We see Jersey at its best when our neighbours need help. Working here is all about relationships and I try very hard to develop them with all the organisations we support.
Our geography and history has created a community where we are aware of just how vulnerable we are – whether that is from the Occupation, global economic change or disruption of essential transport links and infrastructure due to storms and bad weather.
I left the States of Jersey in 2014 to work for the Bosdet Foundation running the Marine Lake and to help develop other areas at Les Ormes, which is the trading arm of the charity. I now oversee applications, administration of funding and support to local non-profit organisations.
The Foundation provides both funds and practical support to local causes. At present, this is over £300,000 per annum and we support 21 different projects.
I have heard four different pronunciations of the word ‘Bosdet’ so far. It all depends on where people come from so I suppose there really is no correct way to say ‘Bosdet’ and as it is a family name this is open to interpretation.
The biggest volunteer input to the foundation is our trustees. We are very lucky to have a board of very talented professionals who are able to give help and advice on the charitable aims of the foundation and on the development of the business at Les Ormes, where our funds are generated.
I think living on an Island means we need to have parties and play sport because you don’t have the opportunity to travel and that helps bring us closer together.
It must still be pretty cool to be out west because whenever I go back to St Brelade I still see faces from my childhood.
The most important thing in life is to have fun. If it’s not fun then don’t do it – life’s just too short!
Jersey is a microcosm of the wider world and we have the opportunity to be an example of how government, commerce and the third sector can work to create a near utopian society. It is because of our smaller, close-knit community and the ability to open your door and pop next door.
My favourite spot in Jersey is up at Grantez or La Sergent passage, overlooking St Ouen’s Bay. Both places have a feeling of permanence and a link back to the very beginning of a community in Jersey.
The last time I really belly-laughed was when we wrapped my brother in cling film at a family gathering. My grandfather was the wholesale manager for Le Riche and when he died my mother inherited the largest role of clingfilm ever. So we decided to use a fair amount to mummify my brother – it’s just the kind of childish things we do when we all get together. This really upset my mother because it was a family heirloom (not that any of us wanted to inherit it).
I’m hoping the best days of my life are still ahead of me.
My favourite time of the day is dawn or sunset, with all the colours across the sky. (But probably sunset when Guernsey is on fire!)
I wanted to call my daughter Bob so that if she ever met Rowan Atkinson he would have to say ‘hello Bob’, which just makes me laugh. Sorry Carrie…
My biggest fear is very boring… spiders. I don’t fall about screaming but will collect them in a glass and put them outside.
The thing that makes me most angry is waste and inefficiency. Cut out the pointless stuff and concentrate on the essentials. Too many people spend a lot of time doing pointless tasks and repeating the same mistakes.
I can’t think of any regrets. It must be sad to look back at your life and have regrets as that suggests you wish you had not done the things I have or been with the people I have known.
The thing that makes me happiest is doing something useful and making a difference – especially when it’s for children and young people.
