Thursday 16 May 2013

Jersey's Dean--Diocese of Winchester Press Release --Dame Heather Steel

You could not make it up” is an expression often used by disbelieving and frustrated members of the public. However given yesterday’s Diocese of Winchester’s press release about investigating HG’s complaint, one could not really make it up, just what game is Bishop Dakin playing?

The following Press Release was published yesterday afternoon and my comments are shown in red

THE DIOCESE OF WINCHESTER has today confirmed that Dame Heather Steel DBE is leading the investigation into a church safeguarding complaint from 2008, which was announced by the Bishop of Winchester on 26 March 2013. The Investigation is feeding into the Church inquiry (Visitation), currently being carried out by Bishop John Gladwin, to consider the wider implementation of safeguarding in Jersey and across the Diocese. Bishop Gladwin will be publishing his report on the Visitation later this year, providing recommendations for enhancing the Diocese’s safeguarding policies and procedures.

Dame Heather Steel DBE is a former Judge of the Court of Appeal in Jersey, having retired in 2012, and is a former High Court Judge in England and Wales (Queen’s Bench Division.) The investigation follows the independent Korris Review into Safeguarding in the Deanery of Jersey, published in March 2013, which considered the case of a vulnerable adult parishioner, who had made a complaint about abusive behaviour by a churchwarden. The Investigation will now make further inquiries, find facts and make recommendations about whether or not disciplinary complaints should be brought against any member of the clergy as a result of the matters raised in the Korris Review.

The complaint against the Church Warden was made by HG to the Dean in July 2008. She later made complaints against the Dean, former Bishop of Winchester, and the Safeguarding Officer, Jane Fisher will those complaints be investigated?

As a result of the Jersey and Winchester clergy’s failure to respond to HG’s complaints in an efficient manner, her frustration in seeking redress eventually led to her being arrested and “removed” from the Island and left destitute in the UK. Will the decsion and manner of these actions be investigated? (See Korris Report page 41) Also see my previous Blog Here.

The Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Rev Tim Dakin, said, “We are enormously grateful that Dame Heather has offered her considerable expertise to us all. As I have said before, we cannot stress enough the importance of safeguarding. We are committed to understanding fully the circumstances of this complaint and to ensuring that we take whatever action is required to ensure that our Church is a safe haven for the vulnerable.”

“I am also grateful for the cooperation of the Dean in these matters, following his recent apology. As he has said, together we recognise the importance of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in Jersey and we want to ensure the safeguarding procedures of the Diocese achieve this as part of the whole Church's mission. These ongoing inquiries will form a vital part of our learning."

There should be no reasons as to why the Dean should not cooperate because he is also a key player, but like Bishop Dakin and the Archbishop of Canterbury he has not apologised to HG, so it questions their integrity and recognition of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable adults in Jersey or elsewhere in the UK. HG says she has not received any apology and I can see no reason to disbelieve her.

The Investigation will gather and review all available and relevant evidence including, but not limited to, that considered by the Korris Review. Dame Heather Steel will also be advised and assisted in her inquiries by a police officer, nominated by the States of Jersey Police.

Although Jan Korris published a 50 page Report it was somewhat devalued by the author’s failure to interview HG who is the key witness to the whole sorry affair.

Winchester must be aware that its Safeguarding policy is in tatters, this is evident by its failure to handle HG’s original complaint and the debacle that followed. The Korris Review is a disturbing report about failings in Jersey. So too is John Gladwin’s interim and recent final report on his Chichester Visitation where considerable failings were identified.

Surely Bishop Dakin must be aware of the Jersey and UK Police involvement with HG’s complaint, so one must ask why Dame Steel is going to be advised and assisted by a police officer, nominated by the States of Jersey Police.

I am not casting any aspersions on the police officer who is to be nominated, but because of its involvement with HG the States Police is conflicted. If Dame Steel, the Diocese of Winchester and the States Police cannot see the conflict then one must question their judgement and whether they are suitably qualified to conduct the investigation.

