Aland to Froya

Geography & Population

Geologically, Alderney is a continuation of the Cotentin peninsular of France. The resident population is 2,152. The average age is on the high side as a large majority are retired residents from overseas. The only town of St Anne is situated in the centre of the island whilst there has been some modest recent development down near the harbour.

History

There is evidence of a Neolithic occupation and stone implements, flints etc are exhibited in the museum together with Bronze Age axes. Unfortunately, many Megalithic tombs and dolmens on the island were used to build Victorian forts. Iron Age pottery has been discovered and a Roman occupation of the island is evidenced by coins, tiles and other artifacts.

The Channel Islands were subjected to constant attacks from the French mainland during the frequent wars between England and France. In June 1940 the community was evacuated to the UK, just days before the German forces occupation. During 1946 about two-thirds returned to find their island homes in ruins. German defence installations remain on the island to this day.

Alderney States Crest

Government & Economy

Alderney is one of the islands of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. After the occupation, the States of Guernsey agreed to administer education, policing, health, welfare and airport administration in return for Alderney being subject to internal taxation. In addition, Guernsey would make an annual fixed grant towards those public services administered by Alderney, e.g. roads, harbours, etc. The island’s economy is almost entirely based on tourism and tax income which is boosted by the many retired expatriate residents. There is a small fishing fleet.

Language & Culture

British military presence in the 19th century and the evacuation of the population during the Second World War have diluted the Norman-Alderney indigenes and the local ‘patois’ has now almost completely disappeared. There is a music society, an art club and a recently established brass band. The island museum is currently being extended to accommodate relics from an Elizabethan wreck which was discovered recently.

Sport & Leisure

Sporting facilities are very restricted but the tennis club have recently built four all-weather courts, the football club have erected a new clubhouse and there is a nine-hole golf course. A shooting club is based at one of the ruined Victorian forts, whilst a small badminton club copes with the restricted height in the island hail. Other available sports include squash, archery, boxing, fencing and cricket. A half-marathon is staged annually.

Medals in 2007 Games in Rhodes

Gold: 0
Silver: 0
Bronze: 0
Total: 0

Medals in 2005 Games in Shetland

Gold: 0
Silver: 1
Bronze: 2
Total: 3

Medals in 2003 Games in Guernsey

Gold: 0
Silver: 0
Bronze: 0
Total: 0