A Short Story: The Working Word

A Short Story: The Working Word

Based loosely on Isaiah 55:11: "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

Mara had always thought of words as small, harmless things—like crumbs brushed from a table. They scattered, they disappeared, they didn’t matter. At least, that was what she told herself on the morning she stepped into the village bakery and found two neighbours whispering about old Mrs. Le Brocq.

“She’s losing her memory, poor thing,” one said. “More than that,” the other replied. “I heard she’s been hiding letters from her son. Doesn’t want him to know she’s failing.”

Mara didn’t know if it was true, but the rumour slipped easily into her pocket. By lunchtime she had passed it on to three people, each time with a little shrug – “just something I heard”. The words felt idle, almost playful, like tossing pebbles into a pond. But by evening, the pond had become a storm.

Mrs. Le Brocq’s daughter arrived at Mara’s door, eyes red, voice trembling. “Why would you say such things? My mother is heartbroken. She thinks the whole parish is laughing at her.” Mara tried to explain, but the explanation sounded thin even to her own ears. The daughter left with a stiff nod, and Mara was left alone with the echo of her own carelessness.

That night she couldn’t sleep. The wind rattled the shutters, and every gust seemed to whisper back her own words, loose, wandering, hungry things. She imagined them prowling through the parish, slipping under doors, scratching at windows, seeking new hosts. Idle words, she realised, were never truly idle. They went out like hunters.

The next morning, still heavy with shame, she walked the cliff path to clear her mind. The tide was turning, the sea drawing breath. As she walked, she found herself repeating a line she had heard in church the previous Sunday: “My word shall not return to me empty.” She had barely listened at the time. Now it pressed on her like a hand on her shoulder.

She stopped at a bend in the path where the gorse opened to a wide view of the bay. The sun was rising, and the light spilled across the water like a promise. Something in her, something small but stubborn, shifted. “If my careless words can wound,” she murmured, “then maybe careful ones can heal.” It was not a grand revelation, but it was enough. She turned back toward the village.

Her first stop was Mrs. Le Brocq’s cottage. She knocked, heart thudding. When the old woman opened the door, Mara bowed her head. “I spoke wrongly,” she said. “I repeated something I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry for the hurt I caused.” Mrs. Le Brocq studied her for a long moment. Then, with a sigh that seemed to release days of tension, she stepped aside and let Mara in. They talked. They laughed a little. They shared tea. And when Mara left, she felt something loosen inside her—like a knot gently untying.

Over the next days, she made other visits. She offered apologies where needed, encouragement where possible. She found that words spoken with intention, words of truth, kindness, blessing, did not prowl or sting. They settled. They warmed. They lit small lamps in dark corners.

And slowly, almost imperceptibly, the village changed. Conversations softened. Rumours thinned. People listened more carefully, spoke more gently. Mara realised then what she had never understood before: that a word, once released, is never lost. It goes out into the world with purpose: destructive or creative, idle or alive. And when the word is good, when it is rooted in truth and carried with love, it does not return empty. It returns as light.

Epitaphs on the wall of the Lady Chapel, St Martin's Church

Epitaphs on the wall of the Lady Chapel, St Martin's Church, Jersey

In Loving Memory of
Eleonore Mary Emily,
Beloved Wife of
Charles Godfray Le Bas.
And Eldest Daughter of The Late
John Nicolle, of Le Cotil, in this Parish.
Died at St. Helier on the 14th Day Of September 1897,
In her 50th Year.
Buried In Green Street Cemetery.

Rest is thine, weary heart,
A sweeter rest than thou hast known before
From the wild fever, and the aching sore,
That were thy mournful past

Note: the burial register says cause of death "Tumours". 

The Aching Sore (Ulceration): In the 1890s, external or advanced cancers (like breast, skin, or late-stage abdominal tumours) frequently "broke through" the skin to create painful, morbid ulcers. These were often described as "sores" that would not heal and caused significant aching, localized pain.

The Wild Fever (Septicemia or Secondary Infection): Before antibiotics, an open "sore" or ulcerated tumour was a prime site for secondary bacterial infections. This would lead to a "wild fever"—likely sepsis—which was often the immediate cause of death for cancer patients in the 19th century.

