The Chapel by the Sea

The Chapel by the Sea

The purple clouds, the sun declining
The chapel looks out across the bay
As the sun sets, the stars are shining
At the ending of this autumn day

Inside, the shadows grow, light is fading
Gabriel tells Mary drawn upon the walls
Flickering in candle light, delicate shading
The darkness softly treads as night falls

Moonlight in the water, turn of the tide
The chapel looks out on a silent night
Once chants within, when monks abide
Now just is calm and peace of candle light

A silhouette of grace in a troubled night
In darkling times, there dwells the light

Joseph Henry Bellows, Great-Great-Grandfather

When Joseph Henry Bellows was born on 15 May 1835 in Clerkenwell, Middlesex, his father, Robert, was 40 and his mother, Etty, was 29. He married Lorenza Phillipe in September 1867 in Islington, Middlesex. They had two children during their marriage. He died on 13 December 1912 in Edmonton, Middlesex, having lived a long life of 77 years.

The Census shows he was a Gold Watch and Pendant Maker.

Joseph Henry Bellows was my Great-Great-Grandfather

I've just recently discovered how he died.

Septuagenarlan's Fatal Accident
Tottenham and Edmonton Weekly Herald - Wednesday 18 December 1912

An inquest was held at Edmonton Workhouse on Friday on Joseph Henry Bellows, aged 77, a resident at the Clock and Watchmakers' Asylum, New Southgate, who died at the Infirmary from injuries. On the evening, of the 2nd inst. the deceased was knocked down by a pair -horse van it was corning out of Bowes-road near the Almshouses.

The driver, a man named Harry Cox, of Homerton, shouted out three or four times to the deceased, who it appears was somewhat deaf and weak-sighted, and also tried to avoid him, hut the deceased kept on his way. After being seen by a doctor he was conveyed to the Tottenham Hospital, where it was found that he had sustained a compound fracture of the arm, a cut on the leg, and many bruises. 

He was treated at that institution, but owing to lack of accommodation could not be admitted, and was taken to the Infirmary, where he died on the 7th inst. Death was attributed to shock from the injuries --The jury in returning a verdict of Accidental death" exonerated the driver of the horses and van from blame

Clock and Watchmakers' Asylum, New Southgate, 

This webpage has details on the Clock and Watchmakers' Asylum, New Southgate (an extract is shown below). The term "Asylum" would be best described as "Refuge".

https://ezitis.myzen.co.uk/clockandwatchmakers.html

While charities existed already for the employers of the clock and watch makers trade and for its working men, it was hoped that an institution could be established to enable both parties to meet on neutral ground. To this end, in 1853 a meeting was held in Clerkenwell, then the centre of the trade. It was presided over by the MP for Clerkenwell and Lord Mayor of London, Thomas Challis.

Following this meeting, the institution was established the same year. It would be known as the Clock and Watchmakers Asylum, a charity which would provide almshouses and pensions for aged and infirm members of the trade and their widows. Fund-raising began and, in January 1854, as he lay on this death bed, even the clockmaker to the Crown, Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy, was approached by a delegation of the trade to discuss the building of almshouses.

However, it was not until 1857 that the foundation stone was laid for the Asylum, A piece of land had been purchased for £700 in a "delightful spot" to the east of Colney Hatch & Southgate station (now New Southgate), served by the Great Northern Railway. Preparation of the site for drainage, etc. had cost an additional £100.

The buildings were of red brick with stone dressings, built in the Tudor style, at a cost of £2,500. It was planned to add two wings later but, at this stage, funds for maintenance had not yet been established.

Those eligible for admission to the Asylum were poor elderly members of the clock and watchmakers trades, regardless of religion, gender or race. No married couple was admitted unless the husband had worked in the trade for 25 years, and no widow unless her late husband had worked for 20 years.

As well as a rent-free home, the almspeople received light, coals and, when needed, medical attendance. Men received an annual stipend of £20, while widows received £13.

In 1925 the trustees applied successfully for royal patronage. In the early 1930s the Asylum was renamed The Homestead (the term 'Asylum' had fallen out of favour in the 1920s).

The almshouses were demolished in the mid 1960s. Their site was redeveloped by Barnet Council. It is now occupied by three large apartment blocks and a driveway - all still called The Homestead.

The Coronation Year 70 Years Ago - October 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 - October 1953 Part 2

19. Two road accidents, one with fatal consequence occur shortly after midnight on Saturday and within half a mile of each other- the first involving a young French motor cyclist, M. Yyes Moisan, who sustained fatal injuries when he crashed head-on into a car near Court Drive, Bel Royal; in the second instance a motorist crashed into a saloon near Victoria House, Victoria Avenue, the occupants of which, four French farm workers, received injuries of varying degrees; at the subsequent inquest held on the body of the motor cyclist a verdict of accidental death was recorded.

