St Mary Matters / Spring 2026 / Issue 30

St Mary Matters

Comings and Goings

Hopefully that’s winter behind us. It’s been a trial. Storm Goretti breezed through and the trail of destruction is catalogued here, including the creation of a new ‘trunk road’ in the Parish.

There have been claims someone saw a snowflake, but either way we have certainly suffered an abundance of the liquid version of ice – it certainly hasn’t helped the potato season and the footpath alongside the main road opposite the Parish Hall has become a series of ponds. However, in this issue we meet one young couple from St Mary who have decided to get away from it all and have embarked on a round-the-world trip.

Talking about departures, we meet a parish stalwart who is calling time after years of faithful service in the organ loft of St Mary’s Church... and David Johnson says thank you to all those who helped him during his term of office as Parish Constable. And still taking departures, but on a different – and somewhat louder - note, we hear we hear about the sad demise of a much-loved friend at the La Mare Wine Estate – the early mornings there will never be quite the same again.

On a more upbeat note, we learn about plans to give parishioners an opportunity to get involved with this year’s Battle of Flowers alongside our neighbours in St Ouen. And, looking forward to later in the year, Beachcomber is getting excited about the elections in June – although, as ever, his is a rather jaundiced take on events at the ‘big house’ in St Helier. Closer to home we catch up with a look back at all the festive events in the Parish as well as joining the celebrations surrounding the Silver Lily Club’s 50th birthday.

Meanwhile at the other end of the age scale, the Community Centre-based Kids Club reflects on 25 years of looking after the Island’s youngsters. And talking about the Community Centre we hear about their plans for the future and the man who will be helping the management team rise to the challenge. And talking of young people we catch up with the 15-year-old making sporting history when she represents Jersey in the annual inter insular pétanque clash against Guernsey.

Mike Fennell Editor

If you would like to contribute to future editions of “St Mary Matters”, please email Mike Fennell at mlpfennell@googlemail.com

EDITORIAL Mike Fennell

T: 07829 800840

E: mlpfennell@googlemail.com

ADVERTISING Martyn Farley

T: 07797 743191

E: martyn@farley.je

ACCOUNTS Helen Carré

E: helen@mediamasters.je

Around the world in... six months

When St Mary still firmly in the grip of winter a young couple from the Parish decided to get away from it all and do their own version of the BBC’s Celebrity Race Across the World - except they’re not what you’d call famous.

However, they plan to travel a lot further than the contestants in the recent TV programme whose trips were restricted to south and central America. Ella Couriard, 27, and 29-year-old Tom Langois have a much more ambitious schedule in mind, and they don’t expect to be back home until July.

With their fully laden backpacks they set off in mid-January taking advantage of ‘Round the World’ airline tickets which are far cheaper than booking individual flights. Their first destination was Cuzco in Peru, where they intended to spend a week acclimatising. They were then hoping to achieve their ambition to see the fabled Inca city of Machu Picchu, doing it the hard way by walking the Inca Trail, a hike on a tortuous path, crossing pampas and mountain passes through the cloud forest to finally reach the Sun Gate, the entrance to Machu Picchu, 4,700 metres above sea level.

The pair who are both Jersey born and bred are taking advantage of a brief career break, both having qualified in their respective professions last summer, Tom as a chartered accountant and Ella in chartered administration. They’ve been preparing for the trip in between, spending time hiking and running in the Alps and the Pyrenees and are sure they’re ready for the challenge.

After Peru their plan is to head for Santiago in Chile, spending six weeks in South America in total before moving on to what they expect will be the highlight of their trip, in New Zealand with two and a half weeks in North Island and then spending 43 days travelling around South Island in a campervan. “It’s our dream,” said Ella, “We just can’t wait,” said Tom.

Their next destination is Australia, flying from Christchurch to Sydney, a plane to Cairns in the north of the country before driving along the Queensland coast to Brisbane. Then it’s a case of heading for southeast Asia – taking a plane to Jakarta in Indonesia before some rest and recuperation in Sulawesi, a large island surrounded by coral reefs and sandy bays, where they’re looking forward to swimming, diving and snorkelling.

And then to Sumatra for what the couple hope will be another highlight. Having worked at Jersey Zoo Tom is anxious to see orangutans – as well as elephants - in their natural environment. “Just a flash of orange will be enough,” he said, “they’re such fascinating creatures.” From Sumatra they intend to move on to Singapore for the final leg of the journey back home to Jersey –and a well-deserved rest!

Ella Couriard and Tom Langois

Machu Picchu Sulawesi

Let Battle re-commence!

The ‘Battle Cry’ has been issued. Yes, St Mary parishioners are once again being invited to take part alongside St Ouen residents in building a float for the 2026 Battle of Flowers. This follows last year’s hiatus, in which the parade was reduced in size and limited to 30-metre-long floats which went on a circuit around St Helier, rather than along the Avenue. Now it appears that Battle is likely to be back in a much more traditional format – although final decisions have yet to be made.

The two north-west parishes were unrepresented last time having only returned to Battle the previous year after a fifteen years-plus absence. The float with its Owl and the Pussycat theme, built in a big farm shed in St Ouen, but with the help of a sizeable St Mary contingent, was certainly ambitious although it was beset by mechanical issues on the day, breaking down on the way to town.

Although Russell did provide a bit of a clue with the enigmatic artwork he provided to accompany this article. However, to make it all a reality, there’s a lot of work to be done beforehand. And it’s not only volunteers that are required to contribute their time and effort to make the St Mary/St Ouen float a reality:

But this year there’s a renewed spirit to get the show back on the road. Again, the call has been issued by former BBC Spotlight presenter and ex-Deputy, Russell Labey: “Many of our fantastic team who helped launch ‘The Owl and The Pussycat’ in 2024 have been asking if we can do it all again? The answer is… yes, we can! Battle is not just a visitor attraction and tradition unique to Jersey but a way of bringing together people of ages on a creative endeavour. The fact that so many families answered the call and turned up to the shed two years ago and got stuck in, made it all worthwhile.”

As is customary in floral warfare the full strategic plan for this year’s joint St Mary/St Ouen float is still very much under wraps, although Russell was prepared to reveal a few details: “Plans are afoot. It all begins with the design and St Mary Matters can have has an exclusive first peek to fire your interest and imagination. Designer extraordinaire, Marcus Davies, is all at sea again but under it, not on it, and that’s all I’m allowed to disclose at this stage.”

“Donations would be a big help- from coffee to chrysanthemums. From small change to a grand gesture every pound makes a big impact and helps us get the show on the road.

