THE rarely-used St Tugual’s Chapel has been spruced up and decorated ready for its busiest autumn yet. Apart from the weekly Sunday service during the summer and a couple of occasions at Christmas, the quaint 13th-century church isn’t used as much as, perhaps, it should be. This year, however, there are several events in the pipeline.

First came the Moore family’s joint celebration last month – the blessing of Brett and Yolandi and the christening of their baby.

Brett and Yolandi were married in Guernsey in March and not long after the wedding, baby Harry was born.

It was the first time the chapel had seen a double celebration such as this and the first time the Rev. Richard Bellinger had conducted such a joint service.

Last weekend saw another wedding, when Terry Gardiner married Zoe Heyworth.

Zoe, the second daughter of Pennie and Adrian, was raised in the island. She met Terry when they were at Oxford Brookes University together studying estate management and Terry proposed to her on a visit to Herm at Christmas.

For the ceremony, the chapel was draped with ivy and decorated by island secretary and talented florist Mel Brown.

Zoe’s sisters Hannah and Abigail were bridesmaids and cousins Chloe Dorey and Evie Wood acted as flowergirls.

A huge marquee was placed on the manor lawn near the chapel for the reception. With the lease of the island up for sale, it was a nice opportunity for the Wood family to get together for one last Herm celebration.

Next weekend sees the christening of Alfie Pimblett, whose parents, Leslie and Chris, had their own marriage blessed in St Tugual’s two years ago. They’ll be following the christening with a barbecue on the Mermaid’s top deck area.

And in November, Seahorse skipper Matt Nicholls and admin assistant Katell Murphy will be married in the church. They had originally planned to marry abroad, but political troubles in their chosen destination made them rethink.

They were delighted to be offered the chance to marry in Herm.

It’s nice to see the beautiful little chapel hosting so many happy occasions this year, and being made use of for its real purpose.