Thursday 20 February 2014

5p for plastic bags - what a load of rubbish

In the latest round of policies designed to beat us all about the head, and make us change our behaviour, whether we like it or not, I see that plastic carrier bags are once again the target.
Clearly the efforts of supermarkets to charge us all through the nose to buy 'bags for life', and then tout them around town, effectively providing them with free advertising, have not been as effective as intended.
I do not use supermarkets if I can avoid them, but then I don't have a large hungry family to feed, or to wash or clean for. Unless I've got friends staying, I doubt that I shop more than once a week, and then usually just for a pint of milk to satisfy my craving for that early morning cuppa.
However, the sad demise of our local shops continues. Supermarkets are now more determined than ever to encroach on that last bastion of private ownership, with their town centre 'mini markets' and 'express' stores. It would seem that we may now well be paying 5p a time for the privilege of having a bag in which to carry away their goods.
What the 5p is for I've yet to determine. Is it to pay towards the cost of handling the discarded bags as they litter the countryside, or in an effort to dissuade us from using them altogether? Either way, the climate change brigade, as well meaning as they may be, have got it all wrong, again.
The nonsense being espoused about the supposed cuts in carbon emissions could quite easily be solved; by doing more to ensure that as responsible citizens we do not litter. I am constantly appalled by the flagrant way that my fellow citizens litter our streets with gay abandon. That's where we should be putting our energy and money, not paying to clear up after them.
We've all done it. On entering the supermarket for our daily paper and the odd loaf of bread or packet of sugar, which they artfully place towards the rear of the store, we are forced to pass all of their tempting discounted offers and BOGOF offers along the way. Eventually we arrive at the checkout, where we are then required to check ourselves out (I refuse), thereby saving the supermarket money, only to find that as a result of responding to those impulse buys we couldn't resist, we need .... another bag or two to pack them in. So not only have we spent more money than we had intended, but are to be penalised even further.
Not once, in all the years that we have been battling away to reduce landfill, have I seen anything other than token evidence of supermarkets being required to engage in a meaningful way to reduce the amount of unwanted packaging that is produced. They are the driving force here in terms of how their products are presented to us. It is no longer possible, in many cases, to buy just one apple, one baking potato or one banana. We are being coerced into buying more than we need, and it seems to me to be grossly unfair that once again, whilst we line their pockets, we are required to pay the consequences and stump up for their advertising as well.
Fortunately I shan't have to suffer; I've been saving and collecting my used plastic bags for years, and should have enough to see me through my lifetime. A small, but sweet, revenge.

Throwing Toys out of the Pram

I don’t know what it is about adults "throwing toys out of the pram" but there’s been a lot of it going on recently.

It must be something to do with the appalling weather we’ve been experiencing where saint-like tolerance is increasingly in short supply.

Virtually every organisation I’m involved with seems to be struggling with upset of one kind or another, and on an unprecedented level. I’d like to add here that as far as I’m aware, I am NOT the common denominator in the midst of all this angst.

Downing tools and upping sticks seems to be par for the course this year so far. Chief Execs. and board members resigning at the drop of a hat, and it’s not just the men that have been behaving badly.

What bothers me about all of this is that clearly those individuals concerned feel that their own needs come before that of the greater good. I cannot deny that from time to time, with one endless meeting after another, I say to myself ‘Is it all worth it? Why am I bothering?’, and on occasion I do come close to saying ‘enough is enough’.

Then I step back and take the time to remind myself why indeed I bother at all. It seems rather trite to say ‘because I want to make a difference’ but that would neatly sum it all up.

Providing a voice for those that don’t feel that they have one, to challenge authority on behalf of those that wouldn’t dare, to protect those that need it, to listen when no-one else will. These are the things that make all the time and effort worthwhile.

When a youngster in care recently said to me, ‘Linda, you have to come on the next residential, otherwise it wouldn’t be the same without you.’ I suddenly didn’t mind that it would mean giving up my weekend.

As we get older many of us become involved in a wide variety of charitable organisations, mainly in a voluntary capacity in the spirit of the ‘big society’.

