Sunday Reflections: Prayer in Tom Brown’s Schooldays

Prayer in Tom Brown’s Schooldays, the 1951 movie.

Tom Brown’s Schooldays has had a number of movie versions. 

Of them all, my favourite is the 1951 version. Robert Newton, as Headmaster Dr Thomas Arnold, manages to portray goodness in a subtle way – that’s very hard to do, and it shows what a good actor he was. 

Tom, played by John Howard Davies, is brave and kind, brave in standing up to the bully Flashman (who has previously tortured him brutally), kind in taking the young boy George Arthur under his wing when asked to by Dr Arnold. His best friend is Harry “Scud” East.

The film's exteriors were shot on location at Rugby School, giving the picture its strong flavour of authenticity.

Dr Arnold picks Tom to look after Arthur because he saw him at a distance, scared, lonely on his first day, shy to make friends, and he had gone to the chapel to pray (see photo above):

Dr Arnold: I debated some time before I chose you for the task. Do you remember the first day that you came here and you went into the chapel alone and you knelt down and prayed?
Tom: Yes, sir.
Dr Arnold: Well, that's just how young Arthur feels now.

Arthur’s father has died, and he is a lonely young and vulnerable young boy. Flashman tries to get him to act as a “fag” (servant) for him. Fagging was a traditional practice in British public schools and also at many other boarding schools, whereby younger pupils were required to act as personal servants to the eldest boys. 

However Tom cleverly manages to get another older boy (Diggs) whom they have befriended to pre-emptively take on Arthur as a “fag” while not actually asking him to do anything. Tom meanwhile reassures Arthur that he is not to worry; he is being protected from the bully.

[A bit of personal history, at secondary school, a clever but rather shy boy was moved up a class, and a small group of our friends, including me, were asked by a senior master to keep an eye on him, make him welcome, and ensure he wasn’t bullied. There was an attempt to bully him, but we put a stop to it, and made him part of our science minded group. So this resonates very strongly with me!]

Unlike the 1940 movie, which really does not address the religious impetus behind Dr Arnold’s reforming the school, this movie really puts it at the heart and centre. And a key component of this is how prayer forms part of the backbone of the story.

The film looks at prayer for the sick, unanswered prayer, and how one just prayer might make a difference.

Being well brought up, Tom says his prayers at night, but his friend does not, and we don’t at first know why:

Tom: Why don't you ever say your prayers, Scud?
Scud: Because I don't want to, that's why.
Tom: Don't you believe in God?
Scud: That's got nothing to do with it.

Later on we will find the reason, but this is a pointer to what is to come.

Out one day, the boys witness a fight between Flashman and a young local farmer (Ned Taylor) – Flashman has been making unwanted advances towards her, and has been warned to stay away. He has not, and they have a terrific fight which ends with Flashman being knocked into the fast flowing river. Taylor has left Flashman to his fate, so Tom, Scud and Arthur go to rescue him – even a Flashman, cruel and vicious though he is, cannot be left to drown.

They manage to get Flashman out, but are soaked in the process. Arthur catches a chill, which develops unto a fever, which is life threatening.

In the assembly, Dr Arnold says a public prayer for him which is very much both a prayer for healing and a prayer for acceptance of God’s mercy, whatever that might be:

Let us pray.
Almighty and ever-loving God, maker of mankind,
who dost correct those whom thou dost love
and chastise everyone whom thou dost receive,
we beseech thee to have mercy on this, thy servant,
visited with thine hand,
and to grant that he may take his sickness patiently
and recover his bodily health,
if it be thy gracious will.
And whensoever his soul shall depart from the body
it may be without spot presented unto thee.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord... ..amen.

The boys whisper to each other, and there’s a degree of light humour within the gravity of the situation.

Boy1: He must be pretty sick for the Doctor to pray for him like that.
Boy2: It's practically a burial service.
Boy 1: Oh, shut up! It isn't! People pray for the sick lots of time. It's in the ordinary service.
Boy 2: Well, I'd feel jolly rum if I thought people were praying for ME!
Boy 1: Don't worry, nobody ever will. And if you snuffed it, the school would get a half holiday.

Although their code of honour prevents them from telling Dr Arnold about the altercation with Flashman, Tom approaches Dr Arnold after the service.

Dr Arnold: Yes, Brown?
Tom: Is he going to get well?
Dr Arnold: If it is God's will.
Tom: It's all my fault.
Dr Arnold: Arthur doesn't think so. He begged me to let you see him. If it were possible, I would.
Tom: Is there anything I can do, sir?
Dr Arnold: You can pray for him.

Tom has shown – in his kindness in protecting Arthur, in his courage fighting Flashman, that he can act when action is needed, but this narrative tells us that when no other action will help, prayer is the one action left. Sometimes that is all we can do. 

Later, Tom discusses prayer with Scud:

Tom: But supposing Arthur doesn't get well?
Scud: It's just hard lines, that's all. We all have to die sometime.
Tom: Would you like to?
Scud: I wouldn't sit up and howl about it and expect everyone to go around praying for me. That's one thing that's certain.
Tom: Doesn't your mother want you to pray?
Scud: You leave my mother out of this! She's all right. There's nothing wrong with my mother!
Tom: I didn't say there was.
Scud: She went away because she was unhappy, not because she didn't care about... Go away and leave me alone, will you?
Tom: Yes, all right, if you want me to. I still think it would help if we said our prayers.
Scud: I once prayed for my mother to come back home. But she never came. There's no-one listening to you when you pray. There's no-one there.
Tom: Go back to bed. Arthur will be all right. Stop worrying.
Boys: Goodnight. Goodnight.

