1986 - 40 years ago - October Part 2

1986 - 40 years ago - October Part 2

October 20-26

A 19-year-old girl, Miss Angela McReady, dies after she is the victim of an early morning hit-and-run accident in Don Road. A 36¬year-old man alleged to have been the driver of the car involved in the incident helps police with their inquiries.

Bail is strongly opposed by the police when Bruce Andrew Hanton (25), appears in the Police Court and reserves his plea to assaulting amateur boxer Mr Lyndon Marquer with a hammer.

The Longueville Manor Hotel is the only Jersey hotel mentioned in "The Good Hotel Guide 1987". The guide says that Longueville Manor is the most agreeable hotel in the Channel Islands "without too much competition".

The murder trial of Jose Nelio de Azevedo is postponed for a second time because there are insufficient jurors available.

Jersey's Medical Officer of Health, Dr Anthony Essex-Cater, says that AIDS has not yet made an appearance in the Island, although two carriers of the disease have been identified in Guernsey.

The manslaughter charge faced by Mary Jane Gourlay (20), who was accused in June of unlawfully killing her heroin addict boyfriend, is dropped. Gourlay, who remains in custody after a Royal Court appearance, admits administering a noxious substance so as to endanger life.

A performance of "Coriolanus" at the Arts Centre, in which one of the performers appears naked, is banned by the Bailiff, Mr Peter Crill.

Air UK cut single air fares to Southampton to as little as £19 in a bid to attract customers from British Channel Island Ferries.

27 October-2 November

A 19-year-old girl, Miss Angela McReady, of Glasgow, is killed in a 1 a.m. hit-and-run accident in Don Road. John William Scott (36), is later detained by the police and charged with failing to stop and report an accident.

Jersey's oil companies are slammed over their pricing policies in a States Committee of Inquiry report on fuel oil supply and distribution in the Island. The report calls for a cut in the price of petrol of at least 10p.

Police hunt a masked raider following a £500 post office robbery during which sub-postmistress Mrs Betty Morel is attacked with a kitchen knife.




Magistrate Mr Bob Day resigns over what he describes as the inefficiency of Police Court organisation.

Detectives question a young Jerseyman about a break-in with a difference ... it is alleged that he entered La Moye Prison to deliver cigarettes to a friend.

The States Police Association protests about pay talks with the Establishment Committee, saying that "negotiations haven't broken down; there haven't been any".

Taxi driver Mr Reg Hawkins receives the Police/Jersey Evening Post Outstanding Citizen award for his part in catching a drunken driver.

Island Development Committee president Senator John Le Sueur is accused of "misleading the States" in a debate on the rezoning of land for a new 18-hole golf course.

1986 - 40 years ago - October Part 1

1986 - 40 years ago - October Part 1

October 6-12

THE dispute over Sealink's closure of Channel Island ferry routes and the redundancies caused by the move finally hits roll-on roll-off freight when union action stops lorries boarding British Channel Island Ferries' vessel, Corbière. National Union of Seamen pickets block the ferry ramp in St Helier Harbour to protest against the loss of 492 jobs.

Judgment is reserved in the action brought by suspended St Helier Centenier Peter Pearce. Centenier Pearce says that he was unlawfully suspended and the Royal Court hears that no grounds have been found to press charges against him concerning his conduct during a Police Court case. It is revealed, however, that he breached Court procedure and misled the Magistrate.

The foul smell of sewerage around Bellozanne has returned, much to the annoyance of residents of the area. The problem is said to be worse late at night and early in the morning.

 

Jambo, the gorilla who stood guard after five-year-old Levan Merritt fell into the Zoo's gorilla enclosure, is named "Individual Animal of the Year" by BBC's Wildlife magazine.

The Jersey Football Association promises to "fight to the bitter end" to save Springfield as the base of Jersey football. The Island Development Committee are currently negotiating with the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society to purchase the site for housing.

The Bishop of Winchester, the Rt. Rev. Colin James, pays a brief visit to the Island and "drops in" on an assembly at St Michael's School,

October 13-19

A ROYAL Court murder trial is postponed because it is not possible to find the required 24 jurors to hear evidence against 20-year-old Jose Nelio Izilio de Azevedo, the Portuguese waiter accused of killing his countryman and colleague, Mr Joao Sapeta.

