That surprise is likely to be compounded by the understanding that Heritage has, to an extent, been the author of its own misfortune. In particular, a great deal of money was wasted through the gross mishandling of the contract for the ‘Duck’ service to and from Elizabeth Castle.
It is, however, necessary to look at the bigger picture. The £200,000, which is being provided by Education, will enable Heritage to keep facilities such the Maritime Museum and Hamptonne open to Islanders and visitors. It is unthinkable that such attractions should have to shut up shop for a number of compelling reasons.
To begin with, heritage sites and what they have to offer are among the features of the Island which make it attractive to holidaymakers. Though the processes are very difficult to measure or even discern because of the complex chain between cause and effect, it is probable that the present investment of £200,000 will pay handsome dividends in terms of business that might otherwise have been lost to the Island.
No one would suggest that the closure of either the Maritime Museum or Hamptonne would lead to people cancelling their holidays, but the erosion of the Jersey offering is the last thing that we need in present circumstances.
At an even broader level, heritage and heritage sites are very much a part of the complex of factors that make up the Island’s identity as seen from inside and outside. If we intend to continue to project our ‘international personality’, we cannot stand by and watch parts of it die or fade away.
These arguments certainly apply to Jersey’s many secular monuments of substantial note, but they can be extended to another building that has been the recent focus of controversy – the Town Church. We have just learned that the funds necessary for its refurbishment are to be made available thanks to a vote by St Helier parishioners.
The Town Church is a religious building, but it is also a vital element of our history and heritage. In common with buildings held for Islanders by the Heritage Trust, leaving it to fall into terminal disrepair was never an option.
