Kate Jennings

The owners of Jersey’s Grade II-listed Château La Chaire are seeking permission to convert the 14-bedroom hotel into a private residence after failing to find a buyer and concluding that continued hotel operation is economically unviable. Local figures fear the change would deprive St Martin and the wider island of an important tourism and heritage asset, while citing the site’s historic gardens and potential for a high-end boutique hotel. The estate agent and planning assessment point to rising costs, changing visitor behaviour, the hotel’s remote location and the decline in Jersey’s hotel capacity. The hotel remains open and is accepting bookings while the planning application is considered.

A 47‑year connection between the Simon family and Les Landes School in Jersey ended as the last two grandchildren left for secondary school. Joan Simon, who first joined as a parent in 1979 and later taught for two decades, helped shape school traditions and was praised for inspiring generations. Multiple family members have attended or worked at the school, and the community marked the occasion with an emotional assembly highlighting the family’s long‑standing contribution.

A 47‑year relationship between the Simon family and Les Landes School in St Ouen ended as the final two grandchildren left for secondary school. Joan Simon, who first joined the school community as a parent in 1979 and later taught there for two decades, was honoured at an emotional assembly celebrating the family’s long involvement as pupils, parents, staff and grandparents. School leaders praised the family’s contribution to the school’s values of community, achievement and pride, while the departing grandchildren reflected on their experiences and the significance of moving on.