KNOWING WHEN TO QUIT WHILE YOU ARE AHEAD

 

Instilled with a high level of self-confidence, thanks to my mother, I am not renowned for my humility. Having decided to step down from my involvement in local politics after almost 20 years I have been truly humbled by the enormous number of accolades I have received, both on social media, by email, and from those who have taken the trouble to write me personal messages. 

Whilst I do not regret my actions, my decision has got me thinking about those of us in a position of power and influence who cling on with their finger-tips way past their sell-by date. All too often, in both politics and in business, we are witness to those who refuse to quit because their own egos get in the way of progress and a refusal to acknowledge their own failings. 

If I have learnt anything at all in the past few weeks, it is to quit while you are ahead. If I am to personally benefit from such tributes, and bask in the resulting glow, I am delighted that they have been expressed long before I am six feet under.

THE STRAW THAT BROKE THE CAMEL’S BACK

 

This is a phrase that we hear often, meaning that one in a line of unacceptable occurrences causes a seemingly sudden, strong reaction. 

Recently I announced that with effect from the new year I shall be relinquishing all of my official representative positions. This was a decision not undertaken lightly, and something I had been giving consideration to for some time. 

In many ways Covid was the catalyst for my decision. Whilst others seemed to have suffered a good deal as a result of lockdown, I was truly in my element. For a few months I felt that I had re-gained my life. No more dashing from one end of the country to the other, and despite the chore of Zoom meetings, no sitting in village halls for hour after hour, listening to people’s problems but largely being helpless in resolving the issues to their satisfaction. I swore that I would never get back on the hamster wheel.  

Six months later, I find that I am working up to 14 hours per day, every day. 

For most people, when it comes to the important decisions in life, there can be the tendency to prevaricate; worries about money, health, parental responsibilities and other personal issues we face all have an impact on our ability to make tough life-changing decisions.  For me, this has occurred perhaps half a dozen times in my life, when seemingly minor incidents just tip me over the balance. In that moment, a decision I had been putting off was made instantly, with no looking back. In all cases I can honestly say that I have had no regrets.  

This last month, the turning point for me was something that occurred during the Remembrance service in the Minster at Ilminster. It was the high-handed, arrogant, attitude of a colleague, and what I felt was unacceptable behaviour that was the final straw. I realised that I no longer wished to be associated with them or their ilk. 

I was so cross that I went home and handed in my resignation immediately, deciding at the same time to free myself from the shackles of other commitments. 

To date, I have yet to repent my actions, and am counting the days to freedom from obligation. I may even throw a party. 

IS ANYBODY LISTENING?

One of the key skills of representing others in public life is the ability to be able to listen. I have on occasion been told that I am not a particularly good listener, something that I cannot always disagree with. Whilst I am able to repeat verbatim what someone has told me, my brain is going ten to the dozen and already I am thinking of how best to respond. 

With so many diversions vying for our attention it can be difficult to focus. However, what the general public, having put us into office, want is to feel that someone, somewhere, cares enough to try to resolve whatever problems they are facing. The challenge as an elected representative is that whilst they are dependent upon us to make the necessary contacts this is becoming increasingly difficult.  

In recent years, as we have been experiencing the relentless push towards technology, which as often as not does not work effectively, it is now practically impossible to speak to a real, live, person. I yearn for the time when I could pick up the phone and, within a matter of minutes, have the problem solved. Sadly, this is no longer the case. Apart from the cumbersome completion of online forms, an immediate response can no longer be expected. Certainly, Covid aside, which to my mind, continues to be used as an excuse for poor performance and lack of proper public engagement, our town and parish councils have been complaining long and hard about the changes that are being made, all supposedly in the name of efficiency and progress.  

No longer are paper copies of planning applications made available to clerks, and on a daily basis I am contacted by local residents who cannot readily access information about what is happening in their local communities. This is unacceptable, considering that it is these very people who are paying the wages of our local authority officers and elected members. There are times, increasingly so, when it seems that it is more a case of the tail wagging the dog.

Linda Vijeh Calls Time

After much consideration I have decided that with effect from 1st January 2022, I shall be standing down as both District Councillor for Neroche ward and as County Councillor for Ilminster division, along with their associated committees and appointments.  

In addition to this, I will be ending my formal engagement with the many local organisations of which I am currently an active member, as with increasing demands on my time, it has been difficult to meet the commitment that I believe is necessary to be an effective contributor. 

However, this does not mean that I will not continue to support those organisations in some way; more that I will do so voluntarily, rather than through obligation.  

There are a number of reasons for my decision but the principle one is that after over 20 years of public service I have decided that the time has come to allow myself the luxury of pursuing other personal interests. This will also allow me, as a member of the public, the opportunity to express my views on the issues of the day more openly, without the constraints of formal office.  

My grateful thanks go to those of you who have over the years provided valuable help in supporting me to carry out my duties. 

Linda Vijeh 

THE IMPORTANCE OF INTEGRITY IN PUBLIC SERVICE

Those of us who enter public service as elected representatives, are expected to uphold the 7 Nolan Principles of public life. For me, the most important of these is integrity, being honest, with strong moral values.

Those in positions of responsibility and authority should always ask themselves ‘What is my motivation?’ No matter what our thoughts, words and deeds, we must satisfy those who stand in judgment, and to whom we are ultimately accountable, the electorate.

Party politics aside, we must be confident that our representatives will always try to do the right thing, even if we may not always agree with them.

Going about our daily business, being open and transparent, treating everyone equally and without fear or favour, is something worth fighting for, and which should be rewarded with our trust and confidence.

Those who have their own agenda may succeed momentarily because of what they know or do, but those who succeed permanently do so because of what they are.

The most complimentary thing ever said about me is ‘Linda, you are incorruptible.’

KEEPER OF OTHER PEOPLE’S SECRETS

When during a meeting one colleague approaches another and says ‘Don’t tell Linda, she has a big mouth.’, it can only mean one thing. Someone, somewhere, has something to hide. Clearly my reputation for bringing matters into the public eye, where there is a feeling that the necessary degree of openness is missing, has gone before me.

Both for individuals, and organisations, whether public or private, maintaining a good reputation is vital, and the key to success. Whilst it is right to want to protect one’s reputation, there has to be acceptance that at times we all make mistakes. The list of my own faux pas is extensive. What is important is how this is handled.

I believe that the public are in general a forgiving bunch where a genuine error has occurred for well-intentioned reasons.

Where it all goes horribly wrong is when there is an attempt to cover-up the truth. Although organisations are now required to have whistleblowing policies in place it is still a brave person who is willing to put their head above the parapet.

THE BELL, BROADWAY - REVIEW

The Bell Broadway **REVIEW**

As a professional hotel and restaurant inspector for more years than I care to remember, I have gained a reputation for being critical. I cannot deny this, but I like to think that I am fair and objective in my views.

