Toby, 13, has bright ideas for Pembroke
PEMBROKE bay could be a hub of activity if one islander’s ideas for the area are brought to life.
Toby Gregg, 13, moved from Texas to Guernsey with his family 18 months ago.
Drawing from outdoor amenities he saw living in the state, he wrote a letter detailed with images describing how the headland and beach could be improved.
His ideas included a volleyball court in the current overflow parking area, a floating platform to jump from, picnic benches and fire pits for barbecues and free outdoor showers.
‘The douzaine thought it was great,’ said Toby.
‘It would have a great impact on lives for all sorts of people like swimmers and teenagers like me.
‘There isn’t much free stuff in Guernsey but most of my ideas you can do for free.’
The suggestions have been put to the Commons Council, a group of volunteers responsible for 740 vergees of the parish headland.
Pembroke is Toby’s favourite beach, but he hoped other parishes would consider introducing similar activities to their beaches to appeal to younger islanders and families.
‘The one thing I like about this is that other parishes would see it happening and have it on their beaches too.’
Toby spent lockdown living in apartments overlooking the beach, meaning he had plenty of time to envision how the area could look in the future.
He also suggested that community groups could get involved with creating sponsored benches as there was a shortage of them around the coast.
Vale junior constable Bill Cohu said the douzaine was very impressed by the suggestions.
‘I would be enthusiastic to see a raft – they have one down at L’Eree. I mentioned to a guy down at harbours about using a disused platform if they had old ones,’ said Mr Cohu.
‘Everybody was excited to see a youngster going to quite some effort.’
