Whatever your passion – walking, wildlife, music, literature, comedy, food (or even scarecrows and sheep racing!)  -  Guernsey has an event or festival to inspire you in 2012.

This year, Guernsey sees the the return of the biennial Victor Hugo International Music Festival (16-21 July), showcasing some of classical music’s biggest talents as well as its brightest rising stars. The festival takes its name from one of the Island’s best known residents of all time, for it was whilst in Guernsey that Victor Hugo was inspired to write and publish some of his most famous works including Les Misérables.

2012 will also see the return of The Guernsey Literary Festival [13-16 September] and The Guernsey Music Festival [23-24 June] after their successful launches in 2011, and the third Guernsey Photography Festival [24 May - 22 June], which is fast becoming a major event on the European photography calendar.

Here’s our round up of the best and quirky events our Islands have to offer:

Easter Festival of Living History, Friday 6 – Monday 9 April

The Island’s rich and sometimes turbulent history is brought to life with the Guernsey History in Action Company’s vivid storytelling and performances at Castle Cornet. Costumed characters, musical acts and family activities give the festival something for everyone, with tickets valid throughout the weekend.

Spring Floral Guernsey Festival, Saturday 14 – Sunday 22 April

Experience Guernsey’s natural beauty springing into life. Whether you’re an expert gardener or floral beginner, there are walks, talks and lectures available when the Island’s wildflowers are at their vibrant best, filling the hedges and fields.

Healthspan Spring Walking Week, Saturday 5 – Sunday 13 May

From wildlife and folklore, to history and heroes; explore on foot Guernsey’s coastline, countryside, the bustling town of St Peter Port as well as lesser-known parishes. Taking between two hours and half a day, walks are categorised to suit all abilities, with expert guides on hand to tell the tales of the Island’s fascinating history, culture and people.

Liberation Day, Wednesday 9 May

This historic day marks Guernsey’s annual celebration of freedom and liberation from the occupying German forces in 1945. The pageantry of the Liberation Celebrations Cavalcade will be an integral part of the day’s celebrations, while the Liberation Firework Extravaganza will bring the day to a spectacular conclusion.

Guernsey Photography Festival, Thursday 24 May – Friday 22 June

Now in its third year, this month long photo-fest is comprised of indoor and outdoor exhibitions featuring work by world-renowned photographers, as well as a multitude of community activities, competitions, workshops, talks and seminars for all ages and abilities.

Guernsey Festival of Comedy, Friday 25 May – Saturday 2 June

Come and have a giggle with the Guernsey Festival of Comedy. Nine days of laughter will feature cutting edge stand-up from UK and international comedians, comedy club evenings, classic film comedy, open mic nights and Edinburgh Festival previews.

Guernsey Music Festival, Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 June

Returning to Guernsey after its successful launch last year, which saw it short-listed for Best New Festival at the UK Festival Awards, the music and cultural two-day festival will take place at The Rabbit Warren and include more than 80 well known and high profile acts.

Guernsey in Bloom, Sunday 1 – Sunday 15 July

Take a wander around winding lanes and public spaces festooned with vibrant floral displays as parishes compete to represent the Island in this year’s RHS Britain in Bloom competition. And you only have to glance at Guernsey’s hedges and fields to know the 2012 theme of ‘Wild about Wildflowers’ is absolutely perfect for our Island!

Meet some of the people behind planting the colourful flora and fauna and the caretakers of our trees and hedgerows in our series of Guernsey in bloom videos.

Victor Hugo International Music Festival, Monday 16 – Saturday 21 July

St Peter Port comes alive with classical music when this biennial festival returns with performances from the world’s leading classical performers and brightest new stars. The event takes its name from one of the Island’s best known residents, for it was in Guernsey that Victor Hugo was inspired to write and publish some of his most successful works.

Sark Sheep Racing, Friday 20 – Sunday 22 July

A hugely popular and quirky event: a day at the races, Sark style. Just like Ascot, even down to the hats, but here sheep are the stars rather than horses – complete with their teddy-bear jockeys, they race over a set course, providing fantastic fun for all the family.

Torteval Scarecrow Festival, Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 August

Take a wander around the parish of Torteval, where the countryside is taken over by a motley crew of scarecrows  -  some traditional, many quirky or topical. Pick your favourite – they come in all shapes, styles and sizes! – whilst taking in the area’s natural beauty. An event that gets more and more popular every year.

