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Filing tax returns on-line – major enhancements to the system
This week, the Income Tax Office is making the usual annual issue of tax returns so that taxpayers can report their income for 2011.Since the beginning of 2008, taxpayers have been able to file their income tax returns using an on-line facility but, to date, the take up has not been great (approximately 5% of tax returns are currently returned electronically).
Rob Gray, the Director of Income Tax, said:
“Up to now, there have been relatively few benefits for taxpayers who file their tax returns on-line. When the system was first introduced, in 2008, the principal benefit was the speed with which the tax return reached the Income Tax Office. More recently, we introduced a “pre-filling” facility so that once an individual’s return had been filed on-line, subsequent returns automatically had some text entered which avoids part of the chore of completing a paper tax return. We recognised, however, that if we wanted to make on-line filing the norm, rather than the exception, in the future, we had to make the benefits for taxpayers filing electronically much more significant than they are currently. That is why, from 13 January 2012, we are introducing two major enhancements:Why are you encouraging online filing … what is wrong with the way it has always been done? There is nothing “wrong” with someone completing a paper return, in the same way as there is nothing wrong with someone using an “old fashioned” manual typewriter, but the fact of the matter is that we now live in a digital age and many people no longer use the same kind of computers, telephones, cars and household appliances that were used 5 or 10 years ago let alone 40, 50 or 60 years ago so why should the tax system be an exception? There are economic and environmental benefits to be gained by encouraging a better take up of the use of on-line facilities when island residents need to interact with the States, and income tax is an obvious example.
- The introduction of an automatic assessing facility for individuals, and
- entry into a free prize draw for individuals who file their returns using the on-line system.”
How will the automatic assessment facility work? Once a return is filed electronically, it will be received into the Income Tax Office computer system and the contents of the return will be examined, automatically, by computer, using a comprehensive set of predetermined parameters. The return will also be checked against data held within the Tax Office computer system, such as details of wages which have been returned by employers.
So long as the return passes those checks and parameters, it should be eligible to be automatically assessed, which means that an income tax assessment will be issued without any human intervention. For such cases, our target is to issue an assessment within ten working days of receipt of the return.
What if a return fails these checks? If a return does not pass the checks or fails to meet the preset parameters, it will be rejected from the automatic assessing system and brought to the attention of a Tax Assessor. The Assessor will know the reason why the return was rejected. If that matter can be resolved without further delay, the return will be passed back into the automatic assessing process.
Even if it is not possible to resolve the issue immediately, any return which is filed on-line will be dealt with in priority to a return submitted in paper form.
Is the on-line filing system safe and secure? Yes. Since its introduction there have been no reported incidents of unauthorised access and every form submitted has been successfully received by the Income Tax Office.
Is registering for on-line filing complicated? No. Previously, users have had two passwords to use the system – one to enter the States of Guernsey on-line services site, and another to enter the on-line tax return facility. In order to make the system more user-friendly, however, we are removing the need to have a second password.
Why have the free prize draw? There are benefits for taxpayers, the Income Tax Office and the island generally, from more people using the on-line filing facility. For taxpayers, they will be able to file their returns quicker than sending them by post or hand delivering them to the Income Tax Office. Returns filed on-line will be assessed more quickly so that people will either receive any repayments that are due to them sooner than they would if sending in a paper turn or, if they owe additional tax, they will know this sooner rather than later so they can more easily plan their personal finances. A common complaint we receive is that a return is sent in to the Tax Office and nothing is heard for several months. This is inevitable when all returns are examined by Assessors. The ability to use an on-line filing system combined with the automatic assessing enhancement means that many taxpayers will have more control over their income tax affairs. Obviously, the automatic assessing facility is likely to be most efficient for relatively straightforward income tax returns, but even those taxpayers with more complicated financial affairs will benefit because returns sent in electronically will be dealt with in priority to those sent in paper form.
For the Income Tax Office, clearly if returns can be dealt with through an automatic assessing function, this will free up staff time from mundane data processing, which can be spent on dealing with queries from people who have real tax problems, tax returns which cannot be automatically assessed and it will also allow resources to be diverted to tackle tax evasion and tax avoidance.
The island generally will also benefit because, in the course of time, it may be possible for the Income Tax Office to make significant reduction in costs if a large number of islanders choose to file their returns electronically. In addition, those using the on-line filing system have the option to elect not to receive a paper return in the future, and this will not only have savings implications for the States but also beneficial environmental consequences.
Because of the potential benefits that arise if many more people are encouraged to use the on-line filing facility than is currently the case, the Treasury & Resources Department has authorised the Director of Income Tax to enter people who file returns on-line into a free prize draw.
How will the prize draw work? The prize draw will be drawn in December and people who have filed on-line up to 30 November will be eligible (although political members and staff of the Treasury & Resources Department will be excluded from eligibility for the free prize draw). There will be three cash prizes and every entrant has a chance to win one. The prizes will be £2,500, £1,500 and £1,000.
The prizes will be funded from the anticipated savings on postage, stationery, etc, that increased use of the on-line filing facility will create. The Director of Income Tax has not received any additional funding, over and above the normal expenditure budget allocated to the Income Tax Office, to fund the prize draw.
The full terms and conditions of the prize draw can be found on the Income Tax Office website – www.gov.gg/tax.
Why only returns received up to 30 November? With effect from this year, a new regime for imposing penalties is being introduced for anyone who does not send in their returns on time. It was felt that only those who comply with the Law and send their returns in on time should be eligible for a chance to win a prize.
The new system sounds complicated – will it work? There is no doubt that the system that has been introduced to deal with automatic assessing is complex. The parameters and other checks that the computer will carry out on a return are designed to keep the possibility of errors and fraud to a minimum. Extensive testing has been carried out “off-line” but, as with all computer systems, whether or not it works will only be known once the “live” switch is thrown and returns from real taxpayers start to be received.
The Income Tax Office is fully prepared for the possibility that there may be some “teething problems” and, indeed, anyone using the system who encounters any problems/errors is encouraged to contact the Income Tax Office on 724711
Does Guernsey really need this … isn’t our tax system straightforward? We are now in the second decade of the 21st century yet, to a significant extent, the system in Guernsey of issuing paper returns to most taxpayers and manually processing them when they are submitted is still based on systems put in place in the early-20th century. Many countries around the world now successfully use comprehensive on-line filing facilities for their taxpayers. There is no reason why the system should not work well in Guernsey, indeed having a tax system which is relatively straightforward should make the use of on-line systems even more attractive and beneficial.
This is why the Income Tax Office considers an efficient, safe and secure on-line filing system to be a necessity rather than a desirable option, especially in these difficult economic times when it is necessary to limit government spending as much as possible . Issuing paper returns to the majority of the taxpaying public, and having highly trained officers examining what are often very straightforward returns, is not a good use of resources.
Over the next few years, the Income Tax Office will continue to make further refinements to the on-line filing system where these are considered to be desirable and is also looking at other aspects of tax administration with a view to modernising procedures and introducing economies wherever possible. One example already decided is that with effect from 2013, companies will be required to file their returns electronically in place of sending paper returns and copies of their accounts to the Income Tax Office.
The enhancements made this year are not the end of the journey, therefore, but rather they represent further steps along the road leading to even more improvements to come in the future.
Have there been any other changes this year? Also new, for the latest tax return, are 2 initiatives being introduced to assist small or part time businesses and self-employed persons. When completing their returns they will have a choice of submitting details of their business income by submitting a 3 line account (if they have a business where the turnover is less than £15,000) or, for more substantial businesses, by using a “profit & loss” template, set up by the Income Tax Office. By providing this service it should mean that information is received in a manner that is acceptable to the Tax Office and will help the forms to be processed more quickly.