Those who have been following the Dean Affair are aware that there are hidden agendas, the latest press release just adds to that belief. Given the way that HG has suffered at the hands of Winchester and the police any likelihood of her partaking in the John Gladwin review was remote. The latest press release will almost certainly be read with incredulity not only by HG but those who have little or no confidence in Winchester. This can only be good news for Senator Bailhache and his supporters who are seeking a constitutional break from the UK.

115 comments:

  1. Complete white-wash coming up run by friends of Bailhache. Heather Steel from Jersey judiciary.

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  2. A Jersey Judge along with the Jersey police will be looking at an abuse case. ARE YOU SERIOUS!!??

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  3. hi bob
    this is nothing more then a sick joke,i can see bailhache,s hand all over this.

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  4. You simply can't make this up. Who is writing this script?

    rs

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    Replies
    1. Thank you to the above 4 for your comments. Only those with a blind fold over their eyes could fail to see the conflict.

      Delete
  5. Dame Heather Steel, former judicial colleague of Philip Bailhache. Really? Is Bishop Dakin aware?

    On 17 September 2010 Philip Bailhache organised the conference "Dependency or Sovereignty? Time to take stock."

    Introduction: Sir Philip Bailhache
    2nd speaker: Dame Heather Steel

    Fortunately, Google keeps a cache, even if Jersey Finance no longer maintain a link:

    http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:dDiHx58wc-gJ:www.jerseyfinance.je/_bluebox/download.cfm%3Fattachment%3D0CC7C2D1+dame+heather+steel+philip+bailhache&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk

    Law Institute have a link
    http://www.lawinstitute.ac.je/default.asp?contentID=612

    The Jersey Finance link is no longer there. Probably an accident.
    http://www.jerseyfinance.je/_bluebox/download.cfm?attachment=0CC7C2D1

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thanks for the link.

      If you look at the other contributors you will see that a certain Richard Falle was also on the list. He just happens to be the same Richard Falle who was the Magistrate who issued HG with the 3 years Binding Over on 11th October 2010.

      As they say, “you just couldn’t make it up.”

      Delete
  6. Reported in tonights JEP para 4 Dame Heather Steel offered her expertise. ''The Bishop of Winchester, the RT Rev Tim Dakin said: ''We are enormously grateful that Dame Heather has offered her considerable expertise to us all''

    Why would she offer her expertise> Whitewash

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  7. I am just speechless over this. It seems that yet again an abused person will not receive justice either from the CoE or the States of Jersey. Indeed, why are they bothering when it is clear this will be a whitewash.

    A travesty of the highest order.

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    Replies
    1. And what can be done about it? Any suggestions? HG

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    2. Got to go through the motions so it can be said that the matter was fully investigated.

      Jan Korris has presented an interesting report, it will be interesting to see how the investigators deal with her findings.

      Delete
  8. Bob,

    Any credibility the Diocese of Winchester started with when suspending the Dean disappeared when Dame Steel was appointed with her (top secret) terms of reference

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    Replies
    1. You mean they didn't lose their credibility with the Dean's sudden reinstatement and claim he had acted in good faith?

      Delete
  9. Will Dame Steel be impartial when investigating the Jersey Magistrate who sentenced HG be imprisoned and the one responsible for the her deportation. She is a Commissioner of the Jersey court, LINK Would she receive payment in her roll as commissioner from the States of Jersey?

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  10. Good Question and thanks for the link.

    Either the contents of the Link is wrong or Winchester because in its press release it states "Dame Heather Steel DBE is a former Judge of the Court of Appeal in Jersey, having retired in 2012, and is a former High Court Judge in England and Wales (Queen’s Bench Division."

    I don't know if there is any payment for being a member of the investigation panel, but I would assume there will be an expense allowance.

    No specific Terms of Reference were in the press release, so I don't know if Dame Steel is going to interview Richard Falle or anyone else connected with the arrest and conviction.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Well done again, Mr Bob Hill.