Healthspan Autumn Walking Week, Saturday 8 – Sunday 16 September

Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or serious hike, this is a great week to discover hidden paths and tracks around Guernsey with the help of accredited guides who will share their wealth of Island knowledge. From nature trails and countryside rambles to coastal walks along a rugged coast-line and historic tours of St Peter Port…

Guernsey Literary Festival, Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 September

This book-themed weekend returns for a second year to explore Guernsey’s rich tradition for literature, folklore and history through writing, reading, prose and poetry. Venues across the island will stage exciting events for book fans of all ages and interests.

Autumn Floral Guernsey Festival, Saturday 29 September – Sunday 7 October

Whether you’re a dedicated horticulturalist or a budding beginner, the flora and fauna on offer on Guernsey at this time of year never fails to inspire. Explore the autumnal shades of the Island through various tours of open gardens, guided walks, lectures and workshops.

Tennerfest, Monday 1 October – Sunday 11 November

Now in its 15^th year of providing gastronomic delights at fantastic prices. Starting from the 1st October, diners on Guernsey can look forward to six weeks of outstanding menus created from the wealth of local produce, all starting from £10. Cafés, gastro pubs, seafood restaurants, Italian, Indian and Chinese restaurants, as well as the more traditional hotel restaurants take part every year to tease the taste buds.

NEW! Britain in Bloom Awards, Saturday 6 October

Guernsey may only measure 25 square miles but it is bursting with natural beauty, which is why it is honoured to host the awards night for the RHS Britain in Bloom competition 2012, the UK’s largest horticultural campaign which involves more than 1,000 communities each year.

And don’t forget to check out all the fantastic events taking place on Guernsey, Sark, Herm and Alderney this year – from farmers markets to festivals – on the VisitGuernsey website.

Jason de Carteret ready for the South Pole

At the end of last year Guernseyman and extreme adventurer Jason de Carteret spoke to VisitGuernsey on the eve of his attempt to break the World Record (his own!) for making the fastest journey from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole – a journey of around 1,000 miles.

And on 20th December 2011 Jason and his Thomson Reuters Eikon Team shattered the old record of 21 hours and 21 minutes with a new time of 15 hours and 54 minutes!

Jason told the BBC: “We’ve proven that green technology can perform in the harshest of environments. At the same time we’re both shattered having been awake for nearly two days!

“The first thing I did was to walk over and kiss the silver globe that sits at the bottom of the world.

“Our huge heartfelt thanks go to both the support team and everyone who has supported us.”

Everyone at VisitGuernsey offers their congratulations to Jason and his team!

And here are some pictures from the grueling record breaking expedition:

Jason de Carteret, his teammate Kieron Bradley and their trusty polar vehicle

The South Pole!

The polar vehicle at the South Pole, can you spot the Guernsey number plate?!

Jason de Carteret at the South Pole with the Guernsey flag!

Happy New Year from everyone at VisitGuernsey!

We’re sure 2012 is going to be a fantastic year – but with a new music festival, a new literary festival, a new walking route, a revival of the traditional guernsey jumper and a new collection of thoughts, ideas and inspiration on our island, 2011 was a very good year on Guernsey!

So we thought we’d share some of our favourite blogs, tweets, pictures and tips about Guernsey from 2011, while we look forward to an even better 2012!

In 2011 a new a walking route was launched – The Channel Island Way, so VisitGuernsey invited Britain’s top walking blogger The Bald Hiker, and top podcasters The Outdoors Station, to experience sections of the new inter-island continuous walk on Guernsey.

Check out this great write up about walking Guernsey on the Huffington Post by Paul Steele [aka The Bald Hiker].

And there are great daily blogs from his trip on his own Bald Hiker website.

The Outdoor Station’s Bob Cartwright and his wife Rosemarie also travelled to Guernsey, Herm, Sark and Alderney to immerse themselves in the glorious scenery  and record their experiences. Hear about their time in Guernsey on Guernsey (Part 1) and Guernsey (Part 2), and there’s also a great video about their trip:

Our farmers markets, fresh seafood and hedge veg are part of why our island is a paradise for foodies, and blogger Clarabells also agrees with us if her descriptions [and pictures] of delicious Guernsey dishes and produce on her fabulous foodie blog Eats the World are any thing to go by.

French food and travel blogger Ann Mah wrote some love descriptions of Guernsey’s craggy coastline, green pastures and the quaint cobblestone streets on her blog after a trip to Guernsey in July.

Before Martine Ellis from iMake Guernsey became a judge on our I Knit Guernsey competition, she produced this wonderful blog and podcast all about the traditional guernsey sweater, with interesting facts and historic tidbits that make it fascinating even if you’re not a dedicated knitter!