This can mean a period of adjustment for those who have perhaps had high powered careers; learning to be the new kid on the block, not always in charge, and having to listen to the views of others, who in some cases we may not have due regard for. It can be a steep, but valuable, learning curve and open us up to new experiences, and a new way of thinking. If we remain open minded and willing to learn.

I have learned, that despite the frustrations, it is much easier to influence an organisation from within, but in order to do that we need to put our personal vexation to one side, and work towards achieving the best possible outcomes for all concerned.

It is only by embracing this ethos that we can all pull together to make a real difference to a society where it is increasingly difficult to meet the ongoing challenges with a smile.

Food and 'The Art' of seduction

At Ilminster Rotary Club this last week, I was delighted to be asked to step into the breach to provide a speaker for our weekly meeting at the Shrubbery Hotel.
Never known to be short of a word or two, I took the opportunity to give a talk on 'Food and Seduction in The Arts'.
I have been wanting to develop this talk for some time, and Valentine's week seemed the perfect opportunity to give it an airing. Food and sex are the two things that we cannot live without, and for some time I have been interested in exploring the connection between the two. The extent to which throughout history food has been a key tool in the art of seduction is well documented in all of the arts, whether it be poetry, literature, painting, film or music.
In responding to my talk Past President Julie Fowler commented 'I shall now have to go home and seek out D H Lawrence's poem about figs, and do some research on the most aphrodisiac apple variety!'
To get everyone in the mood I also provided a range of raffle prizes, including asparagus, chocolate and 'Saint Amour' wine, and a special Valentine menu. Kisses all round.

The art of sabring

Little did foodies Rick and Angela Turnamere know what they were letting themselves in for when they successfully bid for a wine tasting donated by myself, at a recent charity auction.
Riotous scenes ensued as the couple, along with 10 of their friends, ploughed their way through the 10 wines I had brought along, which included a blanc de noirs champagne and a delicious Hungarian Tokaji.

As it was Valentine's week, I had also recently given a talk on 'Food and the Art of Seduction', and was persuaded to include this as part of the tasting. Having listened to a reading of D H Lawrence's seductive poem 'Figs', everyone soon got in the mood for something more adventurous so, with a borrowed sword, we had a spot of sabring. My first experience of this, and not as difficult as I thought it might be. A riotous evening all round.

The hostess, Angela Turnamere commented 'At the auction we googled Linda before we started bidding, and soon realised that we were going to have a great time, and a lot of fun. This was no ordinary wine tasting, it really was amazing, and I can't wait to get her to come and do another one.'

Is Milliband dumbing down?

It may well be my imagination but has the leader of the Labour Party, Ed Milliband, been dumbing down his accent in recent interviews? Perhaps this is an effort to appeal to the general populace?
Given Tony Blair's overt attempt to adopt an estuary accent and present himself as a 'man of the people', I would not be at all surprised. Whilst I am no great fan of a 'cut glass' upper class accent I do prefer those that represent us to be able to pronounce their words properly.

JUMPING ONTO THE FLOODING BAND WAGON

The death of a neighbour's husband a few months ago gave me pause for thought in relation to the enormous turmoil and upheaval experienced by those that have been the victim of flooding recently. I think that living through such life changing events is very like the sudden death of a loved one.

Those of us fortunate to have close family and friends can be overwhelmed with gratitude for the offers of help and support when most needed. However, and I speak from personal experience here, we often forget, that once the funeral is over, the floods have subsided, and the excitement of the national interest in us is over, that's it, job done; not the case at all.

It is only once we get back to the humdrum daily grind of life, with time to pause and consider the impact of the loss, that we really need that help and support, and that's where Samaritans come into their own. It is returning home to the empty house, dealing with the clean up, all the paperwork and bureaucracy that is involved, that reality sets in, and along with it, the danger of depression. It is in the aftermath that practical help and moral support is most needed; and when most of us have long since moved on to do other things.

I raise this because I have been noting with interest the plethora of public figures, both local and national, keen to come down to offer their commiserations at the plight of those affected. Promises galore have been dished out, but beware of the language used. We have gone from statements along the lines of 'whatever money it takes will be spent', to '£10m will be made available', and then, only a few hours later, '£10m will be made available to some businesses'.

