Liberation Day Thoughts on - Parishes of Jersey
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Thoughts on Liberation Day Page 11
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Summer 2020 St Saviour Parish Magazine p3
Featured
articles
From the Editor
At Last!!! From the Constable
4
After considerable delay, due to circumstances beyond our control, La Cloche is finally
printed, published and delivered to our Parishioners. We should be reporting on the
Liberation 75 celebrations, and it is certainly a big disappointment to many people that
p
those celebrations had to be cancelled and transferred to May 2021 instead. But we have
enjoyed beautiful sunny weather in the Spring months this year, after the extreme deluge
of the Autumn and Winter months.
Although we have a large collection of copy material for a special Liberation 75 Liberation Thoughts
11
publication, we are only publishing certain pieces in this edition of La Cloche, with the
remainder to be published in a later edition.
p
We have managed to put together quite an interesting collection of articles for your
enjoyment, particularly since we thought that this edition would be shorter than usual. I
hope you will enjoy reading it and find the articles interesting and useful.
There is a brief history about Oaklands Manor when the residents celebrated the 25th Occupation Burials
Anniversary of the development of Manor as apartments. Beautiful landscaped gardens for
the residents to enjoy, with the original folly built by Lady Brooke, still in place.
Colin Ireson has written an interesting and intriguing article about the Parish Community
p12
Support Group. There was a ‘call to arms’ seeking volunteers to support and help those
individual persons and families in need. Not just with shopping, but also with medical
prescriptions, and advice in general where and how to get other community services.
Often just a chat over the phone is needed. Without our volunteers, vital communications
would not be possible.
Bells & Old Lace Part 2
Bob Olliver has written an article about the St Saviour’s Twinning Association and the fact
that St Saviour has been twinned with Villedieu les Poeles for 35 years! The second part
p18
of Hamish Marett-Crosby’s very informative article about Villedieu les Poeles, its history of
lace, bell foundry and copper manufacture and industry, is reproduced inside.
Our photographer, Steve Wyatt, has also been busy and the cover picture is his creation.
Anyone who is keen to write or take photographs of Parish events, can certainly do so, and Twinning Association
19
send in their contributions to the Parish office, or direct to me by email at millercara8@
gmail.com. If you know of any event that should be covered and promoted in La Cloche,
please let me know. p
Cara Billot Miller
Oaklands Manor
p21
Netball News
p22
Summer 2020 St Saviour Parish Magazine p4
From your Parish representatives
FROM THE CONNÉTABLE
Well, the last time I wrote for the Christmas
magazine I said; “the next six months are going
to be fabulous so watch this space!”. In February
I went to the Falklands for a week with the
Connétable of St. Martin and Lisa from the States
Greffe. That was a fantastic trip. What a wonderful
place - a lot of you will have seen the photos. We Soraya and Martyn Maguire and Dianne Phillips who helped with afternoon teas
were then looking forward to the wedding of my
So, I met them early afternoon and we visited with cream teas. This
youngest grandson at the Parish Church followed was such a lovely thing to do.
by the reception in a Marquee on the family farm.
A garden party at Buckingham Palace and trips Sadly, I lost family and friends like so many others and was unable
to say goodbye. I had family in hospital and couldn’t visit or stay
to Villedieu - it was going to be a fabulous six with them to give support. The last few months have been so hard
months. But like everyone else I didn’t plan for for everyone. I called Government House one day spoke to Justin,
the virus. So other than the trip to the Falklands who passed me on to Sir Stephen who laughed when I said I was
calling to make sure he was still above ground and his family were
nothing else happened. ok. I and the staff called a lot of parishioners just so they knew we
were thinking of them.
Since March our lives have been so different. The Parish Hall has
remained open although the front door has been shut. The staff Steven, our sexton at the churchyard, has retired after 20 years of
have all been fantastic. Like the staff at the depot they didn’t miss service to the Parish and we all wish him well.
a day’s work - well that’s not strictly true, one of the guys from
the depot and his wife went to visit family in Venezuela for three We seem to be coming out of this, but please, I need you to still
weeks and ended up staying for three months! With the help of take care. We are not out of the woods completely.
Senator Ian Gorst and our London office we got them home, but
it was a journey I would not wish on my worst enemy. Still they Love
got home safely.
Sadie & Jackson xx
I needed volunteers to help with Parishioners and what a great
group turned up to help. Shona took charge for me and she has
been a star. Along with her husband Tim and a large number
of volunteers they made sure help was given to anyone who
needed it and they came up trumps every time. They are still
continuing to help.
Liberation day was cancelled, but I had a call from a lovely lady
called Soraya who said that she and her husband would like to
make afternoon tea for the Parishioners who live in our bungalows.
Connétable Sadie Le Sueur Rennard
and Jackson
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Summer 2020 St Saviour Parish Magazine p6
A message from your Deputies
Dear Friends And in this spirt of gratitude, I want to use
this moment to give a HUGE shout out of
appreciation to the wonderful efforts of
I hope this finds you well and okay. our parish volunteers. This tireless group
Like a lot of us I have been thinking showing the very best of St Saviour came
about the last time I caught up with together to ensure those on their own
folk. When I wrote to you last, it was needing a lifeline or again the simple
gesture of checking in on them or doing
via the December edition looking their shopping was amazing.
forward to 2020 and especially the
75th Anniversary of Liberation Day. They were not alone of course, our parish and there is always room for improvement
Doesn’t that feel like a lifetime ago hall staff supported by our dedicated but look at where we live and how lucky
honorary police ensured that despite the
now? So much has happened in that challenges many faced, their parish was
we are to live not just in our parish but this
island of ours. We must use this with spirit
time while some things remained. there for them. and Jersey DNA on our way.