Mournful Past (Chronic Illness): For a 50-year-old, this suggests a lingering, painful decline (often lasting months or years) where the "tumour" was a known, visible, or palpable presence that eventually became "mournful" due to the lack of effective treatment or anaesthesia for pain relief

Translation:

In memory of
Philippe Nicolle, gentleman,
son of Philippe Nicolle, gentleman, and
Miss Jeanne Eliez-Laudin, his wife.
Died on 20 March 1821,
Aged 21 years and 6 months.

His spirit, still so young, was taken from his father and his God,
carried away, filled with joy in that high place.
He desired nothing more that ran contrary to his wishes;
nothing could ever again oppose his hopes.
Death will not be for us a long delay,
and we shall go to join you in the heavenly palace,
and we shall celebrate with a solemn voice
the eternal praise of the great Liberator.

Note: The French, “Palais céleste” is a very old French devotional phrase, used in Jersey inscriptions well into the 19th century. “Le grand Libérateur” is almost certainly Christ, but the phrasing is unusual and more revivalist than Anglican. It hints at a family shaped by the evangelical wave that swept Jersey around 1800–1830.

 

In Memory of Frederick Amy,
M.D.; M.R.C.S.
Of this parish,
Who died on the 27 January 1880,
Aged 42 years and 8 months.

 
"Take ye heed, watch and pray, for ye
Know not when the time is."
Mark xiii:33 v.

Death and Administration: Letters of administration for his estate were granted to his father, Philippe Amy, on August 20, 1881, indicating that Frederick Amy died intestate (without a will).

Qualifications: The records confirm he held the qualifications of M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) and M.R.C.S. (Member of the Royal College of Surgeons).

Doctors were often memorialised with texts about vigilance and readiness. The verse subtly honours a life spent caring for others while reminding the congregation of their own mortality.

 

Translation:

To the memory
of the late
CHARLES BERTRAM, gentleman,
son of George Bertram, Esquire, Jurat,
and of Mrs Jeanne Cabot, his wife,
who died on 20 February 1828,
aged 21 years.

Already his talents and his virtues
promised a useful and honourable career.
Every moment of his too‑short life
was devoted to the fulfilment of his duties.
A loving son, a good brother, a devoted friend,
he united with the finest qualities of the heart
a steady character and a well‑formed mind.
His grieving parents have raised this monument to him,
the last tribute of their affection,
a faint token of the depth of their sorrow

Comment: “Every moment of his too‑short life was devoted to the fulfilment of his duties.” A very Jersey Protestant line. Duty, steadiness, and moral seriousness were the highest virtues. They’re saying: he lived well, even if briefly.

 

In thankful remembrance of

George Clement Bertram
Only son of George Bertram of
Grasfort St. Martins. Grandson of
George Bertram, Jurat of the royal court
Born Jan 8th 1841. Died Oct 24th 1916
Bailiff of Jersey 1884 to 1898

Of spirits & souls of the righteous
Lord praiseth & magnifieth for ever

Note: “Of spirits & souls of the righteous / Lord praiseth & magnifieth for ever” is not a Bible verse. In the Anglican tradition it appears in Morning Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer. The relevant section reads: “O ye spirits and souls of the righteous, bless ye the Lord: praise him and magnify him for ever.”. The memorial version simply adapts it slightly.

In ever loving memory of
Josué Blampied de la Haye,
Sergeant in the
2nd Battalion Hampshire regiment,
Eldest and dearly beloved son of
Josué and Ellen de la Haye.
Killed in action
In the Gallipoli peninsula,
August 6th 1915.

Serving his King and country,
Aged 18 years and 3 months.

He is buried or commemorated at the Helles Memorial which stands on the tip of the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey. It takes the form of an obelisk over 30 metres high that can be seen by ships passing through the Dardanelles.

The Sunday Archive: The Pilot, August 1997 - Part 10

The Sunday Archive: The Pilot, August 1997 - Part 10

St Peter
From
BARRY GILES Rector

THREE IN, several to go. Or, if you wish a Biblical text, "Let there be light." (Gen. 1:3). This is about church windows. Just over one hundred years ago our forebears renovated the interior of our church, much as we know it today. Most of the windows we have in church were put in at that 1888 restoration. In the century since, there has been some "wear and tear" to say the least. Some have buckled, some have cracked.

