Grail Seeker

It is around a year since my friend Joy Oxenden died, and this piece was penned as a tribute to her.

Grail Seeker

We are the Grail Seekers, on the sacred Quest
From Cathay in the East, to Logres in the West;
The Cup of the Goddess, the Sacred Vessel,
Or by its more common name, the Holy Grail.
It has had many names, over so many years:
A tale of joy and sorrow, gladness and tears;
And our friend, Joy, also walked this road:
Grail seeker, whose rituals in her abode,
Inspired, and enlightened, in candle light,
Glimpses of another world within our sight,
As we walked the circle, quaffed the mead
From chalice, at the heart of sacred deed;
And our friend, Joy, helped show the way,
And made sure we were not lead astray;
There is nothing in the dark, have no fear:
Seeking the sign of hope, and not despair;
The star dust from which we came to birth,
The glade within the forest, the good earth;
We all come seeking, that chalice of delight:
The wonder of the stars shining in the night;
And our friend, Joy, passed beyond the veil,
The grey havens, a final journey to set sail;
May the clouds dispel, the stars shine bright,
For all the grail seekers following that light

OVs Here, There and Everywere: 1974 - Part 1

OVs Here, There and Everywere: 1974 - Part 1

Jersey’s chief immigration officer, Alan J. Le Brun was (so far as we know) the only OV to be honoured in the New Year Honours He was made an O.B.E. At College from 1924 to 1929 and the son of an Old Victorian, he has held his present post for 27 years, during which time he has also taken over control of the States Impots Department, the Passport Office and, recently, HM. Customs Ofiice in Jersey. He is the immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Jersey.

Two Old Victorians opposed each other in the election for a new Constable of St. Helier to replace another O.V., Mr. Keith Baal, following his death. They were Peter Gorton Baker (1930—1936), one of three brothers who were at College, and Donald George Filleul (1937-1942), then a Centenier in the parish.

Peter Baker, whose association with the family business of Frederick Baker’s (now sold) was interrupted by distinguished war Service with the Parachute Regiment, emerged the victor by polling almost double the number of votes cast for Donald Filleul, who has in recent years developed the family stationery business into a thriving business equipment supply company.

A letter unique in the correspondence of the O.V.A. arrived some months ago from R. A. Laurens—to whom apologies are due for this belated recognition of his generosity. He wrote: “ I became a Life Member of the Association of Old Victorians as long ago as 1918 and paid. For that privilege what would today be regarded as a very nominal sum. I have therefore had copies of ‘ The Victorian ’ for some 50 years without expense to me and I think it appropriate that I should make some contribution towards printing costs. I therefore have pleasure in enclosing my cheque for £100 for this purpose. It would, perhaps, be superfluous here to add to those very sincere thanks he has officially received for such generosity.

After a long and distinguished career in the Diplomatic Service, Sir Arthur de la Mare (1926- 1932) retired in March and has made his home at Walton on Thames. Highlights of his life to date included winning an Open Major Scholarship to Pembroke College, Cambridge, entry into the Consular Service in Tokyo, his appointment as Head of the Foreign Office Security Department, holding the position of Counsellor at the British Embassy in Washington, three years as High Commissioner in Singapore and a further three as Ambassador in Bangkok.

Writing to notify his change of address, he says: “I am happy to get back to the British climate, which I am persuaded is the best in the world, and happy too to be able to get back to satisfactory pursuits such as gardening. But I don’t know how long this will last. The call of the East is still strong and if anything turns up to take me back from time to time east of India, I shall probably not be able to resist.”

R. J. Guppy (1926—1935) has been appointed Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District. An assistant Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office, he acted as secretary to the Royal Commission on the Constitution when it visited Jersey in 1970.

Major John Blashford-Snell (1950—1955), whose trail-blazing expeditionary exploits to the Blue Nile and the Darien Gap have been chronicled in these columns in the past, is in the throes of preparing for yet another assault in tortuous terrain. With military blessing and the assistance, among others, of various Jersey stalwarts, including three other O.V.s, he plans to travel down the Zaire River, 2,718 miles of often uncharted waterway and dangerous rapids, from the Zambian border to the Atlantic.