Once again in the face of adversity the While I write this, we approach the summer So, to you and your family and to all those
spirt that I believe is firmly in our island sparkle that only this gem of the sea can who live and work in St Saviour, especially
DNA came to the frontlines in more ways offer. This summer will be one of relief our schools who have been working hard
than one. I am sure, like my family, you but cautious optimism as we still have these past few months and now with
joined neighbours across the parish on a a lot of work ahead of us all. As ever the some children going back to school, thank
Thursday evening at 8pm to clap for all the world seems like it has had a jolt and the you. Keep looking out for each other and
essential workers on the island. It was a reverbs of this uncertainty still reverberate we will meet again.
simple gesture which went a very long way underneath our feet. Much has been said
to keeping us connected and together, that we have been given a chance to Yours,
seeing those nearby while knowing that reassess and look again at the challenges
while apart we were as one in our resolve. we all face. This is an imperfective world Kevin
p G o i n g in
ee n critical
How To K ut Down be ing no
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Summer 2020 St Saviour Parish Magazine p9
Parish News
Re-opening of the Parish hall Parish Assembly
Opening Statement AN ASSEMBLY of the Principals and Electors
The Parish hall has re-opened from 22 June 2020 to resume near normal of the Parish of St. Saviour will be held at the
administrative services offered at HQ offices at the Parish hall In St Saviour. Parish Hall on Wednesday 22 July 2020 at 6:30
Core operating hours may vary as follows and services may be withdrawn if pm for the following business:
there is risk of a possible outbreak:
Opening hours are from Monday to Friday 8.45 - 3.45pm. 1 Approve the minutes of the previous
Please note that from time to time the opening hours may be reviewed Parish Assembly held on Monday 8 June
in order to ensure that the parish continues to comply with Government 2020;
health guidelines. We value the health and safety of our staff and visitors
allowing to build confidence amongst all visitor groups. 2 To receive and, if approved, adopt the
Connétable's Accounts for the financial
The Parish of St Saviour have year ended 30th April 2020;
been proactive in ensuring
that we Prevent, Protect 3 To approve the Estimates for the financial
and Promote (PPP) staff year ending 30th April 2021;
and Parishioners against
the spread of (Covid-19)
4 To approve a Rate in conformity with
Coronavirus.
Article 21 of the Rates (Jersey) Law, 2005;
Due to recent announcement
and advice from the 5 To elect a Committee to examine the
Government, we are taking Connétable’s Accounts for the financial
essential measures to year ending 30th April 2021;
ensure safety by mitigating
any risk for our colleagues 6 To appoint a firm of accountants to audit
in the office, Honorary/ Essential support groups, and most importantly the Connétable’s Accounts for the financial
our Parishioners when visiting the Parish Hall, we are strictly adhering to year ending 30 April 2021.
the COVID-19 Safe Exit Framework: Level 2 Policy recently announced by
Government guidelines. Sadie Le Sueur Rennard
The Parish of St Saviour is regimentally committed to following the recent Connétable
Government of Jersey COVID-19 guidelines by promoting, educating and
advising all personnel and various visitor groups by rigorously enforcing the
necessary measures allowing to effectively control the risk of a COVID-19
outbreak. Our Risk framework is based on the best medical advice on offer
and will comply by:
• Maintaining a 1m physical distance between each other (all
Parish Rates
visitor groups) This year’s Parish Rates demands are due to
be sent out at the end of July, payment will
• Adhering to stricter hygiene levels especially in communal be required within the following 3 months
areas such as toilets, reception areas, canteens or kitchen areas. – the deadline being towards the end of
• Effective management of public and private meetings, October.
interviews by promoting video conferencing where permitted
There are currently no plans to defer rates
• Promoting of readily available online services
for this coming year of 2020, however, if
Theses 4 principles are key to enable us to promote a safe working place your income or business has changed and
for our colleagues and a clean and safe environment that all visitors can feel you are concerned about your ability to pay
comfortable in. We believe that by communicating effectively, providing your rates, please contact the Parish Hall on
support and health & safety enforcement we can achieve realistic targets to 735864.
ensure the safety of all visiting the Parish Hall.
For more information on level 2 of the Safe Exit Strategy Framework please
visit the Government of Jersey Website.
Although we have all the necessary precautions in place, to avoid longer
waiting times, we ask that Parishioners utilise our online services and
only visit the Parish hall where absolutely necessary.
Summer 2020 St Saviour Parish Magazine p10
Parish News
Safer Routes Green Waste
to Schools Due to the situation surrounding COVID-19, the
The Parish of St Saviour Parish implemented a temporary green waste
have been working with collection service to help our Parishioners during
the Government of Jersey lock-down until the green waste centre at La
to improve safety for this work forward. Hence the work Collette re-opened.
pedestrians using Bagatelle Lane will now commence on or soon
under the Safer Routes to Schools after Monday 8th June 2020. It During these collections which ran between 27th
Initiative. is anticipated that the work will April and 29th May, we collected and delivered
take approximately five weeks to 34.5 ton to Jersey Hemp for use at the farm after
This involves the creation of a
complete. As part of the temporary being turned into compost and 6.84 ton to GHE
‘Virtual Footpath’ on the west
traffic management, Growth Green Waste site at La Collette.
side of the road (with built up
Housing and Environment plan to
pavements in some locations),
implement the one-way system Following on from this largely successful service,
changing the road to one way for
relatively soon once the works the Constable will
vehicular traffic (to be Northbound
have begun. be looking into the
only), and a reduction in the speed
limit from 30mph to 20mph. Should you wish to discuss this feasibility of reinstating
work and what is proposed please a collection on a
The original timetable was to
contact the project engineer on permanent basis.
undertake this work during the
j.ruddy@gov.je
2020 school summer holidays to
avoid the peak school drop off/ To discuss access and servicing We would like to thank
pick up periods. At this time, whilst during the works please all our Parishioners
we are still in lockdown and as the contact Dave O’Brien who will for your feedback
roads remain comparatively quiet, be managing the work on site and taking part in the
the opportunity has arisen to bring D.O’Brien@gov.je scheme.