“Dahlias - bear a striking resemblance to sea anemones and coral, don’t you think? Especially the pompoms and spiky ones, do you grow them in your garden, and could we have a bunch come mid-August? Purple Liatris - very useful too, do let us know if you grow it and can spare some. Pampas Grass - does your pampas grass bush still have last year’s fronds attached? We covered a whole huge pig in it in 2024 and it won the coveted Best Set Piece Award. We’ll collect and do the pruning if necessary. It doesn’t matter if they’re no longer fluffy.

“Meanwhile, the message is “Keep in touch.”

St Mary and St Ouen Float | Jersey Battle of Flowers 2026 is the new Facebook page. Please visit, join and check in regularly so we can mobilise the troops when it’s time to start decorating the smaller items in advance etc.

Or by contacting: Paul Pinel paulmpinel@gmail.com donations and general enquiries.

Marcus Davies marcus@mrdlondon.com dahlia hotline and design enquiries.

Russell Labey 07960 239 321 anything else.

The 2024 float

Float design clue

Russell Labey

Putting a stop to pulling out the stops

A great French organist and composer Louis Vierne (1870-1937) died while performing an organ recital at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris - right in front of the console. Happily, that is not a fate that will be suffered by one of the regular organists at St Mary’s Church because he has decided to retire from the keyboard after about twenty years playing at church services in the Parish.

Robin Pittman will be 90 this September and he has decided that some of the physical challenges of being an organist at St Mary have become too much for him, including the difficult climb up the steep steps of the organ loft. “It’s old age really,” he said. “I’m having problems with my hearing and to be honest I’m not as good an organist as I was ten years ago.”

Robin’s last service at St Mary was on Christmas Day and his decision to retire brings to an end a career that began when he was a schoolboy in Essex, having persuaded his father pay for organ lessons. “I practised relentlessly in terms and holidays on the school chapel Willis organ.” He also sang in church choirs and choral societies and became involved in change-ringing - the art of ringing a set of church tower bells in a precise sequence. A session can last three hours.

National Service followed and then Robin went to Oxford University during which time he sang with the Oxford Bach Choir as well as joining the university society of change-ringers. A career in education followed in which Robin eventually became a headmaster at top schools in Bristol and York, but it was a time when his love of music took a bit of a backseat.

In 1995 however he retired and found time to rekindle his passion for both change-ringing and organ-playing. Then his wife Laura, whom he had met while staying with a friend in Worcester for the Three Choirs Festival, inherited her family home in Jersey and they decided to move to the Island eventually buying a home together in St Mary, some 26 years ago.

“I quickly joined the band of ringers at St John’s parish church and St Mark’s in town … I became organist at St Saviour’s and built up a choir.” He was also an organist at All Saints in St Helier. St Mary followed. “It’s an old-fashioned organ,” he said, “but I quite like playing it. It’s tuned regularly by a chap who comes over from the Isle of Wight. In the last four or five years I’ve been playing it regularly, but only once a month.”

Retirement doesn’t mean a final stop to Robin’s time at the organ. He has his own electric organ in the study of his home in St Mary, but happily it’s on the ground-floor and doesn’t require access via steep staircase. A spokesman for St Mary’s Church said: “His organ playing is obviously in his blood and began in his schooldays. Robin could regularly be found here practicing on a Saturday before his Sunday on duty—always the professional. We take this opportunity to wish him well and say a sincere “Thank you”.

St Mary’s Church organ

Gouldson Finance

is up and running at Crabbé New Police Firearms Range

Apart from being battered by the elements, the landscape of Jersey’s north coast has been pretty much unchanged over the years – until now that is. There’s been a substantial development on the Crabbé ranges - the new States of Jersey Police firing range. This year a fresh cohort of students will be using the new facility as part of their 20-week training programme.

Money confiscated from criminals has been used to fund the new training facility for police firearms officers, but the range will be shared with the wider shooting community and be available to competitors and overseas police forces. All authorised firearms officers have to undergo annual reassessment to remain operationally certified, and the new facility will enable them to train with both high velocity (carbine/ rifle) and low velocity (pistol) weapons.

The new Firearms Range and Tactical Training Centre was officially opened towards the end of last year by the Lieutenant Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Kyd. The set-up has been described as a major investment in the island’s safety, resilience, and policing capability. It enables officers to train and qualify onisland to national standards, removing the need for the cost and disruption caused by travel to the UK where the training used to have to be done.

It also includes a purpose-built ‘skills house’, offering a safe and realistic environment to practice tactics in a modern, purposebuilt environment. It’s designed to replicate internal building layouts, providing a safe and realistic environment for officers to train in scenarios such as building searches, armed arrests, and close-quarters tactics.

Sergeant Chris Thomas, Chief Firearms Instructor, said: “The addition of the skills house is a huge step forward. It gives us a safe, realistic environment to train for the kinds of situations we hope we’ll never face but must always be prepared for. It’s also fantastic that the range will be available to approved firearms club users and potentially to other police services, giving the opportunity to constantly build knowledge and experience.”

DCI Chris Beechey, Director of Intelligence and CI Operational Support said at the time of the opening: “In the past five years, States of Jersey Police has deployed armed officers on 175 occasions. Importantly, in that time, no weapons have been discharged. When a threat does arise, it is vital that we are fully trained and prepared to respond to any situation, at any time, to protect islanders.”

RIP Roger the Rooster

Perhaps the most famous rooster in the world is Cornelius who, to this day, still graces packets of Kellogg’s cornflakes. Then there is Foghorn Leghorn from the Loony Tunes cartoon movies. However, in St Mary the most celebrated cockerel was Roger who used to strut his stuff at the La Mare Wine Estate … past tense, you’ll have noticed … sadly Roger has taken his final crow after passing away early in the New Year.

“Roger wasn’t just any cockerel, he was a star, a friend, and a true ambassador for the Estate,” said a spokesperson for the company. “Over his nineplus years, he captured the hearts of everyone who met him, from loyal visitors to first-time guests. He was likely the most photographed cockerel in the world … and for good reason, his charm, character, and unmistakable personality made every visit unforgettable.”

Where Roger came from, nobody knows.

“Roger arrived one day quite unannounced, accompanied by a friend. We named them Roger and Boris. Sadly, Boris passed away a few years ago, but Roger stayed on, very much on his own terms. We did try introducing other birds to keep him company, but Roger made it clear he wasn’t interested; he much preferred the company of people.

“Roger had free roam of the estate and lived exactly as he pleased. In winter, his food bowl was brought inside to keep it dry and warm; in summer, he preferred to dine in the shade at the back of the estate. He was looked after by many members of the team over the years, and it was never difficult to find someone willing to take responsibility for him. Roger had a way of making himself everyone’s priority.

