What does it take to become Miss Alderney?

 

 Ilona Soane-Sands – organiser of the Miss Alderney Competition

                              

Miss Alderney is effectively the island’s youngest ambassadress. During her year of reign she will represent her island not just during Alderney Week, but also at other sporting and social events if she is available and happy to do so. Her appearance is important, but so is an outgoing personality, enthusiasm and commitment to be a good ambassadress for Alderney.

  

Contestants must be 17 years of age on the 1^st day of Alderney Week, be single, live on the island and be here throughout Alderney Week. Together with Little Miss and Master Alderney and their friends and family, they are invited  to enter a float for the Cavalcade. For the past fifteen years or more, the Miss Alderney Float has always claimed the trophy for Best Overall. However if the commitment to build a float proves too much of a problem, Miss Alderney has been offered to be driven in a convertible limousine that day.

 

As to the duties of Miss Alderney, she will be attending a number of Alderney Week events to present prizes to the winners: On the first Saturday of Alderney Week she will be introduced to the public and, with the Town crier, will announce the start of Alderney Week. The following morning she will attend the official Alderney Week Church Service  and later that afternoon, she will crown Little Holiday Prince and Little Miss Holiday Princess.

 

On Cavalcade Day, after the Cavalcade has arrived on the Butes, Miss Alderney will act as host to visiting Carnival Queens from Guernsey, Jersey and Beaumont-Hague and, on the last night of Alderney Week, she will lead the Torchlight Procession. And if you take a look at the photographs of Alderney Week 2010 which are published on our FlickR website, you’ll find Miss Alderney making frequent appearances throughout Alderney Week and are clearly enjoying every moment.

 

The following week, Miss Alderney will represent her island at the Jersey Battle of Flowers and the fantastic Moonlight Parade.    

 

That’s all it takes and the successful candidates are guaranteed a fabulous season of glamour and fun. Any previous Miss Alderney is most welcome to enter next year’s contest again. There have been many occasions when the same young lady has held the title in different years, as can be seen on the “Miss Alderney Walk of Fame” page on this website.

Great prizes – to find out more, click here

 

             

Miss Alderney 2011 – Bonnie Flewitt

After 62 years of Miss Alderney contests, it was all change this year when a totally new format was introduced, reflecting a number of requests and comments from previous and current Miss Alderney candidates. This year, by introducing the on-line competition format, total anonymity was offered to all candidates wishing to enter the contest. The Alderney Week Team promised not to reveal the number of contestants nor their identity, other than the ultimate winner. Likewise, the independent panel of judges, not related or connected to the Alderney Week Team, would be assured anonymity. 

The only disclosure would be on the night – Saturday 23 April, 2011 at the Miss Alderney Celebration Disco, when the winner would be announced and crowned. The new formula resulted  in a higher turnout of entries than in previous years. And the winner was  20-year old Bonnie Flewitt who was crowned by Miss Alderney 2010 Joanna Woodnutt. Bonnie, a decorator then working on the new care home, was chosen from  a number of excellent candidates by the independent  panel  of judges who said it was a very close call between several candidates. 

“I have wanted to enter the Miss Alderney contest for a number of years but felt very nervous and self-conscious about having to face a panel of judges and large crowds. The online format made it so easy to enter, the questions were simple and straightforward and if I had not been successful it wouldn’t have been embarrassing, as nobody would have known that I had entered the contest.

I couldn’t believe it when my name was announced as the winner. It was a brilliant evening, the prizes were amazing: I really enjoyed my shopping trip to Southampton where I managed to find my outfits for Alderney Week, loved my chill-out weekend at the Fermain Valley Hotel and love the Elizabeth Arden beauty products.

The Jersey Battle of Flowers was incredible. So many people, despite the poor weather, were waving at me and even more people turned up for the Moonlight Parade when all floats were lit up and looked quite different. I enjoyed great hospitality in Jersey and had a brief encounter with Gareth Gates – Mister Jersey Battle of Flowers (I’ve got the photo to prove it).

And I have had a wonderful time during Alderney Week. Also it was not required, I did attend all major events, presenting prizes and meeting so many people of all ages. Everybody was really nice and the response from the kids to whom I awarded medals and prizes was very enthusiastic. I never expected such a reaction and there is no doubt my role as Miss Alderney has tremendously increased my confidence. I enjoyed meeting so many different people from all walks of life and being asked to step on the stage and take the microphone became quite natural.

I was invited to take part in the Fashion Show and although I was a little nervous at first, but everybody behind the scenes was so helpful. But once on stage I really enjoyed it and if asked again, I would love to get back on the catwalk.

