The Quarry – Details, episodes & analysis

Its all about mindset and delivering world class basics according to Guernsey Cricket coach Philip Smith. 

Guernsey U19s are competing in the ICC Europe Qualifier, facing top-tier opposition including Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, Jersey, and Denmark. Its a rare and exciting opportunity for the players to represent their island on a global stage with the opportunity to go to the World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe in 2026

The tournament provides exposure to pressure environments, different playing conditions, and the challenge of playing multiple high-stakes games in a tight schedule.

It’s not just about qualification—it’s about developing young players who can compete at the next level and contribute to Guernsey cricket for years to come.

Their approach to building a high-performing team?

Clarity of purpose
World-class basics, executed under pressure
Team culture that drives standards
Player ownership
Maximum effort is the baseline.

Grow was innovative when it began 40 years ago, it remains at the forefront of thinking about helping people with learning disability today. A  £4m. redevelopment project has led to an incredible new facility where the crew can not only work in horticulture, but also in hospitality in the cafe and learning carpentry skills in the workshop. 
There is now also a small shop selling local crafts, adding retail skills into the mix as well, and opportunities to help in administration and at events.
This is the first Charity Spotlight from The Quarry, part of our efforts to support and celebrate the community in Guernsey. Visit www.thequarry.media for more.

Amelia Hart and Gian-Luca Robilliard speak on the eve of the Orkney Island Games. You are quickly reminded that progress is not linear, that resilience is among the most important tools an athlete can have, and that the Island Games plays a huge role in motivating and inspiring local sportspeople.

Hundreds of young children have been given a taste of sport which might just lead to a lifelong love affair thanks to the Specsavers Youth Games.
Every two years over the past two decades the Games, organised by the Guernsey Sports Commission, have been instrumental in helping children try out a new sport, importantly giving them support through training and familiarisation with venues, before some friendly team based competition on the final day culminates in an energetic and colourful closing ceremony that lasts long in the memory.
This time around 800 children took part in 23 sports.
The Commission's Nicky Will and Squash development officer Martin Watts  join us to discuss the event and its impact.

With Guernsey's economy stalling and a general election approaching, key business groups and charities joined forces to form the G8. They have produced the Voice of Guernsey Business Insight Report, setting out an agenda for change. The IoD's Glen Tonks and Chamber of Commerce's Alice Gill join The Quarry's Nick Mann to discuss the key findings. Read more at www.thequarry.media.

Drew Jonkmans is just an ordinary guy. In September he plans to run from Land's End to John O'Groats, and then cycle back again. This is his story, one as much about positive mental health as it is about athleticism.

For more on Big Moose: https://bigmoosecharity.co

For more on the Becoming X Foundation: https://www.becomingxfoundation.org/

Keep track of Drew’s preparations here

Whispers of Freedom, written and directed by Guernsey filmmaker Brandon Ashplant, has qualified for the British Independent Film Awards.

Set in 1980s East Germany - during the twilight years of the Cold War - the short film is based

on the true story of Chris Gueffroy, one of the last attempted escapees from East Berlin.

Produced with vital support from Guernsey Arts and the DDR Museum in Berlin, it is one of a growing number of local film projects, prompting calls for a Guernsey Film Institute to set up and work with the government to move the industry forward.

Whispers of Freedom is screening at the Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts on Friday 12 September.

Tickets can be purchased online at: https://sogscuba.gov.gg/scuba6/stellar2/centreStageBooking.php#/2039/2039 or via the box

office at the PRCPA.

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Ruth Thomason visited The Quarry to discus her journey into writing and the challenges of producing her first book, Poole of Light. Feedback and community support, including writing groups and critique sessions, are vital. Looking for somewhere to start? Well, this year the Guernsey Literary Festival is hosting a short story anthology competition for Bailiwick writers, which invites submissions under the theme "Time and Tide." 

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The Quarry has partnered with the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce People and Skills Working Group to deliver a series of podcasts exploring the current workforce shortage and the future skills gap.

We will explore why action is needed and what the solutions could be as part of a collective call for change to help ensure the future success of the island.

In the first podcast of the series, we sat down with CoC executive director Alice Gill and CoEfficient co-founder John Hibbs to explore how the conversation needs to include workplace culture and the importance of a healthy, happy and therefore more productive workforce. Companies that have are already reaping the benefits. 

It is easy to dismiss human rights as something that is a problem elsewhere.
Local legislation is limited, many people are working from the comfort of being cocooned in an office. 
But, Estelle Levin-Nally argues, there are not only human rights issues that are affecting individuals in the island today, from housing to health, they are also at play in the countries where local companies are doing business.
Failure to recognise that can leave companies reputations exposed, while also missing out on other tangible benefits to recruitment and retention.
She is one of the experts appearing at the Channel Islands Sustainable Business Conference in October.