Russia v. Ukraine - Conflict Resolution

As the world holds its breath in the midst of the current conflict in Ukraine, and with Russia’s involvement in Crimea, we seem to be on the verge of yet another international battle for supremacy.

It has given me pause for thought over the futility of war; the cost, not just in terms of innocent lives lost, but also the economic, social and environmental impact.

I’m a great proponent of the view that once we have fulfilled our own basic needs, such food, water, shelter, and access to health and education, we should then look to help others. This is fundamental to our survival and progress as a human race, and I believe it applies equally well in an international arena, as well as closer to home, within the local community and in personal relationships.

I often find myself, either at work or the wider context, involved in conflict resolution. It is something I enjoy, because although in dealing with the vagaries of human emotions nothing is guaranteed, there is some sense of satisfaction where amicable agreement can be reached.

This does of course require willingness on both sides to communicate, and to compromise. This can be difficult where both sides feel they are in the right, and in some cases will resort to unhand activity to coerce others into taking their side of the argument. This attempt at manipulation is an understandable human trait, if not an altogether pleasant one, and we see evidence of it daily in the media.

However, to win at all costs only results in winners and losers, and it is this sense of failure on one side, and the smug ‘I told you so’ attitude of the winner, that harbours resentment, in some cases allowing it to fester into an overwhelming desire for revenge; all very destructive, time consuming and costly. I know this only too well; I’ve been there to my cost.

Nowadays I am able to take a more pragmatic view and apply many of the techniques I use in my daily activity as a customer service and sales trainer. Not only is it necessary to have a clear, well-defined objective for the outcome of any conflict but more importantly, to consider things from the other’s point of view. Very often it is misunderstanding and poor communication that is the cause of the conflict and despite any assertion that one side is right, it does take two to argue. It may well be that a conversation, a letter or an e-mail has caused offence, instigating a dispute from which neither side is willing to back down.

I am mindful that in all communication the onus is on the person emitting the message to take responsibility for its effect on the recipient. Causing offence may not have been the intention but may well be the result. As well all know, some people are quick to take offence. We can’t take back things we’ve said or done but sometimes all it takes to resolve a situation is an acknowledgement that however unwittingly one or other party has caused offence or injury to the other.

This shouldn’t be a big deal, and I think it takes the bigger person to be the first to offer the olive branch. However, this can only be done when both sides approach the problem from a position of willingness to negotiate and with a clear intention to reach an outcome satisfying both sides.

Just imagine all of the time and energy we could save, in which we can all pursue more pleasurable pursuits, making us all much happier people, and in turn less likely to be the cause of conflict. As renowned author Stephen Covey would say, ‘Begin With The End In Mind’ and ‘Think Win-Win’. Not such a daft idea at all.

LENT - Feasting and Fasting

In full feasting mode, having scoffed the obligatory pancake, (I prefer mine with with just sugar and lemon), on Shrove Tuesday we now find ourselves in the middle of Lent, a time for fasting and reflection, and the absence of the feasting that both precedes and follows it.

Whatever your religion, or lack of it, our seasonal calendar, and associated holidays, are largely punctuated by key religious events surrounding the life, and death, of Jesus.

It was no surprise therefore, that at church this last week the reading was appropriately Psalm 51, the penitence psalm, one especially associated with Ash Wednesday.

I unashamedly admit to using some of the content from the sermon given by Curate Sheila Murray that morning (with her permission), where as congregants we considered the acknowledgement of our human failings, yet at the same time were urged to have faith and trust in the power of God to transform us, and the mercy to forgive.

This is something we can all learn from. None of us are perfect, and personally I’d steer well clear of anyone that thought they were. In going about our daily lives we make all manner of decisions, aiming to do our best at the time, but often failing to achieve the outcome we wanted; through our own foibles, whether due to selfishness, lack of self worth or the actions, words and influence of others with whom we share a common interest or relationship.

