Elections - You Can't Buy My Vote

With all parties gearing themselves up for the European elections next month, I worry about the machinations of those involved. People we’ve hardly heard of, let alone met, give their pitch in a bid to win a seat on the European gravy train, to many who neither understand what they are voting for, and who won’t turn up at the ballot box on the day anyway.

The right to vote is course one of the foundations of democracy, and one that is still hard fought for in third world countries. However, apart from paying lip service to engaging with the electorate, little appears to be being done to ensure that aside from those who have their own agendas, the younger generation in particular feel inspired to get out and make their mark.

What inevitably happens is that the diehards amongst the electorate, with fairly fixed views along the lines of ‘I’ve always voted that way…’, turn out to have their say, and the rest bemoan the results for the next four years or so. Much as we might like to, we can’t have it both ways.

Our role in Europe has been high on the agenda for all parties recently. This is largely as a result of the success of minority parties in the local elections in 2013, which caught the other parties unaware. I would suggest that this is because people are fed up with policies that seem to bend to European will, and they feel that those in power, of whichever persuasion, have done little to fight for a fair deal for Britain. I don’t necessarily believe this to be the case, but the thinking behind this is almost exclusively to do with poor communication, otherwise we would not have seen so many turn out last year to vote for a parties that at a local level could play very little part, and with virtually no impact, in the big issue; that of immigration.

Hard on the heels of the European elections, all parties will be gearing themselves up for next year’s general election, and there is evidence of this already.

What many of us can expect to see is a flurry of activity, both locally and nationally, as those in charge start to play catch-up and are seen to be courting the public gallery with a number of popular vote catching initiatives. This will be in a bid to show just how much they care and are working on our behalf. We can, I am certain, expect the chequebooks, which have so far remained, to a large degree, firmly closed to be opened up to select projects to capture the public imagination in a bid to curry favour and in the hope of gaining a few votes.

To be bribed in such a way is something that we must all resist in a bid to avoid seduction. We all caution children not to accept sweets from strangers, and as adults we must see it for what it is. It was only in 2010, at the last general election, that outgoing Treasury Secretary, Liam Byrne, left a note for his successor, which said "there's no money left".

I believe that in making decisions about who should lead us we should, and must, look to their record of achievement so far, rather than succumb to empty promises, and the enticement of a few treats, which after all we are paying for anyway.

Living Without Fear

I listened with interest to an interview with Cheryl Sandberg, CEO of Facebook, earlier this week, about her strategy for engagement with smaller businesses and ways in which the company is planning to increase its focus on providing added value to its users. At the end of the interview, when asked about her own personal success she said ‘What would you do if you weren’t afraid?’

This got me thinking about many of the seemingly rash decisions I’ve made in the past, when I was considerably younger, and considerably more fearless; selling the house, giving up the job, travelling around the world on merchant ships, and losing a husband along the way; going to the USA to work for three months, with one suitcase, and returning 10 years later with a container load, and a new husband. The list is endless, and although I wouldn’t change any of my experiences, for better or worse, I fear that such exciting carefree adventures are now all in the past. The reason?  Nowadays I’m much older, if not wiser, with more responsibilities, and am, at least for some of the time, afraid of the consequences of my actions. It is not a situation that sits easily with me at all, but times, as well as I, have changed. I can well recall when a person could leave a job with a certain degree of alacrity in the certain knowledge that another one would be ready and waiting in the wings not too far around the next corner.  We really did never have it so good.

That, sadly, is not at all the case today. Many youngsters are leaving university with good degrees, and huge student loans, and still struggling to find any kind of job, let alone one that they’d like as a stepping stone onto the career ladder, or even somewhere affordable to live. The fact is that no matter what our age, our education, or where we live, life has become so much tougher, and along with that we have all become much more risk averse. Our work places are struggling to become pristine risk free environments, and we are increasingly afraid to allow our children, those of us that are fortunate to have them, to take the risks that will help them to cope later in life and take those leaps of faith that will propel them out of their comfort zone into the realm of what is possible, rather than what is safe and predictable; to live their dreams.

It is in this environment that great things can be achieved, when unfettered by rules and the caution brought about by bitter experience; to really be able to reach our full potential as individuals. There are of course exceptions and some of the greatest achievements have been made by those who were bred into an environment of fear; they may well have felt that such was their life they had nothing further to fear.

Anything is possible, as long as we believe it to be so, but it can only happen if we are not hampered by fear; the fear of the ‘what ifs’ in life.