It is also well recorded that I am a frequent pub goer and dine out often. I take pride in entering my local establishments and being known to them as a regular.

It is a brave publican therefore that asks me for my opinion. Such was the case when, with a hankering for roast beef one Sunday, I pitched up at The Bell in Broadway. I had been urged to try their Sunday roast, and chanced my luck, knowing full well that they would be busy, turning customers away. Fortunately, I arrived one the dot of twelve and received the response, ‘As it is you, I am sure we can fit you in.’

With a small appetite, and not keen on veg., I asked for a child’s portion, with just one potato and a Yorkshire pud. I like my beef rare but can accept that in most pubs it is difficult to obtain, as many other customers do not share my enthusiasm.

What arrived was exactly as I had requested. Three generous slices of beautifully cooked beef, quite pink, a crispy roast potato with fluffy innards, and a huge Yorkshire. It really was one of the best Sunday roasts I have had in a long time. No wonder the crowds were pouring in as I left; word has clearly got out.

If I have a couple of gripes, they would be that the gravy was a bit lumpy, and there really is no need for bits of greenery on top of the Yorkshire.

LOCAL BOOZER RAISES £470 FOR MIND IN SOMERSET

 

Choughs MIND fundraiser

In addition to being a local councillor, I am fortunate in being able to become involved in a number of local organisations, mainly charities, and often with a focus on mental health. 

In addition to being a volunteer and fundraiser for Samaritans, this last year I also became a listening volunteer for MIND in Somerset.  

I have always been a keen pub goer, and it was whilst attending a fundraising event for Chard Museum at The Choughs on Chard’s High Street, that I came across Steve Morgan. Since his arrival in the area almost two years ago and taking over at the helm of the pub, Steve has applied the discipline of his army experience to turning around the pub’s fortunes. At a time, when due to the pandemic, many hospitality businesses suffered terribly Steve now has a regular customer base, and knows the names of all of them, who describe him as a ‘top man’. 

‘I wanted to make the pub a place where women feel safe to come in on their own,’ said Steve, and speaking from experience, added, ‘In the last year I have become very aware of the increase in mental health problems suffered by young men in particular and I wanted to do something to help raise the profile of this, and the local organisations that support people with mental health issues.’ 

With the help of local Tesco manager, Raechel Shepherd, who is herself a force to be reckoned with, and popular local band Sea Trees, the event was a roaring success, and I was delighted to have been invited to witness the generosity and exuberant enjoyment of our local pub goers. 

The Choughs really is just a boozer (until Steve starts doing his famous Sunday lunches again), and not my normal spot for liquid refreshment, but mindful of the proverb, ‘different strokes for different folks’, I intend to become a regular. With local people demonstrating this level of passion for others I see a brighter future for us all.  

MRS. GRUMPY DINES OUT

I really don’t mean to be grumpy but, as a customer, I do get cross when I am not getting what I think I deserve for the money I am paying, and the environment I am in.  

I have always loved eating out and staying hotels, looking for any excuse to sleep in a bed that someone else has made (the sheer bliss of crisp, freshly laundered sheets) and a meal that someone else has cooked (no washing up!). I eat out around five times a week. I don’t need five-star luxury, and I am just as happy eating street food as sampling the delights of some of the world’s top establishments. For me, it is all about the experience. 

Working my socks off recently, on a visit to Calne, and keen to avoid a 150-mile round trip journey, I checked myself into a modest hotel; clean and decent enough, but with plenty to grumble about if I put my mind to it; the traffic noise, the absence of desk space, and somewhere to plug in a hairdryer within close proximity to a mirror.  

Putting a positive spin on my stay, I was looking forward to my dinner in the hotel’s 2 rosette restaurant. So far, so good. The menu looked interesting, was reasonably priced, and being on site, it meant that I could happily imbibe and just stagger upstairs.  

Sadly, from there on in it would seem that my high expectations were to be shattered. It was not so much the food, which was perfectly acceptable, but lacking the panache to deserve its award. It was the environment and the service. The soulless dining room, in which loud music rock music was blaring (clearly the choice of the kitchen staff), had just one other occupant, a woman, who I could hear across the room as she spent much of the time face-timing her French chef boyfriend. As for the service, the young staff were pleasant and helpful but lacking in professionalism. I was not offered any water with my meal (yes, I could have asked for some), both of the starters I ordered were delivered together (without having been asked), no additional cutlery was provided, and there was no enjoyment check during the meal, where I had been plonked in the centre of an empty dining room.  

I felt that I had become just the faceless, plump, old woman that in fact I am. 

What destroyed any serenity I might have been experiencing though was the ‘heritage tomatoes, goat’s curd, toasted hazelnuts, basil, sherry syrup’ at £6.50. Time and effort had clearly been spent on making the dish look attractive, but the hazelnuts had never seen the inside of a toaster (doesn’t one ‘roast’ them anyway?) and the tomatoes, amounting to less than one whole tomato in total, were fridge cold. Instead of enjoying my meal, which took just 45 minutes from start to finish, I beat a grouchy, hasty retreat to my room. Thank goodness I had brought the brandy with me with which to drown my sorrows. Thankfully, tomorrow is another day.  

LOOKING FORWARD, LEARNING LESSONS FROM THE PAST

There are few who would disagree that the past 18 months have been challenging for all of us, not least our local authorities. I think that in Somerset, apart from a few blips, we can hold our heads high for the way in which have handled the situation. 

Adjusting to the ‘new reality’ post-Covid, and post-Brexit, has been difficult at times and in addition to the difficulties posed by the pandemic, we have all been heavily involved in discussions and debate relating to the future of local government in Somerset.  

Resident concerns over the provision of social services, health, education, highways and planning continue to occupy much of my time; not always achieving the outcomes I would desire. Moving forward, I am optimistic that many of the reasons for high levels of dissatisfaction will be resolved. 

The decision for all five local councils to become a single unitary authority was not met with universal approval, but in my capacity as a long-standing district and county councillor within South Somerset, it is a decision I welcome wholeheartedly, if for no other reason than that in future there will be a single point of contact for all services.  

In terms of future service provision, I am optimistic that, with the leaders of all councils working well together thus far, we will see much needed improvement across the board.  

Adjusting to new ways of working have played a key a part in the way services have been delivered, and in how residents are able to communicate with their local council. Overall, this has garnered a good deal of criticism. It is elected members who have taken up the slack, playing a vital part in keeping channels of communication open at a time when levels of anxiety have been high. My monthly reports, which are distributed widely across the division, have been the cornerstone to maintaining regular contact and keeping residents informed. 

The move to a unitary authority is a once in a generation opportunity for all of us to embrace change. In order to do so, we must all be willing to engage with the process to ensure that we influence future service provision positively.   

