Ashill School Fun Run

Organisers of Ashill School’s fifth annual 5k Father’s Day Fun Run were pleased to see a record 42 runners competing this year competing, raising over £450 for the school.

Many parents took the opportunity to give their children the chance to run the 5k race alongside them giving a real family feel to the event, appropriate for Father’s Day!.   

A drinking water station was provided by The Square and Compass Inn, Windmill Hill, Ashill at the half way point and many children enjoyed a mini race of their own, enabling them to soak up the race atmosphere, and to receive a medal and small gift.

5k runners received prizes donated by local businesses, along with medals and goodie bags donated by 1610 Gym, and juice provided by race sponsor Frobisher Juices of Exeter.

The race winner was Kenny Timson, who in defending last year’s title, won with an impressive time of 19.35 minutes beating last year’s time by 20 seconds.

After the race runners enjoyed BBQ and home baked cakes and biscuits.

The organisers said, “We would like to thank everyone who has helped us to make this year such a success. Without our volunteers this event could not happen. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring everyone together and not even the rain could dampen our spirits.”

Cllr. Linda Vijeh, who turned up to show support, but did not run, added, ’Events like this are a wonderful way for the local community to join forces to support the school, with the added bonus of some healthy exercise.’ 

Chard Rugby Ladies - left to right, front row... (all with numbers) Millie Truscott,  Elaine Staines, Tara Smillie, Mary Pugh, Oliver Pugh. 

Back row...  Laura Moss, Mel Baldwin, Jo Truscott, Sarah Kneeshaw, Matt Bowditch, Kieran Smillie, Georgia Smillie.

Family photo - the Warren family - all four members ran, both girls are under 16 

Winners photo - from left to right back row. Race winner (first man) Kenny Timson (19.35), first under 16 male Kieran Smillie (time 24.18), second lady and 1st female under 16 Georgina Smillie (time 27.45), 1st lady Kate Beaumont (25.27), 2nd man Ed Clements (20.59).  Front row, Zoe Crouch 2nd place in the children's run, Jasper Clements 1st place in the children's run.

Referendum result - now the blood bath

In the wake of the fallout over the surprise Referendum decision, the nay-sayers seem to be losing no time in mustering the troops to discredit the outcome, and looking for someone, anyone, to blame. I suspect the bitter taste of sour grapes tainting their pursed lips will take some time to sweeten, if ever.

Being childless and of pensionable age, it is apparently all my fault for having gone about my business, working hard, paying my taxes and selfishly giving scant thought to the next generation. I dispute this. Certainly the first time voters in my Somerset village all seemed to vote for Brexit. Interestingly, they are amongst those unlikely to go on to higher education, leaving me to suspect that it may well be the educated chattering classes who have had their noses so severely put out of joint. I wonder how many also had a personal or financial interest in the outcome.

It is the arrogant, righteous attitude of many who wished us to remain tied to Europe, that seems to have caused so many of those who would never normally darken the doors of a polling station, to vote in numbers sufficient to affect the outcome. I am thrilled that they turned out, for a change, but I strongly suspect it was for all the wrong reasons. However, turn out they did, and got the result they desired.   

Although we are, apparently, living in a democracy those who did not see the vote go their way have jumped onto the derogatory band wagon, even going so far as to demand another Referendum, which is quite blatantly nonsense. We all have to tolerate decisions we are less than enthusiastic about. Rather than harp on about the irrational, ignorant behaviour of the public at large, we must get on with living our lives to the best of our ability under new circumstances.

I am fortunate enough to own a property in France, and travel to Europe often. I am sure advantages I have so far enjoyed will change, and not necessarily to my benefit. We live in a constantly changing world, and very often the decisions we make can have unintended consequences.

I have learnt over the years not to waste my time and energy dwelling on the negative aspects of life. I find that my effort is much better spent on looking at ways to get on with the job and make the best of things. No one likes to be in the company of those who constantly whinge about the injustices suffered under a democratic system.  

There is no doubt that our political leaders, of all parties, have got us into something of a serious pickle, but we have survived worse.

Samaritans take calls on a daily basis from those who are suffering emotional turmoil. In many cases the real problem is an inability or unwillingness to let go of the past, to accept the situation they are in, and focus on the best way to move forward. This is what needs to happen now. The losers need to move beyond recrimination, and get on with the job of supporting our country.