Happy Retirement Steve! Dog Mess
On the 29th May we wished a Happy retirement to our Sexton Steve
Nerac after 20 years of working for the Parish. The Parish have received some
complaints lately about dog mess
If you ever visited the and the non-picking up of it, we
Churchyard, Steve was would like to remind everyone that
one of the gentlemen it is your duty to clean up after your
dog, this applies to all beaches and
who kept it looking so
parks and to all public areas including
beautiful.
roads and pavements. We also ask
We hope you enjoy that where possible dogs do not do
your retirement Steve, their business on others private
you will be missed! driveways/garden areas.
Branchage Party Returns
The St Saviours Branchage Party return from a socially
distanced Branchage inspection.
From left to right – Roads committee Members:
Peter Blampied and Geoffrey Morris, Chef de Police
Steven Laffoley-Edwards, Constable of St Saviour Sadie
Le Sueur-Rennard, Vingtenier Almerindo Goncalves
and Centenier John Richards.”Summer 2020 St Saviour Parish Magazine p11
Liberation May 9th the Day
by Peter Dyson, Rector
of our Liberation
What word normally follows “liberation”? Usually we would say “from” by Daff Noel
and that makes good sense. Liberation in 1945 meant liberation from
oppression, restrictions, hunger, fear. And we all need liberating from My family have always celebrated May 9th. Even when we
such things now – as many people in the world can sadly confirm weren’t in the island we would always make a special day
from their own experiences. of it. That was down to my Mum really. To her it was the
day she was never going to forget. The day we were all
But there is also a less common, but equally important, little word that
finally freed from German rule.
can follow “liberation” – it is the word “for”. We are given a freedom to
do something with our liberty. We can be freed for making money, It must be difficult for
having a good time, going travelling, relaxing – literally having free today’s generation to
time. And there is nothing wrong with any of that. understand how the
captive adults would
But should there, could there, be more?
have felt that day in 1945
As we look back on this 75th anniversary of Liberation perhaps as but it must have been
individuals and a community we should ask ourselves the question exhilarating. I was three
what have we been freed for? What is the role for working together, months away from my
building up the community, helping others less fortunate than fifth birthday yet I could
ourselves; sharing of what we have; caring for the environment? not have missed the
excitement in everyone’s
It is often said that during the Second World War there was a feeling voices, the smiles of
of being in it together: strong community leading to support of one happiness on their faces.
another.
My older sisters and brothers would have talked about
What, in 2020, might each of us be freed for? And as we come out of going down the Albert Pier and, not wanting to be left
lock down – the opposite of freedom by definition – how will each of out, I probably sulked at being told I was too young. I
us answer that question? would not have done so for long however for I would
have soon been assured that my Mum, seven year old
sister Daryl and baby Angela were all staying home too.
Liberation thoughts We would have waved them off at the garden gate
before Daryl and I ran through the house and out into
by Dep Louise Doublet the orchard to see if Louie the gardener was free to play.
We were in the house later that afternoon though. I
Freedom, to me, means being empowered to make choices for my remember that Daryl and I were playing ‘hide and seek’
own life and for the good of my family and community, on an equal underneath the kitchen table when Mummy answered a
basis with other citizens. knock at the front door.
I think the gift of freedom comes with a Did we peek out with curiosity
responsibility to make choices that will benefit when she gasped and laughed
not just ourselves but also the people around at the visitor? I can’t remember
us. Freedom is a fundamental requirement for but I do recall the dusty black
human happiness and I feel very lucky that boots he wore and the brown
we have it in Jersey. Celebrating Liberation trousers – oh and his lovely
Day is really important to me. As a Humanist smiling face when he bent to
I believe that this is the one and only life we say hello after Mum had said
have - this makes me feel deep gratitude who we were. It was many
for those who lost their lives so that we years later that I thought to
could have freedom. I think whatever our ask who he was and was told
background or beliefs, whatever school we that he was not only Daddy’s
went to or sexuality we identify with, islanders cousin from England but was
of all colours and ages share a passion for this more importantly a member
place we call home. That passion unites us. of the Liberation force who
landed that day. There are
On Liberation Day I celebrated this unique photos within the family
little island that punches way above its collections of that day and his
weight in many arenas. Jersey has so much visit but sadly I cannot locate
staggering natural beauty and an innovative, them at this time. Nevertheless
generous population. it added to the importance of
May 9th 1945 for us as a family
Having the freedom to serve this island and
and why each anniversary is
its people is something that I will never take
celebrated to this day.
for granted.Summer 2020 St Saviour Parish Magazine p12
75 years seems a long time ago, yet
keen rugby player. He then went to Jesus College, Oxford, to read
Law and then was called to Bar at Lincoln’s Inn before returning
to Jersey to practice as an Advocate. During WWI he was the
the reverberations are still with us Recruiting Officer for Jersey and was later awarded an OBE.
