ago, Plastic Free Jersey and the Channel Islands Co-operative Society in Jersey, created a tool for our community to use free of charge, as often as they like.

With generous funding from the Co-op Community Fund, Plastic Free Jersey created 12 Community Beach Clean Boxes, with one gifted to every parish. These are located in the Parish Halls and can be accessed by phoning or popping into your local Parish Hall.

Each Community Beach Clean Box contains the basics you’ll need to carry out a beach clean safely - bags and buckets to collect rubbish, gloves in a variety of sizes, a simple first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and a sharps box, as well as guidance on how to carry out a successful beach clean. You will also find Beach Clean Bingo cards in the boxes so that you can challenge yourselves to find all the items listed! The Community Beach Clean Boxes are there for all members of the local community to use - schools, businesses, community groups, family groups and friends.

Although named ‘beach’ clean boxes, the hope is that these will be used for a much wider purpose by the community - helping to clear beaches, streets, parks, school grounds, country lanes, woodland wanders and coastal paths.

Plastic Free Jersey founding member, Sheena Brockie, said: “With an easily accessible ready-

SW

made kit, we would love for the community to work together to help keep Jersey’s countryside and beaches free from litter, especially the single use plastics which are so prevalent.

By encouraging people to get involved with a beach clean in their parish, we aim to raise awareness of the impact of plastic pollution on the local environment, empower people with the tools to do something about it, whilst fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Please don’t forget to tag Plastic Free Jersey with any photos on social media!”

Since their launch, the boxes have been borrowed many times, which means that our wonderful community is actively working to clean up plastic pollution cleaned up. Some parish boxes are used more than others, so we would like to raise awareness of the kit so that everyone arranging an event knows they can borrow them. If you are arranging a big event, you could consider borrowing more than one box, as needed.

Plastic Free Jersey really hopes that together we can make a difference. We hope you have fun trying out our Beach Clean Boxes with your group soon!

Further information can be found at plasticfreejersey. com or contact Sheena Brockie on 07797 762474 or hello@plasticfreejersey.com

St Brelade

lovely BBQ. There was a great atmosphere of ‘Entente Cordiale’ which is what Twinning is all about.

Twinning Association

by Martha Bernstein

The Twinning Associations in St Brelade and Granville are flourishing. We now have almost 100 members!

Our friends from Granville came to visit us in late May and we took them to Hamptonne Country Museum in St Lawrence. The sun was shining, and they really enjoyed seeing a glimpse of historic Jersey. We then took them for fish and chips for lunch at the Biarritz Hotel in St Brelade’s Bay and rounded off the visit with a tour of the Parish Church.

The Twinning Games took place in Grouville, St Brelade and Granville over the weekend of the 28th-29th June. We acquitted ourselves well and finished third overall. On the Sunday, we hosted the Granvillaise at the Pétanque Club at Les Quennevais with a friendly set of matches and a

Our return visit at the end of August is due to be hosted by the Mayor of Granville at the rededication of the Jumelage which is now in its 20th year. We are going to have a very long day with lots of fun, and some singing and dancing is promised!

We are always keen to welcome new members. Just get in touch by email to Membership Secretary Martha Bernstein at mjb@ marthabernstein.co.uk or call 746353

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If you’d like to arrange a viewing or understand the true value of your home, get in touch with our team of experts today on 01534 722 227.

“Savills have been nothing short of exceptional. They were honest, approachable and found us the perfect home, taking all factors into consideration.”

If your property is currently on the market with another agent, you should check your Terms of Business in order to avoid paying two commissions. All information is correct at time of print – August 2025.

St Brelade

Household recycling collection 2025

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

Collection Planner 2025

For more information, visit gov.je/recycling

For collection enquiries, contact Premier Waste Management. Tel (01534) 741185 (8am - 5pm) Email recycle@premierwaste.org.uk

Recycling in Jersey MythBusters

Myth

FAct !

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

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

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

FAct !

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

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

FAct !

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

Myth You should leave metal lids on jars and bottles.

FAct !

Myth Glass can go in general waste orenergy recovery.

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

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

Myth Plastic bottle tops

be recycled.

can’t

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

New Stops to townlink Bus Routes

We’ve made improvements to routes 20 and 24 to help further enhance accessibility around town.

Three new stops have been added:

• Castle Street

• Outside the Town Hall

• Hill Street

These new stops are designed to make it easier for you to reach the heart of St Helier, with buses arriving three times an hour.