Some six years ago we decided that the time had come to begin the renewal of the church's windows. The "St Peter" window was installed in 1991, and subsequently the window in memory of Linda Trent was kindly donated, and the Airport window given. We had hoped that the middle window in the north aisle would be a thanksgiving offering of the Parish for the 50th anniversary of the Liberation. 

Our parish finances made that not possible, then. I am delighted to say that the "on hold" has now been released, and plans are in motion for a window to be placed recalling the Occupation and Liberation of our Island. I hope that this will be in place before too many months have passed. I am hopeful, also, that the two small windows, in the sanctuary and chancel, may also be replaced soon. Plans for these are in a very early stage.

There was a little criticism of the Airport window, as it was not depicting a holy person or scene. It does depict a very important part of our parish history. If God has anything to say to us, He says it to where we are, as much as to who we are. All our work, on the land or in the air, is done or should be done to the glory of God. I hope that our thanksgiving for the Liberation will be seen in the same light. After all, the Occupation actually started in the Parish of St Peter on 1st July 1940.

Another thought is that the restoration and renovation of 1884-88 was the great impact on our church of the last century. The only major items for this 20th century were the creation of the Lady Chapel, the placing of the organ in the south transept, and the building of the choir vestry in 1967. The windows we have placed in the last decade of this century will open the church up to God's good light. Modern glass is so much more translucent. 

And conversely, it means that we can see out. What better parable for us as we approach the third Christian millennium that what comes into God's house also flows out: to witness to Him by all that we are and say and do. It may be that that includes us, a "holy people," i.e. God's people; and into the life and future history of our Parish, which the church stands to serve.

PS: There are other windows in church which over the coming years will have to be renewed or replaced!

MORE THANKS. I find it very difficult to find new ways of repeating the thanks due to those who, time after time, come up trumps, rally round, and make our efforts, social and fund-raising, so good and successful. I can only repeat with heartfelt thankfulness — thank you! Thank you for all you did to make Petertide '96 so worthwhile. The weather was not too kind, again; only the barbeque surviving outside in the rectory garden. However, the number of people, both at our festival services and at our festivities, was encouraging. The financial out-come was most encouraging. The Summer Sale made £785 and the barbeque realised £263, making a total of £1,048.

Finally, may I draw to your attention that we are to hold a Harvest Flower Festival in our church next month from Friday 26th through to Sunday 28th September. Our Harvest Thanksgiving Eucharist will be at 10.30 am on the Sunday, and a truly comprehensive Harvest Songs of Praise at 6.30 pm will conclude the festival. The theme is "Harvest of the World." If you can offer your help with flower/harvest arrangements please contact Pat Scally, or if you can help with stewarding or refreshments, please contact my wife.

Our beautiful church lends itself to more beauty. I am sure this will be the case, once again, next month with all our help and enthusiasm.

St Helier
From
JOHN SEAFORD Rector

THE big event of August will be our Summer Fete. This is a new idea, taking advantage of the central location of the Town Church, and the wonderful summer weather that we enjoy. We have been raising money for ourselves to fund the narthex project. This time we want to raise money for others. Every year we give a percentage of our income to charity and missionary work. One of the former Bishops of Winchester, Dr John Taylor, had a scheme in which he envisaged every parish giving away £1 for every £1 they used on themselves. This proved to be an over-ambitious pipe-dream, and yet many churches do give away well in excess of 10 per cent of their income, because they know that there are churches and centres of Christian work, far and near, which are desperately short of money.

At the Town Church we have a policy that we should tithe our income but we have not yet managed to do it; and a successful day on 9th August will enable us to achieve this target for the first time. Please come and help us to help others.

If you would like to assist with one of the stalls, or you have any bits and pieces that would stock a stall, contact Dina Sewrey. Mona Corbel especially needs lots of cakes, so please let her know that you will provide lots of edibles.

Are YOU getting the
Message?
Just lift up your phone
DIAL 1884
and listen.

At the beginning of the month, on Friday 1st August at 8 pm, the Heidelberg Chamber Orchestra will give a concert in the Town Church. Wednesday 6th August is the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and there will be a celebration of Holy Communion at 11 am.

On the Sunday at the start of the highly successful Island Games it was an additional pleasure for us to welcome to the Town Church as our preacher the Ven Brian Partington, Archdeacon of Man, who was visiting Jersey in his capacity as Chairman of the Isle of Man Sports Council.

