RESTAURANT TIPS AND OTHER ABUSE

As a fellow chef, I was ashamed to read of the findings of the investigation into salaries and distribution of tips at Le Gavroche. Sadly, I was not surprised.

The analogy may be a poor one, but as someone who spends time working with vulnerable adults and children, whilst the current focus and attention is on long term and widespread abuse in the world of football, we must not forget that abuse in one form or another is endemic in many industries. In the past, we may have spoken in jest of the ‘casting couch’ in the movie industry, but the same principle applies in many professions.

At the heart of the problem is the overwhelming desire to reach the summit of one’s chosen profession, even if it means selling your soul. In the restaurant business the stakes may not reach the stellar heights of our sports stars but there remains cachet in being seen to be associated with the very best, and the competition is tough. The ability to have Le Gavroche, or any number of other top establishments on your CV, even if only washing pots or prepping veg, can open doors. The sad fact of life is that the chefs who have become household names know that they can pick from the cream of the crop, and pay peanuts, if anything at all. Anthony Bourdain is a clear example of just how ruthless life behind the stove can be.  

Whilst we should never condone such behaviour and the negative impact it can have on those subjected to it, whilst our own desires for recognition remain paramount, we leave ourselves exposed to the worst that human beings can inflict.

SPENDING A PENNY THIS CHRISTMAS

Local councillor and charity fund raiser, Linda Piggott-Vijeh, will be helping others to 'spend a penny' this Christmas by buying a toilet!

Said Linda, 'Each year I try to save some small amount of money to go to a good cause. Last year I saved my own weight in 1p and 2p coins to buy a cow, a goat and some chicken to help those in Africa to be able to make a living for themselves. This year, after a visit to Ashill Baptist Church I found out about Toilet Twinning. It seemed to me to be a marvelous, and fun way to help others. I then decided to collect 5p coins for the year to save up the £60 required to fund the building of a toilet through Tearfund. I travel as much as I can and am all too aware of the lack of proper facilities in third world countries which can have a huge impact on their health and wellbeing. Collecting money this way is really painless, I just put any of the 5 coins I have been given in change while out shopping into the jar each day. I cannot wait to receive the picture of my twinned toilet to hang in my own bathroom. It will be a reminder that every time I 'spend a penny' in my own home there are many others who do not have that luxury.'

http://www.toilettwinning.org/

Toilet Twinning is a simple, quirky way to solve a serious problem and save lives.
For just a £60 donation, you can twin your loo with a latrine halfway around the world, in a country of your choosing. For a £240 donation, you can twin with a school block or toilets in a displacement camp.

Your smallest room becomes the proud owner of a certificate, complete with a photo and GPS coordinates so you can look up your twin on Google Maps.

Toilet Twinning funds the work of international relief and development agency Tearfund. Your donation will be used to provide clean water, basic sanitation, and hygiene education. This vital combination works together to prevent the spread of disease. Children are healthier, and able to go to school; parents are well enough to work their land and grow enough food to feed their family. With better health, and more ability to earn a living, men and women discover the potential that lies within them to bring transformation.

Family by family, community by community, nation by nation, we are flushing away poverty.

BROADWAY QUIZ RAISES £247 FOR CHURCH FUNDS

Photo - winning quiz team and organisers at Broadway VH. 

Left to right - Ben Overd, Lisa Shearman, Steph White, Claire Robards, Beryl Muskett, Carole Willmouth, Linda Vijeh

Local Councillor and charity fund raiser, Linda Vijeh, once again pulled out all the stops this year to run the annual Christmas Quiz in Broadway, which raised much needed funds for St Aldhelm and St Eadburgha Church.

Said Linda, 'It is well known locally that I am a bit of a quiz fanatic and I am always thrilled to be asked to put together quizzes to support local charities and community fund raising events. This was my second year of running the one at Broadway, and I am delighted that we had a packed house, with 14 tables in all, raising £247, the highest amount ever raised. 

Last year I wore a reindeer onesie to host the event but was advised against it this year as apparently it was not the most fetching of looks! I tend to prefer putting together themed quizzes but this does require a lot more work. This year it was a bit embarrassing as the winning team, Quizzimodos, was led by Lisa Shearman, who I often quiz with, and who, unknown to me, had put together her own Christmas quiz for work colleagues the night before, so no wonder her team won! 

