Sea sark magazine 2016

S ea Summer 2016

Things to do Where to eat What to see Living on Sark

The Isle of Sark Shipping Company Magazine

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Sark Island Hall

Inside This Issue Useful information 5 Dolphin Magic 6 Carriage tours 8 Cycling on Sark 10 Walking on Sark 12 Adventures on Sark 14 La Seigneurie Gardens 16 An Island of Inspiration 18 Top 10 Things To Do 20 Map of Sark 22 Exlporing Litte Sark 24 Seeing Stars on Sark 26 Rocquette Cider & the Sark Folk Festival 28 Events On Sark This Year 29 Eating on Sark 30 Staying on Sark 36 Weddings on Sark 40 Living on Sark 42

Open Monday to Saturday

Facilities include badminton, table tennis, snooker, pool & darts

The Sunflower CafĂŠ

Breakfast 9 - 11.30, Lunch 11.30 - 2.30 Afternoon teas until 4pm

Tea, coffee & cakes, delicious homemade soup, toasties, jacket potatoes, sandwiches & our famous Sark cream teas

Evening meals

Wednesday & Saturday 6pm - 7.30pm, Friday 6pm - 8pm Specials - Friday nights, fish & chips Saturday nights, pizza - both eat in or take away

Corporate events & BBQs catered for WiFi

The Maple Bar

A Small Island Publication for the Isle of Sark Shipping Company Ltd Photography & design by Sue Daly LRPS

Open Monday to Saturday until 10pm

Selling off sales 10am - 10pm Phone 01481 832666 to book or for more information 2

To advertise contact marketing@sarkshipping.gg

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Welcome Aboard

Thank you for travelling with us and welcome to the Isle of Sark Shipping’s On Board Magazine, where you can find information about your stay on Sark.

We are delighted to continue providing a vital role in transporting people and goods between Guernsey and Sark, as well as taking visitors on unforgettable holidays, uniting friends and loved ones. Owned by Sark islanders, our ferries carry over 45,000 passengers on up to 100,000 sailings each year. Isle of Sark Shipping is the only shipping company in the British Isles that belongs to those it serves. It is no surprise then that the sight of the tough little Bon Marin ploughing its way through the swirling winter seas off Bec du Nez or the sturdy Sark Viking coming alongside Maseline Harbour laden with cargo fills many Sarkese with pride.

We are constantly looking to improve satisfaction, so please feel free to complete our On Board Customer Feedback forms or ask a crew member for details. Thank you once again for choosing to travel with us, enjoy your trip and we look forward to welcoming you onboard again soon.

From the Isle of Sark Shipping Company

FOOD STOP

Useful Sark Information Isle of Sark Shipping Company

The Avenue, Sark

Sark Ticket Office - 01481 832450

For all your groceries, newspapers, fresh meat, fruit & vegetables

We are also proud to sell

Sark Tourism 01481 832345

WAITROSE goods

Please phone, fax or email your order prior to your arrival & we will be happy to deliver it to your accommodation on the day you arrive

Sark Constable (Emergency) 07781 101908

Phone 01481 832660 Fax: 01481 832549 Email - foodstop.sark@cwgsy.net

Sark Occupation Museum 07781 113386 Sark Doctor’s Surgery 01481 832045 Sark Island Hall 01481 832666

Useful Guernsey Information Lambourne Taxis 01481 235006

Les Cotils

Situated on the top of the hill just outside the centre of St Peter Port, enjoying fine views over the harbour and neighbouring islands.

With twelve acres of grounds to enjoy, a coffee shop, restaurant and bar as well as 26 ensuite bedrooms it is well worth a visit.

Mon Plaisir Stores

Fonacab 07781 103135 Hertz Hire Cars 01481 239516

For all your groceries, fresh fruit & veg, local meat & homemade produce. Also Sark lobster & crab (cooked if you prefer) & local wet fish to order. Take away cream teas. Free deliveries 6 days a week.

We’re opposite the Methodist Chapel

Tel 01481 832600 Email home.deliveries@monplaisirstores.sark.gg

Guernsey accommodation - special rates for Sark residents at Les Cotils Call 01481 727793

Isle of Sark Shipping Company Guernsey Ticket Office 01481 724059

ISLAND DELIVERIES Carting for all your needs Household or Commercial

Book Online at telephone: 01481 727793 e mail: reception@lescotils.com web: www.lescotils.com 4

ove Enjoy lunc rloo k h how ing He or din rm abo and ner u t c afte S rno hampa ark, or on t g ea? ne

www.sarkshippingcompany.com Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

Tel 07781 437822 or 01481 832288 Email info@islanddeliveries.sark.gg

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On your journe y to Sark, in ad dition to the stunning views of St Peter Port , Herm and Sark, if you ke ep an eye out yo u may be lucky enough to catch sight of th e dolphins that are often seen in Sark w aters.

Dolphin Magic Sark-based natural history photographer Sue Daly shares her thoughts on Sark’s most enchanting wildlife.

With a whoosh of exhaled breath and a spray of salt water a dolphin erupts from the sea a yard from the boat then plunges back beneath the waves. I’m all fingers and thumbs with my camera. Another leaps on the other side of the boat, far too quickly for me to even aim the lens, but I’m left with a mental snapshot of an intelligent eye looking back at me and a mouth-line that so much resembles a smile. At the bow another two dolphins surf effortlessly just beneath the surface like pieces of the sea made solid. After a few minutes of magic though the dolphins regroup and almost as one take a vertical dive returning, presumably, to the important business of fishing.

In the past both bottle-nose and common dolphins have occasionally been seen around Sark but over the last year bottle-nose dolphins seem to have made themselves very much at home here. George Guille has had passengers on his round the island boat trip almost falling overboard in their efforts to get closer, people canoeing with Adventure Sark have had dolphins almost within touching distance and passengers on the Isle of Sark Shipping Company’s inter-island ferries have had amazing views of these most endearing wild animals.

Someone else asked me if I thought the dolphins were aware of the effect they have on us. If they do think about us at all I imagine they have us down as noisy imbeciles for the way we shout and point and jump up and down at the first sight of a fin or two. As if to prove my point the Sark Belle (below), packed with passengers inside and out, pulls away from Maseline Harbour and heads towards Point Robert. The dolphins appear from several hundred yards away and make a bee-line for the ship, the youngsters leaping clear of the water in their excitement. A combined shriek of delight erupts from the hundred and eighty passengers on board and, I suspect, the crew too as the sleek, grey missiles surf effortlessly alongside the ship and swirl in and out of the bow wave.