21. -Trafalgar Day Ball held at West Park Pavilion, His Excellency the Lt.-Governor and the Bailiff attending.

22.-Jersey Drag Hunt and Chase Club hold opening meet of the season at St. Ouen’s. Autumn field day of Victoria College C.C.F. at Les Blanches Banques.

23—His Excellency the Lt.-Governor attends El Alamein Ball at West Park Pavilion, organized by the local branch of the Royal Artillery Association.

24. Annual general meeting of Jersey Farmers’ Co-operative, a {successful year’s working being revealed

25. Eisteddfod dedication service held at St. Saviour’s Parish Church, a large congregation. Attending. A special service for sportsmen, the first of its kind for many years, held at St. Matthew’s Church, Millbrook.

26. Opening session of the Eisteddfod at Springfield Theatre, this being for pianoforte playing.

27. Special sitting of States: The Vote for the construction of an annexe for Elizabeth House was approved; a long discussion ensued on the purchase of the former Lt.-Governor’s bungalow at St. Ouen’s Bay, which was eventually agreed to ; a protest from Roman 'Catholics alleging discourteous treatment by the Public Instruction Committee was read and referred to the Committee; a letter from the Jersey Communist Party re shortage of water at States housing estates was also referred to the appropriate Committee; a petition alleging injustice against the States presented by Mr. J. R. Starck was rejected ; the Act-Report on the Troglodyte housing scheme was withdrawn, as was also the one on wage-fixing machinery in agriculture ; an Act authorizing the sale by auction of Corbiére Pavilion Hotel was adopted and various other Reports and Acts adopted or lodged.

28. Lady Gresham Nicholson opens Arts and Crafts section of :Eisteddfod in the lower hall at Springfield.

29. Trinity parish rate remains at 2/4 per qtr. despite a £1,500 deficit in. the balance sheet. Annual meeting of Jersey branch of the British Legion, His Excellency the Lt.-Governor accepting patronage.

30.—Two inquests held at the General: Hospital, the first being that on the body of Mr. C. E. Regnault, victim of a recent burning accident at St. Martin’s, a verdict in accordance with medical evidence being recorded ; and on the body of Mr. P. M. Carry and which was adjourned for the Official Analyst’s report. Dr. Alain Bombard gives account of his dramatic voyage across the Atlantic in a rubber dinghy to members of Les Amitiés Franco-Britanniques; on the Saturday he spoke to 1,500 children at The Forum and in the evening to members of the Royal Channel. Islands and St. Helier yacht clubs. Final session of vocal and instrumental section of Eisteddfod held at Springfield. Local branch of Royal Empire Society hear address given by former Governor and Commander-in- Chief of Uganda. ,

31. Large attendance at “La Sethée Jerriaise ” at Springfield, St. Saviour’s winning “Les Enfuntchis ” Cup after a lapse of four years.

Why Humanitarian Aid to Gaza must continue

Why Humanitarian Aid to Gaza must continue

Let them starve, when we asked for aid
Our dear Channel Islands would have paid
No Red Cross Vega, no help come here
The people would die, and disappear
But it was not to be, the Red Cross came
Yet his words remain, to his great shame

( From “The Bulldog Breed”)

By late summer of 1944, after the D-Day landings, the war was turning against Germany. Normandy had been liberated, which effectively cut off the Channel Islands from the German supply lines. Food was running short.

The end of summer that year saw the start of a bitterly cold, harsh winter, and lack of fuel and food meant, effectively, a famine in which many of the Channel Island’s population, already on meagre rations, would not survive. There were 62,000 civilians, 39,000 on Jersey and 23,000 on Guernsey. That was after those born in England, with their families were taken to Camps in Germany, effectively hostages on Hitler's personal command. In total, 2,300 civilians from the Channel Islanders were interned at camps at Bad Wurzach, Biberach and Laufen.

By the 8th September the Channel Islands had an estimated forty five days minimum rations. This did not include medicines and there was also a severe shortage of fuel to cook any food available.

A request was made for food to be supplied by the Red Cross. But Churchill, on 27 September 1944, wrote a note saying: "Let them starve. No fighting. They can rot at their leisure"

The rationale for this was almost certainly that it was felt that the Germans would take the food for themselves. I can hear the same rationale being given today for not supplying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Eventually following an appeal from the Bailiffs of Jersey and Guernsey an International Red Cross ship the SS Vega made five trips to the Islands prior to the liberation in May 1945. The first arriving in Guernsey on 27 December 1944. A further visit was made in June 1945.

