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Keeping to this years theme of me being assigned to cover any event with Christmas in the title I found myself on Sunday morning on the sands of Grande Rocques beach.

This time the 'Christmas' link was all to do with dogs and knitted jumpers!

I was at the annual Sausage Walks Guernsey Facebook group Christmas outing... specifically for the local Dachshunds.

This was so much fun to photograph as there was so much action, colour and character.

So this was not the easiest of jobs but I think I managed to capture a few of the stars!

Click the link if you want to view the photos:
CLICK TO VIEW THE CHRISTMAS DACHSHUNDS

One of the final events in the Guernsey School of Popular Music's calendar is also one of my favourites of the year.

The event is titled 'Music for Everyone' and that pretty well sums it up.

The format of the show, which is held in the theatre at Beau Sejour, is to give individual students the chance to perform as part of a professional band made up of SoPM tutors.

Once the students have 'done their thing' they recount what their own musical journey has been like on the road to taking the spotlight on stage.

After the event I'm always so impressed how well the 'Music for Everyone' title perfectly tells the story.

My photos of the 2025 show are now online:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2025 GUERNSEY SoPM MUSIC FOR EVERYONE SHOW

Yes, it's that time of year again and the Panto season is upon us.

I usually find myself photographing one of the shows and this year I was at a rehearsal of the St Stephens Church 'Cinderella - The Fairy Godmother of all Pantomimes'.
CLICK TO VIEW THE PANTO PHOTOS

I think there is some sort of conspiracy afoot this year. There seems to be a plan to wear me down to the point where I actually get seriously into a Christmas good mood!

My Christmas spirit was something that wore thin during my thirty-five years working in retail!

However it seems that this year my name has been top of the list for any seasonal photo assignments... installing the town church square Christmas lights... Hanging from a crane photographing the installation of the star on the top of St Peter Port's towering Tree of Joy... and yesterday I was sent to take photos of the amazing Winter Wonderland lights!

What's left I wonder? Carol singing? Father Christmas squeezing down a chimney? Children sledging in the snow? Well maybe not that one!

For now you can see my photos of the 2025 Winter Wonderland which are now online. They feature the magical evening event held within the gardens owned by the Bachmann family in the aid of Charities.

A huge number of islanders took the opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit whilst exploring the fairy-tale scene featuring thousands of lights... it was truly magical.

So the question has to be 'Did it work its magic and get me feeling festive?'

Well I did dig through the wardrobe looking for the Xmas jumper and I'm starting to look at the mince pies in M&S, so there's hope for me yet!

HO,HO,HO

View my photos of the stunning displays by clicking the link:
CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS OF THE 2025 WINTER WONDERLAND

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this particular assignment.

This time I was sent to photograph the Diwali 'Festival of Light' at the Manor Hotel. I'd been advised that I was likely to be welcomed and that was so true.

The party was just starting when I arrived and in no time there was a wonderful display of food, the music encouraged amazing dance performances by the children and vibrant colours filled the room.

The hospitality was incredible and I had to almost 'fight' my way out as I was encouraged to enjoy the food and the evening's entertainment.

I left with some beautiful photos and they can now be viewed by clicking the link:
CLICK TO VIEW THE DIWALI FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

The Guernsey School of Popular Music now has a traditional weekend where students talents are showcased in front of family and friends.

Part of the weekend includes a 'Battle of the Bands' event. This is presented on the big stage at Beau Sejour which offers amazing sound quality complemented with professional lighting... the result is a night to remember for all those involved.

I kept my own tradition going by photographing the whole night and the photos are now online. Just click the link if you want to see the results of all the talented students hard work:
CLICK TO VIEW THE GUERNSEY SoPM BATTLE OF THE BANDS

The festive season kicked off quite early this year with the Guernsey School of Popular Music's Christmas Concert.

In what I think was a brilliant move the Guernsey School of Popular Music included their Christmas Concert into their weekend of events at Beau Sejour.

As we were still in November this benchmark meant that the festive season must have begun!

And judged by the other guideline as to whether it's too early, the fact that M&S have started advertising Christmas everything was fine!

