text:
During and after the referendum campaign I asked many people about the priorities behind their vote. The fact is that there was no one single issue. For some it was a promise on the side of a bus, for others, 'taking back control' over issues ranging from agriculture and fisheries to immigration and sovereignty. I met almost no one, then or now, who felt that we should accept being poorer as a result. As the reality hits home that the EU will reject sector by sector deals, 'the cake and eat it' approach, even if that means economic pain on both sides of the Channel, a stark choice lies ahead: Do we really want to march out through the exit door with no deal at all and with less than a year to put in place complex customs and borders arrangements? Rather than presenting a rose-tinted view, the hard Brexiteers need to level with the public on the scale of the unintended consequences. The government should not keep the economic impact analysis locked in a secret reading room accessible only to Parliamentarians but publish these so that everyone can examine the evidence.
In supporting New Clause 5, an amendment to the Trade Bill that would keep us in a form of customs union or customs arrangement after Brexit, I am not 'blocking' Brexit or 'obstructing the will of the people'. Britain is leaving the EU. This is an argument about the type of Brexit and that was not on the referendum ballot paper. The duty for MPs in carrying out the will of the people is to examine the evidence and press for the best possible Brexit, not to make their constituents poorer.
My view is that we should also opt for membership of the EEA and EFTA at least for the transition period. This would allow us to leave the Common Fisheries Policy and, like Norway, regain control over our fisheries, an issue of great importance to Brixham. But frictionless trade is also hugely important for both fishers and the processing sector, and in particular for exports to our most important markets in the EU.
Without a form of customs union or arrangement, border checks are an inconvenient inevitability. Without a customs union the current fudge over the border between North and South on the island of Ireland will inevitably become untenable. No one wants a return to the conflict of the past. The price of abandoning any kind of customs union is too high and I won't support it.
There is also a simple truth that there is no Parliamentary majority for a walk-away, no-deal Brexit. The small band of hard Brexiteer MPs need to stop throwing down red lines like spaghetti and stop threatening to remove the PM unless she bends to their will. The PM has herself spoken clearly of wanting a customs agreement with the EU and NC5 is compatible with that as it does not call for 'the' Customs Union on existing terms. My role as an MP is to read the evidence and to clearly state the case for what I believe is in the best interests of my constituency and the country even if that is sometimes wilfully misrepresented by those who simply want us to walk away, whatever the unintended consequences.
There is a point when you need to support your party leader, not to second guess theoretical scenarios. Subverting a democratic vote makes you unfit to stand for election as 'we would not know what we were voting for'.
- John. Dartington
One of the unintended consequences could be the defeat of the Prime Minister and the election of Jeremy Corbyn- a man who has never been a fan of the EU and could create an existential threat to Parliamentary democracy. If you vote against a 3 line whip and cause the Government to be defeated I am not sure I could vote for you again.
- Andy Totnes
I wish more MPs would take a thoughtful, well reasoned and independent approach like Sarah. Keep up the great work you do for all of us.
- John Scott
As a lifelong Tory voter who is beginning to waver, I feel rather frustrated by talk of Customs Union (including Labours turnaround) and see it as a way to really keep us in the EU - out by name only as nothing changes. If this ends up in a fudge of not really being out of the EU, not being able to control our borders and not being able to negotiate our own deals I despair! Why did we bother with a referendum? Maybe it is time for older voters like myself to give up - especially with the grief given by certain members of society. The way things are going, maybe a hark back to the 1970s will shake up a few people who didn't experience it and maybe some good will come of it?
- Patrick, Brixham
Richer or poorer? The short answer is that it's really not about the money, but about restoring our sovereign right to govern ourselves. Opinions differ about the extent to which we have been ruled by people in Brussels & Strasbourg, the most authoritative being that of the House of Commons Library some years ago: according to one's interpretation, between 15% and 50% of our laws emanate from abroad - not from our Parliament... The European Parliament
- Anthony Harrison
Little or no point in your permitting comments here if one is restricted to a single cursory paragraph: my previous comment was slashed by at least 80%. Message unwelcome, perhaps...
- Anthony Harrison
Remaining members of the customs union could be the best solution for the next 3 to 10 years. We can always review this sometime in the future [but don't let the EU hear that said]. We can then deal with all the other implications of leaving the EU and put off the trading alternatives for another day. We have to achieve this without the EU bullies adding caveats such as free movement of labour, unreasonable contributions, EU laws for unrelated issues etc. It is a shame that Labour formalised this policy before Tories. The Tories have to get their act together and demonstrate a united front. The impact of having a Labour Government would do even more damage to our economy than a bad deal Brexit.
- Mike Allen
You are right to interpret what Brexit means, it was by no means clear in the referendum question and the governments interpretation of what Brexit means is just that. Only a small fraction of the population voted to be poorer the rest of us want to continue our prosperity and hand it down to our children. A hard, brutal Brexit will damage us all both economically and socially.
- Peter Sturdgess
Re the comment from Peter Sturdgess, one has heard this before. But the referendum was wholly, unambiguously clear: it was a simple binary choice between leaving the EU or staying in. And 53% of English voters (who form 85% of the UK population) voted to leave.
- Anthony Harrison
Dr Wollaston, I think "Raedwald" (excellent blogger, construction industry professional, retired to Austria) has an excellent summary today, extract:
"Brussels is said to be preparing tomorrow to destroy the progress we all imagined had been secured over Christmas. They will insist we impose a hard border in Northern Ireland, and we will refuse. Their driving the UK towards either a hard exit or a Labour government, a new referendum and a reversal of Brexit is deliberate and inescapable. This is not a negotiating process designed to ensure an amicable future, but unsheathed hostility and territorial aggrandisement, meddling by power-struck fools and amateurs in Brussels with an undistinguished record of failure, conflict, death and disaster in everything they've ventured. They're gambling, and playing with peace in Northern Ireland..."
- Anthony Harrison
'Trust me, I'm a doctor', may work in the practice of medicine but is inappropriate in representative politics. Sarah's about turns do not inspire confidence, especially when supported by smoke and mirror arguements. I think she may feel more at home with the LibDems !
- John
If you vote with Labour you will at best give succour to the EU that they can strong-arm the UK into accepting a very bad deal and at worse you will bring down the Government and potentially install Corbyn and his very left wing comrades in No10.
All the hard work of the last 8 years will be wasted and within a very short-time the legacy of post Thatcher liberal economic policies will be laid waste as Corbyn and MacDonnell impose their version of a socialist state on the UK.
You must know that we cannot stay in the single market and we cannot stay in a customs union because if we do Brexit is meaningless. Last year another 578000 migrants settled in the UK. If we stay in the Single market we will have to accept free movement if we stay in a customs union we will be worse than Turkey. If we cannot strike our own trade agreements we may as well stay in the EU and accept humble pie. Australia, NZ, both took this step and their fortunes and people are much the better for it. Please re-consider your position and remember that the Conservative party's future depends on delivering Brexit and keeping Corbyn our of power.
- David Taylor
I didn't vote for you but have long admired your intelligent, independent and principled representation of your constituency.
- Ben
As a Conservative voting member of this consituency I have written to Sarah several times on the subject of Brexit and as recently as yesterday. Having read her reply and blog which talks in favour of a Customs Union I get the impression that she is about to join the ranks of Corbyn and Co and vote in direct opposition to her own Government!
