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Red cross message from Mr J [Jack] Ollivier to Mrs J [Katherine Dora] Ollivier of 2, Belmont Place, St Helier

Reference: L/F/478/A1/32

Date: 14 April 1944 - 1 May 1945

Red cross message from Mr J [Jack] Ollivier to Mrs K [Katherine Dora] Ollivier of 2, Belmont Place, St Helier

Reference: L/F/478/A1/33

Date: 14 April 1944 - 1 May 1945

Photcopy of Red cross letter from Mrs Billot in Cardiff to Mrs Godell in St Mary's, Jersey. Written in November 1940.

Reference: M/27/2

Date: 27 March 1941

Miscellaneous papers relating to various members of Mrs R M Blaikeley's family, including a printed and typed notification issued by the Canadian Record Office to next of kin of the death in action of Private Basil Flood (Mrs Blaikeley's grandfather?) while serving with the 52nd Canadian Battalion, 7 November 1918: an ms letter and three ms cards from Lieutenant A H Duncan (Mrs Blaikeley's brother), written while a prisoner of war in camps at or near Eichstatt (Oflag VIIB and VIIC), together with four illustrated postcards and three picture postcards of the camps, 1940 - 1943; two ms letters (4pp) from Mrs M Flood-Thain (Mrs Blaikeley's grandmother) written in Jersey before the German Occupation, saying that the Island has been declared 'an open place' and describing the lengthy (4 and 9 hrs) queues for tickets off the Island, dated 11 and 22 June 1914; and two Red Cross letter forms sending messages from England to two people on Jersey, November 1941 and November 1942.

Reference: Misc 70 (1083)

Date: 1918 - 1943

4 ms diaries (72pp, 36pp, 37pp and 105pp) with ts transcription (148pp), kept between June 1940 and May 1945 by Mrs I Bullen while living on Jersey with her children and her mother during the German Occupation and providing a vivid picture of the gradual decline in living conditions caused by increasing shortages of food and other basic commodities and the growing harshness of German rule, although noting that the shortages and repression increased feelings of patriotism and equality amongst Islanders. The diaries mention the foreign forced labour used on the Island and the commonly held view that they were responsible for an outbreak of robberies (December 1942), fear at the possible deportation of English born people to Germany (September 1942) and the excitment of the liberation (May 1945); together with one Red Cross letter (May 1944) and a German Identity Card for Jersey residents (January 1941).

Reference: P324

Date: 1940 - 1945

VHS Tape : Betty Bois Interview (Continued) 05.00.55 Recollections of The Occupation Amateur dramatic shows. 05.03.39 Fraternisation with Germans 05.05.22 Red Cross messages. Very stressful for families whose sons went to war. 05.06.38 Harsh diet for the elderly. 05.07.10 Daily life during The Occupation. Make do and mend. 05.08.52 Liberation 05.11.58 8th May 1945 in Queen's Road. 05.13.04 Island was never the same again. 05.14.05 Gradual change at first 05.15.46 1957 Royal Visit and asking the Queen about drains! 05.18.15 We got around.

Reference: Q/05/A/81

Date: 1939 - 1957

VHS Tape :1)Dixie Landick Interview - Continued 02.01.25 Victoria College 1952 Great emphasis on sport 02.02.20 Boxing 02.05.20 Saluting Statue of Sir Galahad 02.06.55 College combined Cadet Force 02.07.35 Field Day -Richard Le Brocq anecdote 02.10.49 John Blashford Snell Story 2) Michael Ginns Interview 02.12.50 Jersey in the late 1930s. Town & Country Workers 02.14.53 Schools 02.15.19 Pace of life was slower 02.16.00 The Cinema 02.16.30 Thursday - early closing 02.17.10 French Lane 02.18.00 The Occupation - early days 02.19.56 Difficulties started in 1941 02.22.29 Deportations 1942 Internment Camps 02.25.24 April 1945 - I was repatriated to England via Denmark 02.27.58 Strange to watch newsreel's of CI Liberation 02.29.51 How Jersey had changed during the Occupation 02.31.00 Amused to see food bag left from Red Cross parcels 02.32.47 The Occupation was a high point in people's lives.

Reference: Q/05/A/83

Date: 1945 - 1955

Alexander Coutanche talks of his duties as Bailiff during the German occupation. Recording originally produced by the Channel Islands Educational Broadcasting Service. Original Reference: Res 1. Includes: concerns that war was building during the years 1935-1939; Home Office committee dealing with the Channel Islands, presided over by Norman Brook; suspension of normal government and institution of the Superior Council; proclamations for the government of the island issued on the arrival of the German forces; mentions different German officers in command of the island; initial expectations of German officers that they would soon be moving on to an occupied England; mentions Mr Prime, his interpreter; daily duties in dealing with the correspondence from the occupying forces; creation of the German field command at Victoria College House, and headquarters for the occupying forces in all the Channel Islands at Roseville Street; regular council meetings; protesting about things he objected to; setting up the Bailiff's News Office to deal with correspondence sent through the Red Cross; changes in island agriculture to become self-sufficient; supplies from France and requisition of cars to pay for this; Summerland knitwear factory set up to provide clothing; effects of D-Day; changes in the German chain of command; relief of the Red Cross ship Vega; deportations; meeting with German commanding officers immediately prior to liberation; surrender of the German forces on the HMS Beagle, and liberation; difficulties of getting the island back on its feet after the war. Recorded in 1971 by Sheila Sibson. Duration 43 minutes.

