Urgent call for St Helier to 'man up'

Friday 10 March 2017

It looks like St. Helier may be left without a male Battle ambassador, or his junior, this year for the first time, as no male candidates have come forward for the competition tomorrow night.

Officials from the St Helier Battle of Flowers Association have now issued an urgent appeal for last-minute candidates.

The Jungle VIP-themed tea party, hosted by the St. Helier Battle of Flowers Association at 14:00 at the Town Hall, is likely to be a female-only affair this Saturday, although entry levels from the girls are only marginally better than for the boys. So far only two ladies and four little girls have applied for the female positions. 

"It's the first time we have no boys participating", commented Dee Cousins, Secretary of the Association. "It's really bizarre and quite a shame. Maybe the boys think it's too girly for them!"

But she said there is still time, entrants can still show up on Saturday until just before the event kicks off, at 13.30, with the completed form, and their parents.

Boys aged between 10 and 16 can compete to become the next junior Mr St Helier, while those aged over 17 can do so for the adult parish title. All they will have to do is answer five parish-related questions prepared by the quintet of judges, just as their female counterparts will need to do. 

If elected, the ambassadors will start off their duties with the Parish Easter egg hunt, followed by Liberation Day, the Boat Show, the Fete de St. Helier and, of course, the many parades up until the Christmas season. "It's quite a packed schedule and a big job for them", explains Dee Cousins. "But it's also lots of fun!"