    The Jersey Church involved may be experiencing an identity crisis. Will they fight away the vulnerable to preserve their preferred image of the ideal Christian community (remaining limited to the strong, powerful and uppity) or allow compassion for the very people Christ devoted his life to caring and advocating for? They can be perceived as a social club for those who wish to be fully insulated against the concerns of those Christ would choose to support, at least from the evidence thus far.

    Elle

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  12. Thank you for your comments which are most pertinent and it looks as though the Church has lost its way.

    Both Mark and Mathew wrote about Jesus saying “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God (or heaven depending which version you read).

    In Jersey it appears that one must suffer but don’t seek support from the Church because you may offend a more important church member.

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    Replies
    1. This seems to be going along the same lines as the case of a Church Officer at the Town Church, who has recently been "requested" not to seek re-election to their former position because they openly supported the Dean's suspension!!

      Delete
    2. someone in church dared to openly support the Dean's suspension? cool.

      Delete
    3. I have heard of the "election" where it is alleged that the Dean refused to accept the nomination of a candidate because he/she had not supported him during his period of suspension.

      I have also heard that the former Church Warden (EY) is down to read the lesson at the Town Church later this month. Presumably he is able to do so because he supported the Dean during the suspension period.

      Delete
  13. Anyone remember the Reg's Skips case...?

    If I recall correctly:

    The Pinels lost at trial (judge Philip Bailhache)
    The Pinels lost at appeal (judge Heather Steel)
    The case attracted great controversy and was widely regarded as a Jersey judicial travesty
    The Pinels were then compensated in full by The States of Jersey after Senator Ben Shenton brought a proposition to the Assembly.

    Full report here. A shocking episode in Jersey judicial history, I think you will agree. http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/AssemblyPropositions/2009/48994-5836-432009.pdf

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Ben Shenton lodged a well researched proposition which won the day. I was present at the debate and supported Ben.

      The sad thing is even though the Pinels won, it was a pyrrhic victory because they never recovered all of their legal costs and what price could anyone put on the stress they suffered during their long fight for justice?

      Thanks to Anoymous for submitting the link above.

      Delete
  14. Talk about the old boys club; Richard Falle, Peter Harris, and Robert Averty all Old Victorians.

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    Replies
    1. so are a number of other people involved.

      Delete
  15. Bob - followers of this story may be interested in reading this from Peter Ould.

    Jersey - Dame Heather Steel Begins Investigation
    By Peter Ould, on May 16th, 2013
    Jersey – Dame Heather Steel Begins Investigation
    Winchester Diocese have released the news that Dame Heather Steel OBE has been commissioned to lead an investigation into the...
    Winchester Diocese have released the news that Dame Heather Steel OBE has been commissioned to lead an investigation into the events described in the Korris Report as part of the wide visitation of Bishop John Gladwin.

    However, the Diocese have refused to release the Terms of Reference under which Dame Heather is operating. In particular, when pressed as to whether the High Court Judge and also member of the judiciary in Jersey had the remit to explore the “facts” as presented in the Korris Report, a spokesman for the Diocese replied,

    As the Korris Review itself states, that there are gaps in the evidence provided and areas have been identified that require further investigation, as set out in pages 47-48. Dame Heather therefore has license to make all the necessary inquiries and find facts as she sees appropriate in making her final recommendations.
    When pressed as to why Dame Heather’s exact Terms of Reference were not being published, the Diocese gave no clear response.

    If Dame Heather Steel does have a remit to explore the accuracy of the evidence presented in the Korris Report, it calls into question whether Bishop John Gladwin’s visitation can continue if the basis of it’s remit (the Korris Report) is itself being questioned by the Diocese’s investigator. My sources indicate that the separate Terms of Reference for Dame Steel’s investigation allow her to question not just the “gaps in the evidence” as quoted above but also to explore whether any of the evidence presented in Korris is truncated or needs to be amended.

