Douzaine candidates explain why they're seeking election

The elections will be held at at the Vale Douzaine Room, Maraitaine Road, on Tuesday 4th November 2025 at 7.30pm and is for electors only. 

Afterwards, the meeting will go on to consider the following agenda, to:

• Elect Auditors for the Constables accounts for 2025.
• Fix the time at which Parish Meetings shall be held in 2026.
• Discuss contributions to school library books.
• Consider installing solar panels to the Douzaine room.
• Take all such measures as the Electors and Ratepayers may deem advisable.

This part of the meeting is open to all electors and ratepayers in the parish. 

In all, there are six candidates for four places each of four years and one place for one year, caused by a douzenier leaving the parish.

Because of this, Senior Constable Richard Leale has advised that because there are five vacancies, a secret ballot will be held with the first four serving for four years and the fifth person will serve for one year.

Should a deferred election be requested on the night, which is likely, it is expected to be held on November 19. Again, the top four will serve for four years and the fifth-placed person will serve for one year.

Meet the candidates:

TERENCE IVES ASHWORTH

I have a love of the Vale having lived here for the last 55 years and also brought up my family here.

I have been a Douzenier since 2017 and pride myself as being a regular attendee.

I try and help with all aspects of the parish work; Liberation parties, hedge and stream inspections, maintenance of football goals on the Common etc.

I attend Jurat elections as needed and have given talks about the work of the Douzaine.

I hope to be re-elected to continue to help to maintain and protect the parish system and not transferring decisions to States departments.

To add my voice to debates to try and ensure common sense continues to prevail.

To ensure parish funds are spent wisely and used to improve the facilities for all.

I hope to continue with this so I ask for your vote at the douzaine elections.

JULIE-ANNE ELIZABETH CREED

We moved to the Vale in July this year having spent almost all of my life living in St Sampson's. I am a northern girl through and through.

I’ve had a long career as a social worker for older people which I retired from in 2023.

I became a Douzenier for St Sampson in 2020 and served a four-year term till December 2024, which had to end as we knew we would be moving and our destination was always going to be the Vale.

Becoming a Douzenier was an honour and a privilege which I enjoyed. For me, it was inevitable that I would try again to take on this role. A highlight was working with the Vale Parish to put on the Jubilee Jamboree in 2022.

I’m hoping that my past experience as a Douzenier will help me, if successful, settle quickly into Vale Douzaine life.

MARTINE ELIZABETH ELLIS

I’m standing for election as a Douzenier for the Vale because I want to play an active part in the parish’s future and help ensure it remains a great place to live.

I’ve lived in Guernsey all my life and in the Vale for 25 years. My professional background spans finance, education, and the third sector. I now work for myself as a coach, consultant and trainer. My work centres around listening, asking the right questions and finding practical ways forward — all of which I believe will be valuable in a Douzenier role.

This is my first time standing for election, and I bring both experience and a fresh perspective. I care deeply about this parish and its people, and I’m ready to get involved, contribute and learn.

You can find out more about me at martineellis.com/vale

JANINE PATRICIA LE CRAS

I am a 65 year old Guernsey girl born and bred and have lived my entire life on our beautiful island, mainly in the Northern parishes.

I retired as Network Manager from the Ladies’ College in 2023 and since that time I have been taking my dog, Robbie, on visits as a registered Welfare Animal Guernsey dog, volunteering as a cook at the Mill Street Community Café and recently joined the committee of Healthscape Guernsey, which supports mental health though open water swimming, which I personally do every day possible, year round.

I understand the duties of a douzenier as my late father, Peter Bougourd, served as Douzenier for St Sampson's for several terms during my formative years. I would like to give back to the parish that has been my home for more than 30 years and hope that you will vote for me in the forthcoming election.

ANNE BERNADETTE SETTERS

I was elected as a Douzenier in November 2021 and took my seat in January 2022.  I have enjoyed thoroughly the experience so far and hope to continue to serve the Parish for another four years.
 
I still teach a few hours a week but otherwise I can be flexible with my time.  I am a volunteer for the Guernsey Employment Trust and the Guernsey Welfare Service. 
 
During the past four years I have listened and learnt about Parish matters. I have attended all but one of our monthly meetings.  I have taken part in hedge and stream inspections, helped at Liberation Day celebrations and joined a sub-committee looking into development in the north of the island and the GDA proposals for the Bridge area. 
 
If I am lucky enough to be re-elected, I would hope to take on more responsibilities during the next four years.

ADAM TIPPETT

Born and raised in Guernsey, I care deeply about our island and its people. I’m applying to join the Vale Douzaine because I want to give back to the community that shaped me.

I bring energy, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility, along with a genuine desire to help local voices be heard. I believe in preserving our traditions while embracing thoughtful progress.

With a collaborative mindset and a commitment to fairness, I’m ready to serve, listen, and work hard to support the Vale and its future.