My photos of the SoPM Guernsey Christmas Concert can be viewed by clicking the link:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2025 SoPM GUERNSEY CHRISTMAS CONCERT

This year my diary has been full of 'Christmas' assignments.

Clearly there is some sneaky plan to get me into a festive mood this year.

Time will tell.... but it's going to be a challenge!

I was flying high on this particular assignment as I was photographing the installation of the Town Square Christmas lights. A perfect excuse for a ride in a cherry picker!

Click the link to view my photos:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INSTALATION OF THE TOWN CHURCH SQUARE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Near the top of my list of 'most challenging' Sports to photograph is Badminton.

Just the speed of play is enough to make me shudder. When that is combined with the lightening fast rackets and the players erratic movements we are now talking hard to photograph.

But you also have to factor in less than ideal levels of light and just to add to a photographers horror list the walls of the Badminton halls are painted 'light absorbing' and colour cast inducing dark green!

So now I've set the scene you may understand if I leave a Badminton event with a handful of decent shots I'm MORE than happy and relieved!

I recently photographed the Guernsey Badminton Association's 'Guernsey Closed Tournament' at the Rohais Badminton Hall. I was only able to get there for some of the Men's Singles matches and my description above was what I found!

Luckily, even though I've been ranting, I actually do enjoy a challenge!

If you are interested in how I managed (after I've made such a big thing about it) you can view the photos by clicking the link:
CLICK TO VIEW THE PHOTOS OF THE BADMINTON GUERNSEY CLOSED 2025

I really don't know what interesting assignments will turn up each week.

That part of my job is really enjoyable and I've said before that it is such a privilege to be given the opportunity to experience so many different aspects of life in Guernsey.

A recent job was another first for me. I was asked to photograph the 'full immersion' baptisms at Eldad Elim Church. I was welcomed by the multi-cultural congregation and the service was joyous, informal and friendly.

My photos of the Reverend Howard Davenport baptising six members of the congregation at Eldad Elim Church are now online. Click the link to view them.
CLICK TO VIEW THE BAPTISM SERVICE AT RLDAD ELIM CHURCH

Well that was different!

It's hard to believe that I REALLY don't like heights. Even standing on a cliff edge or climbing a ladder makes my knees go weak!

So how can my brain not be bothered by some of the silly places my work takes me sometimes??

Over the years I have been up in many Cherry-pickers.

I've been at full height and cantilevered over on the Fire Service ladder.

.....and I've hung out of a door-less helicopter chasing powerboats as they raced!

On Sunday my 'office' was airborne once again. This time it felt like I was flying.... shame about the wind and the rain though!

But I needn't explain any more. As the saying goes, 'a picture is worth a thousand words!'
CLICK TO SEE MORE OF MY OFFICE WITH A VIEW

On Friday I was back at St Pierre Park Hotel as the Guernsey Dinner Boxing Club's summer break ended. Sadly their November 'Boxing at the Park' night proves that autumn has arrived along with the shorter days.

The Guernsey team faced a strong line-up from St Paul's Hull.

It was helpful that a couple of junior bouts were first on the bill as I'm always a bit rusty after several months away from the ring-side!

So after a trigger-happy start I eventually got back in the swing and the results are now online. Click the link if you are interested:
CLICK TO VIEW THE NOVEMBER 2025 DINNER BOXING

The Global Collection Festival was created five years ago by Jon Bisson and Gregory Harrison.

Their original concept has grown and developed since then but it is still centred around three venues within St James Guernsey, The Whittacker Hall, The Pit and The Café.

Additional performances could also be enjoyed at the Old Government House Hotel.

The 2025 edition of the GCF was held over three days and nights and featured an amazing line-up of exciting artists and I'm certain that every one of the music lovers who attended during the three days would have discovered a new act to follow!

Thank you St James for enriching our lives once again.

You can view my photos of the 2025 GCF in the Galleries below.....
CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS OF THE 2025 GLOBAL COLLECTION FESTIVAL

There's no surprises here when I say that many, many pints were drunk at La Villette Hotel the other night.

I was at the annual clash between Guernsey Darts and a darts team from Medway.

The 2025 edition was held at La Villette Hotel and was as boisterous, noisy and competitive as usual.

