Alicia Nerac. Picture: PETER MOURANT (00990954)

MISS Battle of Flowers has a new chaperone. Alicia Nerac has taken over the reins from Jackie Donald, who stood down earlier this year after seven years in the role.

The unpaid position involves giving up most weekends during the summer to attend fetes and charity events with Miss Battle – who this year is Sarah Watson – and accompany her on trips to Alderney and Le Havre.

Alicia (28) is engaged to Dave Parker and has a son called Will. She was Miss St Helier in 2000 and has helped with the Le Brun Family and Friends’ float and entered the parade’s carnival classes in the past.

‘I love everything about the Battle and have been involved in a number of ways,’ she said. ‘It’s spectacular to watch, so it will now be interesting to see it from behind the scenes.

‘I saw the article in the JEP that the Battle officials were looking for a new chaperone and I knew it was something I would really like to do. I like to think that I am approachable and easy to get along with. I’m also a very organised person.’
As chaperone, Alicia will also be responsible for looking after Mr and Miss Battle and Miss Junior at the August parades.

‘So far I have attended a few functions with Sarah, but from this weekend onwards there will be something every weekend,’ she said. ‘This will be a learning curve for both of us – we are both as excited as each other. Jackie has given me a long list of things to remember and is always on the end of the phone.’

Born in Jersey, Alicia was educated at Janvrin, Le Rocquier and Hautlieu before going to Manchester to take a teaching course at the Northern Ballet School. Her first job was at the Hammond School in Chester and she returned to the Island six years ago to take up the post of dance teacher at St Michael’s School. She also teaches with the Carousel School of Dancing.