And now we have the truth of why Scud does not pray. His mother leaving the home- we are never told why – was heart-breaking to Scud when he was younger, and he prayed but nothing happened, so he has given up on prayer and developed a hard protective shell where that is concerned.

C.S. Lewis, in real life, prayed for his mother when he was very young, and she was dying of cancer. She died, and that was the trigger which caused him to lose his faith. 

But now Tom looks from his bed and sees Scud is kneeling by his bed, now praying, after all.

Morning comes and Tom asks a college porter of any news:

Porter: Yes, Master Brown?
Tom: Have you heard how Arthur is this morning?
Porter: No, I ain't. That Dr Bates is still up there with him, been there all along, since midnight last night. And Dr Arnold, he ain't been to bed yet neither. And no-one's allowed near, nor in nor out. But I'll let you know as soon as I hear word.
Scud: I told you it wouldn't do any good. There's no-one listening to you when you pray.

The boys are summoned to Dr Arnold’s study where Flashman is standing. He gives his account of how they were fooling around and pushed Arthur in the water, and he rescued them. The boys say nothing, they will not betray the school code. But then Dr Arnold calls the farmer Ned Taylor in from the other room, and the true story comes out. Flashman’s lies are exposed, and he is sent way to gather his belongings and leave, expelled in disgrace.

After he has gone, Dr Arnold calls Tom and Scud to follow him to another room, where Mrs Arthur is waiting for them.

Dr Arnold: Mrs Arthur, this is Brown and this is East. (to Tom and Scud) This is Arthur's mother. She wished to meet you both.
Tom: How do you, ma'am?
Scud: How do you do, ma'am?
Mrs Arthur: How do you do, Tom?
Mrs Arthur: How do you do, Scud?

Mrs Arthur: My son insisted on my seeing you and I wanted to see you on my own account... to thank you.
Tom: To thank us?
Mrs Arthur: Last night, we thought my son was going to die but he's begun to get well. It was because he had something to live for, something he never had before he came here, something he lost when his father died...companionship and the protection that you've given him. He said I had to come and see you as soon as I could to say that he'll soon be up and about again. He wanted me to thank you for being with him all last night. Both of you.
Tom: What did he mean by that?
Mrs Arthur: He said that he fell into a sleep... and didn't want to wake up. And then you and Scud came to him and called him back.
Tom: We did? Then he's going to be all right?
Mrs Arthur: The doctor says the crisis is past and he'll mend steadily from now on.
Scud: Then there was someone there all the time.
Tom: He means when he prayed last night.
Mrs Arthur: Yes, there was someone there. He heard and answered. It must have been the one prayer He was waiting for.

Now as we all know, and as we see through Scud with his own mother, not all prayers are answered, and when it comes to healing the sick, as an example here, Dr Arnold’s prayer mirrors that of Gethsemane – “Let thy will be done”.

Yet this story, as it unfolds, also shows us how it may be presumptive to just write off prayer, to take it that no one is listening. Sometimes prayer is answered, and it may be that sometimes, our prayer is that one prayer that is needed.

Listening

Listening

I hear a voice that calls "be kind"
"And caring be your ways"
"Compassion, care and always mind"
"In purer life your service find"
This is the call that stays

This is the call that must be heard
Like a wave upon the sea
The lovely calling of sea bird
Listen now and hear the word
The word that sets us free

The dappled sunlight in the tree
The sun on hills above
So full glorious, this vision free
An opening to eternity
A word calls out in love

The sacred grove in quietness
Where all our strivings cease;
And letting go of strain and stress
And let reflected glory bless
A word that brings us peace

In praise and prayer be our desire
The singing of this psalm
This is the still point we require
After earthquakes, storms, and fire
Comes quiet voice of calm

1965 - 60 years ago - April Part 1

1965 - 60 years ago - April Part 1

1.—Annual dinner of St. Brelade's Municipality, the Bailiff being the principal guest.

2.—Prison sentences of twelve and nine months respectively were imposed on Hugh Joseph Hardy and David Kelly at the Royal Court today for breaking in and larceny in St. Brelade and St. Helier.--The Jersey Debating Club's last session of the season, the subject being of a facetious nature.

5.—Fog hits Jersey Airport on the first big weekend of the year and among the thousands of travellers whose flights were either cancelled or delayed were beat the Budget " honeymoon couples from the mainland.—Presented to the Island by the men of the Trees, a tree commonly known as the Giant Redwood of America, planted by the Bailiff in the Howard Davis Park in memory of Sir Winston Churchill.

6,—First of the annual Honeymoon Ball inaugurated by the Tourism Committee held at West Park Pavilion, more than 250 newly-married couples attending. The Jersey Festival Choir perform Bach's “St.; Matthew Passion" at Wesley Grove Church, they being conducted by Sir Thomas Armstrong, Principal of the Royal Academy of Music.

7.—A woman's face, arms and body were badly burned just before a.m. today when there was an explosion aboard her houseboat, the Elizabeth, berthed in St. Aubin's Harbour.

8.—Inquests on the victims of two gassing tragedies were held at the, Hospital yesterday, the first being on the body of 81-year-old Mr. Michael Butler, found dead in his room at 10 Hilgrove Street, a verdict of accidental gassing being recorded; in the second, on 69-year-old Mrs Violet Dorothy Bretel, found dead in the kitchen of her home in Richmond Road, a verdict of suicide by gassing returned. In the semi-final game of the Muratti played at Springfield between Jersey and Alderney, the home team gained an easy win by 8-0. St. Saviour's Municipal Ball held at West Park Pavilion, His Excellency the Lieut.-Governor and. Lady Villiers being among the principal guests.