My mother’s family was here during the Occupation, and without that aid, they might well have perished. I would not be here today.

When I hear that some saying that Gaza should not be supplied with aid because of that being taken by Hamas, I can still hear the echo of Churchill’s infamous note.

Les Sablons’ project, Planning, and States Sovereignty

"A new walkway and large landscaped vibrant courtyard, from Broad Street through to Commercial Street, will deliver a pedestrianised connection through from the centre of town to Liberty Wharf and will include landscaping with trees and plants and artwork created by local artists who are acclaimed internationally."

"Every aspect of Les Sablons has taken careful consideration into the factors that environmental impacts have on wider social and economic outcomes, with sustainability being central to the development and its surrounding environment. This new central community and socialising space will transform this rundown area and bring new life to St Helier with a space for events and outdoor entertainment."

But it has been turned down by the Assistant Minister!

Mr Young said that it would also be wrong for a States Member to bring a proposition to the Assembly seeking to overturn the Assistant Minister’s rejection. We can’t have this application going to the States Assembly because that would take us back to the days of every decision being made by the Assembly," he said. The law empowers the Minister to be the decision-maker and, if needs be, to go against the recommendation of an inspector, as long as they give their reasons. (Bailiwick Express)


I have to say I disagree strongly with John Young on this.

The States Assembly is and always has been sovereign. 

An example of a Ministerial Decision called to account.

When Guy de Faye introduced a Ministerial decision to permit utility companies access to (and digging up) private gardens, Senator Ben Shenton quite rightly brought a proposition to rescind that decision. That kind of proposition is never taken lightly, and would only be taken (as it was by Ben Shenton) when it is clear that there are good grounds for a Ministerial decision to be robustly challenged.

In November 2007, the Minister made a Ministerial Decision, MD–T-2007-0092, to vary the policy on using the Drainage (Jersey) Law 2005 to serve Notice on third party landowners for the benefit of developers and private individuals.

The new policy would have allowed the serving of Notice to be considered if a Public gain could be demonstrated, namely, if the developer or individual was willing and able to connect additional surrounding properties to the public foul sewer network at his own expense. Under the previous policy, such requests by a developer or individual to serve Notice in this way would not have been entertained.

The Ministerial Decision prompted Senator Ben Shenton to take a Report and Proposition to the States requesting the Minister for Transport and Technical Services to rescind the decision.

The States debate on the proposition was held on 3 June 2008, and the proposition was supported by a large majority of States Members. The change in the law, which was imposed by ministerial order, was overturned in the States a majority of 40 to 5.

A revised decision said "Given the result of the debate, it is believed that it is now appropriate to re-confirm the original policy on the use of the Drainage Law on behalf of developers or private individuals. In essence, the Minister will not use his powers under the Drainage (Jersey) Law 2005 to serve notice on third party land owners for the benefit of developers or private individuals."

Against Guidelines and the Inspector

Hilary Jeune (according to John Young) would have taken advice before rejecting the plans. If she did, on planning grounds, let's see the advice anonymised, as I am completely sceptical.

"The law empowers the Minister to be the decision-maker and, if needs be, to go against the recommendation of an inspector, as long as they give their reasons.”

Hilary Jeune gave reasons, but these seem to be just opinions as the Planning Inspector found the development did NOT contravene the Planning Laws or guidelines. So to refuse comes down to personal views. I have always thought that Ministerial decisions have from the start given far too much power to a minister without redress. But that is surely why the Assembly is sovereign.

A very subjective judgement

In this case, the revised plans were within planning guidelines, they were recommended by approval by the Inspector, but Hilary Jeune said it would be "“overbearing and oppressive” and “failed to make a positive contribution to the local character and distinctiveness of the place, as it does not successfully respond to its context to ensure that the enhancement of identity, character and the creation of a durable and safe sense of place”.

I've seen the plans and the how it will look (https://www.lemasurier.co.uk/les-sablons/) as well as the notes on it, and quite frankly I cannot see we are looking at the same design. If Hilary Jeune thinks it  "oppressive" she seems to be completely lacking any aesthetic sense. If I was to take anything as "oppressive", it would be the large cubical buildings of the International Finance Centre. Is this her judgement or a whim? 

In conclusion

To suggest that if the States on one occasion, vote on a proposition to rescind her decision is not, as John Young suggests, to "open the floodgates" to every planning decision. Nonsense! The question really should be: should such an important development (and these do not occur on an everyday basis) which has the approval of an inspector, be open to reconsideration. And I think the answer has to be yes. Obviously it cannot come from within the Council of Ministers, but the Constable of St Helier, for example, could bring a proposition to that effect. 

