Investing in Island children and history

Friday 03 October 2014

Stanley Gibbons has reaffirmed its commitment to heritage by sponsoring The National Trust Jersey’s educational initiative at 16 New Street for a further year.

"Meet the Journeauxs" has seen numerous primary school children visit the property where costumed living history interpreters give them a feel for what life was like in the early 19th century.

16 New Street is the only example of a detached early Georgian town house in St. Helier which, due to Regency modifications, has been restored and interpreted to give the impression of an early 19th century home belonging to a professional gentleman who resides there with his family.

Keith Heddle, Managing Director, Investments, Stanley Gibbons said supporting “Meet the Journeauxs” is a natural fit for the company.

He said: “As a group focusing not just on stamps, but also coins, fine art and antiques, investing in the understanding of our heritage is very important. What The National Trust Jersey are doing is bringing that history to life and enabling children to gain a hands on insight into what it was like to live in another period of time. What better way to teach history?”

Three costumed living history interpreters provide children with the opportunity to engage with the working house and its inhabitants. Each visit considers bread making, letter writing, period dancing and schooling.

Pupils not only see, hear and smell what life was like in the early 19th century, but also dress up in clothes which would have been worn by children in that time. A handling collection of replica Georgian items is also available for classroom use.


The project is overseen by National Trust Curator, Chris Addy, who said: “The Trust is delighted that Stanley Gibbons have agreed to sponsor us for a further year.

“Their support means that not only are we able to continue with these sessions, but we have also been able to produce a replica dolls house of the property to illustrate the principles of Georgian architecture and the tastes and fashions of the day. This is available for everyone to view.

“This whole project would simply not have been able to go ahead without Stanley Gibbons’ support and also the enthusiasm and hard work of our volunteers and staff.”

Schools and teachers wishing to bring pupils to the 16 New Street experience are invited to contact Chris Addy at the National Trust for Jersey chris@nationaltrust.je