Words, beasts and relatives

Friday 17 July 2015

The works of a well-known local poet and Jersey’s world-famous conservationist are both being celebrated at the Island’s first big literary festival.

Connections: Jersey Festival of Words 2015 will open with a tribute to Alan Jones and award-winning UK sports writer Simon Barnes will be here discussing his life-long love of Gerald Durrell’s books.

Alan Jones who died in 2013 at the age of 72 taught English at Hautlieu for 38 years. Readings from his work at Jersey Library on the evening of Wednesday 30 September will coincide with a new book of his work being published called Ninety Mile Beach.

Pictured: Alan Jones

Festival co-founder Chris Bright said: “As well as being one of the best poets Jersey has ever produced, Alan gave generous encouragement and guidance to other writers, including many of those most active on the island literary scene today. As an inspirational teacher, he also introduced thousands of young people to the power and pleasure of reading.

“We are sure Alan would have been a keen supporter of a Jersey book festival. Although, sadly, he cannot be with us, this dedication to his enduring contribution will honour him as a kind of guiding spirit.”

Simon Barnes, who worked for The Times for over 30 years, is the author of over 20 books and is a big fan of Gerald Durrell’s work. The man who founded Jersey Zoo, published 41 books and was one of the most successful writers to have lived in the Island.

Simon who is also a naturalist, will talk about his much-loved childhood memoir My Family and Other Animals at Jersey Opera House on Thursday 1 October and will be back there again the following day discussing the inspiration behind his latest book Ten Million Aliens.

Pictured: Simon Barnes

The Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, award-winning novelists Owen Sheers and Alex Preston, best-selling children’s writers Holly Smale and Jess Bright and acclaimed scriptwriter and novelist Will Smith are among the top names heading the new festival that takes place from Wednesday 30 September to Sunday 4 October.

It aims to promote literature for all ages, and includes presentations, talks, adult literacy initiatives and events for schools and libraries.

The organisers want the event to be an annual one that helps to attract the flourishing British book festival market to Jersey and will enrich cultural life in the Island.