The history, above all, is clear, that a Ministerial decision can - and has - been overturned by the States. The history also shows that this is a rare event, and not as scaremongering might say, opening floodgates to others. 

Loo with a View

This is the view from a hotel on the waterfront at Havre des Pas, which inspired this limerick. Thanks to my friend who supplied the photo!

Loo with a View

There was once a remarkable loo
Which had such a wonderful view
Where you sat on the seat
You were in for a treat
As were outsiders looking in, too

The Coronation Year 70 Years Ago - October 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 - October 1953 Part 1

1.—Exhibition of modern photography opened at the Barreau Art Gallery by the Earl of Jersey. Annual dinner and prize-giving of Jersey Sea Fishing Club. Memories of the Opera House as a “live " theatre recalled in BBC. broadcast on the Home Service.

2.—Three-parish autumn cattle show held at St. Ouen. Second inquest this week on a patient who died at the Hospital following an operation for removal of cataract, the deceased in. this case being Mr. J. M. Huet, aged 79,’ a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence being recorded.

3.-—Before the Royal Court to-day, Leonard Wm. Boddy (22) charged with the theft of. £120 from No. 1 Silvertide, Havre des Pas, is sentenced to nine months hard labour. Jersey Central A.B.C. defeats St. Servannais in. boxing tournament at Springfield.

6.—Before the Police Court four men charged with setting fire to a lorry on the beach were discharged, the police failing to prove their case. Appeal dismissed in the case Tunbridge v. States Housing Committee heard before the Full Court today. St. John and St. Lawrence autumn cattle show held at Midlands, St. Lawrence.

7. Inquest held at the General Hospital on one-year-old child who died whilst under operation, a post mortem revealing abnormal conditions of the glands, a verdict in accordance with this being returned. Trinity and St. Martin cattle Show.

8.--Autumn sitting of Assise d’Heritage held at the Royal Court, the customary guard of halberdiers being mounted. Verdict in accordance with medical evidence recorded at inquest held on the body of Mrs. Ellen Whiffen, who died following a. fall at her home. First of three-night presentations by the British and Foreign Bible Society. “150 Not Out,” staged at Springfield. St. Brelade’s cattle show held near Red Houses, Les Quennevais. Minquiers—Ecréhous case concludes at The Hague, judgment being reserved.

9.—Grouville parish assembly fixes rate at 2/-, as last year. St. Clement's cattle show held in field near Samarés Manor.

12.—-Local auxiliary of British and Foreign Bible Society give luncheon to visiting missioners.

13,—Grouville and St. Saviour combined cattle show held at Fairview Farm; St Saviour. Mr. Ph. Ahier, B.Sc., gives talk on Jersey crosses to Round Tablers.

14 —Autumnn session of Les Amitiés Franco-Britanniques opens at the Ritz Hotel with talk by M. Georges Rottier, economist and author.

15.—The new Lieut-Governor, Admiral Sir Gresham Nicholson, K.B.E., O.B.., D.S.O., D.S.C., arrives on the destroyer H.M.S. Finisterre, and later in a dignified and colourful ceremony in the Royal Court takes oath of office. Gillie Potter, stage and radio celebrity, opens Trinity Church Bazaar. R.J.A. and HS. fruit and flower show held at Springfield, the- W.I. home and garden exhibition being held in the annexe. Gorey Regatta annual dinner held at Castle Green Hotel.

16. —Jersey Debating Club opens winter session with discussion on “Are Residents Sacrificed to Tourism.”

17.—The Jersey Society of Artists 1953 exhibition opens at the Museum Gallery.

Ethical Standards and the States

Moz Scott's proposition on ethic standards for States Members has some good ideas, but is vitiated by its lack of substance. This has laid it open to criticism from PPC. I consider two areas she proposes and also how some part of these should overlap with other organisations and also the civil service, and where some parts of training should be mandatory.

Professional Standards

Moz suggests "that the professional standards detailed within the Code of Conduct for elected Members should be revised to better align with best ethical standards and practice in professional organisations outside the States Assembly and civil service."