Through Ticketing Now Available

You can now travel between main line services and Townlink routes, including the new stops.

by Jean Treleven

La Fête des Rouaisons in Normandy

In June, a 20-strong group from Jersey took part in the Fête des Rouaisons in the town of Bricquebec in Normandy, between Carteret and Valognes.

Bricquebec has Viking origins, settled in the 10th Century, and the venue for the fête was the 12th Century château. The Norman Dukes might have designed it as a fortification for keeping people out, but its town centre location was a perfect site for welcoming us all.

This Norman language festival has been operating for many years, the venue alternating between Jersey, Guernsey and mainland Normandy. Covid disrupted the annual cycle and there was a gap of several years, so this was our first experience of the Fête for many of us.

Members of the Société Jersiaise Language Section performed poetry and songs as a group. Local dance group Les Chaboleurs entertained with a selection of their Norman dances accompanied by musicians, which was much enjoyed by the locals, probably for their informality and a contrast to the large, traditionally costumed, very impressive Norman folkdance group, Le P'tit Capé d'Brix, who are hoping to come to Jersey next year.

This year’s fête was organised by Nicolas Abraham and the Federation of Norman Language Associations, so our Norman languages featured strongly in the form of stories, poems and songs. Stories were shared in Norman and Jèrriais around the atmospheric grounds of the town's château. Jèrriais teacher Charlie Le Maistre’s wonderfully dramatic account of the Legend of La Hougue Bie was enjoyed and understood by all.

The music was exceptional, and a highlight was certainly the group Lihou performing a concert of Channel Island songs.

We certainly enjoyed the weekend and hope to welcome our Norman and Guernsey friends to next year’s fête in Jersey. We hope many of our Jersey communities will come to watch and take part. We also have the upcoming celebrations of our Norman heritage for the millennium of William the Conqueror to look forward to in 2027.

If you are interested in finding out more or getting involved, please contact Jean Treleven at Jerriais@Societe.je

Les Chaboleurs (The Shufflers) are a group of dancers, a branch of the Jèrriais language section of La Société Jersiaise, who practise once a month and perform occasionally at local cultural events. No dancing skills are required, just a desire to share our local traditions and some enthusiasm!

Upcoming events are:

SATURDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER

Corn Riots in the Royal Square

SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER

La Fais’sie d’Nièr Beurre at The Elms, St Mary

SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER

La Fais’sie d’Cidre at Hamptonne, St Lawrence

Rehearsals take place at St Lawrence Parish Hall once a month on a Saturday at 12-1pm. If you would like to have a go, please contact Jean Treleven at Jerriais@Societe.je

Musical duo Ben Spink (left) and Charlie Le Maistre singing in Jèrriais

Jèrriais teacher Charlie Le Maistre performing the Legend of la Hougue Bie

Les Chaboleurs dancers and musicians

Geraint Jennings performing a reading in Jèrriais

If someone’s asking for private information, ask yourself why. Think. Report. Protect. Been caught out? Call the number on your bank card.

Want to stay one step ahead? Visit ciiom.hsbc.com/fraud or fraudprevention.je

by Derek Hart

Pétanque St Brelade Group

The St Breladais Pétanque Group got to work early in the morning on Sunday 13th July to get ready for the pétanque competition as part of the French Festival - a competition of parish rivalry and an example of parishes coming together in friendship.

The Liberation pétanque terrains were strung out, the gazebo for the scorers was erected and the warning notices were placed at strategic points. By 9am, the sun was shining and the parish pétanque teams were warming up for a morning of action.

Women’s Institute St Aubin & St Peter’s

by Sarah Johnson

The draw was ready to be made, but we discovered that one team was missing! Play started and St Brelade who got the first “bye”, so they went off to practise. Indeed, that practice was perhaps crucial to them eventually winning the competition, with St Lawrence in close proximity taking second position.

The temperature reached a scorching 28 degrees by the time we were into our third game so the cakes, nibbles, cider and tasting plates were much appreciated.

Presentation of the trophy and medals was carried out at 2pm by Deputy Montfort Tadier, Chair of the French Festival organising committee (and a pétanque player himself) and Deputy for St Brelade.

My thanks to the members of our Pétanque Group who put so much effort into making the competition such a success, they deserved the trophy! Also thank you to Maison de la Normandie for their organisation, support, cider and tasting platters.

If you would like try the sport of pétanque, you will be sure of a warm welcome at the Elephant Park on Saturday mornings at 10am and Monday afternoons at 2pm. We have spare boules and other equipment for you to use, and a coach is on hand to give you any help or support you require.