FROM ST HELIER REGISTERS

HOLY BAPTISM. 22nd June, Matthew Anthony Francis Gallery; 29th June, Tia Holly Hopwood, Owen Joel Bizouard, Kelly Ann Fenney; 6th July, Kayden Jack Cavey.

FUNERALS. 8th July, Robin Le Gros Mauger.

Some Topical Nursery Rhymes

Some Topical Nursery Rhymes

Possibly not to everyone's taste, but a fresh look at a few nursey rhymes with an eye on the news:

Oh the Grand Old Duke of York
He was hiding in his den
His helicopter flew to the top of the hill
And he played much golf again
And when he was trade envoy he was up
And he lost his royal gown, and came down
And so when the police turned right up
He was certainly feeling down.

Sarah and Andrew went up the hill
To meet a rascal plotter
Andrew fell down, and lost his crown
And Sarah came tumbling after.

See Saw Epstein Saw,
Leaks are coming out faster
Names and details coming each day
Because it is such a disaster

St George’s Church Guidebook

This was published in 2015, and changes may have happened since that time. Services have changed and now only take place on the third Sunday of each month. I don't know if carol services still take place, or services like Plough Sunday.

St George’s Church
The Parish Church of St Ouen with St George

Welcome to St George's Church

Welcome to this vignette that chronicles the history of St. George's Church. I have been the Rector of the Parish Church of St. Ouen with St. George since November 2010. I am now the 8th Rector to carry out this role since St. George's Mission Church was licenced by the then Bishop of Winchester as a Chapel of Ease in 1880, thereby becoming the daughter church of the Parish Church of St. Ouen.

Within these pages there are historical facts but also they contain details of people's lives that have been transformed by the love of God. Through the years, their resulting generosity and faithful service whether in terms of their time, talents or treasure has contributed significantly to the life of the people of God within the community. As you read on may you get a sense of their dedication and be inspired to seek God's direction for how you can serve within the church of God where you live.

Revd Ian Pallent
Rector of the Parish Church of St Ouen with St George, June 2015

St George's Church, St Ouen: History

The Foundation Stone of St George's was laid on 29th September 1876 by Sir William Norcott, Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey. It is known that a Chapel dedicated, to St George used to stand in the grounds of Vinchelez de Bas Manor, less than a mile from the present Church.

The Chapel of St George was mentioned in 1156 and the two manors, Vinchelez de Haut and Vinchelez de Bas used to share St George's Chapel and were jointly responsible for its upkeep.

 

St George's Chapel was destroyed during the Reformation but it is still possible to see the steps over the wall which were built to enable the Vinchelez de Haut household to attend chapel more easily. 

The granite altar slab (all that was left of the chapel) with its five consecration crosses, lay for many years in the grounds of Vinchelez de Bas, but in 1914 it was restored and placed in the Chapel dedicated to St Anne at St Ouen's Manor.

St George's Church as it was until 1914

St George's Church was built by the people of this district under the leadership of a former Rector of St Ouen, Canon George Clement. It was built of granite quarried from Grosnez and much of it was transported by members of the Church in their farm carts. 

It was opened for public worship on 20th July 1880 by the Rt Revd Edward Browne, Bishop of Winchester. "for the convenience of the inhabitants residing at a distance from the Parish Church of St Ouen". In the days when most people walked to Church a 'Chapel of Ease' was not uncommon.

The St George's Mission Church as it was called, did not have the chancel, vestry or tower that we see today. These had been included in the original plans of Canon George Clement, but could not be built due to lack of resources. Due to the first world war, raw materials had become more expensive and the builder was forced to increase his bill. 

They were in fact added between May 1914 and May 1918 and were dedicated by Bishop Talbot of Winchester on Monday 20th May 1918.

Before the chancel was added, there was no -pulpit; the minister preached from the lectern.

The rear of the Church on the south side served as the vestry and the choir sat in pews running cross-ways at the front of the Church. There would have been far fewer seats for the congregation.

 

The Reredos comprised scriptural texts in French.

 
Over the next 20 years, gradual improvements were made to the interior:

The Pulpit is inscribed "To the glory of God and in memory of my mother, Henrietta Le Cornu of Vinchelez de Haut Manor, who died on 31st March 1915, given by her loving son, Charles".

