The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry

Dig This

We're one year old!

To celebrate we hosted a live event in the Cafe at St James.

It was great to see so many people in the room to hear more about the role of independent solutions-focused journalism and our plans for the coming year.

We were joined on stage by Ellen Groves, Gregory Harrison, Jade Kershaw and Martyn Dorey as we explored our cultural links with France, the opportunities they create and how they could be strengthened.

The energy in the room afterwards and the conversations that were triggered was fantastic - we are planning to build on this format so stay tuned!

And a big thank you to Le Comptoir for complementing it all with some great food.

Here, St James deputy director Gregory Harrison talks about his experiences both as a musician and promoter. Keep an eye out for more of the conversations in the coming days.

You can listen to this and all our podcasts on Spotify and Apple.

Dig Deeper

• Archaeologists have discovered evidence of Neolithic settlement near Les Fouaillages, one of the world's oldest stone monuments
• International teams from France, England and Guernsey uncovered a hearth, ditch, pottery, and flint indicating people lived within 200m of the monument in around 3000 to 2500BC
• New optically stimulated luminescence dating technology is being used for the first time on the tomb to help determine its age
• The landscape has been dramatically altered by medieval sandstorms, concealing potential additional monuments under L'Ancresse Common and golf course

• The North Show returns to Saumarez Park on 26–27 August 2026 with agriculture, horticulture, entertainment and the Battle of Flowers, sponsored by Sarnian Roofing Limited.
• Main arena entertainment includes Paul Hannam's ATV Stunt Show, MBE BMX Arena Show, Duo Millers Fire Show and performances by Guernsey Majorettes and Ace Elite Cheerleaders.
• The Battle of Flowers Parade on Thursday features floats decorated with thousands of flowers competing for the Prix d'Honneur, followed by public viewing and a floodlit parade.
• More than 60 trade, charity and food stalls will attend alongside a family area with free bouncy castles, activities from Guernsey Museums and stories from Guille-Allès Library.
• Discounted tickets are £10 for adults, £7 for concessions and free for children aged 11 and under, available at local businesses and NorthShow.org.gg.

• Peter Deacon appointed as Guernsey's first finance sector concierge following competitive selection process
• Role creates single point of contact for businesses, government, regulator and promotional agencies
• Position stems from key recommendation in Finance Sector Growth Strategy 2035 published in March
• Service will assist fund managers, family offices, wealth businesses and digital finance founders
• Mr Deacon brings nearly 30 years' experience including roles at J.P. Morgan and as co-founder of Bloom & Grow Group

• Housing's new plan sees potential for up to 618 affordable homes by 2030, with a target of 250 to 300 affordable units under construction by the end of the political term.
• The strategy addresses severe housing pressures, with past development averaging just 106 units annually against an identified need of 300 per year.
• Delivery will be pursued through five channels including Guernsey Housing Association schemes, States-owned land development, new IDP allocations, private market purchases, and voluntary sector partnerships.
• The Committee plans significant private rental sector reforms including landlord registration, written tenancy agreements, and licensing for houses of multiple occupation from 2027.
• The programme requires drawing on a £150 million loan facility, with funding proposals contingent on the outcome of the ongoing tax debate.

• July recorded just one-eighth of expected rainfall, with most falling on a single day
• Water reserves fell by 89 million litres in the final week of July, the largest weekly drop this year
• Daily consumption averaged 14.2 million litres in the last fortnight, 700,000 litres above forecast
• Storage levels are 4% lower than last year and 7% below the 10-year average
• No hosepipe ban currently being considered, but residents urged to conserve water

• Committee for Economic Development to provide £25,000 towards operational costs of Fund Foundry programme in first year
• Initiative launched by Foundry Partners LBG aims to support five first-time or emerging fund managers from global pool
• Selected managers receive £25,000 voucher for establishment costs plus twelve months of mentoring and industry support
• Programme started in May with final cohort selection from 20 finalists due at end of September
• Applications open until 1st September for fund managers seeking to establish Guernsey domiciled investment funds

• Two dedicated review panels will examine Guernsey's hospital modernisation programme and electronic patient record system independently
• Phase 1 of the hospital modernisation programme was estimated at £34 million but has experienced delays and additional costs, with the overall programme now estimated at £120–160 million
• More than £20 million has been invested in the current phase of the electronic patient record system, with further substantial investment required
• The reviews will assess management, governance, political oversight, value for money and whether programmes are delivering intended outcomes
• Expressions of interest will be sought from the public and States' members to serve on the review panels, with work commencing in autumn

• Channel Islands Pride relocates to La Vallette Bathing Pools for 2026, creating a new Pride Village with sea views
• Pride Parade departs Market Square at 2pm on 12 September, with celebrations continuing until 9pm
• Entertainment includes Angie Brown, Elle Vosque from RuPaul's Drag Race UK, and tribute acts
• Pride Village will feature multiple zones including Silent Disco, Family Zone, and Quiet Zone with community stalls
• Event is free to attend and organised by LGBTQ+ charity Liberate to raise funds for year-round support services

• Health & Social Care is seeking two public members to join its Organ Donation Committee
• The committee provides oversight and promotes best practice in organ donation across Guernsey healthcare services
• Applicants do not need a clinical background but should have strategic thinking and communication skills
• Successful candidates will attend up to three meetings per year
• Applications close on 31 August 2026

This week's audio briefing

The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry

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Guernsey Gazette

Proposed changes to parking arrangements in St Peter Port and Forest areas are under public consultation until 12th August 2026.

Aztech Soccer applies for an alcohol licence to sell at Victoria Park in St Sampson.

St Peter Port reminds dog owners that 2026 dog licence fees are overdue.

GFSC notices

Consultation on Proposed Changes to Address MONEYVAL Recommended Actions

Consultation on Proposed Changes to Address MONEYVAL Recommended Actions

Guernsey appoints its first Finance Sector Concierge to support business growth