Please contact Joy Hart on 741469, email happyharts13@yahoo. co.uk or just come along to the Elephant Park.

For our June meeting, Philippa Knight described the vital work of the charity Channel Islands Air Search - the Lifeboats’ eyes in the sky. This was an interesting insight into a volunteer charity who help lifeboats find people and boats in trouble at sea. They do this from aerial searches from an aeroplane based in Guernsey.

To celebrate our 75th anniversary, all our members were invited to an afternoon tea at Greenhills Hotel. Those of us who were able to attend enjoyed scones, jam and cream with plenty of cups of tea. It was a lovely afternoon thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

In July, we heard about the support in Jersey available for new mothers.

Looking forward to the Autumn, we will have talks on Jersey archaeology and a crafting evening.

We meet at St Peter's Parish Hall on the first Friday of every month at 7.30pm. If you would like to come and join us, make new friends, enjoy lots of different events and maybe learn a new skill, please contact Sarah Johnson on 07797 725486

Winners - St Breladais Steve Pallett, Bridie Hunter, Dave Hunter and Kevin Daly with Deputy Tadier

Runners up - St Lawrence Chris Fennell, Rita Le Brocq and Malcolm Perree with Deputy Tadier

Located on the edge of the Jersey National Park in St Ouen, Maison des Landes Hotel and Community Hub blends the peaceful charm of the countryside with the very best in modern design to offer a fully inclusive environment.

Maison des Landes is a place where you can relax, recharge and feel truly looked after, whilst enjoying the tranquil gardens and panoramic coastal views. With 15 out of 23 rooms fully adapted to suit a range of needs, everything has been thought through. Enhance your visit with a swim in the hydrotherapy pool, maintained at 33 degrees, which is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

When it comes to food, you’re in for a treat! Head Chef Sachin and his team proudly create fresh, locally sourced dishes at very reasonable prices that are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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 it shows. Whether you need a little extra support or simply a warm welcome, nothing is too much trouble.

“We just wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks for the incredible hospitality we experienced during our recent stay at your hotel. From the moment we arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable. Their friendliness, kindness and professionalism truly made our stay unforgettable.”

WEDDINGS AND EVENTS

A stunning venue for any wedding or special occasion, and if anyone needs accessible facilities, they’re already in place, from step-free spaces to accessible bedrooms.

GIFT VOUCHERS

Treat your loved ones to a delicious meal or overnight stay at Maison des Landes, our gift vouchers are easy to purchase by phone and are valid for 12 months. Vouchers can be sent electronically or by post.

Exclusive to readers of the parish magazines, we are delighted to offer the following discounts:

• £149 GETAWAY FOR TWO – overnight stay for two people including three-course evening meal plus full English and continental breakfast.

This offer is available for purchase until 23rd December 2025 and is valid for stays from May-September 2026, subject to availability at time of booking.

• 10% OFF food and drinks – please quote PARISH MAGAZINE OFFER when booking or paying at the hotel restaurant until 23rd December 2025.

To book, purchase a gift voucher or discuss your specific requirements, please call the hotel directly on 01534 481683 or email reservations@maisondeslandes.co.uk

LEXUS LBX

Progress update: Advancing the New Healthcare Facilities Programme – and what’s next

As part of the Government of Jersey’s broader initiative to showcase progress on our shared Common Strategic Priorities, Islanders may have seen recent updates highlighting how the New Healthcare Facilities Programme (NHFP) is advancing its commitment to “start building a new hospital at Overdale”. So, for this quarter’s edition, I thought it would be helpful to take a moment to recap where we currently stand with the Programme as a whole – and what critical work is still to come.

What’s happened since the start of the Programme?

Since the Independent Review was presented to the States Assembly in November 2022, the Programme has made steady progress. The review found that a single-site hospital at Overdale was no longer achievable within the approved budget and recommended a phased, multi-site approach.

In line with good governance, the Strategic Outline Case was developed and endorsed in June 2023. It considered different options for new facilities and confirmed the continued urgent need, or case for change. The recommended way forward from that review was a multi-site model and the Feasibility Study explored different options for two configurations of multi-site proposals (Hot and Cold vs Acute and Ambulatory, both combining with a separate Health Village) and locations, with Overdale selected for the Acute Hospital, Kensington Place for Ambulatory Care, and St Saviour for a new Health Village.