The Lectern which is a winged angel carved in wood with the hands supporting the slanted top is inscribed "to the glory of God and in Loving Memory of John and Philip Clement — given by their children in 1925".

The East Window above the Holy Table has in the Central Section a portrayal of the Crucifixion of Christ; the left hand section points us to the incarnation of Jesus with a scene from Bethlehem and the right hand section to the Resurrection of Christ. It was given by Sophie C Clement in 1928 in memory of her father, Rector of St Ouen from 1860-1890.

The Pipe Organ was installed by James Ivimey of Southampton in 1925. It was reconditioned in 1993 and is still in use today.

The Reredos was erected in 1928 and was provided by Mr Joseph Roberts who then lived at Vinchelez de Haut Manor. At the same time Mr Roberts arranged for coal fired central heating to be installed.

Electric Lighting was installed in the magnificent wooden roof to replace the suspended paraffin lamps in the nave and the pillar lamps in the chancel were added in 1937.

The Font was moved from the back of the Church to its present position by the pulpit in 1978.

A Wooden Portable Font was presented in memory of Harold Edwin Vibert, Churchwarden from 1957-1981.

The West Window was given by John Roberts, in 1985 in memory of his parents Joseph Henry Nicholson and Frances Eleanor. A small but beautiful portrayal of St George can be seen in the small topmost window.

 

The Windows in the centre of the south wall of the Church are in memory of Percy Lionel (1890-1956) and Hilda Alexander Le Masurier nee Le Boutillier (1889-1959). Their son, also named Percy (1923-2010), was a lifelong member of St Georges, serving as Almoner and Churchwarden. The windows are fine illustrations of the two texts inscribed "Behold a sower went forth to sow" and "Gather the wheat into my barn".

A memorial on the North Wall of the Chancel of the Parish Church records that Canon Clement died on 24th December 1890 aged 64, after serving the Parish for thirty years.

In 2000 the Church had a further refurbishment. Blue carpet was fitted and the pews were given padded seat covers. The East Wall was painted a brave shade of ecclesiastical purple to highlight the beautiful colours in the stained glass window and eight brass chandeliers and candle lamps in the choir stalls were added. A small amount of gold leaf was also applied to the Reredos. The existing lights were pivoted round to shine on the ceiling so that its craftsmanship could be better appreciated.

St George's Church Club was founded in 1913 as a 'Penny a Week Club' at the suggestion of Mr Le Cornu of Vinchelez de Haut Manor in an effort to raise the necessary funds to complete the building of the chancel.

"The object of the Club shall be to help maintain and equip St George's as an effective witness for the Gospel of Christ and as a power-house for Evangelism".

That Mission Statement is still as relevant today as when it was written nearly 100 years ago.

The St George's Church Club is still in existence and continues to raise funds to meet the running expenses and any improvement or renovation in connection with the Church building.

St George's Church has always aroused great loyalty in its members, many of them being members of the farming community from the surrounding area. It still maintains that tradition, with great importance being attached to Plough Sunday, Rogation and Harvest festivals.

The deep sills lend themselves to flower decorations and each window is allocated to a Church member whose responsibility it is to decorate them at Easter, Harvest and Christmas.

 

For the last 15 years, St George's has held a fully candlelit Carol Service with up to 40 in the choir and 4 times that number in the congregation.

 

St George's has close ties with Les Landes School and is able to use it for their monthly Sunday School, annual barbecue and refreshments after special services.

Many people will agree that the church has a lovely atmosphere and with its natural acoustics, it lends itself to concerts and special services. People who come from the other side of the Island to enjoy such events often express surprise at this hidden gem of a Chapel which is the most westerly place of worship in the Island.

This section is out of date: [Services are held weekly at 11.15am every Sunday with Holy Communion on the 1st Sunday and a Family Service with lively music on the 4th Sunday in the month.] 

The position today: Services are now only held on the Third Sunday of each month.

Prayer for the Church of St George

O Lord Jesus Christ
who hast promised that where two or three
are gathered together in Thy name,
they may have the glad experience
of Thy presence.

Grant to this Church,
little children may love to come;
here may young men and women
receive strength for the battle of fife;
here may the poor and needy find friends,
the tempted a Saviour,
the sorrowing comfort,
the troubled peace.