Theresa May and our negotiating team are working hard to deliver a departure from the EU on the best possible terms and I find it staggering that they are not being either trusted or supported by one of their own Conservative Party members. While we are almost certain to end up with customs arrangements that are acceptable to both sides this is a matter for the negotiations. Voting against the Government before the negotiations have even started will hardly help our cause and through these pages I would urge Sarah to think again on this matter.
Liam Fox is absolutely right to say that if the UK was to enter into a Customs Union with the EU that prevented us from doing our own trade deals it would be disastrous for our future prospects. We will in effect have given up what little influence we had in the EU and yet remain dependent on this over-centralised, bureacracy for the foreseeable future. However, if our negotiating team are able to negotiate a customs arrangement which leaves us free to do our own trade deals that is something that could actually work in the short and long term. To get such a deal of course requires Conservative MPs to get behind and support the Prime Minister and our negotiating team, rather than joining the ranks of Labour and undermining them.
A majority of the British People voted to leave the EU, full stop. We did not vote to half leave and all this talk of doom and gloom after we have left is just like 'Project Fear', a lot of hot air that has very little to do with reality. At a time like this all our MPs should be supporting the Government and working in the national interest, not working with Labour to bring down the Government and ignoring what people voted for in the referendum.
- David Hoy
Thank you for your clear, rational thoughts. There is much evidence that abandoning a customs union will damage the economy for many years. Hard Brexiteers offer little of substance and much fanciful rhetoric. It is time to face reality.
- Jennifer Smith
I find Dr Wollaston's reply somewhat condescending, as though we are unaware of how Parliament works, or able to think for ourselves.
There is much discussion about 'hard' and 'soft' brexit; 'soft' appears to mean capitulation to the EU. Our negotiators have behaved in a traditional British way, by listening to the other side and being prepared to compromise, where clearly they do not. It should be recognized, and often repeated, that we are one of the world's strongest economies, and are capable of trading, and prospering as an independent nation, free from the dictats of EU interference.
So to vote against the government (effectively with Corbyn and Co) only strengthens the hands of the EU, who see dissent as working for them.
I suggest that if Dr Wollaston does not agree with a single point, surely it would be better to abstain, rather than vote against the government?
A defeat of the government would be disastrous for this nation
- Barry Day
I voted remain as I firmly believe that our future prosperity lies in close co-operation with europe. A hard brexit that takes us out of the customs union will only do us harm. Business will suffer and imports and exports will be complicated. I remember in the referendum campaign that much was made of the 'Norwegian model' in fact in 2013 Boris Johnson said he was in favour of remaining in the single market and yet we are told the the only way forward is a hard brexit. Whilst it is very touching to see so many people trusting politicians over brexit I wonder whether this is wise. Beware the loss of the regulations which keep us safe, do you really want chlorine washed chicken or beef full of antibiotics and steroids?
- Bob Bowling
The EU (of which we, the UK, are an influential part) has negotiated over 50 trade deals with other countries, entered into over 700 international treaties, set pan-continental standards from animal husbandry standards (which we are trying to improve) and aircraft safety rules to conditions of work (of which we have the lowest as a result of an opt out) and regulated the transport of nuclear material.
They have also made rules that 28 sovereign nations have to operate within to achieve the most integrated free trade area in the world that collectively makes up the world's second larges economy. All this has been approved by a democratically elected parliament and approved by the 28 nation states. What's not to like?
- Simon JD
Behave yourself and fall in line behind your leader. Vote with the whip and remember why you're there - to keep our party in Government. Also, you're qualified to give medical opinions, not economic ones. As your comments show, you have not the slightest grasp of trade or economics. Best keep your nose out.
- Mark
I note your Tweets about the Prime Minister's excellent speech earlier today and would like as one of your constituents living in Totnes to express my concern about your stated lack of confidence in the government's and Theresa May's approach to Brexit.
I have to say too I have been most surprised over the last few years to see how your far your position has changed since appearing initially to support leaving the EU. Leaving was always going to be a hugely important change of direction and is something that every Conservative MP contemplating supporting it ought to have been thinking through thoroughly in the years preceding the referendum. Equally of course a decision to remain would have had huge ramifications for our future. No-one can fail to be aware that the EU is unstable and that changes, which would most probably have been unpalatable to the UK outside the Eurozone, would be the inevitable way forward for Brussels. So voting to remain would have been a huge leap in the dark too.
Given the importance of the arguments for and against our continuing membership and the momentous opportunity that the referendum presented in terms of reassessing our relationship with Europe, I believe each of our representatives in Parliament ought to have long had a fairly settled view on the matter. (I do recall your sudden realisation that leaving the EU might hinder NHS recruitment from continental Europe. But obviously the weighing of pros and cons has to go far beyond that.)
I have been strongly for leaving the EU for many years now, having become less and less happy with the diminution of democracy and the increasingly authoritarian way Brussels goes about its business. Since I took part in the original vote to join a trading block – the old EC - the whole nature of our relationship with Europe has changed, with no participation by the UK electorate in whether or not this change is acceptable. For centuries we in this country had an incredibly stable and equally a robustly responsive, democratic system. But from Maastricht onwards our politicians became more and more willing to abandon our hard won rights to citizenry participation and to parliamentary government.
I read yesterday that former Prime Minister John Major recommends MPs listen to their constituents. What irony. From a man who gave so much of this away! Beware Dr Wollaston, he would prefer you hear only from those clamouring for a second referendum. From a man who in his time refused us a referendum on the grounds that decisions on vitally important matters of state should only be made by elected members of Parliament! For me, Brexiteer that I am, I can see nothing wrong with MP's having a vote on the final Brexit deal. This is what bringing back democracy is about.
I recognise and respect the view of continental Europeans that their new found stability, within the framework of the EU, is a very reassuring and positive development for them, contrasting as it does with the horrors endured so recently and so widely under both communist and fascist rule. Like many though, I fear this new found stability is extremely fragile and will prove illusory, with a European Parliament unable to exert any effective control over the Commissioners. (We had a taste of this in Greece and maybe Italy will be next?)
Whatever the future holds for the EU, it has become progressively apparent it will entail a far higher degree of centralisation and bureaucratic authoritarianism than we in the UK have found acceptable over recent centuries. This cannot be the way forward for us. And this is why I voted to leave – I'm afraid all the much ridiculed clichés apply, summed up by 'bringing back control' - a return to democracy. (One gets the impression our friends in Europe are somewhat despairing of the messy and rather chaotic way the UK appears to be going about the leave negotiations. To my mind the last eighteen months has seen a rather wonderful reassertion of democracy and debate. Something rather alien to M. Barnier?)
One of the things that I think has been extremely unhelpful from those arguing for second thoughts is the perhaps intentional impression, that there is such a thing as a 'soft Brexit.' Nomenclature is important. There are two sorts of Brexit - not soft or hard, but fake and real. As Mrs May has correctly put it 'Brexit means Brexit.'
We are now getting into discussions on trade, very much the subject of Mrs May's very good speech earlier today. Compared with 'bringing back control' everything else - summed up in this one word 'trade' - is of course detail, very important detail, complex detail, but nevertheless mere detail compared with 'bringing back control'.
