Island Life

Half a century ago, Guernsey suffered a drought so severe that it was described as the island’s biggest crisis since the Occupation, with horticulture, agriculture and tourism – the main pillars of the economy – all drastically affected. In the first of a series of features, Simon De La Rue looks back to a time of water rationing, a borehole bonanza and some very busy firefighters.

Once a monastery, guest house and 40-acre nursery, Normanville off the Fosse Andre has been a haven of peace and tranquility for nearly 500 years. Rob Batiste looks back at its story, including a facade of pears.