Key milestones since then include the start and completion of demolition at Overdale (December 2023–Nov 2024), the relocation of Samarès Ward to St Ewold’s (May 2024), and a public consultation on the Acute Hospital’s concept designs to support the Planning Application. The Outline Business Case was approved in November 2024, securing Phase 1 funding from the States Assembly. Design work for the Acute Hospital progressed throughout 2024, with planning permission granted earlier this year. Meanwhile, the procurement process to appoint a Main Works Delivery Partner has been ongoing since December 2024. Crematorium services will move from Westmount to the refurbished Members’ Room at RJA&HS from September.

Next stages for the Programme: Kensington Place and St Saviour’s Health Village

Given the critical importance of delivering the Acute Hospital at Overdale, much of the team’s recent work has rightly focused on developing its design, securing planning permission, and progressing the procurement of a Main Works Delivery Partner to build the facility.

However, the Programme goes far beyond Overdale. Both the Kensington Place Ambulatory Facility – utilising the site on Kensington Place and part of the existing General Hospital site –and St Saviour’s Health Village remain essential components in the wider redevelopment of our healthcare estate.

Work is now underway to refresh the Functional Briefs and Concept Designs for Kensington Place and St Saviour. This work is still in its early stages, and the next steps will involve re-engaging with clinical colleagues across Health and Community Services, as well as other key stakeholders.

The phased and flexible structure of the Programme is intentional and beneficial. It allows plans for areas that are more subject to change - such as Kensington Place and St Saviour - to evolve as required, rather than locking us into fixed decisions too early. It also enables schemes to be progressed as they are affordable.

There is still significant work to do to develop these plans, and they will only move forward with the right level of engagement. That includes input from clinicians, local residents, and the wider public.

We are currently working towards completing the updated Functional Briefs and Development Control Plans (DCP) for both sites by Q4 2025, with a view to sharing these more widely in early 2026. A DCP is a document that sets out how best a site can be most efficiently, and cost effectively developed. Once the DCPs are further developed, the team will be providing more detail on the first permanent construction works on each of the sites. They need to be carefully considered to ensure that throughtout the NHFP and especially at the end of every phase, healthcare services are operating efficiently and effectively, providing the care that islanders expect, helping staff to do their work.

In the meantime, as part of the phase one funding approved by the States Assembly, there is also budget available to develop more “meanwhile” uses for the Kensington Place site. It has been used since purchase by HCJ for valuable additional storage and other operational needs. We are actively exploring how the site could be continued to be used in the short term to support the overall needs of HCJ as well as deliver improved Public Realm. These discussions are ongoing, and while there isn’t a confirmed timetable at this stage, the current intention is to begin meanwhile works in early 2026, subject to proposal approvals and any required regulatory sign-off (for example, Planning Services).

Continuing progress at Overdale and appointing a Main Works Delivery Partner

The procurement process for a Main Works Delivery Partner to build the Acute Hospital

continues, with parties who are capable of building the facility having expressed their interest. A preferred tenderer for these construction works is expected to be agreed in Q3 2025, with the signing of a main contract hopefully before the end of the year and construction works following.

The main focus of the procurement process is to deliver quality and value for islanders, and the timeline may change to ensure we achieve this.

As I hope Islanders understand, this process is commercially sensitive and complex with all parties needing to ensure that they understand the designs and anticipated costs before entering into a contract.

However, I look forward to providing further information about this important progress as soon as possible. In the meantime, the NHFP will continue progressing works at the site, ensuring continuity of development. In coming months, works will continue to prepare the old Jersey Water buildings to be site offices, erecting hoardings, diverting existing services, developing designs for site welfare, and site excavations.

Find out more about the New Healthcare Facilities Programme and stay in touch:

▪ Listen to our podcast to find out more about the Programme

▪ Watch videos about the Programme

▪ Follow us on social media

Statistically, every day one more person in Jersey is diagnosed with diabetes

It may seem odd that a feature creating awareness of diabetes should highlight feet but, if you are diabetic, the daily check of your feet and keeping them in good condition, will prevent one of the disease’s worst consequences, the loss of limbs due to a lack of feeling in the extremities (neuropathy) leading to cuts or blisters in particular becoming gangrenous.

Today managing Type 1 diabetes with insulin injections is commonplace but diabetes itself still remains something of an enigma. It is a condition which is not preventable and Type 1 occurs when the pancreas ceases to produce the insulin we all rely upon to manage the level of sugar in our blood.

Type 2 diabetes, which occurs as the pancreas progressively produces less insulin, while itself not totally preventa-

the risk of acquiring it can be managed and diminished, by the way in which we live.