9.—A plea of guilty to the charge of murder was entered on behalf of 25-year-old Richard Harding Murray Stableford at the Royal Court today and accused was sent before the Full Court for sentence.

10.----The Royal Court sat specially this morning to deal with 14 school boys, aged between 13 and 15, who appeared various charges of breaking and entering and larceny over a period from January, 1964, to January 1965, various terms of probation being imposed. Chamber of Commerce] annual dinner held at the Grand Hotel. The Winston Churchill Memorial Appeal Fund sponsored by "The Evening Post” closed today with the total at £9,101 10s. 6d.

12.—An application made on. behalf of Ernest George Moody for leave to appeal to the Superior Number against a nine months sentence was dismissed today by the Bailiff, who was sitting as the sole judge in the first public sitting of the new Court of Appeal in the Island.

14.—Jersey's “splendid contribution” to the Sir Winston Churchill Memorial Fund -cheques totalling £9,101 19s. 6d. the donations of the people of Jersey, were handed to Lord Alexander of Tunis. the chairman of the fund, in London today by Mr. A. G. Harrison, C.B.E., managing tutor of “The Evening Post ", organizers of the appeal.

15.—Twenty-six people were killed when a Dakota of British United Airways crashed in dense fog in a field near the Airport yesterday evening at 7 o'clock ; the. 22-year-old air hostess, a French girl who sustained, two broken legs, was the only survivor among the 23 passengers And crew of four on board. Nine Channel Islanders were among the victims, the majority being French, Italian and. Portuguese workers arriving for the season.

17.—The inquest on the 26 victims of the air disaster at St. Peter opened at the General Hospital today and was adjourned after evidence identification had been given.

Sunday Reflections: D-Day to V.E. Day

Sunday Reflections

A few of my favourite quotes, and a bit of the patchwork to pull them together. It is, I think, appropriate in this 80th anniversary of V.E. Day, to look back at steps along that path.

Having listened to some discussions recently, it strikes me that one of the difficulties even Christians have is understanding the death of Jesus, and what it means.

The Alpha Course material took a good stab at this by providing , in the case of Father Kolbe, someone who was prepared to give his life in place of another man (who had a family) at Auschwitz. But that’s one man giving his life for another, taking another’s place. How can you extrapolate from that to Jesus somehow giving his life for everyone, born and unborn, throughout time? I think (and it appeared to others) that the analogy breaks down.

I think a better metaphor, but still one which is incomplete, would be to look at the troops involved in the D-Day landings. Many perished, but they didn’t just die, they died to set the world free from the Nazi tyranny, and they died not just for those at home, but for future generations who would be free from the Nazi yoke, including, it should be noted, Germans as well. They died in the fight to take back enemy territory and set it free. 

But you cannot say of any soldiers who died that they took the place of individuals back home or in Europe on whose behalf they fought, and on whose behalf they died, in the way that Father Kolbe did. Yet in a very real sense, they did die for each and every one of those and for us too, in the future they secured.

The D-Day connection also brings me to another theologian, Oscar Cullman and his ground breaking book “Christ and Time”. As various historians have noted:

“Although VE-Day was not until May 8, 1945, in a very real sense the war in Europe was over on June 6, 1944 — D-Day... The amassing of such military personnel and materiel, the relentless crushing of German factories from American aircraft, the ever narrowing of Germany’s supply lines — all this declared that the difference between D-Day and VE-Day was just a matter of time. And for this reason many have said that it was on June 6, 1944, that the war was over.” (Fred Zaspel)

And Cullman wrote:

“The decisive battle in a war may already have occurred in a relatively early stage of the war, and yet the war still continues. Although the decisive effect of that battle is perhaps not recognised by all, it nevertheless already means victory. But the war must still be carried on for an undefined time, until Victory Day.”

Cullman suggested this as a analogy for how Christians live, and an answer to the question: if Christ has defeated death and the oppressive powers within this world, how come they remain, and how come the world still seems such a mess?

He explained it as the tension of “already, not yet”. The Kingdom of God has been inaugurated, but that is D-Day. It will not be consummated until the end of time, at V.E. Day.

Tom Wright has also put it this way: “"The early church held on firmly to both sides of the apparent paradox: the end had happened; the end was yet to come. Paul writes from prison about his present suffering at the hands of persecutors and also about the triumphant victory that Jesus won on the cross over the principalities and powers. This is utterly characteristic. Both sides must be given the same stress."

Of course how we can understand that is difficult, and one of the ways is picture language. If the book of Revelation is seen as fragmentary picture language and not treated as some kind of literal time table (as unfortunately fundamentalist Christians do), then we will find in it all kinds of wonderful illustrations pointing beyond what can be imagined. But that’s for another day.

That is also why the Communion service in Christianity comes with a command, which we find in the letters of Paul: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.”

The communion service itself is a symbolic participation in the death of Christ, looking back to the last supper. Yet it is also a meal anticipating the feasts that occurs so often in the parables of Jesus, where we see images of the Messianic banquet. Again it directs us to see the now and then.

But how strange it is, if we stop to think about it.

A lot of religions, and especially the Gnostic religions which sprung up at that time, decried the physical world. The more Puritan sects in Christianity emphasised “the word of God” in preaching, and often didn’t really know what to make of this act of eating and drinking, except as an act of commemoration. 

A lot of people in the modern world like to say they are “spiritual” not “religious”. There is a lot that harks back to the Gnostic distrust of the material world, and even in G.K. Chesterton's time, he talks of those "whose patience mostly consisted of waiting for others to rise to the spiritual plane where they themselves already stood.". What has the spiritual and enlightenment have to do with the crude physical world?