Our island may only be 25 square miles, but as blogger, keen photographer and flora and fauna enthusiast Ronnie shows on her blog Hurtling Towards 60, Guernsey is bursting with natural beauty!

Like Shirly Lum, we love digging out traditional Guernsey recipes such as bean jar, gâche and potato peel pie. But the highlight of her blog has to be the vintage apron [complete with recipes!] she pictures on her Savouring Thoughts... blog!

But it wasn’t just the adults who got to explain what they loved about Guernsey, we asked Guernsey children what their favourite things to do, see and eat and made a map based on their recommendations:

And while we’ve been sharing all of these great tips, blogs and pictures on the VisitGuernsey Twitter and Facebook, we’ve also been seeing more fantastic pictures, tips and love for Guernsey. Here are some of our favourites by tweeters who love Guernsey as much as we do!

@GuernseyLiz14

@Hooch21503

@GeorgieGuernsey

@kevinstewartgsy

@MissMatilda2

Have we missed your favourite blog about Guernsey? Or someone who loves Guernsey on Twitter? Come and tell us on our Facebook page, or tweet at us – @VisitGuernsey. And heres to a fantastic 2012!

The team L-R: Jason Thomas, Jason de Carteret, and Keiron Bradley

Guernseyman Jason de Carteret is a World Record Holder and extreme adventurer who is attempting to break the current world record (his own!) for making the fastest journey from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole – a journey of around 1,000 miles.

Jason’s team consists of Lotus engineer Kieron Bradley and Canadian copywriter Jason Thomas (who won an online competition for the third seat), together they are known as The Thomson Reuters Eikon Team and they are hoping to break Jason’s current world record set in 2005 at two days, 21 hours and 21 minutes!

Wednesday 14^th December was 100 years to the day that the great polar explorer Roald Amundseum and his team made the first successful crossing to the South Pole, however rather than using Roald’s dog sleigh; Jason will be driving the ultimate winter car – a highly modified Toyota Tacuma built to cope with the extreme conditions.  Jason and his team are in pole position to beat the 2005 record!

But what does this adrenaline loving, extreme explorer miss when he is out on an adventure?  The ease of Island life, the beautiful Guernsey coastline and being so close to the sea! VisitGuernsey caught up with Jason on what he loves about the Island and how that taste for adventure came about…

What’s the inspiration behind your exploring?

My inspiration in Exploring comes from the diversity of the world, I love to travel to areas that haven’t seen humans! Landscapes that are still to be photographed and made famous, I like to get there before the crowds and this will always drive me to the more extreme places…

What would you consider your greatest achievement?

Passing my commercial Helicopter exams was a great achievement for me, I was the first of our class of 28 people to pass and only 5 of those passed at all.  But Achievements come in all sorts of forms, getting to the South Pole by Ski for the first time was amazing, the North Pole by ski was even more of a battle, but perhaps my greatest true achievement is being fortunate enough to meet so many amazing people around the world that I am proud to call my friends, they give me such strength in times that I need them….

Which of your trips have you enjoyed the most and why?

The Polar Regions are so different and so extreme I can’t help but feel blessed to, first of all be there, but second, come back, often when you are undertaking these amazing trips so are so consumed by them you forget where you are, and what you’re doing…. It is only when you get back you realise what an amazing thing you have just seen or just done… Dog sledding across the frozen arctic when all you can hear is the dogs breathing and their paws breaking through the top layer of snow must be an all-time favourite….

What is your fondest memory from your childhood on Guernsey?

Going to the beach with my father, fishing in rock pools, getting Ormers, swimming, such a wholesome way to grow up and the other memory is Christmas, my family always made my childhood Christmas’s amazing and I will never forget them.

Where is your favourite place on Guernsey? Do you take part in any outdoor adventures whilst in Guernsey?

The west coast of Guernsey is beautiful, I love the “Cup and Saucer”, Lihou Island, Cobo bay, anywhere you can watch the sun set into the sea is a very special place.  Outdoor wise I love to run along this coast, I did the Itex walk this year which was great and although I didn’t train for it I came 13^th which I was very proud of.  (VisitGuernsey: The Itex walk is a 40 miles walk around the coastal and cliff paths of Guernsey raising money for charity, this year the theme was community and all the money raised went to various local community projects.)

What is your favourite way to relax on the island?