Watching them, I can’t help but think that the dolphins are enjoying life around Sark as much as we are all enjoying having them here! ge to the The ima o ailable t left is av ter from pos buy as a Visitor a the S rk £7.50 rice Centre p

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Exploring Sark

Horse Power If there is one sound that perfectly captures the essence of Sark it must be the clip clop of hooves accompanied by the rumble of cartwheels and when you arrive at the top of Harbour Hill and see the horses and carriages waiting you know straight away that this island is different; a place where horse power rules the roads and mostly comes in single units.

Of the forty or so horses on Sark at the moment just over half work for a living, pulling carriages of various sizes from two-wheeled buggies that carry a couple of passengers to the larger

wagonettes and vans that take twelve. The gentle pace allows the driver plenty of time to point out the most interesting sights and talk about island life and the elevated seating position provides an excellent view over hedges and garden walls. Just as importantly, a carriage ride gives anyone visiting Sark the chance to engage with someone who lives here, an opportunity lacking on a coach tour or other large, impersonal ‘visitor experiences’ offered elsewhere. A horse drawn carriage is also the perfect way to show royalty and other important visitors around the island and a night-time ride, with the carriage lit by oil lamps, is a magical way to visit a favourite restaurant. For weddings too this most traditional form of transport is ideal. Both horses and carriages are beautifully turned out and trimmed with ribbons and fresh flowers and custom dictates that the bride and groom are driven along the Avenue after the knot is tied, whichever direction their reception lies.

The working season for the horses starts gradually as the spring weather improves and visitors start returning, building to a peak in July and August. In autumn the horses

Sark Carriages Michelle Perrée 01481 832027

Stopping at the new café,

Shenanigans www.sarkcarriages.co.uk

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continue working as long as there are visitors but at the end of the season their shoes are removed and they are turned out into their fields. Although their owners still have plenty of work to do feeding and caring for their four-legged employees, winter is a time for the horses and their drivers to take a wellearned rest.

Danny Wakley Carriages An amazing day out on Sark

Tel 01481 832135 or 07781 113386 www.dannywakley.com

Don’t forget to visit the

Horse and carriage tours start and finish from the top of the Harbour Hill. There are two sight-seeing tours on offer: a one-hour tour taking in the north of Sark, or a twohour tour which covers the north of the island and then goes south to La Coupée.

Most tours stop at La Seigneurie Gardens.

If you are not with a tour group ask any driver if they are available. Prices can vary depending on the tour, so check before setting off. It is also possible to pre-book a carriage trip by contacting them before you arrive. The drivers will also do private tours and night taxis by prior arrangement.

Fred Bracewell - 07781 462749 Philip Perrée - 07781 106058 Danny Wakely - 07781 113386 Stocks Hotel - 01481 832001 Carriage rides to Little Sark - 01481 832061

Sark Occupation & Heritage Museum

Above - Cooling off in Creux Harbour after work

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Exploring Sark

Pedal Power

On a small island without cars there’s no better way to explore than by pedal power.

Given a single day and a set of wheels you can cover the island from one end to the other and there are few hills to slow you down. A bike gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want and stop off wherever takes your fancy. The distance between the beautiful Eperquerie Common at the northern most tip of Sark to the coast of Little Sark on the south of the island is just three and half miles with fabulous scenery to enjoy along the way. From east to west the island is just a mile and half wide with stunning views over Point Robert lighthouse and Maseline Harbour on one side and the gorgeous Gouliot headland on the other.

There are few restrictions on where you can ride your bike, just the Harbour Hill and on the Coupée for safety reasons, and there are plenty of parking areas for you to leave your wheels and explore the smaller paths on foot.

But cycling on Sark isn’t just for visitors. For those who live here it’s a way of life and you’ll see locals carrying all sorts of things on their bikes. Gardeners tow trailers laden with strimmers, spades or even lawn mowers and Sark’s window cleaner can often be seen cycling along with a ladder over his shoulder - not something for the beginner biker to try! Some of the island’s growers deliver vegetables by bike and Sark’s resident doctor is a familiar sight pedalling along on his calls

A to B Cycles

with his stethoscope around his neck.

One of the many advantages of cycling everywhere is that it is so much more sociable than being trapped inside a car. It’s impossible not to acknowledge a fellow pedaller and easy to stop for a chat. Not owning a car means no expensive fuel, maintenance and repair bills and no worries about having a drink or two and getting home. There is one expense involved in owning a bike on Sark though. Like the carriages and tractors each one must have a licence but at just £11 a year it makes travelling around the island one of the cheapest transport systems in the world.

And of course, it keeps you fit!

There are three cycle hire centres on Sark all providing a range of bikes including mens, ladies and all sizes for children. Tag-a-longs are popular for parents with small children and there are child trailers for babies and toddlers to ride in in comfort while an adult does all the work. Trailers are also available to hire if you need to carry any type of equipment. All of the hire centres provide helmets and baskets as required and if you fancy a bicycle made for two you can even hire a tandem!

See Sark on a Bike

The freedom to enjoy Sark at your own pace Flexible cycle hire -Competitive prices.

-Wide range of cycles for all ages -Childseats & trailers -Tag-alongs -Adult tricycles -Tandems.

- Guided cycle tours - free breakdown service

AVENUE CYCLE HIRE

Prices from £6.50 a day

LARGEST SELECTION OF CYCLES ON THE ISLAND CHILD TRAILERS, TAGALONGS & CHILD SEATS

10% discount with advance booking

FAMILY DISCOUNT AVAILABLE

01481 832102 avenue.cycle.hire@cwgsy.net www.avenuecyclessark.co.uk Avenue Cycles, The Avenue, Sark, GY10 1SF

Contact us today to discuss your hire requirements.

01481 832844 bookings@atobcycles.com www.atobcycles.com

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1Hr min notice for cycle booking 24Hr min notice for cycle tours

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Exploring Sark

Sark. The path narrows and, in spring you are surrounded by the confetti-like blossom of the blackthorn. Sloes, the fruit of these plants, are harvested by locals, as well as a few sloe pirates from Guernsey and Jersey.

At just three miles long by a mile and half wide, Sark is the perfect size to explore on foot. There are tranquil lanes and gently sloping paths for those who enjoy an easy stroll but for the more energetic walker there are steep descents to the island’s gorgeous beaches and hidden bays to test those leg muscles. Either way, you will be treated to breath-taking views of Sark’s stunning coastline, woodlands and countryside every step of the way. Little Sark, just across La Coupée, is also stunningly beautiful and the perfect size to explore on foot so don’t forget to bring your walking boots!

At the next junction carry straight on enjoying wide sea vistas on each side.

Continue to the end of the spine of the Hog’s Back where you will find a cannon lying on the ground. Dixcart Bay is on your right and Derrible on your left.

L’Etac, an offshore islet which is home to puffins is ahead in the distance. The end of the Hog’s Back is a fabulous picnic spot but spare a thought for the commandos of Operation Basalt who ascended the cliff from sea level here on a misty night in October 1942, when much of Sark was mined.