As with all of these events it could not be done without a dedicated team of volunteers to put the whole thing together, promote the event, set up tables etc.and provide refreshments. All I have to do is turn up and ask a load of questions. I understand that this one was so successful that I have been booked again for next year. 

|I will also be running a quiz at the Bowling Club in Ilminster in the new year, and another at Donyatt Village Hall on 17th February, so it looks like I shall have my work cut out. This is what being part of a community is all about and I am glad that I can play a small part in that.'

LOOK WHAT I DID MUM!

Photo – Martha Wilmot of Ilminster Methodists' Parent & Toddler Group showing off her decoration for their tree. Proceeds go to Children’s Hospice South West.

The popular Christmas Tree Festival, held annually at The Minster in Ilminster, and organised by Elizabeth Ferriss, had a bumper display of over 60 trees this year.

Local councillor Linda Vijeh volunteered to have a stint on the door on the final day and had this to say ‘I always try to be involved in community activities, both through Rotary and with other organisations I am involved with. The festival is a fantastic opportunity to put on a real display that will draw in the crowds. Some of the trees were really imaginative; I especially enjoyed the hair curlers on the one from Ilminster Hair & Beauty. It was also great to see how many family groups came along to see the trees, and to donate money to the wide range of charities represented. In several cases additional collection boxes had to be provided as they were overflowing. What was so encouraging though was the number of children accompanying their parents, keen to show off their decorative contribution to one of the trees.

Such joyful events and activities are part of what makes our small communities so vibrant, and such popular places to live.'

COMPASSION FOR THE HOMELESS AT CHRISTMAS

No Room at the Inn

Going into The Minster, Ilminster, this week to visit the Christmas Tree Festival, I passed by the static display with the sign ‘No Room’. It was clearly intended to highlight the plight of those refugees that have dominated the news this year and also those closer to home without a roof over their heads, at this particularly vulnerable time. There are no easy solutions, but as both a Samaritan and having been homeless myself, albeit temporarily, on two occasions, once during my childhood, and again as an adult, I have some small understanding of what it feels like.

Life is certainly much more complicated now. The reasons someone finds themselves homeless can be many and varied. For those fortunate enough to have enjoyed a stable, happy, life it can be difficult to understand what has caused the situation. That is if we want to take the time out of our busy lives to gain that understanding. Passing by scruffy unkempt individuals huddled in shop doorways, with a Heinz variety mutt in tow, glazed eyes, indicating possible drug use, and a roll-up clamped firmly to their mouths, can make it hard for ‘normal respectable people’ to show much sympathy.

Increasingly, drug and alcohol abuse, along with mental health issues. are a significant factor. All can contribute towards behaviour that those at home, and at work, find unacceptable. Violent outbursts, destructive behaviour, stealing to fund a habit, self-harming; the list is endless. Such behaviour, which can be damaging to others, especially children, must never be tolerated, but what worries me is our failure to look beyond the outward symptoms to get to the root cause of the problem.

We all make decisions in our lives, some of which can have devastating consequences. In my adult life, I have on three occasions provided homeless accommodation, twice for individuals and once for a family, on Christmas Eve, with no deposit, no references. Whilst extending the hand of friendship has not always been without problems, I have rarely had my trust misused.   

In my own case, the first time around, my mum, a single parent with three young children, having left my violent father, took us to live with my grandparents. Then the bailiffs turned up and literally turned us out onto the street because my feckless grandfather had spent the rent money. My mum and siblings went to a homeless shelter, before going to stay with a distant relative. I, at age 10, and being the eldest, was farmed out to mum’s work colleague for the time it took my mum to sort us out. We ended up living in one room in a shared house, where we had to avoid stepping on the used needles strewn on the ground outside.

Later in life, on leaving my husband, despite being halfway way around the world, with no job, no home, and no money, I was fortunate that a friend offered me use of her house whilst she was working away.

In the absence of much close family I cherish other relationships. I have been blessed with a strong network of friends who have helped to pull me through difficult times. They are my lifeline. Sometimes a lifeline is all it needs to keep someone hanging in there while all around them their lives are unravelling. Which is why organisations like Samaritans are so important. And why, especially at Christmas time, we need to show some compassion. Those selling The Big Issue ARE trying to help themselves.

Bras - Against Breast Cancer

Picture (LtoR) Linda Piggott-Vijeh, Sam Grabham, Claire Hebron

Flush with her recent success in collecting unwanted bras for cancer research Claire Hebron has put in a plea for more donations, and said, 'I was thrilled to be asked by Linda to help support this initiative earlier this year and I was over whelmed by the response. In the run up to Christmas I am aware that many women will be the happy recipients of new bras to add to their collection and will no doubt be disposing of some old ones. So, please bring them along to Hebron's to help support this worthy. The bras can be in any condition as they are re-cycled.'