Being by the sea, and it doesn’t matter if I am walking around the harbour listening to the wind whistle through the masts of the sailing boats, or if it is sitting on the beach watching and listening to the waves crash on the shore, it really makes me feel relaxed and at home.

Finally, with so many adventures what do you miss about Guernsey?

The biggest thing I miss about Guernsey is obviously my mother and father, spending time with them gets more and more valuable as I get older.  I miss being so close to the sea and I do think that Islanders take the beautiful coastline and ease of life for granted.  After living in Africa for 9 years, Alaska for a year, South America for a year and London for 10 years I can tell you the grass is not always greener!

Together with their traditional guernsey jumpers (provided by us to keep the team warm!), the Thomson Reuters Eikon Team started their journey on 12^th December when they headed to the official record starting point. You can follow their expedition here.

Everyone at VisitGuernsey wishes the team the very best of luck!

Christmas is fast approaching; Guernsey is glistening with festive decorations, bustling with shoppers in search of that perfect gift and the first flurry of Christmas cards are hitting the post.

And to make Guernsey Christmas cards stand out from the crowd we have something very special embellishing our envelopes this season – a collection of Winter Wonderland stamps.

Earlier in the year Guernsey Post ran a photography competition to capture a local winter wonderland scene. With the winning images being depicted on the Guernsey Christmas stamp issue. The response was fantastic, with a beautiful image of a snowy L’Ancresse Common by Nigel Byrom winning first prize.

Six runners up were also chosen and used on the stamps in the Winter Wonderland Christmas collection.  The runners up were: ‘the smallest parish church’ by John Shakerley, ‘Guernsey cow’ by Sarah Plumley, ‘a rooftop view of St Peter Port’ by Karen Millard, ‘La Coupée in Sark’ by Sue Daly, ‘Snow covered St Peters church’ by Jason Bishop and ‘West Coast’ by Eric Ferbrache.

We spoke to Dawn Gallienne, Head of Philatelic, about the highly collectable Guernsey stamps,  the beautiful Winter Wonderland collection and the Royal approval…

Can you tell us about the Guernsey Christmas stamp competition?
It is the first time that we have run a photo competition for stamps and we were pleased to have so many entries, although this made it difficult to narrow them down to the final 7!

Both amateurs and professionals were invited to submit photographs that depicted a winter wonderland scene, and our judging panel consisted of myself, Karl Taylor internationally renowned photographer and Al Mitchell, Creative Director of The Potting Shed, who actually turned the images into stamps. We had to ensure the images would work at stamp size, and we would have enough space to include the Royal Cipher, the stamp value etc. We provided guidelines for entrants to use to help them in this respect. And of course the images also had to have been taken on the island. We are delighted with the final set – and it is great to see so many photographers making the most of the snowy weather!

Do you have a favourite Guernsey stamp?
It’s almost impossible to pick just one! I always love the stamps I am currently working on but I do really like our most recent set of British F1 World Champions stamps and I particularly love this year’s Alderney Christmas stamps.

Is there a particular popular collection?

Our Endangered Species series is popular and has been running for several years. Birds, butterflies and ships are also very strong collector themes.

When do the stamp collections get planned and how are they decided upon?
We usually work around a year in advance, sometimes longer. We research upcoming anniversaries and events that may be appropriate to include in the stamp programme. We also review any suggestions we have been sent by members of the public as well.

How do you go about putting the collection together, is it hard to decide what to include and what not?
It is difficult because we can’t include everything unfortunately. We have to ensure that we have a balance of local themes that will appeal to our worldwide customer base, as well as covering events that that may be more commercial in nature such as last year’s the 150th Anniversary of JM Barrie for Alderney, which featured wonderful illustrations of Peter Pan. These were very popular with our collectors.

What’s special about Guernsey stamps?
We have a long standing reputation in the philatelic industry for producing high quality stamps with fantastic designs. This is what makes our stamps so popular. We are very proud of this reputation and work hard to maintain it. The designers we work with are always thrilled when they realise that all of our stamps are personally approved by Her Majesty The Queen and we cannot print them until we have received this approval.

Finally, can you tell us what you love about Guernsey?
There are 3 things I particularly love about Guernsey – the incredible views, the fabulous food and the people. It is a jewel of a place and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Have you captured a festive picture of Guernsey? Come and share it on the VisitGuernsey Facebook page!

Genevieve Langford

‘Guernsey culture is really booming,’ says artist Genevieve Langford. And she would know, The Gallery, which Genevieve co-owns with Jean Christophe Godet, Director of the Guernsey Photography Festival, has become a creative hub on Guernsey for painters, photographers, sculptors, kinetic artists, portraitists, ceramicists and knitters – both professional and amateur.

