From Despair to Joy

There are occasions, thankfully not many, when in the course of a single working day I can go from feelings of total despair at one end to absolute joy at the other. This week I experienced one of those days.

I spent the morning in a scruffy meeting room with nine other people, including representatives from the police, housing and social services. We had gathered together to carry out a case review of one of our many young people in care. It did not make for pleasant hearing. What followed was a morning in which the focus was on how best this young person could be supported within a chaotic traumatic environment, in which drug use, abuse, criminal damage, theft, financial worries, family breakdown, eviction and homelessness formed a vicious and seemingly endless cycle of self-destructive behaviour, very likely to end in premature death.

What quickly became apparent is the extent to which, willingly or under coercion, this young person had made some choices that are aiding and abetting this dysfunctional lifestyle.

One of the key issues, and I have personal experience of this, is that troubled youngsters tend to naturally want to associate with others in a similar situation, resulting in a self- perpetuating cycle of destruction. They may have a natural desire to disengage from communication with authority figures that pose a threat to them, whether this threat is perceived or real.

What did come out of this meeting was the extent to which all of those involved were bending over backwards to provide a level of support that goes way beyond the job description, often responding 24 hours a day to issues beyond their control.

What is troubling is that in a time of crisis, which can occur frequently and suddenly, the young person needs helpnow. Only half in jest, I made the suggestion that what was needed was a flying squad, a dedicated professional hit team, available at a moment’s notice to scoop them up and save the day, until the next time around. I have since learnt that this is an option being considered. 

What was also clear is that each of us, within our own communities, need to recognise that such vulnerable youngsters live on our doorsteps, in our towns and villages. They are not faceless people we can remain remote from. Whilst it is up to the local authority to protect our vulnerable and troubled youngsters and never, ever, give up on them, as individuals we can also play our part. This can be difficult to do where the effects of anti-social behaviour can have a negative impact on us all but sometimes we need to look beyond this to consider the underlying issues that cause it.

On a much more positive and cheerful note I ended the day with a visit to Fiveways Special School, where they had their open evening. I have been a governor at this outstanding and very special school for many years, and each and every time I visit I come away with feelings of pride out of all proportion to the contribution I make towards improving the lives of these vulnerable children. I cannot begin to describe the joy this gives me, thanks to a dedicated team of fantastic caring staff. What I am mindful of though is that there was a time when these children would have been written off too. We cannot fix everything in our broken society but it does not mean that we should not try our best.     

Theresa May - more steely that the Iron Lady

The much used 1960s quote from former Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, ‘A week is a long time in politics’, has had more than its fair share of airing this last week or so.

How true that turns out to be fifty years later, when despite the transformation of our political landscape, nothing much has changed in the overall scheme of things.

In just a few weeks we have seen a significant shift as a result of the Brexit Referendum result.

So, now we have our second female Prime Minister, and if predictions are correct, which they rarely are, we may well soon have female leaders of our other key political parties. If this does indeed turn out to be the case it would give me cause for worry. I can visualise that the headlines from our political pundits will constantly want to focus on the latest ‘perceived’ female spat rather than the serious business of the day.

Personally, I have never been much of a feminist, having always believed that the person chosen for such high office should be appointed on merit regardless of gender.

The premature departure of Cameron (a wrong move to my mind, he should have seen it through) and the selection of those wishing to take on the mantel as his successor took a swift about-turn when Gove overplayed his hand and Andrea Ledsom demonstrated her lack of political nous with ill-judged comments about the benefits of having children. When the heat was on she clearly did not have the bottle to follow through and tough it out.

That left us with Teresa May as the only contender to become Cameron’s heir apparent, depriving party members of a vote, and bouncing her into the plum job, causing one prominent satirist to comment that the country is now run but an unelected woman with a husband called Philip.

In recent interviews with colleagues past and present it is apparent that Teresa May has coveted this job for some time and has kept her cards close to her chest, choosing the moment to play her hand.

In taking on office with very little warning she has been swift and ruthless in her appointments and sackings, clearing the decks for her own team. In breaking up the elite Tory clique we can only hope that she does not now form one of her own, relying instead on selecting those with sound judgement.

In one interview former MP David Laws said that it was difficult to pigeon-hole Theresa May. This must be a good thing. She is clearly her own woman and we may yet discover that in leading our country, until the next election at least, she turns out to be far more steely than the original Iron Lady.