    I also find it curious that the Diocese of Winchester cannot release Dame Steel’s Terms of Reference given that the whole investigation is based on safeguarding and the need for full transparency and accountability in these areas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I gave up reading what the Diocese had to say a long time ago. HG

      Delete

    2. It has been said the people don’t plan to fail but fail to plan.

      This seems to be the case with Bishop Dakin and is advisors. What is apparent is that HG made a simple complaint against a Church Warden. It is alleged that there were two avenues for the Dean to take but unfortunately he took neither and what followed was a complete farce which unfortunately led to a travesty of justice where a young lady of good character, a member of the Territorial Army, charity organisations in full employment and having a fixed abode, was arrested kept in custody and then conveniently “removed” from the Island via our legal process and left destitute in the UK.

      What is unclear is what was it that suddenly got the new Bishop (Dakin) so concerned/interested to set Korris into motion, what was it that led to the Bishop and Arch Bishop publically apologising to HG (who is still waiting to be invited to be informed and to receive it.) Why was an investigating panel not put into place before suspending the Dean, why was he reinstated before the investigation even got away let alone concluded?

      Winchester has not published Terms of Reference for Dame Steel, why? Is it it to give her a free hand to do as she wishes which will also allow her to ignore what might be embarrassing for some “important” people?

      One can understand Peter Ould’s concerns which I share, but how will they be addressed?

      Delete
  16. The terms of reference may include the name of someone who has always tried to make out that they were doing the right and correct thing and yet they were not. Maybe. That person will have had a say in who investigates this matter.

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  17. Dame Steel is being brought in to trash the Korris report. The Jersey Way is on the march.

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    Replies
    1. Logic would say no because Winchester appointed Korris and Dame Steel but then again what has logic got to do with the matter, very little has been displayed to date.

      Delete
  18. The Diocese has caved in to THE JERSEY WAY so now vulnerable people and children are as much at risk in the anglican church as they were at haute da la garrenne

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    1. What is evident is if one has a problem or complaint about a church matter one can have little confidence in the Church of England solving it.

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    2. True, but these days they make a big song and dance about any complaints of abuse, because they do not want to be seen as 'covering things up'. So they make a fuss in the press and still cover up.

      Delete
    3. At this stage I think I have more confidence in John Gladwin. A question for HG if she is reading this - would you have spoken to Jan Korris if approached by her? I ami unclear as to why she did not. Could it be that she or nobody else knew your whereabouts?

      Delete
    4. Thank you for your question.
      The Diocese knew my email addresses and could have let Jan Korris contact me. I would have been astounded to hear from Jan Korris and would certainly have told her my side, I have been silently screaming with my side unheard for so long and I wanted to tell someone, anyone who the Diocese could not influence against me as they did with so many services when they got their side of things accross, eg, the police, the homeless services, social services and anyone else I turned to for help once I left Jersey. It would have been such a relief to know that at last soemthing was being done, that there was a report and it would have been a relief to tell my side.
      But sadly Jan Korris didn't approach me and I knew nothing of any of this until I was traced on Maundy Thursday of this year. HG

      Delete
    5. As a churchgoer, I'm sorry and I hope it helps to put your side of things via this Blog.

      Delete
    6. Thank you, I know that there are many many good churchgoers and yes, the blog does help me. HG

      Delete
  19. hi bob
    as your have been in the states for a long time but no longer
    in now. do you see any happy times for jersey if not what would you do to change things?

    ReplyDelete
  20. What the last election achieved was that it sent a clear message to honest and principled Members that if they raised their heads above the parapet they would lose it.

    Thankfully there are still a few “honest” States Members who are prepared to ask uncomfortable questions and risk being marginalised for the greater good.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I don't see it, as Winchester appointed Dame SteeL. She would of had to approach them, to offer her expertise.

    Why did they not get some person unconnected, why appoint someone that comes to you, that is too weird convenient and familiar. A red flag. The Jersey Way organisations bowing down, to the JERSEY WAY.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is likely that Dame Steel was approached by Winchester who then accepted the invitation. However as mentioned in my Blog, I don't think that either the Dame or the Police are appropriate appointments.

