Hélène Somerville, Speech Therapist: Five things I MISS about Jersey

Friday 18 December 2020

She spends her days finding innovative new ways to help babies and young children struggling with speaking to find sounds.

But today Jersey-born, England-based speech and language therapist Hélène Sommerville’s focus is different.

After releasing a book called ‘The Sound We Found’ following Baby Bear as he learns new sounds, she has taken the time to sound out the five things she misses about living locally…

1. My family

I miss my family, especially my Dad, Francois and my brothers, Guy and Charles, and their families.

Growing up, everyone seemed to know my mum or dad or grandparents or uncles. With a name like Le Maistre, what could I expect? I was always known as "Francois's" or "June's daughter", and couldn't wait to go somewhere I wasn't known... But now I'd love someone to stop me and say, "Oh, you're Francois' daughter."

2. My old school buddies

I went to Les Landes Primary School in St. Ouen and then Jersey College for Girls. I think you don't appreciate how good your schooling was until you get older.

We had such freedom at Les Landes, having lessons outside, going for nature walks and helping out with the beekeeping, no such thing as health and safety in those days. And I loved the range of lessons we had at JCG, especially science, and the novelty of having to move around for every lesson - such a contrast from cosy little Les Landes!

Pictured: Hélène's school days are a fond memory.

I'd lost touch with some friends after moving to New Zealand, but, through the wonders of Facebook and particularly through the efforts of Jane Le Sueur (née Le Breton), who tracked loads of our year group down for a school reunion, I have been able to meet up with old friends from JCG and Les Landes and relive the best days of our lives (allegedly!).

3. St. Ouen

I love the parish for its sense of community and hearing Jerrias being spoken at the Country market or in church at St. George's with my Dad. I miss Rogation Sunday, the Branchage, the WI jumble sales and my favourite place Grosnez.

I love that I can still get my St. Ouennais fix with the Gris Ventre and keep up to date with Parish news. I was able to get over to the island just before Christmas a good few years ago now, and got to go to the carol service at St. George's.

Pictured: Hélène has a fond memory of watching the Nativity at St. George's.

The then Connètable Ken Vibert was playing the part of one of the Three Wise Men and he and the others paraded in and I remember being very in the moment and thinking it was just so perfect, singing alongside my family, and the Parish Elders and wondering if I would ever get that opportunity again.

4. The sea... and the best beaches in the world!

Grève au Lancon, Grève de Lecq and St. Ouen's Bay... For someone who loves the sea, I've ended up about as landlocked as you can get in the UK in Central Bedfordshire. I miss not being able to pop down for a walk along the sand, come rain or shine.

Pictured: St. Ouen's Bay is one of Hélène's favourite beaches.

There is something so mesmerising about the sea and relaxing being near it. I have to snatch opportunities when visiting my eldest daughter Holly in North Devon where the beaches at least come close to Jersey's standards.

5. The food... especially the seafood

I love nothing better than a trip to Colleens at Grève de Lecq for a crab sandwich.

Again, it was a case of not realising how high the standard of cafe and restaurant meals were in the island until you eat out elsewhere! I have found a half-decent scampi and chips at a gastropub near me, but not the standard of Jersey.

Pictured: Hélène has a soft spot for Jersey's Fish Market.

I love the Fish Market in St, Helier and, of course, Faulkner Fisheries in L'Etacq. I've enjoyed a few of their Fruits de Mer over the years - thinking about it now is making my mouth water...