La Hougue Bie

A quiet Sunday.  La Hougue Bie is one of those lovely little Heritage sites that some times gets overlooked or forgotten in the greater scheme of things. In this one site you can enter a Neolithic tomb, climb to a medieval chapel and drop into a German bunker. Atop the mound you can see for miles providing a great view of the Island  but down below in dappled shade are hidden delights.

Jane Warren warmly greets all comers and provides the historical detail behind the site.

Acting Neanderthal Aaron (Student lawyer) shows how basic coil pots were made or corn was ground.

A rural idyll that still offers enlightened access whilst retaining a real homemade feel.

A beautiful picnic area.

Aaron at work.

The medieval Chapel.

2010 Fish Festival - More Snaps

2010 Jersey Fish Festival

Another Festival. The Island is full of them at the moment. Every weekend has another event rich with local associations and offering all sorts of fun.

The Jersey Fish Festival is in its second year and produced another winner. The weather was just right, sunny with a stiff breeze to keep the bunting fluttering, the flags flying and keep the tempratures low.. The whole event was conceived and created by the fishermen themselves. A testimony not just to their skill and ingenuity but to provide a celebration that could be shared by everyone even as their industry is under threat.

The original vision for all this came from Don Thompson President of the Jersey Fisherman's Association. Under his guidance and with a willing team of volunteers he made it happen.

Over 9,000 attendees wandered along Victoria Pier to sample fishy delights and soak up the atmosphere. A fifty percent increase on last years numbers.

Families flocked to see the Man Powered Flight, the ubiquitous Bungee, and stalls offering all manner of culinary treats.

Kids were every where but the biggest draw for young and old alike was the Touch Tank. Tiny people plunged deep to grasp heavy lobsters or stroke the rough skinned Dogfish.

The Viviers were opened so the public could appreciate the plentiful amount of shellfish plucked from these cold coastal waters. Most of which is exported to France or Spain.

The Water Carnival hoses subsided whilst the Dean Bob Key, seen here with his wife enjoying crepes, duly blessed the boats and crew.

The sculling race was won by Buccaneer Mick, suitably attired in his pirate costume, who powered his way to victory leaving Popeye and his mates in his wake.

Most people wandered up and down the pier sampling food and drink, lingering at the quayside to gander down at the moored boats and then back for another round.

Local bands played right through the day on two stages, culminating in Kevin and the Pinnacles bringing the whole event to a close illuminated by a firework display.

St Helier Pilgrimage 18 July 2010

Each year a number of people take part in the annual pilgrimage to the St Helier hermitage at Elizabeth Castle.

The walk out and service at the hermitage is an opportunity to take part in a Jersey tradition and a chance to hear about the patron Saint of the island and celebrate his life.

About Saint Helier

Saint Helier is named for Helier (or Helerius), a 6th century ascetic hermit. The traditional date of his martyrdom is AD 555. His feast day, marked by an annual pilgrimage to the Hermitage. Helier is recorded as performing one healing miracle in Jersey, curing a lame man named Anquetil. His prayers and the sign of the cross raised a storm that drove off a raiding party. Though Helier starved himself to ascetic weakness for 13 years, legend holds that he had the strength, when he was beheaded by attackers, to pick up his head and walk to shore.

According to the hagiography, Romard discovered Helier’s body on the beach still clutching his head in his hands, placed it in a boat and set off for the mainland. The boat, guided by the hand of God, arrived at Bréville-sur-mer (Manche) where a reputedly miraculous healing spring arose on the spot where Helier’s body rested overnight. A church was founded next to the spring, which is now topped by a statue and still attracts those seeking a cure.

The West Show

Each successive year the West Show gets better and better. This year was a gem. Well organised, lovely weather and loads to see.

Sprawling across a couple of acres close to the heart of St Peters lies the events fields. Originally a showcase for farmers this has morphed into a much bigger concept. Its still a heartland of rural and local pleasures. From veg displays to high flying motorcycle antics. A real community event.

There was hardly a moment free with so much to see. Nobody starved with so many food outlets. Fresh caught seafood, hog roast, noodle bar, cakes and fresh brewed coffee every taste was catered for.

Babette Cole the author drew dragons and princesses for any passing child who were entraced by the immediacy and passion of her illustrations.

The kids revelled in every delight on offer. Hay bales to clamber on, clowns to entertain, every child's face reflected the glee of being let loose in a safe environment.

There was literally something for everyone. This will be an event that will stay long in the memory of anyone that attended.