to-day. Only recently has the human
On 12 February 1943, the Ogier’s home was searched by German
police, during which they found a map belonging to Richard
marked with military fortifications, and a small camera belonging
cost of the Occupation and the to Kenneth. Leonce and Richard were arrested, interrogated, and
placed in Jersey jail.
desperate desire for Liberation, been The two men were taken to Paris for interrogation at Gestapo
HQ Richard did not stand trial because of illness. Leonce Ogier
once again a reality in our Parish. stood trial alone and was given a six-month sentence in May
1943. However, the entire charge was so suspect that Ogier was
immediately pardoned by the military commander of Paris and,
It was in 2018 that the mortal remains of Frank René Le Villio quite extraordinarily, sent back to Jersey.
were returned to Jersey. Only in his mid-teens he was deported
for “serious military larceny” – the crime being stealing a military On his return to Jersey on 24 May 1943, Leonce Ogier was treated
motorbike to go for a ride. He spent time in several concentration by the Island as a hero, which irritated the Germans to the extent
camps, including Belsen. His health broke down completely and that they deported him again on 13 July 1943. Unbeknown to all,
after being transferred in 1945 to hospital in Nottingham, he died Ogier was at this time suffering from terminal intestinal cancer.
shortly after the end of the war – and was buried in Nottingham.
He was a St Saviour’s boy, and his remains were brought back to St Ogier was transferred to Biberach civilian internment camp
Saviour, when a moving memorial service was held and he could arriving on 16 July 1943 as recorded in the camp register (prisoner
be properly remembered. He was laid to rest in his homeland and number 16506). The physical and psychological shock of his
at Surville cemetery, where his parents lie buried. second deportation, not to mention all that had happened over
His death a lifetime away – but the past became the present for the last few months, was such that his health deteriorated quickly.
those few hours.
Leonce L’Hermitte Ogier died on 1 August 1943; two relatives
who were interned in the
OCCUPATION
nearby civilian internment
camp at Wurzach were
allowed to be with him
when he died. He was
burials
cremated in order that his
remains be transportable
back to Jersey at the
end of the war and was
eventually laid to rest in St
Saviour’s cemetery.
William Howard Marsh of
There are no less than 14 civilians who died as a direct result of the Langley Park, St Saviour
Occupation buried or remembered on gravestones in St Saviour’s was born on 28 November
churchyard. As we give thanks for Liberation this 75th anniversary 1920 in St Helier. A motor
year, it is right to remember them. mechanic by trade, he worked
Leonce L’Hermitte Ogier is known to us as one of the Jersey for the Germans during
21 whose names are engraved on the Lighthouse Memorial in the Occupation - including
St Helier, Jersey, and who did not return from Nazi prisons and Organisation Todt. Rebellious by
concentration camps. nature, in February 1944 he was
reported for misconduct and put
Ogier was born on 15 June 1881 and studied at Victoria College in on trial. He was sentenced to 15
Jersey from 1896 to 1900, where he was the cricket captain and a months for ‘insulting the GermanSummer 2020 St Saviour Parish Magazine p13
forces, disturbing the working peace and disseminating anti- At least nine people drowned trying to escape the occupation –
German informations’. He died in Germany on 9 March 1945. At that and three of these are buried in St Saviour. They are all tragically
time he was part of a slave worker detachment building a fuel plant young. The first was Denis Audrain, aged 16. He died trying to
in Zeitz. row to England – such was his desire for liberation. At Green Island
there is the following memorial:
Clarence and Peter Painter lived in New Zealand Avenue.
Clarence Painter was born in Berkshire in 1893 and fought in the Here On 3rd May 1942
First World War. He married Dorothy Smith, the daughter of a
Jersey ice cream and mineral water manufacturer. He worked in PETER HASSALL, DENIS AUDRAIN
the family business and their eldest son, Peter, was born in 1924. & MAURICE GOULD, aged 15, 16 & 17
Peter was a pupil at Victoria College and like many youngsters Attempted To Escape The Occupation Carrying
he took part in acts of defiance such as taking photographs of Plans Of Island Fortifications To Aid The Allies
German aircraft at the Airport, when photography was banned.
He was reported to the Germans who searched the family home. The Boat Was Swamped, Denis Drowned And Is Buried
They found a First World War German pistol, brought home as a In St Saviours Cemetery
souvenir by Peter’s uncle. Guns had to be handed in when the Maurice and Peter Were Captured And Deported
Island was occupied. Father and son were arrested and sent to a
To SS Camps In Germany
prison in France just before Christmas. The following August, after
spells in two other camps, they were transferred to Gross-Rosen Maurice Died In 1943 And His Remains Were Re-interred
concentration camp. Peter died from pneumonia, in his father’s In The Howard Davis Park In 1997
arms, on 27 November 1944. Clarence died on 16 February 1945 in Peter Died In 1998. His Ashes Are Scattered Nearby, United Again
a train wagon while being transferred between camps.
Another tragedy saw four young people perish, two being a
James Edward Houillebecq of Patier Lane St Saviour was born young married couple Ronald and Madeleine Bisson being
into a St Saviour family on 24 February 1927. He had just left De La aged 19 and 21 respectively.
Salle College in May 1944 when a German search party discovered
gun parts and ammunition hidden at the family home. Together A third was Andre Gorval, who was helped by Eileen Le Sueur,
with friends, he had stolen a German gun and concealed it (mother of our Connetable Sadie), to get fuel, wrote to her
without the knowledge of the family. They were all arrested and thanked her for the great risk she took in helping the escape plot.
interrogated but only James remained in prison. He was deported She received a letter written by André the following morning,
in July 1944 and died in Neuengamme concentration camp on 20 thanking her for her generosity and promising that his spirit would
January 1945, a month short of his 19th birthday. not be broken if the escape failed and he ended up in a German
prison instead.
