French Properties

On the last trip of the RMS from Capetown the Hon. French Consul returned from France where he consulted with the Foreign Ministry of the French Government, which is keen to accept its responsibility to maintain its historic buildings overseas. Accompanying him, at the request of the French Government were two very high powered officials – Pierre Caillot, architectural advisor and Jean-Marc Daniel, Director of the Buildings ( embassies and diplomat’s properties) and Equipment, both from the Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres.  They told me that their work entails long hours and very busy lives, so they had never envisaged having the time to come to St. Helena, and the journey was an amazing one (they had to wait 4 days on Ascension, for only 2 here!). The fact that they were away from France for about 2 weeks, to enable them to come here for two days, illustrates the importance the French Government places on the historic property of Longwood House.

Farmers Association - by Tony Leo

The St. Helena Farmers Association is back in full swing thanks to the many farmers and other interested people who turned out on a wet night to meet at Kingshurst. The Chairman, Ronald Coleman did explain that the reason why the Association was dormant for so long was because the committee could not function without a secretary. Ronald took notes previously but he felt there must be a secretary elected.
Our new secretary is Lionel Williams, and very soon the committee will be meeting to move forward with the business of the Farmers Association.
It was so pleasing to see members pouring into the hall that night and bringing their concerns to the meeting. These were discussed in a very orderly manner.
The burning issues that night were the farmers’ subsidy and the pressures surrounding the slaughtering of animals at home. Members were assured that theycould continue doing their back yard slaughtering as they have been doing, because no one has said that they cannot.

Most members paid their subscription that night and just in case others would like to settle their debts they can get in touch with Lionel Lawrence who has taken on the Treasurer’s work for another year.

Related Information

Member Reports May 2003

Member Reports January 2004

Member Reports April/May 2004

Member Reports August 2004

Member Reports Feburary 2005

Member Reports July 2006

Member Reports December 2006

Member Reports March 2007

Member Reports December 2007

Arts and Crafts Association

The Association continues to run the shop in town with voluntary help from its members, and will soon be hosting an exhibition of St. Helenian Child Art from the 1970’s. Eddie Ladan a Capetown artist arranged sponsors for this. The paintings were given to the Archives, and will now be displayed again. This may renew the idea of an exhibition of St. Helena Artists, off shore.
On Monday 6th October, the Centre opened specially for the short visit of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and members of the Arts and Crafts group came to demonstrate their skills.

St Helena Dive Club article
By Emma Bennett

The St Helena Dive Club held the Annual General Meeting on the 18th August 2003 at Pilling Middle School. A new committee was formed, with Larry Thomas being elected as Chairperson, and numerous activities being planned for the forth-coming year.

Regular diving for club members is being started with a successful dive at Long Ledge a few weeks back. Although a little bit cold on the sea temperature side, the marine life encountered was exciting enough to put that at the back of divers minds!!

A night dive at the Papanui was another adventure that brought to light many dark organisms! It is amazing to see different organisms becoming active, when normally they are sessile animals during day light. Certain fish that normally flee, come close up and don’t mind being touched!