The expedition is due to set out on 1st October and will include among its members Major, Kelvin Kent (1950—1956), a veteran of the Darien Gap and a Royal Signals expert whose knowledge of Gurkhas and expertise in Gurkhali earned,him the post of supplies and communications officer with the 1970 Anna-purna expedition ; Capt. Peter Marett, the son of an O.V. ; Adrian Troy (1949—1955), local hotelier, travel agent and president of the Chamber of Commerce; and Keith Bower (1947—1953), now retired as a Jersey hotelier but, in his immediate post-school days, a member of the British South African Police in what was then Southern Rhodesia. Another O.V., Col. A. J. Le Seelleur, whose obituary appears elsewhere in this edition, had been due to act as the expedition’s philatelic adviser.

'Now at the Ministry of Defence in London, Michael Lanyon, at College from 1954, went to the R.M.A. Sandhurst and was commissioned in the Royal Artillery in 1964. After a spell in Cyprus and then with a Regiment armed with tactical nuclear weapons in Germany, he returned to the UK in 1968 to become a pilot with the Army Air Corps. Qualifying as a pilot he flew Sioux and Alouette helicopters with the 7th Armoured Brigade in Germany and visited several European countries, at one stage in a team which won a round-Europe air rally starting from a North Sea oil rig. Back with the Royal Artillery in Ulster, he was posted to the Parachute Brigade and was then nominated for selection to transfer to the Army Air Corps and also for a place at Staff College, whose course he is about to commence.

Manager of Jersey’s shooting team at the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand, S. J. Payn (1949—1954) emerged with flying colours. At one meeting he lodged a protest that a Canadian arriving late had disturbed the concentration of a Jersey shot and, as a result, the offender was disqualified. In the Shooting VIII in 1953 and 1954 he has coached beginners at College and, in recent times, has helped the Jersey Unit of the Sea Cadet Corps on the ranges. He is keen to form a shooting section of the O.V.A.

Angel

One from the back catalogue - 13/10/2005.

This was inspired by the short story "The Thirteenth Century Angel" in the book "Don Camillo and the Prodigal Son" by Giovanni Guareschi

Angel

At the top of the bell tower, high above
The angel looks down on all with love
And how it came to be, no one knows
It gazes down upon green meadows
Keeping its secret still, its special smile
Of how it came to be, perhaps in guile

In twelve fifty-nine, came a craftsman
With faith, he set forth to bring a plan
To fruition, and by the work of his hand
Sculptured the stone to protect the land
And gave him to his patron, who knew
That here was wonder carved to view.

Five hundred years later, by river bank
A church was built, that all could thank
The Lord for his mercy on all the world
For adjoining tower too, plans unfurled
But one thing was missing, a sign to see
Of the protection of the angel yet to be.

Then from the ruins of an older building
Villagers found an angel, without gilding
But with a simplicity of form and beauty
Upon the bell tower, they placed it to see
And turn the gale, and still the lightening
By its presence, bring God’s brightening.

Famine and plague and war all passed by
Bells of mourning, time to weep and sigh
And bells of joy, time to rejoice and praise
All passed under the protection of your gaze
You watch and listen, as our bell now rings
Centuries of joy and sorrow in your wings.

The Coronation Year 70 Years Ago - August 1953 Part 2

By a curious coincidence of dates, the coronation year 2023 will be 70 years after the coronation date in 1953. I thought it would be of interest to look back during this year of some of the events taking place before, during and after the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Coronation Year 70 Years Ago - August 1953 Part 2

17—Shocking accident at St. John’s, a young farmer, Mr. F. Cotillard, receiving injuries necessitating his right arm being amputated when his car swerved into a wall. Inquest held on the body found floating off the harbour, the inquiry being adjourned sine die in an attempt to gain identification. Caesarean Lawn Tennis Club Junior tournament commences at Grands Vaux.

18.—Retirement gifts made to the Rev. and Mrs. R. J. Rider at Grove Place school room.