Marcel Fortuné Rossi of Maufant St Saviour was born in
Lincolnshire in 1921. The family moved to Jersey. In February 1943,
as part of deportations of UK-born British passport holders and
their dependents, to internment camps, Marcel and his father,
Jean-Marie, were sent to Kreuzberg camp in Silesia. At one point
they were held in the Auschwitz camp complex. Marcel is believed
to have died in April 1945. Jean-Marie survived and died in 1967.Summer 2020 St Saviour Parish Magazine p14
But the actual outcome of the escape bid was more tragic - Eileen been renovated, so that this young couple
heard rumours that screams for help had been heard from the who tried together to escape, are properly
coast; and later that week, a telephone call confirmed Eileen’s commemorated.
worst fears. The escape had failed and he together with the three
others died, six months before the Channel Islands were liberated. The most high-profile Occupation story
in St Saviour was known as the “St Saviour’s
The letter is not only very moving but gets to the heart of such wireless case”. In 1942 it had been declared
desire for liberation, that many risked death or imprisonment by illegal to own a radio, (as they were used to listen
the German authorities. to the BBC). 15 people were arrested, but the four
principals were John Nicolle, Joseph Tierney,
Arthur Dimery and Canon Clifford Cohu,
le Sueur,
Dear Mr and Mrs minister of St Saviour at the time. The
thank network was discovered with each
for e I tr y and get away, to member having a different role.
Just a li n e, be
yo u h a ve d on e for me and my
od
you for all the go it from the bottom of my heart. The St Saviour's wireless case was the
ate perfect opportunity to stage a show-
family. I appreci e fu tu re and hope ever ay to
ything trial that could act as a deterrent and
lu ck in th
I wish you for you. I am sorry
in a w persuade the rest of the population
t a lr ig h t to to refrain from illegal action.
will turn ou
a ll fe d u p w ith the life we have
leave but we are re lu ck y enough to get acr
oss I The trial took place, barely one
I f w e a in
ot we shall land
month after the arrests, on April 9,
put up with. el ig h te d . I f n 1943, behind closed doors in the
n d
shall be more tha ansion but our spirit will not be Lower Committee Room of the
tM
*Gloucester Stree nd with Gods’ blessing I hope we States Building.
ya
broken, but I pra Unlike other trials, the case
shall be alright. but
enjoyed a great deal of public
say not goodbye
exposure - something the
sh or t le tt er a n d Germans surely could have
So I will end my avoided had they aimed for
Au Revior. more secrecy. One of the
defendants recounts that on
devoted friends
From one of your
leaving the States Building
after the trial, large crowds had
Andre gathered in the Royal Square,
again
Thank you once eagerly awaiting the result.
A determination to rid the
to Guy.
P.S. Give my love Island of Cohu's presence forever
accounts for the disproportionately harsh
sentence he received, in striking contrast
As a nephew wrote later: “Ronnie was desperate to escape and to to the sentences given to other defendants
join the fight in Europe. Sadly, as we know he never made it.” The for very much the same offence. Cohu was
grave contains other family members, but it has more recently sentenced to 18 months imprisonment forSummer 2020 St Saviour Parish Magazine p15
'failing to surrender leaflets and [...] disseminating anti- German John Nicolle and his father, who retained a radio set. On the basis
news', whereas usually sentences for convictions of this category of this information, news-sheets were produced by Tierney and
ranged between a mere one to two months. Equally, Tierney's other, which were then taken to Cohu. Cohu’s non-conformism
two-year sentence 'for manufacturing and distributing leaflets' made him unpopular with the Germans.
because he was perceived as a troublemaker
Cohu was arrested on 12 March 1943 by the German Secret Police;
All four were sentenced to imprisonment. Arthur Dimery left others in his network had been arrested during the fortnight
Jersey for an unknown destination together with John Nicolle, on before. He was taken to the GFP HQ at Silvertide, Havre de Pas. In
May 5, 1943. After completing his term, he probably found himself total, 18 people in the network were tried and even more were
in the hands of the Gestapo and was sent to Neuengamme interrogated. The trial took place on 9 April 1943 and large crowds
concentration camp, outside Hamburg. gathered outside, in Royal Square, eagerly awaiting the result.
Cohu was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for ‘failing to
How Dimery came to be admitted to Laufen, one of the surrender leaflets and […] disseminating anti-German news.’
internment camps for Channel Islanders, remains a mystery. He (German) side of Jersey prison to the civilian side, where life was a
died there on April 4, 1944 and lies buried at Salzach Municipal little easier. He was deported on 13 July 1943.
Cemetery.
Cohu was imprisoned in several camps and put in solitary
Joseph Tierney, who had been allowed to attend the christening confinement at Frankfurt, spending ten and a half hours a day
ceremony of his new-born daughter, followed Clifford Cohu to inserting hooks into cardboard frames. Cohu’s wife sent him
Dijon on September 18, 1943. He served his full sentence but food parcels but these were confiscated on arrival. Cohu’s weight
was then not released despite having dysentery and dropsy. It is dropped from 10 stone 3 lb when he left the island to 7 stone by
thought he ended up in Flossenburg camp in April 1945 – i.e. just May 1944.
before the war ended. Then the prisoners were evacuated from
the camp in mid-April 1945 and sent on a death march into the Cohu’s two most heartfelt, but unsatisfied, wishes were to be
Sudetenland. This death march was a mixture of rail transport and reunited with his wife and to be allowed to bury the islanders who
walking on foot. 822 prisoners set out but hundreds died and died in prison.
were buried in mass graves – only 28 were still alive by the end
of the war one month later. Joseph Tierney’s body was exhumed Cohu’s sentence officially ended on 24 September 1944, but on 30
in the summer of 1945 but then disappeared. After the war his August 1944 he was released into the hands of the Gestapo and
family naturally tried to find his resting place but did not succeed. taken to Zoshen forced labour camp, which was run by the SS.