I cannot agree with you Dr Wollaston in your assertion that there should be a Plan B. I would have thought seeking the right customs arrangements and all the many sectoral resolutions, in a unique deal fair to both sides, as Mrs May outlined, is the only way forward. I am sure nothing Mrs May said today will have come as a surprise to M. Barnier and his negotiators. Her objective today in publicly disclosing the UK positions was surely and simply to emphasise one thing. That our only objective is to obtain an outcome - with compromises as happens in all 'trade' negotiations - that is satisfactory to both parties. To think there might be a Plan B is a misunderstanding of how negotiation works. I was impressed by what was implied in the speech – that if negotiations fail there will be chaos. She was saying there must be agreement: we will have a real Brexit or as she put it originally Brexit must mean Brexit. Anything less than a real Brexit is not a soft Brexit, which is perhaps your Plan B? As I would put it, anything less than a real Brexit is a fake Brexit. Mrs May was talking tough with the EU today: we are prepared to be reasonable as you must be, there must be a good fair agreement or there will be chaos. There can be no Plan B.
An unfairness inherent in this kind of conversation with you my MP and with anonymous tweeting and so on, is that you do not know me. I expect you to represent me without your knowing me. And I must feel reasonably confident you have the interests of South Devon at heart and that you know in general how we your constituents tick.
Orders of magnitude worse of course, I would argue impossible, is the situation we have when those who represent us in Brussels are in Strasbourg and in any case can only advise. How much more robust when you my representative can bring down a government. I truly hope though that will not be the unintended consequence of what I can only assume is some misunderstanding on your part of the art of negotiation.
Finally I really feel I cannot close without explaining something of what I am and where I am coming from. I am a retiree of some ten or so years. I started out long ago with a first degree in physical science, went into the food and drink industry, added in some environmental health and management qualifications along the way, and ended up in charge of technical development reporting to a main board director at a FTSE 100 company. In that latter capacity I spent many years negotiating with both French and US equivalents. (I always found the French obtuse in the extreme and the Americans straight, tough and very good at execution!)
My take on things is that if you think you can clearly see where negotiations are currently at, then Mrs May and her team are making a poor fist of it. Be pleased that things are unclear and let that give you the confidence to support Mrs May in every possible way. Maybe accept that your expertise rests elsewhere: there is no dishonour in deference. Good luck as you wrestle with it all!
- Stephen
The UK Does Not Want A Clumsy Brexit
We write as Remain voters and labour voters who have studied the Brexit options and have been persuaded to change our minds by the following positive factual arguments for Brexit and the policies of the sensible Conservative government, not least the resolute leadership that Mrs May has shown in the face of a maelstrom of abuse from the EU, MPs and chunks of the press:
A - An easy decision was never to vote for, or support in any way, a hard left labour government with a Candidate PM (Corbyn) and shadow team that are so unsuitable for the job.
B - The Brexit options needed more thought and analysis. The following points summarise the arguments that swayed us to a position that agrees with the policy the PM decided from the start (Lancaster House) plus the need for an implementation period:
1. Careful analysis of the financial predictions shows GDP is more affected by less immigration than any reduction in trade up to 2030! https://briefingsforbrexit.com/recent-estimates-of-the-economic-impact-of-brexit/ . The impact on jobs of indigenous workers would be small in the worst case of a WTO based deal.
2. In a restrictive customs union versus a free trade deal, the less well off in the U.K. will be disadvantaged as prices will remain higher and choice reduced; this is an established economic fact http://www.rationaloptimist.com/blog/the-EU-customs-union/ since Britain adopted free trade in the 1840s
3. If the EU wishes to establish a hard border across Ireland then they can force The Republic to do so but not Northern Ireland. A low friction solution has been shown capable of working and when smart borders are developed and applied to all U.K. borders it will probably even give the U.K. a comparative advantage as a modern free trading nation. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/02/24/smart-borders-brexit-will-give-britain-extra-advantage-EU-commissioned/ . A partial restrictive CU does not solve the Irish problem and a smart border will still be needed around the rest of the UK so let's gain an advantage by developing and implementing it.
4. EU trade accounts for only 12 percent of UK GDP. Please put your focus on the other 88 percent.
5. Business is much more adaptable than you might imagine. Aerospace items are not subject to tariffs by international agreement. The car industry will rapidly source parts from the UK or with friendly trading nations. Food will be cheaper outside a customs union – it was before we joined it. Note the recent large investments made in the UK as evidence of our potential.
6. EU standards are mostly establish by international bodies and followed by the EU. In fact many EU standards in my industry (manufacturing) were modelled on existing UK standards.
7. Human/workers rights will be better protected outside the EU by our Supreme Court and the ECHR and ECtHR rather that the ECJ.
8. Voting for the Soubry amendment of the 8th Feb would commit the Government to staying in a customs union 'with the EU in the same terms as existed before exit day'. That implies 'the customs union' not even 'a customs union'. The amendment is poorly worded and against what the people voted for in the referendum and would actually hurt the UK - it is just an obvious political trap. If this became a confidence vote it could lead rapidly to a general election and possibly a Labour administration. The EU supported by the powerful remainers will then try and grind Labour down to a staying in the customs union and even the single market - this must be what the ardent remainers want, a backdoor solution to staying in.
9. If we remain in any type of customs union we will have to pay 80% of the tariffs we collect to the EU and probably part of our Vat receipts as well; this is taxation without representation and not acceptable.
10. With the recent announcements of an EU army, the Macron/Junkers 'more EU', including pan EU financial governance, indicate that the EU is going the wrong way. Given the lack of democracy in EU governance, imagine how the EU might struggle to survive one or two more crises with a disgruntled EU population only able to vote for every increasingly anti-EU parties. With several anti EU countries acting together it is possible to imagine a right wing takeover of the non-elected EU power base and what then? The Italian elections point to a seismic shift away from support of the EU by a founder country populated, in the main, by decent friendly people. Why would we wish to chance being involved in the unstable EU future for little or no gain?
11. Sending a message that the UK supports free trade to the world by following the current government policy would benefit both the UK and other trading partners.
12. Business directors that I know are putting more effort into a plan for limiting the damage from a Corbyn government than Brexit. Recall Mervyn King predicts Brexit to be a bump in the road not a major disaster.
The points above are issues that the EU are very concerned about and wish to try and dampen any advantage the U.K. will gain from Brexit and to try and damage us where they can. The EU is obviously looking ahead to other countries exiting and trying to close down a successful exit by Britain. Imagine how Brexit looks to all the other EU peoples and businesses.
We are at a critical time in the negotiation and one would expect the EU to sound hard but if we can hold our nerve (I have considerable experience of international business negotiation) we can agree a win-win deal with the EU based on free trade - we have a strong hand to play. Even in the event of a WTO based deal ('no deal' is not going to happen) trade will not stop. UK industry will gain from any EU imposed restrictions as more material will be made here or come from trading partners outside the EU.
A clumsy Brexit based on a selective customs union will be too complex, very expensive and would likely damage the UK with no say in new EU rules and regulations.
Please reconsider your view on a customs union as we believe your apparent support for the/a customs union is not in the country's long term interest or for the Conservative party. As I now believe that only the Conservatives are capable of implementing Brexit in a positive fashion, we are considering joining and contributing to this important struggle and need convincing that our MP will support the government and the country at this important time. Will you support the government?
- Sally and James Thomas
On March 29th 2019, the UK will leave the E.U. but we will hopefully not be turning our back on Europe.
For the benefit of both parties it will be very important that we continue a strong trading relationship.
This has always been the UK's strength; therefore, I am very supportive of any arrangement whereby we can continue to trade freely with our European partners.
I realise this may mean some compromises on both sides but we surely want to maintain trade in as frictionless way as possible.