 

La Folie Inn, one of Jersey's few remaining independent pubs, could be taken over by one of the big three local brewery groups. The tenancy of the pub is up for renewal, but if it goes to Ann Street Brewery, Randalls Vautier or Bass Charrington it is likely that the matter will be taken up in the States.

A report into the future of Methodism in Jersey says that at least five churches should close. The report, which is expected to upset some local Methodists, is described as a discussion document and its authors say that they are not trying to force closures.

Jersey's former Army Careers Officer, Mr Vic Bourgoise, succeeds Mr Keith Hutton as chief traffic warden. Mr Hutton becomes the Island's car parks manager.

There is still uncertainty about the future of ferry services to the mainland. As the Sealink dispute continues, there is no indication when the full service proposed by British Channel Island Ferries will restore shipping links with the UK.

Hundreds of people — including the Bailiff, Mr Peter Crill, the Lieut.-Governor, Admiral Sir William Pillar, and the Dean, the Very Rev. Basil O'Ferrall, attend a peace service in the Royal Square.

1986 - 40 years ago - September - Part 2

 

1986 - 40 years ago - September - Part 2

September 15-21

TWO hundred people living in the Bagot area are evacuated from their homes when nearby commercial premises are engulfed by fire. The blaze destroys the building used by a recently-established business, Smoked Starters, but no one is injured.

Vandals cause serious damage at d'Hautree School. They cut electrical and telephone cables, slash seats and curtains, break school trophies and daub graffiti on walls and blackboards.

The results of the census taken in March are made public and the revelation that the Island's population has already passed the 80,000 mark, a level which the States have said should not be reached before 1997, causes an outcry.

The Arts Centre faces severe financial pressures but its director, Mr George Ritchie, says that the struggle to provide the service that the public wants will continue. He also calls for greater States spending on the arts.

Labour MP Mr Alf Dubs visits the Island, of whose status as a tax-haven he is critical, and addresses a public meeting at the Town Hall. He tells his audience that Jersey has a "noncritical political system" and that its housing laws turn some people into "second-class citizens".

Statistics show that the number of front-seat passengers seriously injured in traffic accidents has fallen by 70 per cent since the introduction of last year's seat-belt legislation. Defence Committee president Senator John Ellis says that the news is "marvellous". Thousands watch the annual Battle of Britain air display from vantage points all over the Island. Concorde, the Red Arrows and a Tornado fighter are among the stars of the show.

September 22-28

A RECORD "high" is on the cards when a further 13 arrests for suspected drunken driving bring the figure for the year to date to over 400.

Jersey's £5 million gift to the Falkland Islands is still in 'British Government hands. Four years after the gift was made, the Falkland Islands representative at a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association meeting being held in Jersey confirms that this is so.

Ten per cent fewer airline charter seats to Jersey are sought for the 1987 tourist season. Just under 73,000 such seats are approved by the Civil Aviation authority.

Island toastmaster Robert Michieli (24), is convicted of drunken driving and failing to report an accident. He may also face a perjury prosecution because the Assistant Magistrate, Mr R. J. Short, says that he finds Michieli's evidence about a girl who he says was driving his car "palpably false".

 

Ian Botham's 25-mile walk around the 12 parish churches is hailed as a great success. The walk, on which Botham was accompanied by his wife, Kathryn, an elephant called Lola and 400 Islanders, raises money for the Leukaemia Research Fund.

Roz Forrester, whose voice for three years invited the Island to wake up on the BBC Radio Jersey early morning programme, decides to call it a day. She will, however, continue to work for the station on a freelance basis.

Islander Mr Stuart Weaving is awarded the Springbok Foundation Friendship Personality of the Year Award in South Africa.

September 29—October 5

SEALINK British Ferries suspend their operations in Jersey without warning and it is revealed that a new company — headed by Channel Island Ferries' managing director, Mr Colin Carter — will be handling all the Island's ferry links with the UK.

Highlands College is entered by vandals and thousands of pounds worth of damage is caused. A safe is forced, cash is stolen and doors and pictures are smashed.

A man is arrested shortly after an alleged assault which leaves well-known local boxer Mr Lyndon Marquer critically ill with head injuries. Mr Marquer (22), is taken to the General Hospital's intensive care unit.

