Baby boom

HERM is experiencing a baby boom.

After having none in the island for several years, three have arrived within 14 months of each other.

Alfie Pimblett was born in November 2007, followed by Harry Moore in March 2008.

Now we have another addition to our community in the form of Ethan Dyer, who arrived late on the evening of 5 January.

Proud parents Madi and Edwin have lived here for three years.

They met when they worked together on cruise ships after Madi left her native Romania to find work abroad. Madi worked as a hairdresser and Edwin in one of the on-board shops.

On one occasion the ship anchored off the coast of Guernsey for the day, and although they noticed Herm and admired its west coast beaches, they didn't have time to visit.

But the memory stayed with them and when, in May 2006, Edwin took on the role of assistant manager at the Herm gift shops, Madi flew out from Romania to join him. They were married in Guernsey soon after.

Ethan was born almost two weeks late. Originally due on Christmas Day, he considerately held on until the turkey and festivities were over.

'Everyone seems to be having boys in Guernsey at the moment,' said Madi, who gave birth at the PEH. 'Even in the hospital ward there were only two girls and lots of boys.'

With three baby boys arriving in rapid succession and shop manager's wife Juliet Churchward also due to have a boy in March, residents are starting to wonder if there's something in the water.