      Delete
  22. does Guernsey have the same problems as Jersey?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good question, perhaps one of our Guernsey readers will tell us.

      Delete
  23. Here we go again, we have the law now dictating how this is dealt with. The Church are washing their hands of the problem. So now Bailhache and his cronies are taking over, again! is there ever an end to this dictatorship in Jersey! My heart goes out to HG at this time.

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  24. It is a nightmare, but don't give up, maybe God will speak? HG

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  25. I also have heard that the Establishment are working hard to make Jersey Independent from the Queen and the UK. Well then all you Sir's! give up your titles! you can't have it all! you stand beside the Queen, you accept her title and then you now want Independence, you Sirs know who you are! answer that point please! 'bread buttered on all sides' comes to mind! You invite the Royals to Jersey yet you think you are Royalty! which is it?

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    Replies
    1. A good question, would be interested in the answer.

      Delete
    2. Jersey becoming independent when they cannot handle abuse cases and look after vulnerable people is not a great idea and maybe that should be taken into consideration.

      Delete
  26. Polo,
    Thank you for your Comment but if you will amend the word beginning with W to something like imbeciles I will publish it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob

      Sorry for the offence. It wouldn't be noticed in Dublin. Anyway, I don't have a copy of the comment and have forgotten what it was.

      I think I may have said there was subject matter for a whack of blogposts in Ben Shenton's report. I read all 18 pages of it and it was unputdownable. Plus ça change ...

      If you have an editing facility please feel free to substitute "idiots". Otherwise, I'll catch up next time round.

      Delete
    2. Dear Polo,

      Thanks for you Comment and I am pleased to see that my Blog is being read in Dublin where you say the word you had written is part of everyday language. I am not a prude and I know the word is also in use in some parts of Jersey. However I know that my Blog is read by a number of readers who might be offended by the word so I would rather a different word was used to describe those behind the Court's decision.

      Below is what you submitted with the original word replaced with the word idiots, which is not a unreasonable word to describe some of those involved in the Reg's Skip affair.

      “I read Ben Shenton's report with interest, enough there for half a dozen blog posts. What a crowd of idiots.

      Sad that the Pinels did not recoup all of their legal costs at least, how come if the States was supposed to underwrite up to £300k?

      I loved the bit where you could sell a sliver of land to evade a claim under voisinage which was the only thing in the report that made me smile. The rest of it just pumped up my blood pressure.

      Thanks to anonymous for that priceless link. Presumably they remain anonymous for the same reason that it fell to Ben Shenton to bring the matter to the States.

      May the force be with you?”

      Delete
    3. Polo, yes, many in Jersey are outraged by various acts.

      I did not intend to dominate the thread with Reg's Skips. The important issue here is justice and fairness to HG. Nevertheless, Reg's Skips is a perfect example of the Jersey establishment gone mad.

      There is a ton of info on the assembly website (reports, propositions, etc) but some of the best stuff is in the Hansard. More info at http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/pages/search.aspx?query=Reg's+skips&sasubjects=%22Hansard%22. Tweak the search for other document types. Be prepared for lots of reading, if you are interested.

      Delete
  27. Bob.

    Turning a blind eye to Child Abuse is not illegal..........YET

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thanks for the link and I ask Readers to open it.

      It will be a sad reflection on our society if it becomes an offence to fail to record an allegation of abuse. However there appears to be few other safeguards in place.

      Way back in Saxon days there was a system of Hue and Cry which was a self form of policing. If a crime was reported or witnessed the person becoming aware of the crime had a duty of raising a Hue and Cry and everyone in the community had a duty to stop whatever they were doing to chase the wrongdoer to arrest him/her.

      If the witness failed to raise the Hue and Cry he/she was liable to the same punishment the offender would have received if arrested.

      The reason why people like Jimmy Savile and many others were so successful was because their crimes were covered up. So if there is a need for legislation to ensure that people in positions of responsibility do their duty then so be it.