“Roger had real character. He adored the tourist season when the estate was bustling with visitors and attention. He would happily perch beside guests at outdoor tables, quietly hopeful for a small treat. Grapes were a particular favourite, and he loved being an extra guest at weddings, always impeccably behaved, if a little opinionated. His confidence, curiosity and unmistakable presence made him impossible not to love.”

After Roger’s passing the Estate’s social media site was soon filled with glowing tributes. Among those to share their sadness at the news was the Genuine Jersey team, while civil celebrant

Lynsey Mallinson reminisced: “Sad to hear this. Roger was always the first guest I’d meet when coming to do ceremonies – always made me smile.” One visitor was apparently so moved after meeting Roger that she decided to become vegetarian and even sent him food in the post.

“Like any self-respecting cockerel, Roger followed his own schedule. His crowing often marked the start of the day, though he wasn’t above reminding everyone of his presence at other moments too. Roger will be deeply missed by everyone at La Mare. He is truly irreplaceable. That said, we’ve received many kind offers of a rooster and hen, so who knows what the future may hold. But there will only ever be one Roger.”

Photos: Britta Marie Photography

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Turning Silver into Gold

There was a bumper turnout for the Silver Lily Club’s big birthday party in the Parish Hall last November. More than 60 members and guests were celebrating the club’s 50th anniversary.

And with the help of a generous donation from the local Coop they did so in style with a sumptuous array of cakes and sandwiches, not to mention a special birthday cake for which Alice Huelin did the honours, cutting the first slice with an appropriately silver knife. The special guest was St Mary’s very own singing legend, Stuart Gillies, who serenaded the guests just as he had done at the 40th anniversary party.

The club chairman, Joan Godel gave an address which went back to how it all started: “The club was started by Mrs Vickie Le Feuvre, the wife of the then Constable, Mr Fred Le Fevre. With the help of the Jurat, Mazel Le Ruez, and Mrs Enid Tucker, Mrs Myrtle Le Marquand and Mrs Greta Wood, the Silver Lily Club flourished. Today however we are delighted that we are seeing new members so that the club may continue to go from strength to strength.”

Mrs Godel went on to talk about how members used to entertain themselves in the early days, remembering the Wednesday afternoon games of Sevens and Scrabble and the very popular coach outings. These days club members meet once a month and this year’s diary has already been published. The year kicked off with an ever-popular whist drive. Looking ahead to the highlights later in the year are talks on key issues like how to avoid being scammed; wills and the power of attorney; and a ‘Save a Life’ workshop as well as reminiscing about the good old days including looking at the Jersey tradition of Cabbage Walking Sticks. The club’s Spring lunch and AGM will be held on April 15th.

Stuart Gillies

Joan Godel and Alice Huelin do the honours

The Silver Lily Club committee

St Brelade Parish Hall

St Clement Parish Hall

St Ouen Parish Hall

Trinity Parish Hall

St Saviour Parish Hall

St Martin Public Hall

Saturday 10am-12pm

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

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

Storm Goretti Wreaks Havoc

In the end Storm Goretti’s bark was worse than its bite – though householders who woke up in the morning to find trees down, missing fence panels and collapsed walls could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.

Jersey Met Office had issued a RED warning notice for a significant increase in wind speeds overnight. Because the forecast prior to the storm’s arrival was so ominous St Mary’s Youth & Community Centre was set up to act as an emergency safe haven in the event parishioners’ homes had become uninhabitable, either through damage or loss of electricity. The message was: “If you are in need of assistance, please call the duty Centenier and he will be able to assist you with access to the building. We will have a supply of hot drinks and biscuits at the ready.” St Mary’s state of preparedness even attracted a BBC film crew to the Parish.

of devastation in its wake. The airport closed early and so did branches of the Coop. However, the opening of St Mary’s School the next morning was only slightly delayed - to allow sufficient time for parents and staff to negotiate the debris-strewn roads.

There were real problems for drivers in some places - there was no road access to some properties in the north of the Parish for a while as well as a day-long closure of the Rue de Motier. Two adjoining trees came down together completely straddling the road. However, by the same evening. the road was open again. In fields and gardens there were plenty of trees felled around the Parish and the driveway to Meadow Court off Rue D’Eglise was once again badly hit with several of the trees that had managed to survive Storm Ciaran finally being brought down. Collapsed fencing was however widespread and at least two walls were demolished while the debris made driving conditions awkward.

Jersey Met Office confirmed that a gust at the airport had reached 95mph on the evening of January 8th – pretty much on a par with the 93mph gusts recorded in November 2023 when Storm Ciaran wreaked havoc across Jersey leaving a trail

It wasn’t all bad news however. A rescued turtle that washed up on a Jersey beach during Storm Goretti has been taken on a special flight to her new home in Dorset. Named “Crush” the loggerhead turtle left Jersey for Southampton on February 10th to be looked after at the Sea Life aquarium in Weymouth. Crush was allowed to travel in the aircraft cabin because a sea crossing was deemed "too stressful" for her.

Christmas Review

The public celebration of Christmas in St Mary in 2025 was pretty much in the traditional style... the double visit of Santa Claus to the Community Centre – on time this year and no escaped reindeer - and with the more reliable horse-drawn transport to the Christmas Fayre.

SChristmas Choir

The St Mary Community Choir had a busy Christmas.

anta was housed in his splendid new grotto, which otherwise is known as the St Mary pétanque club pavilion. The Christmas Fayre seemed bigger and better than ever this year with a huge variety of craft stalls and lots of seasonal music including a performance by the St Mary Community Choir plus a colourful visit from the Helier Morris team. The Prince of Wales at Grève de Lecq did us proud again for the senior citizens’ Christmas lunch and there was the customary festive banquet put on by Marquerite Roualt and her team at the Community Centre. However, the icing on the cake was the appearance of a giant Santa on the roof of a house overlooking La Verte Rue –although he didn’t stay long because it was a bit windy up there. Thanks to all those that worked so hard behind the scenes to ensure everyone had something to smile about.

Not only did they sing in a foreign parish for the first time, they also performed an evening concert at the Parish when they sang all the Christmas favourites as well as a few popular songs from the Christmas charts over the years. Choir leader Sue Bagley said: “We want to show you what we normally sing on our Friday evening sessions at the Parish Hall in the hope we can entice some of you to join us.” Along with the appearance at the Coop in St Peter the two events raised more than £100 for the Jersey Christmas Appeal. Practice sessions take place at the Parish Hall on Friday evenings from 6pm.

Parish Bean Feast

For the second year running the senior citizens’ Christmas lunch was held at the Prince of Wales in Grève de Lecq and for the second year running the pub did us proud.