ENDS
Issued by: Rob Gray, Director, Income Tax Office
Media enquiries should be directed to: Rob Gray - 724711
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NEW YEARS DAY CLEANSING IN ALDERNEY
2nd January 2012 - The New Year kicked off in Alderney with a very wet start, as the Alderney Fire Brigade stood armed with their hoses prepared to soak anyone within range. A generous dowsing was given to anyone who was brave enough to venture anywhere near the Marais Square at 11.00am on the 1st January 2012 and those who weren’t fast enough experienced the traditional dunking in the old cattle trough, in the centre of the square, a truly icy experience!
At midday the traditional first swim of the year took place at on Braye Beach. More than 30 brave swimmers of all ages headed into the icy waters of the English Channel for the Annual Alderney New Year’s Day swim. 2012 marked the 31st anniversary of the swim, an event which can only be described as a chilling experience and guaranteed to cure any hangovers. After the event many of the brave swimmers headed to the pub for a hot toddy to warm themselves up.
A brave swimmer said “There was a fantastic atmosphere and people were extremely brave, to immerse themselves in water of that temperature. It was really well supported by residents who were not quite brave or fool hardy enough to enter the water. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will definitely be going in again next year.”ENDS
Joanna Parmentier
Marketing & PR Manager
States of Alderney
PO Box 1, Alderney
GY9 3AA
T. +44(0)1481 825536
M.+44 (0)7781 422697
F. +44(0)1481 822436
E. joanna.parmentier@gov.gg
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Low Value Consignment Relief
The States of Alderney are disappointed that the UK Government intends to lower the Low Value Consignment Relief (LVCR) threshold to zero for goods coming from the Channel Islands.The announcement was made today by Treasury Minister David Gauke MP following representations received from businesses in the UK. We understand that HM Treasury sought advice from the European Commission. The changes are due to be implemented by 1 April 2012
It is clear that this change will seriously affect online business in Alderney who ship goods from the Channel Islands to customers in the UK. Both the States of Guernsey and the States of Alderney will work closely with the business community to assist where possible, particularly in light of the short transition time and wherever possible do whatever we can to mitigate the impact of this change.
Businesses and individuals who are concerned about these changes are encouraged to contact the Commerce and Employment Department on 234567.
John Beaman, Chairman of the States of Alderney Policy and Finance Committee said “It is likely that the impact of these changes will be significant. While we have only a small number of businesses impacted by the change they contribute significantly to the economy of Alderney and consequently to the Bailiwick as a whole. The impact on Alderney is likely to be considerably more noticeable than in Guernsey.”
He continued “The Treasury’s policy position fails to give any consideration to the impact on a small island like ours. We will maintain contact with Commerce and Employment in Guernsey but we have made clear our concerns about the impact that these changes will have on our plans to develop the economy.”
ENDS
Contact: Roy Burke, Chief Executive of the States of Alderney, email roy.burke@gov.gg tel. 822816
Editor Contact: John Beaman, Chairman of the States of Alderney Policy and Finance Committee
email. johnbeaman@cwgsy.net
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Resident Art Student Wins Alderney Brochure Cover Competition
JP~02-11-20112nd November 2011, Alderney Channel Islands - Fans of VisitAlderney on Facebook and visitors to the island have chosen the photograph that will appear on the front cover of the 2012 Alderney brochure. The winning photograph competed for votes against ten other shortlisted images. Of the 396 people who voted, the winning image received 35% (140) of the public’s votes. The lucky winner, Holly Webster, entered her photograph of a scenic view of Fort Quesnard with a clear azure blue sea in the foreground. She will receive two return tickets to the UK courtesy of Aurigny Air Services, the official sponsors of the competition and will have her image displayed on the front cover of the 2012 Alderney Brochure.
Holly Webster (18 years) is currently on a gap year, but is still pursuing her interests in photography.
Holly said “I was so pleased to find out that I had won the competition.
I have just finished an Art and Design course at Guernsey College of Further Education and am looking into going to University to study a degree in Photojournalism. Winning the competition was a great step forward for me and to have my photo on the cover for visitors to see is fantastic. I also have my own website and blog and this is great publicity for me and for getting my work out there.”
Joanna Parmentier, Marketing Manager for VisitAlderney said “Once again it has been a great competition and we are delighted with the results. The standard of photos entered were very high and it would have been a tough decision to make, had it been left entirely to us. We are extremely pleased with the number of entrants which were double those of last year, from 90 entries in 2010 to 173 this year”.A panel of judges were selected; its members were made up from our website design agency, creative consultants and our brochure designer. The entries were narrowed down to ten shortlisted images and these were taken to the public vote. An online survey was emailed to the Alderney brochure mailing list of in excess of 14,000 and the winning photo was selected.
Joanna Parmentier, Marketing Manager for VisitAlderney said “It is always a difficult task selecting the front cover photo for the brochure, so, what better way of choosing it than a competition. Not only does it allow our Facebook fans to show off their beautiful images of Alderney, but it also gets the island’s residents and visitors involved. A big thank you to all who entered; there are some beautiful shots of our island and many thanks to those who took the time to vote. The interest in the competition has been great and has exceeded our expectations.”ENDS
Contact: Holly Webster, after 5pm on 07781 137 892 or email Hollyw1993@hotmail.com
Editor’s Contact: Joanna Parmentier, States of Alderney Marketing Manager,
tel 01481 825536 and email: marketing@visitalderney.com
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The States of Alderney drive to attract more business to Alderney
4th October 2010 - As part of their Economic Development Strategy the States of Alderney are looking to attract more businesses and people to the Island and on the 11th and 12th October 2011 will be exhibiting at the eCommerce Expo at Olympia in London - www.ecommerceexpo.co.uk The island is working hard to raise its profile as a low-tax jurisdiction with no property buying restrictions and an ideal location to relocate small ecommerce businesses. This coupled with the fact that Alderney is only three miles square and made up of sandy beaches, cobbled streets and stunning landscapes with virtually no crime, it is the perfect environment in which to relocate families and bring up children.States chief executive Roy Burke said "The economy in Alderney at the moment is a little bit depressed. It's the same the world over, Alderney's no different, and this is an opportunity for Alderney to market itself as a destination for small ecommerce businesses that are looking to move out of the United Kingdom, and with has No Corporation Tax, NO Capital Gains Tax, NO Inheritance Tax and NO VAT and an open housing market for EU citizens with prices on a par with the UK mainland, Alderney has a lot to offer.”
He continued " We need to maintain Alderneys tranquil lifestyle but we need more people to live and work here to help improve our economy."
What Alderney has to offer
So why relocate to Alderney?There is a single rate of tax, no VAT, anyone can buy a property and unlike Jersey and Guernsey, Alderney operates an open housing market for EU citizens with prices on a par with the UK mainland. The island has no Corporation Tax, no Capital Gains Tax, no Inheritance Tax and no VAT. Personal tax allowances are generous and tax is much lower than in the UK with a maximum personal rate of 20%. Settlers also quote the Alderney lifestyle as a perfect environment in which to bring up children and as a key driver for their move to the island.
Alderney is strategically placed to provide businesses with excellent opportunities for eCommerce. The island has a permanent population of around 2,400 residents and is positioned just eight miles from France, this, combined with British traditions, language and culture, make Alderney an ideal offshore eCommerce location.
In Europe, but outside the EU
The Channel Islands are dependencies of the UK Crown but they are not part of the United Kingdom nor are they part of the European union. Alderney, the third largest of the islands, is a self-governing, democratic territory and one of the constitutive islands of the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
Although self-governing, Alderney - along with the other Channel Islands - enjoys all the benefits of being part of the European Economic Area which allows for free movement of goods, services and people. Alderney is not, however, part of the European Union and as such does not have Value Added Tax nor is it subject to EU directives.
Regulatory Environment
The Channel Islands are renowned for the stability of government and for the highest standards of regulation, accompanied by a sound judicial system. The island’s government has introduced legislation to facilitate the development of eCommerce on the island and to support the electronic transactions of business, in straightforward, non-bureaucratic form, thus providing an ideal framework.
