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WI IN JERSEY AND CHANNEL ISLANDS

The Channel Islands are situated in the Bay of St Malo. There are a number of Islands but the largest are Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark.

The largest of these is Jersey with a population of around 90,000, it is also the most southerly of all the Channel Islands.

The Island is divided into 12 parishes and most parishes have a WI. St Helier is the largest parish and also the capital.It is very loyal to the British Crown.

 It  was occupied by the Germans in the 1939-45 war and there is a fair amount of memorabilia bunkers (for protection around the coast) Jersey War Tunnels which was known originally as the German Underground Hospital and built by slave labour, to name just two of many.
Its main industry now is finance. Tourism was very popular just before and after the war. The warm climate and beautiful scenery lends itself to Tourism. However with the advent of cheap flights to venues very distant the lure of Jersey has waned and Tourism is no longer a popular industry.
The final industry is Agriculture, which sadly since the war has waned considerably.  However the Jersey cow is still a great part of Agriculture, being popular world wide for its  rich, creamy milk and its beauty, particularly the pretty face.
WI has flourished in the Channel Islands since it was first introduced in 1947 when St Aubin and St Clements were formed and  in 1949 the Jersey Federation was formed.
In fact there is quite a lot of rivalry between the islands. Each year there is a Darts Tournament between Guernsey, Jersey and Alderney, each Institute playing host yearly. There is also a quiz between Jersey and Guernsey which takes place bi-yearly, each Federation acting as host alternately.
There is a lot of talent within the Island and members take part in a great many activities.