Retrace your steps to the first junction and this time follow the path on your right along the coast. Pass through a gate which crosses the path and keep ascending. At the top of the path, skirt the field towards a bench which you may well appreciate as perhaps it is time for a rest and also it is at this point that you

Walking

The Hogs Back & Sark Henge

Start at the Collinette and head south following the sign for Derrible Bay. Follow the main road bearing left where it forks. At an attractive small stone house, La Peigneurie, turn right, signed Dixcart Bay. Continue down the track until you reach a three way junction then bear left, signed Hog’s Back. Walk between two field gates along a wide grassy track noticing distant views on your right over Little

This walk is from Sark Strolls published

by Small Island Publishing, a beautifully illustrated guide to 11 fabulous walks around Sark by Jan Guy and Sue Daly. This circular walks takes about an hour and a quarter and takes in the Hogs Back, Dixcart and Derrible Bays and Sark Henge. If you just wish to visit the Henge begin the walk as instructed but simply follow the signs for the Derrible Bay and Sark Henge.

Jan Guy is available to lead personalised guided walks on Sark for small groups.

Contact her on janguy@cwgsy.net or telephone 07781 128631.

Sark Tourism also runs guided walks throughout the season. Ask in the Visitor Centre or visit www.sark.co.uk for more information.

Available on S ark price - £5.50

rk

a Available on S5 .9 £9 price

need to decide whether or not to embark on the steep descent to Derrible Bay. Ahead of you to the east is Sark Henge, a circle of nine standing stones made of Jersey granite. This beautiful monument was created in 2015 to celebrate 450 years since Helier de Carteret, Sark’s first Seigneur, arrived on the island with the forty settler families.

The main walk continues from the bench which you passed right up at the top.

Follow a dip in the field and then proceed through two gates, and passing a dew pond on your left, to get back to the road. The second gate has sign posts for Derrible Bay, Hogs Back and Les Laches.

When you reach the road turn left and continue on it until it bends back to La Collinette.

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Exploring Sark

Adventures While the peace and tranquillity of Sark makes it the perfect place to escape the noise and bustle of the modern world, the island also has plenty to offer those in search of a thrill or two.

Adventure Sark was set up with just this in mind. On land they offer all manner of fun from team building games for families, birthday parties or corporate groups to their Activquiz that will take you all over the island in search of clues and challenges. With their archery experience you can even be Robin Hood for a while and, yes, costumes can be provided!

On the coast Adventure Sark have an even greater range of exciting activities to choose from. If you fancy trying your hand at sea kayaking they offer a choice from short trips for the complete novice up to day trips taking in the whole island. Either way, from the sea you’ll enjoy stunning views of the island and might even experience a Sark Souffleur, a fabulous plume of water produced when just the right type of swell meets just the right shaped hole in the cliffs. The kayaking tours also take in some of Sark’s wonderful sea caves but for an even better view of those you need to take one of Adventure Sark’s coasteering trips. This exciting combination of rock scrambling, swimming and jumping into the sea will take you to parts of Sark you never knew existed and the tours on offer include the amazing Gouliot Caves.

For a more sedate maritime experience take a trip around the island with Sarkee George

Round The Island Boat Trips with George Guille - the perfect way to see Sark’s seabirds, dolphins & caves

Call George on 01481 832107 or 07781 112502 Guille. His boat, the Non Pareil, was designed and built on Sark in 1982 and since then both the boat and George have been as much a part of the island’s coastline as the rocks and reefs that guard it. George has a passion for Sark’s wildlife and will show you puffins, guillemots and razorbills in season and oystercatchers, gannets, fulmars, kestrels, buzzards and peregrine falcons can be seen all year. If you’re really lucky you might even see the dolphins that play in the bow waves of the island’s boats from time to time. When tidal and weather conditions allow George also visits some of the island’s caves and can take his boat almost to the back of the beautiful Moie du Mouton cave. It’s worth doing George’s round the island trip at the start of your stay then you can spend the rest of your holiday trying to find the dozens of beautiful little bays, archways and bathing spots that he pointed out from the sea.

Another way to enjoy Sark’s coastline is to take one of the Isle of Sark Shipping Company’s Coastal Cruises aboard the Sark Belle. The Belle has panoramic views with plenty of seating inside and out as well as a café serving tea, snacks and freshly ground coffee. (Call 01481 724059 to find out more.)

However you choose to explore Sark, you can be sure that there’s plenty to discover on this island of adventure.

* KAYAKING * COASTEERING * ARCHERY *

*ACTIVIQUIZ WITH OR WITHOUT BIKE HIRE *

* SCHOOL ACTIVITIES * BIRTHDAY PARTIES *

* HUNT THE ANSWERS BIKE RIDE *

* GROUP BOOKINGS * TEAMBUILDING ACTIVITIES * * HEN AND STAG PARTIES * CORPORATE FUN DAYS *

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Tel 01481 832 356 or 07781 115 167 Email budgie@adventuresark.com www.adventuresark.com 15

History & Horticulture A visit to the famous Seigneurie Gardens is not just a horticultural treat but a tour through Sark’s fascinating history. The Gardens surround La Seigneurie, the traditional home of Sark’s Seigneur. The main house dates from 1675 and although the current Seigneur and his wife, Michael and Diana Beaumont, now live in a smaller house in the village, it still belongs to the Beaumont family. The crenelated clock tower and ornate drawing room wing were Victorian additions built by the Reverent WT Collings, the great great grandfather of the present Seigneur, who also built the beautiful dovecote. (Keeping doves was one of many Seigneurial privileges.) Close to the dovecote is the battery with yet more reminders of the island’s intriguing past. The brass cannon was presented by Elizabeth I to Helier de Carteret, Sark’s first Seigneur, in 1572 and the iron ship’s cannon are 18th century and come from a trading vessel owned by John Allaire, another of the current Seigneur’s forebears. The field gun was left behind by

the German forces who occupied the island during the Second World War and the nearby signalling tower was used in the early 19th century to communicate with Guernsey.

On the adjoining wall there are plaques to commemorate the much-loved pets of the Dame of Sark.

Beyond the battery are the ponds and well originally created by the monks of St Magloire’s Priory that occupied this part of the island many centuries ago. Other interesting features include a maze and the building known as the Chapel although in fact it was never consecrated. It now houses an exhibition and artefacts describing the history of Sark and its Seigneurs and is also used for civil wedding ceremonies and other celebrations.

