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… to “Southwest”, your community-focused, free magazine for all the people of St Brelade.
Thank you to James Bedding QuadPhotography for our stunning front cover photograph of the Baton of Hope being carried by members of the fire service to the top of Corbière Lighthouse. Jersey was the 16th stop on the baton’s tour of twenty locations across the British Isles, and nearly 30 Islanders who have been impacted by suicide joined the prevention initiative which saw them carry the baton in a relay around the Island. Find out more about this on page 6.
Our young Parishioners have been very busy as usual as you will see in updates by St Brelade’s Youth Project, Pathways, 10th St Brelade Scout Group and Mont Nicolle School.
Les Quennevais Skatepark hosted Bowl Ā Crock 2025 in September, and you can read all about this fantastic community event on pages 18-19, with some breathtaking photos.
Healing Waves provides transformative surfing and water sports experiences and is launching a brand new, fully inclusive fundraising event which will be fun for everyone! More information about this and how to get involved can be found on pages 32-33.
We are delighted to have contributions from all four of our Parish Deputies. Read about
matters which are important to us all on pages 44-47.
We are now at 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 you enjoy reading about them and are perhaps inspired to get involved.
Thank you so much to all our contributors for the time spent writing articles and collating photographs to share with readers.
We welcome new contributions, so 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 10th February. All contributions are greatly appreciated.
edition of Southwest
Healing Waves
Bowl Ā Crock
Meet your new bank, out west
Banking is changing, but we’re still focused on o ering a local service that supports our diverse community. Our St Brelade’s branch now invites you into a revitalised and accessible space in the west of the island we know you’re going to love.
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, o ering 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.”
ASHLING ROWLANDS Branch Manager
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.”
Designed with you in mind
Located in the same convenient spot, the updated branch has been thoughtfully designed to o er 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 e ciency 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.
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.
St Brelade Battle of Flowers REPORT
by Sean Jones
Baton of Hope
The Baton of Hope is the UK’s largest ever suicide prevention initiative - a symbolic baton representing mental wellbeing visited a range of communities across the UK as part of a special tour promoting suicide prevention.
Well, it simply wouldn’t be Battle if everything went to plan!
Having been working away on what was to be the 2025 Senior float prior to the change of route, we thought it could be entered in 2026. However, plans have changed and there is the possibility of a town route again, so the maximum length and width for exhibits have been significantly reduced. Currently, our senior float is 50 feet long and 12 feet wide - under the new rules the maximum length is to be 35 feet and the maximum width is 9 feet. So, it’s back to the drawing board!
There is obviously lots to be done so, if you have ever thought of getting involved, now is the time. We NEED you - there will be lots to build, papier-mâché, paint and finally cover. Please get in touch with us at bofstbrelade@gmail.com
We are in the process of stripping back to the chassis once again to enable us to cut it down to the new dimensions. In the next couple of weeks, we will decide on a new design for 2026 and work will commence in earnest to get back on track.
The Juniors are beavering away with design ideas for the coming season and they will also make a decision shortly.
rganised by the Baton of Hope suicide prevention charity, the tour visited 20 locations across the UK, before arriving in Jersey on Sunday 28th September.
The baton’s visit to the Island aimed to signpost many of the support services offered in Jersey and was the largest mental health campaign the Island has ever
With a route covering 25 local locations, the metal baton was passed along by people who have been affected by suicide, including bereaved family members and people who have attempted to take their own life, from Elizabeth Castle to various key sites, before travelling west to St Ouen and St Brelade, completing its journey at Corbière lighthouse.
Photo courtesy of James Bedding QuadPhotography
Youth Project St Brelade’s
by Stacy Benstead
This summer, twelve young people from St Brelade’s Youth Project embarked on a life-changing voyage aboard Prolific, a 30-metre sail training vessel operated by Ocean Youth Trust South, accompanied by three Youth Workers. We sailed over 211 nautical miles in five days, navigating the south coast of England and discovering not only new places, but new strengths within ourselves.
From Jersey to the open sea
Our journey began in Brixham, Devon, where we waved goodbye to the marina and set off on an overnight passage to Fowey. The crew was buzzing with excitement, and despite light winds, we motorsailed through the night. As dusk fell, we were joined by pods of dolphins, their silhouettes glowing in the bioluminescent waters. It was so magical that we cancelled a planned man-overboard drill to avoid disturbing them.
“The dolphins at night swimming through the bioluminescence—that was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” said one of our leaders. “They were zooming past, totally lit up. I’ll always remember that.”
By 3am, the wind picked up and we sailed into Fowey by 7am, tying up alongside a dredger. This was especially impressive considering the crew had left Jersey at 5am the previous morning!
Early starts, big adventures
After a brief rest and shore leave in Fowey, we were up again at 5.30am to head for Dartmouth. This leg of the journey included a fire drill and a successful man-overboard demonstration, before the dolphins returned to escort us once more. Arriving in Dartmouth during regatta week, we watched dinghy races and soaked up the festive atmosphere.
Tuesday brought another early start to beat the tides and avoid strong winds from Hurricane Erin. Though the sunrise was hidden behind clouds, the crew remained upbeat. We sailed to Weymouth, reaching speeds of 11.1 knots on a broad reach - an exhilarating experience for all aboard. That evening, we enjoyed shore leave, showers and a movie night on board.
Wednesday was gusty, so we waited for a lull before setting off for Poole. The young people worked on their RYA Start Yachting qualifications in the morning and played beach games in the afternoon. By 5pm, we slipped lines with three reefs in the mainsail and the staysail up, sailing into Poole Harbour under the guidance of the young crew, who took command for the final pilotage.
Personal journeys and growth
Each young person brought something unique to the voyage. Some battled seasickness, others overcame anxiety, and many discovered new talents.
Aimee Saxon, 15, was seasick for much of the trip but never let it dampen her spirit. “I learnt lots of new things about boats and how to be in control,” she said. “Went through challenges like being sick but enjoyed my time visiting different places. I would do it again.”
Leonor Abreu Francisco, also 15, struggled with anxiety and fainting spells but found joy in the RNLI simulator experience. “The stars and learning how to sail were the best parts,” she said. “I loved tying knots and learning about the boat.”
Harrison La Miere, 16, showed strong leadership potential. “Piloting into Poole was my favourite part,” he said. “Though I did vomit my guts up on the second or third day!”
SW
Lauren Le Garignon, 15, impressed the crew with her initiative. After being shown the logbook once, she taught others - including her Youth Worker - how to complete it. “The night sailing and singing along with everyone was amazing.”
Billy de Bourcier, 15, brought humour and energy to the team. “Working with everyone up on deck in our watches was great,” he said. “Fun experience - would do it again.”
Jay Tucker, 15, learned practical skills like chopping vegetables and raising sails. “Such a fun time, good experience - thanks guys!” he wrote in the comments book.
Parry Mallett, 14, thrived during night navigation and beach games. “Amazing week - 10/10 would definitely do it again,” she said. “Boat was lovely, staff even nicer.”
Certificates and outcomes
Every participant earned an RYA Start Yachting certificate—a recognised qualification that reflects not only sailing skills but also teamwork, perseverance and responsibility. These certificates are a testament to the personal growth each young person achieved. We also used an evaluation tool called the Outcomes Wheel, developed with Children in Need and the Prince’s Trust, to measure growth in areas like confidence, teamwork and coping with new experiences. Many participants showed significant improvement, especially in learning new skills and dealing with setbacks.
Looking ahead
As a youth worker, it was inspiring to see young people thrive in a challenging environment. I’m excited to continue working with Ocean Youth Trust South and hope to help more young people experience this transformative journey. Plans are already underway to explore future voyages with crew changes in Jersey, making it easier for more local young people to get involved.
This voyage was more than just a sailing trip—it was a journey of discovery, connection and growth. We returned home with unforgettable memories, new friendships and a renewed sense of what we’re capable of when we work together.
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
Pathways
Supporting One Another and the Community
by Liz Lambotte
At Pathways, we are incredibly proud of our fantastic group of children and young people who celebrate each other’s achievements and offer wholehearted support to one another.
This spirit of encouragement allows them to be themselves, grow in confidence and excel in whatever areas they’re passionate about. Watching them take on challenges – often surpassing even our expectations – is one of the greatest joys of all.
Lions Muddy Fun Run
The past few weeks has been a wonderful reminder of what makes Pathways so special. On 20th September, our group took part in the Lions Muddy Fun Run – not as individuals, but as a united team. The 3.5km course was filled with obstacles, muddy ponds and ditches to crawl under and climb over.
Many of them were covered in mud from head to toe, some had lost shoes, but all were laughing and having a great deal of fun. Everyone was caked in mud from head to toe, but the laughter was infectious and the camaraderie unstoppable. Each person looked out for the next, proving that teamwork really does make the experience all the more memorable.
Running for the Community
Hot on the heels of the Muddy Fun Run came the Jersey Marathon, which was another huge success for Pathways. Daniel Kelly and two relay teams proudly represented us, cheered on by a sea of supporters – parents, children and peers – who lined the course to encourage every runner.
We were also thrilled to host Water Station 7 at Les Quennevais Cycle Track. It’s an incredibly emotional place to be, watching people push themselves to their limits. The cheers of our young supporters – “Well done! You can do it! Keep going!” – visibly lifted tired runners, giving them that extra burst of motivation to carry on.
In the week leading up to the marathon, all six of our club sessions headed to the cycle track to run, walk, scoot or cycle in solidarity with those competing. Many who took part in the relay this year are already eager to sign up again next year – proof of just how infectious community spirit can be.
Together we Thrive
It is inspiring to see children and young people giving back to their community with such enthusiasm, determination and heart. At Pathways, we aim to encourage, equip and empower them to get involved in a wide range of activities – helping each one discover their own unique passion in life.
As Helen Keller once said, “We live by each other and for each other. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” That sentiment perfectly captures what Pathways is all about – growing stronger together and finding joy in supporting one another.