Genevieve moved to England to gain a first class degree in Interior Landscape Design and went on to study Textile Surface Pattern at the University of East London while living in a shipping container community of artists and designers’ studios. But when the summer arrived, there was always something missing….

‘In Guernsey, if it’s hot, everyone gets their bathers on, it’s just what we do, but that’s not what happens in London. My sister and I would sunbath on the concrete next to the brown water of the Thames. I think that was when I realised I needed to be back near the beach.’

And it wasn’t just any beach Genevieve was thinking of… ‘Guernsey is a place I love. For a small island there is a huge amount going on and I think that the fact you can hop to other islands from here makes it a great place to base yourself and still be able to travel easily for adventures. Guernsey itself has wonderful people, a great sense of community, a caring society and a wonderfully clean and scenic environment. And if you like dipping your toes in ice cold sea it’s just about perfect!

‘And there is something important, as an islander, about being near the sea.’ And for Genevieve it’s not just the obvious bonuses of swimming and sunbathing… ‘Different people have different things that feel really important to them’ she explains. ‘For some it’s mountains, for others it’s great expanses of land, but for me it’s the sea. The sea has very therapeutic qualities whether you are swimming in it or just watching the tide wash in and out on the beach. We feel it’s a hugely powerful force when being pulled about by the current. It’s also a place of mystery, with underwater worlds we can’t see.’

So Genevieve moved her creative passion back to Guernsey five years ago and began selling artwork to offices, which was when she noticed there was no outlet for modern UK and French artists to exhibit their work on the island. It was then she stumbled across a property for rent in Mansell Street: ‘I had inherited some money and felt that would be a good thing to do with it. I had nothing to lose.’ In 2007 this former pine furniture shop was to become The Gallery, a place for experimenting, creating, learning and laughing. ‘Sometimes it will be full of children and there is so much colour and excitement. I capture those moments and think it is amazing I’ve built something good.’

‘We run a lot of creative workshops, particularly for children. On Saturdays and during school holidays and half term we try to run a workshop every morning. Children can come along for a two hour session and try a variety of activities, including drawing, crafts, puppetry, clay sculpture, mosaics, plate painting, costume making, cake decorating and even robotics!’ And The Gallery also organises for these workshops spill out occasionally to become entire street parties, with stalls, food, music and games.

So why does Genevieve think our island’s culture blooming? ‘Guernsey has been an amazing environment because it’s so receptive, there is so much energy here! And I think people are really taking more and more note of the importance of the arts in our community. I have seen businesses taking a greater interest in supporting art initiatives – and even instigating their own. Without their support from sponsorship many projects would just not be able to happen.

‘Many groups and individuals are also being very pro-active. Eric Snell’s Art and Islands symposium was a great event, the Guernsey Photography Festival gets bigger and better each year, the Guernsey Arts Commission is going strong and The Gallery’s posse is growing into a real community of creatives who want to work together and live their lives following their passions.’

For more information on the workshops, events and parties The Gallery has planned visit their website or email getcreative@thegallery.gg.

And to find out more about the history and culture which inspires Genevieve, visit our Guernsey’s history and culture site here.

Guernsey cows, Le Longue Rocque

Artist Valerie Baines has created more than eighty charming studies of Guernsey’s coastal views, lanes and wild flowers during 40 years of visits to the island. These wonderful illustrations have now been published in her book, Guernsey Sketchbook.

As well as illustrating 10 natural history books Valerie has exhibited her work at the Royal Academy of Arts, the Museum of Garden History and the Royal Horticulturaly Society.

We spoke to Valerie about her long and happy association with our island.

View towards St Peter Port from Jerbourg

How did you first discover Guernsey?

Having stayed in Weymouth several times, we noticed the ferries and became curious about the Channel Islands. My husband, young son and I visited Guernsey first in 1968, coming by ferry from Weymouth, and staying in St Martins.

St Peter Port Harbour, 1968

The paintings in the book were made over 40 years of visits to Guernsey – what is it about the island that encouraged you to return so frequently during that time?

We love the beauty of the countryside, and found the history, archeology, geology and wild flowers all so easily accessible because of the relative smallness of the Island. Over the years of annual visits we made many friends in Guernsey, who told us more about these subjects, and took us to see special wild flowers or archeological features.