Significant Tax Advantages
- 0% standard tax rate on company profits from 2008 (10% on Banking activities, 20% on Utilities and 20% on Guernsey/Alderney property income)
- Low personal income tax (20%) and generous personal allowances on income of persons who live on the island
- No taxes on trusts whose beneficiaries live outside the island
- No Value Added Tax on goods imported from any EU country
- Professional advice is readily available from local accountancy practices who are also able to advise on setting up of Alderney-registered companies
The Alderney Company Law was completely rewritten in 1994. The result is a modern, user-friendly piece of legislation that is ideally suited to today’s e-commerce entrepreneurs. The main features of Alderney’s Company Law are:
- Only one shareholder required
- Simplified filing procedures
- Unlimited ‘Objects’ clause
- Inherent Flexibility
- Low setting up costs
Alderney has the perfect infrastructure to give small to medium sized businesses what they need and here is a natural fit with e-commerce companies and geographically portable businesses. The island’s business environment, in particular its user-friendly company law and the availability of good quality commercial properties, has been a key factor in the success of the island’s e-gaming industry which is world renowned. The island is also very close to the international offshore finance centres of Guernsey and Jersey so there is a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise just a few miles away. At present, the most common of eCommerce businesses found on Alderney are those associated with eGaming, many of which are back-office operations. However, there are a number of other entrepreneurial businesses operating on the island.
Quality of Life
‘Work-life balance’ is a contemporary expression, often found in personal development publications to explain why a successful working life also requires a fulfilling private life to achieve happiness. Of course this is not rocket science, but many people who are hungry for commercial success forget to focus on family and friends as much as they do on clients and suppliers. If you feel that you will miss the three-hour daily commute, the seven-mile tailback on the M4 or not seeing your children grow up then Alderney is obviously not for you. But for a growing community of ambitious entrepreneurs our island offers a compelling mix of state-of-the art technical resources, a supportive government, minimum taxation and a unique family-focussed lifestyle.
The perfect place for young families to live
Alderney resident and Entrepreneur Alan Friedman who relocated his business selling car parts online to Alderney in January 2007 said:
“Our family life is so different now, we live by the beach, we spend 10 minutes a week in the car instead of 10 hours. Also, there is a real sense of community so it is a perfect place for young families to live. We love the freedom here - freedom to leave our door and car unlocked, to let our children grow up and feel safe, and to feel that as a business owner we’re working for ourselves as opposed to giving everything away to the UK government!”In summary, Alderney offers its residents an exceptional quality of life and is a wonderful place to bring up young children.
ENDS
Contact: Roy Burke, Chief Executive, States of Alderney, e-mail. roy.burke@gov.gg tel. 01481 822816
Editors contact: Joanna Parmentier, Marketing Manager, States of Alderney email. joanna.parmentier@gov.gg tel. 01481 825536
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AVIATOR COUPLE TAKE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AT THE 15th ANNUAL ALDERNEY AIR RACES
JP~ AR/2011The British Air Racing Champion for 2011 was decided on the 24th and 25th September, when the last in a series of eight races staged around Britain, took place in Alderney. The event, sponsored by Aurigny Air Services and the States of Alderney attracted pilots from Britain, Ireland, France and as far afield as Palma, Majorca, who took to the air for two handicap races in an attempt to become the British Air Racing Champion for 2011.
After two gripping days of racing the 2011 British Air Racing Champion title was awarded to a husband and wife duo Mr and Mrs Boot from the Isle of Man. The pilot, Geoffrey Boot and his wife Suzie who was navigating stole the race in their Siai Machetti SF260 which reached speeds of 203 mph during the races.
Geoffrey Boot said, "We have been air racing for twenty years, and it is quite an accolade to win the British Air Racing Championship for the first time, especially with the season finishing in such a wonderful place as Alderney. This is the 2nd time winning the European Championship, the previous time being in 2000. We are absolutely thrilled to have won it again and it was all down to the last race here.”The flying couple also won five other awards and took home a selection of trophies, cups and plates.
Both Alderney races involved six laps of a 100 mile circuit that follows the island’s south coast to Fort Raz, across to Fort Albert and the Breakwater, the island of Burhou, around the Les Casquets lighthouse and then due east back to the airport.
Ralph Burridge, Race Event Coordinator said “That really was a cracking weekend”. So said Peter Earp, the event co-ordinator of the Royal Aero Club Racing Team, a sentiment with which I whole-heartedly agree. The weather was ideal for racing, with light winds and good visibility. Apart from being the venue of the final race at which both the British and the European Championships are decided, by having the largest number of aircraft racing than at any other venue during the season, the racing community gave Alderney another ‘feather in its cap.”Attachments - photographs taken by Joanna Parmentier
Pete Cunningham of Aurigny Air Services said “Thank you all for coming, you always seem to bring great weather with you. We look forward to seeing you next year, when Aurigny will continue to sponsor this event.”
ENDS
Organiser: Alderney Flying Club
Press Contact: Ralph Burridge - 01481 822297
Editor’s Contact: Joanna Parmentier, States of Alderney Marketing Manager, tel 01481 825536 and email: marketing@visitalderney.com
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St John Alderney Ambulance Service needs your help
Ref. SJAAS ~ 31-08-2011St. John Alderney is currently very short of ambulance personnel, especially for the month of September. The Board and Crew met last Saturday and are trying to work out a rota to see us over the month. Emergencies will obviously take priority.
A representative from the Alderney Ambulance Service said “We are currently desperately in need of new recruits to the service. Some crew members are finding that their work commitments are becoming more onerous, and so can give less time to St. John. Two of our long-standing members, Brenda Webb and Diane Allen, have recently had to resign. We thank them both for their dedicated and loyal service to the ambulance team.”Working with the ambulance team is good fun, rewarding and can be exciting. Everyone is part-time and we can arrange sessions to fit in with your job and life-style. Training takes place on Monday evenings from 6 till 8 pm. Don’t worry, you won’t be sent off to an emergency until you are ready and happy! The teams usually work in threes and there is normally a back-up team in reserve.
They continued “If you would be interested in joining the team, why not come along on a Monday night to the HQ at Crabby at 6pm, or ring Mel Walden on 822152 or 07781 119891 or Ros Michel on 823452 for more information.”
Uniforms are provided and remuneration is £12 per hour (call out) and £10 per hour (stand-by). There is also a small petrol allowance.
A representative from the Alderney Ambulance Service said “We do have to lift patients frequently and so a certain degree of fitness is necessary, but otherwise no qualifications are necessary, although a driving licence is an advantage. Please think if you could help us maintain the service for the island.”ENDS
Contact: Mel Walden on 822152 or 07781 119891 or Ros Michel on 823452 for more information.
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Back by popular demand! - The VisitAlderney Brochure Cover Photo Competition
Due to the fantastic success of last year’s Front Cover Brochure Competition, Visit Alderney is running the competition again this year. The winner will not only have their photo of Alderney featured on the front cover of the 2012 Alderney Tourism Brochure but will also win 2 free flights from the UK to Alderney (or vice versa) provided by Aurigny Airlines Services, the official sponsors of the competition.
The competition starts today, 19th July 2011 and competitors have until the end of September (30th) to submit their entries before they are put to the public vote. This year the competition is being rolled out through the Visit Alderney website and Flickr gallery as well as Facebook, in order to reach a wider audience.
