Our home parish while we lived in Guernsey. The occasional aircraft on approach to the island airport did little to disturb the tranquillity of this rural parish.

We were blessed with access to beautiful walks in all seasons, one day along the cliff path, another through the Silbe Nature Reserve to enjoy the springtime flowers and another, perhaps after the children had finished school, a short walk to the beach, for a picnic tea and to enjoy the incoming tide rising over sun warmed sand. Days and experiences such as these were what made growing up in this very special place so enriching for the children.

In the centre of the island, in the parish of St Andrews (the only parish without a coastline), is the Vauxbelets valley, principally a farming community and home to the only breed of cow allowed on the island, The Guernsey.

A large building, simply known as Les Vauxbelets, was home to an order of de la Salle Monks. In 1914 one of the monks, Brother Deodat, planned a miniature version of the grotto and Basillica at Lourdes. Brother Deodat returned to France and died in 1939, never having seen his work completed. The third iteration of the vision, known as The Little Chapel, currently stands on the site, measuring only 16' x 9'. The chapel is a consecrated building decorated, inside and out, with donated shards of broken ceramics. The monks eventually left the island, returning to France, and Les Vauxbelets and The Little Chapel were abandoned and left to fall into a state of disrepair. Eventually an agreement was reached, in 1998, with the de la Salle order and the main building was renovated and became home to Blanchelande Girls College, the alma mater of both of our daughters. Upkeep of the Little Chapel has also passed to the college and the girls are proud to keep it looking it's best.

The Western side of Guernsey has seen its fair share of maritime wrecks over the years. Prevailing Atlantic weather systems drive struggling vessels onto the lee shore. The Hanois lighthouse warns shipping to stay clear.


Just after New Year 2003, an early morning news bulletin promised an exciting last day of the school holiday. A freighter, The Vermontborg, under tow, en route to a shipyard for final fitting out works, making it's way up the western side of Guernsey, was caught in an overnight storm. Strong winds and heavy seas resulted in the tow line parting and the out of control hull was driven onto the beach at L'Eree. Although intact it was clear that this was more than a simple grounding. The hull was badly damaged by the rocks, breached in several places and the steering mechanism and propeller seriously damaged.


Looking for something to do to entertain the children on their last day before returning to school, we decided to check out the action. We were not alone, possibly not wishing to miss the opportunity to 'put their stone' on any likely looking salvage, it seemed that most of the island's population had the same thought. The early birds got to the wreck before the authorities had an opportunity to secure the site, and whilst there was no salvage to be had, it was fascinating to be able to see the wreck up close, and to watch some adventurous souls, unburdened by concerns of health and safety, venturing into the hull through the various breaches.


The Vermontborg became a familiar sight for several weeks whilst repairs were carried out, and was eventually refloated, on a spring tide, to continue on its somewhat delayed journey to The Netherlands.

The land area of around 24 square miles is far exceeded by the length of the coastline, a constantly varying littoral featuring sandy beaches, rock pools, fishermen's bays, marinas and commercial harbours. It seems that everybody on the island has their own favourite beach, with the West coast being blessed with many of the biggest and most popular sandy beaches on the island.


For many people, especially those living in the Western parishes, Rocquaine is a favourite. It is a sheltered working beach, with a gently sloping shoreline. On a spring tide the beach, in the shadow of the sea wall, can disappear beneath the waves, and when the tide drops (the tidal range can be 10m on a spring tide) rock pools filled with sea life are revealed.


Guernsey has long been under attack, Castle Cornet, built in the 13th century, was a Cavalier stronghold against the rebellious Roundheads in the 17th, and today the island coastline is dotted with Martello Towers, remnants of the Napoleonic wars of the 19th century. Probably the most notable of these is Fort Grey, in Rocquaine Bay and known locally as the 'Cup and Saucer'


The Channel Islands hold the dubious distinction of being the only British territory occupied by the Germans during the Second World War. These 20th century invaders have left their own mark on the skyline with a defensive ring of concrete gun emplacements and observation towers encircling the island shores.