For more information, please visit our website at www.pathwaysjersey.co.uk or find us on Facebook at Pathways
by Susan Parker
L’Office du Jèrriais is working hard around the Island to revitalise our native language. Learner numbers of all ages are increasing, and there is a quiet realisation that Jèrriais is something which makes our Island truly distinctive.
Few books have eaten their way into the hearts of more children than “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”. Written by Eric Carle, the book was first published in 1969 and has since sold over 60 million copies and been translated into more than 80 different languages – and now Jèrriais is one of those languages.
The book launch event at the zoo was attended by around 150 children and parents, where they enjoyed craft activities, dramatic book readings and received a free copy of the book.
The fun, energetic drama production brought the excitement of live theatre to young learners at 19 primary schools around the Island this term and was enjoyed by over 2,500 children. An audio recording of the story can be found at www.jerriais.org.je and additional copies of the book are available to purchase online at jerriais.sumupstore.com
If you are interested in embarking on your own Jèrriais learning journey, you can access a free subscription to the uTalk app:
1. Go to www.jerriais.org.je then click the English menu drop down, and select Learn
2. Scroll down and select Adult Learning, then Learning Resources
Every year since the publication of J’allons à la chasse à l’ourse (We’re Going on a Bear Hunt) in 2018, the Jèrriais Teaching Service has translated a well-known children’s book which has been gifted to children starting school in Reception, including La P’tite Gruffalinne (The Gruffalo’s Child) in 2020 and D’vinnâle dé Marmoûset (Monkey Puzzle) in 2022.
This year, it is the turn of La Carpéleuse Hardi Affanmée (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) which is being given to 1,000 children throughout the Island to encourage young readers and their families to explore Jersey’s native language.
To celebrate the publication of La Carpéleuse Hardi Affanmée, the Jèrriais Teaching Service held a launch event at Jersey Zoo and staged a number of duallanguage performances in Jèrriais and English, in partnership with Flair Entertainment and kindly supported by Le Don Balleine Incorporated Association, as part of the Jersey Festival of Words 2025 Schools Programme.
3. Under Online Apps, please complete the very short registration form under the uTalk logo with your name and email address
4. You will be taken to a special uTalk page to create an account using the same email address and a new password. You should receive a verification email to complete set up
5. Download the free uTalk app onto your phone, tablet or laptop
You can hear and speak Jèrriais every weekday, so please join native speakers and learners on:
MONDAYS Santander Work Café, St Helier 1.00 - 1.50pm TUESDAYS The Adelphi Pub, St Helier 5.30 - 6.30pm
WEDNESDAYS The Village Café, St Martin 10.30 - 11.30am
THURSDAYS Jersey Museum, St Helier 10.30 - 11.30am
FRIDAYS Jersey Pearl, St Ouen 10.30 - 11.30am
À la préchaine!
(Until next time)
For further information about Jèrriais, please contact L’Office du Jèrriais at info@jerriais.org.je
Photos courtesy of Peter Mourant, Jersey Festival of Words
LEFT: Tama Coxshall (left) and Jemima Horn (right) reading the story in Jèrriais and English at the launch event at Jersey Zoo
André (caterpillar), Sam (narrator) and Rachael (butterfly) from Flair Entertainment brought the story to life
10th Scout Group St Brelade
It has been a super Autumn term so far at the 10th. The weather has enabled us to camp, enjoy our outdoor spaces and learn many new skills.
by Evelyn Langlois – Akela 10th St Brelade Dome Cubs
Beauport Scouts had an amazing time having their very own virtual reality experience. Phil brought along his kit, and the scouts took on the challenge of not falling over or bumping into each other as they negotiated the challenges around our hall in visors. A team of our leaders and parents helped to get the ‘army eagle’ tents up for our scout camp, where the scouts were cooking and eating outside. With a murder mystery to solve, the scouts were puzzling over clues (and lots of red herrings) and questioning the ‘suspects’ all weekend. Our super sleuths successfully guessed the culprit. Maybe we have lots of future detectives in the 10th! The scouts then had the job of packing the army tents away, another challenge!
Dome Pack Cubs have been really busy with a beach clean, a hike from Grosnez castle, a visit to the amazing Channel Island Occupation Museum along the Five Mile Road and our annual fun camp at the Merton Hotel. Every week has set more challenges for the cubs. At the museum, the cubs were challenged to find the most interesting fact, and there are so many to choose from. During our Merton Hotel camp, even our youngest cubs had to be very mature, sharing a hotel room with another cub and keeping it spick and span. There was a lot of swimming and a circus-themed party. The cubs had to work together, scoring points as teams and individually. The challenges were noisy, colourful, challenging and fun. Some, such as the plate spinning, took a lot of concentration! We finished off with the chocolate game before heading off to bed. At the brilliant Merton breakfast on Sunday morning, our young people were polite, courteous and a credit to our group. Everyone had a great time, including the leaders!
All our beavers have had a very foodie term. Oak Beavers celebrated the harvest by donating food to the newly created food bank in St Peter, set up by the Society of St Vincent de Paul. The collection of tins and dried foods that they brought was very impressive, and one beaver brought the enormous pumpkin he’d grown to show everyone. They followed this with an evening designing and making their own pizzas.
Beech Beavers have been finding out how to keep healthy: what we should be doing and what we should be eating to keep our bodies working well. They had a really interesting trip to Red House's Waitrose. The beavers were shown behind the scenes and were amazed to see where all the food comes in and is stored, and going into the big freezer was a huge treat! The beavers became amazing Fairtrade hunters, finding the products with the Fairtrade, Waitrose Foundation, and Rainforest Alliance products - there are so many!
As we head towards Christmas, we will be camping again and still having lots of fun. We always need more leaders to help us to give the young people the best scouting programme we can. If you have some spare time and would like to join our great team, please contact chair10th@scouts.org.je
Mont Nicolle UPDATE
Headteacher
It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the children settle back into school life after the long summer break. Whilst the summer seems like a distant memory now, they have enjoyed a busy half term. There have been many opportunities for learning beyond the classroom and immersing themselves in memorable experiences.
As part of the Jersey Festival of Words, the whole school enjoyed a very entertaining dual-language Jèrriais-English performance of the Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Year 6 went to see author Helen Rutter. Promoting a love of reading is high on all schools’ agendas and events like these really engage the children and expose them to books in a fun and meaningful way.
Year 5 and 6 have participated in the Primary Schools’ Cross Country event with Matilda in Year 5 finishing in 3rd place – this was such a fabulous achievement, especially when there are a great number of runners! The course is challenging and requires determination and courage so huge congratulations to all our runners for taking part in the race and giving it their very best shot!
We celebrated Democracy Week throughout school, and our new School Council was elected. We were lucky to borrow the official Parish polling stations, giving the process of voting a much more official feel!
Our PTA Halloween Disco is a popular event, and the Pumpkin Competition is always a sight to see. The pumpkin creations just get better year on year and are getting increasingly difficult to judge. Our Forest School area is undergoing a phased makeover with the help of our local community. Hedgehogs have made a home there and the children are eager to catch sight of them.
We are excited for the next half term as we begin to think about Christmas time and all the wonderful things that the festive season will bring!
Mrs Paul
Nursery
The children have settled really well into Mont Nicolle.
We started the year by adopting some stick insects and we have been observing the changes in their bodies as they grow – moulting and transforming. We have talked about the cycle of life. What comes first? The insect or the egg? Children are encouraged to take care of them, ensuring they have fresh and moist brambles to eat – a job that the children take very seriously! This half term, we have visited Woodlands Farm to see the pigs, collected pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch and also visited the dairy cows at Westland Farm.
Mrs Moral, Miss Miere and Miss Anderson
Reception
The children have settled amazingly into Reception! They have had a great time making new friends and getting to know their teachers. We have started learning our new letter sounds and have been practising our handwriting. They have loved racing with their teachers in the morning run and have been great explorers in our Forest School, creating leaf crowns and leaf hedgehogs. The children also went on a lovely adventure up to Brooklands Farm where we got to feed the pigs and see lots of piglets!
Mr Riva, Miss Kelly, Mrs Hart and Mrs Couley
Year 1
The children have been captivated by the beloved story ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’. Inspired by the tale, they wrote their own invitations, warmly inviting the Tiger to join them for a special Year 1 Tea Party. Together, the class brainstormed everything they would need for the celebration, carefully creating shopping lists to prepare for the big event. The children were delighted when they discovered that the Tiger had accepted their invitation! The children came up with thoughtful questions to ask their guest. The children had a wonderful time at the tea party eating biscuits and cake and drinking from teacups. It was truly a magical experience that brought the story to life and created wonderful memories for all.
Mrs Rowe and Miss Maule
SW
Year 2
Year 2 have had a great start to the academic year. They have really settled into their class and have been demonstrating some fantastic learning. Our class pets, the stick insects, have finally grown large enough to be picked up and there has been much merriment in watching their antics as they crawl all over the children’s hands and sometimes faces too! Several class members have shared with us their knowledge about major cities in the UK for our geography topic, entitled
Year 4
This half term, the children have been exploring the topic of living things and their habitats. As part of our Durrell Champion Award, we’ve taken a special interest in the agile frog, learning all about its characteristics, where it lives and how we can help protect its environment.
Year 6
It has been a busy start to the year in Year 6! We began by thinking about how we need to be great role models to the younger children and what our hopes are for our final year of primary school. In History, we have been learning about World War II with a particular focus on the occupation of The Channel Islands. We made evidence wheels to help us think about primary and secondary sources of information and created a timeline
the UK, having visited family members. We have enjoyed learning about the many names for Allah in RE and discussed the importance of kindness in PSHE. We are really looking forward to our trip to the Recycling Centre as part of our science topic this term which has focused on looking at materials. We will be taking some rubbish with us and learning about how it is recycled.