      Readers will note that in the Link there is an opportunity to sign the petition.

      Delete
    2. Have you signed the petition Bob?

      Delete
  28. Thanks Bob for the civilised way you dealt with my comment.

    I would not like to divert the thread from HG either.

    It was an unforgivable way to deal with any human being. First ignored and then severely punished for trying to right a wrong.

    The church sounds like it is now afraid to rock the boat in case the whole edifice comes tumbling down (if you'll excuse the mixed metaphors).

    I think Christ threw the traders out of the Temple. The CofE is beginning to look like it would just have bought a few souvenirs and gone home.

    As for that amalgam of an Administration on the Island. The sooner Stuart can twist the Monarch's arm and get HM to face up to her responsibilities the better.

    I wouldn't entirely lose hope on that front. She laid a wreath at the memorial to those who had once fought against her government when she was in Dublin (Garden of Remembrance). I was quite touched at the time.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for your understanding.

      The Church of England appears to be getting itself into a hole and one wonders who is advising it.

      The gap between the upper echelons and the ordinary church member is too wide. This is evident in HG’s case where the Dean is portrayed as a jolly good fellow and it is HG who is rocking the boat and should be silenced.

      There are a couple of other untoward occurrences involving the clergy in Jersey which will also need to be addressed, but that is for another day.

      Regretfully it is becoming evident that Dame Stee's part of the investigation is heading for a whitewash.

      Delete
  29. I did wonder whether Dame Steel was persuaded by Bailhache to offer her services!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is not known how Dame Steel was appointed, nor what role if any, Senator Bailhache played.

      However one wonders why she was appointed along with a Police Officer and why John Gladwin could not conduct that part of the investigation as well as the Safeguarding policy matters.

      Delete
  30. I had to laugh at the graphic on this
    http://therightofreply.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/church-incompetence-under-microscope.html

    I believe that "Dublin" is sometimes spoken on that site :-)

    ReplyDelete
  31. dear bob
    tonight i found a child,s top and bottom bridge i then went to hand them in to an honorary officer,he told be to put them in the bin as it had nothing to do with him.this could be jersey,s
    future.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you have any concerns, you should take the items to the States Police.

      Delete
  32. dear bob
    as if that would do any good may as well put them in the bin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The decision is yours but if you thought it important enough to give the items to the Honorary Police then it must be important to give them to the States Police.

      Delete
    2. I agree. It is important to document this stuff for the future. If the finder accepts the Honorary (or State's) Police rebuff they are then getting those forces off the hook. If they are handed in then the authorities have to take responsibility for whatever decision they make.

      Delete
  33. I am slightly puzzled as to what he actually found and why it is significant? HG

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    Replies

    1. Like Polo and other readers, I don't know what the clothing looks like or where it was found, but Martin was concerned enough to give it to the Honorary Police.

      For a start I would have thought the Police had a duty to accept the property as Property Found and enter the details in a Property Found Register. It may be that the clothing had been intentionally discarded by the child's parents, but it could have been genuinely lost where the parents would be pleased to have it back.

      There is also the more sinister side of life where the clothing could be those of a child who was missing like Madeleine McCann. In these circumstances the clothing could be vital evidence.

      I don’t know what training police officers receive today, but in my day it was drummed into us that any property being given to us had to be treated with utmost caution and its details properly recorded.

      Delete
  34. dear bob
    let be clear they were bridge work or brace,s a full set for a child,s teeth you could see by looking at them they were a child,s i picked them up with a some kitchen towel i had on me as we all know how much dental work is on jersey i tried to hand them to a h/police officer as parish hall was closed i was then told it had nothing to with him.as far as i know he but them in the bin but i did not see him do this.so some poor soul will have to pay for more.and that is the way most honorary,s are like in this parish just in it to get what they can out of it,ie free trips free meals.there is no honor in honorary,s anymore.all so i do not trust sojp

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh dear sorry to laugh I ignored the bridge part of the initial post and assumed someone had found a childs top and bottoms ie t shirt and trousers possibly someone had purchased and dropped them. Now I realise after the latest post it is to do with childs teeth? bridge work

    ReplyDelete
  36. Bob.