The main town and harbour, St Peter Port, faces East. From here the other main islands, Alderney, Herm, Sark and Jersey are visible across the Little Russell. A major Channel Island pastime is boating, small fishing boats, leisure craft, sailing yachts and large 'Gin Palaces' all find a home in the selection of Marinas lining the waterfront of the island capital. It all combines to provide a breathtaking backdrop whether looking from the sea or from the land, never more so that when the town plays host to a regatta, one week hosts of elegant sailing yachts, driven by brightly coloured billowing spinnakers, and crisp white sails, the next screaming high powered outboard engines shatter the tranquillity to provide a high octane racing spectacle.


Further north the old commercial harbour of St Sampson's parish keeps the island provisioned with everything from fuel oil to fruit and veg, very different to the ostentatious display of wealth seen in Town. From here, on a clear day, the island of Herm beckons, almost close enough to touch but across 3 miles of sea littered with treacherous rocky outcrops and prone to rip currents at both the ebb and flood of the tide.

Further up the West Coast are the beautiful golden sandy beaches of Vazon and Cobo. Popular with locals and visitors alike these glorious beaches provide safe swimming, water sports and even, at certain times of the year when the tide is low, a wide expanse of level hard sand suitable for racing of cars and sand bikes.


On balmy summer evenings a favourite pastime is to sit on the sea wall at Cobo, with take away fish and chips, and a pint from 'The Rocky', watching the sun sink ever lower and hoping to catch 'the green flash' as the final rays of the dying sun disappear beneath the waves. We were never fortunate enough (or perhaps drunk enough!) to witness this local legend, but that didn't stop us from hoping...maybe next time.

It doesn't happen very often but sometimes it snows in Guernsey. The island dons it's winter clothes and looks especially magical.

Invariably the schools close at the slightest dusting and so it's a great opportunity to walk the cliffs and lanes with excited children, and enjoy the childlike happiness of fellow walkers sharing something special.

There is something quite other worldly in seeing the sea lapping against a sandy beach covered in snow.

Herm is a delight. It is often said (only partly in jest) that it's where Guernsey locals go for a 'get away from it all' holiday. A short boat ride from St Peter Port harbour, Herm is a traffic free paradise of beautiful cliff walks, white shell beaches, and tranquillity (don't forget to take the factor 50!). A rare summer treat is to take the early evening boat across for a sunset stroll, followed by a meal at The White House hotel, before returning under a jewelled night sky to the bright lights of St Peter Port.


Whilst in island hopping mood a trip to Sark is also a must, although there are no cars, varied transport options abound. Landing at Maseline Harbour from the Bon Marin de Serk, the fit and adventurous will walk up the hill to The Avenue (the main street), the less adventurous may opt for a ride on the Toast Rack, a somewhat Heath-Robinson conveyance, unburdened by modern day health and safety regulations. From The Avenue the main options are to explore on foot, perhaps take a guided tour in a horse drawn carriage, or hire a bicycle and explore further afield at your leisure...go on get yourselves lost! Don't forget to stop for a long leisurely lunch, time runs very slowly in Sark, so plenty of time to enjoy fresh local lobster, and a bottle or two of chilled Chablis, do beware though, it's not unheard of for the bicycle to reject it's rider on the way back to the ferry!

Guernsey is a special place, proud of it's historical links to England but nowadays separate and independent. Once famous for growing tomatoes, those days are now gone, and it has redefined itself as an international offshore finance centre.


Located in the Bay of St Malo, a warm maritime climate and a host of beautiful beaches ensure that tourists are never too far away, the main season runs from Easter until the end of October.


Summer in Guernsey is a glorious time, but can become a little wearing for locals, however when the visitors leave, the locals regain their island. A renewed sense of tranquillity descends and the locals have an opportunity to recharge batteries in the run up to Christmas.


Christmas time is quite magical and uniquely traditional, the shopping streets are festooned with festive lights, switched on when Father Christmas arrives on the lifeboat to meet the island's children. The shops open late into the evening, and the High Street is jammed with cheerful shoppers, carol singers, mince pie and hot chestnut vendors.