19.—-Two-day show of R.J.A. and HS. opens at Springfield, cattle being judged to-day ; the Horticultural Department also held their summer flower show in the lower hall. 7

20. Second day of R.J.A. and HS. summer show, displays being :given by despatch riders of the Royal Corps of Signals and a horse gymkhana being held in the evening; more than 600 excursionists from Guernsey attended.

21.-A safe owned by Messrs. Drive Hire, of Broad Street, and containing £200, forced open and found abandoned on the Five Mile Road. Building trade negotiations break down and T. and G.W.U. threatens that dockers will refuse to handle goods coming into or going out of the Island. Holiday-maker saved from drowning at Portelet by two lads on a beach float and a man who swam 200 yards in rough seas.

22.—A motor cyclist and his pillion rider sustain serious injuries in head-on collision with a taxi near Samarés Lane.'

23 .--Audacious theft at the Museum, Pier Road, during visiting hours, a replica of the valuable gold torque being stolen from its case. Narrow escape: from drowning when- two visitors are cut off by the tide near Seymour Tower, La Rocque, they being rescued by residents of the district.

25.—--Mr. T. G. Billot returned as Centenier for St. Martin’s following a contested election in which the defeated candidate was Mr. W. H. de la Mare. St. Helier Yacht Club holds cadets’ regatta in the harbour. Local football season opens. The Rest defeating the League champions The Beeches 0—2 at Springfield.

26—His Excellency attends farewell luncheon given by the Rotary Club, being presented with the club flag and in return giving the club a signed portrait of himself. .

27.-—St. Brelade’s Fete and Water Carnival an- outstanding success, nearly 15,000 attending. The Evening Post” Cricket XI Wins Press “ Test,” defeating “The Guernsey Evening Press” C.C. by five wickets in a match played at the Airport pitch. Annual 50-mile car race handicap staged by the J.M.C. and LED. held at St. Ouen’s sands, a huge crowd being present. Members of the Green Room. Club make presentation of water-colours to‘ Lady Grasett, their president, who is shortly leaving the Island.

28. Annual general meeting of Young Farmers Club.

31 Verdict of suicide returned at inquest held on the body of Mr. A. C. Le Fevre, of Radier Farm, Grouville, found shot at his residence on Sunday.

Memorial Service

Memorial Service

The smiling father and his lively son
That photo by the tortoise, so alive
All the life before him, all to thrive
And then the Fates were spun

In a moment lost, in a moment done
One van along that road, one drive
The smiling father and his lively son
That photo by the tortoise, so alive

Darkness comes, setting of that sun
Such loss, such lament, to so deprive
You can see the joy, see so much fun
The mourners come, time to shrive
The smiling father and his lively son

The Coronation Year 70 Years Ago - August 1953 Part 1

 

By a curious coincidence of dates, the coronation year 2023 will be 70 years after the coronation date in 1953. I thought it would be of interest to look back during this year of some of the events taking place before, during and after the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Coronation Year 70 Years Ago - August 1953 Part 1

1.——Meeting of Jersey Farmers’ Co-operative reviews potato season, the overall return being 3.87% lower than the Weighbridge average; over £250,000 was paid to members. ‘

3.—Holiday week-end- marred by two tragedies, one in; which 22-year-old John Egré, an “Evening Post ” press photographer, was killed when his motor cycle developed a speed wobble near Rouen, France, and the other a drowning fatality at Plémont, the victim being 19 year old Jack Adam, of London; the glorious weather attracted a big crowd for the race meeting at Les Quennevais, but poor racing was seen; in the evening a boxing tournament took {place at Springfield, there being 2,000 spectators; over 13,000 passengers were dealt with at the harbours during the week-end period, whilst the Airport figure of 10,000 was a record.

4. John’s parish assembly fixes rate at 2/8, the same as in the previous year. Jersey party returns from Granville liberation fetes, the guests including the Bailiff and Lady Coutanche.