One bright spot occurred within hours of the result being announced. In a conversation overheard in a local hardware store, the customer wanted a lightbulb. On expressing dismay at the paucity of choice available, the sales person responded with, ‘Now we are out of Europe you might be able to buy a real lightbulb soon.’

Combatting referendum blues.... go to a duck race!

And the winner is….. duck number 649! What a treat it was to join the crowds at Dowlish Wake for their annual duck race. Aided by the donation of beer provided by Stocklinch brewery and cider from Perry’s, all agreed it was a great success, with the bonus of over £1,300 being raised by the sale of the ducks.

Now that the finer weather is here, give or take the odd heavy downpour, I get such a kick out of attending these very local activities and events, all intended to support our rural communities, and provided much needed funds for a wide range of projects that benefit everyone. Not a lover of the dreaded cream tea, much preferring savoury food, I have been subjected to 7 lots of scones in one week alone; not great for the waistline, but all in a good cause.

What is impressive is the energy and enthusiasm of those village stalwarts, the movers and shakers who get stuck in to get things done, whether it is renovating the village hall, boosting funds for the pre-school, or raising money for a defibrillator.

Many of our local residents are what might be termed ‘incomers’, those like myself who have moved down from up-country, perhaps seeking a slightly slower pace of life with the advantage of ready access to some of this country’s most beautiful countryside.  

In the wake of the referendum result, it is the positive aspects of living here I shall hold onto, with the next round of garden fêtes, flower shows, coffee mornings, and other fabulous fund raising activities to look forward to attending and supporting.  

EU referendum

The clock had barely struck the hour before people came flocking through the door of Chard Museum, polling cards in hand, to claim their free glass of wine.

My idea of offering refreshment to voters on the evening of the Referendum was intended to lighten up the proceedings a little. I believe we have all suffered in recent weeks from Referendum fatigue, no matter which side of the argument we have been on. It seemed a great opportunity to introduce this charming museum to local people who may not have previously darkened its doors, with the excuse that Margaret Bondfield, who hailed form Chard, was the first ever female cabinet minister. Her story is an interesting one, and I am always looking out for a link to justify a little light-hearted festivity, however tenuous the connection.

The Referendum is however a very serious business. If one can even begin to believe half of the disgraceful rhetoric that has been bandied around by both sides, then whichever way the vote goes it would seem that we are all doomed. What worries me the most though is the extent that this has the potential to divide the nation. It was a very negative campaign and the plethora of what can only be described as propaganda was accompanied by the rather patronising, righteous tone of some leading local campaigners.

During the campaign I do not believe that either side acquitted themselves well. We were short on evidence, and the consequences of our future in or out of Europe was largely conjecture, along with a good deal of scare mongering. The fact is that we live in an uncertain world, where nothing is guaranteed. Our membership has not protected us from the recent long, deep, recession we are now only just coming out of, or the loss of thousands of jobs for some. Both sides tried their level best to steer clear of the ‘immigration’ question for want of being labelled racists; the fear of the negative impact it would have on their campaigning was palpable.

Despite our EU membership, and the free movement of the thousands of EU nationals who flock here in search of better lives, it is our inability to control our own borders when it comes to illegal immigrants that is the real cause of the problem. At a time when local authorities have been suffering from declining budgets in a climate of increased expectations, the cost to our services, be it schools, social services, housing or health, is a sobering reality.

What I have minded most though about the run up to the vote is the rolling out of failed politicians and retired public figures, the ‘have beens’ of our society, in an attempt to sway our opinion. That, along with trotting out of the likes of David Beckham at the last minute, who no longer lives in the UK on a permanent basis, and the truly shameful milking of the tragic death of Jo Cox for all it was worth, has been disheartening. As a regular Radio 4 listener I also felt that the BBC’s reporting was clearly biased.

On a more positive note, and taking nothing for granted, I did buy some euros today, just in case, and got a very favourable rate.

All in all, it has been an unpleasant, divisive and very expensive experience. The one piece of sound advice I heard was the question ‘If we were not already in EU, would you vote to join today?’

Dinner Raises £19,525 for Debt Charity

I am often invited to fund raising events and try to attend as many as I can. I think it is important to support those who work tirelessly for causes they are passionate about. In many cases it is the unpaid efforts of volunteers that can make a real difference to the world around us. We only have to think of organisations such as the Air Ambulance and St. Margaret's Hospice to witness the amazing results that can be achieved, although I am often in two minds about some charitable activities. I believe that when we put our hands in our pockets for services that should be provided by the government there is little incentive for the powers that be to stump up the cash.