Reference: R/03/A/5

Date: 1971

Mr Arthur Harrison, editor of the Evening Post during the occupation, recalls his experiences of those years. Recording originally produced by the Channel Islands Educational Broadcasting Service. Original reference: Res 7. Includes: choice between publishing the paper under heavy censorship or letting the Germans take it over entirely; lack of news; setting up of propaganda office; publishing news from the propaganda office and amusement caused by the bad English of these items; funeral of a German soldier killed in an air raid in France and being prevented from publishing list of people who sent wreaths (German sympathisers); staying one step ahead of the Germans; having to publish the German forces' newspaper; secretly supplying La Chronique de Jersey (a rival newspaper) with paper and allowing them to use the JEP's facilites; rationing of electricity and the difficulties this caused; doubts about whether to continue publishing; exchange and mart column being used to barter; publishing Red Cross messages and local news; story about a child who was seriously injured by treading on a mine, mentioning a Dr Mattas of Bath Street and the way the propaganda officer tried to exploit this; trying to restrict the ammount of column space given to news from the Germans; anecdote about a young German officer who used to send copies of the paper to his wife; refusal to entertain German officer in his home; liberation - saw the British ships arrive from the roof of the States building; buying wheat on the black market to make flour, which was then discovered and confiscated; being sentenced to seven weeks imprisonment at a court martial at a house at Lower King's Cliff; appealing against this and flour being returned. Sound quality slightly muffled.

Reference: R/03/A/10

Date: 1971

Audio Cassette containing 2 separate sound recordings. 1) Interview with an unidentified doctor regarding his experiences of the German Occupation. Includes: intended to leave the island and join the RAF - went back to the island to see to patients and was then caught by the occupation; petrol rationing; car requisitioned - used a bicycle; had little contact with German troops; German authorities were fairly cooperative in obtaining medical supplies; didn't interfere with his practice; all calves born in the island had to be turned over to the Germans; relates how one of the narator's cows had a calf, he and a friend took it to the surgery, killed it and distributed the meat to friends; communication by Red Cross letter erratic; talks about medical matters; when it was clear that Jersey would be occupied, diabetics were advised to leave island - most did, some didn't; when insulin became scarce all diabetics were put in one ward on a strict diet; most died from lack of insulin; later on a case of insulin was shippped over but on opening the box it was empty - it had been stolen for sale on the black marked; all the diabetics died; no operations were performed unless absolutely neccessary; talks about drugs supplied; most of the General Hospital taken over by Germans; trading on the black market - cornered the snuff market; when that ran out dried cherry leaves and other things were smoked; managed to obtain tobacco seeds and harvested tobacco for sale; food very scarce; tea made from sugar-beet pulp or bought on the black market; helped to hide an escpaed russian prisoner, George [George Koslov?] - got him an identity card from a dead patient; propaganda films shown at the cinema; no light for the last 2 years of occupation - no electricity, no oil for lighting, candles too expensive; anecdote about a farmer at Mont au Prêtre who escaped being caught with the carcass of a pig by hiding it under a sheet and saying it was the body of his dead mother; russian prisoners stealing from houses - one was run through with a pitchfork by a farmer named Le Gresley; brutal treatment of Russian prisoners; rationing, bread, butter, milk, other foods and shortages; livestock kept in houses to prevent theft; food traded on black market. 2) Narration by Captain Scott-Cole (?) regarding the Second World War and occupation. Includes: was a serving soldier, not in Jersey during the occupation; mother and sisters barely left the island in time; family silver was buried in the garden but it was never found again; house had been broken into and looted the day they left; honorary policeman stopped a man stealing a chest from the house and it was stored in the Parish Hall uintil the end of the war; house taken over by the Germans, used as a small regimental hospital; furntiture listed; the house was damaged after the Germans had left; animosity between islanders who had been in the occupation and those who had not; information on goods looted from the house, including a large number of brass and bronze hindu idols, some of which reappearred when the narrator's sister told neighbours that it was unlucky for anyone other than the owner to keep them. Poor sound quality. Recorded by Sue Scott Cole circa 1973, cassette copies made by the Jersey Heritage Trust in 1993. Duration 21 Minutes.