May the downcast learn
to be of good courage,
and the bereaved be cheered
by an immortal hope.

May the burden. of sin be lifted
and all hearts be assured of Thy goodness,
and here may aged folk
have light at eventide.

This we ask for
Thy Name's sake.
Amen

Date of Publication of Prayer 1945

Christianity in Action: Lesson 18: Truth Invincible

Lesson 18: Truth Invincible
By G.R. Balleine

[Warning: Balleine was writing in the 1920s and 1930s, and his views and language reflect many at that time. However, as a time capsule of the prevailing beliefs, this can be very useful for the historians of that period.]

LESSON FOR EASTER DAY.

PASSAGE TO BE READ : St. Matthew xxviii. 1-15.
TEXT TO BE LEARNT : " We can do nothing against the truth " (2 Cor.
HYMNS: “Jesus Christ is risen today," and “The strife is o'er, the battle done."
COLLECTS for Easter and Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity.

AIM : To show how Easter proves that Truth will always prevail.

I. CAIAPHAS AT EASTERTIDE.

(a) To understand a Bible story it is a good thing to put ourselves in the position of one of those who were alive at the time. Let us try to think what Easter looked like from the point of view of Caiaphas. Caiaphas was the High Priest of the Jews. He wore on his forehead a golden plate with the words, " Holiness to the Lord." He superintended the Temple Services. Once a year he entered all alone into the Holy of Holies, while the people stood waiting eagerly for his return. When he came back, he blessed them in the Name of God, and sent them home feeling that they were forgiven. Caiaphas' whole life was given up to religion.

(b) Our Lord had not been teaching long before Caiaphas heard of Him, and the more he heard, the less he liked the news. He grew jealous. The people never flocked round him as they flocked round Jesus. He never asked whether what Jesus was teaching was true. He tried in mean underhand ways to turn the people against Him. He said that He must be a bad man, or sinners would not be so fond of Him. He said that He probably did His miracles by the help of the Devil.

(c) One day. there came to him the startling news that in a village just outside Jerusalem Jesus had raised a man from the dead. Caiaphas called together the Council. Something must be done. If this went on, every one would believe in Jesus. He did not ask whether it was right that people should believe in Him. He only felt that believing in Him would disturb a lot of old customs, and Caiaphas was anxious to keep things as they were. He persuaded the Council that the best thing would be to have Christ put to death.

(d) We know how he succeeded. On Good Friday he went to Calvary, and mocked at Jesus, saying, " He saved others : Himself He cannot save " (St. Mark xv. 31). That evening he set a guard of soldiers to watch the tomb, and went home feeling that a troublesome business was satisfactorily ended.

So the Nazarene is dead !
Caiaphas the High Priest said,
His wonder-working deeds are o'er ;
He will trouble us no more.

(e) Early on Easter Morning he discovered that he was mistaken. Some of the soldiers came knocking at his door with an extraordinary story of an earthquake, and the huge stone rolling back with a crash, and a bright light streaming from the tomb, and their discovery that the tomb was empty. The Body of Jesus had mysteriously disappeared. Caiaphas did not know what to do. He hurriedly consulted some of his friends ; and then he gave a big, bribe to the soldiers, saying, " Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole Him away while we slept." Read Passage.

(f) But further difficulties followed. The rumour spread that Jesus had been seen alive : that He was meeting His friends secretly. Caiaphas never saw Him, but plenty of other people did. The Christian Church, that Caiaphas thought he had killed on Good Friday, grew stronger every week. Many of Caiaphas' own priests became Christians (Acts vi. 7). He spent the rest of his life in a vain and weary struggle to stop the growth of Christianity (Acts iv. 6 ; v. 17 ; vii. 1 ; ix. 1). Before he died, he had discovered that it is useless to fight against Truth. Let all repeat Text.