It was only in 2016 that his body was located, and his family were He arrived there after several days on a prisoner transport on 13
able to visit and lay flowers at the memorial which marked the September 1944, at a time when the camp was first opening and
communal grave where he and his friends were buried. was severely overcrowded with more than 500 prisoners. Cohu
attracted attention when in the camp for being the only British
John Nicolle ended up at a notorious prison prisoner and for being a priest. He was too weak and thin to lift a
at Dortmund where he arrived on April 21 shovel and was given continual beatings and screams of abuse
1944. This prison was particularly vile as is from the guards.
recounted by one survivor, according to
whom Bochum, (the camp where he and On 20 September 1944, Clifford Cohu died from the brutal
Nicolle had been previously), was 'bad, but treatment he received. When undressing his body on the order of
it was a palace compared to Dortmund'. the guards, a Czech survivor, found a small bible tightly pressed
John Nicolle perished there from against his breast. Somehow this had survived body searches and
starvation and overwork. the treatment he had received. Cohu’s remains were cremated
and it is not known where they were scattered. He has a fitting
More is known of the details of Canon memorial inside St Saviour’s church and his name is remembered
Cohu and is an appropriate story to in the Chapel of martys in Canterbury cathedral, on each
recount at the end of this section, as it anniversary of his death.
is a stark reminder of what Jersey and
the Channel Islands were Liberated And finally, on a grave is written simply: “Lilian Amy Harris nee Du
from in May 1945. Feu died in an internment camp in Germany 5th January 1945”.
Little is known about her: she was born in Trinity on 20.09.1901,
Clifford John Cohu was born in and her husband Rodney Knowlton Harris, born 25.11.1902 in
Guernsey in 1883. He was ordained Brighton. Endorsed on Rodney’s card is their son Mark Knowlton
as a priest in 1908 and moved to Harris, born 06.04.1936. On 29.09.1942 the three of them were
India in 1912 to serve as a minister deported, ending up in Bad Wurzach Camp. The reason for their
in several communities, including deportation would have been the fact that Rodney was UK born.
as Canon of Allahabad, until 1935. At the date of their deportation they were living at 5 St Luke’s
He retired to Jersey in 1937 and was Villas, Beach Road, St Saviour. Lilian died in the camp on 05.01.1945
nominated as acting rector of St of meningitis. In June 1945, Rodney was living in Brighton and
Saviour in 1940. He was an eccentric requested that his wife’s body be exhumed from Bad Wurzach and
but popular man. His particular act of returned to, presumably, Jersey. But the whereabouts of her grave
defiance was to have spread the BBC is currently unknown.
news, both in the General Hospital in St
Helier, where he was chaplain, and (on at She stands for those countless number of people who lived
least one occasion) whilst riding down the through the Occupation, some of whom never saw the light of
Parade in St Helier. Liberation.
Cohu’s source of news was Joseph Tierney, May they all rest in peace
who was the parish cemetery worker. He wrote
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and Old L
Continuing his two-part series on the
The bell is hoisted out of the pit, and as the final coating of earth and
clay is chipped away, this archetypal instrument emerges; it is like an
living museum that is Villedieu-les-
act of creation and the result is made visible for the first time.
Poêles, Hamish Marett-Crosby
describes two of the town’s
historic industries: bells and lace
The modern car with its climate conditioners, entertainment
centres, GPS and all other mod cons (a package now a
sine qua non for the modern driver) has an effect reaching
far beyond the windscreen. A bubble now engulfs the
occupants who, sacrificing all to the gods of average speed,
fail to notice, let alone appreciate, the world passing by.
Thus, it is that Villedieu-les-Poêles is victim to a motorway by-
pass. It is a living, working, and still (just) flourishing, museum
to generations of skill and workmanship in so many ways. So
be brave: take the slow road and explore outside that driving
cocoon.
The town’s main fame comes from its production of copper
and, by the 19th Century the copper pan-making industry
employed 700 families in the town. Today its reputation rests
also on a new (to Villedieu) technology which came to town
in 1865.
The setting may be 19th Century but the technology dates from the
dawn of Mediterranean civilisation and the sound of a bell ringing is So, the foundry owners, the Bergamo family, act as a sort of guardian
as old as the technology of metal working. Universally understood to for a complete industrial history of one process which makes a visit to
mark various emotions, not least joy and celebration as well as danger, this town fascinating. There are regular tours most days and these can
or a calling to worship; and to many, the tolling bell marks a rite of be checked out at http://cornille-havard.com
passage.
Before the foundry arrived, the men in the town worked the copper
The history of bell making is ancient and the basic technology hasn’t and the women found their own work in lacemaking, so bringing
actually changed that much. It all starts with the three basic materials more wealth to the town. It is said that there were once two noises
for mixing the mould in which the bell will be made, clay, horse dung which distinguished Villedieu, the sound of the hammers beating
and goat hair. out the copper, and the click-clack of the bobbins of the lace-makers.