Most of us would assume that choosing our lifestyle is very much up to ourselves. However, your lifestyle can actually lead you down a path whose ultimate destination is the very last thing you want and that is to diabetes.

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

Why diabetes occurs is not known and therefore it cannot be prevented and Type 1 can strike children as young as two or three years old. There is no early detection for Type 1 diabetes, but Type 2 can be detected with a blood test and if detected early enough, can be managed, and even reversed.

HEALTHY LIVING & LIFESTYLE

The Healthy Living & Lifestyle Event is returning to the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, St Helier on Friday 26th September until Sunday 28th.

This year we will be having a Preview Evening on Thursday 25th September, from 6pm until 9pm for those that can’t make it at the weekend.

This event promises to be a dynamic platform for showcasing exhibitor’s brands, connecting with health-conscious professionals, and contributing to the vibrant wellness community in Jersey.

Discover the latest products, services, and innovations in the health and wellness industry.

With Free Admission and the option to visit as many times as you like, there are opportunities for the general public to discuss their health and fitness concerns, on a one to one basis, with our health & wellness professionals.

With over 36 Stands (11 from the UK) there will be plenty of things to inspire and interest you and the whole family.

On Saturday and Sunday there will be free demonstrations and workshops in the Noirmont Room just across the way from the Main Hall from 11am on both those days.

Opening Times:

Friday 26th - 10am to 6pm

Saturday 27th - 10am to 6pm

Sunday 28th - 10am to 5pm

Trees for Lives

If you plant a lot of trees, you’ll need to carry out a lot of maintenance, which is exactly what Jersey Trees for Life does for most of the year. Those of you who have planted trees of your own are probably well aware of this.

Over summer and early autumn, competing species like bracken, bramble, bindweed, sticky plant and nettles can grow prolifically. Bracken is the poster child, rapidly engulfing banques, côtils and valleys Island wide.

While there’s nothing intrinsically bad about most competing species, they divert vital nutrients and water away from trees, slowing down growth. The problem is therefore most acute when whips and saplings (as opposed to larger trees) are overwhelmed by one or more of these interlopers, which can happen surprisingly quickly. That’s why it’s so important to clear them and why Jersey Trees for Life and its volunteers spend so much time doing so at this time of year.

It's impossible to talk about maintenance without watering, especially after a dry summer (not that it’s the most complex facet of tree care). A thorough watering every 7-10 days is optimal, ensuring a deep soak into the roots – root hydration is key to successful growth.

Mulching – removing existing plants from surrounding ground and adding a layer of woodchip or other (typically) organic matter – is another useful tool in the tree care kitbag. If you have the time and inclination, this technique is great for reducing weed growth, plus it helps soil to retain water and control its temperature. It even looks good. Examples can be found at Adelina Wood and Val de la Mare, if you’re keen to see for yourself.

As for pruning, autumn’s typically not the time, as trees are preparing for dormancy. As a rule, stick to winter (there are plenty of summery exceptions)

Growing forward

As global temperatures rise, treescapes will follow. For Jersey, this means a long-term transition to more drought-tolerant species while the likes of beech, Scots pine and silver birch struggle. We shouldn’t write off our current crop too soon, though. Trees are famously resilient and can adapt to their environment by developing strategies primarily based on drought avoidance.

Avoidance is based on simply maximising intake and/or reducing water use. As water intake is a function of root surface area, trees can survive drought by evolving larger root systems. Conversely, to reduce water use they slow transpiration by manipulating their leaves with tactics such as restricting growth, forming a layer of hair or wax and even shedding (abscission).

The ability of trees to adapt to changing conditions is remarkable but naturally has its limits, even if our native species aren’t going anywhere quite yet. This is why we need to look after today’s trees while preparing for tomorrow, managing the gradual transition to less familiar but more drought-tolerant species. Our future treescape is sure to look different.

Club Bowls

by Ethel Southern

In very hot weather at the St Brelade Bowls Club Open sponsored by The Fencing Centre, 15 mixed triples teams competed over two days.

The teams were divided into three groups of 5 - the format being 2 sets of 7 ends with a tie break if necessary. The knockout stages meant a play-off between the winners of Groups 1 and 2, and the winners of Group 3 and the best runner up, followed by a final and 3rd and 4th place play off.

The winners of Group 1 were Sue Cockle, Terry and Fay le Mottee with 4 wins and 14½ points. The second-place team of Fiona Archibald, Marcus and Suzanne Job had three wins and lost on a tie break in their final group game. This gave the team 13 points and the best runner up spot.