The word ‘ash’ has different meanings for all of us. My first thoughts were of ashes in the fire grate; all that is left after a roaring, body warming fire the night before. Strangely enough this is just about the only domestic chore I actually enjoy. For others the concept of ‘ash’ is often linked in much the same way to the end of things, a process involving pain and loss.

However, we were also asked to consider that for gardeners ashes have great fertilising properties, and in the outback in Australia they are dependent on fires to regenerate its forests. The passion flower, a native species of Australia, only survives if its germination is triggered by bush fires. The lesson learnt is that despite the dull grey pallor of ash something beautiful and colourful can grow out of it.

Many of us fast during Lent, usually giving up something material, in my case, chocolate and wine. When I do so I consider it more a test of willpower than anything else, until last year someone suggested that instead of giving something up it might be better to do something I don't usually do.

In a poem by William Arthur Ward entitled 'Fast From – Feast On' he ponders on less tangible ways that we can all either fast or feast. Here are some to reflect on as we approach Easter.

Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude.

Fast from bitterness: Feast on forgiveness.

Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion for others.

Fast from complaining; Feast on appreciation.

Fast from anger; Feast on patience.

Fast from lethargy: Feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from pessimism; Feast on optimism.

I can only agree with the sentiments expressed, and will be using this time, whilst looking forward to the feasting that follows, to remember that as always it is our attitude that affects the outcome of many of life's daily trials and tribulations. Bring on the easter eggs.

Linda Piggott-Vijeh

3 Rectory Court

Vicarage Hill

Combe St. Nicholas

Passion for Panto

HE’S BEHIND YOU….

As the wind and rain seem to be playing percussion on my window-panes, I’m looking forward to more of this season’s local pantos. To my mind you’d be hard pushed to find a better antidote to the winter blues. For not very much money, usually no more than £6 or £7, there can be few other ways to enjoy a night out and a good belly full of laughs; especially when at the expense of seeing Bob Dunn dressed as dressed as the dame, in this case nurse Dotty Dettol !

I’ve always been a great fan of pantomime, and have appeared in a few myself, when I still had the time to dedicate to rehearsals. It is no wonder that this form of amateur entertainment has stood the test of time. No matter what your age it is the ideal way to encourage community cohesion, and to give wannabes the chance to shine and have their fifteen minutes of fame. Whether it’s the corny jokes with a topical local twist, the thigh-slapping principal boy, or the intermission choc ices, there is something for everyone. 

This year, in a return to tradition local councillor and panto veteran, Ros Roderigo, demonstrated her directing skills once again in Cloverleaf’s production of ‘Sleeping Beauty’. Despite illness and accident leading up to the production, there was a real feel of ‘the show must go on’ as the packed house listened to the dulcet tones of leading lady Abi Cousins as Princess Rose, and Helen Rose as Fetch was a real trooper and did not allow a broken wrist to deter her from giving her all. We would have been hard pushed to believe that for Sally Nex it was her first time as an adult to appear on stage, such was enthusiasm and competence.  

No Cloverleaf production would be complete without Richard Roderigo, and although in more of a supporting role, this year was his 53^rd year on stage.

Councillor Martin Wale, as the King, and his wife Nanette, both looked most uncomfortable to find themselves parents again at such a ripe old age, and who could forget Maggie Goodall as Witch Hazel strutting her stuff like someone half her age?

The chain saws cutting a swathe through the cleverly constructed forest of thorns was a highlight, but it was the flower fairies that really did the trick, with their upside down felt flower head hats in bright spring colours. I predict a new trend in headgear this spring. You read it here first!

Many people think that going to see a pantomime is a Christmas treat, but even this late in the season there are still many local productions to be seen.

Wines to go with your Easter lamb

With a gale howling outside, and the county still under water, it's hard to believe, looking at the sodden landscape, that Spring will ever arrive, bringing with it long awaited warmer, sunnier weather.

At this time of year the joy of seeing young spring lambs gambolling in nearby fields makes me question my own ethics, but lamb is my favourite meat and I find it impossible to resist both it’s mouth watering aroma, and its diversity in the kitchen.

