Elsie invited to take Elizabeth Castle by storm

James Qualtrough | September 14, 2012 | 0 Comments

Elizabeth Castle is preparing to greet a very important visitor. 92 year-old Elsie Bonny was the oldest winner of this year’s Jersey Heritage Design a Deckchair Competition and she will make the trip out to the fortress to see her deckchair on display.

Elsie, who lives at La Haule Care Home, was an adult winner in the competition with her design featuring a colourful fish, sand, sea and chips in a local newspaper. All of the winners had their designs ‘brought to life’ on a deckchair, which have been on display at the Castle throughout the summer.

Competitors were asked to draw or paint their idea of a Jersey holiday and the initiative attracted more than 700 entries from across all ages, from Primary Schools to the grand dame of winners – Elsie. The winners were selected by local artist Gabby Radiguet and by Donna Le Marrec of Jersey Tourism.

Jersey Heritage’s Volunteer and Interpretation Coordinator Julia Coutanche, who organised the competition, said: ‘We were overwhelmed both by the number of entries we received and the quality of the designs. Elsie’s was a clear winner with its bold colouring and image of what a perfect Jersey summer holiday would be for her. We are looking forward to welcoming Elsie to Elizabeth Castle to see her design on a deckchair and, if we have a typical Jersey summer’s day, hopefully she can sit and enjoy a cup of tea with us while she’s there.

Elsie will travel out to Elizabeth Castle by Castle Ferry with La Haule’s Activities Organiser, Shem Podstawka. They will be met by Julia Coutanche and escorted through the grounds to see the deckchair.