A local wood turner and Jersey’s only commercial rose grower are the latest members to join the ever-expanding ranks of the Genuine Jersey Products Association (GJPA).The new members are traditional craftsman Peter Gosselin and Roland Cooke from N.S. Cooke and Sons Ltd. in St Lawrence. The two new members were agreed at a committee meeting of the GJPA last week and brings the number of existing members to 40.
Retired retailer Peter Gosselin ran a fishing tackle shop in the Fish Market before he gave up work to concentrate on his hobby of 40 years. Peter, who is partially disabled after suffering from a series of strokes, uses a wide variety of locally-grown wood including oak, ash, beech, sycamore and fruit trees to make a selection of unique handcrafted items such as bowls, platters, candlesticks, tea-light holders, goblets and vases. Peter sources the wood from local gardeners, wood fellers and the States green waste department as well as recycling used wood.
Peter, who works from his home in Grouville, says: “I have always enjoyed working with my hands and since I retired I have begun making items for fun rather than necessity. Wood is a fantastic medium to work with and I find the carving and turning immensely satisfying as it enables me to produce signature pieces as duplicates are not possible”.
Peter joined the Association after visiting the series of highly successful summer Farmers and Craft Markets held in St Aubin. Having only sold commissions so far he is looking forward to meeting members of the public at the many events organised by the GJPA and explaining the skills and techniques of wood turning.
The second member to join is Roland Cooke the Island’s only commercial rose grower, who has worked in the family business since the age of 15. The business at Le Passage, which began 50 years ago, grows 40 varieties of roses as well as pinks, spray carnations and greenery. Visitors are welcome to visit the farm’s landscaped gardens, which include an aviary and pond, to see first-hand how the flowers are grown.
Roland applied to join the Association after being impressed with Genuine Jersey’s involvement at this year’s West Show.
He says: “Genuine Jersey is fast becoming a quality Island brand which promotes fresh, local products at the right prices and provides an enjoyable buying experience for Islanders and visitors at events and fairs. I believe being a member of the Association will enhance local sales as well as giving us the chance to promote our business alongside other well-respected local businesses”.
Retired retailer Peter Gosselin ran a fishing tackle shop in the Fish Market before he gave up work to concentrate on his hobby of 40 years. Peter, who is partially disabled after suffering from a series of strokes, uses a wide variety of locally-grown wood including oak, ash, beech, sycamore and fruit trees to make a selection of unique handcrafted items such as bowls, platters, candlesticks, tea-light holders, goblets and vases. Peter sources the wood from local gardeners, wood fellers and the States green waste department as well as recycling used wood.
Peter, who works from his home in Grouville, says: “I have always enjoyed working with my hands and since I retired I have begun making items for fun rather than necessity. Wood is a fantastic medium to work with and I find the carving and turning immensely satisfying as it enables me to produce signature pieces as duplicates are not possible”.
Peter joined the Association after visiting the series of highly successful summer Farmers and Craft Markets held in St Aubin. Having only sold commissions so far he is looking forward to meeting members of the public at the many events organised by the GJPA and explaining the skills and techniques of wood turning.
The second member to join is Roland Cooke the Island’s only commercial rose grower, who has worked in the family business since the age of 15. The business at Le Passage, which began 50 years ago, grows 40 varieties of roses as well as pinks, spray carnations and greenery. Visitors are welcome to visit the farm’s landscaped gardens, which include an aviary and pond, to see first-hand how the flowers are grown.
Roland applied to join the Association after being impressed with Genuine Jersey’s involvement at this year’s West Show.
He says: “Genuine Jersey is fast becoming a quality Island brand which promotes fresh, local products at the right prices and provides an enjoyable buying experience for Islanders and visitors at events and fairs. I believe being a member of the Association will enhance local sales as well as giving us the chance to promote our business alongside other well-respected local businesses”.