In the case of Christians Against Poverty, which is celebrating its 20^th anniversary, I had a personal interest in wanting to support them, having been on the receiving end of their remarkable services myself. I can say without exaggeration that they are life savers. There was of course the added incentive of spending the evening in the splendid surroundings of Dartington Hall.   

Whilst CAP’s ethos is one of Christian charity and compassion, what is not fully appreciated by the wider public is that it is not necessary to be a Christian to take advantage of what they offer. The support offered is unconditional. What is also not widely understood is that there is absolutely no fee or charge of any kind.

Since its inception CAP has helped not only those in debt, but also those suffering with addiction and struggling to cope with unemployment. There are now 529 active debt centres across the country and CAP continues to flourish, largely due to the ongoing gratitude of those, like myself, who have benefitted.

During the evening video evidence demonstrated how CAP has changed people’s lives, and we heard first-hand from local people who, often suicidal as a result of their situation, have been helped to survive and flourish. CAP involvement can have a profound impact on those they bring hope to; bringing those in crisis back from the brink. The link between suicide and debt is well documented, with around a third affected in this way, who may then turn to alcohol and drug dependence as a way of coping. Debt is also one of the main causes of marital or relationship breakdown, and domestic violence.

CAP is all about changing lives, showing people a way forward. They are thoroughly professional in their approach, effective and, above all, life changing. They are however not miracle workers; they take a realistic approach to what can be achieved. What they seek is successful, realistic and sustainable solutions to enable people to become debt free as quickly as possible. In my case it took eight painful years. 

It is no coincidence that Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury is CAP’s patron, or that Money Expert, Martin Lewis, apparently the most trusted person in Britain, endorses CAP, along with David Cameron and Prince Charles.

What is important is that everybody matters. Furthermore, the extent to which those at the dinner feel that CAP is worthwhile was demonstrated by the £19,525 raised during the evening; not a bad sum from just 80 diners.

My real message is this; rather than stand by to see a loved one suffer as a result of debt, put them in touch with CAP, who will offer practical support to help dig them out of the hole they have found themselves in, often through no fault of their own.     

SCC 'Listening Learning Changing' roadshow

Ilminster Experience has gone from strength to strength, and undaunted by the inclement weather, the town benefitted from a good turnout this year, testament to the small but committed team that work hard all year round to ensure its success.

My own involvement was in helping to organise the community lunch on the Rec., run by Rotary for the second year running. Once again, it was the assistance of a willing band of volunteers in pulling together, along with the generosity of local businesses who donated food, that really helped to make it a memorable event, with the added bonus of money raised for two local causes, Ilminster Christmas Lights and the Memory Café.

This year it was good to see Somerset County Council engaging with the local community when they attended IMEx for first time to run their ‘Listening Learning Changing’ roadshow. The purpose of the exercise was to obtain public opinion into how SCC can best allocate the limited available funds. People were given seven options to choose from, roughly in line with the seven cabinet posts at SCC; help vulnerable and elderly people; attract jobs and apprentices; safer children and better care; better schools producing better results; invest in the economy and infrastructure; protecting our environment; keep council tax low; healthy residents and reduce inequalities.

During the morning session 216 people took part in the exercise, which involved prioritising the top three areas they would most like to see investment in, by the use of gold, silver and bronze tokens.

As expected, given the demographic make-up of the town, helping vulnerable and elderly people came out top, with an overall score of 262, significantly higher than the next most important, attracting jobs and apprentices to Somerset, which gained a score of 205.

Surprisingly, given the amount of time effort and money spent on it, health and reducing inequalities came bottom of the pile, with a score of just 67. Clearly of no great importance to Ilminster residents.

Whilst such exercises are interesting and useful in increasing public awareness of the challenges involved when making budgetary decisions, what has become apparent to me though, is that whilst we all have preferences, largely dependent upon our own lifestyles and social values, everything is inextricably linked.

If we choose not to invest in the economy and the infrastructure we will not be able to attract the inward investment needed that will increase local job prospects. Likewise, if we do not improve school performance then our youngsters will not gain the qualifications necessary to be able to take advantage of those jobs.