Joanna Parmentier, Marketing Manager, States of Alderney said “The competition was so successful last year that we had a number of entrants asking us to run it again this year. It is a great way to get Alderney residents and visitors involved in marketing Alderney, and is a welcomed help in selecting the front cover image for the brochure which is always a difficult task. Last year’s winning shot was taken by Helene Matthews and is featured as the front cover of the current 2011 brochure, and also the two runner-up images were used as full page spreads within the brochure.”To enter the competition, simply email your 2 chosen photos of Alderney to competition@visitalderney.com before the closing date of Friday 30th September 2011. For more information and the rules and regulations for the competition please go to - www.visitalderney.com/competition/ or www.facebook.com/visitalderney
She continued “This year Aurigny.com has kindly agreed to sponsor the competition by providing two free flights to or from the UK direct or via Guernsey. Also the competition will be promoted in their En Voyage Magazine, on their Facebook page and website.”
Aurigny managing director Malcolm Hart added: “We are delighted to be involved in this competition. Alderney is such a picturesque island we have no doubt that there will be a wealth of fantastic images from which to choose – the difficulty will surely be finding just one that sums up all that makes it so great.”
ENDS
Editor’s contact; Joanna Parmentier, States Marketing & PR Manager, tel. 07781422697 or email. Joanna.parmentier@gov.gg
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A New President for Alderney
11th June, 2011 - Alderney residents turned out to the members' room of the Island Hall today in the glorious sunshine to vote for the 3 proposed candidates. Sixty five percent (845) of the Alderney electorate (1,286) voted at the States of Alderney Election today, Saturday, the 11th June 2011. The election was held to vote for a new President for the States of Alderney to replace the existing President Sir Norman Browse.
New Alderney President Stuart Trought
There were 3 proposed candidates for the post; Paul Arditti, Bill Simpson and Stuart Trought who stood for election and the successful candidate was Stuart Trought with a land slide win of 487 votes, followed by Bill Simpson with 239 and Paul Arditti with 105.
Retired mariner Mr Trought who used to run a charter angling business and was the former chief executive officer of Alderney Renewable Energy said “I am pleased with the trust that the people of Alderney and my sponsors have put in me. I want to be a unifying President and one that helps to move Alderney forward, that deals with its problems and helps to steer the island through the difficult times.”Sir Norman Browse who has been in office since 2002, announced in May that he would be retiring after June's States meeting, after pledging to retire when he turned 80. Sir Norman Browse was elected in 2002 and has served as President to the Island for 9 years.
He continued “I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and will do my best for Alderney. I want to have a clear vision and to delve into the innards of what is going on and find a clear path forward.”
Sir Norman Browse said “It has been a privilege to serve Alderney and I have enjoyed being at the centre of the island's government. It has been a privilege to know what is going on, to experience the difficulties States members have to meet and resolve, and appreciate their hard work."The president, who serves a four-year term, chairs the monthly meetings of the 10 elected States members and has a casting vote in the event of a tied vote, will be sworn-in at the next States meeting on 22 June and will complete the remainder of the current term of office, which ends in December 2012.
ENDS
Editors Contact:
Joanna Parmentier, Marketing & PR Manager, States of Alderney,
Telephone: +44 (0)1481 825536
Email: marketing@alderney.net
Attachments:
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2011 Election Results - President.pdf
Download this document in Adobe PDF. [download] |
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2010 Personal Income Tax Returns
TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2011
The Income Tax Office is asking members of the public to be patient if they are still waiting to receive their 2010 assessment.
Whilst the Tax Office aims to deal with tax returns received within 4 months of receipt, this target is not currently being reached for the Calendar Year 2010 personal returns. The delay is attributable to a shortage of trained Tax Officers, caused by a mixture of long term sickness, retirements and resignations.
The Tax Officer team, (who deal with the majority of tax returns for employed individuals) should consist of 11 full time and 1 part time staff. The team is currently depleted to 7 full time and 1 part time, with 2 officers in training. In addition, over the last few years, the number of cases they deal with has in fact risen. This means that most officers have an allocation of approximately 5000 individuals for whom they are responsible, compared to an average allocation of 3800 in 2005.
As at 31 May 2011, a total of 26,978 tax returns for 2010 have been received from the employed population of Guernsey and Alderney. Of these 8862 (32.8%) have been assessed, leaving 18116 forms to be dealt with. Returns submitted on-line (e-forms) are given priority over paper forms submitted, in order to encourage use of this facility. The Tax Officers are presently working e-forms received in late March. Paper returns currently being worked are those from the end of January.
The Director said “As a result of recent resignations, illness and retirements the team is under immense pressure and Tax Officers are doing their utmost to deal with as much correspondence and as many returns as they can, but despite this they have fallen behind. I ask that members of the public be patient and only contact the Tax Office if they require something urgently. The team have recently been receiving a large number of telephone calls, asking for forms to be dealt with. Some of these have been abusive. The more calls that the Tax Officers have to deal with means they have less time to be working the outstanding returns and correspondence received. We are doing all we can to get through the backlog as quickly as possible.ENDS
Whilst the delay is most regrettable, I am not prepared to tolerate my officers being verbally abused. They are under instruction to, politely, terminate any telephone conversation where the caller makes abusive remarks or uses offensive language.”
For editors – contact for further comments Chris Cox – 724711
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Winning Streak for Guernsey Golfer
JP~008/2011 (June 6th, 2011)The Alderney Men’s Open Golf Championship got into full swing on Saturday, 4th June 2011, with 94 competitors teeing off in the hope of winning the prestigious Coursemaker Cup on Alderney’s challenging 9-hole golf course. This year the highly successful annual golf competition attracted golfers from the UK and the other Channel Islands, with the majority visiting from Guernsey.
John Adamson, James Maxwell, Dave Goupillot & Malcolm Hart
The competition, sponsored by Aurigny Air Services, was won by Guernsey’s Dave Goupillot (13 handicap) scoring a total of 131. This was the first time that Mr Goupillot had won the Alderney Men’s Open Golf Championship, having won his place in an charity auction organised by Specsavers. The Managing Director of Aurigny, Malcolm Hart, had donated one of his guest positions for auction and Mr Goupillot was the lucky bidder to win a golfing weekend in Alderney including flights, accommodation, all hospitality and free entry into the competition. You could say that Mr Goupillot is on a lucky streak!
Mr Goupillot said “What a weekend! Thank you to all members of the Alderney Golf Club and all who entered. I can’t believe what has happened here it’s been a great weekend. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone, including all catering staff, the hospitality has been amazing, and the whole event has been really well organised. I have entered the Alderney Open four times before, but not for twelve years and this is the first time that I have ever won anything. At the start of the day I was the last to qualify and 10 off of the lead, I am just lost for words.”Second place was won by Alderney’s John Adamson who was one of the youngest contestants in the competition with a score of 134, followed in third place by Alderney’s James Maxwell who also scored 134.
The prizes were presented by Aurigny Air Services Managing Director Malcolm Hart who said “Firstly I would like to make big thank you to Tyrone McCormack the Vice Captain of the Alderney Golf Club and the rest of the committee for all of their hard work in organising a fantastic competition and secondly I would like thanks all those players from off island who travelled to Alderney specifically to take part in this event, with the general doom and gloom of the economic climate, it is a much needed boost, not only for the lsland, but also for the Alderney Golf Club and your support is greatly appreciated by all.”
He continued “Aurigny are proud to support this event because Aurigny is an Alderney company with strong local roots and by sponsoring the Golf Open it puts us at the heart of the community, which is exactly where we want to be. This was the ninth year that Aurigny have sponsored this event and we look forward to sponsoring it again next year, making it ten consecutive years .”ENDS
Tyrone McCormack the Vice Captain of the Alderney Golf Club said “The Alderney Golf Club welcomes all visiting players and is thankful for their continued support. It is great to see so many visit from away some of whom, come back every year to take part. I would like to say a big thank you to our sponsors Aurigny.”