We can, sadly, expect a good deal more pussy footing around before it's all done and dusted. This is where locally we can expect, and should insist on, our local elected representatives to fight our corner; to ensure a fair deal for Somerset. This does not mean though that we should all be jumping on the band wagon, keen to get involved

Local councillors, who barely show their faces the rest of the year have hardly had the time to don their green willies and Barbours before leaping into the fray. To what end? If local opinion, and anger, is anything to go by, then they are nothing but a media seeking nuisance getting in the way of the real work that is needed.

I understand that the fire service presence in response to the flooding has reached levels not seen since the dark days of the second world war. For once I can also praise local council officers, and in particular Paula Hewitt, who has been playing a key part in organising and co-ordinating the plans for recovery.

Despite intense criticism of the Environment Agency, local workers on the ground have been truly remarkable, and tales of round the clock working are not unheard of.

The armed services have of course been brilliant in providing additional support although of course this is not without cost; the going rate for a helicopter is apparently £25k a time.

Meanwhile, back on dry land, the Samaritans have been responding in their own quiet way, setting up shop in the two flood assistance reception centres. Both Yeovil and Taunton branches have been working together to help alleviate some of the misery with a kind word or two, and a shoulder to cry on. This is in adding to extending face-to-face contact, by going out on boats to access those who are stranded and afraid to leave their homes. Samaritans will continue to provide their usual round the clock support in the coming weeks and months, when everyone else has shut up shop and gone home.

It is at times like these that communities themselves show their mettle, without the need for token gestures from those who are out to prove a point. This is not, and never should be, about political manoeuvring. Shame on those that wish to use it as such.

Highways comments unhelpful for planners

Recently I have been in receipt of copies of correspondence in relation to highways concerns over a planning application, and I am conscious that as councillors we have certain obligations.
In addition to remaining objective and unbiased when coming to decisions on whether or not to support an application, there are a number of statutory consultees to whom we, and planning officers, turn to for professional advice.
Although I appreciate budgetary constraints, and the cut backs that go with it, the current situation with regard to highways advice is less than satisfactory. More often than not no comment is received from them, resulting in those of us making these important decisions being reliant on local knowledge, or the planning officer's opinion, rather than experts advice and guidance.
What seems to have crept in lately is the statement for 'County Standing Advice' to be applied.
This means that to all intents and purposes planning officers are now required to read, understand and apply information provided by a standard manual, which surely any of us, including the applicants could do.
In that case, why would we bother consulting highways at all?

No council tax for flooded properties

Given the recent headline news, where the PM annouced that properties affected by flooding would not be liable for council tax, we must not be fooled by this disgraceful political manoeuvring - unless I am very much mistaken council tax is not payable on empty properties that are unfit to live in.....
SSDC's website says the following:-
'An empty property discount of 100% for up to 12 months where the property is unoccupied and unfurnished, and undergoing or requires major repair work / structural alterations to make it habitable.'

Do those that lead us think we are stupid?

Sunday 9 February 2014

It's only their houses that are flooded!

As the flooding situation within Somerset continues to give grave cause for concern, and dominating news headlines, not just here but also abroad, the cries of ‘too little too late’ echo ever louder. Swifter more effective action earlier on would certainly have been much more cost effective in the long term, and not just in monetary terms.

It is interesting to note that politicians are now very keen to jump on the bandwagon. Call me cynical, but I fear it has more to so with the upcoming election next year, and a fear of losing precious votes, rather than any real concern for us in the West Country. I don’t suppose any will dare show their faces for their summer holidays this year.
I’m no great defender of elected members, no matter what their political persuasion, but I do know first hand that any action taken has not been as a result of disinterest locally, by anyone at any level. It was only after public outcry, forced into the wider public domain by Somerset County Council leader John Osman, along with our local MPs, that the necessary assistance was forthcoming from wider a field. They at least deserve some credit for not giving up in their efforts to ensure appropriate action was taken, albeit rather too late.
Despite constant denial, it is quite clear that anything outside the direct orbit of London, and other large metropolitan cities, is considered second rate when it comes to funding levels. We all pay our taxes and deserve an equal share when it comes to capital investment. Perhaps this will now be forthcoming in providing improved flood defences, and ensuring that our rivers and streams remain free flowing.
However, this will surely be too late for the many whose homes and livelihoods have been destroyed, largely through no fault of their own.
I was absolutely astounded to hear someone say ‘They are only flooded houses. They are not losing life and limb are they?’ Clearly they had no real idea of the repercussions that such devastation, over such a prolonged period of time, can cause. Many of those affected will be unable to put the consequences of this behind them for some time, if at all.
One organisation that does at least have the right to raise its head high in the midst of all the angst is The Samaritans, where response was swift in providing that all important shoulder to cry on in a time of extreme stress. Likewise, Rotary clubs across the area put out a call for its members to muck in and help where they could to alleviate the suffering.
Practical help is what was needed, much earlier, but all of us can provide help in some small way if we take the time to think of others. One person that does need to consider their position is Owen Paterson, the Environment Secretary. I can appreciate the tough position the agency is in, with ever decreasing funding, but their approach towards handling this has been nothing short of appalling.