Therefore, I personally support those (including Sarah Wollaston) who wish to encourage such a frictionless trading arrangement without jeopardising our sovereignty.
- Brian Watkin
Leave the EU. Trade is fine.
No backsliding like Labour.
Britain voted to trade Worldwide.
No to remaining in any part of club Europe.
People wishing to remain in Europe may,by
Moving there.
No to being ruled from Brussels.
- Derek
I would never have voted for you if I thought you would jeopardise our vote for leaving the EU. This is the second time after you initially pledged to vote with the public to leave. I didn't initially have a problem with you changing sides as this was an important decision, even though I felt it was based on you thinking this was in YOUR best interest. I am sad to see that you are doing your best to change the electorates votes and feel that a Mr Blair is paying you well.
- Jane
In your view which would be more damaging, a 'hard' Brexit, or a PM by the name of Jeremy Corbyn? Because if, down the line, you vote against a Govt. 3 line whip, the result will be Corbyn Govt.
- Tom
Sadly, after hearing Sarah on Radio 4 today, an unforseen consequence should be that she no longer represents the people of the Totnes constituency.
This muddled thinking is an impediment.
- John. Dartington
It seems that your arguments are surmise. You should support Ms May so that we can negotiate from a strong and united position.
- Douglas Gunn
I voted to Leave and it was clear what that meant and I am still a Brexiteer and just hope and pray that Mrs May's "Brexit means Brexit" means just that and that she doesn't do a Dr.Wollaston type about-turn and stab the Leave voters in the back as that shows weakness not strength...I have lost faith in you Dr.Wollaston and the only way you might restore my future voting for you is for you to back your PM in pressing for us leaving the customs union and all other EU restrictions that just hold us back as a country. We are a strong country still in spite of weak politicians and politics and long may that continue but I am not sure that you should as our MP....
- Kay Tee
I wonder, will Sarah support her Government or support the Lord's amendments on Brexit. I suggest her political career depends on it !
- John
Sarah - we are now at one of the most critical times in our negotiations with the EU. In the votes that are to come in Parliament this week PLEASE get behind and support Theresa May and our negotiating team. Voting with the likes of Ken Clarke, who appears to have made it his mission to sabotage our democratically arrived at decision to leave the EU, will do our country serious damage and it could bring down the Government. As you know from my previous correspondence I feel very strongly that the referendum result must be respected by Parliament and our elected MPs. You have made your views known and I respect you for that. However, now is the time to put the needs of the country first, which means supporting the Government and our negotiating team. I am not sure I could forgive the alternative and only Corbyn and extremist parties would benefit from that . . .
- David Hoy
At the next election I hope Totnes has a candidate who does not suffer from a fluctuating conscience and will honour the commitments given to aid their election !
- John
You are doing a sterling job Sarah. I see the increasing negative impacts of a potential hard BREXIT every day in my work, with the movement of legal entities and jobs to continental Europe in anticipation of such a scenario. The people did not vote to trash our trade agreement with the EU.
- Paul
Following on from my previous comments in March I should like to express my very great concern over your lack of support for the government. The intense pressure from you and like-minded MP's, the House of Lords and associated extremely well-funded external Remain groups, is in my view likely to lead to a very bad Brexit outcome. I think it is time you explained your role in all of this to us constituents. To use your recent words are we being "treated like fools." --------- A lot of this pressure on the government is now verging on the unconstitutional and I agree with Frank Field that the House of Lords ought now be completely reformed – Sunday Telegraph, 17th July. I supported the recent petition that this should be debated. --------- So I am sorry I have to say it again, but I cannot understand your complete change of stance over Brexit. You have said your position has been arrived at after a very careful consideration of what you consider the most pertinent evidence. The following may seem like a cheap remarks, which is not my intention. But I am afraid it is how your stance comes across. Thus you seem to have gone from originally supporting Brexit, based at that time on presumably your best evidence based assessment, to now being in agreement with a set of evidence which leads you to risking a very unsatisfactory almost non-Brexit. This seems to demonstrate a complete lack of judgemental ability in weighing matters properly? Given you are in the eyes of most outside observers in this position, surely you should accede to the far greater weight of expertise available to the government and support their position? ---------- More generally my concern is that it is surely not for MPs to take over / pre-dictate / restrict Brexit negotiations and seemingly manipulate parliamentary procedure to that end over a 'meaningful vote.' This is all clearly a ruse to thwart Brexit and bind the Government's hand. It is for the Government to negotiate what will be an international agreement, free of such restrictions. The role of Parliament is surely to accept or reject after debate, what the government has managed to obtain.
- Stephen
I have to agree with Stephen`s comments. Leaving the EU is a constitutional change and requires consent of the people, a referendum. This was done and a pledge to enact was in both Conservative and Labour manifestoes, Sarah obtained our support on this basis.
If her conscience does not allow her to honour her contract with us, she should abstain from voting against her Government and resign her seat; anything less would amount to deceit and fraud.
- John
Sarah, yet again I feel compelled to write to you in connection with the elected Government's unfolding plans for Brexit. The draft EU Withdrawal Bill has been carefully formulated to translate fully into UK law EU Directives so that when we finally leave this organisation we can continue to trade on a fair and equitable basis. This should make it easier for our negotiating team to establish a new and long lasting relationship with the EU that includes for example trade, security and defence. It has nothing to do with the role of Parliament after Brexit and it is clearly the case that a substantial number of remain voting ex-MPs in the House of Lords have grossly exceeded their mandate by trying to attach a mandate to the draft EU Withdrawal Bill that would seriously undermine the Government and our negotiating team, if it was accepted by the House of Commons. This amendment CANNOT be allowed to stand as it would be immensely damaging to our country's prospects and in my view it would be a violation of our constitution. Theresa May and our negotiating team will get a new and effective deal covering our future relationship with the EU, but only if she is supported by her own party members, including and especially you. For God's sake give her and our negotiating team some much needed trust in the Commons vote that is coming later today!
- David Hoy
I believe Sarah voted against the Government today.
I believe Totnes deserves a candidate they can trust, at the next General Election.
- John
Very disappointed with your inability to support the Government today, as I am sure many others will be. Sadly the logical outcome is that I can no find it in myself to continue my support for you.
- Stephen
You are a traitor.
We have known that since your last-minute 'change of heart' on the referendum.
So whatever good you do, we will never completely trust you.
Theresa is braver, stronger, a more democratic woman, so follow her lead.
Help her get us out from under the yoke of the unelected parasites in Brussels. Please.