Contact:
For more information please contact Joanna Parmentier, Marketing & PR Manager, States of AlderneyTelephone: +44(0)1481 825536
Email: marketing@visitalderney.com
Alderney Golf Club: +44(0)1481 822835
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NOMINATIONS FOR THE STATES OF ALDERNEY PRESIDENTIAL BY-ELECTION on 11th JUNE 2011
It is hereby notified that the following candidates have been nominated to stand for election for the remainder of the period of office of the current President of the States of Alderney ending December 2012, to be held on Saturday 11th June 2011:| CANDIDATE | PROPOSER | SECONDER |
| PAUL ARDITTI | LOUIS EMILLE JEAN | JOHN P POSTLETHWAITE |
| BILL SIMPSON O.B.E |
JACKIE MAIN | STEVE ROBERTS |
| STUART TROUGHT | JURAT G W BARON O.B.E | MARGERY BOHAN |
Polling will take place in the Members Room, Island Hall, Royal Connaught Square between the hours of 9.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. on Saturday 11th June 2011.
Roy Burke
Chief Executive
4.00 p.m. 31st May 2011
ENDS
Correction: Article updated on the 8th of June
2011 - "Bill Simpson" changed to "Bill Simpson O.B.E."
Copies: Notice Boards; Alderney Journal; Alderney Press; Jo Parmentier
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History is made at Alderney’s Braye Harbour
24th May 2011On the 23rd May 2011 at 14:40 history was made at Alderney’s Braye Harbour, when the cruise ship ‘Island Sky’ berthed alongside the commercial quay Making her, at 90 metres by 16 metres, the largest ship to have ever been berthed at Braye Harbour. Members of the public turned out to view the arrival of the vessel and four of Alderney’s States Members were invited on board and given a tour by the Captain Torbjorn Svensson
Of the 112 passengers on board 108 disembarked from the ship. Some were taken on a Wildlife and Town Walk by the Alderney Wildlife Trust, whilst others were bussed into town where they were able to enjoy the shops and soak up the atmosphere of St Anne. The vessel stayed alongside for 2.5 hours before departing at 17:55 for St Malo in France.
Steve Shaw Alderney Harbour Master said “With the Island Sky being successfully berthed alongside Alderney’s commercial quay this clearly provides an opportunity for other small cruise ships and will hopefully create a window of opportunity for us to increase this business and thereby significantly contribute towards tourism on the island”.Since the completion of the re-development of the commercial quay the harbour has seen a significant increase in the size and number of vessels that have been operating into Alderney.
Joanna Parmentier, the States of Alderney, Marketing Manager said “The berthing of the Island Sky has set a precedent and from now on, provided that the weather is favourable, other cruise ships of a similar size will be able to berth alongside the quay. This vastly improves the visitor experience for the passengers. Previously visiting ships would have to anchor in the bay and tenders / Zodiacs would be required to ferry the passengers ashore and, as each boat could only carry 12 passengers, it could take from 20 to 30 minutes to disembark all. Yesterday it was great to see the passengers stepping off of the ship onto the quay and being on their way within 10 minutes. This is not only a more effective way of disembarking but it also give the passengers more time on the island.”
Photos taken by Joanna Parmentier. Island Sky alongside Alderney’s Commercial Quay on Tuesday, 24th May 2011
ENDS
Photographs
Contact
Steve Shaw, Alderney Harbour MasterEmail: steve.shaw@gov.gg
Telephone: 01481 822620
Editors Contact:
Joanna Parmentier, Marketing & PR Manager
Email: joanna.parmentier@gov.gg
Telephone: 01481 825536
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Cruise Ship visit could make history at Alderney Harbour
19th May 2011 - Since the completion of the development of the commercial quay the harbour has seen a significant increase in the size and number of vessels that have been operating into Alderney. This Monday, 23rd May the cruise ship ‘Island Sky’ will be returning to the island and it is planned that she will be able to come alongside Alderney’s new and improved commercial quay, making her the largest ship to have ever been berthed in Braye Harbour. The ship will arrive at 14:00 and will stay alongside the quay until she departs at 17:00.On Saturday, 14th May 2011 Braye Harbour was particularly busy with the arrival of the passenger ferry ‘Victor Hugo’, the Navy ship ‘HMS Ledbury’ and the cruise ship ‘Ocean Nova’. And again on Tuesday, 17th May 2011 the harbour handled four ships; the general cargo vessels ‘Isis’ and ‘Huelin Endeavour’, the cruise ship ‘Island Sky,’ and the bulk fuel tanker ‘Sarnia Cherie’.
Steve Shaw Alderney Harbour Master said “The redevelopment of the commercial quay has allowed the opportunity to berth larger ships. The Island Sky at 90 metres by 16 metres will be the largest ship to have ever been berthed in Braye Harbour.”
He continued “This clearly gives an opportunity for other small cruise ships to be berthed alongside the quay and will hopefully create a window of opportunity for us to increase this business and thereby significantly contribute towards tourism on the island”.
Photos.
Island Sky anchored in Braye Bay on Tuesday, 17th May 2011
HMS Ledbury & The Victor Hugo berthed alongside Alderney’s commercial quay & Ocean Nova anchored in Braye Bay on Saturday, 14th May 2011
ENDS
Contact:
Steve Shaw, Alderney Harbour Master,
Email: steve.shaw@gov.gg
Telephone: 01481 822620
Editors Contact:
Joanna Parmentier, Marketing & PR Manager
Email: joanna.parmentier@gov.gg
Telephone: 01481 825536
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2011 - PRESIDENTIAL BY-ELECTION
TAKE NOTICE that the States has resolved that the 2011 Presidential By-Election will take place on:-Saturday 11th JUNE 2011.
In the Members Room, Island Hall
The Polling Station will be open between 0900 hours (9.00a.m.) and 1800 hours (6.0p.m.).
NOMINATIONS of qualified persons who wish to offer themselves for election for the remainder of the period of office of the current President of the States of Alderney ending December 2012, must be submitted to the Chief Executive at the States Offices during the 7-day period ending:-
Tuesday, 31st MAY, 2011.
The nomination list will close at 1600 hours (4.00p.m.) on that day.
Roy Burke
Chief Executive
19th May 2011.
ENDS
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HMS LEDBURY VISITS ALDERNEY
The Royal Navy brought a presentation team to Alderney for the first time on Saturday, 14th May 2011. The team gave a forty-five minute presentation about what the Navy do and it’s many roles and functions to an audience of approximately seventy Alderney residents. The presentation took place in the Anne French Room at 1630hrs and was followed by an official drinks ceremony on HMS Ledbury for some of the island’s dignitaries.
Over the course of the weekend the ship opened her doors to the general public on Saturday alone approximately 400 people visited the vessel.
Deputy Naval Regional Commander for Wales & Western England Tom Herman said “Part of the job is to visit all of the British Isles so that members of the public can meet their Navy and learn about them, it is what we call engagement. It also gives the crew a much needed rest. For example, this crew has only recently returned from the Gulf and this gives them a little bit of down time.”
He continued “I would like to say thank you to the people of Alderney for their very warm welcome and support.”
About HMS Ledbury
The Royal Navy’s Hunt Class Mine Countermeasures Vessel, HMS Ledbury is unique in the Royal Navy for its dual functions of ‘Sweeping’ and ‘Hunting’ and can be rolled from one function to the other in minutes.With a length of 60 metres and displacement of 675 tonnes she is powered by two Deltic diesel engines and has a top speed of 15 knots.
The ship’s complement consists of 5 Officers, 9 Senior Rates, 29 Junior Rates.
Please take up this opportunity to come and take a rare look on board this vessel alongside the quay at the above times.
