News

The Liberation Gala Dinner, hosted by Community Savings on Thursday, 15th May 2025 at the Royal Yacht Hotel, was a resounding success, bringing together the community for an evening of exquisite food, shared purpose, and generous giving. The night was made especially memorable thanks to the incredible talent and support of Michelin Star Chef Michael Caines MBE, who led the evening with warmth, flair, and culinary brilliance.

Chef Caines, known for his award-winning modern European cuisine and his television appearances on MasterChef, Saturday Kitchen, and Remarkable Places to Eat, crafted and introduced a sumptuous five-course menu that left guests in awe. His collaboration with Executive Head Chef Inaka Weerasinghe and the outstanding team at The Royal Yacht Hotel brought his vision to life using the best of Jersey’s local produce.

💛 Thank You for Making It Happen

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who made the evening so impactful:

• Chef Michael Caines MBE for his inspiration and culinary skills
• The generosity of our wonderful guests
• Executive Chef Inaka Weerasinghe and the entire Royal Yacht team
• Our generous sponsors, donors, auction and raffle contributors
• The tireless staff and volunteers who made the night run seamlessly
• Our suppliers who made the event come to life

Because of your incredible support, we raised an amazing amount in aid of financial inclusion on the island—helping ensure that those facing financial hardship can access the tools and support they need.

📸 Event Photos

Relive the unforgettable night and find all the official photos at:
👉 https://www.jerseyevents.com/communitysavingsliberationgaladinnercharityevent15may25

🎟️ Were You One of Our Lucky Raffle Winners?
Check the numbers in the image attached to see if you’re one of our raffle prize winners! Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and supported our cause.

This event not only celebrated Jersey’s 80th anniversary of Liberation in fine style but also reaffirmed the power of community and compassion. Community Savings is incredibly grateful for your continued support and belief in our mission. Here’s to many more nights of hope, help, and heartfelt generosity.

Community Savings, the Jersey based charity supporting individuals experiencing financial hardship, is excited to announce an exclusive 80th anniversary Liberation theme celebration evening featuring the renowned Michelin Star chef, Michael Caines MBE.

The internationally acclaimed chef and bestselling author will host a luxurious five course dinner at the Royal Yacht Hotel on Thursday, 15th May 2025.

Michael Caines MBE, one of the UK’s most celebrated chefs, is the Chef Patron of Lympstone Manor, a luxury country house hotel in Exmouth, Devon.

With two Michelin stars to his name for 18 consecutive years before opening his own establishment, Caines quickly earned Lympstone Manor its first Michelin star within just six months. His modern European cuisine is renowned worldwide, emphasising the finest local, artisanal ingredients.
Caines is a familiar face on television, regularly appearing on shows like “Saturday Kitchen,” “MasterChef,” “The Great British Menu,” and “Sunday Brunch.” Recently, he lent his expertise to ITV’s “Cooking with the Stars” and joined Fred Sirieix in “Remarkable Places to Eat.” In recognition of his contributions to the hospitality industry, Caines was awarded an MBE in 2006 and currently serves as the Deputy Lieutenant to the Lord Lieutenant of Devon.

Steven Hunt, the event organiser and fundraising chairman for Community Savings, expressed his excitement about Caines’ visit: “We are delighted to welcome another esteemed celebrity chef to Jersey. This event offers local residents a unique opportunity to enjoy world-class cuisine right here on the island while supporting our charity.”

Chef Michael Caines has crafted a five-course menu that showcases locally sourced ingredients and will personally introduce each course, providing guests with insights into his culinary choices. In preparation for the event, he will collaborate with Executive Chef Inaka Weerasinghe and his team at the Royal Yacht Hotel.

Michael Caines shared his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “I am very excited to be visiting Jersey and collaborating with Steven and Executive Chef Inaka and his team at The Royal Yacht Hotel for a Community Savings fundraising evening. It is my honour to support Community Savings in their incredible cause to help people who have fallen on hard financial times.”

With limited seating for just 250 guests, tickets are priced at £200 to include a Champagne reception, five course dinner, coffee/tea petit fours and they are expected to sell quickly.

Please contact Steven Hunt at steven.hunt@communitysavings.org.je to book your individual place or a table of ten.

