Neighbour of the Year

2026

SPONSORED BY

Dandara

The type of neighbours you have can really make a difference.

 

This award could be for someone who has done anything from the extraordinary to the very simple, or someone who has cared for their neighbours, helped them keep their neighbourhood safe or simply made a positive difference in their community. You could be an elderly pensioner, living alone, who is reassured by the fact you have a reliable and trustworthy neighbour close by. Or you might have a very understanding neighbour who is happy to tolerate the busy family home in which you live.

 

No matter where we live in Jersey, we live in a neighbourhood and the people at the heart of those communities should be celebrated.

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Neighbour of the Year Nominees

John Taylor Nominated by: Jalie Collingwood

John Taylor has been nominated for Neighbour of the Year for his “kindness” and willingness to help others. Whether replacing flooring, installing toilets or helping in the garden, “nothing is ever too much trouble”, his nominator, Jalie Collingwood, said.

“He regularly checks on my parents,” she added –something she said had been especially helpful when her father was unwell this year.

As well as helping with DIY work in Jersey, Mr Taylor also supports the Collingwoods on holiday at their static house on a campsite in France.

Miss Collingwood said that, even while supposedly relaxing on holiday, he was eager to lend a helping hand and had-been known to entertain the children with his “famous inflatable boat”.

Miss Collingwood said: “He makes life better for everyone around him through countless acts of kindness, big and small.”

Anita Vetier Nominated by: Anonymous

A “kind” and “thoughtful” neighbour who has spent years looking out for those living nearby has been nominated for a Pride of Jersey Award. The nominator, who wished to remain anonymous, said Anita Vetier had been a constant source of friendship, kindness and support throughout the 15 years they had lived next door to each other.

 

The nominator explained that, as they are unable to drive or walk long distances, Mrs Vetier regularly checks in to make sure they are doing well and offers to pick up shopping and other essentials whenever needed.

 

They said that Mrs Vetier also goes out of her way to ensure they never feel alone during the festive season, preparing Christmas and New Year roast dinners with dessert whenever they are spending the holidays alone.

 

Among the many acts of kindness that have meant the most to them was a surprise party Mrs Vetier organised for their 80th birthday two years ago. Describing Mrs Vetier as “the best neighbour that anyone could ask for”, the nominator said her thoughtfulness had made a real difference to their life. They added: “I really appreciate everything she does for me.”

Claire Watts and Tom Wyldeman Nominated by: Kay Donnelly

A pair of paramedics who helped a friend get to hospital when she was having a medical emergency have been nominated for the Neighbour of the Year award.

 

Claire Watts and her partner, Tom Wyldeman, quickly came to their neighbour Kay Donnelly’s rescue when she needed help. Ms Watts is a primary-care paramedic and Mr Wyldeman is a paramedic who ensured Ms Donnelly safely made it to the Emergency Department, where she was later given the all clear.

 

Ms Donnelly said: “It could have saved my life had there been any issue with my heart. They are dedicated and went above and beyond with their care and kindness.

 

“They didn’t need to help me when it wasn’t their job to. More people like them are needed.”

Bill Tizard Nominated by: Jean Audrain

Bill Tizard has been nominated for the Neighbour of the Year Award for his devotion to keeping his road neat and tidy.

 

He tends to his community’s shared garden, for which he buys all the plants and does the upkeep, according to his nominator, Jean Audrain, who added that “despite his age, he still gets up on the ladder” to keep the bushes in check.

 

He even makes sure to put everyone’s bins back in their gardens once they’ve been emptied, showing his commitment to creating a pleasant environment for everyone to live in.

 

For the last 20 years he has been “a loyal neighbour”, Mrs Audrain said, adding that Mr Tizard often looked after the house and cat when she and her family went away. Mrs Audrain said that “he continues to be a helpful and caring neighbour”.

Jenny and Tony Norris Nominated by: Lily Lucchesi-Mason

A husband and wife described as the “kindest, most thoughtful people you could ever hope to live next to” have been nominated for Neighbour of the Year. Jenny and Tony Norris were put forward by Lily Lucchesi-Mason, who said they had become “so much more than neighbours” and were always willing to lend a helping hand.

 

“Whether it’s looking after the children, lending me eggs when I’m halfway through baking, or Tony surprising us by cleaning our cars, they are constantly doing thoughtful things without ever expecting anything in return,” she said.

 

“They’ve been by our side for many important moments, from birthdays and school sports days to my prom and my parents’ wedding morning. “They are always there to celebrate with us, but they’re equally there during difficult times too.”

 

Miss Lucchesi-Mason said that Mr and Mrs Norris had “shown us what being a truly exceptional neighbour means”. “Their kindness, generosity and selflessness have made a lasting difference to our lives,” she added. “We are incredibly grateful to have them as our neighbours, but even more grateful to call them family.”

Rosemary Dowden Nominated by: Dionne Reed

A “selfless” neighbour who is “always willing to lend a helping hand” – despite being heavily pregnant – has been nominated for Neighbour of the Year. Rosemary Dowden is frequently seen going the extra mile to support residents in her complex and the wider community, according to her nominator, Dionne Reed.

 

Ms Reed said Ms Dowden “would not hesitate” to give vegetables and items from her family’s Olio food-sharing app to neighbours who may be in need.

 

Despite being heavily pregnant, Ms Dowden continues to put others first, regularly checking on neighbours and offering her help wherever it is needed, Ms Reed said, adding: “She has a heart of gold and never stops thinking of others.”

 

Her willingness to support those around her, even when she has plenty on her own plate, has made her a “valued member of the community and a deserving Neighbour of the Year nominee”.

Andrew Le Gallais and Peter Le Cornu Nominated by: Gaynor Marshall and Zoe Marshall

When Gaynor and Zoe Marshall were suddenly left in charge of Clairval Organic Dairy Farm, neither had much experience and the farm could have passed out of their family’s hands.

 

But with the help of Andrew Le Gallais and Peter Le Cornu, the two have managed to keep it going. Mr Le Gallais was the first person to visit Gaynor and Zoe when they took on the farm, and the friendship and guidance has continued since.

 

Zoe and Gaynor explained: “No matter how busy they are with their own farm, they always find time to answer our questions, offer practical advice, lend a hand when it’s needed, and quietly help us through the challenges that farming inevitably brings.”

 

They have been “mentors” who “never make us feel stupid”, Zoe added. “They are neighbours whose kindness and guidance has preserved some of Jersey’s heritage. “I don’t think we could have continued the farming legacy without them,” she said.

NEIGHBOUR OF THE YEAR 2025

finalists

Sponsored by:

ELODIE & NATHAN OLLIVIER

winner

JULIAN & ALISON LE PAVOUX

finalist

MOREEN BOYLE

finalist

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