General information about living on Sark

We have a population of approx 600, rising to over 1,000 during the summer season. Transport around the island is by foot, bicycle, and horse drawn carriages with tractors being limited by licence for agricultural purposes and to carry goods. The roads are surfaced but not with tarmac. There are a good range of local shops including grocers, bike shops, a ladies boutique, health food store, gift shops, a post office and hardware store, a computer shop. During summer there is a range of cafes, pubs, hotels and restaurants. During the winter there are usually three pubs, two or three cafes and a couple restaurants that stay open. Most of the grocery shops have a delivery service and spirits and tobacco are cheaper than the UK. Goods are brought to island by cargo boat and delivered to your door by a local carter. The excellent telecommunications and postal systems mean that wide use is made of internet shopping sites. Wi fi, broadband and satellite TV are available For more details, further information or just to view our beautiful natural scenery see www.sark.info

Transport to and from the island Sark can be reached by passenger ferry or private boat. Links with Guernsey by sea - both passenger and cargo - see timetable on www.sarkshippingcompany.com Guernsey airport links to a number of UK and international airports www.guernsey-airport.gov.gg Boats to Jersey run from April to the end of September There is a summer ferry to France Medical services Local GP surgery (private practice) Hospital in Guernsey, reached in an emergency by ambulance boat Regular surgeries held in Sark by Guernsey dentists and chiropodist Prescription charges are subsidised by a local charity As Sark is not part of the NHS, residents are strongly advised to take out their own private medical insurance. Banking and taxation 2 local banks- Nat West and HSBC Currency-sterling, with Guernsey, Jersey and UK currencies accepted

As the island is independent from the UK there is no income tax. Taxation takes the form of a tax on capital and property No death duties or capital gains tax. The island has its own inheritance laws. For information about the Sark Constitution www.gov.sark.gg If you are unsure about your tax situation, we would advise you to consult a taxation expert.

The Economy The economy is based mainly on tourism, agriculture, construction and the service industries. Most work is seasonal so residents often have a number of different jobs. Vacancies are usually advertised locally in shops, on notice-boards, in the local paper or by word of mouth. There is no Old Age Pension, DSS or compulsory retirement age. Churches The St Peters Church is within the Anglican Deanery of Guernsey (in the Diocese of Winchester). There are weekly services led by the resident priest in charge throughout the year There is a Methodist Chapel on the Island, with a resident Minister (under the authority of the Guernsey Methodist Church). Visiting Roman Catholic priests take mass once a month in St Peter's Church.

Accommodation The payment package includes La Maisonette Cottage. This is a very pretty cottage set within its own garden. It has two bedrooms and has recently been refurbished. It is situated in the centre of the island close to all amenities. The property is rented from the Seigneur of Sark by the Education Committee for the Class One Teacher. No water rates Bottled Gas Electricity is supplied locally Excellent waste disposal service for refuse and cesspits