New White House hotel manager Sion Jones with his wife, Lucy, and daughters Catrin and Ffion. (0741888)

THERE is a new boss in the White House – and I’m not talking about Barack Obama.

Sion Jones has taken over as manager of the hotel, after his predecessor, Jonathan Watson, was appointed as director of hospitality.

Sion was the ideal candidate, having previously run the Portmeirion Hotel near Snowdonia in north Wales.

Portmeirion is an Italian village, founded by Clough Williams-Ellis in 1926, and is made up of restaurants, shops and holiday accommodation.

It was put on the map by such notables as H.G. Wells, George Bernard Shaw and Noel Coward, and was the setting for The Prisoner TV series with Patrick McGoohan.

So running a hotel by the sea in a small community with a rich history should be second nature for Sion.

He moved here in January with his wife Lucy and daughters Catrin, five, and Ffion, who is two.

‘When we first came over in November, the weather was awful,’ said Lucy.

‘It rained constantly. Still, we could see it would be nice in summer. And coming from Wales, we’re not put off by cold weather or a rural location.’

Catrin is in Year One at the Herm school, but with no playgroup on the island, Lucy is at home with Ffion.

‘I’ll help out with whatever Sion needs,’ said Lucy, ‘but for now I’m enjoying working in the garden at Rosaire Cottage and planting a vegetable patch.’

Hotel guests will be glad to hear that all the drastic changes the doomsayers have been predicting have no truth in them. The White House’s charm and quiet atmosphere have been retained by the new managers. Any changes have been subtle and for the better, such as a new power cable and several new bathrooms.

With a new head chef and housekeeping manager, it’s an exciting time for hotel staff.

‘It’s nice to arrive here while Herm is experiencing changes,’ said Lucy.

‘It’s lovely to have a fresh start and put your own stamp on things. I know Sion can’t wait for the season to get started.’

The hotel will reopen on Friday 27 March.

Last July, a film crew visited the island to shoot scenes for Cupsogue Pictures’ short film Monkeyshine. Produced by Guernsey’s own Gene Fallaize, there was a lot of media attention and many Guernsey residents came over for the day to appear as extras or help on the crew.

Although a proposed Guernsey premiere never went ahead, the film is now out on DVD through Facebook and the Monkeyshine website, and will soon appear on Amazon.