PPC responded:

"The Committee agrees that the Code of Conduct for elected Members needs to be revised. The Committee has discussed this with the Commissioner for Standards who will be sending a letter to the Committee with her suggestions for change in due course.... . The Commissioner would like to see the professional standards aligned to codes of conduct within other political systems. Given this view, the Committee would be concerned if it were stipulated that standards would need to align with random professional organisations"

Mandatory Training

Moz suggests "that provision should be made within Standing Orders to make it mandatory for all elected States Members to attend training relating to the Code of Conduct and its interpretation"

PPC responded: "The Committee has recently discussed whether the Code of Conduct should include a mechanism whereby some training packages are mandatory. This followed a number of comments made by the Commissioner for Standards in her recent report highlighting the importance of training for members: “Public life as an elected member requires professionalism and high standards; in this respect, training (both formal and on-thejob) is essential”. The Committee decided not to pursue this and agreed to explore alternative routes in the first instance. In that regard, the Committee has requested the States Greffe to record and publish attendance levels on all training sessions which the Committee hopes will encourage greater turnout by members. Therefore, the Committee does not support this part of the proposition."

Giving Substance to the Idea 

I can think of three areas where training should be mandatory, and that should be included in the standards for States Members. In each case, I cite a public record of a case which illustrates where a States member could have done with training. This is very different from the vagaries of Moz Sdcott's proposition (which I think should be rejected in its current form) but highlights areas for improvement.

Data protection: This should be mandatory to ensure that States members do not breach Data protection. At least three States members have done so in the past, one in response to issues regarding housing where they either deliberately or inadvertently gave information which would identify a particular tenant. Training can help prevent breaches.

See:

https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2004/01/29/data-protection-housing-may-have-to-pay-out/

Anti-Money laundering. Given that States members are, by virtue of their position as members of the States, counted as PEPs (Politically exposed persons), they should all have basic training in Anti-Money Laundering, and how to ensure they should act in relation to anything they suspect is money laundering.

See:

https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2015/03/09/money-laundering-20-major-fraud-cases-active-in-jersey-police-reveal/

And certainly as mandatory for any States members in contact with young or vulnerable people, a basic training course in Safeguarding would well be advisable. Not illegal but certainly seen by many as inappropriate behaviour by a States member demonstrates a need for that.

See 

https://jerseyeveningpost.com/voices/2021/04/28/your-children-arent-immune-from-online-grooming-trust-me/

Now it may be that States members do attend such training as that cited as a matter of course, and the PPC note that "the Committee has requested the States Greffe to record and publish attendance levels on all training sessions" is a good start, but for those involved in handling personal data, and having oversight of extensive funds, and (especially in education) connections with young people, I would say these are professional industry wide standards for large organisations which should be mandatory, and are not just those of "random professional organisations".

Those who live by the sword

The painting by Paul Nash is a suitable backdrop for this poem, which reflects on the Israel-Gaza war, and the dreadful way in which so many innocents are caught up in this conflict and killed.

Those who live by the sword

With no warning, suddenly they came
A feast party, young people, and joy
Shot after shot, world turned to flame
Death to all, even young girl and boy

Homes invaded, the spectre of the gun
Rockets soaring across the night sky
And in finality, who has really won
When so many innocents will die

War beyond frontiers, without end
Ploughshares to swords, reversal
How to heal the broken and mend
Where hate and fear so universal

We must try to gather shards of light
And bring peace where there is fight

Snippets from the Actes des Etats - 1780-1800 - Part 3

Snippets from the Actes des Etats - 1780-1800
Translated by Francis Le Cornu, Comments by Tony

During the 18th century, France and England were almost constantly at war as the European nation states struggled to achieve a balance of power. And the States had to pay their way for the war preparations. Jersey, no more than 15 miles from the French coast, was clearly at risk of invasion.

June 1780

"Upon the proposal of Monsieur the Lieutenant Governor, it is ordered by the States, in order to prevent any delay in the execution of orders given by said Mr. Governor for the defence of the island, that any order addressed by him to the Colonels concerning any provisions falling within the Connétables' responsibility shall have a copy of such orders, as they pertain to said Connétables, sent to them by the respective Colonels, so that they may provide what may be necessary on their part, and as for the ordinary expenses that the Colonels may incur on the Governor's orders for the preservation of munitions, the Connétables shall be obligated to pay such expenses upon the attestation of the Colonel."

The following segment of proceedings is fascinating because it not just mentions the coastal defences, but goes into the provisioning of them, both with ammunition, and with "biscuit bread" - this was bread, which was dried out in a cooling oven until it was like a rusk. 

"The Storekeepers or Magazines Keepers in the Batteries or Towers of different Districts shall be appointed by Monsieur the Governor on the recommendation of the Colonel, and biscuit bread at the rate of three pounds per person shall be provided in each parish at the respective parish's expense. Two pierriers shall be provided for each of the Towers, along with the necessary ammunition for their use. Three platforms shall be constructed near the Cross Well in the Bay between St. Helier and St. Aubin for the cannons located there, and those at Anne-Port, St. Helier, and St. Laurent shall be repaired if found necessary. Furthermore, it is ordered that whenever Monsieur the Governor deems it necessary, individuals with horses shall be obliged to transport them to the locations he deems appropriate for use in opposing enemy landings."

