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The following pictures were taken during the 1998 PDA Reunion Tour of Jersey.

To view full size, full resolution, click on the picture of your choice.

A thriving dairy industry exists on Jersey, featuring the Jersey cow. It is believed that immigrant George imported Jersey cows to America in the 1650-80"s. While on Jersey, members of the tour group were able to partake of these cows milk, cream, butter and ice cream. We don't have a picture, but the Jersey Royal potato is also a major cash crop, and our group had plenty of them to eat! Jersey gets two potato growing seasons per year, which are grown on steep hillsides.

We met these fine Jersey cows on at Morel Farm, the home of Sid and Dulcie Poingdestre. They invited us to afternoon tea and biscuits (cookies and cakes) in their home, where four grandchildren and parents also welcomed us.

Pioneer Coaches provided the bus each day. We had several different drivers throughout the week, they were all great, especially getting trough very narrow walled-in country lanes while driving on the left side of the road!

We visited three castles on Jersey, Gronez Castle, Mont Orgueil Castle and Elizabeth Castle. Gronez lays in ruins, built c.14th Century, it stood on the highest point of the rugged northwestern cliffs. Mont Orgueil, c.13th Century, overlooks Gorey Harbor and was the King's main castle on the island at that time. It was built on a granite outcrop and stood against a long medieval history of conflicts with nearby France. Elizabeth Castle (16th Century) was built when cannons and gunpowder became prevailent in warfare. Mont Orgueil was too vulnerable, so Elizabeth Castle was built. It watches over St. Helier and St. Aubin's Bay. It is here that the Prince of Wales (the future Charles ll) hid in the early days of the English Civil War (Cromwell). During the war, George's uncle, Jean Poingdestre, also held up in the castle with the future King and other island Royalists. Sir George Carteret (1609-1680) led the Royalists and was the first to proclaim the Prince "the King of England". He was later awarded land in the Colonies, what we call New Jersey.

The home church of the main branch of the Poingdestre family. George's uncle, Jean, was buried beneath the floors of the church, an honor held for only the most important families. The tour group attended church on Sunday and experienced a modern Anglican service. A more traditional service is held earlier in the morning. More on St. Saviour's will be added later. After the service, we had coffee and tea with the parishners, followed by lunch with host familys. The group was divided by twos and threes and assigned hosts. Your webmaster, along with Nancy and Chuck, was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Mike Payn. We had tender salmon, green beans and of course, Jersey Royals (potatoes). Dessert included cheeses, fresh baked bread and a straberry tort. Strawberries are also grown on the island.

The birthplace of our immigrant and many Poingdestres before him. Today it is owned by a Jersey lawyer, Jeremy Johnson. He was very kind to invite us to come in and look around. He has owned the home for several years, during which time he has worked to restore the home. It is believed that the home was built c.1490, on land the Poingdestre family had lived on since the 13th Century. A newer manor house, Grainville Manor, built about 1700, after George immigrated, no longer stands. A park with playing fields is now where the manor once stood.