 A landlord who had 11 illegal lodgers in his house at Victoria Terrace, Georgetown, is fined £3,500 by the Royal Court. George Albert Thomas tells the Court that he took in the lodgers because he was short of cash. A man who was acting as curator of his mother's affairs but allegedly forged her signature to sell Treasury stock worth £22,950 is remanded for trial by the Royal Court. Peter Gerald Marriott reserves his plea at a Police Court hearing.

A St Clement Parish Assembly votes £3,000 from the rates to improve the appearance of the St Clement Garden of Remembrance. The funds are made available because of poor public response to improve the garden.

More sheltered homes for the elderly are needed outside St Helier, according to Housing President Deputy Hendric Vandervliet. The Deputy says that elderly people from country districts should not be expected to move to town.

1986 - 40 years ago - September - Part 1

1986 - 40 years ago - September - Part 1

September 1-7

THE run of bad summer weather continues and Meteorological Office figures show that August was the worst for 23 years. Rainfall was slightly above average, sunshine figures were down by 20 per cent and the average temperature was just under 16 C.

The Defence Committee approves tougher penalties for drunken drivers, who could find themselves facing a mandatory two-year driving ban. The Crime Prevention panel supports the move but says that it is still in favour of introducing a maximum legal limit for blood/alcohol.

Levan Merritt, the five-year-old boy who fell into the Zoo's gorilla enclosure, continues to do well at Southampton General Hospital. Meanwhile, Jambo, the gorilla who stood guard after Levan's fall, is still the centre of Press attention.

A geologist working in Canada who has local family connections, Mr Hilary Stuart-Williams, is named as keeper of archaeology for the Jersey Heritage Trust.

An inquest into the death of a fisherman who fell into the harbour criticises malicious callers who telephoned the dead man's family to say that he had been pushed. The inquest jury decides that Mr Richard McMullen (49), died as the result of an accidental fall.

HM Solicitor-General, Mr Terry Sowden, denies that local bar examinations this year were made more difficult to limit the number of practising lawyers. The claim that the papers were tougher than usual is made after all six candidates sitting the examinations discover they have failed.

September 8-14

AN 18-year-old youth, Mr Kevin Glover, is killed when his motorcycle collides with a car on Mont les Vaux in the early hours of the morning.

The president of the Island's Centeniers Association, Centenier Alf Vibert, criticises Police Court delays. He says it's "just not fair" that prosecutions for offences committed at this time of year may not be tried until 1987. Public Works Committee members say that the gyratory traffic scheme planned for Beaumont will go ahead. Public Works president Deputy Don Filleul told a St Peter meeting that it would be abandoned when he was confronted by considerable public opposition, but he does not have the support of his committee on the matter.

Jewellery worth £1,000 is stolen during a daylight raid on a house in St Brelade. Airlines operating services to Jersey describe the season as disappointing so far. Bad weather and cheap flights to Continental destinations are cited as reasons for the poor figures.

The weather does not, however, interfere with another influx of visitors. An unusually large number of jellyfish are reported in local waters, but Sea Fisheries Officer Mr Simon Bossy says that they are harmless.

The police investigate arson attacks on two cars parked on Grouville Common. One of the cars, a Morris 1100, is completely gutted by fire.

A new Berlitz guide to the Channel Islands says that St Helier is "part Breton, part Brighton" and remarks on Jersey's "old fashioned patriotism

1986 - 40 years ago - August - Part 2

1986 - 40 years ago - August - Part 2

August 18-24

THREE of the States Police Officers suspended from duty since earlier in the year are arrested. CID head Det. Chief Insp. Charles Quinn, P. Insp. Barry Blenkinsop and Det. Sgt. Brian Follain are taken into custody and charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice in the case of a man convicted of robbing a betting shop. All three plead not guilty when they appear in the Police Court.

Jersey's largest bakery, Le Brun's Ltd., is fined £800 for selling goods containing glass and metal and is warned that a further offence will result in Royal Court proceedings.

Public Works abandon their plan for a gyratory traffic system at Beaumont, a scheme which was first proposed as long ago as 1969. The decision to re-think the plan follows a packed St Peter Parish Hall meeting and the presentation of a 1,777-signature petition.

A 49-year-old fisherman drowns when he falls into St Helier Harbour from the New North Quay. The dead man is named as Mr Richard McMullen, a Scot who lived at Cheapside.