Easter is one of only a few occasions during the year when families seem to make the effort to get together, warranting that bit of extra effort. So for many of us, it just has to be roast lamb; if we can still afford it.

The tender, sweet and succulent flavour of young spring lamb, marries well with wines full of juicy red berry flavours. However, do remember that how the lamb is prepared and cooked will alter the specific wine needed for a good match.

Ever the optimist, here are some suggestions to put a spring in your step over the Easter holidays.

Roast spring lamb has a delicate flavour, and if red is your preference then go for a light bodied, young fruity red, a Beaujolais cru or a classic Burgundy perhaps, with bright cherry, mineral, and spice.

To go with a juicy roast, redolent with rosemary and garlic. Cabernet's minty/herbal character goes well with the grassiness of lamb; whilst Zinfandel stands up well to garlic.

Pinot Noir works well, especially if the lamb is not too lean or overcooked, or an unoaked Tempranillo, with a bright, fruity character.

I prefer the flavour of shoulder to leg (unless roasted to a succulent rare pink, on an open spit!) but it can be fatty and struggles to stand up to the bolder wines that go well with beef, clashing with the tannins, giving an unpleasant astringent taste.

So, if you go for a "big” red, it should be sufficiently barrel-aged and mature for the tannins to have mellowed, such as a Pauillac or St. Emillion . From Spain, you can't go far wrong with a Ribera del Duero.

Lamb that is cooked medium to well done will work better with a younger, more fruit-driven wine, such as a young red Bordeaux, a Rioja reserva, or a Chianti Classico, which can possess an earthiness that flatters lamb’s meaty complexity.

I'm always looking for the opportunity to plug my favourite tipple. So, if you plan to serve a dry vintage rosé champagne with your lamb, I'd be a very happy girl, and willing to accept an invite.

If white is your preference, lamb will go well with a full bodied oak aged white bordeaux, or a lightly oaked chardonnay, but steer clear of New World offerings, as these wines tend to go a bit overboard with the oak.

Not all of us are wine drinkers, so a strong Trappist beer (Orval, Chimay Rouge), or an ale such as 'Duchesse de Bourgogne' should please beer lovers.

By the time you get to pud, which may well be chocolate based and difficult to pair with wine, try the sweet red vin doux naturel, Maury, from the South of France.

For something lemony, like a tart, a late harvest riesling has the acidity to cope with the sharp tartness, and Asti is always popular, adding a festive touch.

Fleurie, Domaine Julien Sunier, Beaujolais Cru, France, 12.5%, 2011, £19.50 Medium bodied and very elegant, with lovely peppery notes on the nose, A perfect balance of fruit and acidity, with good persistence.

Vosne-Romanée, Domaine d'Eugénie, Burgundy, France, 13%, 2007, £52 This lovely fruity Pinot Noir with its gamey, earthy character, is ready for drinking. A wine with finesse.

Villa Maria - Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Pinot Noir , New Zealand, 14%, 2007, £21.90 Stylish, with a seductive perfume of red fruit and cherry. Powerful on the palate, but well balanced.

Berrys' Pauillac, Ch. Lynch Bages, Bordeaux, France, 13%, 2010, £20 Dominant blackcurrant and mint on the nose and ripe fruits on the palate. Rich and powerful, yet restrained and elegant. with a long finish.

Château Bellevue , St Emilion, Bordeaux, France, 14.5%, 2008, £40

98% Merlot, with a rich, generous nose and luscious, spicy fruit on the palate. A solid structure, yet refined.

Avaniel, Bodegas Monteabellón, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 14%, 2012, £11 Made from young Tempranillo vines, giving a fresh bold fruit character. Medium-bodied, without tannins, giving a smooth wine.

Antinori Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva, Italy, 13.5%, 2009, £16 Made from 90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet. Fragrant and fresh, with notes of exotic fruit and a hints of liquorice. Supple, round, and soft in texture.

Chassagne-Montrachet, Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy, France, 13%, 2010, £40 Chardonnay with real concentration on the palate and citric notes. Well constructed with good body, length and depth.