Despite my more cautious approach I’m still considered a risk taker by many, but when I look back on my life I really have very few regrets. Perhaps the current feelings of fear are just in my head and it’s time to shake them off.

As Franklin d Roosevelt said in his inaugural speech ‘We have nothing to fear but fear itself.’

Suppressing The Press

In a democracy the freedom of the press is vital to its survival and, whilst there is plenty of recent evidence that the press do not always toe the line in quite the way we might want, I believe it is this freedom of expression that makes us stand out as a society.

I am often asked to help a range of organisations deal with the media, and from time to time I find myself in hot water, but better that than to have no voice, which is the fate of many who oppose the system in which they live, or choose to buck the status quo for fear of reprisal.

I raise the subject because increasingly organisations of all sorts, whether private enterprises or government departments, are seeking to stifle the views of potential dissenters, or those who may not have the same, usually hidden, agenda.  

We have seen ‘gagging’ orders used in relation to several government employees, where independent observers are of the opinion that such agreements should only ever be used in the public sector if it is a matter of national security, and of course this is rarely the case.

The press attend many of the same meetings that I find myself at and on occasion they will be excluded, or someone will say ‘not for the public to know’, often with a wink and a nod. This occurs mostly where someone may have inadvertently expressed an opinion that they realise may be just a little too controversial for the public palate. Mostly, certainly at a regional level, the press are pretty accommodating, in large part, I would suggest, because they want to keep everyone on side or see their information sources dry up.

Increasingly, however, we have to work in partnership with others to achieve common aims. Who then handles the PR side of things? Who decides what message is sent out, in what format, at what point in the proceedings? You can be sure that unless a mutually binding agreement is reached one party will usually try to outdo the other, to be seen to be working harder or providing more value for money. This approach is usually brought about by fear and it is precisely this attempt to hide or distort messages that makes the public so wary and untrusting of their elected representatives, or their employers. A lot of angst could easily be avoided by a more open attitude towards communication, and fewer discussions behind closed doors until one or other party is prepared to show their hand. The general public does not like to feel that information is being withheld, or that they are being misled. The huge increase in freedom of information requests demonstrates that we have not got the balance right.

I frequently submit articles, but would never dream or trying to influence anyone over their publication, and as I don’t usually have the time to read a paper, more often than not I won’t even know if something has been published, until someone else tells me.

In the wake of the Levenson enquiry the media assert that the government is suppressing official advice over the legality of new rules to regulate the press. Apparently ministers are refusing to disclose the contents of a document on the new system of regulation, which critics say risks granting politicians control over the press for the first time in 300 years, which may breach European law. That must never be allowed to happen, either covertly or overtly.

New Malden Deaths

n the wake of the tragic deaths of the three young children this week, in what was deemed to be a quiet, affluent neighbourhood, will of course have been a shock to many, and a reminder that money has no respect for feelings.

Whilst investigations continue, there is no doubt in my mind that as news is released about the particular circumstances leading up to this, that the poor mother will have been pushed to the end of her tether, just unable to continue.

Those of us living alone, when times get tough, can, if we choose, hide under the duvet for a day or so and hope it will all go away, and rely on the support of friends and family to get us over the worst.

In my own work with disabled children and adults I am well aware of the pressures that parents and other family members can be put under when having to deal with the consequences of caring for someone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is relentless and never ending; not something you can put to one side if you’re having an off-day or don’t feel too good yourself.

The family’s entire lives, including those of the older daughter, would have been dictated constantly by the needs of these wee ones.

In this case, where the children are believed to have had a life-limiting genetic condition, leaving them with little or no control over their movements, the problem would have been exacerbated by the fact that there was not just one, but three to cope with and care for, in addition to the fact that her husband was often away on business. It is little wonder then that this situation developed.

Whilst I’m not one for knocking health services unnecessarily, what I would like to know is what could have, and should have been done, to prevent this happening. With ever decreasing funding levels, and the added pressures on all of us, the increase in stress levels is a foregone conclusion, as the services that should be in place to support families in this kind of situation are woefully inadequate.

It is something we see increasingly at Samaritans and, whilst the listening service provided is life-saving and invaluable to many, there can be no substitute for early intervention and practical support from professionals.  

As much as we may mourn the truly distressing deaths of these three toddlers, the mother, and the rest of her family, will have to live with the consequences of her actions, where the long term effects will in all likelihood be equally devastating. My heart goes out to them all.

