Changing channel 1 Edition

• Published in: Herald (Glasgow, Scotland)
• Main Author: Portway, Christopher
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Glasgow (UK) Gannett Media Corp 25.05.1998

DESCENDING low over the foam-girthed coastal rocks on the approach to the efficient little airport in Guernsey, I turned to my neighbour on the Jersey European Airways fight from Gatwick to ask if she had been to Guernsey before. "Actually no," was the reply, "but I have been to Jersey." Being so close to France, Guernsey's ambience holds a definite Gallic flavour manifesting itself not only in names of its roads but also in the quality of the cuisine to be found everywhere. This remarkably happy ambience is difficult to describe; it is one that does not exist anywhere else outside the Channel Islands. However, the language and familiar shop names confirm the fact that Guernsey is firmly part of Britain. With Normandy and Brittany so easy to reach there is every opportunity for a day's excursion to St Malo, Dinard and elsewhere on the French mainland. The Bailiwick of Guernsey, unlike that of Jersey, covers a collection of nearby residential islands - all visible on a reasonably clear day - and all easily attainable. The nearest is Herm, 20 minutes away by an hourly ferry, a 500-acre away-from-it- all island holding just one of everything - hotel, pub and shop, but no traffic. Alderney does allow a few cars but has a speed limit of 20 miles an hour though walkers can circuit the island within a day's hike.