ENDS
Joanna Parmentier
Marketing & PR Manager
States of Alderney
PO Box 1, Alderney
GY9 3AA
Telephone: +44(0)1481 825536
Mobile: +44 (0)7781 422697
Fax: +44(0)1481 822436
Email: joanna.parmentier@gov.gg
Attachments
Commander Williams, Sir Norman browse, Commander Tom Herman the Deputy Naval Regional Commander for Wales & Western England, George Baron
Commander Tony Williams and Sir Norman Browse
navy presentation
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REVISED ROAD SYSTEM FOR ALDERNEY HARBOUR
13th May 2011 - On Tuesday, 10th May 2011 the General Services Committee agreed to rejoin Braye Street with the Quay Road, once road markings and some ground works have been completed the road system will revert back to as it was before. Thus, the traffic flow will once again be one way from the Quay to Rue du Beaumont (Lower Road).Boyd Kelly the States member with responsibility for the Harbour said “These changes have been made as a result of public representation and consultation with harbour users. The area of land opposite the sailing club will form part of the road, a car park and dinghy park. It is hoped that the new system will be in place within the next two months”.ENDS
Contact: Boyd Kelly the States member with responsibility for the Harbour email. boydkelly@cwgsy.net
Joanna Parmentier
Marketing & PR Manager
States of Alderney
PO Box 1, Alderney
GY9 3AA
Telephone: +44(0)1481 825536
Mobile: +44 (0)7781 422697
Fax: +44(0)1481 822436
email: joanna.parmentier@gov.gg
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Compulsory registration for all charities and non profit organisations in Alderney
TUESDAY 3 MAY 2011
In 2008, the States of Guernsey introduced legislation which required most charities and non profit organisations (“NPOs”) based in Guernsey, Jethou and Herm to register with the Director of Income Tax (now the Registrar of Charities & NPOs) and to provide certain details to him. The definition of “NPO” is very widely drawn in the Law, and includes sports and social clubs, professional associations, residents associations and other similar bodies.
At the time, registration for charities and NPOs based in Alderney was voluntary, but following amendment to the Guernsey legislation and with the approval of the States of Alderney, it is now compulsory for them to register.
The relevant legislation took effect on 4 April 2011, and any charities and NPOs who have not already registered are, therefore, required to now do so. However, there is an exemption from the requirement to register for any charity or NPO where gross annual income is less than £5,000 or whose gross assets and funds are less than £10,000. Whilst the Law imposes a requirement to register immediately, the Registrar is prepared to allow 2 months for charities and NPOs to complete and submit the application for registration, and they should do so by 30 June 2011.
Further information may be obtained from the Income Tax Office website, using the following link http://www.gov.gg/ccm/navigation/income-tax/charities-and-non-profit-organisations. There are various notes regarding the application process, together with the application form itself, which can be downloaded for completion.
Further information may be obtained from the Income Tax Office, by email (npo@tax.gov.gg), letter or telephone on 724711.
Issued by: Richard Green, Deputy Director, Income Tax Office
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Well Known Ska band ‘The Skore’ headline at The ‘Big Live Music Event’ in Alderney
18th April 2011 - Alderney, Channel Islands - The island hall will be rocking to the beats of UK Ska band ‘The Skore’ and Mod Stars ‘The Risk’ on Friday, 6th May. The ‘Big Live Music Event’ which is set to kick off at 7:30pm until 12:30am, is a charity event in support of Kaylee Tugby with all monies raised being donated to the ‘Help Kaylee’ fund. Tickets for the event are now on sale at PJ’, tickets purchased in advance of the event will be charged at £5 otherwise they will be £6 for entry at the door.
The headliners of the event ‘The Skore’ are one of the most popular Ska Bands in the UK and are well known on both the UK and European circuits, they have also been acclaimed as one of the best independent bands in the UK. ‘The Skore’ play at over 100 gigs a year as well a number of charity events and record at least one new album a year which they release on their own Rock 'n' Ska label. They have supported the likes of The Beat and Bad Manners when on tour as well as headlining their own major gigs and on Friday, 6th May they will be visiting Alderney to headline the ‘Big Live Music Event’.
‘The Skore’ have gained recognition all around the world through their website including Ireland, France, Cyprus, North and South America, Africa, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand and Germany where they became the first English band to play a sellout gig at the legendary McCormack's Ballroom in Leipzig, Germany.
‘Big Live Music’ organiser, Derrick Williams said “I have wanted to organise a Live music event on Alderney for some time. We often help organise music events in the Fermain Tavern in Guernsey where well known UK bands headline such as Eddie and The Hotrods and it has been my ambition to do something like this in Alderney for some time. To secure a Ska band like ‘The Skore’ for this gig is ideal as their music is likely to appeal across the board.”
‘The Skore’ will be supported by Guernsey band ‘The Risk’, who play their own brand of mod revival power pop and local Alderney band ‘The Rawcuz Crowzz’ who have been playing their own original R ‘n’ B & Punk Blues and ‘The Alderney Immigrant’ aka ‘Rob Hunter’ who has gone solo since going to college in Guernsey and whose acoustic folk blues will bring a relaxed start to nights proceedings. Rea Gregg and James Clarke will also be supporting the evening by infilling between bands with their funky disco tunes.
‘Big Live Music’ organiser, Derrick Williams said “Everyone involved has been really supportive and generous, both Guernsey and Alderney bands and DJ’s are playing for free. ‘The Skore’ have significantly reduced their fee, both the Alderney bands and the Alderney Music Society are allowing free usage of their musical equipment, Paddy Campbell is running the light show, Mark Tugby is providing a free taxi service for the artists and the Harbour Lights hotel has reduced the room rate for the UK band. Plus many friends and supporters will be working hard on the night for free, on the bar and door. I would also like to add that no costs for putting this event on are being costed too, deducted from or charged to the Help Kaylee fund.”
He continued “A lot of work has gone into staging this gig and I just hope that people come out to support the event, support Kaylee and generally have a great time”.ENDS
Notes to Editor
Event Organiser - Derrick Williams, contact. 07911 725518
MORE ABOUT THE BANDS
The Skore - Formed following the breakup of high profile band Moosey. The lead singer and songwriter Just, along with bass player Digby were joined by Trev on lead guitar and Scott on drums to form the new line up. This new lineup has once more become the benchmark for upcoming bands. The band has developed their own instantly recognizable Ska sound , which takes its roots from original ska adding a new clean fresh sound.The quality of their songs, which have received high acclaim, along with their musicianship and live performances have created a lot of interest around the world as well as from within the music industry. A lot of dedicated, hard work has honed them into being acclaimed as one of the best, unsigned bands in the country. They are a busy band, playing over 100 gigs a year. They record at least one new album a year which they release on their own Rock 'n' Ska label, as well as finding time for other promotional work including new videos and charity events.
They have supported the likes of The Beat and Bad Manners when on tour as well as headlining their own major gigs.
Their sound has gained recognition all around the world via their website including Ireland, France, Cyprus, North and South America, Africa, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand and Germany where they became the first English band to play a sellout gig at the legendary McCormack's Ballroom in Leipzig, Germany.
They are four of the most down to earth guys you could wish to meet and are always giving a helping hand or practical advice to new would be performers / bands. They enjoy a laugh and a joke along with a few beers, but once they hit the stage, they prove why they are rated so highly.
The Skore members are:
Just - Lead singer, guitar and songwriterThe Risk - The Guernsey band formed in 1984 when Mark Le Gallez and Colin Leach discovered Steve Collenette and began playing their own brand of mod revival power pop. Recording a single with Guernsey producer Steve Free and an independent EP they were soon noticed by the fanzines of the mod revival movement. It was this cult scene that led the band to play across Britain, Ireland and even California. While seen as part of the UK's mod revival scene that included bands such as The Jam and Purple Hearts, in America the band played with the 1960s garage revival that was going on in parallel. 25 years on they were back in Guernsey but still playing the music they love.
Digby - Bass guitar and backing vocals
Trev - Guitar
Scott - Drums
During the 1980s the band found a level of success rarely seen by bands from Guernsey signing a three album deal with an independent London based record company and being approached by EMI and UB40's manager. However, the band turned both of these down as they wanted to continue playing the music they loved. For example, to sign with EMI the band would have had to find a new drummer, something they did not want to do. The Risk played what they wanted Colin summed it up by saying he and Mark "had a sense of hedonism" at the time and would not do anything unless it was fun and while some of it may not have been the best in terms of their career it allowed them to do what they loved.