5. Verdict of accidental death recorded at inquest held on the body of 17-year-old Anthony Butler, of 4 Gorey Hill, who died following injuries received in a fall at Les Landes Quarry, St. Martin, on Monday. Nine hundred guests attend garden party at Government House, this being the last given by His Excellency. Dense fog causes worst hold-up of the year, air services being badly disrupted.

6.—-Opening of Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club annual regatta, His Excellency being an interested spectator.

7.-St. Lawrence parish rate fixed at 1/4, a reduction of 2d. First of the match against visiting cricket XIs takes place at College Field, the J.I.C.C. losing to the Pedagogues ; in a return fixture the following day the Island club obtained an easy victory.

8.—The Jersey Swimming Club, in conjunction with the Tourism. Committee, stage festival of competitive diving at the Pool. Plucky rescue of young girl from drowning at St. Brelade’s Bay, the rescuers themselves getting into difficulties.

9.—The Band of the 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, give opening performance at Howard. Davis Park.

10.—Biggest gorse fire this year occurs at La Marquanderie Hill, St. Brelade‘s, the Airport Fire Service cooperating with the States Fire Service in quelling the outbreak. Two more gallant rescues from drowning, these occurring at St. Brelade’s and St. Clement’s bays respectively. Visiting French yacht, the Petite Herrnine, strikes rocks off La Rocque, but was later reloated. Annual cattle judging competition of Young Farmers’ Club held at Westfield, St. Mary. Caesarean Lawn Tennis Club open tournament begins at Grands Vaux courts.

11.—-St. Helier parish assembly fixes rate at 3/—, a reduction of 3d. on last year ; following criticism of the furnishings of the Town Hall,. the sum of £1,000 was voted for the provision of linoleum. Four-day prize meeting of J.R.A. opens at Crabbe.

12.——-Mr. T. G. Le Marinel, Constable of St. John’s, returned unopposed as Senator at Town Hall meeting. Ralph Wightman gives entertaining talk on “Behind the Scenes at the B.B.C.” to Rotarians.

13.—Annual summer show of Jersey Dog Club. In the J.R.A. prize meeting at Crabbe Jersey won the inter-insular match, whilst at the inter-island motor cycle race meeting held at St. Ouen’s Guernsey won the “Bill Green" Shield. St. Martin’s gymkhana at Rozel Manor, a swimming gala at the Pool organized by the J.S.C., and Summerland Fete were among other events staged today. Serious accident occurs at the Airport, Mr. R. M. Messiter, the Jersey Aero Club instructor, sustaining grave injuries from a flying propeller blade which had come away from his machine.

14.——Inquest held on the victim of yesterday’s quarry accident, 59-year-old Mr. A. WV. Abbott, who died following multiple injuries sustained when caught in the stone-crusher plant at Westmount Quarry, a verdict of accidental death being returned. -J.R.A. prize meeting at Crabbe ends. Caesarean Cycling Club hold first of grass track meetings at F.B. Fields.

15.——Finals day at Caesarean Lawn Tennis Club tournament at Grands Vaux.

16.—St. John Ambulance cadets hold combined drumhead service at Samarés Manor with visiting cadets.

The Trial

Where there are leaks, where truth comes out, there are always those who hound those who seek to expose the darkness to the light, and in many forms, there are always trials, which may look official, but are ways in which those seduced by the dark side try to harangue and bully others into silence. It happens all the time, and today it is grey suited officialdom, looking most proper and correct, asking and asking questions - and unaware, ignored, or uncaring of the fact that they are bullies, bullies with power, who cannot be called out and exposed because they meet away from public gaze to deliberate. Only occasionally do they appear in public, questioning the communist or the witch, and then we see them as the monsters they truly are. But we all have that within ourselves, and it is our moral duty to be self-aware and not be drawn into such an inner circle as that.