More than sixty of the Parish’s elder statesmen and women were able to join the celebration, the last to be hosted by Constable David Johnson.

Choir leader Sue Bagley rewarded for all her hard work

Singing at St Peter’s Coop

Singing at the Christmas Fair

Garden of Delight

The latest public running of the St Mary garden railway proved a good day for two Island charities.

Organiser, Curtis Stanier said: “A huge thank you to everyone that supported the Winter Wonderland Open Days. With your help we raised £3,408 for Finni’s Ark Animal Sanctuary and Healing Waves - Ocean Therapy to support their amazing ongoing work.”

Several hundred islanders visited the garden to enjoy the trains, the Christmas scenes and the festive lights. “We love running the Open Days but the Christmas ones have a particularly special feel,” said Curtis.

Sleigh Time

The mild weather of early December meant Santa’s sleigh encountered fewer problems than normal on his trip from the North Pole to St Mary.

Father Christmas was only half an hour late – quite an achievement compared to recent years – and he managed to keep all his reindeer in their traces. A warm welcome greeted him outside the St Mary Youth and Community Centre and inside there was a specially created new setting where he could meet all the Parish youngsters as well as festive treats for everyone. A raffle on the evening raise £272 for Cancer Research UK.

Fantastic Fair

The annual Christmas Fayre took place in early December and what a splendid affair it was too with the Community Centre fit to busting with stalls offering all sorts of seasonal treats from Jersey Wonders to a sumptuous variety of decorative festive flourishes.

There was also a live musical accompaniment on a small stage, everything from a solo singer, Cameron Lucas, to saxophonist, Dante, plus DJ Sam for the rest of the evening. The main hall was so packed that Santa’s grotto was moved to the pétanque club hut alongside which was a gazebo offering freshly cooked festive pizzas.

Upstairs St Mary’s Honorary Police demonstrated another string to their bow with an extraordinary variety of cakes on offer and a competition to name a police dog – Bella was the chosen name. And, as well as delicious food on offer, there was a colourful performance by the Helier Morris dancers.

Measure of Champions

Champion trees are exceptional examples of their species. More specifically, a champion tree is typically classified as such by its size, relative to other specimens of the same species in the same geographical area – whether global, national, regional or local. Age, rarity and historical or cultural importance are further factors that can lead to a tree gaining champion status.

These specimens are crucial to the wellbeing and preservation of their local ecosystems. For context, a normal healthy mature tree supports hundreds of wildlife species while sequestering something like 20-40kg of carbon annually (a very approximate figure before considering size, species, methodology etc). Therefore, you can ramp up these numbers for a healthy champion.

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

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

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

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

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

Appreciating the incredible work TROBI does, Jersey Trees for Life is contributing by providing information about our island’s finest arboreal examples. Its volunteers have started assessing potential candidates for champion status and, from spring, when trees are easier to identify and far more photogenic, the mission will begin in earnest. Potential champions include a bearded alder at the Alder Collection (Alnus glutinosa subsp. barbata), a handkerchief tree (Davidia involucrata) at Rozel Valley and a magnificent Chinese swamp cypress (Glyptostrobus pensilis) at Val de la Mare.

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

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

A potential champion silver lime in Coronation Park.

A handkerchief tree in bloom – there’s a champion handkerchief tree at Rozel

The largest of the four Chinese swamp cypresses at Val de la Mare Arboretum, the only known genetically diverse specimens of their type in the northern hemisphere.

(credit: Oldiefan (Pixabay)

Community Centre Welcomes New Chair

And not the kind you sit on! Taking the hot seat is Corey Ceccarelli who describes himself as a multidisciplinary visual artist.

“We are delighted to welcome Corey Ceccarelli as our newly appointed Honorary Chair,” said Treasurer Laura Hefford, “we look forward to working with him and benefiting from his enthusiasm and experience as we move through 2026.” At the same time, she paid tribute to the outgoing chair, David Johnson. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Constable David Johnson, who kindly stepped in as Interim Chair back in October while we continued our search for a permanent appointment. We have greatly valued his support and guidance during this period, and we are very grateful for the time he was able to offer us.”

Laura also thanked all those who contributed to the Christmas Fayre: “It was another fantastic success, with Santa arriving in his usual style and spending the day in his pétanque grotto to meet all the children. Upstairs, in the hall, the Youth Service ran an amazing café service, with the Honorary Police on hand to ensure “quality control,” while the Nursery was a hive of Christmas crafts and cheer, keeping the whole family happily entertained. The festive fun continued the following Monday, with DJ Sam helping to keep spirits high as we prepared for a long evening ahead. We were then delighted, and slightly surprised, when Santa arrived, (almost) on time for his Round Table visit, complete with all his reindeer safely intact!”

Looking ahead to the coming year the Community Centre is planning to focus on enhancing the grass area surrounding the centre with three main priorities:

• Upgrading the outdoor lighting to improve visibility and extend availability of the area during darker winter months.

• Improved pathways, slopes and drainage, addressing current drops and uneven areas to provide safer, level access for all users and improve overall accessibility.

• A new natural play scape, designed to be inclusive and accessible for people of all abilities and ages. We hope to enhance the area as a shared community space, using local natural materials where possible, and working with local suppliers and contractors to bring the project to life.

Laura added, “To help make this project a reality, we will be fundraising throughout the year. If you would like to get involved, offer support, or contribute in any way, please contact centre.finance@stmary.je, or better still, come along and join us at one of our events!”

Break The Limit, Face The Music

St Mary’s Honorary Police cracked down on speeding drivers over the Christmas period which resulted in Parish Hall enquiry fines totalling more than £4,000.

On top of that many drivers were warned about breaking the speed limits and were their issued formal words of advice. However, the problems of dealing with late-night speeding is another story, as Chef de Police, Chris Bunt explained: “Late night speeders continue to disturb our peace but keeping track of them is not so easy. Inevitably when we patrol at these times we are spotted and the speeders stay well clear. Otherwise, our roads are fairly quiet at night.”

On the plus side the St Mary honoraries’ close liaison with the Infrastructure and Environment department is paying dividends, thanks to preventative road sweeping in advance which dramatically reduces the amount of flooding in the Parish at times of heavy rain. Certainly, the latest bout of strong winds and heavy rain cause less havoc than on previous occasions. And help from the public is also much appreciated: “We would ask you to call the Duty Centenier if you spot or come across fallen trees or debris in the road so that we can coordinate the best response from Island authorities and landowners. This is particularly important where there is a need to maintain emergency access for medical emergencies. For instance, in the most recent storm there was no road access to some properties in the north of the Parish for a while; we were able to reopen some lanes with the help of kind members of the public,” said Chris Bunt.