Now Christianity has developed creeds, statements of belief, and yet here, more important than any of those, at the heart is an act of physically coming together to eat and drink.

C.S. Lewis, I think, explains it well: “God never meant man to be a purely spiritual creature. That is why He uses material things like bread and wine to put the new life into us. We may think this rather crude and unspiritual. God does not: He invented eating. He likes matter. He invented it.”

And another aspect of communion that it is communal. It is about community. The statement in Matthew where Jesus says "Whenever two or three are gathered together I am with them" is often applied to prayer or church worship, but I think there is a decisive pointer here to the Lord’s supper, which after all we know from the sources was one of the earliest manifestations of Christian worship. 

It makes the statement that Jesus, and through the act of consecration, the ordinary material world becomes a place of sacred encounter.

A Few Limericks

I haven't done any limericks for a while, and recent tooth problems gave rise to the first. For the others, look to some current Jersey politicians.

There was an old man who went mental
Over all the teeth fillings so dental
And he once lost a crown
Which had made him frown
And said please don’t hurt me, be gentle!

There was a politician who turned back the clock
And although it is so very cruel to mock
Just like Ancient Rome
The Senators came home
That very mischievous Deputy in a frock.

There was a politician so full of hot air
That it always made me despair
He opened his mouth wide
And the words went to hide
Except vibrant, which I really can’t bear

There was a politician who gave perfume and chocs

And he could have ended up in the stocks

The lady he gave them to

Said "stay away, you"

"And please stop stalking me like a fox"

A politician said they were leaving the States

Said goodbye to her better way mates
It was now a bitter way
So she called it a day
And in a huff left all the rest to their fates

There was once a Vegan whose name was Percival

Who objected strongly to the Notting Hill Carnival

Because carnival comes from meat

And the organisers admitted defeat

So next year they will hold a fine "Vegeval"

St Ouen’s Bay Protection Campaign Committee Report from the late 1970s

From the late1970s, a look at St Ouen’s Bay from the St Ouen’s Bay Protection Campaign Committee., with interesting notes on the area. The filling station is long gone along with several other places noted in this report!

St Ouen’s Bay: A Future for All, 50p

ST. OUEN'S BAY PROTECTION CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
C/o FIVE MILE ROAD FILLING STATION, ST. OUEN.

REPORT ISSUED BY THE ST, OUEN’S BAY PROTECTION CAMPAIGN

INTRODUCTION

1 The St. Ouen's Bay Protection Campaign was formed in May 1977 as a result of the opposition within' the Island, and especially the Bay area, to the proposals drawn up by Land Use Consultants at the request of the I.D.C. These proposals covered various aspects of the Bay but emphasised the need to reduce the current usage of Les Blanches Banques. In order to bring this about the L.U.C. Report proposed the development of a Northern Recreation Area to be a focal point in the northern end of the Bay in order to relieve the congested areas of the south.

1/1 It was this development which the residents of the Bay and the Island as a whole, felt was totally out of keeping with the needs of the Bay - even whilst the recommendations of the L.U.C. Report for Conservation and the environment were well covered and desperately needed. For these reasons the Protection Campaign was formed to draw up an alternative to the L.U.C. Report as laid down in the Campaign Manifesto agreed upon at a Public Meeting on 16th June, 1977.

1/2 The Committee have now been able to carry out a detailed survey of the immediate needs of the Bay, both from a general environmental point of view and by taking into account the amenities offered and their usage by the Public in general. From the proposals which follow it will be seen that the Campaign does not accept the need for a central focal point anywhere in the Bay since any such concentration in a single area would result in severe damage regardless of where this area was situated. We have suggested instead that to cater public needs, car parks should be placed

2/9 FINANCE. Financing of these proposals would require an annual vote by the States to be added to Public Works Budget, but earmarked for the realization of the Bay Scheme. The existing sand levy should be continued in order to finance the restoration of sand excavations.

2/10 The Campaign Committee feel that there are several bodies who individually have specialist knowledge of several aspects relating to the ecology of the Bay, as well as an interest in providing an area of beauty for public enjoyment. Such organisations would probably be most willing to participate in a community project of this nature. Their participation would help to ensure the widest possible involvement. The benefits would be far-reaching and for the good of the Island as a whole. Grants in various forms - e.g. the supply of materials and equipment, the provision of trees, bushes etc. -should therefore be made available to such societies. Advice should also be made available to any bodies willing to undertake projects for which they do not have the necessary experience and knowledge.

2/11 VOLUNTARY AID. In the Campaign Manifesto the underlying principle was that the Bay should be designed for the people by the people. With this in mind the Committee feel that as much of the Bay as possible should be made accessible to the public and that wherever feasible public participation in the general control and management of the area should be encouraged. To achieve this aim, the Committee recommend that voluntary associations be approached. Any who are interested should be asked to undertake projects within the Bay and their undertakings incorporated in a Grants Scheme. The areas in which such co-operation could be encouraged are varied and would naturally be geared to suit the individual Societies' interests.

Other activities including tree planting, light ground clearing, grassing, fence restoration/removal and general Park Management could all be undertaken by voluntary workers, with emphasis on youth involvement, which would help to create an active interest in the future of the Bay.

2/12 It is hoped that with adequate publicity of these activities through the media, greater public participation would result. This in the long term would help to create a wider understanding of Conservation and an interest in Ecology of the Bay.