I. TRUTH WILL PREVAIL.

(a) The Apocrypha (1 Esdras iii. and iv.) has a curious story as to how Zerubbabel obtained permission to lead the Jews back from Babylon. It says that he was one of the young men of the bodyguard of the King of Persia. One night, while the King slept, these young men had an argument as to what is the strongest thing in the world. They decided to write down their opinions, and to slip them under the King's pillow, and to ask him to judge which was right. One wrote Wine, another wrote Women, another wrote the King, Zerubbabel wrote Truth. Next morning the King made them argue the matter before him. One said, " What is stronger than wine ? It causeth all men to err that drink it. It makes even the King behave like a baby. It makes the best of friends draw swords against one another." Another said, " What is stronger than the King ? If he command to kill, they kill. If he command to spare, they spare. If he command to make desolate, they make desolate. If he command to build, they build." Another said, " What is stronger than women ? Without women men cannot be. They persuade all men, even kings, to do what they want. Men labour and toil, and bring it all to the women." But Zerubbabel said, “Truth is stronger than all things. Wine perishes. Kings die. Women pass away. Truth endureth, and is always strong. It liveth and conquereth for evermore." And he supported his views with such wise arguments that all the people shouted, “Great is Truth, and mighty above all things!” The King was so pleased with him that he told him to choose what reward he liked, and he chose to be allowed to lead his people back to rebuild Jerusalem.

(b) Was Zerubabbel right ? Is Truth the strongest thing in the world ? Many of our Proverbs say so " Great is Truth, and it will prevail." " Truth may be blamed, but it cannot be shamed." " Truth will always out." " There are not enough shovelfuls of earth in the world to bury the truth " (Swiss proverb). " Truth like oil will come to the top " (French proverb). " A lie has no legs."

(c) Take one of the simplest of truths, 2 + 2 = 4. This is always true, whether we are speaking of cabs or cauliflowers or kangaroos. Anyone who asserts that 2 + 2 sometimes = 5 has fallen into error. If he tries to build anything on that false theory, it will collapse.

(d) Two prisoners, a father and son, were imprisoned in a lofty tower. They unravelled the threads of their sheets to make a rope to escape. One had a ring which he knew weighed half an ounce. He found that one thread would support his ring. He also knew his own weight. So he worked out the number of threads necessary to make their rope strong enough. When the rope was ready he began to climb down it, but the rope broke. As he lay with broken legs at the bottom of the cliff, he pulled out the bit of paper on which he had done his sum, and saw that in the addition he had forgotten to carry one. The sum was wrong. The answer was not true. So all his work had been in vain.

(e) In 1666 there was a great stir among the Jews in all parts of the world. It was reported that the Messiah had at last appeared, and was waiting to meet the faithful at Constantinople. Rich merchants in Spain and Holland sold their businesses, and set out to meet him. Poor Jews from Poland and Germany started to walk the whole way with their wives and children. When the pilgrims arrived, they found that the man who was supposed to be the Messiah had turned Mohammedan, and become a doorkeeper at the Sultan's palace. They had given up everything for a lie.

(f) Our Lord said to His disciples, " I am the Truth " (St. John xiv. 6). He said to Pilate, " To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the Truth " (St. John xviii. 37). St. Paul declared, " Truth is in Jesus " (Eph. iv. 21). This was why neither Caiaphas, nor anyone else, could overthrow the cause of Christ. Truth must prevail.

(g) Remember our Lord's Parable of the Two Houses (St. Matt. vii. 24-27). They both looked equally strong while the weather was fine. But one day " the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew." Then one house crumbled into ruins, while the other stood unmoved. What was the secret ? One was founded on the rock, while the other was founded on sand. And He said that a life built on His teaching was a life built on rock; a life built on anything else was a life built on sand.

(h) Easter shows us Christ triumphant over all His enemies. Easter makes it foolish to doubt in the truth of the cause of Christ.

Death's mightiest powers have done their worst, 

And Jesus hath His foes dispersed ;
Let shouts of praise and joy outburst.
Alleluia

A Fresh Look at Freight Charges - Part 2

Jersey could have adopted a proportional‑plus‑volume‑discount model because nothing in its freight system prevents it. The island’s supply chain is dominated by Ro‑Ro traffic, predictable supermarket flows, and a small number of high‑volume importers. 

These are exactly the conditions under which tiered commercial pricing works well. A structure that charges proportionally for lane‑metres while offering rebates for committed volumes is entirely compatible with Jersey’s vessels, ports, and operational patterns.

DFDS offers a broad freight network across northern Europe, with routes covering the North Sea, the Baltic, and Scandinavia. For frequent freight drivers, DFDS runs schemes such as the RoadKings Freight Drivers Club, which provide route‑based discounts and benefits linked to the number of crossings over a set period.