The walled garden is aligned with St Peter’s Church, the central arches once framing a view of the church tower until the new Island Hall was built. The high granite walls provide a gentle micro climate and shelter from the wind allowing half-hardy plants such as the

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Australian Bottlebrush and New Zealand Teatree to thrive. Other notable plants in the extensive collection include the large climbing geranium on the south-facing wall, the giant Echium pininana that can reach over ten feet high and the abundance of St Peter Daisy and Geranium Maderense. There is also a Victorian vine house and outdoor vegetable and fruit growing areas that generate produce for sale and a recent venture into bee-keeping results in La Seigneurie Gardens honey that sells out in days.

Probably the oldest surviving feature within the walled garden is the formal rose garden

edged with box hedging. The circular rose garden is much more recent, designed in 2000 by Seigneur Michael Beaumont. Like his wife Diana, he worked most days alongside the other gardeners until their retirement in 2008 when a trust took over the running of the Gardens. La Seigneurie Gardens Trust also oversaw the conversion of a ruined building near the gates to create the café and bistro, Hathaways, named after the previous Seigneur, Dame Sibyl Hathaway. It’s the perfect place to end your exploration of these enchanting gardens.

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An Island of Inspiration For hundreds of years the beauty and tranquillity of Sark have been inspiring creative people. In 1832 Turner sketched the stunning natural architecture of the Coupée and Sark’s cliffs. Half a century later painter William Topliss visited Sark on holiday, fell in love with the island and spent the rest of his life here painting its rugged coastline in intricate detail.

Later in the 20th century Sark’s seascapes and countryside also inspired artists Ethel Cheeswright and Margaret Waller and the writer, artist and illustrator Mervyn Peake lived here for several years setting his novel Mr Pye on Sark.

Guillemots by Rosanne Guille MA (RCA)

The island’s abundance of natural beauty has also attracted film-makers. In 1936 it was the backdrop for Toilers Potter & silversmith Lorraine Nicolle at work in her studio of the Sea and the remains of the metal work used to create the shipwreck for the film can still be seen at low water near Les Autelets. In 1951 David Niven and Glynis Johns starred in Appointment with Venus, a wartime tale set on Sark during the German Occupation. Last year the island was a movie set once more when Sark Theatre Group made their first feature film here, a comedy version of Macbeth. (Available on DVD from the Gallery Stores).

Today the island continues to inspire artists of all kinds working in a variety of media including music, watercolour, ceramics, textiles, silver and photography.

Their work is for sale all around

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the island giving visitors the chance to take home a really special memento of their time on Sark.

Creative Sark

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Calendars, cards and prints featuring photographs by resident photographers Lydia Bourne, Rosalie Ro and Sue Daly are for sale at various outlets on the island and Rosalie has a small gallery open to the public near the mill. Sue Daly has recently started making jewellery with vitreous enamel and fine silver that can be seen at Sark Glass Take Two on the Avenue.

Sark born artist Rosanne Guille, who studied at the Royal College of Art, has a gallery at her home, La Maison Rouge, near the Seigneurie where her prints and watercolour paintings are for sale. Cheryl Tonks has a shop on the Avenue, Sark Silver, selling her jewellery and glassware and just off the Avenue is Lorraine’s Pottery selling beautiful silver work and ceramics by local artist Lorraine Nicolle. Textile artist Suzanne Williams recently opened her shop, Suz Button Art, at the top of Mermaid Lane and Sue Melling’s lovely bags and hats are for sale in Sark Glass Take Two along with the work of other textile creatives. You can also buy cards and prints here featuring quirky island scenes

by Sark artist Martin Remphry. On the

Your online guide to everything Sark’s artists and crafts people have to offer creativesark@gmail.com www.creativesark.co.uk way to the Coupée you will find L’Espace Gallery featuring pencil, pastel and painted images by Annie Dachinger inspired by her love of Sark, folk lore and astronomy.

For music lovers look out for Gentle Land, a CD of hauntingly beautiful songs by resident singer-song writer Peter Gabriel Byrne.

If Sark stimulates your creative juices there’s the chance to take part in the Sark Tapestry Weaving project this year and some local artists offer workshops and tuition. (Ask at the Visitor Centre for more information.) Alternatively, the Gallery Stores sells a full range of art materials so why not follow in the footsteps of the wonderful Sark artists and let the island inspire you.

Silver & vitreous enamel pendants by Sue Daly

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Peer Through Window in the Rock

Take a Carriage Ride

The window was created by order of the Victorian Seigneur WT Collings to perfectly frame the stunning view of the west coast.

Your driver will take you to some of the island’s best view points and tell you all about Sark’s fascinating history and unique way of life.

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Cross La Coupée & Explore Little Sark

The tiny isthmus that connects Little Sark to the main island is simply stunning with views of Jersey from one side and Guernsey from the other.

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Picnic on the Gouliot Headland

Sark’s first Ramsar Site, this spectacular headland is smothered in wildflowers in spring and summer and offers fabulous views all year.

With very few hills and no cars Sark is perfect for pedal power. There are three cycle hire shops with tag-a-longs and trailers for children.

Sark Visitor Centre

All the information you need about Sark and what’s going on as well as different exhibitions throughout the year. We have internet access, toilets and a cosy reading area.

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Visit La Seigneurie Gardens

Discover the Buddhist Carving

Beautiful walled gardens, a maze, shop and an exhibition explaining the history of Sark’s Seigneurs and Dames.

Carved in 2000 by Buddhist monks, this prayer written in granite is near the end of the wild and unspoilt Eperquerie Common.

Our Top 10 Things To Do On Sark Explore Sark on a Bike

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Swim in Dixcart Bay

A great place for swimming, rock pooling, a picnic or just a paddle with sand uncovered as the tide retreats and a gracious rock archway.

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Discover Sark Henge

The 9 stones above Derrible Bay celebrate Sark’s 450-year long connection to Jersey and line up with key locations or astronomical positions.

Go to Prison

One of the smallest in the world, it has two cells but you’ll have to take our word for that because you can only go inside if you are arrested!

Our friendly staff are always on hand to answer your questions. We’re at the end of the Avenue, just five minutes walk from the top of Harbour Hill. Open daily all year round.

Call 01481 832345 for more information.

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Exploring Little Sark wind. This was, however, before the protective railings were built in 1900, after much deliberation between locals and the Seigneur of Sark as to whose responsibility it was to maintain this high ridge, which is a staggering 80 metres (262 ft) above the sea and some three metres in width. La Coupée is also reported to have been haunted and, most notably, Dame Sibyl Hathaway’s donkey refused to cross it. The current roadway and railings were built in 1945

by German prisoners of war under the direction of the Royal Engineers.

Sark’s ancient history is also recorded on Little Sark with two dolmens; an intact one on the south coast and another in

ruins on the west, both thought to be around four thousand years old. The remains of a windmill, built in the 18th century to challenge the Seigneur’s monopoly on milling flour, can be seen close to La Sablonnerie. Its stone tower is almost completely over-grown with ivy.