The States are asked to spend £100,000 to raise the height of the Port Control tower at St Helier Harbour pierhead. The alteration would provide a view in a direction now blocked by development at La Collette.

A Finnish company drops plans to run charter flights to Jersey next season because there are not enough beds available in the Island's large hotels.

The latest figures confirm that tourism is suffering a bad season. In July hotels did eight per cent less business than they did in the corresponding period in 1985.

August 25-31

THE tail end of Hurricane Charlie sends one of the Battle of Flowers arches crashing down on Victoria Avenue only minutes after the police decide to close the road. The storm also disrupts car ferry services and blows away tents belonging to Scouts camping at St Ouen.

States and parish manual workers accept a pay offer of 6.8 per cent, but the decision is made after a ballot records 596 in favour of the award and 534 against.

Tourism's "Floral Year" competition, de-signed to make the Island a brighter and more colourful place, is judged so successful that it is to become an annual event.

Deputy Tony Perkins resigns from the States after the Royal Court dismisses his appeal against conviction on a charge of committing an act of gross indecency at the Weighbridge toilets.

 

Jambo, Jersey Zoo's male silverback gorilla, becomes a national hero when he peacefully and patiently guards a five-year-old boy who falls into his enclosure. The boy, Levan Merritt, receives head and arm injuries in the fall, but responds well to treatment after being flown to Southampton General Hospital.

Two young windsurfers, Julian Barber and Justin Horton, both aged 17, sail into the arms of the law when they cross to France on their boards. They intend only to rest on the beach, but are arrested for landing without passports.

Mr John McLaughlin is released on bail, having served 22 months of a three-year sentence for robbery. It is alleged that police officers conspired to pervert the course of justice before the hearing at which Mr McLaughlin was convicted.

1986 - 40 years ago - August - Part 1

 

1986 - 40 years ago - August - Part 1

August 4-10

A SITE for an 18-hole golf course using land of little agricultural value on both sides of the Prison at La Moye is identified to the Island Development Committee by Advocate Michael Voisin.

The Island's Working Party on Need recommends to the Finance and Economics Committee that non-natives should have to live in Jersey for ten years rather than the present five before they qualify for welfare benefit.

Some 50 people are involved in a brawl after a replayed football semi-final in the Mateus Rosé tournament between Le Masurier's and Modern Hotels. Le Masurier's striker, John Steel, is banned for life from the Mateus tournament because of his involvement in the incident.

There is confusion surrounding the role of Jersey's only deaconess, Mrs June Gurdon. The Dean, the Very Rev. Basil O'Ferrall, and the Rector of St Saviour, the Rev. Jeffrey Hollis, say that Mrs Gurdon is on sick leave but is still licensed to the Parish of St Saviour, but Mrs Gurdon says that this is not so.

Senator John Le Marquand criticises the Housing Committee's policy on housing for the elderly. He says that old people need accommodation units big enough to allow them to entertain friends and family.

Falles Garage applies to the Island Development Committee to use a field and a garden in Plat Douet Road to park cars in spite of a recent statement by IDC president Constable John Le Sueur saying that he is "horrified" by the large area of the Island occupied by hire cars.

August 11-17

TOURISM Committee president Senator John Rothwell says that holidays in Jersey are too expensive. He makes the claim after gathering information from travel agents and tour operators during a two-day whistle-stop tour in and around Manchester.

Battle of Flowers day is another huge success, the weather breaking in time to ensure that the carnival atmosphere of the new-look event is enjoyed by the thousands who line the Victoria Avenue parade circuit. Cab driver Mr Reg Hawkins is commended for hanging on to a drunken driver's hire car to prevent it from leaving the scene of a motoring incident. The hire car was driven by 26-year-old Londoner Kevin William Bagshaw the wrong way up Colomberie and along a pavement before crashing into a telephone kiosk with two people inside. The Guiton Group, which includes the Jersey Evening Post, acquires a share in a UK company which is to launch an English newspaper in Spain.

Mrs Ada Louisa Breen, who says she was still riding a bicycle when she was 87, celebrates her 100th birthday at the Alexandre Home for the Aged.

Jersey Zoo looks for £45,000 to build a new laboratory. The money is needed because the laboratory currently in use — a prefabricated building put up in 1976 — is collapsing.