High on the list was keeping our children safe and the provision of better care for them, which can have an impact on the level of council tax we pay. A failure to protect children can have enormous implications across the board. In addition to this, protecting our environment did not score well. If we do not take care of our environment the long term impact on many areas of our lives can be devastating; here we just need to think of the floods experienced in recent years.

What this exercise has demonstrated above all else is that some tough decisions need to be made and that whatever criticism is justifiably aimed at Somerset County Council on occasion, they are clearly making the effort to ensure that the public have some understanding of the issues involved and are given the opportunity to have some input.

Attachments area

The Class Barrier

There has been considerable interest and attention paid recently, both locally and nationally, to the issue of class, and more specifically, upward mobility.

Despite coming from a working class background, those that know me would describe me nowadays as middle class, whatever that may mean. I like to think that I have gained the ability to move readily between the classes as the need arises.

When it comes to identifying a person’s class there are many factors that come into play.

Certainly in the UK there has been a shift in how we determine class and the way in which individuals successfully manage to reposition themselves.

In the past the class divide might well have been determined by such tangible characteristics as title, land ownership, education, income and accent; the haves and have nots. This is no longer quite the case. We cannot continue to pigeon-hole people as our society become more multi-cultural and the sphere of influence widens.

Whilst much is made of the elitism of the Eton educated toffs who largely run our country it is those who have chosen to ply their trade through manual work who now often hold the upper hand. We are increasingly reliant upon the builders, painters, decorators, gardeners, electricians and plumbers, those with practical skills, who help to ensure that our lives run smoothly; albeit for a price. Many of these tradesmen will not have gone on to higher education, for any number of reasons, but they are increasingly making their mark and flexing their financial muscle.

We often talk of upward mobility as if it is something that everyone should aspire to. Little consideration is given to the fact that many people are comfortable with their perceived place in society, with no desire to move onwards and upwards, generally content with their lot. It has not escaped my notice either that little attention is paid to those born into a position of privilege who choose to move down market, willingly swapping their comfortable lives for a more modest existence.  

Whilst every person deserves access to opportunities for improvement, there must not be the assumption, increasingly bandied around, that our success can only be measured by whether or not we receive a university education or gain great exam results. Success in modern society is a moveable feast.

All too often it is thought that those considered to be of a different ‘upper class’ look down on those of working class origin but very often it is the reverse that is true, where those with chips on their shoulders will seek to justify this, and their own actions, by pointing the finger at others. Amongst some members of the working classes there seems to be an underlying inverse snobbery towards those who are deemed to be better off.  

Certainly in my experience, particularly during my years as a domestic servant in the upper echelons of society, it is those who have the most to brag about who are least likely to do so. They invariably come across as humble and considerate of others, never needing to remind everyone of their title and status at every opportunity, unlike some I could name. All most of us want above all else is respect, and to be made to feel valued no matter what our hierarchical status. All it takes to achieve this is attitude, which is something that no amount of education or money can buy.

Ilminster literary Festival a triumph

Well, what a week it has been! A week and a half actually. The first ever Ilminster Literary Festival kicked off at the beginning of the month, and just ran …. and ran.

In all I managed to attend 18 out of the 26 events; no mean feat when trying to fit in the day job, I can tell you.

The culmination of 12 months hard work, sweat and tears on the part of my fellow Rotarian, Brenda Lake, along with the support of her committed, yet diverse, team of volunteers. What a resounding success it has been.

My part was to ensure that word got out, compile the quiz and liaise with The Shrubbery over the launch dinner. I am a stickler for detail and was keen that the menu reflected the literary tone of the festival, so selected dishes accordingly. Whilst I felt that Henry and his team in the kitchen had done us proud, there were of course the usual grumbles along the lines of ‘Where’s the gravy and roast potatoes to go with the roast chicken?’, proving that you cannot please all of the people all of the time.  

In my capacity as Ilminster Rotary President, I had the pleasure of being seated next to our guest speaker, local author and cricket commentator Anthony Gibson, who showed great depth of knowledge when telling us of the wealth of literary inspiration provided by our wonderful West Country landscape, complete with extracts from his book ‘With Magic in My Eyes’. Not known for my love of physical exercise, I now feel sufficiently inspired to take him up on his suggested walks. 