The coast of Little Sark is noted for its fine scenery, caves and inlets. La Fontaine Bay, named for a small spring located nearby, is particularly well known for its views and is a lovely spot for swimming.

Venus and Adonis pools are also popular bathing spots although finding them can be something of adventure and only recommended for the sure-footed.

(The La Trobe Guide to the Coast, Caves and Bays of Sark will help you find these natural treasures. See page 14.) Named as such by Victorian artist William Toplis, great care should be taken when visiting

these pools due to the deep and fast flowing race of water that fills the pools upon high tide.

Little Sark is also synonymous with the ill-fated silver and copper mining ventures of the early nineteenth century. Although the mines were abandoned due to flooding and the lack of ore, there Mine chimney is still evidence of them and worth a visit before heading to Little Sark’s only hotel, La Sablonnerie, for a refreshing cream tea or lobster lunch.

Enjoying lunch al fresco at La Sablonnerie

The beautiful Venus Pool

Sark’s fascinating history is written in its landscape. There is no better way to see this than to visit Little Sark, joined to the main island by a narrow isthmus known as La Coupée. Early descriptions of the passageway aren’t complimentary, with islanders too afraid to cross in case they were blown off by a strong

Little Sark - Ideal Honeymoon Destination

reservations@sablonneriesark.com

For a truly memorable day or stay, be sure to enjoy the magical beauty of this famous haunt. Rest and refresh yourself at La Sablonnerie Hotel and Tea Gardens, where a delicious Gourmet Luncheon or a superb Sark Cream Tea is served in this idyllic setting. Also, dine romantically by candlelight in the 16th Century restaurant, renowned for its excellent cuisine. The hotel is highly recommended by leading hotel guides for its comfort and good food.

Own horses and carriages for hire. La Sablonnerie was recently highlighted by the hotel guide Which? as “The place to stay in the Channel Islands”.

For further details and reservations call Elizabeth Perrée on (01481) 832061 or Fax (01481) 832408 www.sablonneriesark.com Don’t leave the Channel Islands without visiting Sark and Little Sark. ‘It will be an experience that will live with you forever’.

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Seeing stars on Sark In 2009 Sark resident Felicity Belfield was inspired by news that Galloway Forest in Scotland was designated as the UK’s first Dark Sky Park. She gathered up a group of fellow islanders and stargazers and together they set about getting Sark’s beautiful inky black night sky the recognition it deserves.

Scientists from the International Dark Sky Association were invited to the island to measure the darkness of the night sky and plans were put in place to keep to a minimum the lighting used around the island. Advice was given on how to avoid light pollution and the very few lights that were wrongly set were adjusted. Sark Astronomy Society (SAstroS) came into being to help with the project and, after a huge amount of work and with the help of Sark’s government and people, Sark was officially designated as the World’s First Dark Sky Island in February 2011. The news brought media interest from around the world including a write up in National Geographic Magazine. SAstroS now hold regular Starfest weekends which

have attracted some of Britain’s best known astronomers including the BBC’s Sky at Night presenter Professor Chris Lintott and Dr Marek Kukula, the Public Astronomer for the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Sadly, Felicity is no longer with us but thanks to her passion for Sark’s wonderful starry sky, the island has the recognition it deserves as one of the best places in the world for stargazing.

How to see the stars on Sark With no cars or street lighting and very few outside lights on buildings, the view of the night sky over Sark is spectacular from just about anywhere on the island. Over seven thousand stars and planets are visible with the naked eye and the Milky Way stretches from one horizon to another. (Don’t forget to bring a torch though – Sark really is dark!)

The best views are when there is little or no moon so check out the dates of the new moon when you plan your visit. Full moon nights though hold their own beauty and walking home by moonlight is one of the many magical experiences to be had on Sark.

Admiring the constelleation of Orion from the Pilcher monument, Sark

A stunning view of the Milky Way above the Seigneurie tower, Sark

Sark Observatory

In 2015 Sark Astronomy Society opened the island’s very own observatory. The purpose-built construction, situated near St Peter’s church, was designed and prefabricated in Norfolk by Home Observatories UK then shipped to Sark. It has a roof that slides open to give a wide view of Sark’s amazing night sky. The observatory was opened in October 2015 by Dr Marek Kukula, the Public Astronomer from Greenwich Royal Observatory, and houses a Meade LX200 telescope. To visit the observatory enquire at the Sark Visitor Centre for opening times. (Tel 01481 832345)

An annual subscription to Sark Life The perfect gift for anyone who loves Sark £22 for the Bailiwick of Guernsey, £25 UK & Jersey, £30 for Europe & beyond

Subscribe online at www.smallislandpublishing.sark.gg

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Rocquette Cider & the Sark Folk Festival Isle of Sark Shipping caught up with brewer James Meller at his organic orchard to find out more about Rocquette Cider, proud sponsors of Sark’s annual Folk Festival.

James and his team at the Rocquette Cider Company produce quality, local cider from the organically grown trees he planted, quenching thirsty locals in the Channel Islands and beyond since 1998. When we caught up with him he was preparing to plant a few thousand more trees and also keeps lambs and bees.

James provides festival goers with a specially brewed still cider, Bec du Nez, an extremely popular blend and a real crowd pleaser. ‘We brew it about a week before the event,’ explains James who sends around 44 casks over to the island for the live music event.

Judging by consumption two years ago he may have to send a few more, as it was so popular, festival goers ran out of cider. But they were able to grab a pint or two from the Bel Air and Stocks, who also supply Rocquette’s Cider on draft, and the Mermaid, in bottles.

Taking place this year from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd July, the festival will be in its 6th successful year, showing no signs of slowing down. It’s a magical line up of both local and international acts and has become one of the most-talked about celebrations of folk, roots and acoustic music.

‘We’ve been sponsoring the Festival in Sark since it started,’ explains James, preparing a much-needed cup of tea after a late shift tending to the farm’s sheep.

‘We’re right in the middle of lambing season, so it’s very busy round here,’ says James, who has a close connection with Sark. ‘I always go to the festival and we have a couple of the boys come over here from Sark to shear our sheep for us,’ he says.

Real cider Real taste Fermented from 100% apples, Rocquette is a full bodied cider free from artificial flavours, colours and sweeteners. Guernsey’s unique climate of long summer days and fresh Atlantic breezes help produce the intense fruit flavours that Rocquette is famous for. Complete your visit to Sark by sampling a refreshing glass of this local speciality.

Events On Sark This Year Sark has a fabulous schedule of events offering fun and entertainment for all the family. The Folk Festival and Sheep Racing weekends are already firm favourites and this year we see the return of Opera Sark, a feast of live music that charmed visitors and locals alike with its first events last year. New for 2016 is the Sark Roots Festival, a weekend celebrating land, sea and the community within these islands. There will be music, food, dancing and plenty of new skills to learn.