Mrs Coxshall
Year 3
Year 3 have had a stupendous start to the Autumn term, diving into their learning about the ancient Egyptians. We have been exploring different artefacts, the process of mummification and comparing our lives to those who lived in ancient Egypt. We had the best time on our Egyptian day dressing up, mummifying tomatoes, painting special amulets and building pyramids in our Forest School
In addition, the children have had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate with Ballet d’Jèrri to create an imaginative dance performance. Their hard work will come to life on stage at the Jersey Opera House - an experience we’re all very excited about!
Miss Goncalves
Year 5
Year 5 have thoroughly enjoyed their Ballet D’Jèrri experience over the past five weeks, taking part in a series of excellent lessons that have truly inspired them. The visiting members of the Ballet brought creativity, energy and professionalism to each session, captivating the children with their imaginative choreography. The theme of
to detail the order of events linked to the occupation from 1940-1945. We are looking forward to visiting the Jersey War Tunnels and the Occupation Tapestry in November so we can further build on our knowledge. In Art, we looked at the work of David Hockney, and particularly his photomontages. We created our own photomontage self-portraits which have captured everyone’s attention.
Mrs Griffin-Keane and Mrs Pinto
area. We have also been loving our Forces and Magnets topic in Science, and we are in the middle of planning and creating a Science Fair activity or game for our Reception and Nursery classes to play. We cannot wait to show off all our fantastic learning!
Mrs de Carteret, Mrs Chapman and Miss Hansen
‘Space’ linked perfectly to our Science topic, allowing the children to explore movement while deepening their understanding of the universe. They especially embraced the collaborative style of the dance, working together with enthusiasm and a great sense of fun. It has been a memorable and enriching experience for all involved.
Miss Waters and Mr Brady
Heart and High Jinks at Les Quennevais 2025
by Reggie Le Brocq
St Brelade has always taken pride in its community spaces, and in September, Les Quennevais Skatepark hosted something rather extraordinary.
Bowl Ā Crock 2025 drew together professional skateboarders, local riders, musicians, families and onlookers - a lively, spirited crowd of all ages - for a day of skill, music and sheer community joy.
Skateboarding has roots in St Brelade stretching back decades. Riders were carving up Le Marquanderie carpark as early as the 1970s, the Belle Vue pump track was a favoured training ground before it was a housing estate, and Skate West lives in legend as a pinnacle of the Jersey skateboard scene. Seeing that spirit revived, now centred at Les Quennevais, is a delight. Old traditions are meeting a new, vibrant scene.
Organised by Skate Space charity, led by Natalie Mayer, the event is about more than tricks and flips. The charity's approach is simple. Build sturdy mental health through tight connection, bring people together before they struggle, and create bonds that last. That ethos was clear in every corner of the park and is surely a missing element in modern times.
The atmosphere was electric. People skated, wandered or simply lingered with a drink in hand. Rain clouds threatened, rain came down, but the energy did not waver. This ragtag band of locals, visiting pros, and curious spectators shared a single purpose - to have fun together.
The day opened with a special jam in memory of Danny Cram, a friend who had taken his life last year. After a short, moving speech from his friend Eduardo da Rocha, a wail of bagpipes cut through the park, startling at first, before fading into Danny’s favourite heavy
metal. The crowd held its breath and nine-year-old Xavier Le Moignan dropped in first, drawing cheers that set the tone for the day.
When the rain arrived, everyone pitched in. Towels, squeegees, and brushes appeared, and a team effort to dry the ramps ensued. With around 30 professionals waiting to ride, and hundreds wanting to watch them, it was clear that this day was about shared effort as much as individual skill.
The skateboard talent from locals and visitors was rather astonishing. Felipe Nunes, a double-amputee pro from Brazil, manoeuvred his board with his hands, approachable and cheerful, signing
autographs and high fiving with anyone who wanted to meet him. Tomas Woods, 16 and triple WCMX world champion, spun and flipped in his wheelchair, while local girl Brontë Hollick made her debut on a new adaptive frame, rolling alongside coaches and beaming with joy.
Nearby, a stage hosted young bands, many performing live for the first time. Their energy matched the excitement in the bowl, adding another layer of life and laughter to the day.
Even after three rain pauses, the crowd returned each time, boards in hand and ready to ride again. The tricks were impressive, but what lingered most was the spirit. Neighbours, friends, and strangers were coming together, rough edges and all, to create something memorable.
Bowl Ā Crock showed that Les Quennevais Skatepark is a place where St Brelade comes alive, where decades of skateboarding history meet a thriving new youth led scene, and where heart, humour, and high jinks take centre stage.
MAIN EVENT SPONSOR
• Sure SUPPORTING PARTNERS
• Government of Jersey
• Connect Me
• Evelyn Partners International
• A1 Landscape
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Visit Jersey / Your Event Solutions / LouLou Race Foundation
Coopers Coffee / Aleck / Chris Scott The Good Stone
Batch.je / DFDS
Photos courtesy of Natalie Mayer and Chris Dale
My Voice Jersey
by
Who decides? Understanding Mental Capacity and Decision Making
What happens if my memory becomes impaired and people think I have lost the capacity to make significant decisions?
Unfortunately, this is the reality for many people in our community, especially as we are all living longer. If you have family and friends you trust, you can plan ahead by appointing a “Lasting power of attorney” (LPA). You may have an LPA for Property and Finances and also for Health and Welfare. The person may be someone you trust or a legal professional.
The purpose of the Capacity and Self Determination (Jersey) Law 2016 is to ensure that, if you do lack capacity, all decisions made by others for you are (as far as possible) in line with what you would have wanted for yourself. Your wishes and rights must be protected and respected, and every decision must be in your Best Interests. This is a legal safeguard against people doing what suits them, or what is cheapest or easiest, rather than what is best for you.
What is an Independent Capacity Advocate?
The Capacity Law provides for an ICA (Independent Capacity Advocate) to represent individuals who have no LPA or appropriate other in their lives. This happens more often than we would like to believe. The ICA is appointed under the law to work independently from the government or health services and is free of charge. An ICA must be referred clients when the following significant decisions are made:
• Serious Medical Treatment
• Change of Accommodation
• Safeguarding
• Care Review
• SROL - Significant Restrictions of Liberty
How so they do this?
The ICA will meet with the person and gather information about their views and wishes in relation to their options. They will also look at choices the person has made in the past before they lost capacity so that can be reflected in future decisions. The ICA will then provide a report for the person making the decision. The key role of the ICA is to ensure that the person - who they are, how they lived, what choices they made and what their values were - remains at the centre of decision making, and that processes are lawful.
My Voice Jersey is under contract to the States of Jersey to employ ICAs who are fully trained and hold a national qualification. They are ultimately accountable to the Royal Court for the work that they do.
For more information, please visit
or refer to the Capacity and Self Determination (Jersey) Law 2016.
Ana Slous, Independent Capacity Advocate
The My Voice Jersey team (from left) Maya Huelin, Ana Slous, Patricia Winchester, Lynn Hockley and Aidan Lever
Repair Café
Writing this on International Repair Day 2025 marks exactly five years since the first Repair Café in Jersey was launched in St Brelade.
Aweek later, Connétable Mike Jackson ceremonially opened our first event at Communicare, in true Repair Café style with the cutting of, not a ribbon, but a length of flex with wire cutters!
We will shortly be holding our 75th event with the continued support of our pool of over 100 wonderful volunteer helpers, repairers and musicians who all give up their time to support this community initiative. We have continued to be hosted in every parish, and we make sure that we visit all of them at least once every year or so, although we do stress that Islanders from all parishes are welcome to come along to our events wherever they are held.
‘Free’ is our byword - free repairs, free teas and coffees, free cake and free live music.
Our musicians are at the heart of the great atmosphere at Repair Café events, with amazing performers like St Brelade’s very own ‘Foolish Things’ along with our other regulars like Colin Lever, G-2-A, Mark Sims / Jersey Pop Songs, Paul Bisson / Fret Sounds and more. The only problem is that it’s difficult to keep a steady hand, doing delicate repairs, when your feet are tapping to the music!
We’re often asked what the most unusual item that we’ve repaired is and, as of a few weeks ago, I would now say that it is a movement detector. This is a gadget that might be used in a small shop to let the shopkeeper know when a customer has come in. The traditional bell on the back of the door would now be an electronic device to bleep/flash when it sensed movement. A lady brought one in which had an unusually long length of LEDs as part of the sensor line. We fixed the broken contacts and it burst into life.
When asked if it was used in a shop, the lady hesitated. No, not a shop - she uses it for her work as a paranormal investigator to detect ghostly spirits in Jersey! Not just that, it actually works, and in conjunction with other technology at her disposal, she even has demonstrable visual recordings of these spirits. So, I have to say, that’s the most unusual item I’ve worked on so far!
SW
by
With 2025 drawing to a close, we have just finalised our Jersey Repair Café event dates for 2026, so when you have something that breaks or stop working, think repair, not replace or recycle, and bring it along to see if we can help.
For more information, please see our Facebook group Jersey Repair Café or www.repaircafe.org.je
Simon Langlois, Co-organiser
with Evolution Eye Care Advanced Vision Correction
Specialist-led laser and lens treatments now established in Jersey
Islanders seeking freedom from glasses or contact lenses can now access expert vision correction closer to home. Led by renowned refractive surgeon Mr Mike Tappin, Evolution Eye Care’s Vision Correction Service has become an established part of its regular clinic schedule throughout 2025.
Patients considering treatment are assessed in Jersey directly by Mr Tappin – the same surgeon who would perform their procedure.
Mr Tappin is a leading surgeon with over 30 years’ experience in refractive surgery. He conducts clinics in Jersey, and operates at Prema, a state-of-the-art surgical facility in Portsmouth operated by Laser Vision UK. Prema is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Southampton airport, with three modern hotels next door if accommodation is required.
“Our goal is to make the vision correction process as seamless and reassuring as possible for Jersey patients,” said Mr Tappin. “By combining consultations onisland with surgery at Prema, patients on our collaborative pathway receive the convenience of local care, with the safety and reassurance of a leading UK surgical environment.”
“It’s important that patients meet the surgeon who will perform their procedure,” added Mr Anish Shah, co-founder of Evolution Eye Care. “That continuity builds trust and ensures decisions are always made in the patient’s best interests.”
