Floral judge left speechless at oasis

FLORAL Guernsey judges were in Herm this week for a tour of the island and a visit to the school.

Guernsey's Ann Le Pelley and England's Mark Wasilewski visited for last year's judging and were impressed by the work that has gone on in the past 12 months.

Mr Wasilewski was very interested in the new cricket pitch and other sports that are now available on the island.

'We have been hearing a lot about the cricket and other participant events,' he said. 'These things are great, because they encourage a lot of community involvement - as do the allotments, which are developing very well.'

'The island looks stunning,' said Ms Le Pelley. 'I love that a lot of the plants have been renewed, because it is important to move on and change things. And the Woodland Walk is lovely because before, there wasn't really anywhere on the island that gave access to that area. I imagine the smell is heavenly when the bluebells are out.'

Judge Mary Snelling has been in Guernsey for only 18 months but has visited Herm several times already. At the school, she was presented with a sprig of rosemary by nine-year-old Elliot Knight, who also impressed her with his research and presentation, as did the rest of the pupils.

'The children are so enthusiastic, which is lovely to see.'

The judges spent a lot of time at the small school, viewing the garden and photos of the ongoing work. The children explained that the vegetables and herbs they grew were used to cook a Victorian feast as part of their studies.

Michael Fitt, from the Isle of Wight, had never been to Herm before.

'I have been left speechless. It's an oasis. What really strikes me is how much everyone cares.

'In a way, Herm is doing what the rest of Britain should be doing, in terms of recycling, planting and the beautiful ongoing restoration of buildings. It is a magical place.'