Bounty’s battered housing. (0549254)
AURIGNY’S 40th birthday, a Muratti Vase thrashing and a number of violent storms all welcomed me to Alderney earlier this week.
I hardly knew what to expect from this tiny island when I landed for only the third time late on Sunday afternoon.
Now I know to expect the unexpected.
Before I go any further though, here’s a little about me. Firstly, I come from Leeds and have worked as a journalist for more than three years.
I spent the first two years of my career working for three regional newspapers before moving to a national golf magazine 18 months ago.
More importantly, I’m a big Leeds United supporter – so no one should mention the fact they’re currently plying their trade in the third tier of English football.
Now, as I was saying earlier, one thing I’ve learned so far in Alderney is to expect the unexpected. Unfortunately though, some near certainties often do happen, such as Alderney’s footballers getting thrashed by Jersey.
The 7-0 scoreline in the Muratti Vase semi-final may have flattered the away side, but it does little to comfort our players who ahead of the crunch encounter had all trained extremely hard.
On a brighter note, I am told Alderney’s current squad includes a number of fledgling stars, so let’s hope they can develop into a team that will do the island proud in future.
Bounty has now been rehoused.
The storms that have battered many parts of the UK also hit the island – and Alderney failed to escape the trail of damage and destruction.
Bounty the horse, which belongs to mother and daughter Sue and Charlie Smith, was particularly affected by the adverse weather. The unfortunate filly had her stable blown over and became traumatised after literally losing the roof from above her head.
Luckily, a number of community-spirited locals, as well as the Smiths, rushed to rescue her and lift the stable, which had flipped over and was now blocking two roads, back into its field with a crane.
Charlie told me she was touched by everyone’s generosity and said that was the reason Bounty, which is currently living in a temporary stable, isn’t too badly affected by the rather frightening experience.
Finally, a word about my predecessor, James Adair, who has left these shores to take up a new job in London. Although I met James only a handful of times, I enjoyed his company immensely and found him to be a true character. I quickly discovered he injected a great deal of good humour into the lives of many in Alderney and I’m sure everyone will join me in wishing him well for the future.
Article posted on 13th March, 2008 - 9.00am
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