Genuine Advice, Not Sales
Some refractive clinics offer free consultations. This can create pressure to convert enquiries into surgery, just to cover costs. At Evolution Eye Care, a £99 vision correction consultation fee reflects a commitment to transparency, allowing the clinic to provide honest, impartial guidance –even if the best recommendation is not to proceed with surgery.
“Charging a modest consultation fee allows us to offer genuine advice rather than sales-driven opinions,” said Mr Shah. “Our patients receive clarity, not persuasion.”
Modern Technology and Trusted Standards
Prema is equipped with modern, regularly serviced laser and surgical equipment, maintained to the rigorous standards required by the UK Care Quality Commission (CQC). This ensures every procedure is performed with the precision, safety, and reliability expected of the UK’s top ophthalmic centres.
Established Expertise, Local Convenience
Jersey patients are already benefiting from this trusted and convenient pathway, exploring laser vision correction or lens replacement surgery with world-class expertise and modern technology – all coordinated through Jersey’s largest private eye clinic.
For more information or to book a consultation, visit www.evolution.je/book email info@evolution.je, or call 01534 835400
1st Floor
Little Grove Clinic
Rue de Haut St Lawrence JE3 1JZ
Mr Mike Tappin, Consultant Ophthalmic, Corneal and Laser Refractive Surgeon
Procedures are carried out at the purposebuilt, state-of-the-art Prema clinic
What Was but
THERE have been many histories written about the German occupation of the Channel Islands. The islands were the only British soil to be occupied by the Germans thus giving much to write about. This series of articles is not intended to be just another history of that time but an example of “What if…?”.
…in September 1942 an advertisement appeared in the Islands’ newspapers announcing that, at Adolf Hitler’s command, British-born men and their families were to be deported to Germany.
Could the unjustified deportation of non-combatant civilians to an unknown fate have been the trigger for an insurrection?
In Jersey, despite his colonel’s rank, Friedrich Knackfuss has not seen action since 1918 and the prospect of having to deploy armed force to quell civilian disorder is not one he wishes to contemplate. However, he has rarely seen Coutanche so angry at the notice and was acutely embarrassed when the usually urbane Bailiff accused him of a monstrous breach of faith.
The Islands’ Befehlshaber (commander in chief) in Guernsey, Generalmajor Erich Müller has been unhelpful. “You’re dealing with unarmed civilians, Friedrich, for God’s sake!”
It is understood that Admiral Friedrich Hüffmeier, commander-in-chief of the German forces in the Channel Islands, in April 1945 and despite Germany’s defeat being inevitable, stated to Jersey’s Bailiff Alexander Coutanche that ‘you and I will be eating grass before I surrender’. Even if that’s a myth, it makes a good title.
A compendium of myths, mysteries and minutiae of the only German Occupation of British Soil.
Compiled by Peter Tabb
What if…
“All routes to the harbour will be lined by armed troops,” Oberst Knackfuss announces. “Any attempt at disorder must be dealt with immediately. There must be no shooting. Unruly demonstrators must be detained, that’s all…”
The deportation notices are duly served and, to Knackfuss’s dismay, on 14 September, noisy crowds line the principal routes to the harbour to watch the deportees board the steamer La France for St Malo. And before the vessel sails with almost 300 detainees, the crowd will have grown to nearly five thousand.
On Pier Road is a gathering of almost two hundred young people who, since they are well away from the route of the deportees, are watched by only a handful of soldiers whose rifles are slung over their shoulders. In the crowd teenager Marguerite Mière begins to sing ‘There’ll always be an England’. Her song is taken up by the crowd with enthusiasm.
No-one knows who it is who throws the first stone but clearly many of the youngsters have filled their pockets with pebbles and pieces of brick. A stone strikes the helmet of a German soldier standing guard on the roadway below. Before the Germans can react, a hail of missiles falls down on them, knocking several from their feet. A soldier, Schütze Küpfler, unslings his rifle, intending to fire a warning shot above the heads of the throng, many of whom are his own age. However, Küpfer panics and pulls the trigger. The heavy Mauser K98k, its muzzle actually pointing downwards, fires. The bullet hits the road and ricochets into the crowd, hitting sixteen years old Daphne Le Bailly in the thigh. She falls to the ground screaming.
The crowd howls its fury but faced with alarmed soldiers holds back.
However, in the crowd one youngster draws back a catapult which is powerful enough, when firing a ball bearing, to kill a rabbit at 15 yards. Schütze Küpfer advances towards the crowd, his action entirely humanitarian since he is horrified to have shot someone, even by accident.
Although the picture is captioned “Star” – the Guernsey morning paper – the advertisement is identical to one that appeared in The Evening Post on the same date
but What If…
Daphne Le Bailly is lying on the road, moaning. As Küpfer bends over her, he is struck by a ball bearing fired just a few feet away. The bearing penetrates his skull above his eye and embeds itself in the soft tissue of his brain. In agony, Schütze Küpfer stumbles and falls. His colleagues cannot believe what they see. Despite the heavy Mausers the Germans are overwhelmed and punched and kicked to the ground in a frenzy of blows that their thick uniforms and helmets are helpless to deflect. Too late the crowd realises what is happening and suddenly they break and run, scattering in all directions, leaving four blood-soaked bodies lying in the roadway and a still moaning Daphne Le Bailly whose flesh wound is bleeding freely.
More armed Germans arrive on the scene. What they are unprepared for is four German soldiers and a teenage girl lying in the road, all bleeding profusely.
All the injured are bundled into vehicles and rushed to the General Hospital. Schütze Küpfer is pronounced dead on arrival. Daphne Le Bailly is treated alongside the injured soldiers.
La France sails for St Malo that evening with 280 deportees.
Oberst Friedrich Knackfuss is outraged. Schütze Küpfer was killed by a ball bearing probably fired by a catapult found in a gutter at the scene. Bailiff Coutanche is summoned and receives a severe dressing down and threatened with dire consequences.
“But we are talking about a crowd of almost two hundred youngsters,” Coutanche protests. “How will we ever find out who fired that ball bearing?”
“You must, Mr Bailiff,” Knackfuss replies. “Behlshaber, Generalmajor Müller, is most insistent and demands 20 hostages whose lives will be forfeit if the perpetrator is not forthcoming within seven days. I suggest that you publicise this action in The Evening Post.”
“If the perpetrator is found, what will happen to him?”
Although Bailiff Coutanche has a sickening apprehension of the perpetrator’s fate.
“That will be decided by the Militärgericht,” Knackfuss replies coldly. “We are not barbarians, Mr Bailiff.”
Following the rounding up of 20 hostages and publicity in The Evening Post, the morning before the German ultimatum expires, Mrs Edith Le Messurier appears at the Town Hall with her fifteenyear-old daughter Eunice and asks to see the Connétable. In the presence of Connétable Cuming and his Chef de Police, a tearful Eunice Le Messurier admits that it was she who fired the deadly ball bearing with her brother’s catapult.
PART 2
At 6.00 pm the hostages are freed and Mrs Le Messurier and her daughter are undergoing interrogation at the Feldkommandantur. Bailiff Coutanche insists the girl be legally represented but Knackfuss refuses. “This is entirely a military matter, Mr Bailiff.”
Within a matter of weeks Mrs Le Messurier and her daughter, have been transported to France, their sentences and ultimate fate unknown. Despite Bailiff Coutanche’s persistent enquiries and protests, he is unable to discover their fate.
They would be swept up by the notorious Nacht und Nebel (Night and Fog) decree of December 1941 whereby prisoners became property of the German state and could be made to disappear, usually to a death camp.
The foregoing is fiction, but could this have happened?
“What Was but What If” will be published next spring.
Friedrich Knackfuss
Jersey Fudge Pot
by Jill Holt
Jersey Fudge Pot is a small business and all we do is to make fudge. We are so lucky to have some of the finest produce in the world here on our Island - particularly the milk and butter from our beautiful Jersey cows.
Our philosophy is simple. We use natural, highquality ingredients, cook our fudge in small batches and never add any preservatives, flavour enhancers or food colourings. We cook it fresh to be eaten fresh - and that is why it has a melt in the mouth crumbly texture and tastes so good.
Although we are based in First Tower, we regard St Aubin as our second home. We are regular participants at the Genuine Jersey markets where you will usually find us just inside the door of the Parish Hall. We always have plenty of our fudge available for you to taste and enjoy.
We try, whenever possible, to showcase the excellent ingredients produced on the Island and are constantly striving to improve our fudge and bring new flavours to market. Producing a new flavour of fudge is a delicate process of balancing the flavours that we add. The new fudge still has to have that crumbly texture and rich, buttery taste that our customers love while allowing the flavour to come through without being overpowering. We trial new flavour combinations in our kitchen and, once we are happy with the results, we will take it to one of our regular artisans’ markets here on the Island. We encourage all our customers to taste our new fudges and
listen carefully to their opinions. Once our customers and ourselves are happy with the new flavour, we will add it to our list of flavours on the flavours page on our website.
Our goal is to produce the finest fudge that we can. To help us to achieve this, we submit our fudge for tasting to several yearly competitions. It is always nice to get positive comments from our friends, family and customers, but knowing that our products have been blind tasted by a professional panel and singled out for an award is just another level entirely. Knowing that our fudge can compete with the best that the rest of the world can offer is such a satisfying feeling. Perhaps more importantly, the feedback from the expert judges is also invaluable as we strive to perfect our fudge.
This year has been a very successful year for us with our fudge earning three Great Taste awards (one with 2 stars), two Taste of the West Gold awards and also being nominated as a finalist in the prestigious Great British Food awards.
We also sell our fudge online and supply our corporate customers with promotional packets - shipping our taste of Jersey to events all over the world. Our fudge is also increasingly popular as wedding favours, where we work with the happy couple to get the packaging just right to suit the theme and the colour palette that they have chosen for their wedding.