He also drew attention to the St Mary honoraries’ latest recruitment drive: “You may have noticed our shiny new banner outside the school which we hope may prompt some enquiries from parishioners to learn more about what we do.”

Corey Ceccarelli

THE CONSTABLE’S COLUMN

Dear Parishioners

It has been an honour and a privilege to have been your Constable over the last four years. but I could not have carried out my responsibilities without the help of so many.

Whilst I had previously served as Deputy for two terms, that is a completely different role at parish level and did little to prepare me for what lay ahead. The fact that I survived (but hopefully more than that) is largely due to support and commitment of others.

My first vote of thanks must go the staff at the Parish Hall, both those in office when I started and the present team and on whom I'm greatly reliant. Alongside them are the two Procureurs who have throughout my term provided invaluable guidance and advice. Then there are the Centeniers and other honorary officers whose activities help ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Parish community. I'm also indebted to our Roads Committee both for their general oversight of the parish road network and for dealing with individual problems as and when they occur; as well as our Roads Inspectors who carry out regular surveys and provide reports to the committee.

to the parish community.

These formal offices are of course not the only ones that contribute to the community. Additionally, we have the Cemetery Committee, the Parish Church (represented by the Rector and Churchwardens) and other organisations such as The Silver Lillies, Ladies Circle and a variety of clubs operating out of the Community Centre and elsewhere in the parish. And talking of the Community Centre, I am most grateful to them for hosting major events such as Liberation 80 and for their continued co-operation with the Parish Hall and other local groups.

And whilst I said I did not intend to name individuals; it would be remiss of me not make special mention of two people who have given exceptional service to the Parish over the years. One of these is Peter Le Liard who, served the Parish in a number of capacities for an almost unbroken period of 53 years, starting in 1972 and ending in December last year on his retirement as Roads Inspector. The other is David Munns who, again, has served the parish in a variety of roles over the years. His service began when he was sworn in as a Constable's Officer in 1970 and he remained in the honorary police for a further 21 years. Not content with that, he has acted as Procureur for 12 years, retiring only in March this year. Also, he has acted as Rates Assessor for more than 30 years. On behalf of the Parish, I thank them both for their considerable dedication over the years and wish them happy and well-earned retirements.

A further 'category' of those the subject of formal appointment is the team of Rates Assessors, a largely 'unseen' group but who, given that household rates are the major source of parish income, provide an invaluable service. Like the Procureurs, the honorary police officers, the Roads Committee and Roads Inspectors, they are required to swear an oath of office before the Royal Court, this in itself a recognition of their responsibility

Finally, I hope arrival of this magazine coincides with that of better weather and that we can put behind us what seems to have been a series of downpours and storms over the winter. Again, I thank everyone for their support during my time in office and for giving me the opportunity to act as Constable, a role which I have much enjoyed.

Kind regards David

Unique Book About The Occupation

Hopefully by now you will have received a special edition of the Parish magazine which recounts tales from the Occupation as experienced by modernday St Mary residents.

‘Under the German Yoke: St Mary’s Occupation Memories’ was produced to mark the 80th anniversary of Jersey’s liberation last year, bringing together 24 accounts from parishioners who experienced the Occupation as children and young adults - the youngest were barely toddlers, the oldest, John Huelin was 19. The publication was distributed

to every household in St Mary as a keepsake of those historic times. However, a limited number of additional copies are available from the Parish Hall for £10.

St Mary’s Constable David Johnson said that he was delighted that we had managed to find the financial backers that enabled the Parish to finally able to mark the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Liberation with the unique book. He said that the project would not have been possible without the support of local businesses, including a major contribution from medical cannabis cultivator Northern Leaf, alongside La Mare Vineyards, Germbusters, Godel Architects and the Jersey Pistol Club.

Following a Parish Assembly at the end of last year, our voluntary teams of roads and rates officials were sworn in at the Royal Court in early January for a new term of office.

What Was but What If…

Extracted from We Shall Eat Grass

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compiled by Peter Tabb

What if… PART 3

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

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

The bombardment is halted at 0800 CET.

In the Royal Court House in St Helier, a stunned Bailiff Coutanche, who has just arrived behind his desk because of the curfew, telephones the Platzkommandantur but receives no response. He hurries down to the Royal Square where he is joined by Charles Duret Aubin, the AttorneyGeneral, still wearing a pyjama jacket under his overcoat.

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

“It seems, Charles, that we are…”

“Where are the Germans?”

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

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

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

Kernwerk St Peter

Louis-Mountbatten

HMS Royal Sovereign

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

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

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

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

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

“Then what do you suggest, Friedrich?”

“We fight back, Herr Generalmajor.”

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

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

“What about the Islanders?”

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

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

“It is war,” Vizeadmiral Hüffmeier retorts.

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

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

“Friedrich, Friedrich…” von Schmettow soothes. “Hear me out. What I propose is an armistice, for 48 hours, to allow the Britsih to discuss with us the evacuation of the civilian population…”

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

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

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

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

“The man’s a fantasist!” Winston Churchill is still in his silk pyjamas although a cigar is already clamped between his teeth. Brendan Bracken gently disagrees. “Not necessarily, Prime Minister. I suspect he recognises that having some 65,000 British civilians at his mercy gives him significant bargaining power…”

“Not with me, it doesn’t!” The PM turns to his naval adviser. “Could it ever be possible? To evacuate so many civilians in just two days?”

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

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

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

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

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

“What Was but What If” will be published later this year.

Wurzburg Radar

As 2026 began, the view from the rectory felt rather bleak; grey skies and the weather and heart to match.

And the Church of England getting hot and bothered about a female Archbishop of Canterbury and prayers for those in same sex relationships, (with which I have no issue - for clarity, being an ally for my LGBTQIA+ friends, of which I have many), the barbs and mudslinging appearing in the Jersey political scene as it’s election year, safeguarding taking up far too much of my time and then the funeral of a faithful member of our congregation.

Through it all though, the life lived by that faithful member of our church has kept me going through the grey heaviness. We often talk in church about the saints who have gone before us, and they aren’t always like the well-known saints, St Theresa of Calcutta, St Francis of Assisi or our very own St Mary. More often they are someone ordinary that has lived an extraordinary life, living it in a manner that I think would make Jesus proud. They have lived it in a way that made a difference to the people they came into contact with - people from ALL walks of life.

These sorts of ordinary saints (or earthly angels as I like to think of them), just quietly get on with what I call God’s work or Kingdom work, often unseen, often unnoticed by the majority. Their contribution is, often not recognised for its true value or worth because it’s not something you can put a price on. This work doesn’t involve money, status or telling everyone what you are doing. The quiet currency of this type of ‘work’ is the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

In late November St Mary’s Church was delighted to welcome the Bishop of Salisbury, The Right Reverend Stephen Lake, to host a confirmation service.

