Many of the goods sold in Alderney’s shops come via the quay. (0555328)

NEWS that renovation work will finally begin on Alderney’s commercial quay has given the island a huge boost.

Guernsey’s Treasury and Resources committee approved the £9.5m project last week and a contract was signed, sealed and delivered at the Island Hall just 24 hours later.

At the signing, States member Bill Walden described the quay as a ‘lifeline’. He said the thought of it not being developed didn’t bear thinking about.

I may have lived in Alderney for only three weeks but am already well aware of just how important this ‘lifeline’ is. Pretty much everything sold in the island’s shops comes from a ship, via the quay. Essentials such as food and clothes all arrive by boat: the importance of its refurbishment should not be underestimated.

It may have taken a while for our politicians to agree on the intricacies of such a big-money deal, but they seem to have helped safeguard the future of the island.

Lt-Governor Sir Fabian Malbon spoke of Alderney’s ‘individuality’ during a recent visit.

He arrived in the island for the monthly States meeting but took time out to visit Connaught House residential home and Alderney Library.

It was at Connaught House that Sir Fabian praised islanders’ straight-talking manner.

‘All the islands are ferociously independent but I’ve noticed people in Alderney have a certain way of doing things,’ said Sir Fabian, who was accompanied during his trip by Lady Malbon.

‘People here are determined to stick to their unique way of life and they’re not afraid to tell you that, either.

‘Alderney never does something because it is being done in the UK or on the other islands: it enjoys doing things its own way.

‘Small communities often feel the need to retain their individuality while moving with the times and I believe that’s something this island does very well.’

As a newcomer, one thing I’ve noticed about Alderney is that there is a certain way of life here. Those who come to live in the island need to adapt quickly. Put simply, you can either jump on Alderney’s ship or sail off somewhere else.

After introducing myself to Maggie Burridge, Ormer House School’s head teacher, I was quickly asked whether I’d be brave enough to ‘put my neck on the block’ and judge the Easter art competition.

Maggie’s tone suggested it would be my toughest assignment yet, but I agreed to do it.

I turned up at the school expecting to view the type of thing I used to describe as art when I was eight or nine: something along the lines of an egg with a bit of plasticine stuck on it.

Thankfully, none of the children followed in my footsteps. Each one had produced a magnificent piece of work that would put anything I ever drew or sculpted to shame.

Picking a winner was extremely difficult, but in the end I plumped for the most imaginative examples. Well done to all the children, their parents and teachers and thank you to Maggie for inviting me to judge. It was a pleasure.

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