For more information, please see our website www. jerseyfudgepot.co.uk or call us on 07797 762162
Club Bowls
by Ethel Southern
St Brelade Bowls Club finished the year in style with a Natives v Non-Natives game.
42 players in a rinks format (teams of 4) competed for the bragging rights to this prestigious trophy!
The Non-Natives retained the trophy, and players and spectators buried the hatchet whilst enjoying an end of season barbecue.
The annual prize giving lunch was held at La Moye Golf Club with the following results:
• Monday Triples League (Springside Trophy) was won by Richard Allo, Jean Small, Laing Gilmour and Brian Slous
• Friday Triples League (Le Marquand Trophy) was won by Martyn Luce, Jean Small, Fred Ahier and Gloria Masefield
• Tuesday Pairs League (Barbara Hamon Trophy) was won by Alan Guy, Dave Egre and David Singleton
• Tuesday Singles League was played in 2 sections with the winners of the Balmforth Trophy being Alan Guy and Graeme E Le Cornu
• Wednesday Singles League (R le Sueur Trophy) was won by Graeme E le Cornu
The Club is continuing to evolve with improved hospitality offerings and relaying parts of the green. We are holding tabletop sales over the winter, and short mat indoor bowls is held every Tuesday and Friday afternoon at 2pm.
For more information, please contact Ethel on 07797 714160
roadworks,
Over the next few years, we will carry out the largest ever upgrade to the Island’s energy network. It will ensure every home and business continues to access affordable, sustainable energy.
www.jec.co.uk/thebigupgrade
St Brelade
Household recycling collection 2026
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 2026
Please fill the recycling boxes with your:
• Mixed paper and card: blue box/bin with blue sticker
• Plastic bottles: red box/bin with red sticker
• Metal packaging: black box/bin with blacksticker
Envelopes
✓ Yes please ✓ Glass bottles
✓ Glass jars
✓ Broken glass
> Please rinse
Around a third of Jersey’s waste is currently recycled, together we can improve on this.
Everything we collect for recycling is sent for recycling and the parish of St. Brelade is making it even easier for you to reduce your waste and recycle more.
Newspapers
Cardboard packaging and boxes - cut up large pieces of card
paper - recommended for confidential papers ✓ Greeting cards
> Remove corks, caps or lids
> Remove plastic labels (paper labels can be left on) ✘ No thank you
Plastic bags
Lightbulbs*
Ceramics (cups, mugs, plates,etc.)*
No thank you
Milk or drink cartons
or plastics
Electrical/ electronic goods*
Cardboard
rubbish *These items should not be thrown away with your general rubbish and should be taken to the Household Reuse & Recycling Centre at La Collette, thank you.
Founded in 2017 by friends, surfers and care workers, Healing Waves has been harnessing the ocean’s transformative powers to deliver life-changing ocean therapy for the last 8 years.
Starting out with borrowed wetsuits and boards, delivering sessions one weekend each month, the charity now delivers a year-round service five days a week. The charity works to challenge the preconceived notions of capability, enabling all to engage in activities that affirm, quite simply, that every person can achieve. Parents and guardians are frequently told what their loved ones can’t do. At Healing Waves, it’s all about celebrating what they can.
Their services empower individuals, giving them a feeling of pride and accomplishment, as they unlock their inner athlete through the emotional and transformative experience of surfing and other water sports.
Max says, “We want to better the lives of others and give them the opportunity for new meaningful experiences they might not otherwise have. Healing Waves has recognised a need and has formed an extremely valued community built upon a foundation of understanding, celebration and acceptance.”
Opening the doors to its Surf Therapy Centre in 2022 - this world class facility is a fitting asset to the Island and complements a life-changing service benefitting hundreds of individuals living with
disabilities, conditions and mental health struggles, whilst also offering additional support to their families.
The charity currently receives no government support and so is completely reliant on fundraising initiatives, grants and creative ways to cover its dramatically increased running costs. Without the support and generosity of the general public and regular fundraisers, Healing Waves would not be able to continue offering such a high-quality regular service to our Athletes and their families.
“Our main focus has always been on creating the highest level of service for our Athletes and families. We have been so busy making the magic happen on the ground that opportunities to explore large scale fundraising and community initiatives have been limited. This has also been due to lack of funding and resources.
In 2026, Bubble Rush is set to help us change this, but we need your support!”
On Saturday 1st August 2026 everyone is welcome at Bubble Rush, there is no minimum or maximum age limit so tots, teens, grown-ups and grandparents can all enjoy the pushchair and wheelchair friendly course together at Les Quennevais Sports Track. Our first batch of tickets are set to go live ahead of Christmas so keep an eye on our social media page for links to purchase.
The event is not a race and there is no timer, so you’re not racing against anyone. You start in a sea of foam and around the course you’ll encounter 4 bubble stations filled with masses of colourful bubbles. Plus, it’s a 2-lap course so you get to go through each bubble station twice!
Our aim is to inspire our local community to get involved, raise money and embrace what we stand for as a charity. This event aims to bring Jersey together to celebrate diversity, inclusion, equity and opportunities for all.
Everything about this event is inclusive, ensuring that regardless of age or ability you can run, walk, roll and dance through the bubbles with your family and friends, all whilst having fun.
Our target is to raise £25,000 to help us safeguard our future. Every penny raised will have a significant impact.
Why bubbles?
Believe it or not, coming up with an event which is water-themed and inclusive has been tricky… Bubble Rush saved the day!
Bubbles symbolise joy and light-heartedness, adding a touch of magic to celebrations. They encapsulate sensory relaxation and lighten your mood.
Just as we have been working hard to transform our community, we too consider these gentle orbs partners in the dance of transformation. Bubbles appear and disappear with grace - they invite you to embrace change, recognising that each end is the start of a new beginning.
Bubbles can remind us of our own interconnectedness and the vibrant community that surrounds us. Like bubbles, we’re stronger and more resilient when we come together, united by a shared experience and common purpose. They symbolise that no matter how different we may appear, at our core, we’re all part of one big, beautiful bubble.
Sponsors!
Bubble Rush is set to bring something truly unique to Jersey, a colourful celebration where community spirit meets meaningful impact.
We’re calling on our community as we are in desperate need of headline corporate partners to help turn this vibrant vision into reality. This event is a chance to stand in support of Healing Waves, celebrating joy and inclusion, whilst showcasing the transformative power of coming together for a shared cause.
If you or someone you know would like to get involved, become a sponsor, or can help us in any way, please email vicky@healingwaves.org.je
by Derek Hart
Pétanque St Brelade Group
Six intrepid players of the St Breladais pétanque group ventured to Slovakia for an open doubles’ competition in August. This competition had entries from Austria, France, Germany, Slovakia and the three teams from Jersey.
OKevin and Vanessa did well on the day of the competition reaching the quarter finals before bowing out to the eventual finalists. Bridie and David went through to take the third place in the plate competition.
rganised by the Bratislava Club, Karloveské rameno, the competition was played on terrains in a wooded area on the shore of the Danube. The trees gave much needed shade as the event was played in 37 degree temperatures.
The group were very warmly welcomed by Jana and Patrice, both of whom are coaches with the Slovak Pétanque Academy.
Patrice invited our group to join local players in a warm up session the evening prior to the competition. This gave us an opportunity to get to know some of the locals and to experience their rather challenging terrains.
Joy and Derek helped one of the eventual finalists’ teams to progress. But Joy did well coming fourth in the Cochon d’Ore cochonnet throwing competition, narrowly missing out on the top place.
The event was very well organised and the standard of play was of a high level, with people from different countries eager to play in this competition. We proved to be a popular addition to the competition as few people knew anything about Jersey. The Slovak people were very warm and welcoming and showed us great hospitality.
After the competition we became tourists and enjoyed visiting all that Bratislava had to offer and that included many of the restaurants. If you would like to learn more about the sport of pétanque and the St Breladais Pétanque Group, please contact Joy Hart on 741469 or happyharts13@yahoo.co.uk. If you’re passing the Elephant Park on Monday afternoons at 2pm or Saturday mornings at 10am, you will receive a very warm welcome.
St Aubin & St Peter’s
Women’s Institute
by Sarah Johnson
This Autumn, we have been treated to two very interesting and informative presentations from local speakers.
The first one in September was given by Chris Addy from Jersey Heritage. Chris shared information from his recent project ‘Mapping the Wartime Forced Labour Camps’. This thought-provoking topic stimulated family memories and was much appreciated by members.
In October, we welcomed Bob Tompkins to our meeting. Previously, Bob has talked about his work tracking Asian hornets, but this time he told us of his project working with French archaeologists to understand the archaeology around Seymour Tower. This talk was fascinating and highlighted an aspect of ancient Jersey history that we did not know about.
In our final two meetings this year, we hope to watch a flower arranging demonstration in November and then listen to and join in with some Christmas songs in December.
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
TO BE POSTING
WHEN DOES YOUR BUSY PERIOD START?
This starts from Black Friday in November, and we’re still very busy until mid-January with returns. Our Posties, Counter Colleagues and Customer Care team work incredibly hard at this time of year delivering parcels (in all weather) and answering queries to help islanders send to loved ones across the world.
HOW ARE YOU ?
We see an increase in items of around 30% – our team deliver up to 65,000 items daily! We’ve recruited extra team members to help us, and our Post Offices at Broad Street and Rue des Pres will extend their opening hours to help customers. We’ve delivered a handy guide to every household with everything you need to know about posting over Christmas.
It’s the busiest time of year at Jersey Post. Julie Thomas, Chief Operating Officer tells us how the team is preparing to deliver for our island community this Christmas.
WILL YOU BE DELIVERING TO ?
Absolutely! Seeing the handwritten envelopes from excited children, many decorated with glitter and stickers, is a highlight for us every year! We receive around 1,500 a year, which our Posties deliver to Santa in the North Pole. Children can post these free of charge in any Post Box around the island. It’s very important to include your address so Santa can reply, and we need to receive these by 12th December to get them to Santa in time.
