VIDEO: Two Islanders celebrate New Year with honours

Saturday 31 December 2016

2017 will get off to a good start for two Islanders - they've been recognised by the Queen in her New Year's Honours List.

Jurat Jill Clapham has been appointed an Officer of the British Empire - an OBE - and prison governor Bill Millar a Member - an MBE.

Jurat Clapham’s honour is “for services to the Royal Court and community”.

For 30 years she’s been involved with the Samaritans – a charity that provides a 24 hour a day, 365 days a year, confidential ‘listening ear’ so that you can – according to its website - discuss “what’s getting to you”.

She’s was also a Jurat – an elected honorary Royal Court judge for 15 years – retiring last year, and Lieutenant-Bailiff - a Jurat appointed by the Bailiff to assist him in the running of the courts. Jurats have to retire when they’re 72-years-old, but can be called in to help in court cases for three years after officially leaving the post – something that’s happened to Jurat Clapham. Jurats keep their title for life.

Before having a family Jurat Clapham was a teacher at Hautlieu, Jersey College for Girls and St Michael’s. She’s still a governor of St Michael’s.

Jurat Clapham was “absolutely delighted when she heard the news”. Modestly, she feels she doesn’t really deserve it, but believes the news is “a great tribute to the honorary system”. Recipients are notified in advance they’re likely to be given an honour, but are told not to tell anyone. Many say they find this a real challenge, but not Jurat Clapham – as a Samaritan and member of the judiciary she’s very familiar with the concept of keeping information confidential.

Bill Millar’s recognised for “services to the States of Jersey Prison Service”. He’s worked for the prison service for forty years – more than 30 in Scotland, and almost nine as the Governor of La Moye. There have been dramatic changes during his time in the service. In particular he says there’s more emphasis on rehabilitating offenders rather than just incarcerating them.

Whilst many UK prisons have seen clashes between officers and inmates, and have been plagued by arguments over pay and conditions, during Mr Millar’s time in charge Jersey has had few problems. He says that’s thanks to an excellent working relationship with the union, and the backing and support of politicians.

Nevertheless, despite its small size – a maximum prison population of around 250 – La Moye does pose its own problems. Chief amongst those are that it houses a cross section of offenders – on remand and convicted, youths, women and men; for a vast array of offences, from fraud and sex crimes, to violence and drugs.

Reflecting on the honour Mr Millar also sees it as recognition not only for the work he has done over a long period of time, but for all those who help run the prison service.