Residents of Trinity plan to fight a proposal to site the new Animal Shelter at a farm in the parish. They say that incessant noise and disturbance would be brought to a peaceful area.

1986 - 40 years ago - July - Part 2

 

1986 - 40 years ago - July - Part 2

July 14-20

A YOUNG father is released from prison so that he can travel to the UK to visit his nine month-old baby son who is in hospital with serious burns. Kevin Doublet has his six-week sentence for malicious damage reduced to five weeks and one day by the Appeal Court so that he can make the journey.

Jersey Zoo scores another success when Kishka becomes the first captive-born lowland gorilla in Britain to give birth.

Clearing bank staff working in Jersey call for a four per cent increase in their local allowance to bring it up to 16 per cent.

A 57-year-old man and his 53-year-old wife are given suspended jail sentences and fined £2,000 by a UK Court which hears that they tried to finance a Jersey holiday by smuggling cigarettes. Customs officers in Weymouth found that a car belonging to Robert and Betsy Hanley, of Bolton, was full of secret compartments containing the cigarettes.

St Clement Deputy Tony Perkins is found guilty in the Police Court of committing an act of gross indecency in the Weighbridge toilets. The 42-year-old Deputy says that he will appeal.

A former Constable of Trinity, Mr John Dorey Richardson, dies one day after his 76th birthday.

The Isle of Man government decides to seek the closure of the Sellafield nuclear reactor in Cumbria. French nuclear installations are nearer to Jersey then Sellafield is to the Isle of Man, but the Island's civil emergency controller, Col. Bill Clayden, says that Islanders have nothing to fear.

 July 21-27

THE Education Committee reveals plans to replace Haut de la Garenne children's home with a much smaller establishment on the site of flats on the corner of Bagatelle Road and Bagatelle Lane.

It is suggested that another way in which Jersey could contribute to UK defence spending would be for the States to pay for existing Island skills and facilities to be used to carry out repair contracts for the Ministry of Defence. The suggestion comes from the chairman of Aviation Jersey, Mr Charles Evans.

Two employees of Le Riches Stores are clubbed to the ground in Colomberie by robbers who snatch a night safe bag containing £3,000. The attack occurs just outside the National Westminster Bank on the corner of Little Green Street where Mr Clint Lawrence (24), and Mr Matthew Dent (18), were about to deposit the money.

A 76-year-old woman who received serious injuries when she was struck by a car while crossing the road at Beaumont dies in hospital. Residents and shopkeepers in the Beaumont area press on with the road safety petition they were preparing before Mrs Lucille Egre was knocked down.

Committees are formed on behalf of Victoria College and the Jersey College for Girls to fight the Education Committee's plans to abolish the colleges' sixth forms and create a sixth form college instead.

Mr Geoffrey Hamon, the former Comptroller of Income Tax, is sworn in as a Jurat by the Royal Court. Jurat Hamon fills a vacancy left by the retirement of Jurat Clarrie Dupre.

 July 28—August 3

A REPRESENTATION made in the Royal Court alleges that a miscarriage of justice occurred in the case of Mr John Patrick McLaughlin, who is serving a three-year sentence for robbery. The representation names three of the officers suspended from the States Police — Det. Chief Insp. Charles Quinn, P. Insp. Barry Blenkinsop and Det. Sgt. Brian Follain.

The former head of the Jersey teachers' pay negotiating panel, Mr Mike de Bourcier, is appointed States Employment Relations Manager, a post which carries a salary of around £20,000.

The Island Development Committee publishes Volume 2 of the Island Plan, Jersey's "blueprint for the future". It includes plans for over 2,000 new homes, new traffic schemes and proposals for preserving the countryside.

 The Jersey Electricity Company says that it would like to build a giant coal storage yard at La Collette Power Station. The coal would be used to fire new boilers so that the Island would not be dependent on oil for the generation of electricity.

A decision by the UK Aviation Minister, Mr Michael Spicer, means that air services linking Heathrow and Jersey are to remain. Senator Bernard Binnington, the president of the Harbours and Airport Committee and a senior member of a delegation which met Mr Spicer, says he is delighted by the decision.

Education Committee president Deputy Phil Mourant denies a claim by Miss Isobel Stevenson, the headmistress of the Jersey College for Girls, that the school is being run down with a view to closure.