The Bishop of Salisbury has held pastoral responsibility for the Channel Islands, including Jersey, since 15 November 2022. Three church members renewed their baptismal vows at the service: Jonathan Kewley, Sharon Wilcock and Paula Bardaji. Afterwards Sharon said that “being confirmed together with other people from across the Island was wonderful” and Paula added, “It was a proud occasion to be confirmed by the Bishop of Salisbury and lovely to see St Mary’s Church packed with family and friends.”

View from the Rectory Services at Bethlehem Bishop Attends Service

As a Christian, I try my best to model my living and life choices on Jesus, and the evidence for this way of living, the bible tells us, is the fruits of the spirit. I don’t always get it right! But we live in hope that the fruits of the spirit ooze out in such a way that they infuse those around us in a manner that would make Jesus proud, standing with the marginalised, oppressed and making a tangible difference where we can. Gosh, Jesus the first woke individual!

My prayer is that as we get a new Archbishop of Canterbury and newly elected members of the States of Jersey Government, that they act with integrity and truth for the benefit of ALL. That they lead with transparency and grace so that community is built in a way that genuinely cares for the problems so many are living with. My prayer is that we can all live our lives with love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control oozing out of our very being and that others join in the work of earthly saints and angels, quietly supporting the greater good, or as I would say, doing God’s work, Kingdom work.

And no, you don’t have to be a Christian to do this sort of work… it’s just that I ended up doing it through the grace of God, so I do it through my Christian lens and faith.

Blessings

There’ll be a joint service involving members of both Bethlehem and St Mary’s Church on Palm Sunday, March 29th. Ther service will be led by Rev Kirsty Friend and Rev Peter Goodhall. The service will be held at Bethlehem.

Meanwhile All Together Worship services are held on the last Sunday of each month and are caféstyle family friendly services. Tea and coffee are served from 10.15 to 10.45, when the service starts. Suitable for all ages and all are welcome. Future dates are as follows: 26th April, 31st May and 28th June

Film nights are continuing. There’ll be regular showings during the winter months, starting with a meal at 6 p.m. followed by the film at 7.30 p.m. Please contact Dianne Huddlestone (483917 or diannehuddlestone@gmail. com) if you would like to come for the meal. The next film night will be held on Saturday 14th March. We will be showing ‘Bonhoeffer.’

The Bishop of Salisbury at St Mary’s Church

We’re coming to your Parish!

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

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

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

Stay tuned for confirmed dates and more details.

Where we’ll be:

• St John – June

• St Martin – July

• Grouville – August

• St Clement – September

• St Saviour – October

• St Helier – November

• St Lawrence – December

Plays the Trump Card Beachcomber

As the house is pummelled by the wind and rain, I am positioned on a tea chest in the attic attempting to see if I can focus with a powerful telescope upon the chimney above the big house in St. Helier.

The idea is to find out at the end of the forthcoming elections whether black or white smoke is billowing out. The former would indicate that the meeting went in a suitable manner or black if no decision has been obtained which would indicate a split vote or the envelope was not full enough. This new style of voting has parallels with a certain small state somewhere in Southern Europe.

One can only imagine the members dressed in red and acting in a pious manner which indeed would be wonderful to behold and could increase visitor numbers, particularly if the newly elected leader appeared on the balcony and greeted the assembled public below. The halberdiers arrayed on the outer steps of the chamber with six subordinates, each of the latter with vast silver alms dishes, could go amongst the crowd and cajole the viewing public to part with large sums of cash to pay for the “follies” in the form of a redundant public house and a magnificently sited hospital to name just two – not to mention the Fort.

Yes, election fever has started and our wonderful and the erudite, thrifty, cautious, parsimonious and economical members of the said big house will be coming to the various parishes to imbue us with their pithy forthright takes on their manifestos, none of which will be followed through unless the powers behind the throne agree.

On a more parochial note, the curtains are starting to twitch and tongues to wag as to the candidates for the various positions vacant in the Parish Hall especially that of Constable. Rumours abound as to the individuals ready to stand for this station, but some of the gossip is indeed very farfetched. On the latter point it has been hinted at that a certain past member of the municipality has put pen to paper and sent a request to an overseas personality asking if they would consider the honour of becoming the future leader of the Parish.

Who is this person and what have we to offer someone of such a high calibre you may demand? A political insider has been explaining or rather intimating that certain geological surveys have revealed that gold and oil have been discovered on the north coast area of the island and St. Mary has the largest deposit of the former which has whetted the appetite of the new candidate. The person mentioned in our conversation could be searching for a safe haven, if all goes wrong in his present political arena.

However, on the question of geology, further investigation has proved that the oil found originated when some time back one of the farmers thought it a good idea to build an underground reservoir to store the said liquid as prices were rising quickly at that time in history. The gold was also a red herring but has attracted many enquiries from various sources in the mining and finance industries.

So again I ask, who is this political heavyweight? One’s hearing, when approaching maturity, is not as faultless as it used to be, but I understand the individual comes from across the pond and that he had something to do with Donald Duck. Fully aware that this is actually a euphemism for a certain individual who is, as her late Majesty referred to him, a “rude little man,” it would certainly liven up the States chamber and bring in lots of visitors as well. Vote Donald for Constable would be both ridiculous and audacious but exciting at the same time.

However, assuming he ducks the challenge, remember on voting day, put your cross against the dullards’ names in the expectation of many wonderful and exciting debates which will result in capital projects and follies that we can ill afford and an increase in the volume of individuals needed to administer them, and the bottom line - a steep rise in taxation.

Taking Care of Your Feet

Here’s some tips for the colder months

The nerves which detect temperature in your feet can be damaged by diabetes. This is called neuropathy. If you have neuropathy you may not be aware that your skin is being damaged. Heat damage can lead to blisters which can become infected and ulcerate.