The winners of Group 2 were Scott Ruderham, Harry Barbet and Sam Hodgetts who amassed 12 points and a shot difference of plus 40. Runners up in this group were Alan Guy, Ethel Southern and Stewart Logan, also with 12 points but an inferior shot difference of plus 12.

Winners of Group 3 were Tony Smith, Fred Ahier and Di Canavan who attained the same points as the team composed of Gwen Stark, Richard Allo and David Gallichan. Both teams gaining 11½ points meaning that shot difference decided who would progress. Tony Smith’s team had a superior shot difference by 3 shots.

The final was contested between Tony Smith’s team and Sue Cockle’s team. The two sets were a nip and tuck affair, with a straight 2 sets win to Tony, Fred and Di (8-6, 6-5): the first time a team from St Brelade has won the St Brelade Open!

The third/fourth play-off was even tighter with a tie break needed to separate the teams. The first set was won by Fiona, Marcus and Suzanne 10-3. Scott, Harry and Sam won the second set 8-5, but it was last year’s winners Fiona, Marcus and Suzanne who took 3rd place by virtue of a nail-biting tie break.

As bowlers from other clubs enjoyed the facilities, other initiatives involved two corporate evenings where St Brelade hosted potential members from the Apex Group Ltd and Baker Tilly. Bowls and barbecue were the order of the day, and feedback demonstrated that the new upgrade in the bar and kitchen offers great enjoyment on a Friday night!

For more information, please contact Ethel on 07797 714160

Jersey Over 50'S Activities And Social Club

Join us for a range of activities including quizzes, talks, lunches, coffee mornings, occasional outings to places of interest, walks, holidays away, ten pin bowling, pétanque, card games – Canasta, Bridge, Whist, Mahjong to name a few.

Activities are usually held during the day and sometimes in the evening at the Bowls Chalet, La Route de St Jean, St Lawrence.

Membership is £25 per annum including the monthly newsletter. Come and see what we do, you are welcome to sample one of the events before deciding to join. This is an island wide club and all are welcome.

Please phone Chairman Maureen Parris on 07797 751223, or Committee members Rose Luce on 863197 or Pam Laurens on 744446 for more information and membership details.

winners - Fred Ahier, Tony Smith and Di Canavan

Wetwheels: Breaking Barriers on the Water

In a community shaped by the sea, it's easy to take the freedom of the ocean for granted. But for many people living with disabilities, that freedom can feel unreachable. That’s where Wetwheels steps in — offering barrier-free access to the water through exhilarating motorboat experiences for people of all ages and abilities.

Now in our 12th year of operation, Wetwheels continues to grow and evolve. This year has been one of our busiest yet - we’re on track to exceed our target of 1,500 passengers, a number that speaks volumes about the demand for inclusive experiences on the water.

Since our founding 12 years ago, we’ve taken more than 12,500 passengers out to sea - delivering smiles, confidence, and connection with every journey.

Who We Support

Wetwheels primarily serves people with disabilities primarily through partnerships with local charities, care homes, and schools, however families can also make a booking.

In 2024, we:

• worked with 54 different organisations

• carried out 191 trips

• hosted 1,407 passengers

Every trip is personalised, safe and hands-on. Passengers even get the chance to take the helm themselves, with guidance from our skilled and friendly crew.

by Dina Rogan

What We Offer

• Specially adapted, fully accessible motorboat experience

• Inclusive trips for people of all ages with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments

• Opportunities for passengers to be active participants, not just passengers

• Welcoming space where fun, independence, and confidence come first

Free for All – Thanks to You

Wetwheels believes that no one should be excluded from the sea due to cost. That’s why we never charge for our trips. However, we rely heavily on fundraising and donations to keep running - and we’re so grateful to everyone who helps us stay afloat.

We would like to shine a spotlight on our True Grit Wetwheels Challenge which is our biggest fundraiser of the year.

This exciting, family-friendly event is perfect for individuals, teams of three, or corporate groups looking for a fun and meaningful challenge. Held at the spectacular Ronez Quarry, it’s a rare opportunity to explore this unique location. Unlike traditional events, True Grit isn’t a race - it’s a run with obstacles designed to test your resilience, teamwork and sense of adventure. It’s gritty, it’s challenging, and it’s a whole lot of fun!

Next year’s event will take place on 26th April 2026 and promises to be bigger and better than ever!

We’re currently looking for corporate sponsors for the 2026 Challenge, so if you're reading this and want to support a local cause that changes lives, please get in touch.