The Risk members are:
Mark - Vocals & BassRawcuz Crowzz have been playing all their own original RnB & Punk Blues. Influenced by Early Dr Feelgood, Bo Diddley, The Ramones, White Stripes and BRMC. They have recorded 2 albums & an EP to date have had a song which has been included on Twist Records/Guernsey Arts Council “GBG2” double CD issued in 2010. Another new track has been submitted for inclusion on “GBG3” follow up CD.
Colin - Vocals & Guitars
Ozzy - Drums
Since they were formed in November 2007 The Crowzz have played live sessions on Island FM and BBC Guernsey, supported major UK main acts in Guernsey at The Fermain Tavern, have played in Sark and at the 3 day Chaos Festival for past 2 years and will be playing the main stage on Saturday this year for 3rd year running, reached the final (last 4 bands) of Guernsey Battle of Bands in 2009 and have regularly had tracks played on BBC Guernsey’s Introducing show and also BBC Jersey’s Introducing.
The Rawcuz Crowzz members are:
Neil - BassThe Alderney Immigrant - Rob Hunter
Rob - Vocals & Lead Guitar
Derrick - Vocals, Harmonicas & Slide Guitar
Helen - Drums
Rawcuz Crowzz frontman Rob has developed his solo act since going off to college in Guernsey. Playing mainly his own material around the many music venues in Guernsey. Rob has recorded his first solo album and is starting to play the festivals this year – Sark Folk festival and Chaos being the big ones to watch. Rob’s acoustic folk blues will bring a relaxed start to nights proceedings
Rob - Guitars & vocals
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ALDERNEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS BECOMES HOME TO GOLDSWORTHY’S STONES
19th April 2011, Alderney, Channel Islands - Leading British artist, Andy Goldsworthy, who produces site specific sculpture and land art situated within the natural environment, has chosen Alderney as the location for latest project - Alderney Stones.Over the last two years, Andy Goldsworthy and his assistants have visited the island to construct eleven 5ft diameter stones. The stones were left to cure for one year until Goldsworthy returned to the island last week to position these 3-tonne boulders in various locations around the island. The last of which, had to be made in situ in an old German bunker.
Now, finally in place, the stones have been wrapped in a protective coating which will be removed on the morning of Thursday 21st April 2011 when the stones will officially enter the next phase of the project - which will be the weathering and natural erosion of the stones over time. To mark this occasion a guided walk has been planned with Andy Goldsworthy which will cover ten miles of Alderney’s coast, whilst taking in the eleven stones.
Goldsworthy said "I chose Alderney because it has a strong sense of layered past and a wide variety of locations in a small area. I hope the Alderney stones project will touch upon the social, geological, historical, climatic and agricultural nature of Alderney."The Alderney Stones Project is part of the pan-island Bailiwick art initiative organised by the Art and Islands Foundation in partnership with the HSBC Private Bank, Hiscox, the Guernsey Arts Commission and supported by a number of local private benefactors.
He continued “Each stone contains materials and objects from around Alderney. We have incorporated berries, seeds, old tools and discarded gloves; all these materials will then be revealed as the elements and the years wear the stones down… It is a project which reveals itself over time, through the natural process of erosion, which I think is very relevant to a small island."
ENDS
Editors contact: Joanna Parmentier, Marketing Manager, States of Alderney, tel. 01482 825536 or email. joanna.parmentier@gov.gg
Notes to Editor:
For more information about the project please visit www.alderneystones.com or the Art and Islands Foundation site www.artandislands.org
About Arts and Islands.
Art and Islands was originally a research initiative and part of the International Artist in Residence Programme. The residency programme was established in 1996 to give students studying art and design at Guernsey College, the opportunity to work alongside professional artists, while simultaneously aiming to increase the level of debate about where art sits in today’s society. In 2008, in an attempt to open up that dialogue and to ‘celebrate the islands’, Eric Snell the co-founder of the IAIRP decided to take the programme out of the art school environment and place it in the heart of the public realm.Eric Snell, the Founding Director said ‘Building on the earlier Antony Gormley IAIRP installation at Castle Cornet in Guernsey in 2008, Alderney Stones is effectively the first major Art and Islands project. Over two years in the making, it is the very essence of the initiative. Alderney Stones is a direct response to Alderney - it is of Alderney, in Alderney. Keen to celebrate that sense of place, the Art and Islands initiative aims to develop a wider understanding and appreciation of our visual language in today’s ever-changing cultural landscape, while at the same time looking to enrich the texture and quality of island life’.
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Andrew Goldsworthy Leaflet.pdf
Download this document in Adobe PDF. [download] |
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The States of Alderney re-launches VisitAlderney.com with a new design and as a social media interactive website
Earlier this week, the States of Alderney re-launched the VisitAlderney website. The new site has been designed so that it is fully integrated with VisitAlderney’s various Social Media forums such as Trip Advisor, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and flickr. It is now possible to Facebook - like or tweet the pages of the website and comment on them. A blog feature has also been added so that when news is published on the website, the public can comment, and there is also a huge emphasis on photographs, which illustrates Alderney in a fantastic light.Joanna Parmentier, VisitAlderney Marketing Manager said “The website has now been streamlined. Research has shown that people do not have so much time on their hands these days and don’t want to spend hours sifting through reams of information; they want information easily available at their fingertips. For this reason, we have streamlined the information, each page contains a small amount of text about the related subject, but there are now pdfs that can be easily downloaded and which contain all relevant information.”
She continued “Websites age very quickly and like everything else in the modern world, design and technological trends and fashions evolve at a rapid speed. If you do not continue to redesign and innovate then it is easy to be left behind. An example of how fast the technological and marketing worlds moves can he demonstrated with Social Media, a term that before Facebook was created simply didn’t exist, yet within the space of a few years we have witnessed a huge boom in this type of media platform and now it is one of the main components responsible for how we market ourselves to the consumers.”
Neil Inder, Director of Submarine Limited said “Having served Alderney well since the initial build, changes in how people interact on the web, technology advances, along with the new branding, meant that it was time to rethink the website.”To view the new website please visit – www.visitalderney.com
He continued “The new iteration embraces the concepts of Web 2.0 of interoperability and information sharing and includes links back to their Social Media outposts. There are more interactive features and a new version of the Submarine Content Management System; which reduces Alderney’s reliance on us maintaining their website and importantly reduces their maintenance costs.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor
Attachments:
Photo – New VisitAlderney website photo.
Editors Contact:
Joanna Parmentier, Marketing & PR Manager, States of Alderney
Telephone: +44(0)1481 825536
Mobile: +44 (0)7781 422697
Email: joanna.parmentier@gov.gg
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A Great Start to 2011 for Alderney
8 March 2011Alderney, Channel Islands - Who could ask for a better start to the year, we are only in February and so far we have received some fantastic media coverage.
Front Cover of Travel magazine
Alderney featured on the front cover of The Good Travel Guide, a magazine which is distributed to a readership of 150,000 and is distributed for free at The Times Destinations Holiday & Travel Shows in London and Birmingham, which are two of the biggest travel shows in the UK exhibition diary. The Good Travel Guide, a quarterly travel magazine, displayed the Front Cover Image of the Alderney Brochure on the front cover of their January, February and March issue; the magazine also featured a double page spread on Alderney. The image for the front cover was taken by Helene Matthews who won the Visit Alderney – Alderney Brochure Front Cover Photograph Competition for 2011.