5p for plastic bags - what a load of rubbish!

Friday 7 February 2014

Smoking ban in cars - barmy!

Despite being a lifelong non-smoker, I am totally against the latest proposals to criminalise smokers that is due to be voted on this coming week.

Have suffered long term respiratory problems since childhood, as a result of growing up in a household of heavy smokers, I know first hand the consequences of exposure to passive smoking. It is of course important to protect children from harm. However, whilst smoking remains a legal substance I believe it is wrong to continue to penalise those that choose to do so.

It seems ironic that a blind eye is turned towards those that indulge in illegal substances, whilst the government seeks continually to find ways in which to target smokers. I fully appreciate the need to ensure that we all remain as healthy as possible for as long as possible; this is hardly surprising given the funding crisis within the NHS, along with the fact that we are all living longer.

What does not seem to generate significant consideration is the fact that smokers, through the heavy tax levy they pay, make an enormous contribution to the government’s coffers.

Certainly smoking is a major cause of a wide variety of life threatening illnesses, but then so is alcohol, overeating, in-discriminate sex activity, and a host of other activities that many of us indulge in.

It seems to me that smokers have become easy targets for quick fix attempts at garnering public approval. What those in a position to do so fail miserably at, is looking at the underlying causes for the reasons we choose, of our own free will, to engage in behaviours that are harmful to our health; work related stress, money problems, relationships problems and ill health all come readily to mind.

I can see no sensible way in which the current intention to ban smoking in cars, whilst children are present, will ever be effectively policed. Many adults smoke to relieve stress and I can only begin to imagine a long car journey with the offspring in tow, if parents are forbidden from smoking…. they may well take it out on the children, or each other.

This nanny state approach is becoming increasingly tiresome, and I don’t see any great concerned over the amount of litter smokers generate on our streets as a result of being forced outside to puff, gasping literally for that fix. To my mind smoking is a vile, disgusting habit, and totally incomprehensible to me, but as long as tobacco is legal I will defend the right of smokers to do so.

If we were serious about protecting people’s health then tobacco would be banned, but that is never likely to happen, at least not in my lifetime.

Thursday 6 February 2014

Why was flooding help so late coming?

I saw, and heard with interest, BBC news reports of the sudden support activity in relation to the on-going serious flood situation in Somerset.
However, I feel that I must correct the Minister concerned, who when questioned, stated that Somerset had not received any outside intervention or help until now because the county council had only requested it then.
That is entirely untrue, and I expect the Minister to retract the statement. I know first hand that there has been constant pressure for some time in relation to getting the support that we needed.
I am also astounded at statements made by both Lord Smith, and Owen Patterson of the Environment Agency, over the intended proposals for putting future plans in place. Why weren’t plans already in place?
This London centric government continues to ignore the issues facing us here in the South West, but along with others I will continue to demand that we get our fair share.

Seductive Foods to Woo your loved one this Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is hot on the horizon, and for many of us it will be a brain racking exercise in hunting out the ultimate in amorous edibles; those seductively tempting little morsels that will be guaranteed to stimulate our flagging, winter-weary, poverty-stricken senses as we battle our way through the endless rain, particularly down here in the South West..

I spend much of my life eating out as a professional hotel and restaurant inspector, and whilst I love the day job with a passion, nothing is guaranteed to get me in the mood for a romantic liaison more than a home cooked meal, lovingly prepared, just for me; preferably snuggled up toasty warm by a roaring log fire.

