From Matthew Costard, chairman, fortifications sub-committee.
IN his letter published in the JEP on 9 September, Patrick Cooper states that ‘more should be made’ of the Island’s Occupation structures, and expresses his concern that only a couple of ‘bunker installations’ are open ‘on a daily basis during the peak summer season’.

He is particularly disappointed about the ‘lack of access’ to the bunkers at Noirmont and Les Landes.

However, I would like to point out that for over 30 years the Channel Islands Occupation Society (Jersey) has been opening German fortifications to the public during the spring and summer months, the bunkers at Noirmont Point and Les Landes being among the most prominent sites in our care.

I am not sure when Mr Cooper has visited these headlands, but the naval command bunker at Noirmont has been open more than 25 times this
season – on various public holidays and on most Sundays between April and the end of September from 11 am to 4.30 pm, and also on some Saturdays. In fact, the Noirmont command bunker will be open on Sunday 27 September and, as this will be the last opening of the season, we would be delighted to see Mr Cooper there.

Likewise, the extensive complex at Batterie Moltke, Les Landes has been regularly open on public holidays, and on Sundays between 10 am and 3 pm.

Other sites that we open to the public are the observation tower at Noirmont Point, a casemate bunker at La Corbière, an M19 fortress mortar bunker at La Corbière, casemate bunkers at La Carrière, a heavy machine-gun turret bunker at Val de la Mare, and an anti-tank gun casemate at Millbrook.

There are over 200 bunkers in Jersey, so clearly it would not be feasible to preserve everything, but we have carefully restored the best and most interesting examples, and judging from the comments we receive in our visitors’ books, our efforts are appreciated.

As our ‘staff’ is made up entirely of unpaid volunteers, we are unable to open on weekdays, but we believe that the large number of weekend and public holiday openings over the busiest months of each year provide ample opportunity for both locals and tourists alike to visit these fascinating and unique sites; last year more than 5,000 people came through the doors of the command bunker alone.

We work closely with Jersey Tourism, and details of our opening times may be found on the Tourism website, in the What’s On brochures, and also in our own bunker opening leaflets that are avaiable at the Tourism visitors’ centre. We also advertise in the events slots in the local media.

I must state that, contrary to Mr Cooper’s understanding, we do receive support from Jersey Tourism, who have not only actively encouraged us, but have provided funding for special projects.

Coincidentally, on the same page of the JEP was a letter from Sue Lissenden, in which she reminded readers that caring for the Island’s ‘rich heritage’ is not solely the preserve of the Jersey Heritage Trust, and mentioned other organisations that play a key role, including the Channel Islands Occupation Society.

Anyone visiting the fortifications in our care will quickly realise we have achieved a great deal with the modest resources at our disposal, and without any dependence on public funding to meet our general running costs. By the end of this season we will have offered more than 75 advertised openings over seven different sites, as well as numerous special openings for private groups and enthusiasts.

Mr Cooper may view details of our activities on our website www.ciosjersey.org.uk. If he would like to get involved, then he would be most welcome to apply for membership.