REACH OUT AND TOUCH - CHARITY DOES NOT JUST BEGIN AT HOME

 

This year has been a tough one, in one way or another, for all of us. Charities have been especially hard hit as many of us will have suffered great financial hardship as a result of the impact of Covid-19. 

Whilst those most affected, in particular the hospitality industry, have been clamouring for government support, we must all be mindful that eventually it is those of us still fortunate to be gainfully employed who will be footing the bill. 

Obliged either to work from home, or shielding due to underlying risk factors, many of us have become insulated from the outside world, with little thought for anything but our own circumstances, which is perfectly understandable. I am one of the lucky ones. I have no close family to worry about, I can just about afford to keep a roof over my head, have enough food for an army and, most importantly, I am not being abused. 

My passions in life, for as long as I can remember, have been food, wine and travel. This has given me the opportunity to look beyond the immediate horizon to consider how I can best use my talents and experience to benefit others. For many years I have been active in a large number of charities, both locally and further afield. 

Despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic it is possible for all of us to consider ways in which we might reach out to help others, often in unconventional ways. In my case, I have been able to use my media experience to highlight and promote local businesses.   

Three years ago, through Rotary International, I was able to visit Nyumbani Village in Nairobi, Kenya, and have since helped to support them, even buying a cow so that they could produce their own fresh milk.  

Earlier this month I was delighted to be invited to participate in a ‘virtual wine’ tasting to raise awareness of the charity’s Hotcourses Foundation. My first thoughts were ‘What’s the catch?’. As it turned out there wasn’t one. With sponsorship provided by wine company Private Cellar, participants were provided with three prestigious wines, along with a delightful handmade wine carrier made by the women of Nyumbani Village, all for free. 

What’s not to love?! 

The 45 minute wine tasting was conducted by Master of Wine Amanda Skinner, a Director of Premier Wine, whose knowledge was impressive, and her style informative without being patronising.  

Amanda took us through each of the three wines provide, all French, a red, white, and dessert wine. These all turned out to be high quality wines, and well worth the price, had I indeed been paying for them. I loved them al. Although we did watch a video about the charity, with an appearance by Trustee MP Jeremy Hunt, there was no real attempt to extract money from us. It was this ‘giving’ attitude that will make me increase my future donations. Sometimes, if we can find a way to give a little, we find that what we get back exceeds all of our expectations. So, as the festive season fast approaches, think about ways in which you can give that extra something to make someone’s day. It may just be a smile!  

Nyumbani UK & the Hotcourses Foundation support some of the world’s poorest children. Started 25 years ago as a hospice for children abandoned and dying of AIDS, it now supports over 4,000, including those living in eight slums across Nairobi, addressing issues such as education, homelessness and health care, enabling these children to lead a fulfilling life into adulthood.   

Montagny 1er Cru Les Bassets, Domaine Laurent Cognard, 2017, £13.5%abv., £25.65 

This premier cru vineyard is located in the commune of Buxy, lying to the SW of Chalon-sur-Saône, south of the Côte d’Or. A dry full-bodied Burgundy, made from Chardonnay, of course, it had a combination of richness, smoky citrus notes with plenty of character.  

Château Haut Roc Blanquant, Grand Cru St Emilion, 2014,14%abv., £31.50 

A full-bodied Merlot-dominant, Cabernet Sauvignon blend from this right bank Bordeaux appellation. This was the first release of the new third wine of Belair Monange, the J P Moueix estate that comprises the old Chateau Belair and Chateau Magdelaine, just proving that even ‘third wines’ can be superb.  

Château des Mailles, Sainte Croix du Mont, 2016, 13%abv. £19.60 

Clustered around the Garonne river south of Bordeaux the best-known dessert wine appellations are Sauternes and Barsac. Directly across the river is Sainte Croix du Mont, producing this delicious ripe, plump sweet dessert wine made from a blend of Sauvignon, Semillon and Muscadelle. Lacking the prestige of Sauternes, but very well priced.