Shakespeare - To Be Read Or Not To Be Read

I noted with interest this week, appropriately given the 450th of Shakespeare's birth, Dame Helen Mirren's assertion that children should not be permitted to read Shakespeare until they reach the age of 15. 

I would argue that it is not about age; we all develop at different stages in our lives, some of us never picking up a book voluntarily and others, like myself, turn into avid, voracious readers.

I would however agree that getting to grips with Shakespeare at a young age can be daunting, if not downright dull; much depends on just who is leading us down the literary path. I was fortunate enough to have had a truly inspiring teacher that I adored, but for many, exposure to Shakespeare is just a means to an end; gaining the required exam result.  

Getting youngsters to read any kind of book can be something of a challenge these days, unless it has the ability to capture their imagination. I believe that Shakespeare has the ability to do this, but probably not when served up in the original language. The suggestion that one way to gain interest is through the theatre is a sound one, but only if the performance comes up to scratch. As a keen theatre goer I have sat through many a dire production; nowadays I am much more likely to get up and leave.

The theatre can indeed be a magical place, and interpretations of Shakespeare can be as varied as the plots of his plays. I can recall one brilliant performance, performed on Vespa scooters, at the wonderful open air theatre, The Minack, at Porthcurno in Cornwall. With the sea as its backdrop, it was an unforgettable and riotous performance; their annual productions are a must for anyone.

Locally Taunton Thespians are performing Taming of the Shrew this summer, and there is of course The Reduced Shakespeare Company, which purists would say is a parody of the real thing, but who cares if it gets the kids interested?

Likewise, there have been a number of award winning films and adaptations based on Shakespearean themes, over 400 at the last count, and although not one of my personal favourites, ‘Shakespeare in Love’, starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Judi Dench, won seven academy awards. That should at least get the girls interested.  

I can understand Dame Helen’s theory about creating desire for the forbidden by not allowing those under 15 to read Shakespeare, but it is about much more than that.  

I see that she also says that never having had the opportunity to play Juliet has broken her heart; her versatility as an actress is such that I would not be at all surprised if the offers don't come piling in, as I’d put nothing past her despite her assertion that she is now too old. Does love have to have an age barrier? 

The love of learning doesn’t, but with so many other diversions the barriers grow daily and if we value our heritage we must all do what we can to tear them down. Shakespeare is arguably the greatest playwright in history, despite rumours to the contrary, but then that is another topic altogether.

Alsace and Wine in World War Two

With the 70^th anniversary of the D-day landings on June 6^th this year, along with the 100^th anniversary of the start of World War One, I have been looking at the impact that both wars have had on wine production in a frequently overlooked region of France, Alsace.

Like the rest of France, Alsace uses the AOC (Appelation d'Origine Controlée) system to designate grapes grown in certain areas under controlled conditions, in addition to two stricter designations, Alsace Grand Cru (applicable only to four grape varieties) and Crémant d'Alsace (a popular sparkling wine).

As a wine growing region Alsace has had a turbulent history, passing from Germany to France, as a result of conflict between the two, with alarming regularity, amid much resentment. The turmoil of World War II meant that some vineyards were so littered with unexploded weaponry it was more than 10 years before they could be cultivated again

Although Alsace is currently part of France, the local dialect is still Alsatian, a variety of German, and the grapes have German names.

The wines themselves reflect the region's mixed history. The famous whites, some of my favourite wines, are both dry and fragrant, typically becoming dryer as they age. Alsace produces only one red grape, Pinot Noir, but only four Alsatian grapes, Riesling, Muscat d'Alsace, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer -- are allowed the AOC Grand Cru designation.

Of the other grape varieties, Pinot Blanc from Alsace is sometimes considered the world's best, typically with notes of baked apple and pear. The best are balanced, sometimes smoky, with good acidity, but not harsh

Sylvaner tends to be full-bodied, dry, slightly bitter, with a metallic, ‘steely’ taste; those from the south get better reviews.

Muscat is one of the world's oldest grape varieties, but prone to mutations, the wines can be varied in colour. The resulting wine is light, fresh, peppery and fruity, with hints of mint and roses.

Riesling is a love-it-or-hate-it wine, in part due to the fact that German and Austrian Rieslings are much sweeter than French varieties. Traditional Alsace Riesling is however quite dry.

Alsatian Pinot Gris, related to the Pinot Grigio of Italy, has much more body, with a fruity aroma, hints of caramelised sugar and traces of musty, mushroomy forest-undergrowth.