It is well documented that what we eat has a direct impact on our body and its functions, and aphrodisiacs were originally intended to stimulate by arousing sexual excitement. This is because procreation was once an important moral and religious issue, and the use of aphrodisiacs was intended to ensure both male and female potency, improving inadequate performance and increasing fertility. All good stuff to keep the human race going.

One of the key issues, of course, is nutrition. Under nourishment creates a loss of libido and reduces fertility rates, in addition to being the cause of many other complications that can follow our progress through life’s challenging path. Foods that in their natural state seem to represent "seed or semen" are considered inherently to have sexual powers, whereas others are said to provide stimulation by their "physical resemblance to genitalia".

Lucky for all of us in the mood for love, there are plenty of options to be had. There are a wide range of foods readily available; nowadays these may be from anywhere in the world, and available during all seasons. However, I would argue that the quality, and the potency, will be greater if in season and gathered closer to home.

With this in mind, and wanting to gain maximum advantage in the wooing stakes, here are some suggestions for ingredients that should form part of the ultimate erotic banquet; in which all the ingredients are designed to release those inhibitions and evoke the ‘Love Goddess’ Aphrodite.

The Aztecs called the avocado ahuacuatl, or "testicle tree", as the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled testicles. Catholic priests forbade it, but it is rich with folic acid, vitamin B6 and potassium, all of which help to boost the immune system.

The book of The Arabian nights tells a tale of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and was cured by a concoction that included coriander, which is also known as an "appetite" stimulant.

Basil boosts circulation, which has an aphrodisiac effect in stimulating sex drive and increasing fertility. The scent is said to drive men wild – so much so that women would dust their breasts with dried, powdered basil.

Culpepper wrote, “asparagus stirs up lust in man and woman" and in 19^th Century France bridegrooms were served three courses of it at their pre-nuptial dinners. The Vegetarian Society suggests "eating asparagus for three days for the most powerful affect". You may just have time....

Its sexual shape is obvious, but the banana is loaded with potassium, magnesium and B vitamins, as well as chelating minerals and the bromeliad enzyme, said to enhance the male libido and aid sex hormone production. They also provide instant, long-lasting energy – to give you staying power, and are excellent at regulating blood pressure too, which can help with erectile disfunction.

In Egyptian times honey was used as a cure for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, and honeymooners drank mead to "sweeten" the marriage.

Last, but by no means least in any woman’s books, chocolate. The king of natural aphrodisiacs, it contains anandamide, the psychoactive feel-good chemical, and PEA (phenylethylamine), the "love chemical," which releases dopamine in the pleasure centres of the brain and peaks during orgasm. PEA is said to help induce feelings of excitement, attraction and euphoria.

Not exactly the most balanced suggestions for a romantic meal, but if all else fails – then take your loved one out for dinner, but be sure to stay away from carbohydrates, which induce sluggishness. Also avoid dill, lettuce and watercress, which are all said to be an-aphrodisiacs, producing the opposite of the required effect!

John Lennon and Taking the Biscuit

I’ve always been mildly obsessed with trivia, and was interested to discover that John Lennon, instead of being paid in real money, once famously requested payment for a TV appearance in Chocolate Bath Olivers, my favourite biscuit.

This got me thinking as I sit here wolfing down a Kit Kat, at a mere 107 calories, that it is not without some amusement that I heard this week of reports of a boom in the UK biscuit business. I can also confirm that officially, according to makers Nestlé, Kit Kats are chocolate ‘biscuit’ bars.

I’m also cheered by the fact that it is chocolate coated biscuits, and individually wrapped varieties, that are currently top of the biscuit tree. I’ve never been one for jammy dodgers or custard creams, and the thought of dunking just makes me cringe.

Although I am generally sceptical, according to the recent industry survey, carried out by Mintel, biscuit consumption is way up on previous years, and is set to increase further. Clearly big business.

In my own experience as a marketer, you can pretty much get surveys to show whatever results you want through a combination of who you ask, and how you ask the questions, but no matter.