- Jean, Totnes
Sarah, I am in my 70s and do not use twitter - a shallow medium full of ill-considered remarks. Tweets do get picked up by oldies though. Which perhaps means I am allowed some cheapskate replies? One of yours yesterday included this: "The fact is that #Brexit was sold on a false prospectus". I assume you refer to the £350m a week message on the Boris vote leave bus. Firstly I think there is the usual patronising assumption here that anyone voting leave would take literally what was meant to be a neat and snappy slogan. But since you have got me onto it, what about those infamous parts of the other false prospectus. That on a vote to leave unemployment would rocket; George Osborne's prediction of a £30bn black hole in public finances; the immediate emergency budget and Alistair Darling's forecast of one emergency budget after another. This pair unlike Boris you would no doubt say are people of substance? Cheap remarks on twitter and my replies on here are demeaning. Could I suggest we play the ball and not the people.--------- Secondly you say in your recent tweet "As Parliament is not now going to have a meaningful final vote, people should be able to give their own verdict on the deal." I was at Way with Words last night listening to David Owen who I think was already picking up on your support for a second referendum or something like it. I wish you had heard him – I really do suggest you seek out his wise counsel. Here are his words in a far from adequate nutshell.---------- There have been sharp divisions over Europe amongst senior Labour and Conservatives figures going way back. Nowadays politicians from both parties with metropolitan aspirations, many of whom commute from London in and out of their provincial constituencies, have little real empathy for the problem of local decline. Parliament prior to the EU vote largely supported EU membership, in spite of its adverse effects outside of the greater London area. Its present acceptance of EU withdrawal is therefore grudging. London's financial dominance has further fuelled in recent decades a side-lining of the declining UK regions. Added to this is the adverse effect of European centrism. All of this has resulted in a divided populace – metropolitan London versus the rest – and an elite with no understanding of the resulting resentment of the centre and a very remote European autocracy. Over many, many years and not just amongst conservatives, the parliamentary process has failed to lance this boil. In the reluctant view of Lord Owen the only way to resolve such an impasse was to hold a referendum. He would not normally advocate such a response but believes there was no alternative as our representative political processes have failed to grasp the depth of alienation from the centre as it has developed over many years. His view is that the decision of the electorate should now be entirely respected, that the matter should now be regarded as settled. His great fear on the other hand is that it is not being respected. More than that attempts to undermine and reverse it will have terrible consequences for democracy in this country.----------- My words no doubt fail to properly summarise what he said but his concern was clear. The current gathering contempt amongst the elite for the democratic outcome of the EU referendum will fatally undermine UK democracy. Sarah, if you have not already done so, you really ought to seek out the advice of Lord Owen. His experience in European and International affairs is unrivalled. He himself has on occasions been a divisive figure but I have always respected him - conservative that I am - as deeply thoughtful, a rigorous thinker. He is an impressive person, please listen to him.
- Stephen
14th July 2018.
You know that the EU is broke. You know that they are printing billions of Euro's each and every week to keep Italy, Spain and Greece afloat without mentioning the precarious financial state of other countries. You know that the UK spends 80 Billion per annum more in Europe than they send with us.
I am in full agreement with Richard Littlejohn when he writes:
Independent sovereign nations do not collect taxes on behalf of foreign governments.
Independent sovereign nations do not accept the jurisdiction of unelected foreign judges.
Independent sovereign nations do not swallow wholesale rules made by unaccountable foreign bureaucrats.
Independent sovereign nations are at liberty to conclude free trade deals with any country in the world.
But if May gets her way, none of that will apply. Britain will still be subject to European directives and the rulings of European judges. That's not Brexit by any stretch of the imagination.
Kind Regards,
Tim South.
- Tim South
I see that Sarah does not even bother to write this blog any more, and prefers to spout her vitriol on Twitter.
Sarah does not have a Conservative bone in her body. I am assuming that steps are underway in the party to deselect her. If not, I and many other will be voting to remove her and the constituency will be lost.
- George, Paignton
David Cameron won a democratic election with a majority, a promise was made for a referendum on staying or leaving EU , a democratic vote was held , the majority of people voted leave. It is your duty and all Conservative MP's to ensure that happens, otherwise democracy is denied and the use of our vote is pointless. I really wish we could all change our mind who we had voted for in the last General Election, you would not have had my household vote! You, Anna Soubry and the others in your nest of Vipers have weakened our Government at neogotiations throughout, you have changed your views as regular as Jeremy Corbyn, you have done this great country a very great disservice. Please either leave the Party, join Labour or join Anna Soubry in LaLa land
- Peter Mulloy
You, Anna Soubry and the rest of the nest of vipers have seriously damaged the governments hand in EU negotiations, if you do not wish to follow the people's democratic decision or your Party, stand as an Independant, and then we then know exactly what type of person we voted for, I for one didn't give you my vote and expect treachery , and irreparable damage to Party and Country
- Peter mulloy
"There is also a simple truth that there is no Parliamentary majority for a walk-away, no-deal Brexit."
It is a "simple truth" that a majority of Tory constituencies voted Leave in the referendum, besides which 53% of those in England voted to Leave.
Totnes is an odd constituency, what with the post-hippe and Green Party element with the bizarre ideas one might expect; but it is nevertheless Tory, and having lived here for over half my life it seems to me your espousal of surrendering our sovereignty to Brussels, or so tying us to EU regulation that Brexit would be meaningless, must offend a great many conservative-minded people. It will be interesting to see how your position affects the outcome of the next General Election.
- Anthony Harrison
Very proud of Sarah Wollaston for courageously making the argument for PEACE ; most people commenting negatively seem to forget that it was for PEACE ACROSS EUROPE after two World Wars that so many of our allied troops and other nationals were injured or died - over 600 US soldiers alone buried on our beaches.
- Marianne
Very proud of our courageous MP who is looking towards the future and wants to ensure a prosperous country - but above all ensure PEACE across Europe which is what our fathers and grandfathers died for in two world wars. Peace across Europe can never be taken for granted.
- Marianne
Marianne, I can assure you that our fathers and grandfathers, who died in 2 World Wars, would be appalled by the way that Sarah Wollaston has behaved of late. They valued loyalty and would have given little truck to one who had renaged on a belief after obtaining their vote on an issue. A fluctuating conscience would have been viewed with contempt, honour was everything !
- John
Marianne, our fathers and grandfathers would be appalled at Sarah Wollaston`s recent approach to the democratic referendum. Gaining a vote on an understanding, then reversing a position and voting against her Government would have been considered unacceptable. A fluctuating conscience would be given short shrift, honour was everything, resignation would be the only course !
- John
One thing that is very clear in the ongoing debate about Brexit is that there are a substantial number of MP's, including our own, that will stop at nothing to prevent what the people have voted for becoming a reality. Their consistent failure to support the Government and our own team in earlier negotiations with the EU have contributed substantially to the current impasse.
I was a staunch supporter of Theresa May but I have to say that when it comes to the negotiations I tend to agree with David Davis and Boris Johnson that in an effort to show goodwill she has given away far too much up front at every stage and this is being exploited by both the EU and her many political opponents in the 'House of Cards' (Parliament). If she is able to secure a fair trade deal in these negotiations at all it will be in spite of some of her colleagues in Parliament and not because of them.
The Conservative Party is now in the 'Last Chance Saloon' as far as many voters are concerned. Like me they are watching every unfolding development closely and our views will be expressed at the ballot box unless the referendum result is properly respected.
- David H, Brixham
One thing that is very clear in the ongoing debate about Brexit is that there are a substantial number of MP's, including our own, that will stop at nothing to prevent what the people have voted for becoming a reality. Their consistent failure to support the Government and our own team in earlier negotiations with the EU have contributed substantially to the current impasse.
I was a staunch supporter of Theresa May but I have to say that when it comes to the negotiations I tend to agree with David Davis and Boris Johnson that in an effort to show goodwill she has given away far too much up front at every stage and this is being exploited by both the EU and her many political opponents in the 'House of Cards' (Parliament). If she is able to secure a fair trade deal in these negotiations at all it will be in spite of some of her colleagues in Parliament and not because of them.
The Conservative Party is now in the 'Last Chance Saloon' as far as many voters are concerned. Like me they are watching every unfolding development closely and our views will be expressed at the ballot box unless the referendum result is properly respected.