I continue to have reservations about the relentless push towards digitalisation, and the potential impact this can have on the essential relationship between local councils and taxpayers, who after all foot the bill.  

In the coming weeks and months, I will be continuing to do my utmost to ensure that the views of ALL residents, especially those who are vulnerable or isolated, are heard, and that they have equal access to the services they need, where they need them, and when they need them. 

Whilst it is easy to criticise, it is much more productive for us all to aim to work together to seek solutions to the challenges that lay ahead, to ensure that Somerset is considered a desirable place; one that people aspire to live, work and play in. 

Hidden in plain sight

 

As there have recently been calls for more action, and resources, in relation to curbing violence and aggression, particularly against women, it is interesting to observe that when it comes to court cases that attract public attention, character witnesses on behalf of the defendant often focus on their church attendance and choir membership as indicative of their good standing within the community. As a regular church goer myself I could hardly be described as holier than though. Far from it, and I am not about to cast the first stone. However, we must not forget that historically some of the worst abuse has been perpetrated against youngsters by those who on the outside at least seem to be pillars of the community. Often it is their ranking in society that allows them to get away with such behaviour relatively unscathed, as their victims are too afraid to put themselves up against the establishment.   

DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE OLD VINES

 

I cannot remember a time when I was not interested in food and wine. This love for the good things in life was instilled in me by my single parent mother as she struggled to bring up three children in a series of rented rooms, then a council flat, in what was then a shabby part of London. Acton is not so shabby now though! A particular fan of Robert Carrier, my mother was a keen cook, and used to hoard the luncheon vouchers from one of her several jobs until she had saved enough to take us to ‘posh’ restaurants, usually ‘up town’ in Knightsbridge or Kensington. Our meals were always accompanied by wine. This was the late 1960s remember, and the national minimum drinking age limit was yet to be introduced, so we satisfied ourselves with a bottle of Chianti in a straw-wrapped flask, Mateus Rosé, or Blue Nun. Oh, how times change! 

More than fifty years on, little did I realise the extent to which my life would be dominated by food and wine.

Fast forward to my early thirties, and finding myself half-way across the world, homeless and with no income, I decided to cook for a living; with no experience or qualifications. Despite later reaching the exalted heights of Chef to the British Ambassador to the UN in New York, at first I found myself living in a bedsit in Chicago and, in order to satisfy my expensive tastes, volunteered to work for free at The Chicago Wine School, run by wine author Patrick Fegan, in exchange for attending his wine tastings, which I could ill afford.

Thus began my professional wine journey.

So many wines, and so many tastings, at so many vineyards, in so many places.

There are however memorable moments that I can recall so readily; the time, the place, the company, the food, the wine. Sensory experiences can do that to you.

One such moment occurred in 2008 when, as a WSET tutor, on a vineyard tour of the Southern Rhône, I visited Domaine de la Solitude in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

At the time of jotting down my notes for the trip I obviously had a giddy moment as I wrote ‘Florent Lançon, our winemaker and host, is young and handsome, with Italianate looks, and despite the grubby effort at a beard – he could be the man of my dreams. As passionate about food as wine, you should hear him speak. I am embarrassed to admit it makes my heart sing – how pathetic is that?!’

Thirteen years on, of all of those vineyards that I visited on that trip, it is this one that sticks in my mind; and not just because of its winemaker.

The property has one of the longest histories in the Rhône Valley and has been in the same family’s hands for 400 years, since Florent’s ancestors came over with the Pope from their native Italy. They are direct descendants of the Barbarini family, whose motto is ‘All that the Barbarians haven’t done, the Barbarini's will do’. This is not a family to be messed with, which is evidenced by the many antiques that were plundered locally.

It was one of Florent’s descendants in the 18^th century, Paul Martin, who was the first to sell

his wine in bottles and began exporting to England under the name “Vin de La Solitude”, at a time when the concept of wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape did not yet exist.

Florent is the eighth generation of his family to continue the work begun three centuries earlier and since taking over the helm in 2008, he has created “Maison Famille Lançon” under which “Domaine de la Solitude”, and a selection of other Rhône Valley wines, are produced, following organic farming principles.

It is the passion with which he continues to pursue his dream of producing great wines, with respect for tradition, that is so inspiring; preserving and improving what nature has to offer and acknowledging that every living thing has a role to play: the wildlife and natural vegetation, the vines, and the people.

Domaine de la Solitude owns 37 ha. of vines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, all located in the La Solitude lieu-dit (where the estate gets its name from), next to La Crau. Of the total, 30 ha. are devoted to the production of red wine, the remainder used for growing grapes for their white Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The estate produces 5 red Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines and 2 white. Production of each wine is limited, often to 250 cases, hence it is much in demand.

The ‘soil’ in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is comprised of galets roulés (pebbles), one of which I confess to having stolen, carrying it back on the plane in my luggage. I still have it.

The grape varieties grown are the thirteen permitted varieties traditionally associated with the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, of which the principal varietals grown here for the red wines are Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, and for the white wines they are Clairette, la Roussanne, and Grenache blanc.

During our visit Florent entertained us in style. He was clearly very excited by their new label for the 100% Grenache ‘Cornelia Constanza’, his very first wine since graduating from college, aged in oak barrels from the Caucasus mountains.

For me though, the highlight of the visit was the enduring image of the pre-phylloxera Grenache vines, well over 100 years old, and being given the opportunity to taste the wines produced from them. The family own just 1ha. of these precious vines, which were discovered when Florent was digging up old vines planted in a sandy area close to the house.

What makes this tiny parcel of vines so special is that in Europe there are very few vineyards that escaped infestation by this malevolent plant louse. Putting nostalgia to one side, it is generally accepted that, all else being equal, old vines seem to give more concentration and fruity complexity to wines when compared with vines still in their infancy. Older vines, by virtue of the mere fact that they have survived, means that they are fighters, tough old bruisers. The gnarled woody mass evident in their structure gives the vine additional reserves of energy, and their deeper root structure enables them to cope better in dry conditions.

On the downside, yields are of course lower, but as consumers we have the joy of knowing that when volume is not the key focus for a winemaker our taste buds will profit from the commitment to quality that shines through.

Whilst Domaine de la Solitude does offer other wines from ‘old vines’ (those more than 25 years old), my focus has been on those made exclusively from grapes hand-harvested from these venerable pre-phylloxera vines, the wines from which are highly rated, with prices to match.

Remember, you get what you pay for, and you only live once!

