This is Jersey - 1979 - Part 13

From 1979 comes this holiday guide - "This is Jersey". This is a flat brochure which is larger that the later glossy designs, and it doesn't have nearly as many pages - 16 double sided in all, including front and back covers.

It does provide a very interesting snapshot of the tourism scene in 1979, just as it was more or less at its peak, just before Bergerac launched, and before the package tour market and cheap holiday destinations abroad made Jersey's prices suddenly more expensive and the bottom fell out of the market.

Tourism is today rebuilding a new approach geared to the lifestyle of the modern tourist. It still has plenty to offer, but the old style of tourism probably won't sell today. But here's a chance to capture that flavour.

The guide says

"Jersey is definitely a place with plenty to offer in the way of nightlife. Shows range from the slick, sophisticated cabarets to the singalongs, crazy nights and discos. There's bound to be something for everyone."

Hotel de L'Europe was rebranded and changed to "Chambers". But in 1979 before it changed, it had become part of a lively nightclub scene, what I suppose Montfort Tadier would say was part of a "vibrant" night life in Jersey..

Before it's 1979 time as a night spot,  Karl Marx stayed there in 1879, writing in a letter.

"To-morrow we move to the Hotel de L'Europe, in St. Helier. We are giving up St. Aubin's because Jessy and I have a horror of a monotonous dally lamb and mutton diet, as a result of which I have become a reluctant vegetarian over the past few days"

Pedro's Restaurant has also gone, but I'm not sure if it didn't relocate to St Aubin where there is a restaurant there now with the same name. Perhaps someone knows?

The Tartan Bar has gone. The floor of the bar was covered with a tartan carpet! The Seagrove Hotel was built on the cliffside at Corbiere.  It's all gone now.

At Behan's at West Park is the lovely Mary Mason whose glamour alone would give her a billing on any programme even if she did not also possess a truly great voice

The Big Night Out at the New Mediterranean, Five Mile Road, certainly lives up to its name. The show stars the irrepressible comic impersonator Dustin Gee.

Appearing at Behans is 18 year old Russ Stevens, winner of the "young magician of the year" award and, despite his tender years, a veteran of theatre and club shows with some of the countries top show business names.

Also at the New Mediterranean, is another laughter maker Dave Ismay,



And the visually and vocally delughtful Gai Dunlop

and the highly professional song and dance routines of Joe Chisholm.

The show line up is completed by the Tommy Tucker Dancers and the Barry Taylor Sound.

Whatever your mood at the start of the evening, a visit to the Sunshine Hotel, Havre des Pas, will soon put a smile on your face. It's called the Laughter Show and stars two of the funniest comics in show business - Eric Prince and Tony Maiden.

To give your rubs (though not your eyes) the occasional rest the show also features John Paul Hames with Amour and the Sunshine Lovelies.



Also at the Sunshine Hotel is the attractive BirdcageBar, where comedy vocal guitarist provides free
entertainment nightly.



Providing music for shows and dancing is the Dave Baldwin Duo.

For a fun night out with minimum damage to your pocket, visit the Chateau Plaisir, or castle of pleasure on the Five Mile Road. An evening of dancing, party games and spot prizes is supplemented by a cabaret starring Sandi Gold, Jimmy Mac, Laurie Montgomery, Calypso and Shorties