Chateau Brown Blanc, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France, 13%, 2010, £32 Beautifully aromatic, twith a nutty richness, smoky hazelnut notes and good acidity.

Chateau Saint Roch, Maury Rouge, France, 16%, 2011, £11 (50cl.)

100% grenache. Lovely and silky, with flavours of baked fruits, prune and cinnamon. Round on the palate, with a touch of acidity to prevent cloying.

Cloudy Bay Late Harvest Riesling, Marlborough, New Zealand, 10.5%, 2007, £22.50 (37.5cl) Indulgent, rich and aromatic; aromas of honey, nougat, and orange blossom. Luscious ripe fig and apricot, with a long finish.

Orval , Belgium, 6.2% £2.69 Limited supply, intensely aromatic, dry character, with a pronounced hoppy aroma.

Chimay Rouge, Belgium, 7%, £2.29 Unpasteurised, with a light, fruity apricot aroma. Silky on the tongue, with refreshing bitterness.

Duchesse de Bourgogne, Belgium, 6.2%, £2.79 A blend of 8 and 18 months old ales, following maturation in oak casks. Unpasteurized.

Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rosé, Champagne, France, 12.5%, 2004, £240 Extraordinary Pinot Noir dominant,. Strawberry, pink grapefruit, and peppery, cinnamon notes. Exceptional smoothness and complexity.

Astrological Wines

ASTROLOGICAL WINES

Despite millions turning to their daily horoscopes, I stopped reading mine years ago; not liking the tone of the predictions. Whatever your views on traits inherited at birth, there appear to be common characteristics relating to zodiac signs.

With Pisces ruling this month, we have had a watery time, in more ways than one. So, with tongue in cheek, exploring wines and grape varieties associated with zodiac signs, seems fitting.

The zodiac can be linked to many natural objects, grape varieties being one of them, each having individual personalities. When considering the organic yearly cycle, the different vintages, and the birth of a wine, viticulture and astrology are natural partners.

Aquarius - born leaders, original thinkers, trend setters; Aquarians are also down to earth homebodies. Cool, restrained, eccentric Riesling seems perfectly matched, with good acidity, some minerality, and characteristic tar and petrol aromas. Hugel & Fils Jubilee 2007, £20, with white peach, quince and grapefruit flavours, is perfect for detached, intellectual Aquarians.

Pisces – the embodiment of water, adapting to its surroundings, moving with the tides; bringing to mind malleable Chardonnay, growing well wherever planted. I suggest Louis Jadot Meursault 2008 Burgundy £24, or notoriously difficult Pinot Noir, a sensitive red variety suited to dreamy, poetic Pisces. Louis Jadot Les Suchot 1er Cru Vosne-Romanée, 2006, £45 is worth the outlay.

Aries - fiery and adventurous, hardy and outgoing, with a penchant for trying new things, Aries is naturally attracted to exploring spicy, ruby red wines. Concha y Toro’s 'Gravas del Maipo' Syrah 2007, £56, with its forward heat, spicy pepperiness, and minty character, suits this lively, demanding sign.

Taurus - this strong-willed earth sign has a grounded sensibility, craving comfort. Unlikely to move once they've established roots, Taureans lean towards tried and tested favourites. Try a reliable well-balanced Bordeaux, Cháteau Domeyne, 2010, £18, or more rustic Marques de Riscal 'Riscal 1860' Tempranillo, £9.

Gemini – unsurprisingly, contradictory, opinionated, on the move, always gravitating towards something different. This duality conjurs up Waimea Estate Pinot Gris 2012 Nelson, £13.50, a New Zealand wine blending Old World techniques with New World pioneering methods. Likewise, Sauvignon Blanc from down under, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, £18.50.

Cancer - hard on the outside, softies inside, forming close bonds with others; but don’t upset them. Reminiscent of ..... Pinot Noir! Joseph Phelps Vineyards Freestone Pinot Noir, Sonoma County 2010, £32 will suit. To bring out the softer side, botrytis affected Semillon, producing luscious sweet wines, will crack Cancer’s hard shell nicely. Try Keith Tulloch Hunter Valley Botrytis Semillon 2011, £20.