Against Breast Cancer uses the bars to help raise vital funds towards dedicated research to improve detection and increase survival after breast cancer diagnosis. The bras also support small businesses in Africa. Recycling through a  textile recovery project prevents the bras going into landfill and gives them a new lease of life in developing countries where bras remain too expensive to produce locally.For every tonne of bras collected, Against Breast Cancer receives £700 to fund research. With over 30 million women in the UK you could really help make a difference!
Successful ventures like this keep many families in developing countries out of poverty whilst providing employment for people at home in the UK. 

Wayford Vineyard

Farmer John Wyatt, Director Peter Woodward, Tony Cooper (all founders of the group and local Rotarians)

Being a both a Rotarian and a wine lover can provide some interesting opportunities; hardly surprising given the average Rotarian’s love of a tipple or two.

Last year, as President of the Rotary Club of Ilminster, I often visited other clubs in order to support their various fund raising activities and social events.

One such event was held at the home of fellow Rotarian, Peter Woodward, then President of the Crewkerne Club, hence my introduction to Wayford Vineyard.

Although there are several up and coming wine producers in the south west I was delighted to discover that we had one almost literally on the doorstep, just a stone’s throw from Crewkerne of all places.

The idea for the venture came about in 2007 when local farmer, John Wyatt, urged on by his friend, Peter Woodward, agreed to turn a suitable field into a vineyard.

After a talk at the Crewkerne Rotary Club by a local vineyard owner plans were set into motion to form a consortium of 10 couples to fund the project and provide the necessary labour for the manual tasks that lay ahead.

Rotarians made up half of the group, the remainder being close neighbours and friends, all with varied professions and skills; a big adventure was about to begin and the dream of

the future production of a fine quality sparkling wine was on the way to being realised, although as yet some way off.

The field chosen was south facing and sloping, to take advantage of what little sun we get in this country, overlooking the Axe Valley and the Roman Hill fort of Pilsden Pen, just across the border into Dorset.

Several of the members ‘plotted’ the field which was 1.7 hectares in size and kidney shaped. There were to be 101 rows of varying lengths.

Planting began on 24th April 2007 and one week later with the help of willing relatives, and a dog or two, all 3,235 vines of the notoriously difficult Pinot Noir, a classic Champagne grape variety, had been planted by hand and watered, and rabbit guards and support canes put in place.

It was then a question of waiting for the first shoots to emerge, and time to enjoy some much needed rest, letting nature take its course.

After seeking advice from other vineyards, tasks were divided up amongst the members, who each took on a ‘specialist’ responsibility. Each couple also became responsible for the ground maintenance and tending of the vines for their own ‘plots’, which were rotated on a yearly basis.

Above all the aim was for members to have a mutual (albeit expensive) hobby, to keep fit and have fun. In hindsight, no-one had quite realised just how much hard work it would turn out to be.

Finally, in 2014, the fruits of their labour materialised and the ripe Pinot Noir grapes were harvested by hand over three days in mid October.

With an award winning vintner on board to make the wine for the vineyard it was then a matter of waiting for it to mature for a minimum of two years.

A bronze medal was awarded to the vineyard in a recent South West Vintners Association competition; the first success for such a new marque.

Although made by the traditional method used for making Champagne, where the secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle, protected status prevents the term being used for wines produced outside this designated area of France.

The good news for those of us who are quick off the mark is that this ‘Quality Sparkling Wine’ will shortly be released for sale, but with only 100 cases produced I predict that it will fly off the shelves, if it ever gets that far!

Tasting notes for this 2014 Sparkling Brut (11.5% abv), reveal that it is pale gold in colour, with a typical biscuit finish on the nose, and ripe red apples and strawberries on the palate.

Next year double the quantity of wine will be available to sell as the vines are continuing to mature, year by year, and produce more grapes.

Wayford Vineyard will be selling the wine, which comes in at £23 a bottle, at Crewkerne Farmers Market on 17^thDecember or by appointment with Barbara Woodward Tel. 01460 74321 or barbaramwoodward@hotmail.co.uk

Tell them you love them before it is too late

Rather sadly I have attended an inordinate number of funerals in recent weeks and months. One could be forgiven for thinking that as we get older our nearest and dearest are bound to start departing this mortal earth. That may well be the case for those who have had the privilege of reaching a ripe old age, but I am finding that many seem to have breathed their last long before their time should have been up, not quite reaching their ‘three score and ten’ as Shakespeare would say.