Look out for their current vintages of Domaine de la Solitude Cuvée Cornelia Constanza, A.O.C. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2017 and 2018. A large proportion of the wine is aged in vats and the rest in 600-litre oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered, expect to find rounded, complex wines that will benefit from some ageing to fully integrate the characteristics bestowed by their oak ageing. Hints of cocoa are joined by a smoky Sichuan pepperiness and aromatic cardamom, which on the palate explodes with concentrated ripe, juicy, red currant and berry fruit flavours.

Of course, as a wine lover, self-confessed foodie and self-taught chef, for me the two are inseparable. After my visit to Domaine de la Solitude we lunched at a nearby restaurant, Le Verger des Papes, a hidden jewel, next to the castle walls, with stunning views, and still recommended by Michelin. The simple menu is limited, and rightly so, to enable the quality of the food on offer, a perfect match for the local wines, to really shine through. 

Domaine de la Solitude’s website states ‘From generation to generation, the estate has been handed down in a spirit of love and sharing’.  I’ll certainly drink to that!

Florent Lançon,

Domaine de la Solitude,

Route de Bédarrides,

84230 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France

+33 4 90 83 71 45

www.domaine-solitude.com

THE BLIND LEADING THE BLIND?

 

As one member of the Somerset Visually Impaired Cricket Club said to me during their match against the Rotary Club of Ilminster this weekend ‘It was a bit like the blind leading the blind!’ 

The Visually Impaired Cricket Club was officially formed in 2011 and has since gone on to achieve a number of successes in the past eight seasons. They play their home games at Wombats CC (Bishops Lydeard) and matches are played with a larger ball (size of a handball) that makes a sound, and the wickets are larger. Each player much be registered blind or partially sighted. Each player is placed into one of four sight categories and the team is then made up of different sight categories, with no more than two players from the high partial category. 

The Rotary Club of Ilminster first became involved with the club several years ago when they certainly met their match and this year, as part of the club’s focus on community engagement, with Rotarian Tony Walker at the helm, his committee colleague Brenda Lake organised a return match. 

Hosted by Ilminster Cricket Club, and with the weather being kind to us, a healthy crowd of onlookers and supporters was there to cheer on team Captain, Rotary President Kirsty Hughes, as she and her fellow players donned the special glasses that ensured that they did not have a visual advantage over their competitors. This was shown to be very effective, as the Visually Impaired team trounced their Rotarian opponents by 80 runs, during a game of 20 overs for each side. 

After a proper cricket tea, of course, President Kirsty said, ‘It really does make you think how lucky we are to have our sight, but also really heartening to see everyone enjoying the game. I hope we can continue this as an annual event.’ 

BLOOMING LOCAL GARDENERS

 

Although we cannot deny the negative impact of the pandemic over the past 18 months, it seems that our resident gardeners have really benefitted from the enforced time at home to cultivate their gardens, resulting in an abundance of splendid blooms, fruits and vegetables. 

With many events remaining on hold for the time being, it is heartening to see that a number of our local communities have decided to go ahead with ‘mini’ flower and produce shows. 

In the last couple of weeks alone I have attended ones at Winsham, Whitelackington and Dowlish Wake, and even entered the ‘virtual’ show put on by Donyatt, delighted to win second prize for my chocolate pecan cake! 

As the night’s begin to draw in, and we look ahead to celebrating the harvest season, I am really looking forward to seeing, and sampling, the bounty of nature’s harvest, not forgetting the scrumptious cream teas on offer! 

When times are tough it is amazing to see how small communities pull up their socks, shoulders back and best foot forward, to demonstrate that no matter what hardships are faced, life must go on, and as long as we support each other we can get through anything.  

I would just like the time to smell the roses! 

Full Steam Ahead at Chard Museum

 

It looks like being full steam ahead for Chard Museum when at an Extraordinary General Meeting held this week, those members who attended agreed to go ahead with a proposal to purchase the museum from South Somerset District Council. The definitive result of the vote is yet to be ratified, as the wishes of those members unable to attend in person have yet to be counted. But, local councillor, and museum trustee, Linda Vijeh, said, 

‘It was great to see such a high turnout amongst our members. This is a fantastic opportunity for the museum, and I cannot see why it should not go ahead. Our Chairman, Vince Lean, has worked tirelessly over many months to bring this about, along with fellow trustee Howard Bailey. The museum is in healthy financial shape and will be able to stump up the £50,000 required for the community asset transfer. Until now the museum has been leased from the district council but, as it is a full repairing lease, we have been responsible for maintenance and other costs, so with the £9,000 a year saving on rent we will be in good shape money-wise and will be able to determine our own future. There are already exciting plans for a makeover, which is part of our long-term plan. During lockdown there have already been some interesting innovations as the museum works to ensure that it remains relevant to both townspeople, and visitors alike.   

Organisations such as museums owe their existence to the dedicated time and effort of its volunteers and like many other organisations, the museum is always looking for fresh blood to keep it on its toes.  It was super to see local student, Olivia Lawrence, receive a certificate in recognition of her work with the museum as part of her Duke of Edinburgh award.  

Gardening is not my forte, quite the opposite in fact, but over the summer months I was delighted to work with a team of volunteers to spruce things up in the grounds in time for our re-opening, and we were grateful for plant donations from Combe Dingle Nursery, B&Q and Chard Garden Centre.  

Since re-opening for private tours earlier in the year, the museum kick-started its autumn events this month with a celebration of the life of Roger Carter, by the Chard community and fellow historians. A former curator, author, local historian and most importantly, friend to so many people, Roger had a vision for the future and wanted to excite young people about history and science, especially engineering, making sure that history was saved for future generations.  

In addition to the formal tribute, in which the current curator Angie Loader, spoke of the support Roger had provided to her and others, including long-standing volunteer Gerrie Bews. A plaque honouring Roger’s contribution was unveiled by Chard Town Councillor Jenny Orchard, and in the company of members of Roger’s family, we all enjoyed entertainment provided by Mike Froom to accompany the food, pasties from yours truly, and cider, kindly donated by Perry’s and Burrow Hill.  

Donations given at the event, will directly fund an annual science workshop for the museum’s new half-term activity programmes for families and young people (starting in October), and also the archiving of Roger’s extensive collection that he donated to Chard Museum.   

Later on this month the museum is participating in Heritage Open Days, with its theme of Chard Remembers. This will celebrate the stories and memories of local Chard residents through the theme of food, contrasting the differences between village and town life, why people moved to the town, and even some war time memories. There will also be a World War 2 Cooking Challenge to cook a World War 2 recipe.  

Further information about the museum and its wide range of activities can be found at info@chardmuseum.co.uk  

Colombian La Laguna Reserva Coffee

Colombian La Laguna Siberia Reserva Excelso EP, Cauca Department 

Think of Colombia and the words that spring most readily to mind are drugs, violence and…. Coffee. 

In the UK, we are mere beginners when it comes to coffee consumption, at just 95 million cups per day; 13% of this comes from a good old jar of instant.  