These ladies used to gather and, while working on auto pilot, would
But the most important part of the process is the furnace; previously enjoy a good gossip (un caquet). There was, I am assured, a Place de
bells were cast and fired at their destination in a bell pit. However, the Caquet in Villedieu; it might in English be translated as ‘gossip-shop
railways provided transportation of the finished bells from a well- square’.
run factory and a stable production meant an increase in consistent
quality; foundries were established and prospered. Villedieu is one of The last professional lace maker in Villedieu died in 1952, but a
three in France; there are two in England. group of ladies meet regularly to keep the traditions alive and make
souvenirs for the tourists such as bookmarks or small napkins. SomeSummer 2020 St Saviour Parish Magazine p19
St Saviour’s
Lace Twinning
PART 2
ASSOCIATION
by Bob Oliver, Treasurer
The St Saviour’s Twinning Association held its AGM on Saturday,
February 22nd. Vicky Trehorel gave the Secretary’s Report for the
last year. Bob Olliver gave the Treasurer’s Report showing that
are sold at the museum of lace, just off the main street, but its
the Association accounts were in good order. The Committee
continued production is a labour of love to preserve the local
heritage. was elected for the coming year. Unfortunately, John Hidrio,
who had been a great supporter and been on the Committee
since the Association had started, was unable to stand again
because of his health. Yvette Parry was elected as a new
Committee member and Lynette Robbé was welcomed back.
It was planned to have a day trip to Cancale in June, but
unfortunately this has had to be cancelled because of the
Coronavirus. We have also had to abandon plans for our
lunches this year. However, we have booked our Christmas
Lunch at St Brelade’s Bay on the 5th December. We have to
hope that we will be clear of the virus by then.
This year is the 35th Anniversary of the twinning with Villedieu-
les-Pôeles. Any celebrations that would have been planned
have been abandoned. The planned Inter Jumelages games to
be held at St Hilaire du Harcouet has had to be postponed.
There will never again be a mass market for handmade lace, I
was told, as the process is too expensive and time consuming,
other than for the top fashion houses whose customers don’t
mind spending a fortune on lace.
A community of any age will (should) always care for its
traditions as, I am sure, understanding yesterday will help
explain who we are today. Of course, museums have their
place in this process, but how much more pleasing is it
to have preserved the past as a vital present, away from a
somewhat sterile display case, no matter how well designed
the exhibit happens to be.
But maybe that’s wishful thinking. Villedieu has a patrimony
set in stone, housing an extraordinary history of local
production. The stone may last, but economic sustainability is
much more fragile.Summer 2020 St Saviour Parish Magazine p20
Community Support Group by Colin Ireson
the Parish’s new “baby”!
Friday morning, 20th March, a 9.30am would liaise with us and Parish Hall staff. a couple of one-off shopping trips, or just
meeting at the Parish Hall with Madame Having started helping with shopping, I because they needed someone to talk to.
then had to step back for my own safety, Even “just” the shopping is a voice on the
lé Connétabl’ye in the chair – actually, so took on a mid-week telephone role, a phone for the list, then a personal delivery
she didn’t sit much! She was very courtesy call as I term it, to keep in touch at the door (safe distanced of course) and
concerned that, in the event that Jersey with our “Friends” and update Shona or a chance for a face-to-face chat! A good
should suffer the same fate as England the Parish as and when needed – Shona’s number of our Friends have expressed
phone was already busy with new concern at shopping themselves again –
was discussing, with what we now know requests! that’s not a problem, we’re here for you.
as the Corona Virus or Covid-19 crisis, Lovely friendships have developed, even if
there could be Parishioners who would We were 13 weeks “old” by the end of June! only over the phone, people’s backgrounds
We started off with five volunteers right at
struggle in some way. There were about the beginning, then our group numbers
are emerging, and we find we have
15 of us there, we had answered a call interesting characters in our Parish! We are
rose dramatically, ending up with 35! All of now back down to 12 Friends still needing
for volunteers within the Parish - you us needed to be “security checked”, some shopping but that is dropping too as we
could almost have called it an enquiry already were, as teachers for example; it’s speak. We are keeping them all on our
- to see who might be able to help. a UK-wide mechanism referred to as DBS, Friends List, as they all know that if they
which Marco and Paula quickly sorted out
At that stage, Parish Hall staff could for us, so Parishioners can rest assured they
needed anything further or just to have a
quick chat, they can call us - we'll be here
offer support, and Mandy, our brilliant are in safe hands. As I write (mid-June), 14 for them as long as we can. Our Friends
caretaker, was prepared to help as and of us are now back at work but they still (you all know who you are now!) are aged
when, but more could be needed. want to remain on our list, so that if we between mid-40s to mid-90s and most
need them, they will do their best to help have underlying health conditions, but a
There were plenty of questions, naturally. after work – truly amazing! lot of them have no family here in Jersey,
What problems could arise? Exactly
Our youngest volunteer is 17, then we go their own friends may well be their own
what would be needed? What safety
right up to some in their early 70’s. They are age so unable to help.
mechanisms would be in place to protect
both Parishioners and volunteers whilst from all walks of life - students, teachers, What about the future? There is much talk
providing a confidential service? What school secretaries, education support staff, of a second, autumn “spike” of infections,
hoops would we need to jump through IT, carpenters, retired nursing staff, finance, when we will undoubtedly be needed
before we could help our “friends” in a private housekeeper, retired people from again, but, with huge thanks to everyone
the Parish? Sadie freely admitted she all types of work – such a cross-section! involved but especially our volunteer
had few answers, this was new territory To their credit, not only volunteering, but “shoppers”, without whom this would not
to everyone, but the Parish would do they have turned their hands to mask be possible, we have been able to set the
whatever was needed. The Parish didn’t making, shopping, baking cakes, general foundations for what we hope will be a
have a community support group, unlike support, gardening, fixing a sink coming great community support service. It just
several others, established for some years. off a wall(!), dog walking, buying a bottle might bring the Parish together more.