Reference: R/03/D/3

Date: 1941 - 1945

Episodes five and six of the Channel Islands Educational Broadcasting Service series 'Memories of the Occupation'. Episode five includes: Mrs Winifred Green refuses to say 'Heil Hitler' for a portion of rice pudding; Mrs Lilian Kinnard and Kathleen Le Normand imprisoned in Caen (with Mrs Green) for making 'V' signs in Jersey; Lily, Bert and neighbour Reg enjoy a cup of black market tea and discuss a raid on the Casquests, Red Cross letters, and the Channel Islands Society formed on the mainland by evacuees; raid on the Casquests, 'Operation Dryad' led by Major March-Philips; deportation of English-born residents; the narrator talks about food problems, sabotage, 'V' signs, and Mrs Green; Lily talks about the confiscation of wireless sets, fortifications, the treatment of members of the Organization Todt, clothing coupons, entertainment, and alternative foods; Gunther talks about the Organization Todt, fortifications, Mirus Battery, and RAF bombings. First broadcast on 30/10/1980. Episode six includes: Island cows myseriously die in pairs, providing one way of overcoming food problems; Commando raid on Sark - 'Operation Basalt' led by Major Geoffrey Appleyard; the Guernsey Underground News Service (GUNS); meeting between Lily and Gunther - he is going back to Germany; further deportations of English residents, including Robert Hathaway and Major Sherwill; the narrator talks about the raid on the Casquests and the deportation of 2000 English-born residents; Lily talks about the deportations, food problems, the Commando raid on Sark, reprisals for the raid, and GUNS; Gunther talks about the raid on Sark and its repercussions. First broacast on 06/11/1980.