Moose Ladies Circle Celebrates 70 Years

Members of Taunton Moose Ladies Circle celebrated their 70th anniversary in style this week with a splendid buffer enjoyed by over 50 friends and guests that included representatives from several local charities that receive their support, including S.U.R.E, Taunton Samaritans, Children's Hospice South West, and Freewheelers, in addition to Taunton Deane Mayor Vivienne Stock-Williams and her escort, husband Ian.

Said Cllr. Linda Piggott-Vijeh, who holds regular quizzes at Moose Hall to fund raise for Samaritans, 'I always enjoy being invited to events held by these splendid ladies; the stalwarts of our society, who do much within the local community, and have great fun at the same time. I know that we always look forward to the lovely food provided and the friendly atmosphere. No wonder they are still going strong at 70!'

Chilcot Report - what about the survivors?

The publication of the long awaited Chilcot report has naturally dominated the news this last week, along with the political commentators wanting to put in their two pen’orth worth.

Despite the criticism over the length of time it took to bring the enquiry to its conclusion the general consensus seems to be that it is thorough and fair in its judgement.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and whilst those involved cannot undo their actions, or take back the misguided rhetoric that led us into what is agreed by all to have been a disastrous war, one can only hope that lessons have been learnt.

In our own lives we are all required to make decisions, some with unforeseen consequences that can have a major impact on our lives and those of our loved ones. Rarely are these decisions ones that have such far reaching and long lasting impact as the one made 13 years ago.

When it comes to those that govern us, those, who in our democratic society have been elected in good faith to represent us, I believe that we have a right to expect a greater level of caution, particular when taking us into war and putting the lives of our service men and women at risk.

In the case of the Iraq war it would seem that aside from the dubious motives of the war mongers, wanting to make a name for themselves in standing up for democracy, one has to ask whether or not it is in fact undemocratic to impose regime change on another nation; all rather undemocratic to my mind, and I am no pacifist.

That fact that both we and the Americans had fundamentally failed to plan the course of action that would bring about success, and as a result were totally unprepared to fight the battle and deal with the aftermath is, I believe, immoral.

Whilst Saddam might well have been a threat, much of the intelligence was inaccurate at best and exaggerated at worst to bring about immediate pre-emptive action.  

Whilst we must not forget those who died in this fruitless struggle, I have recently had occasion to think at some length of those who did come back, and who as a result of their horrific experiences have both long term mental and physical injuries, making their lives a living hell. They are the ones who continue to suffer, each and every day, often with little support from their pay masters. The war may be over but they and their families have to live with the repercussions on a daily basis.

In recent interviews much has been made of the memo sent by Blair to Bush stating ‘I will be with you whatever’. It is a pity he is still not able to share the same sentiment in relation to our armed forces. Blair has also said, “I wanted to make sure America did not feel alone. I did not want them to feel compelled to go it alone." Tell that to the families of our service people who were left unprepared and ill equipped to do his bidding.

Whilst I noticed the catch in Blair’s voice as he spoke during the post-report interviews, I also detected the same conscious ‘sound bite’ use of words perfected during his time as Prime Minister. I was left wondering, where was the real emotion at the devastation caused, and for which we are now reaping the reward in the form of recurrent terrorist action?

End of the year for Linda

Always a person known for doing things differently, Linda Piggott-Vijeh, outgoing President of the Rotary Club of Ilminster celebrated the end of her year with a 'posh' afternoon tea at Dillington House.

Said Linda 'I very much wanted to move away from the traditional function style of black tie dinner, and also conscious of cost decided that afternoon tea would be a fun thing to do. We were very lucky in being able to have the use of Dillington House, and the weather held up nicely. Over 50 guests, including Ilminster Mayor, Val Keitch and Mike Best, Chairman of South Somerset District Council, were greeted with Pimm's on the lawn, before feasting on sandwiches and scrumptious cakes and scones, finishing off with crumpets and strawberries and cream.' 

Past president John Wood also commented, 'This has been a tremendous year for Linda, who has a reputation for doing things in her own inimitable style. She has managed to increase our number of members by three, we participated in Ilminster carnival for the first time, achieved several awards, including one from the President of Rotary International for our international work,and have worked on several projects within the community, notwithstanding the first ever Ilminster Literary festival. She will certainly be a hard act to follow.'   

Ashill School Fun Run

Organisers of Ashill School’s fifth annual 5k Father’s Day Fun Run were pleased to see a record 42 runners competing this year competing, raising over £450 for the school.