The Jersey Hotel and Guest House Association plans to spend £25,000 on a survey to find out how the local industry can be improved.

1986 - 40 years ago - July - Part 1

1986 - 40 years ago - July - Part 1

June 30—July 6

St Clement Deputy Tony Perkins is arrested and charged with committing an act of indecency at the Weighbridge toilets. Perkins (42), is alleged to have committed the act with James Clarke, a 36-year-old Manchester man. Trinity Centenier Brian Richardson evicts a mother and her baby from a flat at 28 Rouge Bouillon. It is alleged in a Royal Court action that Miss Julie Collins was warned on previous occasions for making too much noise.

A shortage of nurses at the General Hospital results in a review of staffing levels being conducted by the States Personnel Department.

Figures compiled by the Drug Squad show that the number of drug offences committed in Jersey during the first half of 1986 is close to the total for the whole of 1985. The figures support the view of the Police Court Magistrate, Mr Bob Day, who observes during a case that more drugs seem to be getting into the Island.

Prince Edward visits Jersey, arriving at the Airport twice in two days. His first arrival is unscheduled when fog  prevents his landing in Guernsey, but his second marks the beginning of a full programme of events, including visits to youth clubs and a garden party at Government House.

Tourism's chief officer, Mr Leslie Rebindaine, who joined the department in 1948 and has headed it for the past 23 years, retires. He is succeeded by his deputy, Mr John Layzell.

Ian Drew, the Museum employee who tried to set fire to his place of work to cover up the theft of artefacts worth £330,000, begins a six-year jail sentence imposed by the Royal Court.

July 7-13

A joint plan of action is agreed by the Tourism Committee and the Jersey Hotel and Guest House Association to recover some of the declining holiday traffic to the Island. Tourism is to spend £15,000 on the plan, which will include advertising in trade and national newspapers.

An expert from the. National Radiological Protection Board reassures Channel Islanders that the French nuclear installations on the Cotentin Peninsular pose no threat big enough to warrant evacuation. Dr Frances Fry makes the assertion when visiting Jersey to discuss methods of monitoring local radiation methods.

Motorcyclist Mr Anthony Allard (37) is taken to the General Hospital with serious injuries after his machine is in collision with car near the People's Park.

A marine painting by Jersey artist P. J. Ouless is sold at auction by Langlois for £17,000, £5,000 more than it had been expected to fetch.

The Chief Officer of the States Police, Mr David Parkinson, says that the public need to be more conscious of the threat posed by crime. In his annual report he takes the view that many crimes would not occur if ordinary people were more vigilant.

There are signs that Jersey's cattle exporting industry is heading for a boom following a record number of inquiries at the Royal Show at Stoneleigh in the UK. There are doubts, however, that the industry has the stock available to meet demand.

The Education Committee lodges a report asking the States to extend the Job Opportunity Scheme for a further three years.

1986 - 40 years ago - May - Part 2

1986 - 40 years ago - May - Part 2

May 12-18

PUBLIC Works forecast a summer of traffic chaos in St Helier, but they say that nothing can be done about the problems because they relate to changes proposed in the Island Plan, a document which still awaits publication.

The safety officer at the Resources Recovery Board says that the department's safety record is "appalling".

Mr Matt McNulty makes the claim after an electrician working at the RRB's Bellozanne plant receives a severe electric shock.

Jersey's Cost of Living Index, which is used as the basis for everything from wage negotiations to fixing rent increases, is criticised as "out of date and narrowly based" by a UK Department of Employment statistician.

The price of electricity falls by 71/2 per cent. Jersey Electricity Company managing director Mr Dick Wade says that a fall in the price of fuel oil is being passed on to the consumer and that demand has recently exceeded expected levels.

 

Le Squez School receives "top marks" from Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools. Education Director Mr John Rodhouse says that the report on the St Clement primary school is the best he has ever seen.

The States are unanimous in their approval for an inquiry into fuel oil prices and supply. The proposition calling for the inquiry is brought to the House by Senator Jane Sandeman.

Jersey Coal Distributors Ltd. say that claims that they have dropped the price of fuel because of competition are "absolute rubbish". Meanwhile, newcomers Patch Distributors Ltd. say that they have taken about one sixth of Jersey Coal's business.

