It was in 1996 when I was four years old. I was dressed as a clown and sat on the Prix d’Honneur-winning Grouville float, Clowning Around. I was on the front page of the JEP blowing my trumpet.
How have you been involved since?
From a young age I have always been involved in the Battle. Over the years I have been a dancer, a choreographer and the head harestailer of the junior float for the parish of Grouville. I have also been involved with the Jersey Young Farmers Club, and I was Miss Grouville in 2009.
What are you doing this year?
I am involved with the Grouville float this year, of which my dad Mark is chairman. I am a member of the harestailing team and a dancer. This year I have also taught some of the juniors how to harestail and how to do some woodwork.
Who do you think has been the best Mr Battle and who would you like to see in the role?
According to my mum, Collette, the best Mr Battle was Gareth Hunt – he was her Mr Battle in 1983, the year she was Miss Battle, and he was a true gentleman who let my mum shine before himself. I don’t really have a preference as to who Mr Battle is, as my focus is on being part of the Grouville team and having fun!
What’s the best float you’ve ever seen in the Battle?
How can I choose one when the standard is always so high? Obviously, being biased though, the best float in this year’s Battle is our float, Fabulous At 50. It’s going to be very special as it’s our parish’s 50th year of entering the parade!
Why do you love being involved with the Battle?
Sometimes, with my parents being so heavily involved, I am dragged to the shed in the early hours of the morning – however, I do secretly love Battle! I am a true Jersey bean at heart, so I love the people, the community spirit, harestailing, painting and having a laugh. I just hope it’s around for many years to come!
