Island Life

Jimmy Taberner was born in Farnworth, Lancashire. He came to the island in 1989 having obtained a Masters from the University of Wales.

He began writing music at the age of 12 and by the age of 16 had gained a reputation for song-writing within his school in Bolton such that he was asked to compose the school song.

He performed as a solo artists through college, entering a piece into the Eurovision Song Contest and going to the capital for Opportunity Knocks.

He also led a band in Jersey until vocal problems forced him to cease. “I still love to write and am always looking to challenge myself to unearth something new”, he says.

Presently teaching A level Philosophy, he is currently working musically with friend and arranger Alan Hilton, promising a collection of works soon to be available via the internet.

Jersey Island Home by James Taberner

Island home of beauty and splendour
God’s grace attend her sent from Heav’n above
Grant that we in deed strong or tender
True service render to the land we love
Safe our shore; borne of war
To raise the flag for freedom ever more
Heart and voice rise up to defend her;
Always for Jersey
Only for Jersey
Beautiful Jersey
And our Island home

Island home of beauty indwelling
All nature telling quiet her wondrous song
Grant that we for none so compelling
Ever be dwelling here our whole life long
Seagulls soar as of yore
To raise her praise above from shore to shore
Land and sea the grand chorus swelling
Always for Jersey
Only for Jersey
Beautiful Jersey
And our Island home

Island home of beauty unbounding
Full voices sounding lend their harmony
Grant that we from each tongue surrounding
Free and unbundling blend in unity
Faith endure, hope restore
To raise our song beyond the battle roar
Join we all the anthem resounding:
Always for Jersey
Only for Jersey
Beautiful Jersey
And our Island home