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