JERSEYPOST.COM/CHRISTMAS
We’d like to wish all our customers a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
And say a huge thank you to our teams, who work so hard to serve our community.
TOP TIPS FOR MAIL
• Beat the rush - post as early as you can before the last posting dates!
• Pre-pay VAT on goods going to the UK to speed up delivery.
• Buy your postage online – simply print your label and then drop your item at your nearest Post Office.
• Sign-up for SecureDrop – your letters and parcels (including signed-for items) will be delivered to your property, even when you’re not at home!
Jersey Village Vets 10th Anniversary
Sporty,
“At
the heart of the Community” is a phrase that can be banded about without substance but here at Jersey Village Vets, it’s more ethos than phrase.
As Jersey Village Vets enters its eleventh year, having previously traded as Allen Rushton-Taylor Vets since 1976, our mission to be at the heart of the outlying Parishes, goes from strength to strength.
Most of our team know most of our clients, and more often than not, a chat and a catch up proceeds an appointment.
We throw ourselves into community projects and strive to help our communities where we can. To us at Jersey Village Vets, our clients are our friends and as the world and peoples lives become more insular and isolated, it’s important to us to maintain that human interaction when we can. We consciously locate our five, well equipped branches and expert teams, in the country Parishes and always aim to support those parishioners and communities we serve. That’s not to say we distract from our core value of providing your pets with the best possible care and compassion, using the most up to date methods and state of the art equipment. We just like to go that one step further and really be at the heart of the community.
elegant and visually stunning
Delivering more than Healthcare –the Social Value of the new Acute Hospital
In my previous quarterly updates on the progress of the New Healthcare Facilities Programme (NHFP), I have focused on key developments and milestones. However, this Programme is about more than just bricks and mortar – it is about creating lasting benefits for Jersey that extend well beyond the enhanced healthcare services enabled by the new buildings and infrastructure.
What is Social Value – and why does it matter?
I confess, Social Value is not something that meant a lot to me as a phrase before I started working as a Minister. Here, it refers refers to the broader positive impact a project can have on society beyond its core purpose. These are all part of a business case for a project that tries to communicate not just the cost of a project, but also the benefits, including Social Value. For the NHFP, this means making sure that every pound invested not only delivers new healthcare infrastructure, but also supports jobs, skills development, community wellbeing, and environmental sustainability, locally and also globally.
Social value is considered in every procurement across the Programme, ensuring that benefits are measurable and meaningful. Contractual commitments will deliver long-lasting improvements for Jersey – during construction and into the future. This is a Government of Jersey requirement for all procurements and the NHF Programme is taking it very seriously.
The Programme has committed to 19 areas for Social Value that are aligned with Jersey’s Common Strategic Policy and the Future Jersey vision, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Social value in action – Jersey Demolition Contractors
Much of the social value activity will be confirmed once a Main Works Delivery Partner has been appointed, however meaningful social value is already being achieved through contracts already awarded. For example, social value was fully embraced by Jersey Demolition Contractors (JDC) during the demolition of more than 20 buildings and associated structures at Overdale. Amongst other social value, JDC added:
• more than 200 hours volunteering towards biodiversity at Overdale, including planting and replacing hedgerows that were damaged by Storm Ciarán
• sub-contracted work as part of the demolition project to at least 10 local companies
• provided more than 300 hours of training and development as part of the Overdale demolition contract, enhancing the knowledge and skills of the existing workforce
In addition, JDC donated more than £13,000 worth of demolition waste from the site, including timber to local charities to support the circular economy.
Constructing Your Success
The Constructing Your Success education outreach programme, which ran in October 2024, was designed to inspire young people to explore careers inconstruction and the built environment. Delivered as a partnership between the NHFP team and Skills Jersey, the initiative aimed to build students’ confidence, skills, and awareness of the wide range of careers available within the sector.
During the programme, the team hosted a week of sessions tailored for students in Years 7 to 11. A total of 12 sessions were delivered, supported by 19 volunteers – including the NHFP team and professionals from contractors working on the NHFP – who collectively contributed 136 hours of their time. The programme included creative engineering challenges, project management tasks, and insights into roles such as quantity surveying, architecture, and electrical engineering.
Feedback from the week was overwhelmingly positive. Of the 23 students who attended, 91% reported feeling inspired to pursue a career in construction by the end of
• employed six people facing barriers or challenges to employment to work on site.
it is a long-term commitment. The Programme’s approach includes monthly monitoring, quarterly reviews, and annual reporting with all parties involved in the Programme (including professional advisors) to ensure that objectives are met, and lessons are learned.
This structured and robust approach ensures that social value is delivered consistently and meaningfully throughout the life of the Programme. As described here, it’s not just the Programme’s contractors who contribute towards the social value initiatives, but the Government of Jersey Programme team, too.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SHINGLES
This year more Islanders are eligible for their shingles vaccination than ever before:
Those aged 50+ with a weakened immune system
Those turning 60 this year
Those aged 68 to 79 who have not previously been vaccinated for shingles
Anyone who's had chickenpox in the past may still go on to develop shingles.
Vaccination provides strong protection from shingles and reduces your chances of getting serious problems if you do get shingles.
Shingles can be very painful and is most common in people aged 60+.
Contact your doctor’s surgery to book an appointment today.
St Helier Town Hall
St Brelade Parish Hall
St Clement Parish Hall
St Ouen Parish Hall
Trinity Parish Hall
St Saviour Parish Hall
St Martin Public Hall
10am-12pm
Throughout
Flu and COVID-19 continue to pose a risk to thousands of Islanders who have lower levels of protection.
Vaccination is an important part of building your defences. Particularly if you are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and the flu.
If you’re 65 and over, or pregnant, or living with certain health conditions you’re eligible for a flu vaccine.
If you’re aged 75 and over, or living in a care home for older adults, or immunosuppressed, you’re eligible for both a COVID-19 and flu vaccine.
Book your appointment today:
Contact your doctor’s surgery. For more information or to check you’re eligible visit gov.je/wintervaccines
The Importance of Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations
As winter arrives, it’s crucial to think about keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe from illness. Two viruses that pose a risk to Islanders during winter are influenza and COVID-19. By increasing our defences through vaccination, our bodies are more able to fight off these viruses.
Why Vaccination is Crucial
Both flu and COVID-19 can be serious for many Islanders. According to Professor Peter Bradley, Director of Public Health and Medical Officer for Health, “Most people who get COVID-19 or flu experience mild illness, but some can develop severe disease.” This includes older people, young children, and those with conditions where the immune system may not be as strong, like heart or lung disease.
“The more people who are vaccinated, the less these viruses circulate, giving better protection for people with weaker immune systems and ensuring the health system can continue to function.” explains Prof. Bradley.
What’s in the Vaccines, and How Do They Work?
Both vaccines help the immune system build defences. They contain weakened proteins from the virus, allowing the immune system to develop a response without exposing us to the full virus. This means that if we do encounter the virus, our bodies are better prepared to fight it off quickly, helping us avoid serious illness. Over time, viruses mutate and our immunity wanes which is why booster doses are necessary. While not all vaccines prevent infection, they do significantly reduce the severity of the illness and risk of long-term complications.
Vaccine Safety
Vaccine safety is a common concern for some, especially given the speed at which COVID-19 vaccines were developed. Prof. Bradley emphasises, “COVID-19 vaccines went through the same rigorous testing as other vaccines but was done at speed thanks to advancements in technology. These vaccines have been administered to hundreds of millions of people, with their safety closely monitored.”
When Islanders choose to be vaccinated, the entire community is protected.
Professor Peter Bradley Director of Public Health
Side effects are usually limited to some soreness or redness at the injection site. “Serious side effects are rare and are much less common than the complications from the illnesses themselves.”
Prof. Bradley stresses.
Understanding Vaccine Fatigue
With regular COVID-19 boosters and other vaccines being offered over the last few years, some may feel exhausted by the idea of another. Prof. Bradley urges us to consider the broader picture: “These are serious diseases, and the viruses causing them are constantly changing. By getting vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself but also those around you. Someone infected with flu could infect another four people.”
Defending Our Island Community
High vaccination rates in Jersey have helped us avoid outbreaks of illnesses seen in other places like measles. Prof. Bradley notes, “When Islanders choose to be vaccinated, the entire community is protected.”
“If you’re unsure about getting a flu or COVID-19 vaccine, a simple first step is to check your eligibility on gov.je or consult your GP. In most cases, they will reassure you that vaccination is safe and highly beneficial.”
It’s Never Too Late
The Royal Society for Public Health emphasises that it’s never too late to get vaccinated. Even if you’ve missed previous doses, it is still beneficial to protect yourself going forward.
Take a proactive step to defend your health and the wellbeing of your loved ones this winter. Getting vaccinated means fewer days spent ill and more time enjoying the season.
Contact your GP or visit gov.je/wintervaccines for more information.
Parkrun Jersey
by Deputy Montfort Tadier
Earlier this year, Jersey Parkrun celebrated its 10th anniversary. This global phenomenon started off as a small event on 2nd October 2004 at Bushy Park in London.
It grew into a network of similar events called the UK Time Trials, before officially adopting the name Parkrun in 2008 and expanding into other countries. By October 2018, over 5 million runners were registered worldwide. This figure now stands over 10 million.
In 2015, Parkrun found its way to Jersey.
Jersey’s Parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9am at Les Quennevais Playing Fields. Hundreds of runners turn up every week for the 5km course that takes them one-anda-half times around the cycle track, up the railway walk towards La Moye, back down to Don Bridge, before the final push back up to finish outside the Jersey Pétanque Club.
The great thing about the event is its inclusivity. You don’t need to be fast, fit, or even a runner to take part, and it is open to all abilities.
Terri O’Donoghue, pictured, has been a guide runner since 2017. She told me, “It’s been such a rewarding experience volunteering at Parkrun. It’s great to enable someone who is visually impaired to take part by running along-side them. And I’ve made good friendships with the other guide runners and the visually impaired runners too.”