Top of the list of my favourite Alderney Week events were the Cavalcade, the events at the harbour – from the duck race and the manpowered flight to the Man of Iron, the Fashion Show and of course the Torchlight Procession. I loved the 30 Signals’  Freedom of the Island Parade. The guys were great fun to be with and their daft raft with “The Real Miss Alderney” was an absolute hoot. They were  tremendous help to the Alderney Week Team, getting really involved, even with the Fashion Show. They entered into the spirit of Alderney Week  and  I believe they genuinely had fun too...

It had been an incredible week and on the last night’s Quarry Party I did let my hair down . What a week that was. If any young lady asked me whether she should enter I would say “Go for it. Its great fun and great fun experience.”

Bonnie, a professional decorator, is now living with her family in France in a village near La Rochelle. She is busy learning French and hopes to fulfil her dream of working with animals  at a nearby conservation zoo, but will be back for Easter Saturday to crown her successor and will definitely be on the island during Alderney Week – for the fun of it.

 

 

 

Eight Days of Fun and Madness in the Life of Miss Alderney 2011:    

 

Ever wondered what Miss Alderney is up to during Alderney Week?  Well, here’s Bonnie Flewitt’s diary and, as you can see, never a dull moment!

For more information about each day’s events, please click here

 

                 Saturday 30 July – start of Alderney Week:  Didn’t get much sleep last night. Too excited!

My first public appearance during Alderney Week started with another First: a grand Opening Parade led by our Town Crier Robin Whicker and followed by myself and Little Miss and Master Alderney, driven in a beautiful 1936 open Bentley which was built for Sir Malcolm Campbell the year he won the world land speed record in Bluebird. It now belongs to my official “chauffeur”  Leslie Aldis. Immediately behind me followed the Alderney Week Team – Ronnie, Ilona, Alex, Lee and Nigel,  the lovely girls of the Alderney KFA and the many helpers, volunteers and sponsors without whom Alderney Week just wouldn’t happen. We were cheered on by crowds lining the streets and as we arrived on the Butes, our Town Crier officially declared Alderney Week well and truly open. Everybody was welcomed by the newly-elected President of the States, Stuart Trought and then the Alderney KFA treated a large audience, comfortably seated around the arena,  to their first ever spectacular. Absolutely fantastic!

I think this parade and opening on The Butes was the best ever start to Alderney Week and so did everybody else. I hope the Alderney Team will do it again next year and that even more of the sponsors and volunteers will take part. Alderney Week is a big community effort and we can all be really proud of this annual event which brings so many people to the island, year after year. 

More fun and games for the kids and their parents during the afternoon’s Fun Sports party and loads of medals to handed out to winners of the many different competitions.

The night kicked off with a BBQ party and live music on the Butes. Fancy dress was encouraged -  you should have seen some of the hilarious gear people were wearing. Loved the live music, featuring  several of Alderney’s popular solo artists and our raunchy band “Acoustic Noise”.

The Mister Alderney competition was just plain fun and this time, after numerous attempts to win any title (he ever tried to go for Miss Alderney 2011!), attention-seeking Tom Barrass reaped the longest applause, grabbed the Mr. Alderney 2011 title, the trophy and the prizes and was very , very pleased with himself.

Even though it was brilliant and lasted until the early hours of Sunday, I decided not to join my friends at the Quarry Party in Corporation Quarry, because I was expected to attend the Alderney Week Church Service on Sunday morning.

 

 

   Day 2: Sunday 31 July : As expected, after a very busy first day yesterday and a very, very late night I felt rather tired this morning but managed to get to  the church on time ,where as usual, the Alderney Blowers were fantastic and I did enjoy the service! St. Anne’s Church was packed but I was disappointed to see only one States Member and the President of the States in the front row. Given that Alderney Week is bringing so much to the island, I’d have thought more States Members would show their support!  

I spent the afternoon at the Alderney Week street market which was much busier than last year. Great bargains and wonderful  to see so many people around. The Alderney Island Band and a new group “The Mad Scatters” entertained the crowds with live music in Victoria Street and in the Memorial Gardens young girls, boys and their parents were lining up for  the ‘Little Holiday Prince and Princess’ Contest . It was a great turn out and caused real headache for the judges whose decision was helped by Ellis Downes’ cute little dog Roxy.  Little Miss and Master Alderney crowned this year’s Little Holiday Princess, 8-year old Madeleine and  Holiday Prince 6-year old Miles who will be leading the Cavalcade Parade tomorrow with the Town Crier.  (Little Miss and Master Alderney will be on my float).

I didn’t make it to the Family Quiz Night on the Butes that evening  but was told it there was no empty  seats to be had and it turned out to great fun and a challenge for many. Tomorrow is my big day and we’re still adding the final touches to my float which is hidden away in a secret location. It looks stunning. So much work, so many late hours, so many paper flowers have gone into it, but it was also great fun and we hope to win a major prize.

