'Paradise isle' pupils enjoy visiting a similar one 'next door'

THE entire Herm school took a trip across the little stretch of water to the neighbouring island of Sark.

So near but yet so far, the larger island glitters across the water on clear days but getting there means going first to Guernsey then back around Jethou.

It was very strange to see Shell Beach from so far away.

First stop was Lorraine's Pottery, where all the children had a craft lesson with owner Lorraine Nicolle, and all had the chance to make items to take home.

Of course, the pots won't be ready for a while so in typical small-island style, they will eventually be popped on the boat to Guernsey to be picked up whenever.

Then came a walk to the Seigneurie Gardens.

Having been told that Sark was 'like Herm, but a bit bigger', it was surprising to see how different it is and how many neat little shops were accommodated along the main road.

Compared with Herm it's a metropolis, but still peaceful and charming in its own way.

It is always interesting that the islands, despite being so close and all part of the same Bailiwick, are completely different and have their own identities.

At the gardens, there was time for a picnic lunch before exploring the rows of flowers and tackling the maze.

The highlight of the day for the school was a little tour of the island on a horse and cart.

For an hour, horses Jacob and Frodo led the children down the picturesque paths and past some of the tourist spots.

Everyone hopped off to walk across La Coupee to spot our own little island across the water.

Back to the hub of things – there was time for an ice-cream before getting the return boat.

After a long day of walking, everyone was happy to get on the Trident back to our own little paradise isle, happy in the knowledge there is another just next door.

HERM took part in Armed Forces Week by hosting a visit from 12 members of the Prince of Wales Royal Regiment, who were island-hopping to meet the public and talk about their work.

Their day on Herm began with a tour from head gardener Brett Moore, who showed them around during the morning.

In the afternoon, they visited the island school.

The children were full of questions for the young men, such as how long do they stay in the army for, and, noting the all-male group, do women fight alongside them in wars?

In the playground, the soldiers showed the pupils a military 'poncho', a waterproof cover that can be used as a tent, which they got to play under.

They also had the opportunity to try army rations, which were thoroughly approved of, the favourite being a 'steak bar', which apparently tastes 'just like Peperami'.

A couple of days earlier we were treated to a fly past by a huge Merlin helicopter, which was in Guernsey for a large part of the day but came out over the other islands as well.

Starting at Shell Beach, the Merlin flew to Herm harbour so everyone could get a closer look.