Granite wall, wild flowers - St Peter Port

Renoir painted several works in Guernsey in 1883, is there anything special about Guernsey that draws artists to it?

There is a good light in Guernsey that artists appreciate, and very varied scenery ranging from rocky and enclosed bays, to spacious bays, attractive villages, stone houses and old churches. The fortified stone towers from the Napoleonic period are an unusual feature.

Vale Church

Where do you like to stay when you are on the island?

The places we have stayed at have varied over the years with our needs. When we had our son and dog, self-catering accommodation was comfortable and convenient. We could invite friends to visit us there, too. Now that we are older and by ourselves we treat ourselves to the luxury of hotels, and have stayed in several, from the smaller family owned hotels to the most luxurious, all excellent. Now we find it most convenient to hire a car, and stay in St Peter Port with a parking place at the hotel, driving out to the country when we like. The bus service is very good too.

Grange Lodge Hotel Gardens

What kinds of  activities do you enjoy in Guernsey when you are not capturing the moment in  your delightful paintings?

We like the cliff walks in the South of the Island, with wonderful views, trees and wild flowers. Eating outside at bays is most enjoyable, and when we first came, having a tea place in every bay seemed very civilized to me!

Hanois lighthouse, from Pleinmont

Is there a favourite spot, view or subject in Guernsey that you like to paint again and again?

Although the varied landscape throughout the Island has its attractions, I tend to gravitate to the St Martins area, but there are so many lovely views, Neolithic remains and interesting buildings around the Island I find the number of things I want to record and share with others never ending.

Stream at Moulin Huet Bay

Do you have any favourite experiences from the past 40 years of visiting Guernsey that particularly stand out?

I feel that Guernsey has been particularly generous with magical moments for me over the years. Certainly it was a thrill to see the “white horse” waves one very stormy day on the West coast. Something I had read about but never expected to see. (p.49) Another moment was seeing the strange appearance of what seems to be an alcove with a 20ft high figure in it on the Jerbourg peninsula opposite Moulin Huet Bay. (p.46 & 47) This is extraordinary because it can only be seen in a certain light on a sunny day, and otherwise is completely invisible.

'Seahorse' waves

Jerbourg Peninsula, apparent stone figure

What made you donate your collection of Guernsey paintings to the Guernsey Museum?

I have a high regard for Guernsey Museum, one of the best small museums I know. A lot of my paintings are scattered around the world in various collections, and I wanted these paintings to stay together, to be looked after, and be available for any interested people to see, so Guernsey Museum was the obvious choice.

How many works are featured in the collection?

There are 78 paintings in my “Guernsey Sketchbook”, but I have continued painting Guernsey subjects with the hope of an exhibition, or a further expanded edition of the book, and currently I have 8 more (not counting the small Liberation Day and Donkey sketchbooks) – and lots of ideas for subjects to paint yet!

Lukis Observatory

Which of the paintings are your personal favourites and why?

The collection of Guernsey wildflowers (frontispiece & p.32) was the first painting I did in Guernsey. I am amused by the dog carving by the Town Church door (p.3) because at first glance he looks quite sweet and “Snoopy” like, but on closer inspection is anything but! I was so glad that St James’ Church (p.4) was saved and is now well used. At the time it was empty and threatened, we wrote to the Guernsey Press, and through friends in Guernsey I was put in touch with Rodney Collinette who organized the “Friends of St James”, and I offered the Christmas card design to raise money towards the cause. P.5) The Lukis Observatory (p.6) needs “Friends” now!

Guernsey wildflowers

Since the book was published you continue to paint Guernsey subjects – can you tell us a bit more about your liberation day parade sketches and the donkey’s that you are currently working on?

There is no end to the pleasures of Guernsey for me. This year (2011) for the first time we saw the Liberation Day Parade, and my husband cleverly found a roadside café with a table and two chairs in the window, so we had a wonderful view. We were impressed by the lack of any need for policing, and the good-natured feel of the crowds. I felt privileged to be part of the occasion and wanted to attempt to record some of it.
The donkeys that sprang up around the Island this year were a delight. Sadly we only saw about ten of all forty two of them, but the variety, cleverness and wit were most enjoyable. I understand that they were auctioned off and imagine that the school children who decorated some of them would have cajoled (or bullied) their parents and schools to bid for them! I am working on a small sketchbook of the donkeys that we saw, similar in size to the Liberation Day sketchbook.

Sea View Icant to Petit Bot

We are also fascinated by your work with butterfly conservation your related garden design, can you tell us a bit more about it?