Many parents took the opportunity to give their children the chance to run the 5k race alongside them giving a real family feel to the event, appropriate for Father’s Day!.   

A drinking water station was provided by The Square and Compass Inn, Windmill Hill, Ashill at the half way point and many children enjoyed a mini race of their own, enabling them to soak up the race atmosphere, and to receive a medal and small gift.

5k runners received prizes donated by local businesses, along with medals and goodie bags donated by 1610 Gym, and juice provided by race sponsor Frobisher Juices of Exeter.

The race winner was Kenny Timson, who in defending last year’s title, won with an impressive time of 19.35 minutes beating last year’s time by 20 seconds.

After the race runners enjoyed BBQ and home baked cakes and biscuits.

The organisers said, “We would like to thank everyone who has helped us to make this year such a success. Without our volunteers this event could not happen. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring everyone together and not even the rain could dampen our spirits.”

Cllr. Linda Vijeh, who turned up to show support, but did not run, added, ’Events like this are a wonderful way for the local community to join forces to support the school, with the added bonus of some healthy exercise.’ 

Chard Rugby Ladies - left to right, front row... (all with numbers) Millie Truscott,  Elaine Staines, Tara Smillie, Mary Pugh, Oliver Pugh. 

Back row...  Laura Moss, Mel Baldwin, Jo Truscott, Sarah Kneeshaw, Matt Bowditch, Kieran Smillie, Georgia Smillie.

Family photo - the Warren family - all four members ran, both girls are under 16 

Winners photo - from left to right back row. Race winner (first man) Kenny Timson (19.35), first under 16 male Kieran Smillie (time 24.18), second lady and 1st female under 16 Georgina Smillie (time 27.45), 1st lady Kate Beaumont (25.27), 2nd man Ed Clements (20.59).  Front row, Zoe Crouch 2nd place in the children's run, Jasper Clements 1st place in the children's run.

Referendum result - now the blood bath

In the wake of the fallout over the surprise Referendum decision, the nay-sayers seem to be losing no time in mustering the troops to discredit the outcome, and looking for someone, anyone, to blame. I suspect the bitter taste of sour grapes tainting their pursed lips will take some time to sweeten, if ever.

Being childless and of pensionable age, it is apparently all my fault for having gone about my business, working hard, paying my taxes and selfishly giving scant thought to the next generation. I dispute this. Certainly the first time voters in my Somerset village all seemed to vote for Brexit. Interestingly, they are amongst those unlikely to go on to higher education, leaving me to suspect that it may well be the educated chattering classes who have had their noses so severely put out of joint. I wonder how many also had a personal or financial interest in the outcome.

It is the arrogant, righteous attitude of many who wished us to remain tied to Europe, that seems to have caused so many of those who would never normally darken the doors of a polling station, to vote in numbers sufficient to affect the outcome. I am thrilled that they turned out, for a change, but I strongly suspect it was for all the wrong reasons. However, turn out they did, and got the result they desired.   

Although we are, apparently, living in a democracy those who did not see the vote go their way have jumped onto the derogatory band wagon, even going so far as to demand another Referendum, which is quite blatantly nonsense. We all have to tolerate decisions we are less than enthusiastic about. Rather than harp on about the irrational, ignorant behaviour of the public at large, we must get on with living our lives to the best of our ability under new circumstances.

I am fortunate enough to own a property in France, and travel to Europe often. I am sure advantages I have so far enjoyed will change, and not necessarily to my benefit. We live in a constantly changing world, and very often the decisions we make can have unintended consequences.

I have learnt over the years not to waste my time and energy dwelling on the negative aspects of life. I find that my effort is much better spent on looking at ways to get on with the job and make the best of things. No one likes to be in the company of those who constantly whinge about the injustices suffered under a democratic system.  

There is no doubt that our political leaders, of all parties, have got us into something of a serious pickle, but we have survived worse.

Samaritans take calls on a daily basis from those who are suffering emotional turmoil. In many cases the real problem is an inability or unwillingness to let go of the past, to accept the situation they are in, and focus on the best way to move forward. This is what needs to happen now. The losers need to move beyond recrimination, and get on with the job of supporting our country.

One bright spot occurred within hours of the result being announced. In a conversation overheard in a local hardware store, the customer wanted a lightbulb. On expressing dismay at the paucity of choice available, the sales person responded with, ‘Now we are out of Europe you might be able to buy a real lightbulb soon.’