Reference: R/03/H/3

Date: 30 October 1980 - 6 November 1980

Personal View of Florence Bechelet [with jersey accent] interviewed by Beth Lloyd talking to her about the Battle of Flowers. She has been making floats since 1934, she decided to start when she saw a float in 1928, noticed a carnival class was being held-decided she wanted to take part in it, she made a watering can costume and showed it to a neighbour who said that she'd done very well, was going to walk in with it but it would have been too heavy. At 15 she found an old pram, which she tied with string planks and put a tower shaped clock and vases with flowers on it. With two friends she went to the Battle Of Flowers at Springfield and won 3rd Class in the class with 10 shillings prize money. She was determined to do better next time. She was not artistic at school, she put the floats together by looking at picture of animals to get ideas and cutting a piece of wire bigger than the animal and shaping it. For the first 3 years she made it with hydrangeas. She found out there was a prize for best exhibit in junior class and senior in wild flowers. In 1937 she made a weather house in heather and won first in her class and the junior wild flowers prize, which was 6 solid silver tea spoons. First record-a March from the Band of the Welsh Guards. Battle Of Flowers at Springfield was a smaller scale than today but had beautiful floats. They used a lot more hydrangeas in those days. There was more of a team effort in the past, young people used to put together exhibits, most young people were in the Battle. Springfield-used to hold up to 10,000 people who were mostly islanders but there were a few tourists. Local bands used to play. The outbreak of war stopped the Battle Of Flowers. Her family had a farm but they couldn't export produce and cattle kept being taken by the germans. They were left with 2 cattle, a severely depleted stock, in St Ouen. The Germans took 12 vergees of land in Les Landes. She didn't really deal with the Germans. Food was scarce-a lot of people were saved by the Red Cross parcels. She had planned for the Battle Of Flowers before the outbreak of war but didn't do it until 1951. It was a hunting scene, which won first prize in its class with a prize of £15, first in the junior wild flowers which was a prize of a silver tea set, the prix de merit, which was a prize of a refrigerator which still works today and the best exhibit of the whole show by an individual, which was a prize of a radiogram worth 160 guineas. Second record-Sound of Music. Battle Of Flowers started again in 1951 and went to Victoria Avenue which was a better venue and had a smooth road. She didn't know why it changed back as it started on Victoria Avenue. There hasn't been a Battle at the end of the Battle of Flowers for 7 or 8 years. At the end of the parade she used to have to protect her own float. She has started a Battle Of Flowers Museum through her interest in the event, it has proved popular after the first three years of difficulty. It was opened on 16th June 1971 with one building and then a second, third and fourth with sixteen models from the Battle Of Flowers in total. She has made 40 exhibits for the Battle Of Flowers and 13 exhibits for other fetes including on Grouville Common, St Ouen's Fete, Villa Millbrook and St Andrew's Park-in competition. Her favourite float was made for the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh's visit in 1979 with an exhibit of 40 flamingos, took it to Howard Davis Park and were introduced and talked to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh who were easy to talk to. The President of the Battle Of Flowers' Association gave her permission to show it before the Battle Of Flowers took place and she used it in the Battle Of Flowers that year although it didn't win a prize and the Association said they couldn't give her a guarantee for it because it had been shown before but it was sorted out although she was upset and didn't exhibit for the next 2 years. Had an exhibit that became a design for a stamp, which was a float of ostriches. She later became allergic to glue. Told by Philatelic Bureau that her design was being used as a stamp-1s 9d. Third Record-Blue Danube. She makes a float by getting a book on animals, making a scene, for example, a jaguar with llamas, keeps the design in her head rather than drawing it, no help given to her-all individual work. She picks the grasses as soon as they're ready. Used to pick them at the sand dunes and now grows her own. Has to sew them each year. She makes her mind up on what the theme will be on christmas day and doesn't change her mind. The float is made from three quarter inch mesh chicken wire. On a horse and bison float-84,000 pieces of grass were used on each horse and 11,000 bunches of approx 20 each on the bison. All her spare time is spent doing things. She is not normally a patient person but enjoys doing it and never gets bored. She dyes the grasses before putting them on the float in a bucket on her gas cooker. Prefers making animals to human figures. She was especially careful when making a Jersey calf figure as she was asked to do so by the Société Jersiaise and she wanted to make sure it was right and kept checking. Fourth Record-Jimmy Shand-chose it because it has a good rhythm. She talks about her exhibits that went to Exeter for Jersey Tourism and Leeds. She went with them and got a good reaction from people as there is nothing like it in England. She went to Guernsey with the Pied Piper of Hamlyn and got first prize. Brought humour into her exhibit, the funniest was a donkey derby. The Battle Of Flowers is not as good as it used to be-early 50s used to be 80 or 90 exhibits-a lot more than today. The young people not interested. The parochial classes not as popular as they can't find a leader. Miss Battle of Flowers is a good idea and provides an extra exhibit. Visitors still very keen. New set up with the arch ways on the Victoria Avenue good. Pictures hanging in museum. Fifth Record-Mary Poppins-Chimchiminy. Went to the ball at the West Park Pavilion as a chicken and won first prize and the tortoise and the hare but she collapsed due to lack of air in the costume. She was unable to compete in the Battle Of Flowers this year because she has been in hospital, told to