Add to this guided natural history, garden and historical walks as well as street markets, concerts and exhibitions throughout the year and you’ll never be short of something to do on Sark.

Wildflower Fortnight 24th April to 8th May Scarecrow Week 28th May to 5th June Taste of Sark - Celebration of Local Cuisine Throughout June Midsummer Flower Show 29th & 30th June Sark Folk Festival 1st to 3rd July Sheep Racing Weekend 15th to 17th July Dog & Pet Show 31st July

www.rocquettecider.com

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Church Fete 6th August Sark Cream Tea Dream Throughout August Grand Autumn Show 31st August & 1st September Opera Sark 7th to 14th September Sark Roots Festival 16th to 18th September Autumn Walking week 1st to 9th October A Sark Christmas Carol 16th & 17th December

Eating Out On Sark One of the joys of visiting any where new is trying out the local cuisine and food lovers won’t be disappointed on Sark. As an island it’s not surprising that seafood features high on most menus. Local fishermen use pots to catch lobsters and crabs and with a closed season for five months over the winter the stocks of shellfish are protected from over fishing.

You can have an equally clear conscience if you choose fish as the delicious bass,

pollack, bream, turbot and other fish landed on Sark are all done so from the small boats that make up the island’s tiny fleet. Scallops are another delicacy from local waters and, with a ban on dredging, Sark scallops are only taken by divers which means there is absolutely no damage done to the seabed or other marine life.

Meat eaters are in for a treat too. Pork and beef are raised in small quantities and there are four farmers raising lamb.

All will tell you that their animals lead stress-free lives and, when the time comes, are slaughtered on the island.

Eggs are also produced on Sark both by a small-scale commercial operation and by many of the islanders themselves.

Home raised hen and duck eggs feature in many a Sark breakfast and you will see them for sale outside several houses.

Sark’s climate also lends itself to growing

Sark Island Hall

Breakfasts, snacks & lunch - Monday to Saturday Evening Meals Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

Don’t miss our famous fish & chips on Friday nights Eat in or take away

Tel 01481 832666

fruit and vegetables. There are two commercial growers supplying fabulous fresh, seasonal produce all year round and many residents enjoying growing their own.

This passion for home grown produce is best seen in the two hotly contested flower and produce shows that are held on Sark, one around midsummer and the other in early autumn.

Sark has its own dairy too.

It is run by the Nightingale family whose herd of pedigree Guernsey cows supply the island with fresh, top quality milk and cream. An afternoon tea with home-baked scones and jam topped with a dollop of rich, thick Sark cream is a treat not to be missed. Diets certainly go out of the window on Sark but then again, with all the lovely fresh air, it’s easy to work up an appetite.

Tuck in!

Where To Eat & Drink See the map in the centre pages for locations AJ’s Café - Tel 01481 832580 Beau Sejour - Tel 01481 832034 Caragh’s Chocolate Factory - Tel 01481 832703 Clos de Vaul Creux Tea Garden - Tel 01481 832527 Fleur de Jardin Tea Garden - Tel 01481 832255 Harbour Café - Tel 01481 832396 Hathaways Café & Bistro - Tel 01481 832209 Island Hall Sunflower Café & Bar - Tel 01481 832666 La Marguerite Tea Garden - Tel 07781 192132 La Sablonnerie Restaurant & Tea Garden Tel 01481 832061 Le Vieux Clos Tea Garden - Tel 01481 832341 Mermaid Tavern - Tel 01481 832022 Nicole’s Restaurant- Tel 01481 832302 Petit Beauregard - Tel 01481 832940 Shenanigans Café - Tel 01481 832827 Stocks Restaurant & Poolside Bistro Tel 01481 832001

Taste of Sark Month

Throughout June Sark celebrates the best cuisine on the island showcasing some of our most tempting produce such as lobster, crab, scallops, local fish, Sark cream teas, fruit preserves and Sark lamb.

Pick up your special guide and map from the Sark Visitor Centre.

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Eating Local Hathaway’s Crab Crème Brûlée with Pickled Cucumber Chef Andrew Tortice of Hathaways Café and Bistro is passionate about using Sark produce as much as possible.

Here he combines delicious fresh crab with a rich Sark cream crème brûlée offset with tangy pickled cucumber.

For the ultimate in luxurious indulgence he recommends enjoying this with a glass or two of Muscadet.

For the crème brûlée

Hathaways Café & Bistro at La Seigneurie Gardens, Sark

For the pickled cucumber

800ml Sark cream 2 eggs & 4 egg yolks 2 garlic cloves, peeled & finely chopped Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper 300g picked white crab meat 100g freshly grated Gruyère

1 cucumber Good pinch of salt 50g caster sugar 50ml white wine vinegar 1 teaspoon sweet chilli sauce

Place the cream in a bowl with the eggs, garlic, pickled ginger and seasoning and mix well. Add in the crab meat and mix well again. Cover with cling film and place in the fridge to allow the flavours to infuse for at least 30 minutes, but ideally up to overnight.

Pour the mixture into ramekins and place them in a roasting tray. Fill the tray with warm water until the water comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins and cook at 150°C for 45 to 60 minutes, checking after 40 minutes. When cooked through, the mixture should be set but still have a slightly wobbly consistency. Allow to cool to room temperature.

To make the pickled cucumber slice the cucumber as thinly as you can, place it in a bowl and sprinkle with a little salt. Set aside for ten mins, rinse and squeeze dry. Bring the sugar, vinegar and chilli sauce to the boil and reduce for 30 seconds. Allow to cool completely then pour the liquid over the cucumber and stir gently.

When ready to serve sprinkle a very thin layer of Gruyère on top of each ramekin and brown under the grill. Serve with the pickled cucumber, lemon wedges and really fresh bread or toast.

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Morning coffee, light or long lunches, afternoon teas or evening suppers for a full à la carte menu using the best of Sark produce & seafood Open from Easter to September every day from 10am to 5pm Dinner from 6pm (Closed Tuesday & Wednesday evenings)

By Day

By Night

Local Pork Rillettes, Local Fish & Chips, Ploughmans, Local Lamb Faggots & Mash, Local Lamb Shepherd’s Pie

Sark Lamb Trio, Sark Beef Duo, Local Fish & Chips, Whole or Half Lobsters & Crab Croquettes

Vegetarian & vegan meals available, children welcome Tel - 01481 832209

Email - hathawaysrestaurant@yahoo.co.uk

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Nicole’s Restaurant Just 50 metres from the top of Harbour Hill with beautiful garden & conservatory dining areas

Our varied menu includes freshly caught Sark seafood and local meat and produce as well as Mark’s delicious authentic Indian curries. Tel 01481 832302

La Sablonnerie Hotel & Tea Garden

Little Sark’s award-winning hotel & restaurant Delicious gourmet luncheons & superb Sark cream teas served in idyllic settings For reservations call 01481 832061

S Island Food S

Mrs Gill’s crunch-top lemon drizzle cake 4oz soft margerine 6oz caster sugar 6oz self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 2 size 2 eggs

4 tbsp milk Finely grated rind of a lemon For the crunchy topping Juice of one lemon 3oz granulated sugar

Preheat your oven to 180°C, 350°F or gas mark 4. Lightly grease a round, deep cake tin and line with grease proof paper. Measure all of the ingredients for the cake into a large bowl and beat well with an electric hand whisk for 2-3 minutes or until smooth and well blended.

Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface. Bake for about 35-40 mins or until the cake has shrunk slightly away from the sides of the tin and springs back when lightly pressed with a finger.

While the cake is baking, make the topping. Put the lemon juice and sugar into a bowl and stir until well blended. When you take your cake out of the oven make a few deepish holes in the top with a small skewer and then spread the lemon paste over the top whilst the cake is still hot. Leave in the tin until the cake is cool then turn out and enjoy with lashings of Sark cream and a pot of tea.

Le Vieux Clos Licensed Tea Garden & Conservatory Restaurant

Open every day for morning coffee, lunch & afternoon tea. Home made bean jar, Guernsey gâche, quiches & cakes. Evening meals by arrangement with homegrown produce & Sark seafood, lamb & pork.

Tel 01481 832341 or 07781 453709 email sallyonsark@gmail.com

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Staying on Sark Could Sark be the best place in the Channel Islands to retreat, relax and rejuvenate? From its award-winning hotels to its stunning scenic camp sites, Sark should be on your top 10 places to stay list!

Sark boasts the beautiful Stocks Hotel recently awarded Trip Advisor’s ‘Traveller’s Choice Award 2015’. The stunning, family-run hotel dates from 1741 and is just 10 minutes from Dixcart Bay, surrounded by acres of bluebell woodland, meadows and gardens. Whether it’s a long, romantic weekend or a simple dip ‘n’ dine in the hotel’s pool, all the family will enjoy their home baked breads, home smoked fish and meats. Also worth a try is their homemade sloe gin and Sark apple brandy.

Word of mouth and exceptional cuisine coupled with a list of awards has made La Sablonnerie Hotel on Little Sark an exquisite hotel. Owned and managed by Elizabeth Perrée, the hotel is nestled in gorgeous gardens where guests and non-residents can enjoy a glorious cream tea or lobster salad. Most notably it has received the ‘Most Romantic Hotel’ from Condé Nast Johansen for its excellent service and idyllic setting.

Sark also has a wide chose of bed and breakfast accommodation from small family homes with one or two rooms to larger properties. Whichever one you choose you can be sure of a warm welcome and a breakfast fit for a king.

If you prefer self catering there is also plenty of choice from quaint cottages that sleep two to larger houses with four or more bedrooms as well as super-stylish boutique properties.

All come fully equipped with everything you need to feel perfectly at home. There are two food shops on the island offering a very wide choice of groceries including locally produced meat and vegetables and Sark seafood as well as Iceland and Waitrose lines.

Should you feel like eating out there is also plenty of choice of cafés and restaurants.

Whilst you enjoy your stay on Sark, be sure to visit the Island Hall and join in with the thriving local community activities held there such as badminton, table tennis, pool and darts. They also serve delicious breakfasts with fresh Sark eggs in the Sunflower café and Maple Bar and Friday night is fish and chip night to eat in or take away. Booking is essential!

For full list of accommodation on Sark collect a copy of the Sark Visitor Guide from the Sark Visitor Centre or visit www.sark.co.uk

Clos Princess B&B

Port es Saies & the Dower House

Self catering accommodation

Breakfast includes eggs from our own hens & homemade marmalade & jams

Your home from home on the beautiful island of Sark

Contact Diane Baker on 01481 832112 email baker.sark@cwgsy.net

Tel 01481 832324 - Email lindawilliams@cwgsy.net

www.closprincess.co.gg

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Where to Stay on Sark

Beau Sejour - B&B & Self Catering Tel 01481 832034 Email reservations@beausejour.co.uk Beau Vista 2 - self catering Tel 01481 2955 Email booking@beau-vista.com Blanchard House - Self Catering Tel 07781400449 Email gaillelievre66@gmail.com Clos de La Tour Apartments www.closdelatour.gg Clos De Menage Country House Tel 07781 462545 Email david.curtis@cwgsy.net Clos de Vaul Creux Tel 01481 832527 Email enq@closdevaulcreux.co.uk Clos Princess B&B Tel 01481 832324 www.closprincess.co.gg Dunromin B&B Tel 01481 832257 Email elsieg@cwgsy.net

La Carriere

La Carrière - self catering Tel 01481 832002 Email j.baker@cwgsy.net La Vaurocque - self catering Tel 01481 832060 Email bookings@sarkholidays.com La Sablonnerie Hotel Tel 01481 832061 www.sablonneriesark.com Le Vieux Clos Guest House Tel 01481 832341 Email sallyonsark@gmail.com Mr Hesters - Self Catering Tel 07781 161010 www.mrhesters.com Pourquois Pas - Self Catering Tel 01481 832703 Email saca@cwgsy.net Port es Saies & the Dower House Tel 01481 832112 Email baker.sark@cwgsy.net Stocks Hotel Tel 01481 832001 www.stockshotel.com

Clos de Menage Country House

Impressive family-run guesthouse renowned for its luxurious B&B or selfcatering accommodation offering warm and homely hospitality. Evening meals by arrangement using delicious fresh produce from our farm.

Self-catering

Nestled in a secluded spot with superb views, overlooking a valley & the distant sea.

Comfortable accommodation for up to three people.

Please call Hilary on 07781 462545 or email david.curtis@cwgsy.net

La Vaurocque

LUXURY HOLIDAY APARTMENTS ON SARK

Centrally located self-catering & guest house accommodation

Our apartments are set in the private gardens of Clos de la Tour & offer a peaceful retreat with the luxury of a home away from home.

For further details visit www.closdelatour.gg

Cottages sleep 2-6, fully equipped to a high standard, open all year, situated in extensive rural grounds Tel 07781 132060 or 01481 832060 www.sarkholidays.com

Le Vieux Clos Licensed Guesthouse & Tea Garden

Centrally situated, open all year with seven rooms including double and family. 5 mins walk from the village and within easy reach of cliff walks and beaches. Evening meals by arrangement with foods sourced locally whenever possible.