During adulthood, having abstained from coffee consumption in favour of wine, after my baptism of fire a few weeks ago, I am certainly making up for lost time.  

Amidst the growing global concern about the state of our planet, I have been exploring in some depth the ethics of our consumer behaviour. 

I DO care where the food I eat, the clothes I wear, and the goods I buy come from.  

Hence my sudden interest in Colombia. 

Introduced to a single origin 100% arabica specialty coffee from La Laguna Siberia Reserve, in the north-east of Cauca, I was shocked to discover the brutal murder, in April this year, of Nasa indigenous woman human rights defender Sandra Liliana Peña Chocué, who was violently abducted from her home by four armed men and shot.  

Sandra was governor of the indigenous reserve “La Laguna-Siberia SAT Tama kiwe” and a community leader who was appointed the Education Programme Policy Coordinator of the reserve. In her role as governor, she had spoken out against the increase in illicit crop cultivation in the reserve, subsequently receiving threats from illegal groups that exercise territorial control in the area. It is believed that she was targeted and killed solely due to her peaceful and legitimate work in defence of indigenous peoples’ and land rights. 

Such incidents continue to increase in Colombia, where the authorities seem powerless to act. In 2020 alone the killing of at least 177 human rights defenders in Colombia was recorded, more than half of those recorded worldwide, enabling Colombia to retain its dubious title as the deadliest country in the world in which to defend human rights. 

This co-operative of twelve families formed an association to manage, control and coordinate their coffee because they were fed up with being taken advantage of by middlemen in the area. In 2014, they got in touch with Central Cooperative of Cauca (CENCOIC) and became Fairtrade certified, which kick-started their quest for quality and better prices for their coffee. The majority of the community speak Spanish as their mother tongue but there is currently a drive to revive the local language Nasa Yuwe, and more bilingual schools have been created as a result. 

Tasting notes, depending on whose opinion you consider, reveal much the same variations used when describing wine. The official technical term is ‘cupping’, a standardised process used worldwide to assess coffees and compare them. 

The beans, Colombia, F6, Caturra, Típica & Tabí varietals, are washed and hand sorted to produce a fruity, yet smooth and creamy, single origin, 100% Arabica, Speciality Coffee. 

Grown amongst panela (sugar cane), plantains, pineapples, yucca and lemons, these flavours come through in the sweetness of the cup, with hints of chocolate, grapes, prune, raspberry, redcurrant, caramel and fruit pastilles. 

Whilst communities such as La Laguna struggle to make a new life for themselves, earning an honest living by growing crops that can be exported for our enjoyment, we owe it to them to support their efforts in the face of significant adversity. 

The Cream Of The Crop

Linda Vijeh tells us all about her

favourite bubblies from France

 Linda's Column - Somerset Living - Cream of the Crop - September 2021

DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE AND HEAR

 

Yes, of course local politics gets political, but I have always believed that to honestly represent and respond to the needs of the local community with integrity (one of the key principles of public service), means that the right thing to do is to put political motivation aside. After almost 20 years, I am living proof that this is the right approach.  

I see myself as a problem solver and a shoulder to cry on. This brings with it a considerable amount of frustration, as invariably I am not the decision maker, just the messenger. Decisions get made, and sometimes they do not find favour or produce the expected results. That’s life. 

Whilst I am not afraid to point out the failings of those upon whose shoulders our future prosperity and progress reside, I try not to enter into the blame game.  

It is a very negative approach and ultimately achieves very little. 

As local government in Somerset is about to enter into a new phase, there are many who have been unhappy with the Secretary of State’s decision. This is understandable, where the process has been seen as two-sided, districts versus county. What bothers me though has been the tendency to perpetuate the deceit and half-truths that unfortunately populated much of the information that found its way into the public domain. Propaganda fodder for the proletariat. 

Few of us have the time or emotional energy to wade through the constant missives. On occasion I am challenged publicly over what people have seen or heard; something which I relish responding to. Better that than apathy. 

In recent months there have been charges of public debate being stifled by the reluctance of some elected bodies to allow entry to public meetings, on the grounds of Covid safety. Surely it must be possible to arrange for more suitable venues to enable full participation? 

When the public do choose to attend (sadly it is usually only to complain or object) they are permitted only a limited amount of time to make their representations. A good Chairperson should be able to manage that to everyone’s satisfaction. 

As taxpayers we must have the right to express our views to those decision-making bodies that have a lasting impact on our lives. 

What we must all be careful of is believing in everything we see and hear, without questioning the motive behind such sentiments. One phrase in particular sticks in my mind: 

‘Only constant repetition will finally succeed in imprinting an idea on the memory of the crowd’. The orator? Hitler. Enough said. 

UK CITIZENSHIP

 

The debate over the number of Afghanis we should allow to resettle in the UK under the Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme continues, amid accusations of confusion and disingenuous information.  

It is important that those who come to live here are given the support they need to ensure that they can successfully integrate into our society and begin to lead normal lives again. A key part of this will be their ability to communicate in our language. Suggestions have been made that during the lengthy process of putting into place appropriate measures to provide a safe exit, the provision of English classes in Afghanistan should be considered in the meantime. Despite the risks, I would willingly volunteer to do so. However, as a long-standing teacher of English as a Foreign Language in this country, I have experienced great frustration in supporting immigrants through the bureaucratic minefield that exists. Presumably there will be funding for such classes to be held and, in my experience, this will involve needless paperwork to justify the exercise. Lots of it, which is not at all helpful. 

Ultimately one would hope that they may seek British citizenship. With this in mind, as a British native born and bred, and a keen patriot, I recently took the Citizenship Test. My score was just 65%, and I would challenge the majority of my fellow citizens to score much higher. What possible use is it in going about our daily lives to know the answers to questions such as:  

Ian McEwan, Hilary Mantel and Julian Barnes have all won which literary prize? 

Who or what is Clarice Cliff? 

The Scottish Parliament abolished the authority of the Pope in which year? 

I rest my case. 

Highways - on the road again

 

If the increase in traffic in recent weeks is any indication, in the words of the Willie Nelson song, we are all ‘On The Road Again’.  

In the wake of the devastating impact of the pandemic, with some travel restrictions still in place, it is fantastic that by being forced to explore our own country, we are appreciating what a wonderful place we live in. 

However, as with all things, there are drawbacks. Living in Combe St. Nicholas I am resigned to allowing extra time to exit onto to the A303, particularly at weekends, and the traffic jams at the Southfields roundabout in Ilminster are legendary. Naturally, it is not drivers, or their bad behaviour, that are seen to be at fault. It must surely be Highways who are responsible for the blight on our precious landscape; those nameless, non-responsive individuals who fail to fix our potholes, impose speed limits, clear overgrown hedges, clean up rubbish, unblock our drains, causing flooding, or provide dropped kerbs. dsabled parking spaces and visibility aids at junctions.