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

If you are planning to have a bath or soak your feet, use your elbow to check the water temperature. Your hands can also be affected by neuropathy and thus are generally less sensitive to heat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEARN SOMETHING NEW AT

HIGHLANDS

I’m in employmentfull-time

I’ve studied at Level 6 (undergraduate programme)

Brand new Master’s (part-timeDegree while you work)

CollegeUniversityJersey

I’m doing my my A-levels / Level 3

I’d like to go to university

I’m doing my GCSEs

CollegeUniversityJersey

I’m looking for long-term learning withexperiencehands-on

I’d like to upskill or reskill in a profession Adult & Community Education

Adult & Community Education

I want to continue in full-time study

Apprenticeships

Highlands Apprenticeships

6th Form College Jersey

FOR YOU’LL

Students who want to achieve a degree

Study; business, social work, sport + more

Experience local work placements

Earn a UK degree right here on-island

Get tailored support in small classes

PROGRESS TO JOBS OR FURTHER STUDY 96%

Anyone who wants to earn while they learn

Work in your chosen industry

Gain experience and job-ready skills

Get paid while studying part-time

Earn qualifications in your craft

Adults wanting to upskill and get promoted

Study; leadership, project management + more

Choose flexible formats – day, evening, online

Apply new skills directly at work

Gain industry-recognised qualifications

School leavers FULL-TIME

Courses

Study Level 3 or JPQ courses

Join work placements + volunteering

Build future-ready real-world skills

Boost your confidence + independence

Look after your wellbeing

Meet new people and spark creativity

Uncover hidden passions and be inspired

Learn skills to start a job or side hustle Personal growth

Craft with a cuppa, get social, keep curious

LEARNERS EVERY YEAR

Bringing Books to Your Door

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MONDAY 10:00 - 11:00

Ouen's Parish Hall 11:15 - 12:15

TUESDAY 09:30 - 11:00 Holme Grown 11:15 - 12:45 Gorey Common Carpark 14:30 - 16:30 Jersey Zoo

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

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

St Mary Household recycling collection 2026

This guide explains how to use the St Mary household recycling collection. A collection planner is included so you know when your recycling will be collected.

Every home in St Mary receives a recycling collection, in addition to the existing rubbish and glass collections. Recycling collections will be on the same day as your glass collection. For more

For the month of April

09 Apr 2026 For the month of May

& Recycling

14 May 2026 For the month of June

& Recycling Thursday 11 Jun 2026 For the month of July

& Recycling Thursday 09 Jul 2026 For the month of August

& Recycling Thursday 13 Aug 2026 For the month of September

& Recycling Thursday 10 Sep 2026 For the month of October

& Recycling

08 Oct 2026

Recycling in Jersey MythBusters

Myth

FAct !

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

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

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

FAct !

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

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

FAct !

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

Myth You should leave metal lids on jars and bottles

FAct !

Myth Glass can go in general waste orenergy recovery.

FAct ! FAct !

Myth

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

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

Silver Lining to a Success Story

It’s been another successful for the St Mary Community Centre-based Kids Club which has a silver anniversary to celebrate having been running in the Parish for 25 years.

The management team have sent out a message of heartfelt thanks for all the continued support they’ve received from the local community. “As a not-for-profit organisation we are so incredibly grateful for any kind of help we receive, and St Mary has been there for us since the very beginning.”

“With their most recent support we have been able to replenish lots of older (well-loved) toys, get new resources and ultimately bring a lot of fun and joy to the children we take care of on a daily basis. In particular, our kitchen/dining room/restaurant/shop area has never seen so much colour, life and such wonderful playframes ... it has been so great to see the children's imagination flourish, with smiles and laughter aplenty.

“We support families through providing flexible and affordable care for their children. We are play work professionals and the club exists to support every child’s right - and need - to play. We aim to facilitate a wide range of play opportunities for the children, where they have the freedom to choose what they would like to do; to provide an environment in which they will in turn; feel emotionally and physically safe, valued and motivated.

“Having operated from the Parish of St Mary for 25 years, we are so grateful to the Parish itself, as well as the Youth & Community Centre, where we have been based since it was first opened in 2001. We are fortunate to have been able to build and develop partnerships with many of the amazing organisations and institutions that exist around us, including St Mary’s School, St Mary’s Youth Project and Silverstar Nursery to name a few. We would like to thank everyone who has supported or helped us out in any way over the years – and those who continue to do so. We hope that our relationships can continue to grow and flourish over the next 25 years and beyond.”

With a strong focus on preventative care, we provide high quality contemporary dentistry in an environment with charm. We believe our patients should have access to trusted resources at any time and our new website is designed with this in mind. Please contact us if you would like help with any aspect of your oral care. We look forward to meeting you or continuing your care.

We’re excited to announce that 32Co clear aligners are now available at our clinic in Jersey, Channel Islands. 32Co is a UK-based, expert-led clear aligner system that helps you straighten your teeth with nearly invisible, custom-made aligners. What sets 32Co apart is its collaborative approach: treatment is planned with the support of specialist orthodontists to deliver predictable, high-quality results that fit your goals — all with comfortable, removable aligners that are tailored to you.

Charity Open Gardens

Saturday 21st March 11am to 4pm

Sunday 17th May

Domaine Des Vaux St Lawrence

Sunday 19th April Government House St Saviour

Sunday 28th June

Seafield House St Lawrence

MAKE YOUR NAUTICAL DREAM COME TRUE

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

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

The annual award, a legacy from the three Jersey campaigns in the Clipper Round- the-World Yacht Race, was established 19 years ago through the generosity of Dandara, Les Pas Holdings and UBS.

The successful applicant will follow in the wake of Jamie Le Marquand (17) who used the funds to take part in the 2025 Tall Ships Race, joining the crew of the historic fishing boat Excelsior on the leg from Scotland to Norway.

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

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

Islanders can apply for the 2026 Jersey Clipper Bursary by outlining their particular nautical ambition in no more than 200 words in an email to philipjeune@gmail.com The deadline is 30 April

For further information please call PHILIP JEUNE on 857309 or 07797 722127

photo: Rob Howarth Photography)

Lauren’s on the Boule

St Mary Community Centre youth worker, Lauren Le Garignon, is to become the youngest Islander to represent Jersey in the pétanque inter-insular against Guernsey in March.

Pool Champ

The 15-year-old had been selected for the match originally scheduled to take place last year, but it was called off because of problems with the ferry links. The match will now take place at the home terrain of Carrefour Pétanque Club in Grouville. Lauren’s sporting achievements don’t stop with pétanque –she’s been a regular player for the Jersey Bulls under-16 soccer team this season.

The St Mary pool championship was contested for the second time in late November after the once popular competition was revived last year in the back bar at the St Mary Country Inn.

There were 32 entrants in this year’s event, and it ended with a new name on the Paul Moullin knockout trophy, with Sean O’Brien winning the final in a hard-fought battle against the previous year’s runner-up, Ashley Higo, by a 4-2 margin.

Organiser Paul Moullin and winner Sean O’Brien The finalists: Ashley Higo (Left) and Sean O’Brien

A Capital Time Was Had By All

St Mary’s Youth Club workers’ most ambitious project yet took place in October with an amazing trip to London.