War also led to the seizure of French shipping, which was forfeit, a spoil of war, and was to be broken up for wood for defensive platforms.

"It has been reported to the States that two French vessels, named La Syrene and La Navire Madeleine, were detained on this island by Monsieur the Lieutenant Governor at the beginning of hostilities between England and France, and that they would be harmful in the St. Aubin Harbour. The States, taking this matter into consideration and finding it very difficult to obtain suitable wood for constructing several platforms ordered for the defence of the island, have requested Monsieur the Lieutenant Governor to remove the said vessels from the harbour where they are harmful and to meet the public needs for the defence of the island by allowing the said vessels to be appraised by experts before the Officer of Justice for public use, paying the amount of such appraisal for the benefit of whomever it may concern. Subsequently, the Connétable of the Parish of St. Helier is authorized to dismantle one of the said vessels for the works on the east side, and Ph. Robin, Esquire, Justice, and the Connétable of St. Brelade for the one remaining in St. Aubin, all for the public interest."


July 1780

Tumbrils, mentioned here, were a specific kind of open cart that tilted backwards to empty out its load. Famously, or infamously, there were used during the French revolution (which began in 1791) to ferry condemned prisoners to the gullotine.

"Upon the representation of Monsieur the Lieutenant Governor, the States have ordered that the Connétables shall have sheds constructed to shelter the tumbrils that are expected from England, in the places that are found most suitable in the parishes where the magazines are insufficient, at the expense of each parish." 

"In the event of opposition regarding the locations proposed by said Mr. Governor for the encampment of troops, the Committee for the Defence of the Island is jointly authorized with him to make the necessary arrangements for this purpose. Specifically, in St. Marie, the common land of the Fief des Craquevilles near Crabey, in Trinity to the west of Bouley, at Tas de Geon, and at Nez du Guet to the northwest of Rozel, and in St. Martin, at Verd Clû, the lands of Mr. Charles Ph. Godfray Senior and at La Crête. Furthermore, it is ordered that the platform at the Rozel Harbor shall be raised higher to accommodate two cannons, and the Connétable of the Parish of Trinity is authorized for this purpose."

August 1780

In August 1780, the States were aware of the wider world, as news came of "insurrections" in London. In parliamentary procedure, a "humble address" as we see here is a communication from the houses of States to the monarch.

"Monsieur the Lieutenant Governor, having presented to the States a letter he received from one of His Majesty's Secretaries of State, along with copies of His Majesty's Address to Parliament and the Addresses from both Houses to His Majesty regarding recent insurrections in the capital of his kingdom, the States have deemed it necessary on this occasion to send a humble Address to His Majesty. To this end, they have approved an Address, which the Clerk is authorized to sign so that, once transmitted to His Excellency General Conway, our Chief Governor, it may be presented to His Majesty in the manner he deems most suitable."

What was this insurrection in the capital? They were the Gordon riots.

The Gordon Riots of 1780 were several days of rioting in London motivated by anti-Catholic sentiment. They began with a large and orderly protest against the Papists Act 1778, which was intended to reduce official discrimination against British Catholics enacted by the Popery Act 1698. Lord George Gordon, head of the Protestant Association, argued that the law would enable Catholics to join the British Army and plot treason. The protest led to widespread rioting and looting, including attacks on Newgate Prison and the Bank of England and was the most destructive in the history of London.

Violence started later on 2 June 1780, with the looting and burning of Catholic chapels in foreign embassies. Local magistrates, afraid of drawing the mob's anger, did not invoke the Riot Act. There was no repression until the government finally sent in the army, resulting in an estimated 300–700 deaths. The main violence lasted until 9 June 1780.

Concluding Remarks

In the final section (for the time being) of the Actes des Etats, we see plans being laid for the defense of the Island, for platforms for cannons, for the provisioning and transport of troops. The burden of the logistics for this was laid at the feet of the Connétables, and the cost of much of this was also a burden on the Connétables, or to be more exact, funded from the ratepayers of the Parishes. There was, of course, no income tax.

Gas and the Government

 

The UK has a government department - Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) which has the following functions:

"The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is focused on the energy portfolio from the former Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)."

It lists its responsibilities:

- delivering security of energy supply
- ensuring properly functioning energy markets
- encouraging greater energy efficiency
- seizing the opportunities of net zero to lead the world in new green industries

Now "delivering security of energy supply" is certainly something which our Government should be involved with, especially after the recent gas outage. In this respect it maintains a national emergency plan (last updated in 2023) for emergencies relating to electricity and gas.