Commercial customers can obtain negotiated tariffs and make use of DFDS’s wider logistics and ferry network to coordinate movements across multiple regions. This makes DFDS a strong option for companies that value a single operator with extensive coverage and the ability to support regular, cross‑regional freight flows.

In other words, DFDS is fully accustomed to operating within a tiered, incentive‑based pricing framework.

So from a regulatory perspective, Jersey had several viable options. It could have required DFDS to publish a banded tariff, mandated a regulated framework for volume‑linked rebates, or allowed commercial contracts while ensuring oversight and transparency. All of these approaches are used in other Ro‑Ro markets, including those with similar scale and dependency profiles.

The island’s government opted instead for a single flat rate, prioritising simplicity and transparency over differentiated pricing, where a base rate would be published but discounted bands would be negotiated and commercially sensitive between parties.

The policy choice Jersey made was therefore not dictated by technical or commercial constraints. A hybrid model combining proportional charges with volume‑based incentives was entirely possible, entirely normal in the sector, and entirely within the government’s power to require. Jersey simply chose a different path.

Which is probably why Deputy Morel doesn't want too close a look at alternative paths he could have taken in negotiations. And why we have to pay the price - literally!

A Fresh Look at Freight Charges - Part 1

Condor has repeatedly stated that it did charge freight fees, but that for several years it absorbed significant cost increases rather than passing them on fully to customers. For example, in December 2023, Condor confirmed it would increase freight charges because it had been “subjected to significantly above‑inflation rises” in port costs and other fees, and could no longer absorb them. Condor’s CEO also said the company had absorbed cost increases for the past three years to minimise the impact on customers. Another report noted Condor had “no choice” but to increase freight costs by nearly 19% after absorbing rising prices for three years.

This last case came about partly because of Ports of Jersey having an above inflation rises in their charges. Specifically, Ports of Jersey announced an 11.1% rise in fees at the Harbour and Airport starting January 2024. It should be noted that they have also been giving above RPI increases for 2025 and 2026. The Deputy is silent on this and the effect this has on freight costs too!

Deputy Morel’s argument appears to be that under the previous tender arrangements, some freight‑related costs were not being fully covered by the structure of the contract, and he argues that Condor was absorbing more than it should have been, which he says put the company in a “financial predicament”. In other words, Morel is talking about under‑recovery of costs, not the absence of freight charges.

This differs from what Mark Cox , the chief executive of the Channel Islands Co-op is saying. They’re talking about different things. Mark Cox is saying the new structure increased costs because of port dues and flat‑rate charges. Morel is saying the old structure didn’t recover full freight costs, so Condor absorbed losses. Both can be true at the same time.

The bottom line is that Condor did charge freight fees and did raise them. Morel’s point is about structural under‑funding of freight operations under the old contract, not the absence of freight charges. He says that the new tender structure has made the real cost of freight more visible, but it has also made it more expensive!

But by imposing a single flat rate which the Deputy Morel (in drawing up the contract) made a non-negotiable part of the deal, the tender forced DFDS into a pricing structure that is unlike anything it uses elsewhere! That rigidity meant DFDS could not offer lower rates to supermarkets in exchange for guaranteed volume, nor could it reduce costs for small importers who use little deck space. The result was a system that lacked the natural stabilisers found in most freight markets.

So the solution chosen did not simply correct under‑recovery; it created a new structure that redistributed costs in a way that disproportionately affected consumers. Other options were possible, and I’ll look at those in the next blog.

So while it’s fair to say the decision was made with the intention of stabilising the freight operator’s finances, the practical effect was to raise the cost base for food and everyday goods in Jersey. That outcome should have been foreseeable by the Deputy, given how freight economics work and how other island systems structure their tariffs. Did he not do much homework on this, and model different options mathematically? We have not been told, and I suspect not! And when a politician has done the modelling, they usually say so and loudly because it strengthens their case. The silence here is telling.

In conclusion, the policy choice of a flat rate system had predictable economic consequences, and those consequences were inflationary for Jersey consumers. This should have been obvious. It was a good decision by the Deputy if there were not better alternatives – ones that DFDS uses elsewhere! So protest as he does, he is evading the core question: why doesn’t he mention those alternatives? And where is the mathematical modelling?

Next post I will look at alternatives to the tender structure, and why Kirsten Morel has saddled us with increased costs.