The visit was only possible because of the efforts the team put in over the previous year, both in terms of planning and fund-raising. Lead Youth Worker Joshua Twohig-Jones said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for them as a team to explore somewhere new, celebrate all their hard work and make memories for life. Their contributions to club over the last four years made the trip that much better.” The group went to the West End to watch a performance of the Lion King; they took part in a Jack the Ripper walking tour; explored the London Dungeon and somehow also managed to fit in a day out at a theme park, Chessington World of Adventures.

Back home, November was a time to reflect on the years’ worth of work, growth and development as a project and for our young people. “We held our Yoscars event at the community centre, celebrating the high-level participation, planning and leadership of our young people. With 14 young people receiving a bronze award, 8 receiving a Silver and 4 receiving a gold. Our gold recipients were, Megan Baker, Charlie Vasse, Margaux Bacquet and Lauren Le Garignon.”

Our Young Worker team also supported the St Marys Christmas Fayre this year, networking with the St Mary’s honorary police team! A new group of young workers had their JYS training at Crabbé. Our Seniors and Juniors enjoyed a trip out to Jersey Bowl and our Inters group have been busy working on a new community project that is still in the pipeline. The project is focused on the spaces in the Parish available to young people which could engage in sports - specifically biking, skateboarding and scootering following the exiting of the new mini half pipe by the park.

Looking ahead, plans for the New Year include the swimarathon at Les Quennevais Sports Centre in March and our annual easter bingo fundraiser on Saturday 18th of April.

with Evolution Eye Care Advanced Vision Correction

Specialist-led laser and lens treatments now established in Jersey

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

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

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

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

“It’s important that patients meet the surgeon who will perform their procedure,” added Mr Anish Shah, co-founder of Evolution Eye Care. “That continuity builds trust and ensures decisions are always made in the patient’s best interests.”

Genuine Advice, Not Sales

Some refractive clinics offer free consultations. This can create pressure to convert enquiries into surgery, just to cover costs. At Evolution Eye Care, a £99 vision correction consultation fee reflects a commitment to transparency, allowing the clinic to provide honest, impartial guidance –even if the best recommendation is not to proceed with surgery.

“Charging a modest consultation fee allows us to offer genuine advice rather than sales-driven opinions,” said Mr Shah. “Our patients receive clarity, not persuasion.”

Modern Technology and Trusted Standards

Prema is equipped with modern, regularly serviced laser and surgical equipment, maintained to the rigorous standards required by the UK Care Quality Commission (CQC). This ensures every procedure is performed with the precision, safety, and reliability expected of the UK’s top ophthalmic centres.

Established Expertise, Local Convenience

Jersey patients are already benefiting from this trusted and convenient pathway, exploring laser vision correction or lens replacement surgery with world-class expertise and modern technology – all coordinated through Jersey’s largest private eye clinic.

For more information or to book a consultation, visit www.evolution.je/book email info@evolution.je, or call 01534 835400

1st Floor

Little Grove Clinic

Rue de Haut St Lawrence JE3 1JZ

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

Procedures are carried out at the purposebuilt, state-of-the-art Prema clinic

From Demolition to Delivery – moving towards construction of the new Acute Hospital at Overdale

With Development Works underway to prepare the Overdale site for construction, and with the ongoing procurement process to secure a Main Works Delivery Partner running in parallel, a new hospital for Jersey has never been closer.

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

Ashbe Construction - along with local sub-contractorshave removed the areas of remaining hard standings and residual structures below the ground and cleared the site area. Good progress is being made on the site hoardings, which are currently being installed around the perimeter. Once complete, a total of 1,500 metres of hoardings will surround the full site.

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

In addition, local drainage diversions within the site have been planned and are scheduled for completion to enable the next phase of works. A new borehole has also been provided to supply the Rose Garden at the Crematorium. Finally, early works are underway to start creating the Active Travel Route from the JEC Substation on the inner road - all under the supervision of an Ecological Clerk of Works and in accordance with Planning Conditions.

A ‘hospital shaped hole’

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

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

Next steps for the other healthcare sites

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

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

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

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

HOGS on the (H) Edge

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

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

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

We cannot do this alone; we need your help!

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

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

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

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

If possible, leave some wild areas alone – leaf piles as they rot down, bug hotels, twigs and log piles are also home to the very beetles and bugs and other invertebrates that supply the hedgehog's natural diet. However, supplementing that diet with a small dish of cat food or small dog kibble will be appreciated, particularly in dry weather when there is less natural food around. Never give mealworms, sunflower seeds, peanuts, or milk and bread (hedgehogs are lactose intolerant)

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

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

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

Thank you for caring!

Check for hedgehogs before you dig, fork or strim your garden

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

Leaf piles could be a nesting site for hedgehogs

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

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

Want to try a new restaurant?

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

Fancy a break?

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

Looking for somewhere different for an event or special occasion?

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

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

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

• £129 per night for 2 adults

• £85 per night for 1 adult

• £99 per night for 1 adult and 1 child

• plus £20 per night per child

These offers are open to Jersey residents only and are valid for stays during availability at time of booking.

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

Shopmobility

Diary Dates for your

14TH MARCH

Jersey Repair Café returns Community Centre 9.30am – 1.30pm

28TH MARCH

Parish Quiz Night in the Community Centre. Tickets are £15 to include supper.

11TH & 12TH APRIL

St Mary Antiques Fair at the Community Centre

18TH APRIL

Youth Club annual bingo fundraiser at the Community Centre

Parish Information

PARISH HALL T: 482700 Mon – Fri 9.am to 1.pm

PARISH OFFICIALS

CONNÉTABLE

David Johnson 07797 770 950 d.johnson@gov.je

PROCUREURS DE BIEN PUBLIQUE

David Munns, Cynthia Cotillard

CENTENIERS

Chris Bunt, John Alcock, Glynn Bower, Jim Drew

DUTY CENTENIER 07797 712 972

RECTOR

Rev Kirsty Allan

VINGTENIERS (Sud) Annette Johnson (Nord) Sue Heppolette

CONSTABLE’S OFFICERS

Stacey Powys, Sally Redman, Claire Harrington, Joan Enriques

PARISH

Peter Routier

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Annie Le Voguer

ROADS COMMITTEE

Alan Moullin, Peter Le Liard

Trevor Le Sage

ROADS INSPECTORS (Sud)

Ivor Barrette

Jeremy Holmes (Nord)

Emile Drean

Adrian De Gruchy

RATES COMMITTEE

Robin Stockton

Shirley de Gruchy

Martin Stodart

Les Stanton

Cynthia Cotillard

CARETAKER

Guy le Guyader

Jason Langlois

CHURCH WARDENS

Frank Wood

Ann Watson