Tel 01481 832341 or 07781 453709 email sallyonsark@gmail.com

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For all the information you need on Sark, including where to eat & stay, please call in at the Visitor Centre to collect the free 2016 Visitor Guide or visit our web site

L’Ecluse

Nestled in a sheltered private valley.

4 self catering cottages sleeping 2 – 5 people. Excellent facilities.

For details, ring Mary Teer on 01481 832468

www.sark.co.uk Sue’s Bed & Breakfast Make yourself at home

Call 01481 832107

Email Sue on sueguille@hotmail.com

Clos De Vaul Creux

Camping on Sark Le Petit Beauregard Farmhouse

If you like it for a day, come back & stay Self-catering & B&B Tel 01481 832940 www.petitbeauregard.com

Beau Sejour Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering apartment.

Open to non-residents for simple evening meals on most Monday & Tuesday evenings.

Booking essential.

For the adventurous traveller camping out under the fabulous starry skies is the perfect way to enjoy your stay on Sark. The island has two campsites.

La Valette is on the east coast near the lighthouse and has wonderful sea views and Pomme de Chien is near the beautiful Dixcart valley. Both have plenty of room for playing games and offer fully equipped, pe-erected tents or pitches for you to put up your own tent. With modern shower and toilet facilities, both of Sark’s campsites offer a great way of spending time on Sark for families and other visitors who enjoy the great outdoors.

La Valette Campsite

Our family campsite has fabulous sea views & modern washing & toilet facilities. Bring your own tent or hire one of our pre-erected fully equipped tents including our new wooden glamping pods.

Tel 01481 832202 Email lavalette@cwgsy.net

Pomme de Chien campsite Tel 01481 832316 Email rangjill@hotmail.com

Tel 01481 832034 Email reservations@beausejour.co.uk

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Sark, the Perfect Wedding Destination With a choice of venues for your service and reception, stunning scenery for photographs and the added bonus of horse-drawn transport, Sark is a wonderful wedding destination.

The island also has two wedding photographers, florists and a hair and beauty salon. With a change in the law recently you now need only three days residency on the island to be married here. Here’s the information you need to help you plan your perfect day.

Church Weddings There are two churches on Sark both steeped in history and character with beautiful stained glass windows. St Peter’s is a C of E church and dates back to 1820. (Contact Vicar Revd.

Julia Dallon - 01481 832040.) Sark’s Methodist Chapel was originally built near the east coast but in 1925 was moved brick by brick to its current location near the centre of the island.

(Contact Pastor Karen Le Mouton 01481 832115.)

Civil Ceremonies There are several venues for civil ceremonies on Sark. The Assembly Room is a lovely old stone building where Sark’s government meets and the court is held. Stocks and La Sablonnerie Hotels are able to host civil wedding ceremonies as well as receptions in their beautiful grounds.

Both also have their own horses and carriages. The Island Hall is also a civil wedding venue and offers receptions

inside the elegant main hall or outside in a marquee. The newly renovated ‘chapel’ building at La Seigneurie Gardens is also a wedding venue.

Couples and their guests are able to have their photographs taken within the magical walled gardens and Hathaway’s, the café and restaurant within the grounds, caters for receptions of all sizes.

Who To Contact For any civil ceremony if you are not ordinarily resident on Sark you will need to contact the island Deputy Registrar-General, Trevor Hamon, to obtain a licence and fulfil the other legal requirements. You can contact him on 01481 832012 and by email on greffier@gov.sark.gg. His office hours are 2.30 to 4pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

The Wedding Chapel at La Seigneurie Gardens The perfect venue for a fairytale wedding

rReceptions available on site at Hathawaysr v www.laseigneuriegardens.com v 40

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Living on Sark Sark is a wonderful place to visit, be it just for a day trip or a longer stay, and the island is so much more than just a tourist destination; it’s a living, working community and home to about five hundred people. Farmers, fishermen, builders, gardeners, artists and many other professionals live here all year round and the workforce is swollen in summer by seasonal workers involved in Sark’s busy hospitality industry.

Although the island is small, just three miles long and a mile and a half wide, it has all the services needed for comfortable, modern living. There are two fully stocked grocery shops and a wide range of excellent locally produced meat, vegetables.

Seafood is also abundantly available through the season. There’s a post office with doorstep deliveries five days a week, banking services by HSBC and NatWest and shops selling everything else you might need from gardening supplies and gifts to building materials and books, one is locally known as the world’s smallest (and most perfect) department store.

Sark has a resident doctor, a constable and a fully-trained fire and ambulance service and the Flying Christine ambulance boat can evacuate emergency cases to Guernsey hospital should the need arise. We come within the Bailiwick border control. Guernsey is just a short ferry trip away with its vibrant choice of high street shops, restaurants and entertainment and its airport has daily connections to London, regional UK airports and some European cities.

Sark School educates children from four years old until the completion of GCSEs at sixteen in a modern, purpose-built school with small class

sizes. The island has good Internet coverage and very little crime.

Sark has its own democratically elected government, and is a low tax jurisdiction; it is also not part of the UK’s National Health Service so residents and visitors are encouraged to take out private medical insurance.

A small number of properties on Sark are reserved for the local market (those who have lived here 15 years or more or are born here) but apart from that there are no restrictions on British and EU citizens who may wish to reside here. Cars are not allowed on the island which means no costly visits to the fuel pump, no traffic jams, no parking fees and none of the other costs involved in running a car. Instead, walking and cycling everywhere keeps you fit, in tune with nature and constantly aware of Sark’s beautiful coast and countryside. Deliveries around the island are done by tractor. If you have mobility problems you can hire a mobility scooter on island; you even get a driving licence for it!

For many who live here the most important aspect of island life is being part of the community. There’s plenty going on all year round including sports, fundraising projects, concerts and cultural events and newcomers are always welcome. So why not say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of the everyday world? Come and be part of this unique way of life

For further information about coming to live on Sark visit the Sark Government website at www.gov.sark.gg. Sark Estate Agents can also help with a wide portfolio of domestic or business properties.

Sark Estate Agents, established in 1970, offers an unrivalled wealth of experience in all aspects of property purchase and property rental within the island of Sark.

Our dedicated and highly motivated team are here to help with every aspect of your island move. We can provide you with all of the information and contacts necessary for a stress-free and successful relocation to our beautiful island. We also offer a highly comprehensive property management service.

You can find our office located at the entrance to The Avenue in the centre of Sark where you will find a comprehensive portfolio of domestic and commercial properties for both sale and rent.

Summer opening times Open Monday to Saturday or by appointment.

01481 832604 houses@sarkestateagent.com www.sarkestateagents.com Sark Estate Agents Ltd, The Avenue, Sark, GY10 1SB

Sark Estate Agents is licensed by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission.

Sailing model boats on Good Friday - one of the many annual community events on Sark.

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