rest but she has an idea for next years float already. End of Side One. Personal View of Major John Riley. Born in Trinity Manor in 1925. His grandfather came to Jersey in 1908. His ancestry is from Yorkshire and later his grandfather moved to Cornwall and London and came to Jersey in 1908. He had an interest in islands and tried to buy Sark and move to Alderney but moved to Jersey. He was interested in architecture, by profession a theologian but had a love of architecture and took time and money rebuilding the manor which was near derelict when he moved in. The roof had to come off and it was reconstructed in a French style. The architect was Sir Reginald Bloomfield, a London architect. The manor goes back to 1550. It was the seat of the de Carteret family and was successfully restored and enlarged by de Carterets in 1660 and the 19th century. First memories of the manor were of his grandfather who was an imposing and a great church man-morning and evening prayers were in the chapel and many people lived there including 3 uncles and his father but mother died in an accident in 1928 but he had a largely happy childhood. In the 1930s he travelled around England as his father was in the army. It was a contrast to living in manor but it only struck him as odd later in life. Being brought up in a large house was not restrictive, the children had good fun and he had affection for certain parts of house. First Record-Carmen Jones. Schooling-he went to day school in Jersey, preparatory school in England and then school in Winchester when war broke out in 1939. He didn't enjoy school, he was not academic and not good at ball games but it was a good education. During World War 2 his grandfather was allowed to live in the Manor for the first 2 years, the grounds were used as an ammunition dump, later the garrison moved into the house and his grandfather moved to one of the lodges. House undamaged and well looked after. When he arrived back in the island day after the liberation the germans were cleaning the manor. Felt worried about being separated from the island and the only contact was red cross letters which were only 28 words long-had to be careful. Was registered by mistake as an enemy alien card in England. Ambitions-had it not been for World War 2 he may have had an academic career-unsure. Couldn't think of any other profession he would have done apart from the army. His grandfather wanted him to have a classical education, he was an academic man and had stood for parliament but didn't get in. Ended up in the Coldstream Guards-his father had been a member, he has no regrets as he lived with marvellous people. He joined in 1943 and was commissioned in 1944 and joined the forces in North West Europe as a platoon commander. He wasn't frightened of getting killed, the idea of coming home as a wounded war hero appealed, but he had a fear of being frightened. In general the sergeant runs the platoon as they have massive experience and the officers, who had more training, did the planning. He went to North West Germany and saw action for 9 days before he was wounded on 9th March 1945 and evacuated to a hospital in Nottingham 48 hours after. It was the last he saw of the second world war. After he went out to Palestine. They had been earmarked to go to Japan but the bomb was dropped before he had to go. Second Record-Underneath the Arches. He stayed in army for 20 years, working with nice people who trust in each other. He was in a brigade of guards and had a really varied time. Later he was involved in the administration of the army. When he was in the Coldstream Guards he talks about how they felt in full uniform, being very hot whilst on parade, standing still was tiring, he took part in the vigil when the king died. He served in Palestine between 1945-48, then back for 3 months then went out to Malaya for 2½ years which was exciting. As company commander he led a patrol of 14-20 men for a week-10 days in the jungle. His father was still in Jersey at this time and became a jurat in the Royal Court. He came back on leave from time to time. The Manor was not in working order till the mid 50s. When he came back he helped around the Manor. In his army career he became an instructor-dealing with officers in their early 30s who were destined for commanding positions. During the Seven Day War there was both an Israeli and Egyptian who were called back into service. Third Record-Glen Miller. Took the Coldstream Guards Band to America in 1954-for 12 weeks. 160 men would move into a hotel, play a concert, have dinner, go to bed and then move around-strenuous. He left the army in 1963, he was sad to leave but had two young children, schooling was a problem for serving officers. He came back to Trinity Manor, didn't know what he wanted to do, determined to find plenty to do. He took the dairy farm back and got involved in companies and then stood for the States. He decided to go in to politics because he felt he had a responsibility to the island and wanted to give something back. His experience outside of the island was of value. He had no ambitions as a politician-the States was more like local administration. Fourth Record-Noel Coward. Politicians work hard-especially becoming president of a major committee which holds almost a ministerial responsibility, you need to be able to communicate with people. Life going to become more difficult for people in politics. You could run the island with 20 people but would have to pay them, which is against what the island politics is about. Became President of the Defence Committee-linked to his background. Wilfred Krichefski asked him to join the committee and he was able to help because of his military background. It was not like the Ministry of Defence-more like a Committee of Public Safety. Decided to finish in politics last year as he had done 18 years and didn't want to go stale and stand in the way of other people. He wanted to clear the way for other people to be promoted and hopes people don't stay on too long. He has been able to develop Trinity Manor for people to have seminars as he has moved himself in to one end of the house and through this he meets interesting people through the functions and it keeps the Manor occupied. For relaxation he goes sailing during the summer and rides horses in the winter.