Some years ago, I was hauled over the coals, and my wrists severely slapped, by the officer responsible for Highways at Somerset County Council for an adverse remark I made in public. She rightly felt obliged to defend her team in the face of criticism, but at the time I meant it.  

We expect much of our Highways teams, particularly when it comes to responding to planning application consultations, where the comment ‘standing advice applies’ cuts no mustard with local parishes, especially where there is some reliance on highways issues in objecting to unwelcome new developments.

What we must remember though is that amidst the cries for a freeze on council tax rises, along with the increased demand for what are perceived to be more important services, such as social services and education, resources for services such as Highways have been cut to the bare bone. We have only ourselves to blame. I have for some time argued that we must decide what levels of service we want local authorities to provide, and then pay for it.

As an elected member, much of my daily email inbox is taken up with highways issues; residents ranting and raving about what on the surface are minor issues, but which can have a big impact on their personal lives. I get this, but I do take issue with the tone and content of some correspondence. In my experience, and I am known to be abrasive, one is more likely to get a positive response if one can take the emotion out of an issue and seek to work together to resolve the problem. Our highways teams have limited capacity, and limited resources to work the miracles required to make our roads safer, quieter, cleaner and more accessible. I know from my own experience that, with few exceptions, whenever I have needed a rapid response, they have done their best to comply.

STIRRING THE SOCIAL CONSCIENCE

 

Whilst climate change and its impact on our planet should be high on everyone’s agenda (many would argue it should be at the very top), I am more concerned about the disparity between rich and poor; the haves and have nots. In the developed world we have free access to education and health care, sufficient food to eat, a roof over our heads, and do not live-in fear for our lives. By contrast, populations throughout much of the world do not have the time or the energy to worry about climate change; they are too pre-occupied with survival. 

There is much that we can do to improve their lot, whilst supporting efforts to save the wider planet in the long term. 

Whilst all large corporations now have a ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ agenda, reading between the lines reveals the extent to which in many cases they are just paying lip-service to anything but shareholders’ profits. 

We need to be cautious each time we are urged to do business with a particular company where, in exchange for out patronage, a percentage of the profits are donated to good causes; not a percentage of the price paid, just a percentage of the profit. In many cases this equates to less than 1p in the pound. 

By contrast, smaller, ethical companies, who strive to reduce their carbon footprint, whilst supporting producers in developing countries through charities such as Fairtrade, seem more willing to put their hands in their pockets to provide meaningful support.  

Given recent events, we have all had cause to re-evaluate the way we live. Some sectors of our population have suffered considerably, and it is understandable that the view of many is that charity should begin at home.  

With this in mind, I recently discovered Team Canteen CIC, a collaboration of independent hospitality and events businesses from Bristol which has developed inclusive projects creating connections through food. Believing in the importance of good quality, healthy, nutritious food for everyone, and equal access to employment opportunities in the hospitality industry, Team Canteen aims to alleviate hunger and create work-based opportunities for young people. They have been providing free meals for vulnerable Bristolians, including the homeless, and providing paid work experience programmes for young people who would usually face barriers to access. 

A keen supporter of this initiative, Bristol-based Wogan Coffee has created a bespoke blend of their Direct Trade, Cup of Excellence Nicaraguan La Bastilla P3 and Colombian La Laguna coffee; for every kilo sold £2.50 is donated to the charity. That is what I call a meaningful contribution. As consumers, we would do well to consider where we choose to spend our money so that others can benefit. It is only by ensuring that those less fortunate than us are given a helping hand that we can hope to collectively reduce the impact of global poverty and the associated challenges facing us in relation to our environment and the climate. For more information contact teamcanteen@teamlove.org 

LOUIS VUITTON - LOOKING BEYOND THE LUXURY

 

Whilst I confess to being rather fond of life’s little luxuries, in the main, I am largely oblivious to the desire for the flash designer labels, expensive jewellery and top of the range cars that are the envy of many. Quite the reverse in fact; I get a secret thrill from driving a battered £300 car with mismatched wing mirrors, which, despite me driving up to 100 miles a day, still passed its MOT this year.  

When I do have money to spare, I tend to splash out on ‘experiences’, travel to far flung shores (when allowed) and fabulous food and wine. These things are not for public consumption through social media; more a matter of memories that linger long after the event, to be treasured. 

Synonymous with luxury is of course fashion house Louis Vuitton, now part of the LVMH conglomerate, formed after a merger with Moët Hennessy in 1987. Frequently touted as the world’s most valuable luxury brand, it is also one of the most counterfeited brands in the fashion world, due to its image as a status symbol. 

What piqued my interest this week, is that August 4^th was the 200^th anniversary of the birth of its founder, Louis Vuitton Malletier. Like many household names that we associate with wealth and luxury, his beginnings were of humble origin. 

Vuitton was born in 1821 at Anchay, in the Jura region of France, into a family of craftsmen. His mother, who died when he was just 10 years old, was a hat maker, and his father died not long afterwards.  

Life with his step-mother was difficult so, at the age of 13, he left home and travelled to Paris, doing odd jobs along the way, arriving in 1837 at the height of the Industrial Revolution. There, he apprenticed under Monsieur Marechal, a successful trunk maker and packer, and gained a reputation amongst Paris's more fashionable class as an expert at his craft.  

When the French Empire was re-established under Napoleon III, Vuitton was hired as the personal trunk maker and packer for the Empress of France, who said that he "packed the most beautiful clothes in an exquisite way." It was this introduction to society’s elite that proved to be the gateway to influential clients who provided him with work for the rest of his career. 

After marrying 17-year-old Clemence-Emilie Parriaux in 1854, Vuitton opened his own trunk making and packing workshop in Paris. Signage outside proclaimed that he "Securely packs the most fragile objects. Specialising in packing fashions." 

Inspired by H.J. Cave & Sons of London, the introduction of his stackable rectangular canvas trunks, secured his future reputation at a time when the market had only rounded-top leather trunks. The demand for his designs was such that he was soon able to expand into larger premises. 

The original check pattern shellac embedded canvas, a man-made material made of plain-woven fabric, was named "Damier", a French term for "checkerboard". 

Vuitton also designed the world's first pick-proof lock; all lock patterns were registered with the owner's name, and safely kept at Vuitton's workrooms in case another key was needed.  

By 1871, as a result of the Franco-Prussian War, Vuitton’s business was in serious trouble, as demand for his goods fell. Many of his tools were stolen and his staff had deserted him. 

Not one to give up after such a tough start in life, he erected a new shop next to a prestigious jockey club in the heart of Paris, securing his future prosperity.  