   Day 3: Cavalcade Day – Monday 1 August: Well , Monday was the big day, the annual Cavalcade Day! As the Alderney Week Team were hard at work from the early hours of the morning getting everything ready for a fun filled day, I did the last few touches on my float. It was then on to my hair and make-up and then I slipped into my dress!  The parade was fantastic and lots of competition against my float, and some great crowds gathered to watch us all parade down Victoria Street. My guests of honour were Miss Jersey Battle of Flowers  Alice Cubbage and Miss Guernsey Lisa Knott. Both seemed to really enjoy themselves , neither having ever been to Alderney before, and they also presented the trophies and medals to the winners of the Cavalcade Float. My float won the award for being the “Most Creative” and I’ve got the trophy to prove it.

The Butes was absolutely packed. Not surprising , with so much going on throughout the afternoon, which started with the Alderney Blowers’ concert. The Zumba session attracted vast crowds as did  ‘It’s a Knock Out’, the Tug of War and of course the all new Alderney Pig Racing which proved very popular with everyone: there were queues of people waiting to buy tickets for their favourite little pigs before the races!

After a busy, busy day some friends and I chilled out and watched Rain or Shine Theatre Group perform ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, which was fantastic and a perfect way to end the day! And those with too much energy left headed for the Bunker Party.

   Day 4: Tuesday 2 August:  Today was quite an energetic day, starting with this morning’s  Fun Triathlon. What a great turnout: 107 competitors!  Many entered as a team taking it in turns to cycle, run or swim  and   many brave individuals completed the course on their own. After pushing themselves to the limit the winner emerging from the sea was Richard Palmer.

Later on many took their four legged friends down to Braye Common for the Canine Capers Fun Contest and after that, the youngsters had a ball down Braye Beach at the Beach Olympics. Olympic medallist Duncan Goodhew who has close links to the island, was there to present the medals and also showed off his own gold medal which he won at the Moscow Olympics.

I had to rush off and get ready for the Fashion show in which I was modelling – something I  honestly was quite nervous about. However, it turned out to be great fun and if asked, I would definitely do it again.  The audience was packed and happily enjoying cocktails from the Bucks Fizz cocktail bar. For those wanting a bit more than a cocktail there was also the Yard of Yale Competition taking place that evening at the Rose & Crown.

 

   Day 5: Wednesday 3 August: Today all those fit, motivated athletes were out in form in preparation to race the train  -  the only operating train service in the Channel Islands!. This was another Alderney Week First and turned out to be a great success. So no doubt, we’ll have it again next year. I was at the finish line to congratulate the participants as they arrived at Mannez quarry, I was very happy to see that everyone who took part successfully beat the train, some even with the energy to run back to the start!  Everybody outran the train, but the fastest runners were Jamie Blackham and Finlay Wright . I presented the medals and then waved off the train which carried most the competitors back to Braye station, then rushed up to Victoria Street to watch the 30 Signals Freedom of the Island Parade through town. It was very moving and everybody was applauding the guys who are here to carry out a number of community projects, give a helping hand to the Alderney Week Team and also have some fun.

Later on that day after a spot of lunch, we headed down to Braye beach to find the beach sprawling with excited sand castle builders, itching to get going!. As usual competition was tough with some of Alderneys’ best sand castle architects doing their thing; with so many shapes and sizes judging was extremely difficult for the judging team. It’s really more of a sand sculpture than sand castle competition and I was there to present the prizes to the many different category winners and the Overall Best.

Tonight was the fabulous Gala Spectacular on the Butes  which attracted hundreds and hundreds of spectators on the Butes  (standing room only) . The Alderney Blowers , who had all turned up in fancy dress, started with a pre-show concert to set the scene for “Fantasy Islands of the World”. For once, I had no duties , managed to find a seat and could just sit back and enjoy the show produced by Ronnie, my dad Lee and Alex. It was really hilarious with loads of sketches aimed at Alderney’s politicians and local personalities,  and included  Tracy Island’s Lady Penelope and Parker with Thunderbird   . This year’s commercials  brought the house down and a surprise performance the Wine & Song, a new group of singers, reaped plenty of applause. (I have been told that the same group caused quite a stir at the airport on Saturday morning with their flash mob singing “Love will keep us together” and I’m sure that’s not the last time they’ll be doing this).

Another Bunker Party tonight, but I decided to give it a miss.

 

    Day 6: Thursday 4 August: I woke up this morning and the heavens opened on our island, so I had the anxious wait to see if they harbour festival would go ahead. Unfortunately due to the wet weather the event was postponed till the coming Saturday. However, the sun shone brightly in the afternoon for the Fun Run joined by 146 competitors and I had the pleasure of presenting medals and trophies to the winners.    

Peter Coenen’s Zumba session at The Vine was a sell-out and all money went to Age Concern. He wants to come back next year which would be great.

