Vin d'honneur celebrates 60-year WVS commitment

SIXTY years of the Women's Voluntary Service in Alderney has been celebrated with a vin d'honneur.

In one of his final official duties, outgoing States President Sir Norman Browse hosted the event, which was attended by more than 70 locals, including WVS volunteers and the elderly islanders they help.

Sir Norman paid tribute to the service, which was officially launched in Alderney in 1951.

'Judge French brought a group of people to the island after the Second World War, including Mrs Owen and Mrs Bertram, two ladies from the WVS in the UK,' he said.

'Along with three or four helpers, they prepared Alderney's facilities for the people who came back after the war.

'The workers stayed for six months. They helped people develop and restore themselves in their houses.'

Sir Norman said Alderney started its own service several years later and that it has flourished ever since.

'It was founded by Catherine Bickerton and was run by quite a few Alderney people who are no longer with us. Pat Hart became the organiser in 1982 until 2005. I shouldn't complain about 10 years as President when Pat did more than 20 years.'

Sir Norman said it was fitting that the body's 60th anniversary should be marked, since nothing was done a decade ago.

Present organiser Dilla Wright said: 'It's lovely to see so many people from Darby and Joan here. I'd like to thank all the Meals on Wheels drivers, who battle the weather. Also, a big thank you to my small team. Here's to the next 60 years.'

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Alderney's Masons have chipped in to entertain new Connaught Care Home residents.

The local group has donated £250 to the facility after it was approached to help raise cash for new televisions.

The new home, which features 24 en-suite rooms, will soon be ready to move into.

Connaught resident Jack Thompson approached the Masons after being told that the rooms would not be fitted with any audio equipment.

'We need about £6,000 for 24 TVs, one for each room,' he said. 'The money is beyond the capacity of the average charity in Alderney, so we think it's best if it is raised bit by bit.

'I got in touch with Stuart Trought at the Masons and John Waller at Rotary as we're trying to get a bit of cash from everyone. The Masons have got the ball rolling by giving us £250, so hopefully more charities will get involved now.'

Paul Richardson, of Alderney Masonic Lodge, donated the cash to care home manager Yvonne Parmentier this week.

'Jack told us there were no TVs or audio equipment and we thought it was a good cause to get involved in,' said Paul. 'It may be that we give a bit more in the future.'

Yvonne said: 'It's very important that the residents have TVs. We're very grateful for the donation. Hopefully a few more will come forward.'