The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry

Dig Deeper

A fascinating story is emerging about Le Déhus based on fresh evidence uncovered by Martyn Dorey.

It could be a site of globally significant firsts and as "one of the most significant places in history" has huge untapped potential.

Read, watch and listen to our exclusive coverage.

Martyn was a guest at Dig Deeper - The Quarry Live in the Cafe at St James, held to mark our first birthday.

• New research suggests Le Déhus, a 6,000-year-old burial chamber in Guernsey, may be the first temple dedicated to Easter, using light and shadow to mark the spring equinox and paschal moon.
• A carved face called 'Le Gardien du Tombeau' may be the oldest surviving image of a sky-father god, predating similar iconography by millennia and sharing roots with representations from the Sistine Chapel.
• The central standing stone is perfectly aligned east-west, potentially marking the first direct measurement of the equinox in human history through shadow geometry.
• Researcher Martyn Dorey believes the carving represents Orion the hunter, whose seasonal visibility mirrors ancient beliefs about a Sky-Father joining with Mother Earth to create life.
• The site could generate £3-10 million annually for Guernsey's economy with proper recognition and a visitor centre, compared to current minimal economic impact.

In other news...

• 37% of young people aged 16-24 are unsure whether they will stay in Guernsey after education, with only 27% confident they will remain
• Road transport costs, lack of activities and education quality emerged as the top three current concerns among 200 young people surveyed
• 26.4% of 16-24 year-olds reported low mental wellbeing, more than double the all-age population rate, with no young women reporting high wellbeing
• Cost of living, housing affordability and off-island travel expenses ranked as the top three future concerns
• Guernsey's median age of 43 years and declining birth rates highlight demographic challenges, with deaths averaging 652 per year compared to 462 births

• Guernsey Trees for Life is exploring the use of "near-native" tree species alongside native varieties to improve climate resilience
• The charity has increased aftercare measures including wood chip mulching and community watering rotas due to current drought conditions
• A community watering rota in St Peter's has proved successful for recent planting at Styx
• Committee member warns climate change is affecting the island's dairy industry, fishing sector and other areas due to higher temperatures and lack of rain
• The charity plants hundreds of native trees annually across the Bailiwick working with landowners, schools and public bodies

• The States of Guernsey spent £5.1 million on relocation packages in 2025, up from £4.76 million in 2024
• 381 employees received Additional Relocation Allowance in 2025, with Health & Social Care accounting for 241 recipients
• Education, Sport & Culture supported 86 employees, whilst Home Affairs provided assistance to 34 workers
• The allowance provides assistance towards private rental costs for up to four years and is subject to normal tax and social security deductions
• An operational review of the Relocation Directive is underway to assess whether it remains fit for purpose and represents value for money

• Red Arrows confirmed to open Guernsey Air Display on 9 September, returning for second evening event
• Dakota from Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and BAC Jet Provost also appearing
• Team Raven and Jet Provost return after multi-year absence from Guernsey displays
• Expanded food and drink village on Crown Pier following successful debut last year
• Event seeks business sponsors and individual supporters through Friends scheme

• Guernsey Dairy celebrates 75 years since opening at St Andrew's site on 9 August 1951
• The Dairy supports 11 local dairy farms and processes milk from around 1,250 Guernsey cows
• Around 7.3 million litres of milk processed annually, maintaining island food security
• All island dairy farms and the Dairy hold RSPCA Assured accreditation since 2022
• Guernsey Butter now exported to 250 Waitrose stores across the UK

• Guernsey Arts launches "Art en Plein Air", a new guided walk and outdoor painting workshop experience
• Tour explores St Peter Port locations that inspired artists including J.M.W. Turner and Brenda Munson
• Experience concludes with hands-on painting workshop in Candie Gardens led by local artist Louise Le Pelley
• All materials supplied and workshop designed for all skill levels from beginners to experienced artists
• Initiative aims to raise funds for Guernsey Arts whilst celebrating island's artistic heritage

• Louise Doughty, internationally bestselling author of Apple Tree Yard and Platform Seven, announced as judge for 2027 Guernsey Literary Festival short story competition
• Competition opens today with theme 'Small Treasures', inviting writers with Bailiwick connections to submit original stories for publication
• Twenty finalist stories will be published by Blue Ormer and launched at 2027 festival, running 23 April to 2 May
• New feature sees every entrant receive written feedback from filter judges Ben Hinshaw, Anna Stothard and Debrah Martin
• Entries accepted from 1 August until 16 November 2026, with finalists announced in January 2027

This week's audio briefing

The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry

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Guernsey Gazette

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

Les Cambrees property in Torteval has been added to Guernsey's Protected Buildings List for its historical or architectural significance.

St Peter Port dog owners are reminded to pay their overdue 2026 dog tax of £10 per dog.

GFSC notices

Guernsey appoints its first Finance Sector Concierge to support business growth

Commission licenses further Innovation Sandbox participant