This openness has encouraged many people who might otherwise feel excluded from traditional sports to take their first step toward regular exercise. And the regularity and collective nature of the event, is also a great way for non-runners or new runners like me, to build up one’s confidence, stamina and distance.
The benefits of collective sport are well understood – they help foster social connection and community belonging, which are increasingly recognised as vital to mental health, as well as physical well-being.
But Jersey’s Parkrun is also an economic driver, and a boon for Jersey’s tourism industry - that’s because, on average, dozens of visitors to come to St Brelade every week to take part and join in. Some may be here already, but many come specifically for sports tourism or to tick off the ‘J’ in their Parkrun Alphabet.
Speaking from a personal perspective, Jersey Parkrun has helped me get my confidence up to start running meaningfully and regularly. A couple of years ago, I would have struggled to run 5km, but a few weeks ago, I completed my first 15k. I will never be an elite runner, but my sights are now set on the Hospice Half-Marathon in March 2026.
On behalf of all participants in Jersey and the Parish of St Brelade, I would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who show up, week in, week out , rain or shine - and to all those who have been involved in setting up and maintaining Jersey Parkrun over the past ten years. You make the event safe, welcoming and fun. So big congratulations and here’s to the next 10 years!
m.tadier@gov.je / 07797 844358
On Saturday 25th October, Dame Kelly Holmes MBE, Olympic Gold medallist, World and European champion, joined 433 runners, joggers and walkers and 25 volunteers at Jersey Parkrun.
Guide Runner, Terri O’Donoghue, with a visually impaired runner about to cross the finish line
Your Parish Politicians
Mont de la Pulente
When I was a kid, we weren’t allowed to cycle on the Railway Walk (pedestrians only), so one of the things that gives me greatest pleasure now as I ride the railway walk into town is seeing how many children and families are walking and cycling to school.
But there is one big fly in the ointment. The La Sergenté crossing of Mont de la Pulente is a safety nightmare, as is the related problem of the missing section of footpath on Mont de la Pulente as it approaches the Railway Walk from the west. The need to improve safety in this dangerous area has been known for years. It is therefore frustrating that, despite consistently pushing the Infrastructure Minister, we appear to be no clearer to a resolution.
The Infrastructure Department's preferred solution is to buy a strip of land to complete the footpath heading along Mont de la Pulente and institute a proper crossing on the Railway Walk at the same time. This requires two land purchases, and these negotiations obviously need to be handled sensitively. However, they also need some sense of urgency, given that they have dragged on for years.
by Deputy Jonathan Renouf
The Infrastructure Minister recently disclosed in the States Assembly that his officers last had contact with the landowners in May and June (respectively) and were still awaiting a response. Back in June, we were all looking forward to summer. Now, the swallows have left, the leaves are falling, and the clocks have gone back. When I pointed out to the Minister that his officers had been waiting for a response for rather a long time, he said he was "disappointed" at the lack of follow up. Unfortunately, no matter how disappointed the Minister is, nothing happens.
Neither is the Minister prepared to consider alternative improvement schemes that would remove the need to make a land purchase. For example, a “virtual pavement” of the type just up the road at La Moye has apparently been ruled out, ironically because the visibility isn’t good enough to give good warning to road users of the narrowing of the road.
There are still one or two options available to a backbencher to pursue the matter, and I intend to push as hard as I can whilst I remain a member of the Assembly. And through these pages, I will attempt to keep Parishioners updated.
If anyone has a similar road safety improvement they would like to discuss, please feel free to get in touch. I cannot guarantee to be any more successful, but I can promise to do my best!
j.renouf4@gov.je / jonathanrenouf.je
The corresponding view from the west, approaching the Railway Walk. Again, the extremely limited visibility is very obvious.
The view west from the Railway Walk from a cyclist or pedestrian point of view as they try to cross. The extremely restricted visibility is immediately apparent, with very little warning of approaching cars.
Your Parish Politicians
Breathing New Life into Les Quennevais Parade and Precinct
by Deputy Helen Miles
As a long-standing resident of the Vingtaine des Quennevais and now Deputy for St Brelade, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of our community first hand.
Les Quennevais is a wonderful place to live - rich in services, well-connected and surrounded by natural beauty. But pride alone cannot sustain progress. We must also confront the areas where we are falling short. That is why I lodged a proposition to focus on Les Quennevais Parade and Precinct. Once a vibrant hub of Parish life, it now stands as a stark reminder of what happens when investment stalls and attention drifts.
This is not a criticism of the residents or the businesses who operate there. Quite the opposite. They are the ones keeping the lights on - quite literally - in an environment where investment has been absent for too long. Indeed, some of the commercial units aren’t even fit to let anymore. The residents care for the area, often at their own expense; their care for each other and their determination to see change gives me hope, and it is worth fighting for. But they cannot, and should not, be expected to shoulder this burden alone.
I lodged a proposition to the States Assembly calling for the refocusing of existing mechanisms to explore the options for the regeneration of Les Quennevais Parade and Precinct. This proposition was never about a cost to the ratepayer nor compulsory purchase. This isn’t about sweeping redevelopment or hasty spending. It’s about taking a first step - a deliberate, measured one - toward restoring pride and functionality to a key part of our Parish. It’s about fairness, partnership, and community wellbeing.
I have liaised with tenants, owners and the managing agents. I have attended the last two Association AGMs and I have seen for myself the challenges that they are facing with their declaration, insurances, maintenance and repairs. The tenants and the management company are at an impasse.
The status quo is not acceptable; the people of Les Quennevais deserve better and the time for action is now. By adopting this proposition, the States Assembly has made a commitment to balanced development and shown that every corner of Jersey matters - not just town.
My aim is to bring Les Quennevais back into focus, to make it a place we are proud to show off - not one we steer judges away from during Britain in Bloom. The best years of the Parade and Precinct should lie ahead.
Les Quennevais is growing. We have new homes, new families and new opportunities. The Enid Quenault Health and Wellbeing Centre and the new Les Quennevais School are shining examples of modern investment, but the Parade and Precinct have not kept pace.
As this is my final article of the year, I wish all Parishioners a peaceful festive season and a prosperous new year in 2026.
h.miles@gov.je
Proposals regarding the States Grant
One of the most contentious subjects in this year’s government budget debate will be the proposed source of funding of:
• much-needed improvements in healthcare and children service provision; and
• the expansion of free childcare and the Pension Plus scheme that helps pensioners with healthcare costs.
Ideally, savings in government expenditure would have covered the above. With a reduction in forecast income, Government is proposing a temporary reduction (over 4 years) of an annual contribution it makes to the Social Security Fund (known as the States Grant). Calculated in line with a statutory formula, the payment currently amounts to £97 million annually on top of Islanders’ contributions.
Justification pivots around the amount of reserves in the Social Security Reserve Fund, which is separate from the Social Security Fund (SSF). Islanders’ Social Security contributions and the States Grant are paid into the SSF, which funds pensions, sickness benefits and other social insurance payments. The Reserve Fund is a ‘backup’ fund to insure
by Deputy Moz Scott
against possible future shortfalls in the SSF. When social security contributions exceed benefit payments in any year, the surplus is transferred to the Reserve Fund for this purpose alone.
Last year, £403m is estimated to have been paid into the SSF (80% in the form of contributions) and £387m of benefits paid out of it, of which pension payments accounted for £255m (these are more generous than in the UK).
The reserves of our national pension scheme far exceed other national pension schemes: Guernsey and the Isle of Man have reserves to cover four years of pension payments should no contributions be paid at all (which is extremely unlikely), while the UK’s would cover less than a year. Jersey’s accumulated £2.5 billion reserves (projected to grow to £3 billion by 2029), could cover 7.5 years of pension payments, even if no money was paid into the SSF at all from this time.
The aging population is not expected to burgeon significantly in the next 4 years. The contribution currently being paid by government into the SSF therefore could be seen as tying up taxpayers’ money in excessive reserves that could be used to support the community in other ways, without jeopardising the SSF.
The States Assembly’s vote on the matter will come down to how States Members regard the money as better spent in a stagnant economy where critical spending is needed. Improved healthcare and pension plus benefits supports pensioners. Jersey’s Opinions and Lifestyle Survey Report found the percentage of pensioners finding it difficult to cope financially (24%) was less than single parents (82%), couples with children (47%), and for working age people living alone (36%).
I would be interested in Parishioners’ views on the above.
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
Celebrating William the Conqueror’s Legacy European Year of the Normans
by Deputy Kirsten Morel
In celebration of the millennium that has passed since William the Conqueror’s birth, Jersey is set to play its part in 2027’s European Year of the Normans.
This cultural initiative created by Hervé Morin, President of the Region of Normandy, will put our island alongside Normandy, France, Ireland, the UK, Denmark, Norway, Italy and of course, our fellow Channel Islands as we join in a yearlong programme of events that will bring us closer together with our European neighbours to learn about and communicate our communities’ own experiences of our shared Norman heritage.
Jersey and the Channel Islands are in the unique position of enjoying a monarch who remains to us, the Duke of Normandy.
The year gives us the opportunity to showcase the many aspects of island life that are still directly derived from or influenced by our relationship to Normandy. After all, the reason King Charles is our monarch today is because of William the Conqueror’s successful invasion of England.
Much of Jersey’s unique identity comes from our strong relationship with Normandy. Our customary laws, our local language Jèrriais, our parish system and much more are elements of Norman society that may seem historic to other nations but are living parts of our island cultures.
European Year of the Normans gives us the opportunity to share these aspects of our heritage with other Norman nations, it should help us encourage tourism and gives islanders an opportunity to be part of international artistic or cultural projects, such as the creation of a “Norman Route” across Europe, Southern England and the Channel Islands.
My own ignorance of the extent of Norman society is proven by my surprise at learning just how far it spread around Europe - from Scandinavia all the way to the Mediterranean. So, 2027 gives us a fantastic opportunity to learn more about all that we have in common with countries like Norway, Ireland and Italy.