Whilst many friendships have formed over the years, when it comes to the darts, each team just wants to beat the opposition!

Guernsey retained the trophy this year but Medway promise to sort that out next year when they return for more darts... and a few more beers!

I've added a new gallery of photos to the website. If you're interested just click the link to view the gallery:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS OF GUERNSEY DARTS v MEDWAY

Last Saturday I was at St Pierre Park Hotel with the Guernsey Press team to cover their 2025 Pride of Guernsey Awards.

Once again the evening celebrated the most amazing people and the acts of kindness and achievements they performed during the last twelve months.

The photographers team consisted of just two of us so it really was non-stop action as we made sure we captured all the emotions and smiles.

I've now uploaded a new Gallery featuring my photos of the awards night.
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2025 PRIDE OF GUERNSEY AWARDS

When I'm asked to cover a 'cup' game but I only have a limited time before I have to move on there is always a worry that I might miss all the action... the important moments.

What if nothing happens until after I leave?

What about extra time or even penalties?

So when I headed down to Victoria Park for the Isuzu FA Vase game between Guernsey FC and Staplehurst Monarchs and knowing that I had to head off early to photograph the Guernsey Pride Awards the question was 'will I get enough action photos in my limited time'?

Ha, what was I worried about! GFC where on fire from the whistle and treated us to ninety+ minutes of action in just the first twenty minutes of play!

The guys were unstoppable... although it did take around 35 minutes to find the back of the net!

GFC's players, at the moment, seem fired up with confidence. The balance of skills and telepathic understanding between players is fantastic to watch!

So whilst I was really disappointed to have to leave such an entertaining game early, I certainly didn't lack a few action photos!

You can view the game by clicking this link:
CLICK TO VIEW THE GFC v STAPLEHURST MONARCHS PHOTOS

The axe's (of the guitar variety) where out for a fight in Jersey when the Jersey School of Popular Music held the annual 'Battle of the Jersey School Bands' at Haute Vallée School theatre.

This years event was the best ever and was great fun to photograph.

Now this is just an idea.... but maybe we could have a 'Battle of the Bands' inter-insular someday?

Now there's an idea SoPM!

You can view the Jersey BotB's Galleries by clicking this link:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE JERSEY BATTLE OF THE JERSEY SCHOOL BANDS

The GFC Women maintained their unbeaten record so far this season when they played the visiting team, AFC Stoneham, at Victoria Park.

The 1-1 draw was a fair representation of the closely fought game where both teams performed well. Whilst this game didn't produce the goal fest that had come before it was encouraging that the GFC Women where able to adapt to a tighter game.

Well done to the ladies. Lets hope the good form lasts. You have certainly captured the interest among local supporters who look forward to the next game at Victoria Park.

I've added a new gallery featuring the GFC Women v AFC Stoneham. Click the link to view them:
CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS OF GFC WOMAN v AFC STONEHAM

GFC had a bit of a hiccup in their form when they met Pagham at Victoria Park in a Southern Combination Premier Division game.

After a great start and several missed chances it took forty minutes for GFC to make their mark.

But with the change of direction at half time the strong wind favoured Pagham and GFC paid the price of the earlier misses eventually dropping behind 2-4 by the whistle.

My photos of the game are now online, just click the link to view them:
CLICK TO VIEW THE GFC v PAGHAM PHOTOS

I seem to live down Victoria Park at the moment. But there's certainly no time to doze as the non-stop action on the pitch keeps everyone entertained!

Sunday I was pitch side for the Women's GFC game against Andover New Street. The first ten minutes didn't look good for the local girls as they quickly fell two goals behind.

GFC pulled their play together as the game progressed and as the ninety minutes passed it was back to level pegging on 3-3.

But as the saying goes, it's never over until it's over and frustratingly in the sixth minute of extra time Andover snatched a goal... and the lead.

However they hadn't banked on the grit and competitiveness of the GFC ladies who used the last moments of the ten minutes of extra time to nab an equaliser and a deserved 4-4 draw!

Well done to our GFC Women on an amazing performance. My photos of the game are now online. Click the link to view them:
CLICK TO VIEW GFC WOMEN v ANDOVER NEW STREET