We would have a lot to learn - and quickly - or two of wine for a 'friend's' 90th birthday If restrictions allow, we may be able to
if ours was to take off! as he didn't want his carer to think badly of provide a wider voluntary service, perhaps
him(!), the list could go on! transport to appointments, meetings,
Parishioners, rest assured, we’ve (almost)
We started off with four parishioners - we supporting other agencies, who knows? If
cracked it! Shona and husband Tim
call you all 'Friends' now - who needed you think you might need help, give us a
Ringsdore bravely and jointly volunteered
assistance, numbers have peaked at 42. call on 07797 737480 and talk to Shona, or
to take on the huge and daunting task of
Whilst nearly all are now regular shopping, speak to the Parish Hall.
the co-ordinating role, Paula Jespersen
(Sadie’s also brilliant Personal Assistant) they have included prescription collections, Stay safe, stay well, stay happy everyone!Summer 2020 St Saviour Parish Magazine p21
“Oaklands
Manor”
Mont de la Rosière, Victoria Village 1995 to 2020
By Clifford Laisney Photos by Geoff Michel
An enjoyable event was held on
February 27th 2020, when 28 residents
gathered together to celebrate 25 years
since the completion of Oaklands Manor.
Guests listened intently as Clifford Laisney, (one of the original
residents) gave a brief outline of the development. Originally
owned by the late J.A.Perree Esq, Oaklands was one of the
leading cattle farms on the island.
It still retains several features including the complete Apple
Crushers, the original fireplace, and the Gazebo which remains an
interesting feature of the garden.
Antler Developments acquired the property in 1993 from the
then owner, Lady Kathleen Brooke. Much enjoyment and interest
are appreciated from the extensive gardens covering some seven
vergees which include two tulip trees, some of the largest beech
trees on the island, lawns, shrubs, not forgetting the entertaining
wildlife.
Reminiscences including photographic memories, stories and a
formal toast brought an unforgetful evening to a happy close.Summer 2020 St Saviour Parish Magazine p22
St Saviour Netball Club
SEASON’S REPORT
Well - in the circumstances at the time of writing
this report, due to the crisis of the Coronavirus, the
contents will commence with the good news first.
St Saviour B Team was winner of 3rd Division, Jersey Netball Winter
(Saltgate) League 2019/2020 the last match 10th March 2020, excelled
all their achievements, not only winners of the 3rd Division but
maintained the record of being unbeaten throughout the eighteen
matches. Nine players constituted the quad and played every match
with enthusiasm putting into practice the training which had taken Back row: Sheila Price (Coach), Sonia Ferri, Kudzai Muchekeza,
place during the summer months. The squad displayed respect to Hannah Hegarty (Captain), Lily Whitchurch, Tina Duckworth
the opposition and the game which helped to maintain this record. Front Row: Elsje Swanepoel, Tiffany Shales, Michelle Smith.
Must add, it is a number of years since a St Saviour team has achieved
winning a division of the Winter League. Players in the Squad all season but not able to play the last match (in
UK) Ruth LeGresley and Susanne Wareing.
St Saviour C Team had some challenging matches in the third Division
of the Winter League, although, players giving their best narrowly
missed a win. However, St Saviour gained points, either coming within
five goals of opponent’s score or resulting in 50% of the final score.
Having three teams, the Club had two teams in the third Division. This
will now be interesting for next season, 2020/202 with the A and B in LATEST NEWS
second division because of the Team gaining promotion.
The AGM of the Jersey Netball Association zoom
St Saviour A, 2nd Division, played every match exceptionally well, the meeting was held on Thursday, 25th June.
five-month summer training ‘paid off’ here again the team consisted
of nine players so able to use substitutes if required. The top half of this Instead of waiting any longer for a possible Annual
Division involved strong matches with experienced players together Dinner date due to the virus, the agenda included
with youth players but this also worked well for the team being forced announcements and presentation of the Awards for the
to change their game and giving St Saviour a different aspect of the 2019/2020 Season.
match, which is good experience to take on board. The A team finished
sixth position in the division so a satisfactory result. St Saviour A team St Saviour B were awarded the Daphne Le Saux Best
also won the Lloyds Trophy Tournament which is played annually; Defence Trophy as well as being crowned Champions
teams eligible are bottom half and 2nd and the 3rd Division Winter of Division 3 (see above).
League.
Not so good news - the pandemic of Covid-19 which resulted
restrictions being enforced by the Government - on 16th March all
Jersey Sport stopped together with the lockdown etc. However,
in consequence, the B Team was not able to fulfil Annual fixtures –
Champions v The Rest and Uptons Tournament, an annual event with
Guernsey top of Divisions, alternating the home venue so this season
would have taken place in Guernsey but both cancelled for 2019/2020
Season.
The Jersey Netball Association Awards’ Dinner, planned for the Hotel
L’Horizon, 16th May 2020 was postponed for 2020.
The Club’s training is in abeyance because of Covid-19 and will start
when Government restrictions are lifted and safe to group socialise.
The Club would like to take on new players interested in playing league
netball and please contact Sheila Price.
Sheila Price, President – April 2020
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