Lunchtime talk: Barn Owls versus Kestrels

The Société Jersiaise’s autumn and winter lunchtime talks return on 21 October.

The free weekly series runs until 16 December 2026, covering Jersey’s history, natural environment, artistic legacy and planning challenges. Speakers will share research and insights into the people, places and issues that have shaped the Island.

The programme includes:

• 21 October: The 12 Parish Saints of Jersey, with Karen Blampied.
• 28 October: Planning policy: reconciling preserving the past with preparing for the future, with Sir Mark Boleat.
• 4 November: Just another research project on bats? Investigating the drivers of bat activity over 12 months of acoustic recording, with Hannah Le Morvan.
• 11 November: James McNeill Whistler: Links with Jersey, with Diane Moore.
• 18 November: Edmund Blampied 1886-1966: A Brush with History, with Peter Le Rossignol.
• 25 November: Barn Owls versus Kestrels, with Bob Tompkins.
• 2 December: Peeling the onion: understanding the many layered military history of South Hill, with Ian Ronayne.
• 9 December: Sinel vs Hornell: The Fish Feud, with Dr Paul Chambers.
• 16 December: The Life of General Touzel, with Sue Hardy.

For more than 150 years, the Société Jersiaise has researched, recorded and celebrated Jersey’s natural environment, history, culture and heritage. The independent charity’s lunchtime talks give Islanders an opportunity to hear from expert speakers and learn more about the Island.

All talks take place in the Members’ Room at the Société Jersiaise headquarters, 7 Pier Road, St Helier, from 1.10pm to 1.50pm. Entry is free, with tea and coffee served from 12.45pm.

Rebecca Bailhache, Chief Executive Officer of the Société Jersiaise, said: “The Société Jersiaise has been connecting Islanders with their history, culture and environment for generations. These talks showcase the breadth of expertise and enthusiasm that exists within our community, while demonstrating how understanding our past can help inform our future. As a charity, we are proud to make events such as these freely available to the public and to continue fostering knowledge, curiosity and conversation about Jersey.”