The Briefing

The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry

All the latest from The Quarry newsroom.

Episode 24 - Charity Spotlight: Guernsey Cheshire Home

Public finances back in surplus largely thanks to better than expected income tax returns from banking.
£23m. of that was, however, unlikely to be repeated in future years.
Positive economic signs in terms of bonuses and house sales.
Health overspends budget by £3.3m.
Expected spending on major projects slower than needed.

Education, Sport & Culture has revised plans for the Sixth Form Centre at Les Ozouets Campus.
Foundations for the centre, initially scheduled for Autumn 2026, will no longer be laid as part of Phase 1.
The decision aims to preserve flexibility and avoid unnecessary financial exposure.
Ongoing reviews will determine the future location, scope, and timing of post-16 provision.
The Committee emphasised that the decision does not signify the abandonment of the Sixth Form Centre project.

The Beau Sejour Theatre will close from mid-April for essential technical upgrades.
The closure is necessary to ensure safety standards and comply with recent inspection findings.
Drop bars above the stage and auditorium that the lights and sets hang from, will be replaced.
Specialist contractors will manage the upgrade project focused on how the stage operates.
Some events will be relocated to the David Ferguson Hall, with other performances postponed or cancelled.

Guernsey charity Grow invites the community to participate in ‘Grow Green Miles’.
The initiative encourages walking at least one mile daily throughout May.
Participants can join a celebratory BBQ and a final walk at the month’s end.
Friends of Grow (FrOGs) are involved in organising the event to foster community spirit.
Funds raised support the training of adults with learning disabilities.

New infrastructure is being installed at St Peter Port Harbour.
The project, costing £850,000, involves the replacement of berth used by Manche Iles and Islands Unlimited.
Two refurbished piles and new steel piles installed.
The berth is expected to become operational by April.
Improvements will enhance stability and access for vessels and passengers.

Guernsey Arts and Guernsey Sports Commission partner for the "Let's Dance" campaign.
Free dance taster sessions scheduled for 8th March from 10am to 2pm.
Sessions will include various dance styles, from Bhangra to Traditional Guernsey Dance.
The initiative aims to promote the health benefits of dance and foster community connections.
Organisers encourage participation from all age groups and abilities.

The Island Ambassador Training Scheme has been launched by the Tourism Management Board in collaboration with VisitGuernsey.
The initiative aims to enhance local knowledge and customer service among tourism professionals.
The programme will offer training modules that can be integrated into existing training for visitor-facing roles.
Online and in-person training sessions will be provided, promoting interactivity and networking.
Participants will receive ambassador badges upon completion, usable in marketing by businesses.