GENERAL ITEMS RELATING TO THE BAY AS A WHOLE

3 Arising from the Campaign Manifesto the Committee have tried to fulfil two ideals:-

(a) The provision of facilities for non-organised recreation to be enjoyed by all who visit the Bay.
(b) The Conservation of the Bay bearing in mind the complexities of its several areas.

To meet these requirements the Committee are of the opinion that the whole Bay area should be incorporated into an Open Park.

3/1 The Committee agrees that the Bay suffers at present from a basic lack of care and management in past years. Many minor features present eyesores whose removal would go a long way towards bringing about a rapid improvement in the general appearance of the area, which would in turn awake the Public to the need for conserving the Bay as a whole. These minor improvements would neither be costly nor time consuming but the results would be readily appreciated.

3/2 ZONED AREA. Since the St. Ouen’s Bay area consists of several regions each containing varying types of fauna and flora, and each subject to a very fine balance of nature, any over-use at any time could cause serious upset. Due to recent action being taken certain areas which have suffered in the past from over-use are now showing signs of recovery. Climatic conditions however, e.g. a long hot summer or a very wet winter, can adversely affect different areas differently.

As a safeguard for the future the Campaign Committee feel that a simple colour-coding system should be employed. Parking signs, road signs etc. could be coded as and when the need arose, the Management Committee having powers to change such coding without prior notice where it was felt necessary to do so. Such a system once generally understood would immediately inform the Public of problems associated with particular areas. For example:-

RED - Could indicate "no heavy or continuous usage" (e.g. the area of Les Blanches Banques).
YELLOW - Could indicate an area recovering-from over-usage.
GREEN - An area subject to normal recreational use.
BLUE - An area designated for a change in use.

With such a system of coding the Honorary Police would be able to identify immediately any incorrect use and to take the appropriate action.

3/3 SAND EXTRACTION. Where sand excavation takes place every effort should be made to blend excavation into the surroundings. The present practice of banking obstructs all vision, and with wind erosion etc. constitutes an unsightly embankment out of keeping with the overall concept of the Bay. Instead of banking existing levels should be lowered so that from the road a better viewline of the area beyond the sand pits may be obtained.

AREAS OF THE BAY IN DETAIL

So that the complexities regarding conservation may be properly examined, the Campaign Committee feel that each area requires individual attention. We thus present them in geographical sequence working north to south landwards of the Five Mile Road to La Pulente, and likewise on the Coastal Strip. It has been assumed that all parts relevant are either States owned or will be leased by the States with the voluntary co-operation of land-owners.

LANDWARD SIDE OF FIVE MILE ROAD

4/1 La Grande Cueillette - Between Winstons Restaurant and Five Mile Road Filling Station. The Committee feel that some of the residences within the Northern end of the Bay require considerable attention in order to blend visually with the environment. Such improvements should be the concern of the Management Committee and a Residents Association. Tree-planting, landscaping and improvement of accesses should be undertaken by the States as an incentive to the residents, since without the co-operation of all concerned the proposals could not be carried out. At all times the moral obligation toward householders must be safeguarded. Since several Committee Members live within this area we do not feel able to detail these proposals at this stage. Such details are a matter not only for the Management Committee but also for the residents.

4/2 Area of open-ground between Five Mile Road and Chemin du Moulin extending from Westward-Ho to Chemin de L'Ouziere. This area consists of very ill-kept and despoiled lands which require urgent attention. Sections are in private ownership and as such may restrict an overall plan unless owner participation can be encouraged through leasing. The area immediately adjacent to Chemin de L'Ouziere is subject to sand excavation which is likely to continue for several years before it can be in-filled and restored to its natural landscape. As previously said the Committee feel that this whole area should be considered as an open park for unorganised recreation in order that the varying features, the dumps, sand pits, open grasslands and trees may be blended into one acceptable feature of the Bay.

4/3 The existing above-ground dumps are totally out of keeping with any of the land forms within the Bay and their levelling and treatment is a first priority. The Committee feel that an answer can be found in the excavation of the current sand pits. Once worked-out these will require in-filling and since they are immediately adjacent to the over-dumped areas at Kempt Tower the worked-out pits should be filled with the surplus material which has been over-dumped. This would serve three purposes:-

(a) The sand pits would quickly be filled to their original levels.
(b) The current eyesore of the over-dumped areas would be reduced.
(c) By this reduction and removal of surplus material the remaining dumps could more easily be resculptured to blend with the surrounding areas in the form of rough dunes, thus providing areas for picnic parking within the dumps with access from the Parish Road joining Chemin du Moulin to the Five Mile Road

The National Trust property situated between the two dumps could then be tidied up, drained and with co-operation of the Trustees, incorporated into the overall plan.

4/4 The area of lowland adjoining the dump to the north forms a natural barrier ecologically between the two area. The high ground of the over-dumped area should accordingly he lowered. This will necessitate culverting the existing stream and this would prevent any further pollution reaching the beach.

4/5 Once the dump areas have been landscaped, grassed and had trees planted wherever possible, the area will become more visually acceptable. By this example it is felt that the lowland grass areas currently in private ownership could probably be leased and incorporated into the overall plan for the park area. Such leasing would be subject to the owners’ acceptance of the proposed use of the land and on condition that any change in use would automatically require re-negotiation of such leases. This entire area could then be landscaped and, with the addition of tree and shrub planting, would provide an attractive area for picnicking and walking. Access would be provided at the currently closed entrance opposite La Crabiere on the Five Mile Road with the provision of an off-the-road car-park behind the existing trees, preferably reinforced to prevent erosion, and enclosed by granite posts as previously described to prevent access of cars to the park area.

