Happy bird-day Sim!

Monday 28 October 2019

A local parrot, who once lived in a toyshop and survived a fire, will be the ‘squawk’ of the town next week when he celebrates his 70th bird-day.

Sim, a multi-coloured Amazon parrot, has seen many things over his 70 years, and now the students at the school he’s called home since the late 1980’s - Rouge Bouillon - are throwing a special birthday party in the honour of their feathered friend.

From a specially made cake edible for parrots and people alike, parrot-themed decorations for his cage and the school choir singing ‘Happy Birthday’ just for him – the students are planning a party to ‘beak’ any parrot’s interest next Monday (4 November).

Pictured: The Rouge Bouillon School students will be helping Sim celebrate the milestone birthday. 

Sim originally lived at Briggs toy shop, in St. Helier, until it closed for business in 1988. After an island-wide appeal was launched to find a new home for the bird, former Headteacher Wendy Hurford gave him a home at Rouge Bouillon, where he has lived ever since.

Having seen generations of pupils through the school over the years, Sim still delights those currently at the school. 

One Year 5 pupil said: “We love looking after Sim and cleaning his cage out even though sometimes he makes it very dirty." 

A pupil from Year 6 said: “It’s very impressive that he can talk – he says hello to us, and we love it.”

In 1991, a fire ripped through Rouge Bouillon School due to repairs taking place in the roof space. 13 members of staff, some with their children, had been in the building when the fire was discovered and they, along with Sim, were evacuated. No one was hurt. 

Pictured: Sim lived in a toyshop once upon a time, but now his home is at Rouge Bouillon School.

Having survived the blaze, Sim has lived to see his 70^th birthday and the school is determined to make it one to remember.

Jess Doyle, Deputy Head at Rouge Bouillon, said: “This birthday party is our way of celebrating the contribution Sim has made to life at Rouge Bouillon School over the decades. Generations of our students will remember him fondly, and he’s a wonderful presence to have here.

“We have many new students who are nervous about starting school, and other students who might be new to Jersey too. When they see Sim their faces light up and talking to him helps them to relax and settle into life at school.”