Reference: R/07/B/1

Date: 1982

Visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh to the St John's Youth and Community Centre to open the Billy Butlin Memorial Hall commentated on by Mike Vibert on 29/03/1983. Description of the visit of the Prince, a description of the youth centre, children playing badminton, all the St John's School pupils at the event, Le Rocquier Band playing the national anthem. The main building of the centre was open on September 7th 1980 by Wilfred Tomes. Diane Smith commentates outside the centre waiting for the Prince to arrive describing the crowd. Famous visitors to the opening. Cost of the centre-£300,000. Mike Vibert-Duke's 6th visit to the island-describes the other visits. Diane Smith-Prince Philip's car just pulled up-accompanied by Sir Peter Whiteley and Sir Frank Ereaut, the Lieutenant Governor and Bailiff. Welcomed by Constable John Le Sueur and Lady Sheila Butlin, Mrs Le Sueur, Deputy Fred le Brocq, Senator Reg Jeune, head of the Education Committee-unveils the plaque. Prince being guided around the centre. Sees squash being played by Gillian Ferguson and her father and coach Doug Ferguson. Doug Ferguson talking about coaching his daughter, the championships she holds, how she feels about playing in front of Prince Philip. Prince Philip then making his way to the scout room to see demonstrations by the scouts. Beth Lloyd commentating on the Prince's visit to the scout room, Prince Philip meeting Colonel Bill Hall, the Scout Commissioner, talking about the different activities the scouts take part in, looking at tying knot demonstrations, first aid demonstrations, trip to Kenya to build a community building there, Duke of Edinburgh leaves the scout room. Mike Vibert-Duke of Edinburgh viewing a game of badminton, Barry Smith says who is playing in the demonstration games and the badminton club. Famous guests Morecambe and Wise, Dickie Henderson and Danny La Rue. Diane Smith-Prince entering club room, describing the club room. Mike Vibert-Prince standing on the balcony looking at the hall watching the men's badminton. Diane Smith-Prince introduced to the president and chairperson of the Jersey Flower Club Leah Samson and Viola Trenchard who helped decorate the centre. Diane Smith talking to Leah Samson and Viola Trenchard about the amount of members involved in arranging the flowers for the decoration, the time it took, the kind of flowers used and the theme of the decoration, the club which has been going since 1960 with almost 200 members, raising money for charity, organising flower and church festivals and fundraisers and the Woman's Institute of the island deciding to set up the Jersey Flower Club. Prince Philip leaving the club room-heading to the Billy Butlin Memorial Hall. Mike Vibert-waiting for the royal party to enter, La Rocquier School Band play the national anthem. Prince Philip being introduced to the officials of the Centre including Centenier Carl Hinault and Daphne Hinault, Mr and Mrs Angus Spencer-Nairn, Mr and Mrs Richard Dupré. Prince Philip meets officials of St John's School Ron Smith and David Rogers and meeting the school's football team. Meets celebrities and the Committe of the Centre, the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme winners. Speech made about the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and each person is called up to collect their awards including Russell Gibaut, Steven Davidson, Duncan Gibaut, Steven Rondel, Alan Cadoret, Lloyd Pinel and Collette Le Riche. Constable of St John, John Le Sueur making a speech about the centre. Prince Philip making a speech about the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and the opening of the centre. The Royal Party departing and an overview of the rest of the programme being undertaken by the Duke of Edinburgh. The bailiff giving a speech about the islanders leaving to take part in the Falklands War wishing them luck and a safe return. Recording of Winston Churchill's speech announcing Victory in Europe including the liberation of 'our dear Channel Islands'. End of Side One. Personal View of Joan Stevens interviewed by Beth Lloyd. Talking about her love of history. Had a happy childhood-was an only child. In the early years moved around a lot as her father was in the army-moved wherever her father's regiment was sent. Moved back to Jersey when she was 12. Jersey became home quickly-lived in Les Pins in Millbrook. Went to school at Jersey College for Girls-was smaller in those days-arrived with French being her worst subject and left with it being her best thanks to Miss Holt. After leaving school went to a family in Lausanne, Switzerland to practice her french. When she came back she got a job at the Société Jersiaise Museum as a secretary typist-became fond of the museum. First Record-Scarlet Ribbons by Kenneth McKellar. Went to West Park Pavilion as a girl and went surfing. Met her husband, Charles Stevens, soon after starting at the museum. He was about to go to Africa with the Administration Service. Met five times before they got engaged and then he went away for 3 years-was love at first sight. Knew he was coming back and so didn't mind that he went away-got married as soon as he got back and then went straight back to Zambia. He travelled around the country-went with him on tour but after having children didn't go with him. Had a number of servants. Enjoyed life in Africa in retrospect but longed for Jersey. Was out in Africa during the occupation. Second world war-was worried about everybody in Jersey-was 18 months before they discovered there second son was born. Heard from them through the red cross messages. War didn't touch them directly in Zambia but saw a great deal of troop movements-was a transit camp-helped the troops as they passed through. Second Record-Impatience by Schubert. Came back to Jersey on leave after the war to see her family in 1947. Came back for good in 1949 so the children could be educated. Her time was taken up with bringing up the family. Took part in some farming on their farm in St Mary on a modest scale. Started researching into old Jersey houses and decided to write a book on the subject. Researched by talking to people in Jersey. Wrote Old Jersey Houses and then 'Victorian Voices'-the Sumner family had papers in their house Belle Vue-gave it to the Museum and was asked to catalogue it. It was made up mainly of the diaries and letter books of Sir John Le Couteur and his family. Books about Jersey don't traditionally sell well but her 'Short History' sold well. Third Record-Silver Swan by Orlando Gibbons. Interested in Jerseymen from the past but wouldn't write about it because it has been covered by Mr Balleine's Biographical Dictionary. Her favourite historical Jersey figure is Sir John Dumaresq who was the lieutenant bailiff-an important figure of the time-was Sir John Le Couteur's grandfather-was the head of the liberal party in Jersey-was a great orator-was sent to plead for the island on 23 occasions-kept diaries in the late 1700s and showed a very human side. Had a large family that he brought up after his wife died when his family was still quite young. Collects a lot of information about individuals and then puts it together to form a picture. Fourth Record-The Gondeliers with 'Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes'. Balleine's History-it had been out of print for 20 years and nothing had replaced it so they decided to rewrite Balleine-decided to reprint it with additions-things that have happened since Mr Balleine had written and the need to emphasise certain aspects of the book. Marguerite Syvret and her worked together-good to work as a team. Added a great deal but it was woven in to the text. Mr Balleine was not very good at listing his sources and so they had to find all of the sources that he mentioned. Brought out a book with Richard Mayne called 'Jersey Through the Lens' with photographs and explanations. She is working with Jean Arthur on the place names of Jersey. Has three sons in England and a daughter in Jersey-one son is an architect, one is in the Homes Office and one is a freelance cabinetmaker-she tries to see her grandchildren as much as possible. Fifth Record-Danny Kay with Inch Worm. Her daughter lives with her in Jersey-she teaches riding. Jersey has changed a lot-the pressure of population. Believes there is a need to give something back to the community. At the Société Jersiaise Museum-goes to a lot of meetings-very alive in the community-trying to get younger people involved. Involved with the National Trust for Jersey-has the same aims of as the Trust in Britain but is autonomous. Is unhappy that the Queen's Valley flooding has gone through the States with a small majority-would like to see an alternative. Doesn't like the fact that the land is going to be bought by compulsory purchase. Sixth Record-Mario Lanza with Ave Maria.

