Szymon Patterson cutting his designs in rolled clay prior to shaping it up. (0732556)
SARK’S Medical Committee is asking island residents for their views on a possible smoking ban. The island is almost certainly the only jurisdiction in the British Isles which has yet to introduce one in enclosed public places and working environments.
I think Guernsey was one of the first, and during the House of Commons debate on similar legislation being introduced in the United Kingdom, there were frequent references made to its success.
That said, a voluntary ban is already in force in several Sark establishments including, as I understand it, in all the island’s dining areas, while many others set aside different areas for smokers and non-smokers.
In a notice posted on island boards, Medical Committee chairman Diane Baker is asking residents for their opinions and whether they want Sark to come into line with the remainder of the Bailiwick and Britain and introduce a public places ban.
‘Or are you happy to leave Sark as it is, where people are free to smoke where they wish when they wish?’ asks Conseiller Baker.
It was interesting that when the island’s Chamber of Commerce held an informal discussion on the subject last year it was revealed that many tourists calling in at the visitor centre apparently expressed surprise that there were no restrictions.
My own view is that there is no way that all shades of opinion are going to be satisfied on this particular issue. I have heard what probably amounts to an equal number of visitors expressing satisfaction with the current ‘light up where you like, when you like’ situation – as I’ve heard expressing a contrary view.
What I wouldn’t like to see is what is fast becoming a problem elsewhere where a legal ban is in force, and that is groups of smokers congregating just outside pubs and workplaces and totally ignoring the cigarette butt receptacles.
It seems to me to be yet another opportunity for Sark’s penchant for compromise solutions to come into play.
A few years ago I had the pleasure of helping the children of Sark School produce their own 16-page newspaper and I remarked at the time that in terms of their sales (they sold all the advertisements) and literary skills they were a talented bunch.
I have no doubt that the present crop of pupils is equally talented and next Wednesday will see if I’m right.
The entire school is putting on a Music Concert for Spring at the Island Hall and all three classes have been busy rehearsing. In addition to solos and duets, the advertisement I saw states that The Wannabies will be taking part, although anyone wanting to know more will have to pay at the door and watch.
The younger children will be performing dance routines, those in the middle class will be playing their recorders and the older children’s band will also be taking part.
Takings at the door will contribute towards the Crescendo Fund, which finances special concerts for the children given by visiting artists who entertain the Sark Music Society and its guests – an altogether very worthy cause.
While on the subject of talented Sark children, I walked past Lorraine Nicolle’s pottery last Saturday and saw through the window a group of half a dozen youngsters getting their hands enjoyably mucky while playing with clay.
I say playing, but some of the things they were making were being painstakingly worked on.
The group meets there for a couple of hours each Saturday during the winter months and I have to say that their talent matches their enthusiasm – much better than my efforts all those years ago.
The email address for comment is fallesark@sark.net
Article posted on 7th March, 2009 - 4.49pm
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