This is one of the reasons I do try to live every day as if it were my last; but then I do not have the responsibility of a spouse or partner, or parents or children. I have however given much thought over the years to my demise and just how I would like things to be. This became even more poignant this last week with the headline news of the young girl who wanted to have her body cryogenically stored in the hope that one day she may be unfrozen when they have found a cure for whatever ailed her. The controversy seemed to stem from a spat between her father and mother over what should happen. My personal view is that my body is my own and I will choose what happens to it, thank you very much. Likewise, having had a fairly full and eventful life, I hope that whenever my time is up I shall have the good sense to go gracefully, and look forward to a much needed rest, wherever I end up.   

In conversations with those who have been terminally ill, and in consideration of the subsequent plans for their funerals, burial, cremation or memorial service I am always surprised by how few, with time to prepare, choose not to do so. This can pose something of a burden for those left behind, along with the desire ‘to do the right thing’. 

Living alone I am all too aware of the onerous task that will fall upon the executors of my will. I have had experience, not the most pleasant I admit, of those who die without leaving a will, and it can be a costly, time consuming, and contentious situation to untangle.  

It is for all of these reasons that although I have no immediate plans to make my exit, I have been planning my own funeral arrangements for some time. The best funerals I have attended, if there can be such a thing, are those where whoever is conducting the service, and those who contribute, manage to capture the very essence of the person. On more than one occasion members of the congregation have been surprised to learn something new, if all rather too late for it to be fully appreciated by those who cared for them.

Whilst a packed church or crematorium can be seen as testament to a person’s perceived value in life, would it not be much better if we all took the time in our busy lives to let those who play a part in our lives, however small, know how much we love them, and how valued they are, before it is too late. 

When was the last time you picked up the phone, wrote a letter (?!) sent a cheery text message, or better still, gave them a visit? Go on, do it. Now. Life is too short for ‘If only’.

Christmas Craft Fairs

(Photo - Hilary Mead-Durrant hosted a craft fair at Chaffcombe Village Hall to raise funds for CRY (Cardiac Rick in the Young).

Ilminster’s celebrated Victorian Evening, held on the third Friday in November, certainly sets the scene for kick-starting the Christmas season. Despite the inclement weather this year it was great to see so many people out and about, and all of the shops looking splendid, putting on a real show and helping to encourage visitors into the town. I am always pleased that, despite tougher times financially, the town still feels that it is important to support the Christmas lights. 

In the run up to Christmas I find that several times a week I am visiting local craft fairs, often several in one day. These are usually held in village halls and in addition to supporting whatever the cause may be, I find that such craft fairs and events are a really good source of locally produced goods and produce. 

My last haul included jolly Santa napkins, a glittery evening bag, handmade stockings, scented lavender bags, homemade mince pies and chutney - Christmas gifts galore. My ever expanding waistline is also testament to the difficulty I have in avoiding temptation when bacon butties and scrumptious meringues are on offer (Ashill village hall if you were wondering), as well as the usual tombolas (where I won a bottle of Pimm’s) and raffles. 

Our schools will also be putting on a variety of events and activities to delight the parents, carers and proud grandparents of our youngsters; how sad it is that nowadays, due to child protection issues, we are unable to record these moments for posterity.

Churches will certainly want to look their best, and volunteers will be hard at it to produce splendidly festive displays, surely using skills passed on by Angie Blackwell who has been busy doing demonstrations. At The Minster in Ilminster the Christmas Tree Festival, held from 4^th to 10^th December, will undoubtedly draw in the crowds to admire the beautifully decorated trees, with each one benefiting a local charity from the donations made. I am always amazed at the ingenious ways in which the trees are designed to attract our attention.

For my part, in addition to supporting Rotary with their carol singing pub crawl on the 15^th, I shall be hard at work putting together a quiz to test the brains in Broadway on the 10^th December to raise much needed funds for the church. Last year I wore my reindeer suit; this year I have been asked to refrain from doing so. I can’t think why?!     

With so much going on, and with such dedicated community involvement from all concerned, there can be no doubt that our market towns and villages, despite having the odds against us at times with road works, and floods and funding cuts, are all set to continue to thrive.

Victorian Evening gets off to a good start

Pupils from West Coker School with teacher Mrs. Cottle singing in the Market House.