    A little off subject I know but thought you might fancy a little trip down MEMORY LANE

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Interesting that you should mention that Voice.

      Dr Julie Roberts, the anthropologist who found a piece of child's skull at Haut de la Garenne is trusted by the CPS to give evidence in the April Jones abduction trial

      https://twitter.com/DarrenLittleSky/status/336769764775063552

      Delete
    2. It looks as though there could be an interesting Blog to come?

      Delete
    3. Thanks Voice,

      I reckon I look at least 3 years younger now than what I was 3 years ago, is something to do with living in a "States Free Zone?"

      Delete
    4. Thak you Voice, that wa useful. I didn't know tha about the fragment at the time - so much stuff printed I got bogged down.

      Delete
  37. Bob, as I passed our old school of St Martins this am I was very sad as they had just started digging out for the new school on the north east of the field, during the summer terms we spent many hours doing some lessons and of course playing on the field, it was always a highlight to go outside as it were, I can also remember sports days and football of course, I left that school when I was 15years old I am now 65 but I always have good memories of the place, but like you probably are at this time I am very saddened as to what they are doing, as I passed three men and one women were walking into the playing field entrance all had papers under their arms and hard hats looking rather official they were in fits of laughter, what is the bet they are not even Jersey born so will have no idea how it is for us True Jersey Born Folk to watch daily as they wreck our heritage.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. I too noticed the “rape” of our much loved school field. I don’t know where the people you saw came from but I bet they never attended St Martin’s School had they, they would have learnt a bit of common sense and that the school field was unique and irreplaceable.

      One wonders what environmental education the pupils receive.

      Delete
  38. anonyomous
    i,m only 50 years old but you are so right they are wrecking jersey,s heritage. but you just have to look at goverment over the years to see were,s it,s gone all wrong greed greed greed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Martin I agree.

      The Amy family gifted the field to the school in 1947 with a covenant that prohibited building on it. I bet the Amy’s are turning in their grave.

      Delete
  39. Bob.

    Not (or was it) Juliette Gallichan's FINEST MOMENT

    ReplyDelete
  40. Re HG & *. ******

    http://thebaldtruthjersey.blogspot.com/2013/05/bailhache-gate-2-what-was-senator.html

    Well is'nt Philip a naughty Sir ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed so, but I'm not surprised. This is almost as appalling as the story of the mentally ill woman who spent 8 months at La Moye when it is obvious that she should have been in hospital which I read on the front of yesterday's JEP. I did not buy it I hasten to add! Strangely, it's not on the website!

      Delete
    2. In my first Blog on the Dean Affair published on 22nd March I was concerned about HG’s arrest, detention and conviction and wrote the following “ As a responsible and caring community how could the above happen, are our Health, Social Services, Police, Courts, Legal Advisors and other relevant agencies fully trained and resourced to respond to people like HG? Given her experience one is left to wonder.”

      I wrote to the Chief Minister asking him to instigate an investigation, I have repeated that request but am still waiting for a reply.

      What is also appalling in the case you are referring to is that the Crown Advocate Emma Hollywood moved for 4 years and 1 month imprisonment, what sort of training has she received, but it justifies the concerns I expressed in my Blog published last March.

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  41. What do you make of Bruce Willng's letter to the JEP tonight? Is it true that HG is seeking compensation. I am still more concerned about the damage to her than that to the Church, which I feel is compounded by a seeming 'defend the Dean at all costs' campaign.

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    1. Thank you for your concern regarding HG, some of the claims being made about her are hurtful and people making them should be ashamed of their actions.

      Bruce Willing is entitled to ask questions of the Bishop as indeed I have via my Blogs and I look forward to his answers. Some of the questions could also have been asked of the Dean but no doubt they will be asked by John Gladwin and Dame Steel.

