Skip to content

Weekly round-up: Stories you may have missed

BBC Geoff is in the middle of the England squad and lifting the trophy. BBC
England's over-75s defeated Germany on the way to winning the Veterans Football World Cup in 2024

England's over-75s captain relishing a clash with Germany, newly-elected States members sworn in and a "charismatic" gorilla joining a zoo troop.

Here are some of the stories from the Channel Islands that you may have missed from the past week.

Crowds come out to celebrate Portugal Day

Group of performers in colorful traditional dress dancing and playing music, including an accordion and guitar, at a street event with bunting and a sign reading “Dia de Portugal – Presents.”
The free event was rounded off with some traditional Bailinho da Madeira dancing

Crowds turned out to celebrate Portugal Day in Jersey with traditional food, music and dancing all on display.

Wednesday's event was organised by the research group Project Luso which aims to promote and share Portuguese culture with the wider community in the island.

Roughly one in 10 people in Jersey have Portuguese or Madeiran heritage according to the 2021 census.

England over-75s captain relishing Germany clash

A close-up of Geoff. He has short grey hair and is smiling. He is wearing a sports jacket.
Geoff Martel will lead his side against Germany next month

England's over-75s captain has described an upcoming match marking the anniversary of the 1966 World Cup final as the biggest of his career.

Geoff Martel, 81, will lead the Silver Lions out at Oldham Athletic's Boundary Park stadium on 30 July to face Germany.

Martel, who is from Guernsey, said he was confident his side would "give a good account" of themselves.

'Charismatic' gorilla joins zoo troop

Harding-Lee Media A female gorilla in a grassy area, looking towards the camera. Harding-Lee Media
It is hoped Afia will settle in well and one day raise her own young at Jersey Zoo

Jersey Zoo has welcomed a new gorilla for the first time in 15 years, after recently opening a new gorilla house.

Afia, a 10-year-old female gorilla, came from Bristol Zoo where she was born in 2016.

The new addition made headlines when she was born by caesarean, and is the granddaughter of the world's only known white gorilla, Snowflake.

Newly-elected States members sworn in

A large group of woman stood together. They are wearing various colourful smart outfits.
Candidates who were successful in the 2026 election were sworn in at Jersey's Royal Court

Jersey's newly-elected States members have been officially sworn into their roles.

Candidates who were successful in Sunday's election were told to arrive at the Royal Court from 08:30 BST on Friday, where they each took an oath of office.

After being sworn in, the members will attend their first States sitting on 19 June, when Lyndon Farnham is due to be selected as chief minister-designate.

Car service to close after 30 years, boss says

Home James A wide shot of Steve standing in front of a Home James van. He has dark hair and is wearing a blue high vis jacket, while holding a motorcycle helmet in his right hand. Home James
Steve Glendinning became company director in 2016 after first joining as a driver

The director of a car driving service has said the decision to close the company after 30 years is one of the "most difficult" he has ever had to make.

Steve Glendinning announced on Saturday that Home James Guernsey Car Return Service would cease trading on 19 July.

"This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make," he said in a statement to the BBC.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

Previous weekly round-ups