Leo – always the star of the show, embracing the finer things in life; hence, a recommendation for Cabernet Sauvignon. Trefethen Family Vineyards Napa Cabernet 2008, £50, offering great value; sure to win over Leo, with its stable reliability and persistent blackcurrant, cedar and cigar-box style.

Virgo – down to earth, rarely seeking the limelight. Hard working, organised, and friend to all, Virgo likes nothing more after a hard day than unwinding with refreshing, undemanding, and low maintenance Sauvignon Blanc. The 'Justine Barbou' Domaine des Corbillieres, £16 will perk up the spirits.

Another Loire favourite, Cabernet Franc, adding backbone to many great Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignons, fits the bill perfectly with its restrained, smooth berry flavours; around £12.

Libra - born leaders, requiring balanced, harmonious relationships; like Riesling, which needs a balanced combination of acid, sugar and texture. Trimbach 2011, £12 provides consistent quality.

Crowd pleaser Chardonnay, so eponymous it is ordered by name, like Libra, lubricates and pleases many social situations. 2011 Errazuriz Max Reserva Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, £10, is an undemanding New World wine, balancing fruity ripeness with steely restraint.

Scorpio - can be tricky, taking time to warm to others, like the Sangiovese grape, often bitter when young, gaining fragrance with age, as with 2001 Conti Capponi Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico Riserva, £59. Also suiting Scorpio’s intensely complex, paradoxical nature, is deep, dark, mature Zinfandel, with high alcohol levels, aromas of dried fruit, burnt rubber and pepper.

Sagittarius – outgoing, generous and bawdy, Sagittarian’s honest, direct nature suits straightforward Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel 2010 Alexander Valley, £22, with its silky texture, dark berries and flowers. "Sangiovese" means "blood of Jove", and as Jupiter rules Sagittarius, Brunello di Montalcino 2008 Banfi, £24, with its liquorice and chocolate is a full bodied alternative.

Adventurous Sagittarians will be tempted by versatile, exuberant Viognier. The 2008 Condrieu la Doraine Domaine Etienne Guigal, £50, is rich and unctuous, yet approachable.

Capricorn – stubborn patience and perseverance mark these late bloomers attracted to scaling new heights, romantically, socially and physically. Juicy 2010 Pulenta Gran Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, £26, with its New World flair, tempered by Old World restraint, should impress.

Alternatively, Nebbiolo, Italy's pride, will suit those patiently waiting for the 2007 Barolo, Casina Bric 460, Vergne, Piedmont, £35, to reach its peak.

JUMPING ONTO THE FLOODING BAND WAGON

JUMPING ONTO THE FLOODING BAND WAGON
The death of a neighbour's husband a few months ago gave me pause for thought in relation to the enormous turmoil and upheaval experienced by those that have been the victim of flooding recently. I think that living through such life changing events is very like the sudden death of a loved one.

Those of us fortunate to have close family and friends can be overwhelmed with gratitude for the offers of help and support when most needed. However, and I speak from personal experience here, we often forget, that once the funeral is over, the floods have subsided, and the excitement of the national interest in us is over, that's it, job done; not the case at all.

It is only once we get back to the humdrum daily grind of life, with time to pause and consider the impact of the loss, that we really need that help and support, and that's where Samaritans come into their own. It is returning home to the empty house, dealing with the clean up, all the paperwork and bureaucracy that is involved, that reality sets in, and along with it, the danger of depression. It is in the aftermath that practical help and moral support is most needed; and when most of us have long since moved on to do other things.

I raise this because I have been noting with interest the plethora of public figures, both local and national, keen to come down to offer their commiserations at the plight of those affected. Promises galore have been dished out, but beware of the language used. We have gone from statements along the lines of 'whatever money it takes will be spent', to '£10m will be made available', and then, only a few hours later, '£10m will be made available to some businesses'.