4/6 St. Ouen's Pond. This area of the Bay surrounding the Pond is an area of ecological importance and as such requires expert attention. Before any decision can be made however the requirements of the unique fauna and bird life must be evaluated. For this reason the Committee feel unable to comment further without specialist advice. We do feel however that subject to the agreement of experts, the Pond-area could be de-weeded and made more attractive.

4/7 Southern Sand-Pit Area. This area between Les Blanches Banques and Rue du Clos Luce is unkempt and consists mainly of sand excavation. We understand that part of this area is under consideration for the proposed aquifer. It would seem therefore that until detailed plans are drawn up little change can be made. The existing sand workings however should be made to conform with our previous suggestions for de-banking. Additionally the area behind the sand pit should be cleared, grassed and let for grazing wherever possible.

4/8 Les Blanches Banques. The banking along the Five Mile Road side of Les Blanches Banques restricts the view of the dunes when approached from La Pulente. If the bank was lowered to within two foot of the road level the visual outlook of the dunes would be much improved. Existing car parks are more than adequate. The present policy of conservation should be continued indefinitely but with stricter controls on horse-riding among the dunes. The dune-vegetation appears to be recovering and this should be carefully monitored to ensure that no encroachment of gorse and bracken takes place.

4/9 Area between Le Braye Slip and La Pulente. This area incorporates several attractive features of the Bay. The Committee would recommend that the landward area and the coastal strip should be considered together.

The small car park on the Five Mile Road north of La Pulente provides a perfect facility for picnicking and walking among the slopes leading to La Moye Common, and it is felt that with the placing of suitable occasional seating the panorama of the Bay and the other islands could be enjoyed more fully. The area opposite this car park again offers an ideal natural picnic area but possibly requires the provision of a small additional car park on the coastal side opposite the existing park. From this new car park footpaths could lead to various areas where pine tables and benches could be set in the natural recesses of the area which themselves provide ideal secluded picnic sites.

The old Quarry on the landward side should be kept as an overspill park, again allowing access by footpath to seaward picnic area. The existing path to the side and above the Quarry should be made more accessible with rough steps where necessary, thus Providing excellent views of the Bay. The Committee are of the opinion that this area would be far more suitable for walking than the scarp slope to the north as was suggested in the L.U.C. Report, since it does not overlook private residences.

4/10 The car park at the top of the slipway would be enhanced by the erection of a small granite safety wall in place of the existing overgrown bank and the parking area should be levelled below the existing granite curbs and shingled. The properties opposite La Pulente slipway do not enhance the amenities but with the application of the same proposals as La Grande Cuillette (Para 4/1 above) could be made to blend more satisfactorily into their surroundings.

4/11 The Corbière Walk. The footpath to Petit Port should be highlighted and the Quarry on Mont de la Pulente cleared in order to provide safe off-the road parking for walkers.

THE COASTAL STRIP

4/12 Les Laveurs. The Committee agree that kiosk/toilet facilities as already proposed are essential in the Bay complex. These would naturally include limited parking facilities sufficiently adequate to serve the kiosk/slipway and a general picnic area to the north of Les Laveurs slip. In our opinion the picnic area now closed to vehicles should remain closed thus permitting a large area to accommodate unorganised sporting activities (apart from the use by the traditional annual Inter-Vingtaine Tug of War Championships as at present), kite-flying etc. as well as picnicking.

4/13 The Chateau Plaisir. It is understood that various alterations are shortly to be undertaken and, once concluded, should greatly improve the overall impression of this property and its surrounding grounds.

4/14 The Barge-Aground. This building is a unique feature of the Bay and warrants preservation. The Campaign Committee feel however that the retaining wall should be rebuilt and lowered and the building itself renovated and maintained in an acceptable condition. This cost should be borne by the States as the site is a prominent feature of the Bay and used to the benefit of the Islands' Youth. Grants and practical help should be given to organisations doing any part of the renovation and maintenance as a voluntary project.

4/15 Sable D'Or Car Park. The Committee suggest that if the owners of this property were approached the car park area could be encircled with granite pillars to prevent any further erosion of the surrounding land and to ensure that car parking was carried out only on the existing concrete surfaces.

4/16 La Crabiere Bunker - Opposite Five Mile Road Filling Station. The area immediately to the front. of the entrance to this Bunker (just off the road) could be cleared to provide a slightly larger casual parking area than It present. The facilities should however be encircled by granite posts close enough to prevent vehicular access to the area behind the Bunker. A small but secluded picnic area at the back of the Bunker entrance and the main chamber along the sea wall would then be created.

4/17 La Crabiere - Northern Surfing Area - Car Park. It is felt that the present car park serves two purposes :-

a) As an occasional park for surfers, but when the surf is running, 50 or more vehicles use this area and, by their haphazard parking are causing severe erosion.
(b) As general use. Because access to the beach by the newly-built steps is clearly obvious from the road, the area is now popular with visitors. Because the viewline is completely spoiled by the haphazard parking described above the Committee feel that this area, being very prominent from the road and giving a good panoramic view of the Bay when approached from the north, required attention.

We therefore recommend that a suitably large car park should be provided sunken below the sea wall by approx. 4 to 6 feet. This, since it would be level with the road would be visible from the road, but the viewline of the sea wall would not be interrupted and access by car to surrounding areas would be completely restricted.

This proposed sunken car park would necessitate a considerable amount of excavation but the sand etc. removed could be suitably distributed over the surrounding lowland to provide artificial dunes which, when grassed, would make suitable picnic areas. Retaining walls would be needed and should be of rough granite construction with steps leading from the car park level to the sea wall, thus forming an attractive as well as a practical solution to a presently very untidy area.

