Parishioners invited to have their say at special 'douzaine surgery'
Fri 13 Mar 2026
The first Douzaine Surgery is being held on Saturday 28 March from 10 until 11am at the Vale Douzaine Room in Maraitaine Road to give residents an opportunity to meet parish officials and representatives and raise issues that are relevant to the Vale and those living in the parish.
"The request for surgeries was made at the last parish meeting and considered recently by the douzaine," said Senior Constable John Niles. "There were quite a few views about it so we decided to test the water and see how much demand there is for them."
A further four surgeries have also been scheduled – for 25th April, 16th May, 27th June and 25th July.
Unlike the surgeries arranged by then deputy Mary Lowe, these will be hosted by douzeniers rather than States members but the deputies resident in the parish have expressed an interest in attending, along with other officials. Further details of who will be representing the parish will be published nearer the time.
Useful
"I hope parishioners will find this of use and make an effort to attend," said Mr Niles. "We as a douzaine value feedback from residents and try to get an understanding of what's good and what's less good in the Vale so we can see whether we can effect improvements."
He said the surgery was very much a pilot so they could gain an idea of the sorts of issues raised by parishioners, which is why five have been proposed.
"Since this will be hosted by douzeniers, who are answerable to the whole douzaine, we won't be able to make any commitments on the day but we and the deputies – who can obviously speak for themselves – will be very happy to listen to concerns and look further into what's been raised.
"I hope people find this useful and, with the right input, we can take this grassroots initiative forward."