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Tasty recipes and whimsical walks devised by the supporters of a local charity dedicated to survivors of rape and sexual assault during the pandemic have been published in a new book.
Every Friday, Express presents a selection of online and offline exhibitions, performances, workshops, events and other historic, creative and delicious content to help islanders get their weekly dose of culture.
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Pictured: 'Well Loved Recipes and Walk's brings together JAAR's supporters favourite walking routes and recipes.
Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) has published a book of its supporters’ favourite walking routes and recipes, written when the island went into lockdown in March 2020.
‘Well Loved Recipes and Walks’ was put together following an idea from the charity’s manager, Jayne Gruchy, who wanted to reach out to JAAR’s supporters during the pandemic.
With everyone walking and cooking more, she thought JAAR could use the “wealth of local knowledge and creativity” by asking supporters to share their favourite walks and recipes.
The charity launched an appeal in May last year with the first two contributions received having been recipes for Jam Puffs and a Sausage Plait.
“I was astounded at the response to the point that I thought all these contributions would make a great local book that JAAR could use to raise funds,” Jayne said.
Pictured: The book will help the charity raise “desperately needed funds to help heal survivors of sexual assault”, as Zoe, JAAR’s Community Engagement Officer, said.
“Whilst collating the contents of the book I spoke with a contributor who had been really enthused by the project. Lockdowns have meant more time to reflect on our lives. For some, it has uncovered the past, and this can be painful. This book is about reflecting on positive things and reminding us that there is always someone to talk to.
“We all have the ability to heal when we share our burdens. This is what JAAR does, we take time to listen and by doing so, we can make a difference to those who have suffered the trauma of rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse.”
The book was sponsored by HBFS, an independent financial advisory company, and will help the charity raise “desperately needed funds to help heal survivors of sexual assault”, as Zoe, JAAR’s Community Engagement Officer, explained.
“It was a great project to engage with people feeling the effects of isolation during the first ‘Stay at Home’ order,” she said.
“Isolation can be very traumatic and triggering for people’s mental health and we wanted to create a project for people to enjoy supporting and get involved during these difficult times. With fantastic Jersey walks and amazing produce this book only begins to touch on the many ways islanders can enjoy our islands heritage and explore our beautiful landscapes.”
New installation explores confinement and freedom
Pictured: 'Refugio' can be seen until 25 April at Greve de Lecq Barracks.
Local artist Oliver Le Gresley’s latest work, an installation at Greve de Lecq Barracks called ‘Refugio’, was created in response to the pandemic and the way it changed life over the past year.
“Refugio invites the audience to move around the hut catching a glimpse of the interior space through the main entrance, and several other openings,” Oliver said.
Pictured: Oliver Le Gresley is a local artist and craft practitioner, who holds a BA in Fine Art and an MA in Textile Design from University College Falmouth.
“By peering through the openings the viewer may be confronted by someone viewing through an opening from another side. These interactions speak to the way we might have considered exterior and interior spaces over the past year.”
‘Refugio’ can be seen until 25 April.
The National Trust for Jersey’s new spring walking festival is in full swing with 29 walks taking in the Trust lands and properties such as Plémont, La Mare au seigneur (St. Ouen’s Pond), St. Peter’s Valley, Anneport, Val de la Mare and many other sites around the Island.
Sponsored by Jersey Water, the festival aims to encourage islanders to enjoy “the very best of the island on foot at a beautiful time of the year when the countryside and hedgerows are awash with blossom and spring flowers”.
Participants can enjoy themed walks led by a Blue Badge Guide, specialist or by one of the National Trust's Lands Team, such as wildlife and wellness walks at sunrise and sunset, town trails, nature walks, foraging and even Forest Bathing.
Nearly all of the walks have been fully subscribed with over 500 tickets booked over the five days with just a few spaces left before 18 April.
Jersey Arts Centre has released the programme for the first three weeks of its summer season, which marks the long-awaited return of live performances.
From Tuesday 20 April, the Arts Centre will be presenting a series of films, both classic and more recent, for the pleasure of film enthusiasts of all ages.
The Jersey Film Society will also return to the Benjamin Meaker Theatre from Monday 19 April with The Peanut Butter Falcon and The Kingmaker.
Live performances will be returning from Thursday 29 April with Feeling Good, an evening supporting emerging local talent curated by Jonny Labey. The Jersey Amateur Dramatic Club is also gearing up to perform again from Monday 3 May with ‘Blue Remembered Hill’.
In order to enable physical distancing within the current guidelines, Jersey Arts Centre will initially operate at a capacity of 40 seats per performance.
Kairos Arts, a charity which provides therapeutic creative workshops to vulnerable islanders, has been given a £29,350 grant by the Association of Jersey Charities.
The grant from the AJC will enable seven Kairos Arts practitioners to complete the Level 6 Diploma in Therapeutic Arts Practice, enabling them to use therapeutic creative arts to support the mental health needs of children and young people.
Cathy Sara, the Director of the group of creatives and therapists passionate about “the potential to restore hope, dignity and worth through the freedom of creative arts”, welcomed the grant.
“As a small charity the grant is a game-changer for us with seven practitioners simultaneously receiving the highest quality training,” she said. “It will considerably broaden the therapeutic practice of practitioners and equip and upskill other professionals for the benefit of many children and young people in Jersey.”
Missed last week's Art Fix? Catch up by clicking HERE.
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