Bear necessity

THIS week the majority of guests have departed Herm for the winter, reducing the population by 200 people almost overnight. All of a sudden, we have the island to ourselves and all is quiet.

The Mermaid Tavern has closed until the beginning of February for maintenance and a lick of paint, so even day visitors will reduce for a while. This is the only chance we get to catch our breath, take stock and get on with repairs and spring-cleaning before the new season begins in March.

Christmas and New Year were very busy, as all the holiday cottages and most hotel rooms were booked out to guests.

Christmas Eve was a little different this year as the church is closed for renovations until spring. For the first time ever, the carol service took place in the Manor courtyard, which was decorated with beautiful fairy lights for the whole of the festive period.

The next morning was the annual Polar Bear Swim from the harbour. An unusually mild Christmas morning was no comfort to the swimmers as the sea was still absolutely freezing. A few hardy regulars who do the swim every year were joined by several self-catering guests and quite a few children. Afterwards, everyone warmed up around the brazier with a well-earned brandy or hot chocolate.

New Year's Eve saw the Mermaid Tavern's annual fancy dress party. What started off quietly several years ago has fast turned into a big event, each year attracting more and more people. The theme this time was a pyjama party and was a huge success. Before the weekend was over the pub even managed to squeeze in a charity race night, which was just as successful.

Now we have a few weeks to get reacquainted with our neighbours before the whirlwind of summer begins again.