May 19-25

THE Broadcasting Committee of the States proposes that all States debates in the Autumn Session of the House should be broadcast live on radio.

Vice-Admiral Sir Robert Gerken, Flag Officer, Plymouth, visits the Island and says that he is in favour of a Jersey defence contribution in the shape of a River Class minesweeper, which, he adds would make an important addition to Nato capabilities.

A Traffic Order made by the Public Works Committee means that the public may park on unloading bays between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m.

The problem of deteriorating concrete which has been found at Green Street car park is also affecting two housing estates. It is further suggested that defective concrete at Le Marais and Elysee Estate is suffering from the "concrete disease" identified in the dam at Val de la Mare Reservoir.

Nearly 4,000 Islanders run the six-mile "Race Against Time" from West Park to St Aubin and back to raise money for Bob Geldof's Sport Aid for the starving in Africa.

St James's Church, which has been a place of worship for 150 years, is to close and it is announced that it may be turned into a community centre.

Finance and Economics president Senator Reg Jeune is to investigate suggestions that the States are slow to pay some of their bills. The move comes after concern is expressed at a Chamber of Commerce meeting.

May 26—June 1

 

A LIGHT aircraft with six people on board makes a forced landing on the beach at First Tower after developing engine trouble on a flight from Dinard.

Because the tide is out and the beach is almost deserted, the pilot, Mr Malcolm Fosse, is able to land safely in the Piper Cherokee Six.

The decision is taken to install an internal television system in St Ouen's Church. The system will enable members of the congregation who have to sit behind the church's large pillars to see what is going on.

Thirteen people are arrested when eight premises in the Island are raided by Drug Squad officers. A large haul of cannabis is recovered and police reveal that one of those arrested is a 14-year-old youth.

Concern mounts over the ability of Jersey's, roads to cope with the influx of heavier lorries which will occur when proposed developments to allow the Harbour to take larger vehicle ferries are complete.

Visitors are upset by Hitler T-shirts which are on sale in a local gift shop. Mr and Mrs Jo Parmentier from Holland say that the T-shirts, which feature details of Hitler's 1939-45 "European Tour", are offensive.

Three Troy Court residents escape serious injury when a blaze in a bedroom threatens to spread to the rest of their home. One of the residents, Mr James Gay, prevents the flames spreading by shutting a door on the fire.

Fog disrupts weekend flying in the Island and a large backlog of passengers builds up at the Airport.

1986 - 40 years ago - May - Part 1

1986 - 40 years ago - May - Part 1

April 28—May 4

MR Barry Shelton, the director of a company declared en desastre in 1982, calls for the resignation of the Viscount, Mr Mike Wilkins. He also asks the Attorney-General to look into the Viscount's handling of the case involving the company, Jomen Ltd.

A man escapes with coins and rings worth £1,600 from a King Street jewellery shop. Staff at H. Samuel disturb the thief as he grabs the valuables from an open safe in the rear of the premises.

Traces of radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl power station accident in Russia are found in samples of milk and grass taken in the Island but they are dismissed as "minimal" by the Civil Emergency Officer, Col. Bill Clayden.

Antonio and Veronica Mileti, a couple involved in a "sham" home buying scheme to evade Housing regulations, are each fined £15,000 by the Royal Court.

The vice-president of the Public Health, Deputy Robin Rumboll, says that the committee will not support a contribution to the cost of keeping the Netley Castle convalescent home in Southampton open. He adds that this might prejudice the present reciprocal health agreement with the UK.

The Parish of St Mary says farewell to its Rector, The Rev. Michael Harrison. Mr Harrison's place is to be filled by the Rev. Peter Manton until a permanent successor

Evidence given by suspended St Helier Centenier Peter Pearce is called into question at the Police Court. The Centenier's account of the arrest of a man accused of assaulting the police is alleged to be at variance with evidence given by States Police officers.

May 5-11

INFORMATION about Jersey's "blueprint for the future", Volume 2 of the Island Plan, indicates that greater efforts are to be made to preserve the countryside.

The Frenchman detained after a shotgun siege in St Mary in April, Jean-Luc Le Moual, is released on bail after a Police Court appearance.

An Agriculture and Fisheries Working Party is set up to look into the introduction of safety regulations for fishing boats. The move is made five years after the matter was first brought to the attention of the States.