Menu

Canapés
Buckwheat pancake and smoked salmon mousse
Truffle and cheddar cheese Gougers
Chicken liver parfait orange jelly

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First Course
Scallop ceviche, Oscietra caviar
avocado, honey, and soy with citrus vinaigrette

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Second Course
Warm salad of lobster
mango and cardamom vinaigrette, curried mayonnaise

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Third Course
Pan roast turbot
Jersey new potatoes, leek and a seaweed and caviar butter sauce

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Main Course
Fillet of beef
English asparagus, roasted shall celeriac and truffle puree, red wines sauce

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Dessert Course
Green apple mousse
Caramelised cox apple puree with apple sorbet

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Tea/Coffee

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Vegetarian Menu

Canapés
Truffle and cheddar cheese Gougers
Cold gazpacho soup
Buckwheat pancakes with goats’ cheese mousse

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First Course
Beetroot tartar
Pomegranate molasses horseradish cream

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Second Course
Warm tomato tart
Rocket and parmesan basil pesto

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Third Course
English asparagus
Jersey new potatoes and chervil butter sauce

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Main Course
Wild mushroom risotto

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Dessert Course
Green apple mousse
Caramelised cox apple puree with apple sorbet

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Tea/Coffee

Community Savings is delighted to acknowledge the invaluable support over the years of the Association of Jersey Charities (AJC) and the Jersey Community Foundation (JCF), whose generous grants help further our mission of providing financial inclusion and support to those in need within our community.

The funding provided by AJC and JCF enable Community Savings to continue delivering essential financial education, guidance, and accessible banking services to individuals who may otherwise be excluded from mainstream financial institutions. As a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering people towards financial independence, these grants have a significant impact on our ability to support vulnerable members of society.

“We are incredibly grateful to both the Association of Jersey Charities and the Jersey Community Foundation for their ongoing support,” said Stephen Reilly at Community Savings. “This funding allows us to expand our services, reach more individuals in financial difficulty, and continue our efforts in promoting financial literacy and stability across Jersey.”

The Association of Jersey Charities and the Jersey Community Foundation both play crucial roles in supporting the island’s charitable sector, providing much-needed funding and resources to organisations that make a real difference in the community. Grants from both organisations are a testament to their commitment to fostering positive social impact.

Community Savings remains committed to offering a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for individuals seeking financial help. With the backing of AJC and JCF, the charity is supported to continue its vital work in tackling financial exclusion.

July 2024 – Are you a team player who enjoys helping others? We are seeking individuals with experience in financial administration or personal banking to join us.

As a cashier volunteer, you will assist our members with administrative tasks such as handling day-to-day forms, preparing cheques for encashment, setting up standing orders, processing change of address requests, and managing one-off payments. Additionally, you’ll help members with account-related queries.

Our services operate four mornings a week, from Tuesday to Friday, and we ask for a commitment of at least one morning per week from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

We value volunteers who are dedicated, non-judgemental, professional, and possess strong communication skills.

If you’re interested in this volunteer role, please contact Lisa Lidbury with your CV at lisa.lidbury@communitysavings.org.je or call 737555.

Community Savings is a charity set up in 2001 to help islanders with money related challenges, it is currently the only charitable provider of ‘basic accounts’ in Jersey.  The charity is able to help the increasing number of financially or socially disadvantaged Jersey residents, by providing access to basic financial services that most of us take for granted but from which many are excluded. 

Community Savings goes further than simply providing account services, the charity aims to tackle financial issues encountered by islanders so they can successfully manage their money before facing a financial crisis.

Many of our members have experienced an economic tragedy, often through no fault of their own. The advantage of using our services is that each member is offered a personalised service with financial mentoring available alongside practical advice on savings.

communitysavings.org.je

May 2024 – We are thrilled to announce the resounding success of our recent fundraiser held at The Royal Yacht, featuring the incredible culinary talents of Ching-He Huang MBE. This memorable event, attended by over 200 guests, took place on Thursday night and showcased a spectacular six-course Chinese banquet prepared by Ching herself. The evening was not just a culinary delight but also a powerful platform for sharing stories and raising awareness about financial hardship.

Ching-He Huang, a familiar face from BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and a best-selling author, captivated the audience with her personal story of overcoming financial struggles. She emphasised the critical role of Community Savings in helping individuals avoid financial hardship, a cause that deeply resonates with her.