Our aim is to host and contribute to a range of events aligned with the core themes of the 2027 programme, which include:
• Heritage exhibitions and public history projects
• Artistic commissions and residencies
• Educational and youth-focused initiatives
• Cross-island collaborations with mainland Normandy
• Cultural exchanges and community engagement
All events will explore both the historic significance and contemporary relevance of the Norman world, encouraging us to reflect on identity, migration, cultural fusion, and innovation over the past millennium.
There is funding available for events, both from Jersey and the Normandy Region, so if you or a group you are a part of, are interested in learning more about how you could get involved, just type “European year of the Normans” into the search bar on gov.je
This is a great opportunity for us to learn more about ourselves and other countries that share our common Norman history.
Celebrations Brightly 100 Years
Brightly, formerly Brig-y-Don Children’s Convalescent and Holiday Home, has been celebrating a 100 years of supporting children in Jersey with events ranging from planted flower displays in the Howard Davis and The Lower Park courtesy of the Parish of St Helier; flying of the Brightly flags all over the island and the publication of an original book launched at St Clement’s Primary School and given to children in Years 1 and 2 islandwide.
Two special events were held, one at Brig-y-Don House for people with a connection to the home, the other at Government House in June where many memories were shared and old friendships renewed.
The centenary will end with the planting of a time capsule at Brig-yDon House to be opened in another 100 years.
Saying Goodbye After 46 Years
The centenary year will see the retirement of its longest serving member of staff Allison le Blancq after 46 years.
“My 46-year journey with Brig-y-Don Children’s Charity began in 1979 with a one-year role in the playgroup. The wonderful staff showed me what it was to be part of a caring, fun, supportive team who looked after and advocated for the children, unable to be with their families, with such compassion that I am still with the charity.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff and Board members I have worked with over the years. It has been a privilege to work for such an invaluable charity,” she said.
RBC flying flags for Brightly in 2025
Allision le Blancq – retiring after 46 years
Urban Legends
Urban trees have become something of a cause célèbre recently, with good reason. While we’ve long known about their benefits, the idea is now gaining wider traction.
There’s no shortage of excellent reasons for this, of course, including the twin drivers of shade and cooling; indeed, most of us have experienced the heat-retaining properties of concrete and metal that can make urban life unbearable, especially further south.
Boosting urban tree cover is a relatively simple way to improve life for millions, with statistics firmly backing this up. It’s beyond doubt that urban tree cover lowers maximum temperatures, reducing heat-related deaths. In fact, a 2023 study in The Lancet posited that 30% canopy cover in Europe could have prevented almost 40% of deaths during extreme heatwaves.
Spending time around trees provides a wide range of health benefits, notably improving air quality, lowering blood pressure, boosting immunity and reducing the prevalence of heat-related health issues. It also reduces stress and anxiety, improves mood and can even benefit cognitive function.
In 2021, Dutch urban forestry expert Dr. Cecil Konijindijk devised a new rule of thumb for urban planning. Seeking a mantra to “enhance urban greenery, biodiversity, climate adaptation and public health”, he coined 3+30+300:
• At least three mature trees visible from every home, school and workplace.
• Minimum 30% tree canopy cover in every neighbourhood.
• Residents live 300 metres (max.) from nearest high-quality green space.
While the numbers clearly have an arbitrary element to them, the criteria do not. Tree visibility, canopy cover and access are all integral to optimal neighbourhood life.
How does St Helier fare? Let’s not forget how many of us head there daily, after all. According to Global Forest Watch, it has 4.17% cover – a very low figure compared to UK cities like London and Birmingham (18-19%) or even the least green US cities like Denver (9.6%) and Phoenix (8.5%).
While it’d be wrong to compare like-for-like with these metropolises, it’s still a fascinating metric that strongly suggests we could be a lot greener. You can’t plant trees anywhere, however, making it vital to protect what we have.
For example, the felling of 33 mature trees at St Joseph’s Care Home was successfully blocked but, at the time of writing, is under appeal. These are the only trees visible to many of the residents, providing colour, wildlife and seasonal variation in a way only nature can.
Surprisingly few trees are protected locally and there’s certainly a strong case for more tree protection. Architects can also make a huge difference by integrating existing trees into design.
It’s not going to get any cooler, so it’s time to up our urban tree game.
SW
Beautiful magnolia tree at St Joseph’s
Three trees outside St John’s Ambulance add leafy greenery to Midvale Road
A stunning old tree in La Motte Street
Learnings From a Volatile Year
Investment management and financial planning are not one-off tasks to be ticked off to-do-lists once implemented. Strategies must continually be reviewed and refined to reflect the evolving financial landscape. As we work our way through the final quarter of 2025, now’s a good time to take stock of the year to see what learnings can be taken for 2026 and beyond.
Arguably, 2025 saw the world become a more uncertain place, both geopolitically and economically. Geopolitically, look no further than the ongoing Russia/Ukraine war and Israel’s invasion of Gaza; economically, developed countries’ high debt/low growth profiles and global trade tensions have weighed on markets. Take trade. Liberation Day was a game-changer - not the 9 May Liberation Day here in Jersey, but US President Donald Trump’s self-declared Liberation Day on 2 April, when he announced all US imports will be subject to a 10% tariff. Certain nations, including China, were hit harder. A full-blown trade war and global recession seemed likely. A sell-off in global stocks followed.
Trump’s Liberation Day, a stand-out example of how in 2025 previously regarded givens - free trade, globalisation, responsible US global leadership – could no longer be taken for granted. Elevated uncertainty became the order of the day.
Takeaway: Government bonds rose in the immediate aftermath of Liberation Day. So too, did other safe-haven assets, highlighting how diversified, multi-asset portfolios can provide protection.
In the event, a global recession was averted as the US significantly rowed back tariffs, while companies adapted by diversifying supply chains, adopting near-shoring strategies, adjusting prices, and investing more in technology. Together with renewed excitement surrounding technology stocks and artificial intelligence (AI), it wasn’t long before the ‘everything’ rally resumed. Markets from equities to gold soared.
Takeaway: The turnaround highlights the importance of staying the course. Volatile markets, geopolitical/ macroeconomic uncertainty will cause strategies to drift off course but, with insightful stewardship, they can be corrected. Withdrawing funds during a market downturn, by contrast, can derail long-held plans and be hard to recover from.
2026 and Beyond
Many of the issues that dominated sentiment in 2025 remain. Cue recently reignited trade war fears following China’s decision to impose export controls on rare earth minerals and Trump’s tit-for-tat threats to hit China with 100% tariffs. Closer to home, a year after her £40bn tax-raising budget, UK chancellor Rachel Reeves is looking to plug yet another multi-billion-pound funding gap. Against such an uncertain backdrop, expect further bouts of volatility.
As April 2025’s tariff tantrum showed, knee-jerk fund withdrawals often lead to poor results. Cutting through the noise, focusing on market fundamentals and maintaining an analytical approach to investing was the correct course of action. That’s the longterm approach we take at Quilter Cheviot when constructing and managing diversified, multi-asset portfolios. We believe this not only generates better outcomes for investors but will also position portfolios better to deal with whatever 2026, and beyond, has in store.
Investments and the income from them can go down as well as up, you may not get back what you invest.
Tim Childe Chief Executive Officer Quilter Cheviot International
ONE DIABETES DIAGNOSIS EVERY DAY IN JERSEY
In almost all of its publicity, and even at the foot of many of the letter written from Diabetes Jersey will use the phrase that “every day one more person in Jersey acquires diabetes”. This is statistically accurate since the number each year is circa 400, i.e. around one every day.
Why does this happen?
Diabetes is all about sugar in the blood and occurs when the body becomes incapable of controlling how much sugar our blood is prepared to accept. Fortunately for most of us, our pancreas produces the hormone insulin which automatically regulates glucose levels in our blood.
Just what stimulates the pancreas in some people either to stop abruptly producing insulin or to slow down its production is not known. Therefore, there is no way we can prevent it. No-one has yet invented a vaccine and Type 1 diabetes (where the pancreas stops producing insulin completely) can strike children as young as two or three years old.
While there is no early detection of Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 can be detected with a simple blood test and if detected early enough, can be managed, and even reversed.
Today managing Type 1 diabetes with insulin injections is commonplace.
Type 2 diabetes, which occurs as the pancreas progressively produces less insulin, while not actually preventable, can be managed and diminished, either by diet or medication and particularly by the way in which we live.
What we consume can have a significant impact. If we knowingly adopt a lifestyle to which our body objects – putting on weight is the most obvious objection – then achieving well-being becomes more difficult. Sugar exists in almost everything we consume, e.g., fructose in fruit, lactose in dairy products and glucose generally.
However your lifestyle leading you down a path to Type 2 diabetes , is the very last thing you want.
Many elements of our adult lifestyle can increase the risk of acquiring Type 2 diabetes, e.g., being overweight, not exercising, drinking to excess and smoking. What’s more, already having diabetes in the family also increases that risk.
In Jersey around 4,500 people have diabetes of which around ten per cent are Type 1.
Clubs & Associations
JERSEY AIR RIFLE CLUB
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
As the wetter weather approaches and autumn draws in, we kindly ask Islanders to take simple steps to help prevent flooding. By working together, we can reduce the risks to our roads, homes, and environment.
DO
Check and clean your drains and gutters
Ensure your gutters and surface water drains are free of debris, particularly after heavy rain.
Maintain watercourses
If a stream or watercourse runs through your property, keep it clear to ensure the free flow of water and prevent upstream flooding.
DON’ T
Don’t leave branchage debris on roads
After completing branchage or bank maintenance, ensure any cuttings are fully cleared from the road. Leaves, twigs, and branches can block drainage systems.
Help with road gullies
If you notice a road gully covered with leaves or debris, and wet weather is on the way, please clear it to help water drain properly.
Drive carefully through flooded areas
If flooding occurs, slow down when driving through these areas to avoid making the flooding worse or splashing pedestrians.
Don’t rush to report flooded gullies
After heavy rainfall, give gullies time to handle the excess water. Flooding during heavy rain does not always mean a blockage; it often just takes time to drain.