At Wetwheels, we’re incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteer skippers and crew members who make our experiences possible. However, we are in urgent need of additional volunteer skippers. To be

a skipper, you need to hold a commercial endorsement, but don’t let that put you off! We can support and guide you through the process to help you gain the necessary qualifications. If you're passionate about getting people of all abilities out on the water and you're willing to learn, we’d love to hear from you.

Want to Get Involved?

Whether you’re a potential sponsor, a volunteer or know someone who might benefit from what we offer, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Dina at dina@wetwheels.je or 07797 919006. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram and Linked in at Wetwheels Jersey

£9,000GETUP TO

TO HELP MAKE YOUR HOME

GREENE R A N D MOR

Did you know you could get up to £9,000 towards the cost of a heat pump?

When you switch from fossil fuel heating to a low carbon heating alternative, there are subsidies available through the Government’s Low Carbon Heating Incentive.

For full details, visit our website and contact one of our approved contractors.

Repair Café

Mending More Than Just Broken Items:

Jersey's Repair Café Celebrates 70 Events

Jersey's Repair Café has reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating its 70th event since launching in 2022. The numbers tell an impressive story: 542 items repaired, 1,692 volunteer hours contributed, and an incredible 4,197kg of waste diverted from La Collette.

Jersey Repair Café's motto is simple: "If you can carry it or wheel it, you can bring it." Whether it's torn clothing, faulty electronics, wobbly furniture or cherished toys, volunteers do their best to fix them. The Repair Café aims to visit every parish in a two-year cycle, and visitors are welcome to attend any event regardless of location.

These events achieve far more than preventing waste. Volunteer Roger Small describes the initiative as "simply joyful" recalling the happiness of “seeing three ladies who went to school together. They had not seen each other in over 20 years but still lived in the same parish.”

The emotional impact often surprises volunteers. Louise Bamber recalls repairing "a simple inexpensive necklace for a lady who just loved it, despite being of no financial value." Kristle Rennolds shares an even more touching memory: fixing an elderly lady's childhood doll with her crochet hook. "She was so pleased her treasured doll was back together after many years and gave me a big hug as thanks."

The diversity of skills is remarkable. Leatherworker Mick Humphry most recently repaired a much-loved ornamental duck whose head had fallen off – a departure from his usual repairs, mending "bags, belts, boots and shoes, even a much-loved leather jacket." Rachel Wilkinson demonstrates that professional training isn't always necessary, helping people realise waste with often simple repairs."

Kristle Rennolds

For many volunteers, the Repair Café represents a return to community values. As Simon Langlois reflects, "Using our skills to help others is a bit like stepping back to a time when people freely Simon, one of the founding members, "You don't need to be a repair expert at all. You just need to be interested in fixing things."

The welcoming atmosphere is carefully orchestrated by volunteers like Sandie Livingston, who serves as Chief Allocator in Grouville. "I soon realised the importance of a warm, supportive environment with volunteers able to help, repairing appliances and sometimes she explains. Her role focuses on ensuring "everything runs smoothly, by making visitors feel comfortable, explaining how the system works and finding the right repairer for

For volunteer Mike Panter, the Repair Café represents hope: "Environmental challenges can seem overwhelming, but the repair café demonstrates that individuals can make a significant difference when we work together."

As these dedicated volunteers prove, sustainable living can be both practical and joyful, one repair at a time.

The list of event dates can be found at www.repaircafe.org.je or

Facebook at Jersey Repair Café

Jennifer Bridge

Mike Panter

Over

www.jec.co.uk/thebigupgrade

Meet your new bank, out west

Elevate your everyday

HSBC Premier gives you more than banking, unlock a world of benefits, from expert support to global perks, alongside a branch that matches your status. Benefit from a dedicated Premier space for your personalised financial discussions with our team.

“Our team are looking forward to seeing some new faces, and welcoming back our longstanding customers soon. We’re here to help support your financial goals, offering wealth advisory [1] alongside your everyday banking. Premier banking [2] gives you more, so stop by and see us to find out how you could benefit.” Alistair Philp, Head of Retail Distribution in the Channel Islands.

Designed with you in mind

Located in the same convenient spot, the updated branch has been thoughtfully designed to offer an improved experience for all. Visitors will notice a spacious interior paired with a fresh and inviting design. Counter services have been refreshed for seamless everyday transactions, while advanced technology ensures efficiency and convenience. Fancy a chat with an advisor? We've got plenty of comfy spots where you can discuss your financial needs with our team.