In the run up to the start of Ilminster's popular 'Victorian Evening', and undeterred by the weather, pupils from local schools, including Greenfylde, Hambridge and Swanmead, entertained local residents throughout the day with carols and Christmas songs.

This is the fourth year that local business woman, Angie Blackwell from Cottage Flowers, has organised the event, and she said, 'I always feel it gives the evening a great start, and involving local schools helps everyone to feel included. I am also grateful to local shops for their support. Chocolates were provided by Tesco and the Co-op, and to make sure the children did not go hungry, sandwiches were provided by Silver St. Dairy. It was also lovely to see the support we always get from our local County Councillor Linda Vijeh, who seems to turn up everywhere!'   

Giving at Christmas

Piles of shoe boxes filled with gifts at The Minster ready to be delivered across the world

With enticing TV advertisements and shops displaying their wares increasingly early, in a concerted effort to part us from our hard earned cash, along with what is billed as ‘super Saturday’ at the end of November, in an attempt to kick start the buying frenzy, it is natural that most of us will be lured into responding to the commercial aspects of the festive season. This is of course in tandem with  ecumenical activity. 

As a regular church goer, I am all too aware of the quickening pace in the weeks leading up to Christmas. What with ‘stir up’ Sunday, Christingle, nativity plays and carol services galore, there is plenty afoot to remind us why we get to enjoy a few days off work, the chance to pull a cracker or two and all the while steal a kiss under the mistletoe.

Not least is the huge meal many of us will get to enjoy on Christmas Day, along with a seemingly endless supply of turkey for the week after. 

I am mindful however of those who, in our multi-cultural society, from other cultures, who will not necessarily be celebrating with us. My personal view is that we should all embrace fully any excuse to celebrate, whatever time of year.

There are also those who for many reasons may not have a happy Christmas; this could be due to the death of a loved one, health problems, money problems, unhappy relationships, all sorts of reasons.

This last weekend, attending the shoe box appeal service at The Minster, the generosity of our local population, in donating hundreds of boxes that will be sent far and wide to those in need. For us to put together a few bits and bobs, hats, scarves, toys, pens, pencils, colouring books, may not such a big deal, but to those who are fortunate enough to be on the receiving end these gifts can really help to brighten up a person’s day, even if only briefly.

I always find it hard not to shed a tear at such services (this week I failed miserably, as the pile of shoe boxes grew taller and taller) but remind myself that although we are not all dealt the same cards in life, every of us has the ability to shed a little light, even if just for a moment, on someone else’s life; with a smile, a kind word or deed. 

This is the thought that I shall hold onto, as along with the rest of us, I am busy writing greetings cards, rushing around exchanging gifts and cooking up a storm.

Locally our small groups and organisations can really make a difference to the lives of others at this time of year, but only with our support. 

Food banks are not a myth in this country, unfortunately they are a reality, even for those who Theresa May calls JAMs (Just About Managing). I have been there, and it is only through the generosity of others I have become an MOT (Managing Ok Thanks).

Dowlish Wake Participation III review

Judy Woods - ice cream girl!

Dowlish Wake held a review, entitled Participation III, at Speke Hall this week, which was attended by Cllr. Linda Vijeh, who said,

'I was thrilled to be able to hot foot it across from a District Council meeting in Yeovil to see the latest talent give their all to raise funds for improvements and repairs to he hall.

To a packed house, and raising close to £1,000, the audience were treated to a compilation of a series of sketches, poems and jokes, with particular emphasis on 'blond' moments, that had us all rolling in the aisles. Under titles such as Blondie and the Shepherd, Flossie and the Flit Gun, and A Lesson in Anglo-French Relations, we eagerly joined in. I was amazed at the talent on offer and feel that these types of events, where the whole community comes together, are what makes our rural villages so special.'

We could ALL be Daniel Blake

Whilst I have not yet had the opportunity to see the Ken Loach film released this week, ‘I, Daniel Blake’, I was interested enough to listen attentively to discussions about its content.

As a local councillor, I often get called upon to support residents with a wide variety of problems and concerns. This can be anything from planning issues, to education, health or child protection; most people would be surprised by the variety of things I get involved in, often well outside my remit as a councillor, and frequently in trouble because of it!

Recently, I have been spending time meeting with officials who are responsible for the care and support of both vulnerable and elderly residents who have a variety of social care issues. Whilst I can appreciate that in recent years funding cuts have had an adverse impact on the provision of services, it can be hard for those in need to understand that the support they have previously received is now no longer on offer. Their situation has not changed, but someone has moved the goalposts.