What did astonish me was that apparently, on average, a UK household consumes as many as 100 packets of biscuits per year. That’s an awful lot of biscuits. Apart from a perennial craving for all things chocolate, I don’t have much of a sweet tooth myself and doubt that I buy as many as 6 packets of biscuits per year. I admit that living alone, and out working most of the time, I don’t have quite the opportunity for consumption that a family of four with ravenous kids coming in from school and champing at the bit might have, but the trend is nonetheless worrying. There have been recent news headlines about the damage that sugar does to our diets, and of course most biscuits are packed with it, and fat.

One argument is that in a recession more of us reach for a biscuit as a quick cheap comfort fix when everything around us is falling to pieces. Although I never keep biscuits in the house, I know that I certainly reach for one, even though I know I shouldn’t, when dashing from one meeting to the next and a biscuit is all that’s available.

One consolation locally is that Somerset County Council, in an effort to save money, no longer provides biscuits for meetings, but it does continue to provide hot drinks.

Apparently it is the ritual of sitting down with a cup of tea or coffee that tempts over half the nation to reach for the biscuit barrel, to the tune of over £2.2 billion.

It must therefore be the tea and coffee to blame for my expanding waistline; without it there wouldn’t be the same craving for a biscuit.

Time to switch to a low calorie G&T then, or invest in some biscuit company shares?

Growing up with Down's - Children and Families Bill

I have just had the privilege, and it was indeed a privilege, to watch a programme aired on BBC Three entitled ‘Growing up Down’s’, about a group of young adults with Down’s syndrome, and other learning disabilities, who were encouraged to form a theatre group and went on to perform a convincing performance of Shakepeare's Hamlet at theatres all around the country.

The programme was filmed by the brother of one of the key figures, and was recorded in a sensitive compassionate way, illustrating without illiciting the sympathy vote, that even those in our society with learning difficulties have the same fears, emotions and aspirations as those of us who do not have to live with these challenges on a daily basis.

It was also a salutory lesson for the rest of us who sail through life largely untouched by long term disability, demonstrating that where there is the will anything can be achieved. We would all do well to remember that. I found it inspirational, and without being in the least bit patronising, truly amazing to see their confidence grow in leaps and bounds.

Quite by chance I later tuned into the third reading of the Children and Families Bill as peers in the House of Lords considered its merits and several amendments; disappointingly to a virtually empty house once again.

Of particular significance was the proposition that the health and wellbeing of 'parent carers' of disabled children is assured, with appropriate support available. The amendment has gained cross party support, and several of those present reiterated the point that there should be formal recognition of the many sacrifices made by those caring for children with disabilities, and the impact of the toll this takes on the health of the carers.

It was interesting to note that in expressing approval or disapproval of the amendment, the wording used in the chamber was 'content' or 'not content'.

Also of significance is the £40m. put aside by Michael Gove, the Secretary of State, to aid the transition of those in foster care through into adulthood. Described as the most important change for a generation, there is now acknowledgement that support beyond the age of 18 will help to ensure a smoother transition for these youngsters. Once on the statute books, Local Authorities will be required, by law, to provide financial assistance, advice and support until children in care reach the age of 21.

Thank goodness that for once there is some funding attached to this.

We have over 500 children in care across the county and I am delighted to report that, for once, Somerset County Council is one step ahead of the game. The council has already set up its own Leaving Care Council to provide this vital support at such an important time in a young person's life. My continued involvement in this area of SCC's activities remains one of the most rewarding aspects of being an elected member.

Monday 3 February 2014

Protecting Children and Families - Who Cares?

As an insomniac I sometimes find that in the middle of the night watching BBC Parliament can provide me with the necessary slumber inducing distraction.
However, viewing the Children and Families Bill, which was debated in the House of Lords on January 28th, had quite the opposite effect.
I found that far from becoming drowsy with the long, tedious drawn out pace of the debate, I became at first incredulous, and then increasingly incensed. With the benefit of TV cameras, I could see that no more than a dozen of our esteemed representatives were present, several of whom appeared to find that fiddling with their mobile phones was much more interesting.
Is it that the protection of our children and their vulnerable families is so unimportant to them?
I fear it may well be the case for the vast majority our Lords and Ladies, tucked up in their cosy homes, having been well fed a tasty little supper before retiring, after a trip to the theatre perhaps?
An utter disgrace when so many in our society live such utterly miserable lives, often not of their own choosing. The least they could do is to show some interest. I'd send them all to the tower.

