> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thequarry.media/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry - URL: https://www.thequarry.media/the-weekly-briefing-from-the-quarry-62/ - Published: 2026-09-02T07:16:09.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-02T07:16:09.000Z - Author: Nick Mann - Tags: The Briefing ## Dig Deeper ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/0b/480bfed6-f3f7-4a48-9efe-fae23adf5d03/content/images/2026/09/lifeboat.png) ### [Guernsey's lifeboat crew considered split from RNLI over concerns about new Shannon, they have now reluctantly accepted a vessel with limitations in severe weather](https://www.thequarry.media/guernseys-lifeboat-crew-considered-split-from-rnli-over-concerns-about-new-shannon-they-have-now-reluctantly-accepted-a-vessel-with-limitations-in-severe-weather/) Published 31 August 2026 - RNLI announced Shannon class lifeboats for Channel Islands without consulting St Peter Port crew, causing severe strain in relationships - Guernsey crew lobbied to keep existing Severn class, citing concerns about Shannon's limitations in severe weather conditions - Severn is significantly larger (17.3m vs 13.6m), heavier (45 tons vs 13 tons), carries more crew (7 vs 5) and has higher survivor capacity (124 vs 79) - Crew considered splitting from RNLI to go independent but reluctantly accepted the decision despite expecting some members to leave - All three Channel Islands stations will operate the same Shannon class, meaning nearest Severn backup could be seven hours away in severe conditions ## In other news... ### [Economic Development pulls the plug on innovation and entrepreneur hub with no clear plan for the future](https://www.thequarry.media/economic-development-pulls-the-plug-on-innovation-and-entrepreneur-hub-with-no-clear-plan-for-the-future/) Published 27 August 2026 - Economic Development seeks expressions of interest from private and voluntary sectors to deliver innovation incubator initiatives - Move could result in closure of Digital Greenhouse or transition of its services after ten years of operation - Committee believes private sector better placed than government to lead innovation development with required agility and commercial insight - Government grants may be available to support core functions or economically beneficial activities - Digital Greenhouse will continue operating full programme during expression of interest process ### [Chamber expresses concern over Digital Greenhouse funding axe and lack of business support](https://www.thequarry.media/chamber-expresses-concern-over-digital-greenhouse-funding-axe-and-lack-of-business-support/) Published 2 September 2026 - Guernsey Chamber of Commerce criticises decision to effectively close Digital Greenhouse at year end due to funding withdrawal - Closure will leave vacuum in business support, particularly for non-finance sectors requiring innovation and diversification assistance - Decision concerns £450,000 budget whilst government allocates additional £1 million to Guernsey Finance, raising total to £3.5 million - Chamber warns against over-reliance on finance sector, calling it a "shrinking basket" and advocating for economic diversification - Organisation demands urgent plan for maintaining Digital Greenhouse functions and proper funding mechanism for all business sectors ### [New bus timetable from 7 September aims to improve reliability and punctuality of service](https://www.thequarry.media/new-bus-timetable-from-7-september-aims-to-improve-reliability-and-punctuality-of-service/) Published 2 September 2026 - New bus timetable for Guernsey comes into effect from Monday 7 September, following extensive public consultation - Routes 51 and 52 redesigned as town circular route with hourly service, up from two-hourly, linking hospital, schools and key destinations - Night bus services revised to improve coverage, with N1 extended to Rue Sauvage and Les Tracheries, and N3 extended to Perelle and Vazon - Additional Sunday services on routes 91 and 92 during summer season from May half-term to end of school holidays - Some low passenger routes withdrawn including P2 Parish Link and route 60, with S1 to S4 evening services replaced by later journeys on existing routes ### [Award-winning poet Clare Pollard announced as judge for Guernsey International Poetry Competition 2027](https://www.thequarry.media/award-winning-poet-clare-pollard-announced-as-judge-for-guernsey-international-poetry-competition-2027/) Published 1 September 2026 - Entries have opened for the Guernsey International Poetry Competition 2027, with Clare Pollard announced as judge - The competition, now in its 15th year, invites original poems of no more than 14 lines across three categories - Winning poems will be displayed on Guernsey's buses, at the airport and at public locations across the island - Clare Pollard is an award-winning poet, novelist and playwright who has published six poetry collections with Bloodaxe Books - The competition closes on 15 January 2027, with full details available at www.poemsonthemove.com ### [Vet practice approved for St Peter Port, conditions