From the President - Autumn 2006

It is with great pleasure that I report that our new Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant-General AP Ridgway, has consented to become a Patron of the Société Jersiaise. He and Mrs Ridgway visited our headquarters in July and showed a lively interest in our activities. The Executive Committee decided to nominate the Earl of Jersey as an additional Patron and he too has accepted.

The Summer Fête, demonstrating the co-operation between the Société Jersiaise, the Jersey Heritage Trust and the National Trust for Jersey, was a great success. Over 1,000 people enjoyed a brilliant summer evening at Hamptonne and a modest profit has started a fund for the acquisition of further land in the future. It has been suggested that we repeat the event at intervals.

The vital part which the Société Jersiaise plays in Island life is constantly being recognised as we are consulted on such diverse issues as the future of Plémont headland, the extension of Gorey harbour, the restoration of forts and towers by our colleagues at the Jersey Heritage Trust and the redevelopment of Caledonia Place by WEB.

A prominent member suggested that we emphasize that our annual subscription, which is not being increased for 2007, should be regarded as a minimum and that members should be encouraged to contribute more if they feel able to do so. In view of the tremendous increase in postage and the general rise in costs, we would very much appreciate the adoption of this approach.

As part of our remit to meet the demands of our corporate room hire clients and library users, we have recently installed a wi-fi network supporting wireless high speed internet access to guests throughout the building. This service is offered free of charge to visitors to the Lord Coutanche Library and is provided as an added benefit of our room hire service.

The Photographic Competition is closing as I write and we look forward to awarding prizes and exhibiting the best entries at our Christmas Reception, on Thursday, the 14th December at 5.30 pm in the Members’ Room. I hope to see as many of you as possible then.

Francis Corbet