Dave Jones memorial tree vandalised

Douzeniers heard the sad news at their monthly meeting this week and were understandably angered by the senseless actions of what are believed to be children.

Junior Constable Bill Cohu, who helps manage and maintain parish property, found that the tree – planted after Mr Jones' death in 2016 – had been snapped off near the ground, destroying some five years of growth. 

The tree was planted in a field behind the Vale Douzaine Rooms at Maraitaine Road to mark the former deputy's 16 years' service to the Vale before island-wide elections ended "parish deputies".

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The site was also chosen because Dave Jones was Guernsey's Housing minister for 12 years and was instrumental in extending Maison Maraitaine opposite and creating the island's first extra care home.

Mr Cohu told douzeniers that the vandals had also smashed up a bench seat placed near the tree for the benefit of users of the amenity field, provided for the enjoyment of parishioners and other islanders. 

He said that Guernsey Police had responded promptly to his call and sent an officer to investigate and that inquiries are on-going.

It is not known at this stage whether the tree will survive or will need to be replaced.

Steps have been taken to replace the bench.

Also pictured is Dave Jones in 2014 by the Guernsey Press when the first phase of Maison Maraitaine was completed.