imposed to protest residents](https://www.thequarry.media/vet-practice-approved-for-st-peter-port-conditions-imposed-to-protest-residents/) Published 31 August 2026 - Companion Vets granted permission to convert vacant office at Piette Complex into veterinary practice with strict noise and odour controls - All doors and windows must remain closed except for entry and exit to prevent barking and odours reaching neighbouring residential units and hotel - 150 square metre facility will include consulting rooms, operating theatre, x-ray facilities, kennels and waiting area with seven parking spaces - Application initially deferred but approved after company demonstrated year-long search of 10 unsuitable properties since March 2025 - States Veterinary Officer praised location and layout as ideal, noting internal design was carefully considered and ergonomic ### [Second Channel Islands Contemporary Art Show to open in Guernsey](https://www.thequarry.media/second-channel-islands-contemporary-art-show-to-open-in-guernsey/) Published 31 August 2026 - The Channel Islands Contemporary Art Show returns for its second edition at Art for Guernsey Gallery from 11 September to 7 November - Exhibition features 17 artists from the Channel Islands, Brittany and the UK working across sculpture, painting, photography and digital art - Collaboration between ArtHouse Jersey and Art for Guernsey, in association with Passerelle Centre d'Art Contemporain in Brest - Private view on 10 September at 6pm, with public opening the following day at the Mansell Street gallery - Artists explore island life, community and connection, drawing on the unique landscapes and cultural histories of the Channel Islands ### [Grandes Rocques bistro owners plan major refurbishment with solar panels and extended balcony](https://www.thequarry.media/grandes-rocques-bistro-owners-plan-major-refurbishment-with-solar-panels-and-extended-balcony/) Published 31 August 2026 - Grandes Rocques Bar & Bistro in Castel has applied for planning permission for major refurbishment works including solar panel installation and balcony extension - Energy efficiency measures include 100mm external wall insulation throughout and two high-capacity heat pumps on the east elevation - The existing chimney will be removed entirely, and the external staircase will be demolished and rebuilt with new safety railings - Kitchen ventilation will be upgraded with new roof-mounted insulated duct fans, whilst existing ducting will be removed - The first-floor balcony will be extended with Millboard decking, and various windows and doors will be altered or relocated throughout the building ### [Family allowance changes to support families with children aged 18 completing academic year](https://www.thequarry.media/family-allowance-changes-to-support-families-with-children-aged-18-completing-academic-year/) Published 28 August 2026 - Families receiving family allowance or widowed parent's allowance will continue to receive support until the end of the academic year if their child turns 18 while in full-time education, from 1st September 2026 - Currently, entitlement ends on a child's 18th birthday, even if they are part way through an academic year - The changes align entitlement with the academic year and provide a more consistent approach for families - Existing claimants will not need to take any action as entitlement will be assessed automatically - The States of Deliberation approved the changes to family allowance and widowed parent's allowance rules in 2025 ### [States seeks housing development manager to deliver new homes after 20-year hiatus](https://www.thequarry.media/states-seeks-housing-development-manager-to-deliver-new-homes-after-20-year-hiatus/) Published 28 August 2026 - Committee for Housing seeks Housing Development Manager to lead construction of new States homes for first time in over 20 years - Role will oversee Outline Housing Delivery Plan targeting at least 250 affordable homes by end of political term - Homes to be delivered through multiple methods including Guernsey Housing Association, States-owned land development and partnerships - Position offered as two-year fixed-term contract with secondments from private industry welcomed - Manager will prioritise sites, assess viability, engage with landowners and negotiate with developers to ensure value for money ## This week's audio briefing The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry 0:00 /0 1× ## Guernsey Gazette [Land at Valnord Court on Valnord Lane has been designated as protected from trespassing under an 18th-century law.](https://gazette.guernseypress.com/notices/9076?ref=thequarry.media) [An abandoned Honda motorcycle at Grandes Rocques car park will be disposed of unless the owner claims it by late September 2026.](https://gazette.guernseypress.com/notices/9084?ref=thequarry.media) [A protection order has been issued for 53 trees at Tractor House, Les Nouettes in Forest.](https://gazette.guernseypress.com/notices/9082?ref=thequarry.media) --- ### Games by The Quarry Try our weekly cryptic crossword and other puzzles. 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