Steven Hunt, Fundraising Chairman at Community Savings, expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support. “This event is poised to raise as much as 10% of our annual turnover, which will have a significant impact on our ability to serve the community,” he noted.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters

The success of the evening would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors, supporters, raffle ticket buyers, and auction bidders. Your contributions are vital in enabling us to continue our mission of supporting those facing financial difficulties in our community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part in making this fundraiser a triumph. Your support has made a substantial impact, and your generosity is making a real difference in our community.

Relive the Magic

For those who joined us and for those who couldn’t make it, we invite you to relive the magic of this unforgettable evening. Check out the photos and highlights from the event to see the joy and community spirit that filled the room.

Once again, thank you to Ching-He Huang for using her culinary talents to support our mission, and to everyone who attended and contributed. Your support is invaluable, and together, we are making a positive impact in our community.

To see the event highlights, please visit https://www.jerseyevents.com/communitysavingsching-hechinesebanquetcharityevent

Community Savings, a Jersey-based charity aiding individuals facing financial hardship, is thrilled to announce the upcoming visit of Ching-He Huang MBE, acclaimed international celebrity chef and bestselling author.

Ching-He Huang will be presenting a lavish Chinese banquet dinner at the Royal Yacht Hotel, on Thursday, 16^th May, 2024.

Recognised globally as a champion of Chinese cuisine, Ching-He’s culinary journey spans from her roots in Taiwan to her upbringing in South Africa and the UK. With television programmes like “Ching’s Kitchen” and “Ching Food Made Easy”, reaching millions of viewers worldwide, she has become a household name. Notably, she has been nominated for an Emmy and has authored ten bestselling cookbooks, including “Chinese Food Made Easy” and “Wok On.”

In addition to her culinary achievements, Ching-He is known for her humanitarian efforts, embracing storytelling and sharing meals as a way to connect people. In 2021 she launched an online masterclass focused on Vegan Chinese cuisine.

Expressing his excitement about Ching-He’s visit, Steven Hunt, organiser and fundraising chairman for the charity, remarked, “We are delighted to host an esteemed chef in Jersey to support our charity and offer local people an opportunity to savour exquisite cuisine without leaving the island.”

Ching-He Huang has curated an extensive menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, and will personally introduce each course, sharing insights into her culinary selections. Ahead of the event, she will collaborate with chef Inaka Weerasinghe and his team at the Royal Yacht Hotel.

The evening promises a delightful experience, complete with a champagne reception, traditional Chinese entertainment, raffle, and auction. Proceeds from ticket sales, priced at £175 per head, will bolster Community Savings’ efforts to assist individuals facing financial uncertainty.

Community Savings charity is grateful to sponsors: Equiom, Andrew and Fiona Tyrer: Neil and Susan Blair; Mrs Anon.

To secure your ticket, please contact steven.hunt@communitysavings.org.je

Menu
First Course: Prosperity Toss Noodle Salad
Second Course: Duck and Local Crab Spinach Dumplings in Sichuan Duck Broth
Third Course: Steamed Local Hand Dived Black Bean Scallops with Samphire Noodles
Fourth Course: Crispy Aromatic Duck and Pancakes with Hoisin Sauce
Fifth Main Course to Share: Local Lobster in Ginger Yellow Bean Spring Onion Noodles. Spicy Sweet Oyster Sauce Prawns with Pine Nuts. Steamed Local Seabass in Chilli Bean Sauce. Aromatic Beef in Hainan Spring Onion Salsa Verde. Char Siu Roast Pork with Honey
Sides: Ginger Pak Choy. Fried Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet Chilli Sauce. Crispy Shallot Jasmine Rice
Sixth Course Dessert: Vegan Mango Passionfruit Coconut Lime ‘Cheese’ Cake. Assorted Exotic Fresh Fruit Platter. Fortune Cookies. Petite Fours. Jasmine Tea, Teas/Coffees