Banking for everyone

Inclusivity has been prioritised in the redesign. Spacious and accessible facilities aim to better accommodate individuals who may require additional assistance with in-branch banking services.

“We are delighted to see HSBC investing in serving the St Brelade community in this way and considering the needs of those with limited mobility. Improved access makes vital banking services available to all, including people with disabilities and older customers who may need more support.” Ben Shenton, Chairman, Age Concern.

Ready to welcome you soon

"Our St Brelade’s branch is coming back to better serve our island community. We’ve invested in a more seamless customer experience, with a spacious and accessible branch kitted out with the latest tech. From an entire floor dedicated to Premier banking, to comfortable spots to chat with an advisor, and improved accessibility, we're confident that everyone will enjoy the refreshed experience."

Alvaro Teixeira, Head of Wealth and Premier Banking in the Channel Islands.

We look forward to re-opening our doors in the west of the island, stop by and see us at your new and improved St Brelade’s branch soon.

JERSEY AIR RIFLE CLUB

Parish Information Clubs & Associations

Martin Mallet 01534 752909

JerseyAirRifleClubInfo@gmail.com

THE JERSEY AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY INCLUDING ELECTRONICS & COMPUTING

Fridays at 7.30pm

Peter Bertram 07829 722722

gj8pvl@hotmail.com

JERSEY RAYNET, EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

Fridays at 7.30pm

Peter Bertram 07829 722722

gj8pvl@hotmail.com

JERSEY ASTRONOMY CLUB

Tony Bellows jerseyastronomyclub@ymail.com

ST BRELADE PARISHIONERS FB Simon Langlois simon@langlois-uk.com

LA MOYE WI

Jane Campbell 01534 742174

lamoyewi@yahoo.co.uk

NO 7 OVERSEAS (JERSEY) SQUADRON

Flt. Lt Leighton Jenkins 01534 744998

7os@aircadets.org

PARISH OF ST BRELADE PETANQUE GROUP

Joy Hart- Club Captain 01534 741469 happyharts13@yahoo.co.uk

SINKERS SEA FISHING CLUB

Steve Mullins 01534 852336 sinkersseafishingclub@blog.com

ST AUBIN SEA ANGLING CLUB

Jim Le Lion jim.lelion@dmsjersey.com stasac.com

JERSEY SCOUT ASSOCIATION

– ST BRELADE GROUP

Evelyn Langlois gsl10th@scouts.org.je

ST AUBIN’S BOAT OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Alan Le Rossignol saboajersey@gmail.com saboa.co.uk

ST BRELADE BATTLE OF FLOWERS ASSOCIATION

Daniel Avrill 07797 837846 dcavrill@yahoo.co.uk

ST BRELADE REPAIR CAFE

Max Livesey & Simon Langlois simon@langlois-uk.com

ST BRELADE TWINNING ASSOCIATION

Martha Bernstein 01534 746353 mjb@marthabernstein.co.uk

ST BRELADE YOUTH CLUB

Stacy Benstead 07797 723260 stacybenstead@jys.je

ST. BRELADE’S BAY BOAT OWNERS ASSOCIATION (SBBBOA)

Jane Morel-Orchard (Hon. Sec.) 07797 729 466 sbbboa@gmail.com

TORAKAN JUDO CLUB

Tony Palmer 07797 850370 tonyouch@googlemail.com

ST BRELADE BOWLS CLUB 01534 491110

ST AUBIN AND ST PETER’S WI

Sarah Johnson 07797 725486

JERSEY OVER 50’S SOCIAL CLUB

Maureen Parris 07797 751223

Parish Hall, La Neuve Route, St Brelade JE3 8BS

PUBLIC OFFICE OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 08:00 to 17:00 Saturday & Sunday CLOSED parishhall@stbrelade.je www.stbrelade.je

DUTY CENTENIER 01534 741175

CONNÉTABLE Mike Jackson 01534 741141

For the latest parish NEWS & EVENTS

direct to your inbox, sign up at

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

Victoria Avenue - Rue du Galet Junction Resurfacing Scheme

October Half Term - 2025

Further information

As part of the ongoing highway maintenance by Infrastructure and Environment (I&E), resurfacing works are planned along sections of Victoria Avenue, including junction with Rue du Galet.

Stay up to date on access arrangements,traffic managements and working times by visiting gov.je/roadworks or scanning the QR code provided.

Thank you for your patience while these essential works take place.We apologise for any inconvenience caused.