Pursuit of French passenger route a target for SEM

A DIRECT service to and from a Normandy port is being pursued by Sark Estate Management.

Writing in the latest edition of his Sark Newsletter, SEM's Kevin Delaney said that during 2011 the company will be working towards establishing a daily passenger route between the island and one of the small coastal ports of north-west France.

SEM is also considering the acquisition of a St Peter Port shop selling goods and produce from Sark and promoting the island as a destination for holidaymakers and day trippers.

The company has also announced that its engineers have found a solution to accessing Port es Sais beach on Sark's west coast.

A design incorporating access steps and safety railings has been produced and, said Mr Delaney in his newsletter, this would result in safe access to the beach being available to residents and tourists.

'With the island facing up to the prospect of a very long-term closure of Grand Greve beach as a result of last winter's significant landslide, the creation of a safe, secure means of access to Port es Sais via the Beauregard Valley would be a welcome addition to the number of safe, accessible beaches,' he said.

Meanwhile, work on the company's La Rondellerie vineyard is now progressing in earnest with the importation last month of 30,000 vines and this appears to be running parallel to the creation of kitchen gardens at nearby La Moinerie. Mr Delaney said that this will further the company's declared objective of growing, rearing and catching in Sark as much of the produce used in SEM's hotels and restaurants as possible.

Mr Delaney also announced long-term plans for the redevelopment of business premises on The Avenue. He said that although priority was given three years ago to reopening derelict shops on the island's main thoroughfare, they will need to be demolished in the fullness of time.

'This will present a wonderful opportunity to rebuild in tasteful style, perhaps with timber-framed buildings incorporating reclaimed roof tiles, painted rendered finishes and a variety of shop fronts,' he said. 'Such a scheme would allow for the creation of affordable local market housing in apartments above the shop units.'

He also referred to the problem of dust – one of the most common causes of complaints from residents and tourists, and particularly in a dry spell such as we are experiencing now – and said that the La Moinerie Hotel redevelopment will be incorporating reclaimed granite cobbles within its grounds.

'This will give an ideal opportunity for islanders to view such a road finish and determine whether or not it would be suitable for use along The Avenue,' he said.

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A bench in memory of the late Conseiller Stephen Henry is now in situ close to the cricket pitch at the Millennium Field. A commemorative plaque was unveiled by Dr Henry's widow, Jane, last weekend – just prior to the first match of the season for the Dr Stephen Henry Trophy.

The Sark Cricket Club has also announced its fixture list for the season and in addition to the regular matches such as those against the Lords Taverners and Alderney, there is also an intriguing fixture on 3 July against HM Treasury and Cabinet Office Cricket Club. I wonder if we'll see any ministers.

• The email address for comment is fallesark@sark.net.