I'd like to focus on the following areas, and highlight where our government could, and should, be more proactive.

Oversight of Business Continuity Management

DESNZ continues to work closely with industry and regulators to continually improve and maintain the resilience of energy infrastructure, networks and assets to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure an effective response to actual or potentially disruptive incidents. The Gas and Electricity sectors regularly conduct testing as part of their safety obligations, including through: • Internal training and exercises, • Bilateral tabletop exercises on specific risks, • Full industry annual exercises with Government participation (including scenarios with loss of supply to customers), and • Business Continuity Management planning (including pandemic planning and learning from Covid-19).

This lists details of business continuity planning by industries, and includes "Full industry annual exercises with Government participation (including scenarios with loss of supply to customers)".  This is certainly something which could be done, and provides both oversight of the disaster planning, but also means the government knows what plans are in place before a disaster happens.

Communications

Communication and engagement with both the public and media during an emergency response is a critical function and it is vital that external communications are co-ordinated, consistent, clear and timely. To ensure effective co-ordination of messaging, detailed arrangements have been established between industry partners and DESNZ. Specific responsibilities and the balance of focus between organisations will differ depending on the nature of the incident, although in most incidents it is expected that industry parties will take the lead with communications, amplified via UK Government channels, the UK Government will lead communications in more serious emergencies, as defined in the communications plan.

Communications have improved significantly from Island Energy from Saturday where they were dreadful, but channels of communication could be using government help, especially for the more vulnerable - the elderly, the deaf community - where internet access may not be available, and where use of the telephone is not appropriate. It always seems to be assumed that everyone can hear well! As someone with two hearing aids, who struggles on the telephone, and who knows others who cannot even use a telephone, I am disappointed by the lack of alternatives highlighted. The government has access to SignVideo which could provide a signed BSL message, and any video information either by the gas company or the government should include BSL and subtitles if there is a significant issue, as with the gas outage.

Examples:

"We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused and thank all our customers for their support whilst we have been managing this issue. If you wish to get in touch with us then please call on, 01534 755500 " (Island Energy). No use for the deaf.

The YouTube Video (to turn off the gas supply) had autogenerated subtitles if you know how to turn them on, and these are not always exact.

Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) Emergencies

GDNs own and operate the local gas transmission and distribution systems and manage local emergencies affecting their own networks. In the event of an emergency GDNs will: • Co-operate with the GSO and NEC to manage a national emergency. • For a regional incident, develop a response strategy to resolve the situation. • Co-ordinate response activities across their organisation to resolve the situation and minimise customer impacts. This will involve LRF/Ps and SCGs who are multi-agency partnerships made up of representatives from local public services, including the emergency services, local authorities, the NHS, the Environment Agency and others. • For a regional incident, lead on public communications. • Provide timely and accurate updates to DESNZ and equivalent Electricity Networks to understand relevant crosssector impacts in event of a supply disruption. • Assist vulnerable customers who may need additional support, GDNs are required to maintain a Priority Services Register (PSR)

Following remarks above about the elderly, infirm and deaf, the law should have a statutory requirement for Island Energy (and also the JEC) to maintain a special register. Of most signicance is this  - Assist vulnerable customers who may need additional support, GDNs are required to maintain a Priority Services Register (PSR). Note the word "required"!

References

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-energy-security-and-net-zero

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1175172/national-emergency-plan-downstream-gas-and-electricity.pdf

Landscapes of the Night

One from the archive today, from 24th November 2004.

Landscapes of the Night

Dreams swirl into consciousness, alight
Fleetingly, then vanish into the night.
Yet conjure up a lake, hillside and town
Cinderella glorious dancing in her gown
Dark woods, where cries the tawny owl
A strange figure, wearing cloak and cowl
A caravan, an old woman reading cards
Mist swirling around nearby graveyards
Horses galloping furiously in fast pursuit
Gorse flowering, and trees ripe with fruit
The sea cascading on the beach in waves
The cold dark figure beside the graves
These are the denizens of dreaming time
They wander so silently as if in mime
Visions of the landscapes of the night
Vanish like the dew in waking light.

Snippets from the Actes des Etats - 1780-1800 - Part 2

Snippets from the Actes des Etats - 1780-1800
Translated by Francis Le Cornu, Comments by Tony

April 1780 - Costs and the War Time Preparations

The costs of the defence of the Island in time of war mount up. The sum here would be of the order of £885,000 pounds today. Part of this defence were the Conway towers. Work had begun began in 1779, after a failed French landing at St Ouen's Bay on 1 May 1779. One interesting snippet is the provisioning of the towers -  they were to have "half a hundredweight of biscuit bread in a barrel and two barrels of water to be stored in each of the towers"

"The Committee for the Defence of the Island has reported to the States on the assessments made for public works ordered for the fortification of the Island, following the application of Monsieur the Lieutenant Governor. These assessments, for the works ordered in the parishes of St. Owen, St. Peter, St. Brelade, Trinity, and St. Martin, amount to the sum of six thousand, six hundred, sixty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings, four pence, as per the King's directive. This does not include the expenses in the parishes of St. Helier, St. John, and St. Clement."