- David H, Brixham
Marianne, our fathers and grandfathers would be appalled at Sarah Wollaston`s recent approach to the democratic referendum. Gaining a vote on an understanding, then reversing a position and voting against her Government would have been considered unacceptable. A fluctuating conscience would be given short shrift, honour was everything, resignation would be the only course !
- John
Who cares whether there is a Parliamentary majority? We knew Parliament had a majority of Remainers before the referendum. Parliament gave the Brexit decision to the people, and they chose to leave, not join a half-membership EEA where we'd still be under EU rules and law. You're trying to overturn the result of the referendum, not "respect" it as you claim. You might at least be honest about it
- Ron
To quote Ed Balls: "It is dangerous to start with the assumption that voters are wrong". The people that voted to leave in the referendum did so for many reasons but don't assume that they are not prepared to put up with some hardship or turmoil to achieve the objective of leaving. As our MP, it is your duty to do everything possible to achieve what the majority voted for in the referendum, not to second guess what they "might have meant" or "didn't really mean". Please support everything you can to get us out of the EU, hopefully with a deal if possible but without, if necessary.
- Tim Mattocks
Watched my MP on TV quite a few times lately. My opinion, She is more interested in point scoring with her leader and bettering her own standing than she is in what we vote for. The Disgrace of closing our's and other Local hospitals in readiness of privatising the NHS, and the deceit This May led government is showing towards Brexit and our democratic vote. Is Shameful, or should that be SHAMELESS. I have always voted Conservative and have never regretted it in the past. NOT SO NOW!, I am appalled at the way this country is being led by this government, and will NOT vote for any further May led government and a party so disrespectful of democracy and what the electorate clearly want
- Bruce Dartmouth
Great News of the week, traitor Sarah Woolaston has warned publicly if Boris top ples Mrs May she would resign from the party.. Go for it Boris
- Pat Brodie
Some of the vitriol directed towards Dr Wollaston on here beggars belief,
False statistics presented as fact, talk of traitors and even an' individual claiming to know the views of our war dead are frankly beneath contempt and indeed represent the real 'project fear'.
Be honest with yourselves some of the views expressed here are much more in keeping with Farage and his motley gang of BNP rejects., If you seek Tory traitors you don't need to look too hard, Mogg, Bo Jo et al are the real traitors who will bring down Mays government but you never see calls for them to be de-selected, indeed from 'Pat's comments johnsons back stabbing behaviour qualifies him for leadership. God help us.
I am very pleased that we have a moderate, reasoned MP able to think for herself and try to do her best for the country, she has my full support.
- Ged
You're conflating different things, a typical sore loser tactic. Of course we cannot know exactly what those of a different age we think about Brexit. I do know that there was a time when your word was your bond and how breaking your word was regarded !
- John
I cannot believe how the negotiators have dealt with the bully boys of Europe. If in business we kowtowed to our suppliers/business partners in the same manner businesses would be going bankrupt at a faster rate than they are now. The way to treat bully's is to stand up to them and stand firm and Not change every time the wind turns. If however they don't like our terms walk away and get on with the other 93% of the worlds population that are not in the EU, and I can guarantee the EU would soon be back pleading for a trade deal!
- Austen
Sarah has shown that she is not only now fit for office but very capable of seeing the problems, unlike the children who understnad nothing but want to pack their bags age 2 and march out onto the pavement to find somewhere better to live then the EU loving parents. It is not Sarah who should pack her bags. Many people in Brixham are saying they could not supprot her before but do now, however, as they see it voting Labour for the first time in their lives may be the only option if Theresa May doesn't come clean. At the moment she is like a old couple who are driving the wrong way down a motorway and either doesn't know it or is refusing to stop and ask for directions.. She is refusing to stop for more fuel and is about to run out, the warning light is on, there are not many more petrol stations and the EU petrol station is the cheapest, best , nearest and most reliable.
- siv
Thank you for standing up for what you think is right in crucial life changing matters rather than following the party line. What is more we are all entitled to change our minds and finesse our positions as we learn more. I do not always agree with you - but, at the moment, I do on this.
- Paul
Thank you, Sarah, for having the guts to stand aside from playing politics and to consider what is best for the UK in the long term. Nobody who voted in the referendum had any idea what the implications of leaving the EU might be. Now things are (slightly) clearer and it is time for people to vote on what is being offered. Foe example, there could be 2 questions: 1. Leave or Remain? 2. If Leave, No Deal or Current Deal.
That is true democracy and it's hard to see what people are afraid of. Let's find out what voters really think before committing the UK to an enormous historical change.
- Ali
We can't go forward if we don't let business build the factory's here, in or out of the EU. Old planning law stops them.
- John, Paignton.
So, the PM is off to Brussels to 'take personal charge' of the final phase of negotiations.Just who is she trying to kid? It is clearly the case that she has been in direct charge of these negotiations all along, which is why two Brexit Secretaries have resigned, because they were actually working to deliver what the people voted for in the referendum.
This is just another example of politicians getting themselves elected and then doing what they want, rather than what they were voted in for. In addition to a genuine Brexit deal this country is in dire need of 'root and branch' political reform. I will say it again, as voters we are being deceived, betrayed and the conservative party will pay a very heavy price for this at the next election.
- David H
There have been some very eloquent posts placed here, even by strong labour supporters, who believe you are making a mistake in not supporting the PM. If parliamentarians had got behind the PM to carry out the people's wishes in the first place we would have been in a much better negotiating position. I love European countries because of their Diversity, but it is precisely because of that they cannot work easily together. The UK has always been a capable country who can show a good example as well as follow them. It is disappointing to see you call for a second referendum. I do not wish to see Labour in power mortgaging our countries future. Please support the PM or make way for someone who will.
- Les Dartmouth


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People of Al-Bab up in arms, Turkish army, gangs kill civilians
The people who have been in the streets protesting for the last 3 days against the Turkish army and their gangs have been attacked. At least six civilians have been killed.
Reports say that the people up in arms in Al-Bab, the Northern Syrian province invaded by Turkey and the FSA gangs have been raked through with machine guns. There are reported casualties in the incident. The groups protected by the Turkish state raided the Bab Hospital on May 5 and battered doctors, after which the people of Al-Bab took to the streets in protest, chanting "Bab is our homeland, Turkish soldiers leave Syria".
The Turkish army and their gangs attacked the insurgency with armored vehicles and shot at the protesters with automatic guns.
The people of Al-Bab protested the attacks with street demonstrations on May 6. The people demand that the international community stop the attacks and the TAF to be removed from Syria. The people were attacked in the same manner on May 6 as well, and 6 people lost their lives as dozens of others were wounded.
The Turkish army prevented the wounded from going outside the province. The insurgency continues.

subset: commoncrawl


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Perspective is something that I think comes up often in Peace Corps. Our outlooks on work, relationships, family, behavior, and comfort are all developing through the experiences that we have as Volunteers. When the things that were once new and unique become routine and common, having an opportunity to reflect on our frame of reference can be refreshing and illuminating.
Recently, I was afforded an opportunity to re-examine my own perspectives when my cousin came to visit Madagascar. I was beyond thrilled that he was willing and interested in making the long journey to such a different place. I was also a little nervous about how he would adapt to the realities of the country and how I would handle the responsibilities of sharing my second home with him. In the end, I was impressed with both of our attitudes and experiences.
During some of our conversations and daily activities, our individual views of Madagascar were cast in somewhat new light. Old habits were questioned. New assumptions were disproved. Sharing some of our ideas and conversations might be helpful in creating a more complete picture of this challenging, beautiful, diverse, and fascinating country.
