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.