General Election

In the 18th century the elections on Jersey were quite lively affairs, with two main political parties, the Charlots and the Magots.  In an attempt to secure victory the parties used to kidnap members of the opposition and place them on the Ecrehous for the day, to prevent them from voting.  There is no evidence that anything similar occurred yesterday, when there were combined elections for Senators, Deputies and Constables but on our visit last weekend there was evidence of the forth coming election in the form of posters.

 Electioneering even reached the outer limits of the Baliwick of Jersey.

Maitre Ile, the largest land mass at the reef but the area which is least visited.  It is important for breeding sea birds, in particular Cormorants and in the last few years Little Egrets have appreared.

My first visit to the reef by kayak was August Bank Holiday 1974 and it is amazing how much has changed over the intervening years, not least our kayaking equipment.  Home made KW7 kayaks and paddles plus BS3595 lifejackets.  The paddler is Derek Hairon, who now runs Jersey Kayak Adventures.