Deputy John Le Gallais, president of the Resources Recovery Board, reveals that local oil companies have so far recovered £3 million from consumers because of the special premium imposed to cover capital investment in La Collette fuel farm.

W. E. Guiton and Co. Ltd., the parent company of the Jersey Evening Post, announces pre-tax profits for 1985 of nearly £1 million.

Success is also recorded by de Gruchy's, the largest single store in the Channel Islands. Pre-tax profits for the year ending on 31 January amount to over £900,000, three times the level of the previous year.

There are angry scenes at a Liberation Day wreath laying ceremony attended by a Russian military attaché. Demonstrators almost come to blows when an anti-Soviet group tries to lay its own wreath at the Westmount memorial to Occupation slave workers.

1986 - 40 years ago - January - Part 1

1986

January 1-5

THE police hunt for the killers of a Portuguese waiter who dies after being found dumped on the shore of St Ouen's Bay. The waiter is named as Mr Joao Sapeta, who worked at the Mermaid Hotel.

The Island is battered by winds gusting to storm force. The conditions are severe enough to uproot trees and bring the Airport to a standstill.

Jersey fishermen reach agreement with officials in Alderney during a meeting which settles a dispute over moorings for Channel crabbing vessels. The fishermen are granted a special mooring area in Alderney's harbour. 

The new Bailiff of Jersey, Mr P. L. Crill, CBE, is sworn in at a Royal Court ceremony. After the ceremony he says that he hopes the Island can avoid a "them and us" attitude concerning the increasing number of newcomers in the population.

As well as the Royal Court proceedings, there is a service of thanksgiving and dedication for the new Bailiff in St Helier's Parish Church.

The contents of a paper detailing proposed major changes in local health and safety at work legislation are made public by the Social Security Committee, which seeks comments from employers who may be affected by any changes.

January 6-12

A 19-year-old Portuguese waiter, Jose Nelio Izilio De Azevedo, is charged with the murder of Jaoa Sapeta, a fellow waiter who worked with him at the Mermaid Hotel.

De Azevedo reserves his plea when the murder charge is put to him in the Police Court.

It is revealed that "Bergerac", the series about a fictional. Jersey detective, is to be screened in the People's Republic of China.

Museum employee Ian Drew is remanded in custody after admitting arson at his place of work. The Court is told that more serious charges may follow.

Senator Dick Shenton announces his resignation from the Transport Advisory Council following his appointment as chief executive in the Island for Sealink British Ferries.

A man who admits charges of grave and criminal assault, carrying an offensive weapon and malicious damage using a sword and an axe, is sent to prison for nine months by the Royal Court. Douglas Aird is said to have committed the offences when "emotionally distraught".

The Defence Committee confesses to "embarrassment" at not having a road safety officer in what is designated European Road Safety Year.

A senior UK lecturer, Dr Jim Kelly, criticises some aspects of local herd management at a seminar organised for Island farmers. He suggests that more attention to feeding systems could increase yields.

January 13-19

SENATOR Jane Sandeman calls for yet another debate on the flooding of Queen's Valley.

Public Works president Deputy Don Filleul welcomes the move but accuses Senator Sandeman of "playing politics".

It is announced that Sealink are to shed 12 jobs in Jersey, a figure which represents almost half the local office's clerical, supervisory and managerial staff.

Sixteen States Members out of a total of 53 take the opportunity to visit the minesweeper Itchen, a vessel of the type on which the Island is being asked to spend £1.8 million a year.

Senator Dick Shenton attacks what he describes as "the menace of property speculation and asset stripping" when it is revealed that Mr David Kirch's development company is to buy Bird's Bakery.

The former Jersey Museum employee who is accused of arson at the museum's Pier Road premises is further charged with stealing Chinese snuff bottles worth £300,000. Ian Drew (28), reserves his plea to the charge.

A charge of illegally diving for ormers at the Minquiers faced by Peter Hogan is dismissed by the Assistant Police Court Magistrate.

The Eric Young Orchid Foundation — the brainchild of the late Mr Eric Young — is opened by the Bailiff, Mr Peter Crill. It is Mr Crill's first public duty since taking office.

Det. Chief Insp. Charles Quinn is acquitted of failing to stop and report an accident but is fined £75 for careless driving.