"The committee has also suggested in its report that it would be necessary to have a salaried inspector in the parishes of St. Martin, Trinity, and St. Brelade, where the ordered works are significant and scattered along the coast, as a means to moderate the costs and expedite the said works. The States, having considered the report, have approved it and authorized the committee to negotiate with suitable individuals to oversee and manage the said works. They are also authorized to take prompt measures, securing the cooperation of constables, workers, and necessary materials to fulfil these vital objectives for the security of the country."

And a boat is also authorised to go out and keep an eye on French boats. The fires that were spotted and the French boats which appeared to change course after they were lit has been taken very seriously.

"Additionally, the States have authorized the committee, in conjunction with Monsieur the Lieutenant Governor, to hire a boat to patrol the coast of France to monitor enemy movements."

"It is further ordered that after the work on the ramparts has been completed by the inhabitants for this year, two days' work may be diverted from the roadworks to complete the work if found necessary. Lastly, the constables shall provide half a hundredweight of biscuit bread in a barrel and two barrels of water to be stored in each of the towers."

The Sunken Boat

"It has been reported to the States that one of the French vessels arrested in this Island by Monsieur the Lieutenant Governor at the beginning of hostilities between England and France, named the "Sueliac" remains sunk in the harbour of St. Aubin at every tide, contrary to the laws, to the detriment of the harbour. Monsieur the Lieutenant Governor has declared that the Harbour Master has lodged complaints with him. The States, taking this matter into consideration and finding it very difficult to obtain suitable wood for several platforms ordered for the defence of the Island, have requested Monsieur the Lieutenant Governor to remove the said vessel from the harbour, where it is causing harm, and to provide for the public requirements for the defence of the Island. They consent that the said vessel be appraised by experts before an officer of justice, for the use of the public, paying the amount of such appraisal for the benefit of whomever it may concern. Following this, Philip Robin, Esquire, Chief Judge, and the Constable of St. Brelade are authorized to take care, once the said vessel has been appraised, to manage the matter in the public interest."

May 1780

And now we have the appointment of a special person to be responsible for delivery of munitions. The Lieutenant Governor was clearly unhappy with the way the Constables had been handling things, and a degree of centralised control was required, although the Constables were still responsible for providing carts for transport - and pay the costs of this endeavour. 

"Monsieur the Lieutenant Governor, having represented to the States that, in order to make the service less burdensome regarding the delivery of the necessary munitions for the defence of the Island by His Majesty's Store-keeper, and to avoid the confusion that results from the customary manner until now, in which said munitions pass through the hands of the Constables; the States, upon the recommendation of Monsieur the Lieutenant Governor, have decided that the Colonels of the Militia Regiments will appoint a suitable person, respectively, to receive and issue receipts for the munitions that Monsieur the Governor will order to be delivered from time to time from His Majesty's stores for the defence of the Island. The Constables will then arrange for the necessary carts or vehicles for the transportation of such munitions to the designated locations. The expenses for these transports, as well as all other incidental expenses for the preservation and good condition of the said munitions, shall be paid by the Constables in their respective parishes, based on a certification from the Colonel of the Regiment that they were incurred."

Concluding Remarks

The 18th century was a period of political tension between Britain and France, as the two nations clashed all over the world as their ambitions grew. Because of its position, Jersey was more or less on a continuous war footing.

The threat of invasion was very real. In 1779, a French force under the command of the Prince of Nassau-Siegen attempted a landing at St Ouen's Bay. Early that morning lookouts sighted five large vessels and a great number of boats s, proceeding towards the coast to effect a landing. Guns on the cutters and small craft supporting the landing fired grapeshot at the defenders on the coast.

The defenders, the half regiment of 78th Seaforth Highlanders and Jersey militia, together with some field artillery that they dragged through the sand of the beaches, had by fast marching arrived in time to oppose the landing. The defenders were able to prevent the landing, suffering only a few men wounded when a cannon burst. The French vessels withdrew, first holding off a league from the coast before leaving the area entirely.

The defence by coastal towers was the strategy devised by General Conway to protect Jersey, and here we see in the States the granular details for building, fortifying and supplying the defences.