Gewurztraminer is the most famous wine of Alsace. The German "Gewurz" means "spice," and the wine reflects that, along with floral notes and a delicious whiff of mango and lychee.

The sparkling AOC Crémant wines are bottle fermented, in the same way that champagne is made, and Crémant d'Alsace is a blend of whites including Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay; the rare Crémant Rosé is 100 percent Pinot Noir

Here are some of my top picks:-

2009 Paul Blanck Pinot Noir Alsace, 11% - £14.99 - Waitrose

Worth trying, as most Alsace wines are white. It has delicious flavours of ripe cherries, blackcurrants and raspberries, with soft tannins and a slight smokiness on the finish.

2011 Muscat, Goldert, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, 13% - £26.95 - Berry Bros & Rudd

A medium dry organic wine. fragrant, with pear and pebbly notes, reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc, but finer.

2004 Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile, 12.5% - £31 -Tesco

Trimbach have been making wine in Alsace since the 17th Century. This cuvée is regarded as one of their finest. Medium dry, refined and complex with superb length. Supple, spicy flavours of apricot, lemon curd, orange peel and vanilla bean, with a mineral character and good acidity.

2011 Gewürztraminer 'Les Princes Abbés' Domaines Schlumberger, 13.5% - £15.99 - Majestic

Intense nose of rose petals, oriental spice and tropical fruit. Off-dry, with a round and mellow texture, balanced by acidity and a peppery finish. Only estate-grown fruit is used and half of their vineyards are recognised as grand cru sites. Very food-friendly, good with mildly spiced dishes or pungent cheeses.

1998 Hugel et Fils Selection de Grains Nobles, 12% - £56.98 – The Drink Shop

A fabulous late harvest dessert wine; elegantly balanced, with brilliant gold highlights, a unique bouquet and the deep, concentrated aroma of oriental spices, orange blossom, marshmallow, honey and currants. Will keep for another 20 years, and goes beautifully with foie gras, Roquefort or Stilton.

Dopff Au Moulin, Cremant d'Alsace Cuvée Julian Brut NV - £21 – The Drink Shop

Fresh and elegant with subtle floral notes, dry and generous on the palate, the finesse of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Auxerrois body are enhanced by the traditional champagne method of production.

Collecting Perfume Bottles

Until I realised they were just sitting on the dressing gathering dust, I used to love my small collection of crystal perfume bottles, which included one made by Lalique.
They are a popular collectable, and although vintage ones, particularly from the early 20^th century, are much sought after, with celebrities lending their names to the enormous range of smellies available, and with increasingly stiff competition, the range of styles, shapes and materials now used for perfume bottles is increasing by the day.
There are a number of reference books devoted to collecting perfume bottles, in addition to collectors’ clubs.
As with all collectables, where there is a such a large range available, it is best to concentrate on a particualr type, which could include atomisers, crystal ones, those with filigree decoration, or mini purse flacons or those from a particular perfume manafacturer.
If interested in collecting perfume bottles from commercial houses, pick your marque and do some research into their history.
At the top of the range many of the finest ‘art glass’ pieces, such as Lalique or Baccarat were manufactured from 1900-1930s, and the beautiful iridescent pieces from Steuben and Tiffany are scarce and highly collectable.
If you don't have much space to store or display your collection then try collecting miniatures as they don't take up too much space.
When buying, try to ensure that the bottles are in the best condition, as these will be more likely to retain their value, but if you manage to acquire a rare bottle, such as a Lalique one, a minor chip or nick shouldn't be too crucial. Also look to see if labels are present, and pay attention to any gilding. Look out for nicks along the mouth of the bottle, most likely caused by the stoppers being taken in and out over time.
Perfume in its original box will have added value and some collectors prefer to buy sealed bottles full of perfume, but bear in mind that the perfume itself may well have lost its smell.
Make sure the stopper and the base match, as sometimes stoppers will be replaced if broken; you may find numbers scratched into the base of the bottle and on the stopper, which are generally found on French crystal pieces. This is a way of showing that the stopper was ground to an exact fit for its particular bottle..
Any perfume residue can be cleaned out by using a cleaning agent such as bleach, ammonia or liquid bathroom cleansers, but be sure to keep any moisture away from the labels.
If buying online make sure that you know the size of the bottle, as some may look big on your computer screen and you could find yourself disappointed when it is delivered.
Always ask the seller about the age of the bottle, and be sure to do your research and look at any pictures carefully before buying. If in doubt, take out insurance.