Sanitary Conditions
American and Malagasy manifestations of cleanliness are often quite different. One such area that we discussed was food. Safe food preparation is something that I take for granted now, having practiced it in my own Malagasy kitchen for the last three years. But it was a skill that my cousin wasn't used to applying and he made some valid comments about what he observed during his travels.
The amount of flies buzzing around our meals and landing on the raw meats in the butchers' stalls seemed to be something that he noticed often, whereas I was mostly oblivious to them. I've become used to those sights over the years, accepting them as a natural part of life.
Another sight that I've become almost numb to is the amount of trash piled up throughout the country, but my cousin was acutely aware of this. Without the infrastructure of trash collection as we know it in America, most Malagasy people discard of trash on their own, either in pits where the trash is burned or it accumulates on along the roads or in side alleys.
It's no secret that the infrastructure of roads, cities, and transportation in Madagascar leaves a lot to be desired by Western standards. It works just fine for Malagasy people, which is something I've had three years to learn about and adapt to, whereas my cousin was quickly introduced to the idea of a "good" Malagasy road. If the road is lucky enough to be paved, it also comes with numerous potholes and deviations, which makes for a rather bumpy and jolting car ride. Unpaved roads are a whole other story. While I don't particularly enjoy this aspect of traveling in Madagascar, I've accepted it as the reality.
So when my cousin spent a few days on the road with me, we had plenty of time to talk about the nature of infrastructure, it's relationship to the overall development of the country, and comparisons between his commute in Los Angeles and my typical 10 hour route in Madagascar.
Effectiveness of Peace Corps
Throughout my service, I've grappled with the perceived lasting impacts of my work in Madagascar and thought a lot about how effective I can be and how to even measure success as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Is it the number of students who can pass an exam in my English class or the quality of the routine conversations that I have with community members? Have I achieved my goals when I can produce tangible evidence or when I well up with pride thinking about the people I've come to know during my service?
When my cousin asked me if I thought the Peace Corps is a worthwhile investment of American time and money, I confidently affirmed that it is and supported that with a more qualitative response. In addition to the outcomes of collaborating with communities who request help from Peace Corps, I see immense value in the amount of people Peace Corps Volunteers interact with and exchange culture with. Then he asked me how I would answer the same question if a member of Congress had asked me during a review of the Peace Corps budget, and I realized that it was more difficult to frame my thoughts in terms of data and line items in a budget. Both sides of the question are valid and our organization needs to be able to justify itself to different stakeholders.
Having my cousin there to see the country firsthand, meet some of the people, and get a small glimpse into the work that we do as Volunteers was a great opportunity to spark that conversation and take another look at how we evaluate our successes and failures.
Expectations and Assumptions
If you come to a place like Madagascar and stay for even a couple of weeks without being frustrated, emotionally assaulted, or severely confused…I desperately want to know your secret. To paraphrase Charles Dickens, this country has bent and broken me into the person I am today. From those experiences, I have learned to abandon almost all expectations and assumptions about how things should or will happen. My cousin, on the other hand, has not been as twisted by Madagascar as I have.
Things such as a "free WiFi" sign in a shop mean nothing to me anymore, because I have learned from the disappointment that 9.5 times out of 10 there is no WiFi, but they seemed to hold a fair amount of hope in the eyes of my cousin. I don't expect these things anymore, that way I am happily surprised when they are available.
Similarly, just because something is printed on the restaurant menu doesn't mean it actually exists in the restaurant. I don't assume this anymore, because I have again been disappointed too many times before. My cousin, however, encountered a few situations where he learned this lesson the hard way and had his dreams of pizza or parmesan cheese squashed by the reality of Madagascar.
I also don't assume that just because something worked once before that it will work again with any consistency. This only brings me more frustration when things happen differently every time I try to do them. Again, I think my cousin's assumptions of consistency were challenged on multiple occasions during his visit and this gave way to some insightful conversations.
The Big Takeaway
Looking back at the overall experience, I am very proud and satisfied by how both my cousin and I handled our shared adventures in Madagascar. He impressed me with his patience and willingness to be put in unfamiliar situations. He respectfully shared his opinions when they arose and asked questions to better understand some situations. I was relieved that I didn't expose him to anything that made him sick and I was honest about my opinions and experiences. Seeing Madagascar through my cousin's eyes has been a truly memorable experience.
We laughed (a lot), we tackled some complex discussions, we learned from each other, and we created more memories together. I'm grateful that he had the means and time to visit Madagascar and that he can help me share the country with others.


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It seems that the only thing we saw on or visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art was Monet but that's now true. We saw many other wonderful painters work including Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Here are a couple of them.
Posted in Little Known Facts, Serendipity, tagged Renoir on April 6, 2017| Leave a Comment »
It seems that the only thing we saw on or visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art was Monet but that's now true. We saw many other wonderful painters work including Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Here are a couple of them.
Posted in Art Camp, dogs, tagged Art Camp, Jed, Renoir on July 9, 2016| Leave a Comment »
The young art campers painted a "Renoir" yesterday at The Studio. They did great on a really difficult painting. All these young artists are terrific. I love seeing how proud they are when their parents/grandparents have their work framed. Keep Painting everyone!
And today we celebrate Jed's birthday. Happy 9th Birthday sweet boy!
Posted in Serendipity, tagged Renoir on February 26, 2016| Leave a Comment »
I missed wishing Renoir a Happy Birthday yesterday. We shouldn't let the day pass without recognizing his wonderful talent. "Pierre-Auguste Renoir was born in Limoges, Haute-Viene, France, the child of a working-class family. As a boy, he worked in a porcelain factory where his drawing talents led to his being chosen to paint designs on fine china. Before he enrolled in art school, he also painted hangings for overseas missionaries and decorations on fans. During those early years, he often visited the Louvre to study the French master painters." Read more about Renoir here.
What strikes me most now about Renoir is all that I have read about his late life when he developed rheumatoid arthritis but continued to work by strapping brushes to his hands when he could no longer hold them. Amazing!
Here are three pictures of Renoir. A photograph taken near the end of his life. The others are two self-portraits (selfies!)..one from 1875 and the other in 1899.
Posted in Serendipity, Travel, tagged Cezanne, Degas, Monet, Morrisot, National Gallery of Art, Renoir on August 26, 2015| Leave a Comment »
Yesterday morning we had a wonderful opportunity to go behind the scenes at the National Gallery of Art and visit with Gregory Jecman, Associate Curator of Old Master Prints and Drawings. He pulled some drawings and pastels by Degas, Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, and Morrisot that we were allowed to examine up close. It was a rare experience.
We were amazed to see the detail of the work so close up. The National Gallery offers many programs like this that a free for the asking as long as you make an appointment in advance. For art lovers it is a must! Here are the wonderful Degas' and a Renoir that we saw yesterday. There was so much to see that I will share the other things we saw in the next few days.
Posted in Little Known Facts, tagged Renoir on February 25, 2015| Leave a Comment »
** Pierre Auguste Renoir was born February 25, 1841 in Limoges, France. He was a French painter and one of the central figures of the impressionist movement (a French art movement of the second half of the nineteenth century whose members sought in their works to represent the first impression of an object upon the viewer). His work is characterized by a richness of feeling and a warmth of response to the world and to the people in it.