🌱PLUS, for our vegan friends, relish in the delectable Vegan Menu! 🌱👩‍🍳

Vegan Menu
First Course: Smoked Tofu Prosperity Toss Noodle Salad
Second Course: Smoked Tofu Spinach Dumplings in Mushroom Broth
Third Course: Seared King Trumpet Mushroom on Samphire Noodles in Black Bean Sauce
Fourth Course: Five Spice Roasted Assorted Oyster and Shimeji Mushroom Pancakes with Hoisin Sauce
Fifth Main Course: Sweet Chilli Tofu with Water Chestnuts. Cantonese Black Bean Tofu. Buddha’s Chow Mein. Sichuan Smacked Garlic Cucumber Salad. Crispy Enoki with Hoisin
Sides: Ginger Pak Choy. Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet Chilli Sauce. Crispy Shallot Jasmine Rice
Sixth Course Dessert: Vegan Mango Passionfruit Coconut Lime ‘Cheese’ Cake. Assorted Exotic Fresh Fruit Platter. Fortune Cookies. Vegan Petite Fours. Jasmine Tea, Teas/Coffees

Community Savings, the island’s only financial services charity committed to the well-being and prosperity of its members and wider community, is excited to announce the development and launch of a financial management tool. Our new guide ‘Toolkit for Managing Your Finances’ incorporating a ‘Budget Planner’, is designed to assist not only our valued Members but anyone striving to take control of their finances and achieve their financial goals.

In a world where managing our basic finances can be overwhelming and we are having to meet the challenges of the prevailing cost of living crises, Community Savings recognises the need for accessible and user-friendly tools that empower individuals to make informed financial decisions. The ‘Budget Planner’ is a comprehensive solution, offering a simple yet effective interface to track income, expenses, and savings.

Key features of the Community Savings Budget Planner include:

User-Friendly Interface: The budget planner is designed with simplicity in mind, ensuring ease of use for individuals at any level of financial expertise.

Insightful Tracking: Gain valuable insights into spending habits, identify areas for potential savings, and make informed decisions about your financial well-being.

Goal-Oriented Planning: Whether your objective is debt repayment, building an emergency fund, or investing for the future, the planner provides the necessary tools to stay on track and motivated.

To get started on your journey toward financial freedom and stability, simply gather your financial paperwork and refer to our online ‘Budget Planner’ at www.communitysavings.org.je/budget-planner.  If you need any guidance in relation to budgeting or would like to speak to us about the support we can provide, our team are ready to assist. Contact us at 01534 737555 or email office@communitysavings.org.je.

Stephen Reilly, CEO at Community Savings, commented: “Skillfully navigating your finances is fundamental to your overall well-being and future financial prosperity. Whether you’re embarking on the journey to financial independence or seeking to enhance your existing financial situation, a solid grasp of effective money management is essential.”

Community Savings is committed to paving the way for a brighter financial future for all. Download our ‘Toolkit for Managing Your Finances’ at www.communitysavings.org.je/budget-planner and embark on a journey toward financial empowerment today.

Community Savings, a leading charity in Jersey dedicated to promoting financial inclusion, is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Reilly as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Reilly brings over 15 years of executive and board-level experience, with a proven track record of leadership in complex and large-scale financial services organisations.

Mr Reilly’s most recent role was as Head of Integration with a local trust and corporate services provider. His extensive background includes serving as Chief Operating Officer at a facilities management organisation and Managing Director, Head of Corporate Banking & Financial Markets at a prominent international bank.

Stephen Reilly is known for his capabilities in managing change and transformation of complex businesses. His core skills include leadership, change and transformation, client focus, strategy, stakeholder management, risk and regulatory relationship management, product knowledge, stamina, and delivery.

Regarding his new role as CEO at Community Savings, Stephen Reilly expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am delighted to be joining Community Savings and contributing to its mission of promoting financial inclusion in Jersey. I am eager to work with the team to provide essential services, guidance, and assistance to those most in need, ultimately helping individuals access mainstream banking services.”

The Chairman of Community Savings welcomed Mr. Reilly to the organisation, stating, “We are thrilled to have Stephen Reilly join Community Savings as our new CEO. His wealth of experience and proven leadership skills make him the ideal candidate to lead our organisation into the next phase of growth. We look forward to working closely with Stephen to further our mission of promoting financial inclusion in Jersey and supporting those facing financial challenges.”

Community Savings, established as a charity in 1997, aims to promote financial inclusion in Jersey by providing essential services, guidance, and practical assistance to those facing financial challenges. The organisation’s mission is to assist financially excluded islanders by offering access to basic account services, budgeting guidance, and emergency financial support.

The Board of Community Savings is confident that Stephen Reilly’s leadership and extensive experience will contribute significantly to the organisation’s ongoing success and impact in the community.