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Just five years ago, the national RNLI was adamant - it was cheaper to upgrade lifeboats like the Spirit of Guernsey than replace them with a Shannon class that was "significantly smaller and less powerful".

Indeed, the Severn class was ideally suited to where it was being used, it said then, and its life could be extended by 25 years.

Now the RNLI has announced that the lifeboats in Guernsey, Alderney and Jersey will be replaced by new Shannon class vessels, the very model it was comparing the Severn to in less than glowing terms not so long ago.

Today, The Quarry makes accessible four year’s worth of rescue data from Guernsey and Alderney, as well as comparisons of the capabilities of the Spirit of Guernsey and the proposed replacement, and recalls some of the larger rescues in local waters, to help explore whether or not the stations across the islands are being downgraded or improved.

The move is a noticeable change of direction, especially considering what the RNLI was saying in 2020 in a press release no longer on its website.

At the time it was announcing a now largely defunct programme to extend the life of its Severn class fleet, which includes Spirit of Guernsey.

Questions remain too about how the new lifeboats will be funded, and the future of the Spirit of Guernsey, largely paid for by local fundraising back in the 1990s.

Explore the rescue data that helped us compile the RNLI story by clicking in the image below:

Dig This - A Quarry Podcast

Charity Spotlight - Les Bourgs, the changing face of hospice care and three years to solve a looming funding gap

For nearly 35 years Les Bourgs Hospice has been supporting patients and their families while staying at the forefront of the changing needs of hospice care.

Now the charity is facing fresh challenges as it looks to continue its vital work and expand it out into the community to help meet a growing wish for people to be at home when they die.

It costs £3m. a year to run Les Bourgs, all of which is funded by charitable donations, including through its very successful shop and fundraising events, with no financial backing from the States.

But its funding model will now have to change with just three years of legacy donations left which are not being replaced to the same extent that they were.

Talks have already opened up with the States about what the future of hospice care looks like and how it can be paid for.

In this episode of Dig This we explore how hospice care has evolved and what comes next. We also hear about the passion that drives those working at the hospice.

In other News

The 2026 Budget results in a net deficit before any investment returns of £48 million.
Proposals include an increase in the personal income tax allowance to £15,200.
Committees get £29.4m. more to spend than last year (4.5% up).
Proposed tax increases include excise duty on tobacco and fuel, a new duty on vaping liquid, and hikes to vehicle first registration.
A savings target of £4 million has been set.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme will cease at the Sixth Form Centre from September 2026.
Education, Sport & Culture concluded that sustaining both A-Levels and IB was not viable.
Participation in the IB programme has averaged around 10% of the cohort.
The decision aims to provide clarity to current Year 11 students regarding their post-16 education options.

A new exhibition, "Chris George - 50 Years of Faces," has opened at Guernsey Museum
The exhibition showcases local photographer Chris George's extensive career spanning five decades.
Visitors will have access to a curated selection of photographs alongside personal stories.
Featured are exclusive newspaper photographs and a slideshow with over 100 additional images.
An event titled "An Evening in Conversation with Chris George" scheduled for 16 October has already sold out.

Guernsey Ports announces the £850k replacement of X Berth, essential for passenger operations.
The berth serves medium-sized vessels, facilitating around 40,000 passengers annually.
The existing structure, over 30 years old, requires significant upgrades.
New infrastructure will include modern access arrangements, on-shore power, and a turnstile gate for superyachts.
Construction will take place over winter, with plans for the berth to be operational by early 2026.

Guernsey Water's largest treated water service reservoir is now fully operational after a £1.1 million upgrade.
The upgrade involved cleaning, repairing, and replacing the roof membrane of the 60-year-old infrastructure.
The project will provide clean drinking water to approximately 10,000 customers.
Capital Delivery Manager Carl Falla emphasised the importance of ongoing investment in water infrastructure.
The original schedule for the upgrade was sped up following a water quality test failure in November 2024.

A new committee has been formed for the St Peter Port Christmas lights project.
The committee consists of local business owners, community leaders, and volunteers.
The annual switch-on event is scheduled for 30 November.
Fundraising efforts will begin soon, with a focus on community support.
The committee seeks a volunteer administrator and sponsorship.

Children at The Sailing Trust enjoyed free fruit snacks this summer.
The initiative follows a successful trial funded by the Health Improvement Commission.
Over 600 portions of fruit were distributed over six weeks.
The initiative is encouraged for other sports and youth settings.

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