4/18 Kempt Tower. The Tower itself should be restored to its original granite facing and used possibly as a Tourist Information Centre and Observation Point for the area. The road-way surrounding the Tower should be properly constructed to form a one-way system with a small car park to the southern side. This car park should be situated in the existing low-lying area with additional dune slopes created to prevent vehicular access to any of the surrounding area - especially those beyond the recently exposed cannon emplacements towards the sea wall. The area lying between the granite wall of the emplacement and the sea wall should be gently sloped and grassed and provided with occasional seating to provide an open-air viewpoint of the Bay.

The area between Kempt Tower and Cutty Sark car park should he left as an open natural picnic area and steps taken to ensure that there is no possible vehicle access to this or to the sea wall area.

4/19 Car Park to North of Cutty Sark. The existing entrance road is approx. 4 to 6 feet below the sea wall level. The Campaign Committee propose a sunken car park on similar lines to that already mentioned in Para. 4/17 above. This park should be in a T shape to hold approximately 30 cars. Steps from this car park to the sea wall would then give convenient access to the beach by the existing steps in front of the Cutty Sark.

4/20 The Square Fort. The existing car park area should be reinforced and levelled using excavated material for raising the surrounding dunes to prevent vehicular access. The car park should end at the sea-ward face of the Fort and be situated on the south side. The area between the Fort and the sea wall and to the side of the Cutty Sark requires in-filling and tidying to create a visually acceptable dune area. The sea wall between the south Bunker and the Cutty Sark requires in-filling as above.

4/21 L'Ouziere Slipway situated behind the Sands. This is the most intriguing and interesting slipway in the whole Bay. To the left the Bunker has interesting look out points recently improved in a most pleasant and thoughtful style. The steps to the beach are not good but since there is easy access down the slip this is of little importance. To the right is a slope upwards to a wide promenade which if it could be made "drivable" would afford a wonderful marine experience unlike any other in Jersey.

4/22 The Sands buildings and surrounding parking areas are not impressive and the park to the North side has recently been widened and the earth heaped up at the sides which presents an unsightly appearance from the Five Mile Road.

On approach to the Sands there is the feeling that the access to the beach is by favour of the establishment.

4/23 The Water Splash. The parking facility along the sea wall on either side should be retained. It should however be generally tidied, reinforced and made visually acceptable so that observation of surfing may be carried out from parked cars. The area should be restricted to its existing size to avoid congestion.

The Water Splash complex requires considerable change in order to blend into the surrounding area. The Campaign Committee understand however that such changes would necessitate considerable and possibly unjustified expenditure. We express the hope that permission may be granted for a considerable facelift or re-construction as desirable given the flexibility on both sides.

4/24 Le Port. This area again provides parking along the sea wall. This should continue as an "in-car" observation point of surfing with similar conditions as those applying to the Water Splash parking areas above. The access road and car park area in particular however require re-surfacing and generally tidying, with restrictions at the roadside to reduce parking in the vicinity of the ice cream van which should be re-sited in accordance with our earlier recommendations (Para. 3/8).

4/25 El Tico. This is ideally set back from the road and provides a much needed facility for day-time refreshments.

WHY DO PEOPLE VISIT ST. OUEN'S BAY ?

From listening to people we think we know. This is why :-

To go on the beach - to sit on grass and picnic - to walk in natural surroundings - to see the "countryside" and admire the views - to let their children play games on natural ground - to get away from buildings and anything commercial.

IN WHICH CASE HERE IS WHAT THE BAY SHOULD BE

1. Cultivated or grazed wherever this is feasible or economic.
2. Left as open dune, heathland or grass wherever grazing or growing is impracticable.
3. Conserved by reasonable restrictions on its use by cars, horses or any further commercial or organised activities.
4. Protected by regular patrols of the Honorary Police.
5. Preserved by individuals for individuals.

CAN IT BE DONE ? YES IT CAN. READ OVER

IT CAN BE DONE AND HERE'S HOW

FIRST put an immediate end to any Commercial Planning. Lift the threats of compulsory purchase and let the landowners use their land again or rent it out for the common good.

SECOND put an end to the present dumping and immediately start to clear up the States Tips and clean the polluted beach.

THIRD offer any States-owned land for lease to anyone who will graze or cultivate it. Stop any further commercial building or development.

WILL THIS COST MONEY ?

No, not much and far, far less than anything proposed in the "Plans" we have heard about. Here's how money should be spent :-

Clean up the States Tips, landscape them and plant on them anything which will grow.
Give grants to Scouts and Guides and any voluntary Organisations to plant grass, shrubs and trees, to restore fencing, remove litter etc.
Give Grants to the Parishes so that they can lease any unused land for use as picnic sites or leave it open for walking or open-land where children can play.
Give Grants to landowners whose property has been blighted by the Tips and Dumps and "Plans" so they can make good the damage and restore the land to use.

- Economise by Conserving now instead of repairing later

1. Support this Manifesto by signing our Petition Forms.
2. Make your views known to your States representatives.
3. Join the St. Ouen's Bay Protection Campaign and help with a donation toward campaign costs.
4. Attend every public meeting about the Bay's future.

Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas and Gender Ideology

Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas and Gender Ideology

There is a rich diversity of vocabulary that trans* people may prefer to use to describe their gender identity. Non-binary identities include genderfluid, gender-neutral, genderqueer, 3 agender, bigender, neutrois, androgyne. (Transgender Guidance for Jersey Schools)

People that identify as Genderfluid may find that their gender fluctuates on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, and that they often do not identify with the concept of gender at all (Agender). There is no one way to be Genderfluid, and each person's experience may differ greatly. (Manchester Pride)

One of the fundamental notions of gender ideology is to pull apart biological sex and gender, whereas the former is immutable, the latter is a social construct, and with the idea of gender fluid, currently on the teaching agenda in Jersey schools, different genders can be tested out daily almost like changing clothes until you find one that you are conformable with – for the moment!

There is a clear distinction made between biological identity and gender identity. Gender identity is to do with an internal sense of self, which may differ from outward markers of biological identity.

In Aristotelian categories, each object has accidents and substance. The accidents are the outward appearance, so for a dog, the substance is the essential nature of the creature as a dog, its “dogness”, so to speak. The accidents are the attributes that can change without altering the dog’s fundamental nature. A Labrador retriever and a Chihuahua differ in many accidental properties, but their substance as dogs remains the same.

Thomas Aquinas, with his theory of transubstantiation, used Aristotelian categories to explain the words in the Mass – “this is my body”, “this is my blood”, but in a novel way. In the act of consecration, the bread and wine are believed to transform into the body and blood of Christ in substance, while their outward appearances (or "accidents") remain unchanged..

In this case, there is a tearing apart of the “breadness” substance of bread as it becomes the “bloodness” of Christ, while the outward appearance as bread remains (the accidence).

In a similar way, gender ideology holds that a person's gender identity (their internal sense of self) may differ from their biological or physical characteristics. What appears to be the case in the outward markers – biological sex – may differ from the essential gender of the person. A trans woman, for example, has an essential nature – the substance – as “womanness”, while the outward biological appearance – the accidents – may to all purposes be physically identical to that of a biological male.

Of course one difference is that the accidents may be surgically adjusted so that to external appearances they resemble a biological woman. But apart from surface characteristics, the basic biology remains fixed. A trans woman will not have to worry about smear tests, but will have to worry about prostate issues, a clear indication the surface surgery, and even biochemical interventions (hormones, puberty blockers) cannot alter the biological facts.

To summarise, both concepts emphasize the primacy of an inner or essential reality over external appearances. In transubstantiation, the essence of the bread and wine is transformed, regardless of sensory evidence. In gender ideology, an individual's self-identified gender is considered their true identity, even if it differs from biological markers. Changing gender identity, like transubstantiation, is a metaphysical transformation.

And both rely on belief systems for their acceptance. A change of substance, whether it be bread or wine or gender, cannot be measured empirically. It may be thought that gender ideology can seek validation from psychological testing, but the psychological testing itself is carried on within the framework of gender ideology. The existence of a category called “gender fluid” is a key element to understanding the metaphysical aspect of gender ideology.

Both an individual's sense of self and religious faith are rooted in subjective, internal experiences. They are intangible and not directly observable, but they are profoundly impactful. For someone who feels a strong gender identity or a deep faith, that conviction becomes an anchor for their understanding of reality and their place in the world. 

However, just like with religion, this is a belief system which is not and should not be promoted as scientific. That this has done, and attempts have been made to shut down and cancel scientists who hold that biological sex is immutable is a scandal. Indeed the fervour and zealousness of some gender ideology proponents resembles the fervour and zealousness of the worst excesses of Christianity in silencing opponents. 

Children as young as seven might be a “mixed berry gender fluid muffin”, teachers have been told in a sex education resource promoted by the Welsh Government.

And that brings us to the position of children, and the two strategies involved with children and gender.

The ‘watch and wait’  or "watchful waiting" approach does not steer a child towards any pre-determined outcome, but recognises developmental change as an intrinsic part of childhood and adolescence. This is the approach recommended by the Cass report.

The gender affirmative model most notably seen at Tavistock GIDS makes the assumption that the child knows their gender and puts them on a path to change, if for example, the child thinks of their gender identity as a woman. This is an approach very much critiqued by the Cass report.

There is an interesting parallel between deciding the two strategies and the early Middle Ages.

In Christianity, Monastic oblation refers to the practice of offering oneself to God through association with a monastic community. Historically, this included children being dedicated to monasteries by their parents, often at a young age, to live under the Rule of Saint Benedict. These children were known as "oblates," and the practice was common in early medieval Christianity.

As Diarmaid MacCulloch notes:

“From what had apparently been a minor provision of Benedict’s Rule, oblation became a major feature of Carolingian life between the ninth and the eleventh centuries, both for boys and girls (though we know a great deal less about the custom in nunneries). It is likely that the majority of inhabitants in monasteries and nunneries were now products of oblation in early childhood, and thus they formed a category of European Christians who spent their whole lives in celibacy, thanks to a decision made for them by their family.... This had none of the provisions for probation or second thoughts that the Rule allowed for older entrants to monastic life.”

So the West, monastic vows were often formalized and tied to the Benedictine tradition. Children dedicated as oblates were expected to follow the monastic rule. But in the East, matters were different:

“The general consensus among Eastern monastic authorities was that it was not suitable to demand an early decision in life on something as important as chastity. Basil the Great sensibly observed that ‘it is not proper to consider children’s words entirely final in such matters’

The Western approach was more like gender affirmation, whereas the Eastern one was much more akin to “watch and wait” until the child reached the age of discernment.

It is yet another example of how the debates may shift, but some of the underlying core ideas and recommendations remain the same. Personally, I think the Eastern Church was right, and watch and wait is the best approach. In the end, the Western church softened its stance towards that and recognition that an "age of discernment" mattered, as of course it still does in matters of law and children, but not, it appears, gender ideology in schools.