I have always loved butterflies, and as a child used to rear Cabbage White butterflies in order to watch them pupate and then fly away. (I didn’t like cabbage either.) Illustrating Natural History books is rewarding because I am learning, and passing on the knowledge in an “at a glance” form. Photography has its place, but only in illustration can you show the entire life-cycle of a butterfly, including the habitat, egg, caterpillar on its food plant, adults and nectar plants all in one picture. There is no language barrier, either. Among the many Natural History books I have illustrated, my favourite is a book for Butterfly Conservation called “Glorious Butterflies”, showing all the British butterflies on their food plants. I have also designing a butterfly garden containing nectar and food plants, for Juniper Hall Field Studies Centre, near Dorking in Surrey.

Swallowtail butterfly

Are you planning another book or exhibition?

I am continuing work on Guernsey paintings in the hope of bringing out a new and expanded version of the “Guernsey Sketchbook” – maybe to coincide with an exhibition of the paintings and sketchbooks at Guernsey Museum. I also exhibit annually in London with the Society of Botanical Artists at Westminster Central Hall, in the Spring.

Gorse study

Flowers, plants and animals are a reoccurring theme in your work and obviously very dear to your heart – can you explain your ongoing fascination?

All my life I have been very short sighted. This was not realized at first, but of course made me concentrate on things close to, therefore our cat and dog, insects in our garden, and nearby flowers were the only things I could see. I clearly remember when I was given glasses, being amazed and thrilled to see leaves on trees, which had just been a blur before. Since then I have wanted to share the sheer wonder of the natural world around us, and get people to LOOK AROUND and enjoy and appreciate it.

For more information about our island’s floral,  fauna and natural beauty see our Floral Guernsey website.

All paintings by Valerie Baines, reproduced by kind permission of the artist.

Orchis Laxiflora

As part of our celebration of gastronomic delight that is Tennerfest, we get the inside scoop from Guernsey’s Channel Islands’ Chef of the year 2010 Ashraf Elsergany about his Tennerfest menu and ambitious plans for the Saints Bay Hotel Restaurant.

Can you tell us a little bit about your Tennerfest menu?

This year we are offering three courses for £10, there’s a choice of four starters, four main courses and a desert selection.

It’s really amazing value, and during Tennerfest hotel guests can also stay for just £20 per night per person bed and breakfast at the same time.

We’re also hoping to see a lot of locals. We promise a warm welcome and I can’t wait to show people what we’ve achieved with the food since I joined the restaurant in February this year.

What’s special about the Saints Bay Hotel Restaurant?

We cook everything from scratch with love and care using local seasonal produce. In fact, most of the food that we serve in the restaurant is from less than three miles away. I know all of the food producers personally and I’m passionate about using best of Guernsey’s ingredients.

What are your culinary influences?

I’ve worked all over the world with the five-star Intercontinental Hotels group, and I have experience of a whole host of cooking styles from French to Italian. But I discovered my love of food from my mother. I’m am from Egypt originally and I would watch my mother prepare traditional Egyptian recipes that have been passed down in my family for generations.

The most inspiring chef for me is Marco Pierre White, he has had a truly amazing career.

What are your plans for the restaurant?

I actually want the whole of Guernsey to become better known for its amazing food. The love I have for the island is so big, I want to help bring more people Guernsey to see it through my eyes.

That is why I compete locally and also internationally with my cooking. I have won gold and silver medals for the last three years in the Channel Island’s Chef of the Year competition and I have been shortlisted for LBC’s (Lebanese Broadcasting Company) version of Master Chef, Top Chef where I hope to compete on TV for Guernsey. If they pick me, the crew will also come and film in Guernsey.  I want to show them traditional Guernsey dishes like gâche and bean jar.

I’m also really excited about our new Chef’s Experiences. From March next year, we will be offering guests the opportunity to come out with me to select the best, freshest local produce from the markets, fishing port, local farmers and independent butchers. We will prepare the dishes together and guests will dine on them in the evening.

How do you relax?

Whenever I have a spare couple of hours, I love to go out and fish from the shoreline. If any of our hotel guests are interested in fishing, I invite them along and then I can cook what they catch for them for their evening meal.

Finally, can you tell us why you #LoveGuernsey?

It is such a safe island, the people are so kind and friendly. And I believe that it is the most beautiful island I have ever seen, and I have been all over the world.