Dinner in the Dark

Ilminster Rotarians and their friends gathered at the home of Brenda Lake this week to take part in 'Dinner in the Dark', cooked by fellow Rotarian and professional chef, Linda Piggott-Vijeh.
The meal had been bid for at the club's Auction of Promises to raise funds for charity, and to add a twist to an old theme Linda insisted that all of the guests eat their meal blind folded.
Hostess Brenda commented, 'Not being able see what we were eating was quite unnerving. It just goes to show how much we all rely on being able to see our food. We were all hopeless when it came to guessing what Linda had prepared for our 10 course meal, which took over three hours for us to eat. It was however all in a good cause to help our club raise money for local charities.
Linda added, 'It was a bit of a nightmare as the list of things the guests did not eat was so long and included everything from custard to lamb, to avocados, making it a bit tricky to come up wiith an interesting meal that everyone would enjoy. Just to make sure they didn't cheat I also turned all the lights off....'

THE DARK DINNER MENU

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Cheese Gougères

Stuffed Patty Pan Squash

Foie Gras Macaroons

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Salmon Caviar

Coquilles St. Jacques

Stuffed Mussels

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Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Parmesan Pretzels

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Vegetable Filo Parcels

Smoked Salmon wrapped Salmon Paté on Argon Oil Toast

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Lamb and Chicken Kofta with Carrot and Chive Salad

Bresaola with Celeriac and Apple Remoulade

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Stir Fried Duck Breast Fillet with Red Pepper and Onion

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Capon Casserole with Cèpes and Monbazillac Sauce

Asparagus and Green Bean Salad

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Mango, Passionfruit and Blackcurrant Sorbets

Chocolate Fondant with Raspberry

Red Wine and Beetroot Jelly with Blueberries

Almond Biscuits with Salted Caramel

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Camembert Toast with Fig Confit

Ginger Liqueur

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Calvados Ganache Chocolate

Chocolate coated Orange Peel

Tia Maria Coffee

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Ring Tones Tell You All You Need To Know

My personal bandwagons are many and various but there is little that works me up into a frenzy more than the current bad behaviour exhibited by those whose mobile phone use I find intrusive and just plain rude.
I am old enough to remember the time when once you left the house you became incommunicado, unless you were able to find a public phone, and have sufficient 2p pieces to shove in the box while pressing button A or button B. My memory is now not as good as it was, but I don't recall us suffering to any great degree as a result.
Don't get me wrong, mobile phones are a blessing, but there is a place and a time for them. I have a very long standing friend, who when I call her often answers and then immediately says "I can't talk now, I'm in a meeting." I'm left wondering, "Then why did you answer the wretched thing?"
For some reason people now expect you to be available 24/7 by virtue of the fact that you own a mobile. "I tried to call you, why didn't you answer?" is a common refrain, and I'm tempted to respond, "If it was so urgent, why didn't you leave a message then?"

On public transport, in doctor's waiting rooms, at the theatre, in shops, we are constantly bombarded by other people's personal conversations, or their lack of attention while they text away to their heart's content.
Most annoying of all however, given the large number of meetings I attend, are those who insist on using their mobiles during meetings, whether openly or covertly.
All it says to me is that the guilty party thinks that they are sufficiently important, and everyone else in the room is sufficiently unimportant, to choose to deny or grant others their full attention. This is particularly disturbing when matters of importance are being discussed affecting the people who vote us into public office. I believe it shows a distinct disregard and contempt for others, and it happens from CEO level down. I can think of nothing that warrants such behaviour, and would argue that if whatever it is they need to do, or whoever it is they need to be in contact with, is of such import, then maybe they shouldn't attend the meeting in the first place.
I know of one councillor who also does the crossword during meetings, and it is a constant source of frustration when chairpersons fail to address this.
If this sort of behaviour continues, instead of frisking people for weapons, we should do the same for mobiles, and confiscate them.
Don't even get me started on ring tones; they say everything you need to know about the person, enough said.
What's yours?

Lovely Linda Loves Life