Reference: R/07/B/7

Date: 1982 - 1983

Personal View of Vi Lort-Phillips, Jersey's lady of the camellias, interviewed by Beth Lloyd. Talks about her love of flowers-it came late in life. Lived in London as a child and was not born in Jersey but her maiden name, St Alban, has an Island connection. Born in London. Was in London in 1915-her uncle was the first officer VC. Met Rudolph Valentino as a teenager who kissed her hand. First Record-Mad Dogs and Englishmen by Noel Coward, who she met after going to the dentist and couldn't laugh at any of his jokes. Got married young after both her parent had died at 15 and 15-married a soldier from the Scots Guards. After they married he left the regiment and worked in London and she went travelling-was unusual. Decided to visit Russia with Primrose Harley a friend of hers-learnt russian. Used to be interested in sport-she was very interested in horses. Her husband got polio and was on sticks for a long time-had to give up shooting. She had a motor accident and her foot was crushed so she couldn't continue participating in sport. Second World War-During the Battle of Britain was playing croquet with polish pilots after they returned after their sweeps. Was an air raid warden-she resigned because she was afraid of the dark. Her husband worked in the War Office. Second Record-The Regimental March of the Scots Guards. Came to Jersey in the early 1950s-she didn't know she was going to come-her husband decided to buy a cottage in Jersey when a friend decided not to move there. Her husband had always wanted to live on an island. She sat for Augustus John who drew charcoal drawings of her-drew 12 drawings of her in 9 years-met many interesting people. Was fascinated by his fascination whenever he drew her. Bought La Colline in 1957 and the garden developed gradually. Her interest was triggered off by coming into a bit of money-decided to build a garden in memory of her brother Teddy St Alban who died whilst flying at the end of the war. Has some rare plants in the garden-when she went to Australia, Japan and America-joined the International Camellia Society-got a wonderful reception in Japan. Collected plants from around the world on her travels. Bred a flower called Magnolia Jersey Belle-was adjudged a hybrid. Third Record-Pastoral by Beethoven. President of the International Camellia Society-started in 1961/2 and has just over 1000 members from nearly all temperate zones. There are many kinds of different camellia-in China they use them for medicinal purposes in Japan they are grown as a crop for charcoal and in the west the main use is decoration. They can be flowering for six months of the year. You need to have acid soil for the flowers to grow. Has travelled with the International Camellia Society-had a conference in Jersey, visited Spain and Portugal. This year went with 40 to China for a conference-took 128 camellias to China and planted a Garden of Friendship. Fourth Record-Hole in the Road by Bernard Cribbens. Personal View of Phyllis Haines, headmistress of Helvetia House School. The school has always been run by her family-it was founded by her aunt, 16 years later her mother took it on and after the second world war she took it on. Her origins were mixed-her great great grandfather Etienne Joste on her mother's side came to Jersey in 1793 from Switzerland-set up a bakery and confectionary shop in Halkett Place and became naturalised-it cost 120 livres. He got married to a Jersey girl, Jeanne Le Bas, in 1795. Their grandson Captain Elias Joste bought the house for his elderly parents and educated his nieces, one of the nieces Eva Joste, started the school and her mother continued. Went to school at Helvetia but wasn't taught by her mother, later on went to courses in London and France. Later on specialised in maths with Mr Kellett from Victoria College. Always wanted to be a teacher-both sides of her family were teachers. Her mother and aunt were not trained as teachers. She didn't go to university-no grants. Went to England via the mailboat and went to London and later visited her father's family. First Record-'Love Is Meant to Make us Glad' from Merry England. Was brought in to teach at Helvetia when she was 21/22. The school has always done well. When her aunt started the school she had 5 pupils, before the war 80, after the war 40 and now 95-100. Used to be a secondary school but is now just a primary school. Social life-she loved dancing-used to enjoy dancing at the West Park Pavilion. Was involved in St Helier's Literary Society-flourished before the war-had Amy Johnson coming to speak to them. Before the war they were talking about getting Winston Churchill over to talk to them-would have cost £50. Involved in acting-inherited from her family-helped start a group called the Unnamed Players with Arthur Dethan and Keith Bell and others so that they could put on plays-the first one was 'The Importance of Being Earnest' at Victoria College and Pride and Prejudice for the Literary Society-both produced by Grace Pepin. It wasn't a very big club-about 10 people and stopped when the war started. Enjoyed travelling abroad-one to the Mediterranean and one to the north. Second Record-The Isle of Capri. Decided to stay in Jersey during the occupation-went out to the Jersey Airport and couldn't get an aeroplane and her mother was too old to go on the boat so stayed. Decided to keep the school open-got orders from the Germans that they had to teach German and joined together with St George's School to do so. Because of a lack of food sport was not allowed to be played in schools. She enjoyed the dances during the occupation. Drama flourished during the occupation-helped the population. She joined the Green Room Club during the war and joined the Jersey Amateur Dramatics Club after the war. Every fortnight a performance was taking place and so she appeared a great many shows. She was involved in the Children's Benefit Fund-it came about because some money was made at school and she wanted it to help children and she got in touch with the hospital and they set up a fund under Arthur Halliwell to enable parents to