Saints Bay Hotel General Manager Sue and husband Ashraf married in Guernsey

Tennerfest menus are available at over 70 restaurants all over Guernsey until November 12, 2011: www.tennerfest.com

A panel of four expert judges yesterday proclaimed Rose Polli, winner of the I Knit Guernsey competition. The VisitGuernsey led contest invited knitters to revive the tradition of creating personalised designs on the traditional guernsey jumper.

The winning guernsey, worn by a model, with judges Martine Ellis and Gillian Lenfestey

The winning hand knitted garment represented more than 80 hours work in orange rust coloured yarn. The design maintained key elements of the traditional guernsey while referencing the knitter’s childhood memories.

The final four guernseys

Winner Rose of St Sampson’s Parish said: “I’m absolutely delighted and surprised to have won. To complete the jumper I really did have to knit using every spare moment! On the beach, in the car while my husband was driving, at the airport… My local WI were all really interested in the project too, they thought it was great to see a guernsey being knitted in Guernsey.

“My design is reminiscent of days on the beach, with a guernsey ready in the bag to slip on when the weather cools down. I’ve used Channel Islands cast on stitch and Chinese wave pattern replaces the usual garter stitch on the hem. It’s personal to me but also has nautical and Guernsey references knitted into it.”

Judges Martine and Gillian ponder their favourite guernsey

The judging panel combined the expertise of Gerard Allt owner of I Knit London, Guernsey costume historian Gillian Lenfestey, Arthur Eldridge co-owner of Guernsey Woollens, and Guernsey knitter, craft teacher and iMake blogger Martine Ellis. The four finalists were scored on five key elements: quality of yarn, gage, design, knitting and traditional guernsey features.

Judge Arthur Eldridge inspects the final four guernseys

The judges who gathered at The Gallery in St Peter Port, Guernsey and at the I Knit London yarn shop during National Knitting Week, issued a joint statement explaining their decision: “We had an incredibly tough decision to make, and the results were very close. Elements of all of the jumpers stood out as being exceptional. In the end, we rewarded the jumper that most successfully retained the core elements of the traditional guernsey jumper design while adding symbolic creative embellishments.”

The winner Rose Polli will receive travel for two with FlyGuernsey.com and her designs will be published in The Knitter in December 2011. Runners up Jackie Butterfield from Halifax, Gisela Clasen from Whitstable in Kent and Suzanne Strachan from Richmond, London each receive £50 vouchers to spend at I Knit London’s yarn and knitting shop.

Further information on VisitGuernsey’s #iKnitGuernsey inititative can be found here.

More than 70 Guernsey restaurants are taking part in the Channel Islands’ annual Tennerfest –  so there’s never been a better time to enjoy a taste of Guernsey!

Running from 1 October to 12 November, Tennerfest will see restaurants across the island offering special delicious set menus, ranging from £10 to £17.50 per person.

The menus include the superb seafood, rich dairy produce and locally-grown vegetables which Guernsey is renowned for. Local passion for good, fresh food has given rise to a wide choice of fine dining opportunities across the island  -  with the culinary range taking in French, Spanish, Thai, Indian, Chinese, Greek and Italian food, in addition to traditional Guernsey dishes.

Many participating restaurants are located in St Peter Port, but there are also great opportunities to enjoy a Tennerfest delicious dining experience in Guernsey’s rural parishes, atop spectacular cliffs or alongside sweeping beaches and bays.

View of Jerbourg from L'Auberge restaurant

To see what’s on offer, visit the Tennerfest website, where you’ll find details of all the restaurants and their mouth watering menus, along with prices and how to book.

Gourmet breaks during Tennerfest:

2-star from £176 for three nights

Spend three nights for the price of two in Guernsey with Guernsey Travel Service during October or November.  Stay three nights at the two-star Abbey Court Hotel in St Peter Port from £176 per person travelling by sea or £192 per person travelling by air, based on two people sharing a twin room on a B&B basis.  For more information call:  0844 770 4912.

3-star from £175 for three nights

Spend three nights for the price of two in Guernsey with Condor Breaks during October or November.  Stay three nights on a B&B basis at the three-star rural Peninsula Hotel from £179 per person in October or £175 per person in November, based on two people sharing a twin room and travelling by sea with Condor Ferries.  For more information call: 0845 230 3241.

4-star from £239 for four nights

Spend four nights in Guernsey with Channel Islands Direct for just £239 per person travelling by sea, or £315 per person travelling by air. This package includes bed and breakfast accommodation at the four-star St Pierre Park, on the outskirts of St Peter Port. For more information please call 08444 937 486.

Find more information on VisitGuernsey.com or call 01481 723 552.