      I have not read tonight’s JEP yet, so I don’t know whether it contains information regarding HG claiming compensation, but if someone has made that allegation it just shows how low some of the people objecting to the Visitation have sunk.

      There was letter published in the JEP last Friday which contains and number of hurtful inaccuracies, I written a response which I am minded to publish as a Blog later this week.

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    2. I am interested to hear that I am claiming compensation. I seem to be doing and have done a lot of things that I know nothing about! Must be the mental illness, you know. :D
      Why exactly are they continuing this hate campaign against me now that they have got their Dean back, are they frightened of something? HG :)

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    3. Yes - the truth! I'm glad you still seem to have a sense of humour!

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    4. The sense of humour keeps me alive! :) HG

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  42. Just to add, even if I ever were to go for compensation, which people tell me I am entitled to, and people have encouraged me to do and offered to help me do, it would not heal any wounds, it would not take away the damage done, nothing will, not therapy, not money, nothing will undo the harm I have suffered because of the church of England. I am not currently claiming compensation, more important to me is the Diocese of Winchester leaving me alone.HG

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  43. HG certainly deserves at least as much support as our Dean! I do hope that someone appropriately placed in Jersey can set the record straight, including the claim that she is taking action for compensation which she apparently knows nothing about.
    If I behaved in the same way as these pillars of society and the Church I would be made to feel thoroughly ashamed by my friends and families!

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  44. Thank you, I think you speak for many.

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  45. So HG can use the words "fictitious lies" to describe those unfounded comments, and mean them with all honesty, unlike the person who likes reading confidential information on a plane :-)

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  46. What is disappointing is that so called long standing church members who presumably are also Christians are peddling "fictitious lies" to discredit HG in an attempt to deflect the failings of those they wish to defend.

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  47. Great letter to the JEP, keep fighting the good fight.

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    1. Thank you, for your info I will be posting a new Blog tomorrow.

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  48. Yes, I also wish to thank you for the letter to the JEP. It is highly regrettable that prominent Church members seem unable or unwilling to see that turning a blind eye to our position with regard to the Diocese of Winchester and the events surround HG's departure from Jersey are likely to cause irreparable harm to the C of E's reputation.

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    1. Thank you too, the JEP redacted the paragraph in my letter about HG’s removal from the Island but my full letter will be in tomorrow’s Blog.

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  49. excuse me for being ignorant but can you explain the comment above to me? HG

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    1. If you mean my comment about prominent Churchgoers, HG, I just mean that lying about what happened and trying to cover it up just risks damaging the Church' s
      reputation beyond repair (this may have already happened). It makes me angry, but I find it sad.

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    2. The church is certainly in a muddle, for all to see. I am not sure why it took me so long to realise that I would be safer if I left the church of England. I hope for the sake of ordinary church people that this matter gets settled. HG

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  50. Excellent letter Bob. Will you be attending the meeting at Grouville?

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    1. Thank you for your kind comment, I have a meeting in town that evening which I must attend.

      I note that the headline reads “Anglicans are being invited to a meeting to discuss the crisis in the Diocese.” It is being organised by Senator Bailhache, if there is a crisis is it of the Senator’s making?

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    2. Yes it is of his making, but I don't think Bruce Willing's intervention helped as from my conversations with people, it got some churchgoers backs up.

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    3. From the messages I am receiving from ordinary church goers they are offended by the strident approach adopted by Senator Bailhache and Bruce Willing.

      In their view the two men do not represent them and their intervention is seen as divisive and doing more harm than good.

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  51. Here we go again, Bailhache ! is he for real?

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  52. Is Winchester aware of all this?

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    1. I expect that they have their ear to the ground.

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  53. Bob, I heard your interview at the meeting that P Bailhache attended. You were brave and you were so good to ask about HG. I admire your bravery to ask the questions that those like P Bailhache hope never get asked, well you asked them x

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    1. Thank you and also to Voice for Children for making the interview available via its Blog.

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