Northern Parishes Battle association formed

Thursday 07 December 2023

Three parishes have united in the hope of submitting a combined entry to next year's Battle of Flowers.

At a recent meeting at St Martin's Public Hall, islanders voted to create a new Battle association, which would pool the talents of St John, St Martin and Trinity, with interest also shown by St Mary.

Battle stalwart Charlie Ahier said that a new committee was also formed, which will pool forces from across the parishes and use the shed and chassis previously used by Trinity.

The idea for a combined entry was first floated by the Trinity Battle of Flowers Association in a bid to attract new volunteers, as individual parishes struggled to put together floats following dwindling numbers.

Pictured: The Battle's Christmas Parade has been cancelled for the second year in a row.

Mr Ahier stressed that the challenge ahead would be, in the first instance, logistical.

Flowers have to be ordered, the event itself entered, funds raised, sound systems built, costumes assembled, and performers chosen.

"We're going to pursue it and see how far we get," he said.

An initial committee meeting is planned for next week.

"There are a lot of people who are still keen to take part," Mr Ahier said.

Of the four parishes who have shown interest, only Trinity presented a float in the 2023 Battle, forgoing the senior float for a smaller junior float.

St Martin's Battle of Flowers Association announced their dissolution earlier this year, and Battle organisers had to cancel this year's Christmas Parade.

However, the northern parishes are not the only potential new entrant next year, with the States of Jersey Prison Service posting on social media recently about their plans to enter a float in the summer.

Mr Ahier encouraged anyone with an interest in volunteering or who has ideas for designs to get in touch at northernparishesbof@gmail.com or phone Mr Ahier on 07829 855 141.

Pictured top: Stacey Hansford, who now sits on the Northern Parish committee, working on Trinity's 2022 float.