In one case the number of hours a person has been receiving in support has been reduced from 10 to 4 per week, although their circumstances remain much the same. In another case a resident who move into sheltered housing five years ago now finds that the housing provider has downgraded the facility to ‘supported’ housing, meaning[LV1]  that there is no longer an on-site manager. The same person has had several falls in recent months, requiring an ambulance to be called out, and although they would now like to move into a care home sufficient funding is unavailable, in part due to the preferred residence being ‘out of county’ although just 10 miles up the road. The result of this is that, not being fully mobile, apart from 1½ hours care a day, they are left at home alone and totally isolated. In addition to this, the shower has not been working for over a year. On making enquiries, I was shocked to be told that as long as a person could stand or sit at a sink it was not a requirement for them to have a working shower. I am pleased to say that as a result of my intervention a new shower was installed that afternoon.

What is often at the heart of the decisions made on behalf of these vulnerable people, both young and old, is the need for an assessment to be carried out. This usually involves a social worker, who may not be that familiar with the person concerned, as sadly, they change with monotonous regularity, asking set questions from a standard form. The problem with this is that the questions do not always take into account that person’s individual circumstances. In one case a local resident with MS was asked if they could wash and dress themselves unaided, to which the response was ‘Yes’. What was not explored was the fact that it took over an hour for them to do so due to their medical condition.

Much is also made of a person’s mental capacity to be able to make decisions for themselves. This is all very well, but happens when the decisions they make may bring themselves or others into danger?

The fact is that humans are complex beings and cannot so easily fit into the boxes bureaucracy requires of them, in order to satisfy the latest criteria, which it seems to me is sometimes arbitrary at best.          

YEOVIL CONSERVATIVES SUPPORT HEARTBEAT

Photo – left to right – Ezzat, Hassan, Cllr. Linda Vijeh, Chris Jones, Ashley Davidson, Terry Bate 

Local Conservative Councillor, Linda Vijeh, was joined this week at Papa Pancho’s restaurant in Yeovil, by Terry Bate, President of the Yeovil Conservative Councillors Association, to hand over a cheque for £120 to Ashley Davidson, representative of Yeovil Heartbeat.

On handing over the cheque, Cllr. Linda Vijeh, who is also known for her enthusiastic support for local charities, said, ‘I am delighted to be able to hand over this money for such a good cause.

Although only a small organisation, I know that over the 25 years since it was set up Yeovil Heartbeat has helped thousands of local people by offering cardiac rehabilitation to anyone suffering from heart related problems. When my Conservatives got together recently at Papa Pancho’s, we were urged to donate the funds we raised, due to the generosity of owners Hassan and Ezzat, to Yeovil Heartbeat, as the mother of a young lady called Danielle, who helps in the restaurant, had benefited from their support.’

Trump result - calls to suicide lines increase

It has been widely reported in the national press that suicide hot line calls have reached an all-time high in the US since Trump’s election victory became clear.

Whatever we may feel about the result, the fact is that this is the unpredictable way in which things take a turn in a democracy.

The fears being expressed are understandable, particularly for those vulnerable groups who feel that they have become targets for abuse, as a result of the inflammatory rhetoric Trump used in his campaign. There can be no doubt that the language he used was intended to appeal to a certain sector of the population not known for its tolerance or understanding, in order to win over their vote. What I term the ‘hang ‘em and flog ‘em’ brigade. He clearly succeeded in doing just that. What remains to be seen is what he will choose to do with his new-found power and just how many of his radical plans will bear fruition once the cold light of day dawns.

Personally, I am hopeful that Trump’s ego will be sufficient abundant for him to want to go down in history as a successful President and world leader, and that this will be enough for him to temper some of his more outrageous aspirations.

When people become afraid and scared about the future, and feel that they cannot cope, they can often feel that there are few options when it comes to seeking someone who will listen to them in a non-judgmental way.

We are in turbulent times, and whilst there remain such high levels of uncertainty, not just in the USA, but elsewhere in the world, help lines such as those run by Samaritans and other support organisations will continue to be much in demand.