What followed in the coming days was an exhausting marathon of events, with both first time authors and old hands all coming together to enlighten, enthral, entertain and amuse us all; held at a range of wide range of venues across the town, including Nyanza Lodge, enabling some of us to take a peek inside for the first time. It was here that to a packed house, with standing room only, that David Gordon took us on a poignant trip back to the First World War through the eyes of his father; history in the making, heightened by the personal letters to his mother, recounting conditions at Ypres and other famous battle sites. Spellbound, silence prevailed as he brought it alive.

What struck me most about the festival was the diversity of what was on offer. By the end of the week my head was spinning.

I loved the twist in the tales of Tim Bates’ ‘Animals with Attitude’, and went on an emotional journey with Carina Lagnado as she gave the background to the birth of her very personal book ‘Lola Pug’, and got to meet Lola, the pug.

The audience of adults and children alike was spellbound by Petr Horacek and the amazing talent he demonstrated in illustrating his children’s books. With no children myself, but spurred on by the very generous offer of a personal illustration inside each book purchased, I succumbed, and at the age of 61 am now the proud owner of ‘Blue Penguin’.

Sally Nex, a popular local speaker and renowned gardening expert, gave a fascinating insight into the trials and tribulations experienced by those who exhibit at Chelsea, along with the impact of ‘The Chelsea Effect’, when a plant or design idea gains instant fame.  Next year we must definitely allow her more time.

Editor Sue Laybourn provided me with a fair idea of how to go about writing a romantic novel, and the necessity of including an element of conflict to make it a good read.

I enjoyed listening to all of the contributors to ‘A Way With Words’, mainly members of the public, some of whom were very talented. Perhaps most poignant, and memorable, was the brave young lady who stood up, amongst a crowd of oldies, to recite for the first time a written account of her own sad personal experiences. Several days later I joined a merry throng on Sunday afternoon to hear from members of the West of England Authors Group, clearly indicating the high level of talent that there is just on our doorstep. I now know how to manipulate my fan to good effect to attract the attention of a gentleman, and that arsenic is perhaps not the best thing to use in place of Viagra.

As one might expect the appearance of the formidable Ann Widdecombe caused much excitement, and in her usual, very individual style, she kept the packed house at the Warehouse riveted during her interview with Malcolm Young.

The quiz was a huge success, borne out by the high scoring winners, and also helped to boost the coffers for next year.

With one of the key aims to encourage youngsters, the final event of the festival, the poetry reading held at Greenfylde School, really put the icing on the cake. for a truly triumphal event.

It certainly has been something for everyone this week. As the festival gathered pace we could all begin to breathe a sigh of relief; not least on my part because it signalled the end of committee meetings, at least for a week or two until we start planning next year’s event.

CHILDREN IN CARE – New Adoption Legislation

Sir.

As Chair of Somerset’s Corporate Parent Board, whilst I welcome David Cameron’s announcement over the weekend, ahead of the Queen’s Speech on Wednesday, of new legislation encouraging the adoption of children in care, I fear that he is missing the point.

In Somerset we have over 500 children in care, and whilst I would not deny that we have had to face some challenges in recent years, we are all too aware of our responsibilities. With the support of officers our elected members have worked together, putting aside our political differences, to ensure that those children in our care have the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential in all areas of their lives.

Whilst David Cameron is correct in saying that children in care have been ‘let down for too long’, in promising ‘zero tolerance’ of state failure around social care, he and his minsters must bear some responsibility for this. Despite continued pleas there has been a continued failure to listen to under-funded local authorities. Stringent budget cuts over a period of time, despite efforts to protect the area of children’s social care, have meant that some very tough decisions have had to be made. Having children in the care of the local authority is a very expensive business. It is not just local authorities that have a part to play in the welfare of these children. In order to fulfil our obligation we must work hand in hand with other agencies and partners; including schools, the police, the NHS, which includes GPs and mental health services, as well as many others who may come into contact with those children and their families.

In calling for swifter adoption, the point he is missing is that what we must be doing is to strive to avoid these children coming into care in the first place through stringent early intervention and support services. Children come into care for many, many reasons and I would suggest that in many cases it is our failure as a society to recognise and act upon the early warning signs, to help these children stay with their families where possible, helping to create the stable environment they deserve, that is at the root of the problem.

Incidentally, if he really wants to listen to what these children have to say, and they do deserve to have their say, then he and his colleagues would do well to heed the voice of our children in care who prefer to be called Children Looked After, rather than Looked After Children which is a term that OFSTED continues to use, where the acronym LAC further reinforces their vulnerable position.