Joanna Parmentier, Marketing Manager for VisitAlderney said “For Alderney to be featured on the Front Cover of the Good Travel Guide is fantastic news, the publication is not only circulated to a readership of 150,000 but is also distributed for free at the at The Times Destinations Holiday & Travel Shows in London and Birmingham. These shows are two of the largest travel shows in the UK exhibition diary. In terms of the value to Alderney, this type of exposure in financial terms would be very costly, the fact that the publication loved our front cover enough to feature it on the front of their magazine speaks volumes for the photographer Helene Matthews and is a credit to the Alderney Brochure/VisitAlderney. Also the fact that the cover was complimented by an article within the magazine and that the shelf life of the publication is three months, adds even more value.”Duncan Goodhew article
Featured in the January 2011 edition of ‘Country Living’ Magazine an article, written by Duncan Goodhew talked about his holidays on Alderney. Every month a different celebrity writes for the back page of Country Living and that month Duncan offered an abundance of praise for the island, which he regularly visits.
Joanna Parmentier, Marketing Manager for VisitAlderney said “Duncan Goodhew’s article about Alderney in Country Living was very complimentary and describes the island as idyllic. Duncan is a fantastic ambassador for the island and needless to say there was a noticeable increase in hits on the VisitAlderney website immediately after the article was published. If anyone would like to read the article please email marketing@visitalderney.com and I will email it to you.”Newspaper coverage
An article appeared in the Daily Mail entitled – ‘Mystery of why the idyllic Channel Isle of Alderney is in desperate need of newcomers.’ Written by Ross Clark, this article appeared in the Daily Mail on 24th January 2011 and talked about Alderney looking for more people to come and live here.
The Times featured a short piece by Matthew Parris in his column ‘My Week’ entitled – ‘Did the MoD ever take a holiday in Alderney?’ which appeared in the paper on Thursday 10th February.
A journalist from The Sunday Mirror will be visiting Alderney in early March to write an article on Alderney for the paper.
Television Coverage
Countryfile
At the beginning of the year Alderney was featured on BBC Countryfile. The programme was broadcast at 19.00 on Sunday 16th January 2011 and presented by James Wong who visited the Island to find out what makes Alderney such a magnet for Wildlife. Originally the programme was going to predominately feature Guernsey and it’s grow-your-own culture with Alderney being featured for only 3 to 4 minutes, however, once on the island the film crew found the it to be so interesting and the footage so good that they decided to extend it to 10 minutes.
The footage of Alderney was spectacular and showed the island at its best, with beautiful blue skies, a glistening sea, stunning scenery, abundance of wildlife, and knowledgeable guides. Needless to say the feedback that we received was very positive with a noticeable increase in brochure requests. In terms of the value to Alderney tourism, the airing of this programme by the BBC at 7pm on a Sunday is prime time TV viewing, exposure will have been huge and, in financial terms, reaching this kind of audience is something that we could never afford with our budget.
Possibility of appearing on the One Show.
Miranda Krestovnikoff, a regular presenter for the One Show and visitor to Alderney, who complimented the programme, said that she has forwarded it on to
The One Show to see if they will do something similar.
Eggheads
After a great deal of rescheduling of the filming date, the Alderney Eggheads team, aptly named “The Alderney Rockhoppers”, made it to Glasgow on the weekend of Friday 14th January. The team members were Bridget Postlethwaite as team leader, Bernice Miller, Bill Walden, Julie Turner and Tim Butler. Unfortunately, the sixth member of the team, Caroline Ely, was unable to attend. All went well and although the team is unable to comment on the whether or not they beat the Eggheads, we will keep you updated as to when the programme will be aired.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
Attachments:
Photo - front Cover of the Good Travel Guide,
Photo - Helene Matthews with the Alderney Brochure.
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My Country Memories - Duncan Goodhew (2011 - Jan - Country Living - pg 154).pdf
Download this document in Adobe PDF. [download] |
Editors Contact:
Joanna Parmentier, Marketing & PR Manager, States of Alderney
Telephone: +44(0)1481 825536
Mobile: +44 (0)7781 422697
Email: joanna.parmentier@gov.gg
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French Trawler towed to safety
8 March 2011Alderney, Channel Islands - The French trawler Cap Lizard which ran aground on Burhou Island, the island which is famous for its breeding population of Puffins, was this afternoon towed back to France.
The 17-metre trawler that hit the island, which is located just 1 mile off the west coast of Alderney, made a mayday call at approximately 01.15am, today 8th March 2011. Shortly after, the Alderney RLNI volunteer lifeboat crew rescued five French fishermen who had taken to a life raft. The uninjured fisherman were then taken by ambulance to the Mignot Memorial Hospital for a check-up, before being transported to Cherbourg by the military helicopter Dragon 50.
At midday, on the turn of the tide, the French trawler drifted from the rocks where it had lain stricken. A tow line was quickly secured to the vessel by the locally based fishing vessel Free Spirit, who was in the adjacent area.
The ‘Leopardess’ Guernsey’s fisheries protection vessel, with the assistance of Alderney Harbour’s rigid inflatable boat placed salvage pumps onboard and successfully towed the stricken vessel clear of the Swinge and all dangers. The tow was later passed to the ‘Mona Rigolet’, the French lifeboat from Goury which is currently proceeding to Cherbourg. The exchange was successfully completed shortly after 3.00pm.
Steve Shaw, The Alderney Harbour Master said “the rescue by the Alderney Lifeboat of the survivors was conducted in the high standards that you would expect from an RNLI lifeboat crew. The subsequent salvage operation on the abandoned vessel was as a result of successful coordination between Alderney Harbour staff and Guernsey Sea Fisheries. We are fortunate that a potential pollution situation in a RAMSAR site which is a highly sensitive and internationally recognised Marine, Wildlife and Seabird area of importance was averted.”ENDS
Notes to Editor
Photographs:
Stricken French Trawler by Nigel Shaw (1)
Stricken French Trawler by Nigel Shaw (2)
Two of the rescued French Fisherman on Alderney Lifeboat
Editors Contact:
Joanna Parmentier, Marketing & PR Manager, States of Alderney,
Telephone: +44(0)1481 825536,
Mobile: +44 (0)7781 422697
Email: joanna.parmentier@gov.gg
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Guernsey Post Celebrates The Hawk-Moth
15 February 2011Guernsey Post is pleased to announce the release of its latest Alderney stamp issue which features the Hawk-moth (release date 23 February 2011).
Complementing previous stamp issues depicting Alderney’s wide range of insects, the Hawk-moth collection has been illustrated by renowned international artist Petula Stone and features hawk-moths which can be seen on the island.
There are nine British resident species and seven can be found on Alderney- three of which are featured in this latest collection: the Elephant Hawk-moth (36p), the Poplar (50p) and the Privet (80p).
Stamps featuring Hawk-moths which reach Alderney after migrating hundreds of miles from Africa are the Hummingbird Hawk (45p), the Convolvulus Hawk (48p) and the Striped Hawk (58p).
David Wedd of Alderney Wildlife Trust, who assisted Guernsey Post with its stamp issue said: “Hawk-moths are arguably some of the most spectacular of all moths and their streamlined wings and bodies are perfectly adapted for rapid flight. The ability of some species to hover enables them to use their long tongues to sip nectar from deep flowers.
“There are about 1,400 species of Hawk-moth around the world and some play a unique role in the pollination of plants: some orchids have evolved to be pollinated solely by hawk-moths - and if the moth becomes extinct, so too will the plants.”
Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post commented: “I am absolutely thrilled with our stamps. Petula Stone’s illustrations capture these creatures beautifully and, whilst most of these Hawk-moths fly at night, by depicting island scenes in the background she has created a unique set which fits perfectly into our Invertebrates collection.”
ENDS
Press enquiries to:
Sarah Amies, pr consultant, 01484 687040/07811 133973
Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic, 01481 733524
Date of Issue: 23 February 2011
Designer: Petula Stone
Printer: BDT International
Process: Offset lithography
Stamp Size: 30.56 deep x 38mm wide
Souvenir sheet size: 100m deep x 140mm wide
Paper: 110gsm unwatermarked PVA adhesive
Sheet: 10
Perforation: 13.75
Cylinder: A