In this country, we are lucky to have a fairly strong support network available, particularly when it comes to issues of sexuality. Perhaps where we ourselves are less tolerant, particularly outside of our major cities, is in our acceptance of immigrants; there is often a high degree of suspicion, and concern over the effect on our society in terms of jobs and educational and health provision.
I am of an age when I can well recall waves of previous immigrants, and living in 1950s London I can remember the ‘no blacks, no Irish’ signs in windows. Thankfully we have moved on from such bigoted behaviour.

If the USA wants to move forward, not backwards, then as a nation it would do well to remember that its success has been built on hard working immigrants, and that tolerance of others’ lifestyles is the hallmark of a truly great nation.

One suggestion has been for people to limit their exposure to social media and TV, a sentiment I wholeheartedly endorse.

Isle Valley Flower Club Says It With Flowers

Isle Valley Flower Club said it with flowers at their twice yearly flower demonstration held at The Warehouse Theatre in Ilminster.

Not only were the 60 members who filled the theatre able to gain some inspirational ideas for Christmas decorations from expert John Channel, who had made the journey down from Northampton for the event, but the club were also able to present a cheque for £3500 to the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. 

Said Cllr. Linda Vijeh who attended the demonstration, ‘I love flower arranging but in recent years I have not had the opportunity to do much. It was a real treat to be at this splendid event. What really impresses me though is just how many of our local organisations make a real effort to support charitable causes in the area, making it a real win/win situation all round.'     

YCCA Dinner raised £13k for fighting fund

Gemma Verdon Vice Chairman (Membership) of the Association, Marcus Fysh MP, Cllr. Linda Vijeh, Alexander Priest Chairman of the Association, Faye Purbrick Vice Chairman (Political) of the Association

Chris Gough, Jackie and Joe Thomas 

Mary Wardell Chairman of Chard branch, Russ, Teresa Sienkiewicz, Peter Chard, Di Nicholls 

Sue Greenwood, Peter Booth 

Paul Bradly Vice President, Josh Williams Brympton Parish Councillor, TB President 

Kate Siebert, Simon Saunders owner of the local Ariel factory one of the few UK manufacturers of cars, Faye Purbrick 

Patricia Heelis and Morag Le Hardy

Local Conservative supporters turned out in force earlier this month for the Yeovil Conservative Constituency Association autumn fund raising dinner held at The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster.

In addition to a splendid, but simple, dinner of tomato soup, roast chicken and apple pie, long standing supporter Martin Dair conducted the after dinner auction of promises, raising a whopping £13,000.

The 24 lots on offer included a wine tasting by local wine expert and county councillor, Linda Vijeh, which raised £580, a Henry Hoover £160, and a private tour of the local Ariel factory, which proved popular at £520, in addition there were tickets to Ascot which went for £500 and a bottle of House of Commons whisky signed by Theresa May, with a winning bid of £110.    

Current President of the Association, Terry Bate, said, ‘With local county council elections coming up in 2017 all political parties are all too aware of the need for a strong fighting fund if they are to succeed. I felt that having had a such tremendous result, when Marcus Fysh was elected as our MP last year, it was time to ensure that our support had not waned in the intervening months. The problem we had was that the event was so successful we had to turn people away, as with 130 diners The Shrubbery was at maximum capacity. I was thrilled with the results of the auction of promises, which far exceeded anything we have previously achieved in one evening. I was also really encouraged by the number of new, dare I say it, younger members, who have joined us recently. 

All in all it was a resounding success, but I could not have done it without the fantastic support of Diane Bradly and Teresa Bond, who organised everything.’

Dinner for Calais refugees raises £760

Left to right - Faith Bellamy, Ileana, George, Linda Vijeh, Sharon, Nicky

Local residents gathered at The Green House in Ilminster this week to help raise funds for the Calais refugees, enjoying a delicious two course meal of homemade spring rolls and chicken and vegetable stir fry, cooked by Ileana, and raising an impressive £760.

Such was the popularity of the event, hosted by owner and upcycling enthusiast, George, that guests had to dine in two sittings.

Local councillor and charity fund raiser Linda Vijeh, said,

‘I think that this was a tremendous idea and it was great to see just how many people came out in support. Although recent news reports have focused on the dismantling of the ‘jungle’ in Calais, many of us in this country may not realise that there are still many people who remain homeless. I have heard the argument that they are mainly young able bodied men, who therefore do not deserve our help. Sadly, this highlights our lack of understanding; easily done given that we have never been occupied by enemy forces. For those fleeing worn torn countries such as Syria, where it is impossible for everyone to flee, families will often select the most able bodied person in the family and pool resources to enable them to escape, in the hope that they will reach safety, start a new life and be in a position to help their families.