In 1872, Vuitton introduced a new line, featuring beige monogrammed designs with a red stripe that remains a signature of his brand today, long after his death in 1892. 

One of the few luxury items I do possess is a small Louis Vuitton handbag, a present from my brother around 30 years ago, which I treasure, in no small part because of the story behind its maker.  

COFFEE VIRGIN POPS HER CHERRY

They say that you are never too old to learn, and this week I began one of the biggest learning curves of my life.  

‘They’ also say that you don’t know what you don’t know. Having been in the food and wine business for over 35 years now, I have generally given coffee a wide berth. 

This was all about to change. Recent contact with a specialist coffee company based in Bristol, piqued my interest, and I was looking forward to finding out more.  

I should point out here that I am renowned for being the world’s worst coffee maker, and hitherto can count the cups of coffee I have had to endure in my lifetime on one hand. Well, that is not quite true, on the odd occasion, usually late at night and after a splendid repast, I have been known to have an espresso, with a cognac thrown in for good measure; great night’s sleep guaranteed! 

Wogan Coffee, based at Cabot’s Circus, has been in business since 1970, and is now in its third generation of family ownership. 

I met up with Claire, and her son James, to find out more about coffee. 

There is nothing like jumping in at the deep end, a trait frequently applied to yours truly. I often end up in hot water, but somehow manage to survive by the skin of my teeth.   

It became evident after just a few minutes how little I really knew about coffee, and just how much there was to learn; a lifetime’s worth. 

Having been involved with wine as a tutor, I am all too aware of the enormous complexity of how grapes find their way mysteriously into my glass, and the myriad factors that can impact on the final product. Well, of course it is the same with coffee, and my all too brief visit demonstrated just how much there was to learn. So, back to school for me. 

Getting to grips with the coffee industry lingo will take some time, I know. Lesson number one, prior to being processed, the fruit of coffee plants are known as cherries, precisely because they do look like cherries.  

After watching the roasting process in Wogan’s warehouse, surrounded by sacks of coffee beans from all over the globe, it was time to get down to the business of actually tasting some.  

Forget all that coffee shop nonsense about lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, and the like, I was here to get a flavour of the real, unadulterated, stuff. 

I admit I was rather nervous, and a little afraid that I would disgrace myself; which I did, but not in the way I had anticipated. 

I had indicated that I was up for a challenge, and as a coffee virgin my cherry was about to be well and truly popped. Thus it was that the loss of my coffee virginity began with a double espresso, Columbian white wine fermentation mandarin natural, produced by a mad farmer called Jairo Arcila in Armenia, Quindio, Colombia, using the varietal Pink Bourbon. Jairo Arcila is 63-year-old and started growing coffee 35 years ago when his father got sick and could not manage his farm anymore, and he eventually managed to purchase his own land. To get from bean to cup, these cherries were ‘strictly picked with the same level of ripeness and exposed to a dry anaerobic fermentation of 48 hours with tangerine skin. The cherries were then shade dried on parabolic beds and mixed with tangerine skin to ideal moisture content.’ Yes, I did not understand much of it either. Basically, the cherries are fermented, much as grapes are fermented to make wine. Left outside in the sun for 30 hours to ferment, turned every hour, then put into green inner grain-pro bags, yeast added and left for 80 hours. 

This was coffee? Completely unlike anything I had experienced before. Its flavour profile is described as being like fizzy peach, pineapple & rosewater. Whilst I did get a sense of mango, for me the aroma, and taste, was much like wine-soaked raw meat. It certainly did not smell or taste of what I had expected coffee to be like. Subtlety is lost on me. I have always liked punchy, in your face, flavours. It was complex and very intense.  

Enjoyable? I was too stunned to fully comprehend that after 60 odd years of being in denial, I was about to become hooked. 

Two more coffees followed, from Nicaragua and Costa Rica, brewed in several different ways. I was soon to learn that the same coffee can taste completely different according to how it is brewed; future exploration required. 

An hour later, and during a discussion about the impact of caffeine, it hit me. Full force. Like being slammed into a brick wall. My vision began to be blurred, I was shaking, my head was pounding. I had just experienced my first ever caffeine rush. It took about two hours for me to peel myself off the ceiling. It was all completely my own fault. In a short space of time, I had drunk the equivalent of nine cups of coffee. 

That will teach me. After over 35 years, I should have remembered to spit, not swallow. 

 

At just £2 per cup, this is the perfect way, affordable way, to explore coffee.

WOGAN COFFEE 

2-11 Clement Street, 

St. Judes BS2 9EQ     

0117 955 3564

www.wogancoffee.com

FESSING UP

We all mess up from time to time, and in general the bigger the organisation and the wider the impact of such errors, the more likelihood there is of mistakes being made. These could of course be inadvertent or deliberate.  

We are in an era where, after having at first denied any wrongdoing in the hope that no one will find out and lay the blame, the ‘done thing’ is to apologise and hope it all goes away.  

Of course, that is not quite what happens. Certainly, when it comes to large corporations and government departments there are inherent dangers in admitting to misconduct or unlawful activity. The tendency is to close ranks and hunker down to protect the reputation of the organisation and its key personnel. In most cases the ‘easy option’, particularly for what are seen as ‘white collar’ crimes, is to hush things up and quietly remove or side-line the people concerned, often with a generous pay off, in the hope that no one is the wiser.  

Sooner or later, not having been taken to task or forced to face the full severity of the law, we see the same people resurface elsewhere with untarnished reputations.  

However, sooner or later the truth will out, and those involved in the ‘cover up’ will emerge with egg all over their faces. It is natural that as a result any level of trust that may have previously existed will be greatly diminished, and rightly so. The public does not like to be hoodwinked.  

What is interesting is that the more senior the position the offender holds, the more likely they are to escape justice. At the lower levels of our social hierarchy, there is considerably more likelihood of a prison record.  

Whilst it can be painful to admit to misjudgement or lack of oversight, what is important is to acknowledge it at the earliest opportunity and to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to avoid repetition of the incident; and that those with an interest in the organisation are fully informed, not kept in the dark, like mushrooms. 

I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but after a lifetime of trying to wriggle out of any difficulties I have found myself in, I have at last learnt to hold my hands up, confess to my failings, and move on. 

CAN YOU HAVE TOO MUCH COMMUNICATION?

 

One of the key characteristics of being sentient beings is our ability to communicate with one another. In my lifetime, the ways in which we are now able to communicate have changed beyond all recognition. The speed of such change, thanks largely to advances in technology, is increasing beyond anything that most of us can begin to imagine. In the words of poet William Davies, ‘Where do we now have the time to stop and stare? 

I am old enough to appreciate the limitations imposed by good old-fashioned pen and paper and traditional ‘snail mail’, but how much poorer will our future culture and heritage be without the written word, and spoken tales, passed down through generations, preserved for centuries?  

