St John Constable Andy Jehan has shared the highs and lows of this year – and his parish ‘wish list’ for 2026…
What have been the highlights of 2025 for your parish?
The biggest highlight this year would have to be our Liberation 80 celebrations. We set out to do our best and that is exactly what we achieved. I was delighted that all of the events proved very popular.
They included an Occupation VIP party, a street party, church service and raising the flag on Liberation Day. St John’s primary school actively joined in with our celebrations, ensuring they involved both our young and more senior generations. Our Liberation 80 publication was very well received by parishioners and islanders, with its well-researched and informative articles.
Our exhibition in the Parish Hall attracted thousands of people, raising money for the Red Cross. We had a fantastic and dedicated organising committee, and we also had fantastic support from the community with dozens of people volunteering in a host of different ways. Liberation 80 in St John was a great example of our wonderful community coming together.
We also recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of our Golden Age Club and the 40th Anniversary of our twinning – two important parish milestones.
On a day-to-day basis, I see the kindness and generosity that people in St John show for one another, and it is a privilege to serve as Connétable.
What has been the greatest challenge for your parish this year?
In terms of challenges, there have been many, but traffic disruption is right up there.
In the spring, we had the major resurfacing in the village and now we have the essential roadworks on the St John main road.
The new crossings in the village have proved to be very successful and it is great to see more people walking and cycling to the village.
The works on the main roads are unavoidable, but they have been and remain a challenge for many parishoners.
The long-term benefit will also make this disruption worthwhile, although I recognise the challenges whilst the works are ongoing.
What is on your parish ‘wish list’ for 2026?
In 2026, we finally hope to get planning permission for our Memorial Garden, next to the Parish Hall.
This will be an area for recreation as well as providing much needed additional parking as our precinct continues to thrive.
We also hope to have much needed recreational space at Sion, creating a “centre” for the whole community in that area.