buy rations for their children. Red cross parcels came in at an important time. Just before the war she'd taken part in a play at West Park Pavilion to raise money for the Red Cross International Society and she was glad that they had because later they saved people's lives. During the occupation the most dramatic change was the lack of radios and letters-despite the red cross messages. A lot of her friends were deported. Were aware when D-Day took place-entertainments were stopped but started again later but often the electricity used to fail and people ended up using lighters to light up the stage. Third Record-Rachmaninov's 'Prelude in C Sharp Minor'. End of Side One. Personal View of Diane Postlethwaite, clairvoyant, astrologer and fortune teller. Was taught from an early age to read tarot cards, hands and crystals. Learnt astrology later and she combines all of the disciplines. She was born with the gift and was not well at the age of 3½-became sensitive to people. Astrology is a science and an art and you need to be slightly clairvoyant to do it. Crystal ball-people hold the crystal and then you take them from them and pick up images from it. Tarot cards-you are given formulas for their use. First Record-All Things Bright and Beautiful. Was 3½ when she was told she had the gift-her mother found her in a church sitting up by the altar being very aware. Told her mother she would have a sister and she did. During the war years was separated from her mother and was taught to read tarot cards by a gypsy. Used to read her friend's fortunes. Went to a convent and the reverend mother caught her playing cards and called her 'a child of the devil'. Became a hairdresser but still told people's fortunes. Took it up as a career in her mid 30s-lived in India with her husband and learnt astrology, she met Mother Theresa in India and some Tibetan people who encouraged her to take it up as a career. She had had her eyes opened in India seeing the poverty and suffering that people suffered. Enjoyed her life in India. Second Record-Ravi Shankar. Went to England and Bermuda after leaving India-encountered voodoo which was frightening. Was going to move to South Africa but ended up coming to Jersey. Have been in Jersey for almost 10 years. Did some fortune telling at a Jersey Choir bazaar and her career took off from there. People are interested in fortune telling now-start of the 'Age of Enlightenment'. People looking for an answer-she is used as a crutch by some people. Learnt meditation to remove herself from other people's problems. Is a practicing Christian. When people come to have their fortunes read she starts with their astrology, then reads their hands. Uses tarot cards for general reading. Tries to help people who come to her with illness-their are many psychic healers in the island. Medicine and healing should be used together. People write to her for advice including people with business contracts. Replies to people by using clairvoyance. Third Record-Bob Newhart with 'The Driving Instructor'. Has been called in to use her clairvoyance to help solve crimes. In the 1600s she could have been burnt for being a witch-has experienced witchcraft in the island-goes to the church for help. Is against the use of ouija boards and witchcraft. Can see beyond what other people sees but can switch it off when she is with her family. Has seen things about her family and herself but does not look into them. Her family are tolerant and help her with her work. They can get annoyed with people who impose on them. Fourth Record-Cosmos. Gets involved in spirits in the house-believes a poltergeist is a magnetic force or the spirit of somebody who hasn't moved on-gets a priest out to help get rid of them. Has been to an exorcism. Spiritualism-can fell when people have died. Feels she is here to help people. The church doesn't agree with astrology but she believes in it. Fifth Record-Joyce Grenfell. During the summer visits a lot of Women's Institutes and take part in bazaars. One fete she was put down by a band. Has just bought a computer to help with her job-will programme people onto her computer. Astrology in the newspaper are very general and difficult to do because of different factors. Some people use their gifts to charge a lot of money but she doesn't believe in it. Her grandmother was psychic and so is her sister. Used to play golf and paint but doesn't get time to do them now. Would like to take up art again. She gets involved in her gift when she goes on holiday. Sixth Record-Chariots of Fire by Vangelis. Tells the future of Jersey for the year including predicting vandalism on the ferries to increase, the States of Jersey defence and fisheries will be discussed and we may have a tremor, oil off the coast will be found within two years, peace and environment groups activities will increase and drugs come under jurisdiction-bright year for the Island. Runs through the horoscopes for the year and the predictions for BBC Radio Jersey.

Reference: R/07/B/8

Jersey Evening Post Newspaper article : 'What's Your Street's Occupation Story' looks at a selection of Liberation memorabilia held at the archives.

Reference: US/1500

Date: 13 February 2020

Jersey Evening Post Newspaper article : 'What's Your Street's Occupation Story?' The Occupation as documented in the Islanders' own words

Reference: US/1585

Date: 15 December 2020

Jersey Evening Post Newspaper article : Occupation material and rare postcards popular at Channel Islands Specialist's sale

Reference: US/1824

Date: 14 March 2022

Jersey Evening Post Newspaper article : Historian and collector Mark Lamerton looks at Liberation messages and the recommencement of Channel Island postal services in May 1945.

Reference: US/1826

Date: 14 May 2022

Jersey Evening Post Newspaper article : Jersey Heritage's digital access manager, Harry Le Feuvre, shares some of the latest addtions to its collection including papers of an Islander who rose through the ranks of the Auxiliary Territorial Services during the Second World War.

Reference: US/1884

Date: 17 December 2022

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