Somehow text messaging and emails do not quite garner the same level of regard. As the number of communication methods increases, the amount of useful and meaningful communication seems to be heading downward. 

We are now expected to make ourselves available morning, noon, and night. Although we may now have the ability to watch hundreds of TV channels at any time, from anywhere in the world, much of what is presented to us adds little to our lives.  

Likewise, the ubiquitous use of social media enables each of us our five minutes of fame, as we share every detail of our mundane lives, but much of this information exchange is trivial and meaningless. There is also a wealth of evidence that the proliferation of social media, much as it is welcomed by some, has also been the cause of many of the modern-day social problems that have emerged.   

Involved in high level recruitment in recent months, I have been struck by the focus on communication displayed by candidates for senior positions. This is all well and good, but they fail to clarify their intentions. I suspect it is more a desire to communicate their objectives and successes to the wider public, than to actively encourage others to communicate with them. It is now virtually impossible to identify and communicate directly in person with a representative of any organisation, whether by telephone, email, or post. Whilst there may be plenty of communication, it is all one way, usually accompanied by a ‘donotreply’ notification. This is not true communication, more a dictatorial style of contact.  

I receive hundreds of emails a day, most of which are of little interest to me; unlikely to engage my attention or be of benefit to me. I delete them without reading their content. If in this great age of communication, we wish to engage with our audience, those who vote for us, or give us their business, their needs to be recognition that it must be brief and to the point, appropriate and relevant to the recipient, not the sender. We want to be treated like we matter, not just another statistic or tick in the box. 

RACISM IN FOOTBALL- WHEN THE BOOT IS ON THE OTHER FOOT

With few exceptions, I have always been proud of my country. On the international stage we have always punched well above our weight. The last couple of weeks however have presented me with something of a dichotomy. I have never been much of a sports fan, but I do enjoy getting into the spirit of the moment when our sportsmen and women reach the dizzy heights of international championships; I am juts about old enough to remember 1966. 

For many years now, as a nation, we have reaped the benefits of a multi-cultural society, not least in the success of our sports personalities; not forgetting that many of them are home-grown despite the colour of their skin. Even the most jingoistic of us is quick to take on ownership, basking in the reflected glory of success. It is only when, metaphorically speaking, the boot is on the other foot that the endemic underlying xenophobia of the contemptible minority kicks in. It is at times like this that, far from feeling a sense of pride in my country and my fellow citizens, I am thoroughly disgusted. During the recent European Football Championship, the booing of English fans during the national anthems of competing nations, and in the wake of our failure to ‘bring home’ the trophy, the de-facing of the Marcus Rashford mural is despicable. The behaviour of the perpetrators disgusts me and makes me feel ashamed to be English. 

Our inability to win a football match on penalties is well recorded, but how misguided is it to use Rashford and his fellow players as the scapegoats for our failure to win?  

It seems ironic that had they been successful in driving the ball home to a winning goal, no doubt they would have been hailed as heroes. We must have zero tolerance for this pick and mix attitude towards racism. 

SCREW TOP WINES – BLAME THE FASHIONISTAS !

 

Article as seen in The Visitor - July 2021

When it comes to wine closures, I have always been a bit of a wine snob. Somehow, I just cannot share the enthusiasm of those who buy bulk wines shrouded by plastic in cardboard boxes, resort to screw tops, or heaven forbid, wine in cans! Traditionally it has been what are considered ‘New World’ wines, those from the USA, South America, South Africa, and the Antipodes that have resorted to packaging their wines in such a way.

For me, there is nothing like the feel of drawing the cork from the bottle, the satisfying ‘plop’ it gives, and as the aroma is released the anticipation of what is to follow on the tongue. Besides, surely it is far better for my wine, a natural product, to be in contact with an organic cork?

Sadly, this is no longer quite the case. I am slowly but surely being won over, if for no other reason than that it means I do not run the risk of having my corkscrew confiscated, as a potentially lethal weapon, when passing through customs.

It is easy, in the name of wine snobbery, to fall into the trap of thinking that screw top wines are inferior. Times have changed. Today, more and more winemakers are converting to this manner of sealing their bottles, and there is good reason for this.

We have only ourselves, and my generation of baby boomers, to blame. The push for an alternative method to seal bottles was largely driven by the fact that by the 1980’s demand for cork outpaced supply. In the heady days of the 1970’s and early 1980’s the fashion world went wild for cork sandals (yes, I did own a pair). As designers, willing to pay a premium price, snapped up all available resources there was precious little left for the wine industry.

Cork is a limited natural resource. There are only a few countries that grow cork trees, which need to be well into their twenties before the bark can be harvested. In addition to this, cork can only be harvested once every 9 years, with just 60% being of a quality that can be used to make wine corks; the residue is used to make other cork products. This scarcity has seen prices rocket, putting it well beyond the reach of those trying to produce modestly priced wines in an increasingly competitive market. One solution, that had disastrous results, was to use cork that was of a lower quality. Result, corked wines that were undrinkable and reputations ruined. 

Reluctantly the industry was forced to look at alternatives, including composite corks, rubber corks, and screw tops. The most impressive development for me was the glass stopper, which I first came across on a wine visit to Germany; expensive to produce but re-usable and doing away with the need for a corkscrew. Collector’s tip – corkscrews have always been a popular collectable, but as we move more towards these modern closures, the traditional corkscrew will become a thing of the past and old versions will gain in value, so hang onto them.

The use of cork to seal wine containers is a practice that has been in use for several thousand years. It was only when, in the 18th century, as glass bottles were introduced, that cork became the favoured method of sealing a wine bottle. Fine winemakers will stand by their assertion of the beneficial part that cork plays in ageing their wines. However, the negatives are increasingly outweighing the advantages.

Gradually the screw top has become the primary replacement for the standard cork, despite its drawbacks; screw tops are recyclable but not biodegradable, largely composed of non-renewable resources, and lack the satisfying ‘pop’ associated with a cork.

As consumers we continue to perpetuate the myth that screw tops are associated with inferior wine. Some winemakers also cling to the popular belief that the wine will not age properly, as screw tops do not allow the wine to ‘breathe’ in the way that traditional corks do.

An increasing number of respected winemakers are now choosing to challenge tradition. With a continued commitment and focus on quality, along with the inconsistent nature of cork, due to its variable quality, a screw top provides a measure of predictability at a time when the challenging economic environment of the wine industry has forced a new approach.

Certainly, when it comes to New World wines the vast majority are now using screw tops as the preferred alternative to corks.

When magazines like Decanter feel confident in recommending screw top wines, as they did in their April edition, then we know it is time to take notice.

https://www.decanter.com/decanter-best/screwcap-wine-10-top-choices-371124/