The Trial

Question: Are you, or ever have you been...
A communist, a witch, whatever is seen
To be the enemy, devoid of all rights:
Against those, there are the fights;
And it can be a committee, a small group,
A cabal. But if you are there, in the soup,
Before those faces, accused on trial,
There will be not one friendly smile;
A leak from government, it’s a shame -
But there must be someone to blame;
Because that is all that matters, not truth,
When they just want to pull a bad tooth,
And hide the evidence, so all comes right,
At any rate, in the media and public sight;
Lies, lies, lies, an inquisition covers it,
And will not cease, will not acquit:
Tears, streaming down the victim’s face,
At the accusations, making their case;
Monsters, yes, and we all have that
Within ourselves, to stroke the cat
While reaching out to strangle another:
This is the age of bullies, of Big Brother,
And deceit, to play the power game
Without mercy, keepers of the flame;
And in Toledo, the pendulum swings
Above the pit, protecting their kings;
Creatures of darkness, of the night:
And so often in shadow, out of sight.

A Visit to Bistro Soleil in 1986

Bistro Soleil Restaurant, Jersey United Kingdom

Overlooking the beach at Beaumont, the magnificent panorama of St. Aubin’s Bay, Jersey and the medieval fort, Bistro Soleil manages to mix atmosphere, food and drink perfectly... The Bistro Soleil Restaurant's spacious terrace is the perfect place to while away a leisurely lunch and let the sea breeze blow your cares away... Here enjoying seafood with Muscadet with our Chinon supplier. Décor is bright, airy and perfect for a Restaurant which is drenched in sunshine. The Good Food Guide recommendation singled out their particularly good wine list and manager Chris Power and his team are knowledgeable and always ready to make suggestions. During the Summer months there is the option of al fresco dining but the views from inside the Restaurant make it well worth a visit at any time of year.

January 1986 Campaign: A Visit to Bistro Soleil
By Henry G Littleales, Col. Ret.

This month troops went on intrepid journey into unknown hinterlands of St. Aubin.

Arena - Bistro Soleil. In my day a Bistro meant Paris, discretion, gingham table cloths, and Chianti bottles with candles stuffed in 'em. Now it's bargain night at lighting emporium, striped pine, and hootchy koochy music loud enough to count as sonic weaponry. Personally think it's a Bolshevik plot.

Seventeen chaps mustered in Bistro Soleil bar - I've had more room in latrines on Indian troop trains. Men reviewed menus and made plans of attack only to find more menu on new fangled back-lit wall displays. Made note that enemy very cunning - strategy obviously to confuse.

As front line cramped. troops advanced to open ground of dining room: Here enemy craftily split men between ‘two tables ,- refectory type with bench seating around, for those fellows like yours truly with more mature figure this meant instant immobilisation. Enemy proving more devious by the minute.

Although menu interesting, reports to H.Q. were that quality varied. .

Starters: Fried Brie good, pate not; escargot too garlicky; smoked trout 0.K.; hors d’oeuvres good but too large.

Main: Steak good; fish good; veal cordon bleu texture of old chamois leather; seafood brochettes had more onions and peppers than seafood.

Puds: Most noticeable - trifle. Big enough to have scuppered the Grafspay.

Coffee: Not enough.

Service: Brisk. infrequent and administered by young flibberti-gibbettes in tight tee shirts — not good for a chap's blood pressure.

Wine: Fair but pricey.

However, victory once more to Mensa. We ate their food without visible after effects, drank their wine without choking on the cost, and demanded more coffee.

Enemy’s defences collapsed because they tried to engage in too many sorties at once and did not notice our devious raising of noise level, nor our capture of open space at end when several members held ground on dining room floor for further conversation and exchange of pleasantries while enemy had to wait to close.

Our thanks to the Colonel for stepping, once again, into the breach during the absence of Yvonne Ronez.

A Personal Note from Tony

I used to love the Bistro Soleil, and having tried several other venues, settled as the one of choice for Valentine's day with Annie. It was always good food, and the small intimate surroundings were perfect for the occasion. There would often be a set menu with a "sharing platter" as starter, most suitable for Valentine's day.

The last time I went there was February 2009, the year of her death, and the last time, although I did not know it then, that we would visit. Soon after, it closed and became re-opened as Mark Jordan on the Beach, but I've never been tempted to return. The menus look quite different anyway, and I would not like to spoil those bittersweet memories of our last time together there. The bistro is gone, but the memory of our very special nights there remains.

04/08/2023