We can, sadly, expect a good deal more pussy footing around before it's all done and dusted. This is where locally we can expect, and should insist on, our local elected representatives to fight our corner; to ensure a fair deal for Somerset. This does not mean though that we should all be jumping on the band wagon, keen to get involved

Local councillors, who barely show their faces the rest of the year have hardly had the time to don their green wellies and Barbours before leaping into the fray. To what end? If local opinion, and anger, is anything to go by, then they are nothing but a media seeking nuisance getting in the way of the real work that is needed.

I understand that the fire service presence in response to the flooding has reached levels not seen since the dark days of the second world war. For once I can also praise local council officers, and in particular Paula Hewitt, who has been playing a key part in organising and co-ordinating the plans for recovery. 

Despite intense criticism of the Environment Agency, local workers on the ground have been truly remarkable, and tales of round the clock working are not unheard of.

The armed services have of course been brilliant in providing additional support although of course this is not without cost; the going rate for a helicopter is apparently £25k a time.

Meanwhile, back on dry land, the Samaritans have been responding in their own quiet way, setting up shop in the two flood assistance reception centres. Both Yeovil and Taunton branches have been working together to help alleviate some of the misery with a kind word or two, and a shoulder to cry on. This is in adding to extending  face-to-face contact, by going out on boats to access those who are stranded and afraid to leave their homes. Samaritans will continue to provide their usual round the clock support in the coming weeks and months, when everyone else has shut up shop and gone home.

It is at times like these that communities themselves show their mettle, without the need for token gestures from those who are out to prove a point. This is not, and never should be, about political manoeuvring. Shame on those that wish to use it as such.

NEWS SCOOPS – THE MORAL MAZE

Hearing accounts of Rebekah Brooks actions during her stint at both The Sun and the News of the World editor has highlighted for me the moral dilemma of those who report on our news stories.

Whilst bribery in any form is not to be condoned, the high level of interest seems to be centred on monies paid to those in public office. There does, however, not seem to be quite the same level of frenzied activity in uncovering those who accepted payment in exchange for information; or consideration for the fact that you can only bribe someone who is willing to be bribed. 

A recent conversation with a local newspaper editor in relation to the moral issues surrounding the reporting of breaking news stories has provided me with much food for thought. The discussion mainly centred on the dilemma that reporters and editors face when deciding whether or not to pursue a story that has seemingly landed in their lap.

Should the press report on matters that are ‘of public interest’ or ‘in the public interest’? There is a world of difference between the two.

On the one hand we have the public interest and enthusiasm of tabloid readers for the salacious and intimate details of others’ private lives, and their impending social or political demise when exposed. Such are the stories that make up the bulk of national news reporting from the red tops; running for as long as it takes to squeeze every last headline grabbing morsel from the tale of someone’s downfall.

Then there are those accounts, seemingly of a similar nature, where the issues uncovered are ‘in the public interest‘; where the actions of those concerned have in some way had an impact, often negative, affecting the lives of the public at large.

The two may well be linked, but at a local level different factors come into play in making the finely balanced judgements on whether to report or not.  Far from providing juicy gossip fodder to raise readership figures, albeit temporarily, there does need to be consideration of the implications of bringing to light such personal issues as adultery, fraud, dishonesty; a whole raft of situations. 

Were I in a position to influence our local media, one question I would ask is ‘What will be achieved by bringing this matter into the public domain?’  In addition to the perpetrator, it may well be that others are involved, family, friends, colleagues, who in turn may become the innocent victims of someone else’s behaviour, words or actions.

I believe that in the case of our local regional press, which has a much closer relationship with its readers than the national press, there is a duty of responsibility in the reporting of events. Whilst a news ‘scoop’ may well satisfy certain editorial egos, a responsible editor, in addition to taking into account any legal implications, will want to consider the effect on its readership and the local community.

I’d call this responsible reporting; something we should all be proud of in relation to our local media. This is why they are so valued and trusted.