Society 'needs more bequests'

A society that studies Jersey's history and environment wants more people to leave it money in their will.

The Societe Jersiase said it is not in financial trouble at the moment, but would like to secure its future.

Executive Director Pauline Syvret said it wanted to use legacies to acquire artefacts and keep them for Jersey.

The society's last acquisition was 134 works of art plus sketchbooks and other items belonging to Jersey's most famous marine artist Philip Ouless.

Most of the society's running costs were funded by membership fees, Ms Syvret said.

But acquisitions were also a vital part of the society's role and more money is needed for them, she added.

Stopping the Ouless collection leaving the island in 2007 was only possible because of a bequest, she said.