Tonight  the Alderney Blowers held their traditional farewell concert in St. Anne’s Church and was really packed with no spare seats to be had. Their music is amazing and the acoustics in St. Anne’s Church are superb.

 

Later tonight things got pretty scary for anybody who joined Donald Hughes’ mystery walk through town which ended up in the prison. Ghosts and horrible creatures kept crossing their paths but they just loved it.

 

    Day 7: Friday 5 August:  This morning was the Odd Spot competition, which has competitors scouting around town looking for items that don’t quite belong where they are. Great fun for the shopkeepers and the clue hunters. Cameron’s street dancing workshop on the Butes was a success, especially with the girls and the BBC camera lady was busy filming.

 In the afternoon I headed down to Braye Beach to get a good spot to stand and watch the Daft Raft Race! Luckily the weather was beautiful and the turnout was fantastic. The Alderney lifeboat was in attendance; however not with the usual crew, this crew cared more about sinking the raft rather than saving them! Some of the rafts were well built with lots of imagination; one even with a working volcano! I presented the medals and trophy to the winners.

The evening brought out Alderney’s most talented... and not so talented for Alderneys got talent on the Butes. First it was the under 16’s and that was just amazing. Their parents must be so proud.

Later on in the evening it was time for the over 16’s to grab the spotlight. It was good turn out from the crowd to support our competitors!  There were some high notes, low notes and well... in the middle notes but everyone seemed to have a great time!  The winner was  Thea Simkins with her absolutely fantastic rendition of ‘Don’t rain on my parade’ from ‘Funny girl’.

   Day 8 – last day of Alderney Week: Saturday 5 August:  Saturday began with a bang, with inner harbour festival kicking off in full swing! The sky was trying to rain but there was no stopping our festival this time round: a big crowd turned out to see our Island’s  strongest men attempting go that little bit further. This was no more the case than in the jeep towing  where the winner wiped out all the competition when he blitzed up the hill much further than everyone else. 

Then came the duck race , after I released 300 ducks from the harbour launch boat into the Inner Harbour. The winner was Duck No. 294 – and Jean Skerritt won 4 return tickets to Southampton. A good investment, considering the ownership of the duck was just £5.

The man-powered flight was highly entertaining and every contraption finally ended up floating rather than flying and even Aurigny’s very experienced pilot Rob Carpenter crash-landed in  the sea. 

Crowds turned out to see the KFA do their thing ( in fact the ferry had brought a large group of old age pensioners from Guernsey to be treated to the show, coffee and tea). The Pet Show proved quite a task for the judges, and there was a last chance for the kids to enjoy a pony ride on The Butes. Channel Television’s Oscar Puffin, brought over by his mentor Jenny Mullin,  made an appearance and kept all the kids fully amused! As my busy day continued I headed over to the Wheels on Fire to see Alderney’s most daring tear it down the hill. A great success for another Alderney Week First and from what I heard, the kids want it back next year.

The evening programme began at 9.00pm  with the torchlight procession through town; we were treated to two songs by the Wine & Song singers before the procession began. The torches were soon lit and the procession commenced, headed by myself and  Robin Whicker, our town crier,  followed by Guernsey Bagpipe Player Kevin McLagan and then the Alderney Week Team and their husbands and wives. Somebody said it was the largest torchlight procession ever.  When we reached the 25-ft high bonfire I was first to light the fire, followed by the town crier and the Alderney Week Team, and then everybody else.  This was quite emotional for me.  The fireworks were superb, and were perfectly timed (to The Pirates of the Caribbean theme tune; the new electronic ignition really making the display seamless.  After the fireworks the crowd migrated under the tent to see some great open mic sessions; and a good old sing-along.

To close the day and the week, the crowds moved to the quarry for the quarry party, that had crowds , including myself, dancing till the early hours of the morning, I’m sure leaving lots of sore heads the next day. It was a wonderful end to an amazing week and I really enjoyed every moment of it. Everybody is happy, everybody was determined to have fun and the weather, apart from Thursday morning, couldn’t have been better. I’m sad it’s all over now but I’m looking forward to next Thursday’s Jersey Battle of Flowers and my dad will be my chaperon.  

 

 

60 years of Island History through the Eyes of Miss Alderney 1948—2008 now a feature film

 

During Alderney Week 2008 , many of the former Miss Alderneys joined us at a special celebration cocktail party on Saturday 2 August to celebrate 60 years of beautiful girls. The event was recorded by the film company Centre Media whose executive producer Kent Walwin was able to extract some great memories and facts during his interviews with these lovely ladies. The film –now available in DVD format – tells the tale of Alderney Week and, in particular, the Miss Alderney competition, which started in 1948 after the islanders, who had been evacuated during World War II, were at last able to return to their beloved Alderney.

The DVD is available for £4 from Alderney Week PO Box 138, Alderney GY9 3HF.