Over the decades I have seen this countless times, although usually in the context of economic migrants. Many of those seeking refuge in the UK may well be economic migrants and I appreciate the concern this raises. Personally, I take the view that as long as they contribute to our society rather than be a drain on it, then it should not be such a huge problem. As someone approaching pensionable age, if the government would only stop moving the goal posts, I am all too aware of the need for a younger generation in gainful employment to fund my pension in later years. In the meantime, fund raising initiatives such as this should be applauded, not condemned.’

Will Trump Come Up Trumps?

With just days to go before the US election results, I am certainly no fan of either Hilary Clinton or Donald Trump, but have found the mud-slinging on both sides distasteful, but not unexpected in such a vicious fight for supremacy. 

Given Hilary’s past record I certainly hope that women across America are not planning to vote for her just because she is a woman; that would be a severe blow for feminism to my mind.  

In the case of Trump, the escalating claims of his boorish behaviour towards women has been highlighted, as they have come creeping out of the woodwork, one after another, to decide to raise their heads above the parapet with historical accounts of what is alleged to have occurred.

This kind of time frame for reporting abuse is not uncommon for a number of reasons and there can never, ever, be any excuse for such behaviour. What appears to be the case though with regard to these women, undoubtedly slim leggy blonds considerably younger than their elderly less attractive perpetrator, is that for whatever reason they were flattered to have become the focus of his unwanted attentions.

What we must not forget in condemning his actions is that as fully functioning adults we are all responsible for our own actions. This includes taking adequate precautions to ensure that we do not put ourselves in a position where we find we are at risk; whether it is in the company we keep, where we choose to hang, out or how much alcohol we consume.  

The real issue we are dealing with here, in our increasingly shallow society, is the current trend for wanting to increase one’s own social capital by rubbing shoulders with celebrities in all walks of life; basking in the reflected glory of their wealth, fame or power and in turn being on the receiving end of their unacceptable behaviour. 

In at least one case, I believe that the woman in question was invited up to Trump’s private suite. This begs the question ‘Why did she think she had been invited, for a cosy chat about international politics over tea and scones?’ I think not.

What worries me most is that if these two candidates are the best that a nation the size of the USA can come up with to represent them on the world stage, then we will need all the help we can get. The result will have far reaching consequences for us all.

Somerset Food Champions

LOVE FOOD HATE WASTE

Given my passion for food, and hating waste of any kind, it seemed logical for me to give up a free Saturday and accept the offer to attend a free training day entitled ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ run by Somerset Waste Partnership, in order to become a ‘Somerset Food Champion’.

What an eye opener it was! Living alone and eating out several times a week, my own food consumption is relatively little when compared with the average family.

As always at these kinds of events there are some astonishing facts 

that emerge. Current statistics show that in the UK we waste a whopping 7 million tonnes in household waste, of which 4.2 million tonnes is avoidable; by which I mean food that is thrown away because we have bought or prepared too much, or have not used it before it has gone off.

70,000 tonnes of breakfast cereal alone is wasted every year; the same weight as 160 Boeing 747s. Each and every day 5.8 million potatoes are thrown away, along with 24 million slices of bread; that’s an awful lot of chip butties! An average household throws away 260kg. of food and drink per year, at a cost of £470, which given the hard time many of us have juggling the family budget, could be enough for a sizeable treat for everyone at the end of the year.

When doing my own food shopping I try to avoid supermarkets as much as possible and I am an incurable nosy parker when it comes to taking a peek into other people’s shopping trolleys as I am always interested in what people eat. One of the key problems is the temptation posed by the abundance of multi-buy special offers and our inability to resist them. Such offers only save us money if we then actually eat the stuff we have bought.

During the training we considered every aspect of the way in which we lead our lives in relation to our eating and shopping habits, whether that be how much we cook, how we store our food or what we do with the leftovers.

One of the factors that I am well aware of that may surprise some people is the danger posed by cooked rice, one of the key sources of food poisoning.

As a long standing chef I like to think I know a thing or two about food but I really found the opportunity to explore food in this way with the other four delegates on the course invaluable.

One of the simple but key things to consider is the temperature of our fridges, so the free fridge thermometer will come in very handy.

Now that I have my official certificate, and am part of a select group of 11 Food Champions across the county, I am looking forward to spreading the word and through our local community groups help others put into practice some of the tips I learned, so that we can all waste less food, and into the bargain, save more money to spend life’s little luxuries.