His early works were typically Impressionist snapshots of real life, full of sparkling colour and light. By the mid-1880s, however, he had broken with the movement to apply a more disciplined, formal technique to portraits and figure paintings, particularly of women.
Renoir was so passionate about painting that he even continued when he was old and suffering from severe arthritis. Renoir then painted with the brush tied to his wrists.
** This information from "The Complete Works" website. Click on Renoir's name above to read and see more.
Posted in Little Known Facts, Serendipity, Travel, tagged National Gallery of Art, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec on October 20, 2014| 1 Comment »
I spent a delightful afternoon leading a tour group from The Village at Orchard Ridge to the National Gallery of Art in DC yesterday. We made the trip to see the wonderful Andrew Wyeth exhibit, "Looking Out- Looking In". The exhibit closes the end of November and if you haven't seen it yet you MUST go take a look. Amazing watercolors with a limited palette. Wonderful!
We had some time to see a lot more art and I will share more with you this week. Here are two we saw in the Impressionist Galleries by Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec. Of course, they caught my eye because they had pups in them. 🙂
Posted in Art Camp, tagged acrylic, Art Camp, Blue Ridge Arts Council, Girl with Watering Can, impressionism, Landscape, Renoir on June 27, 2014| Leave a Comment »
The first session of Art Camp ended yesterday with the young painters completing a beautiful copy of Pierre-Auguste Renoir's, (1841-1919) "Girl with a Watering Can" , painted in 1876 and now at the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC.
These artists were not deterred by the large size we decided to paint our "masterpiece" and they all did extraordinary work. Great job girls! It was a pleasure painting with you this week.


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(Affiliated to Kerala University of Health Sciences; Thrissur.
Approved by Government of Kerala, AICTE and PCI, New Delhi.U.G Pharmacy NBA Accredited 3 years w.e.f A.Y 2018-19)
Fr. Jos Mathai Mailadiath
I have immense pleasure to welcome you all to Nirmala College of Pharmacy. It is one of the premier institution which inpart quality professional education in the field of pharmacy. The college established in 2004, is managed by the Catholic Diocese of Kothamangalam and approved by AICTE & PCI (Pharmacy Council of India). The college is affiliated to Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur.
The Indian and Global pharmaceutical research scenario is progressing at a very rapid pace. There is a rapid interfacing of newly emerged disciplines. To remain competitive in this changing and challenging environment, Nirmala offers excellent infrastructure and experienced faculty, equipped laboratories and environment conductive to higher learning. Nirmala is always committed to uphold her vision to transform this institution into a pioneer research centre in the field of pharmaceutical and allied subjects and to train students in conformity with international academic standard required by the profession of pharmacy. I warmly welcome the aspiring students in to our Nirmala College of Pharmacy, we the management and the staff wish you all of fruitful period of learning and stay in this institute with integrity of personality and human values.


text: Your Cover letter is one of the most important things in your application! Here you have the chance to show why you are the one to get this particular job. This tutorial will help you to get started and offers valuable hints for writing the cover letter that will secure you the job that you want.


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Everyone seems to be jumping on the blog bandwagon so I thought I'd give it a go as well. Haven't really got a clue what I'm going to talk about, but that's never really stopped me from saying something, so . . .
Hope your Christmas was a lovely one.Thanks for the good wishes.
Post a Comment


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Leasing Becoming Growing Trend in Food Processing Equipment
One interesting trend in plant operations is equipment manufactured in Europe and rented to North American plants by private investors.
Raise your hand if you think the hottest piece of food processing equipment is a milk homogenizer, manufactured in Europe and leased to plants by private investors.
The homogenizer part might be too specific, but dairy processing is today's growth leader in U.S. food manufacturing. The leasing and import aspects are on the nose, though, according to 2017 Trends in Food Processing Operations, a market research report from PMMI, the Reston, Va., association for packaging and processing technologies.
PMMI's membership consists of packaging equipment OEMs, but the group's research is trending toward food and beverage manufacturing for a couple of reasons. Food and beverage companies account for three-fifths of packaging machine purchases, for one.
The other reason is PMMI's ProFood Tech, a trade show that will have its inaugural run April 4-6 at Chicago's McCormick Place. The International Dairy Foods Assn. and organizers of the Anuga FoodTec show in Cologne, Germany, are cosponsors of ProFood Tech.
To get a firmer handle on the needs and expectations of food and beverage companies, PMMI combined its own interviews with 40 engineers and operations executives at processing companies with findings from 150 studies and statistical sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau and USDA. The findings will serve as a benchmark for future research projects, according to Jorge Izquiardo, PMMI's vice president-market development.
Fluid milk sales are treading water, but innovative yogurts, cheeses and other dairy products are driving profitable growth in the dairy category, the study concludes. Dairy also is benefiting from healthy snacking, with snack bar makers and others adding milk protein to polish their products' nutritional profiles.
PMMI's report pegs the total value of finished food and beverage products at $935 billion. While the industry usually struggles to achieve 1-2 percent annual growth, sales and profitably have surged in recent years, reflecting the emergence of start-up firms capitalizing on healthier eating and the movement of established companies toward value-added products. According to the PMMI study, finished goods shipments grew 6.9 percent from 2012-2014 while material costs increased 5 percent, meaning both higher more profitable sales.
A growing number of companies are successfully transitioning from sellers of commodities to providers of value-added products. Instead of focusing exclusively on fresh meat and poultry, innovators are enrobing that protein in dough or other coatings. The trend is reflected on the floors of trade shows. Rheon, a Japanese OEM of stress-free dough makeup equipment, has exhibited at IPPE, Atlanta's meat and poultry show, in recent years, showcasing its encrusting machine.
Today's equipment buyers are not necessarily food and beverage companies. Since the Great Recession, sales of equipment that was then leased grew more than double the rate of machinery purchased by food companies for their own use, PMMI found. Private investors seeking higher returns in a period of cheap money are driving the leased-equipment surge, Izquiardo says, tapping into interest from cereal makers and other companies in removing machinery from capital expenditure budgets.
Food manufacturers' need for flexible automation is driving greater use of robotic motion. More than half of the food professionals interviewed predicted greater proliferation in their product SKU counts, which already exceed 100 in four out of five factories.
Robotics growth consistently exceeds forecasts. A 2013 PMMI study estimated 72 percent of manufacturing facilities had robotic machines, almost double the predicted level five years earlier.
Palletizing is the most prevalent application, and the availability of machines that combine case packing and palletizing is making robotic palletizers more common, Izquiardo points out. "It's relatively easy to (combine case packing and palletizing in a single cell), and it's affordable even for mid-sized operations."
The most dynamic growth in robotic applications is upstream, in processing. The trends study estimates 30 percent of food plants now have robotic processing applications.
Whether machine motion is robotic or mechanical, food and beverage companies are demanding machines that are easier to change over and have self-diagnostic capabilities. With the worker skills gap expected to grow, "they want machines with friendly HMIs that make the equipment more intuitive (to operate and maintain) and reduce the need for training," says Izquiardo. "If you need fewer operators and the training is significantly shorter, that has significant impact on the productivity of the plant."
The likelihood the machine will be built offshore is growing. The study puts the value of imported processing equipment in 2015 at $1.3 billion. U.S. OEMs exported machinery worth $926 million.
Packaging machinery currently has a similar trade deficit, with imports accounting for 20 percent of sales compared to 15 percent exports of U.S.-built machines. But Izquiardo says foreign exchange rates are the reason: five years ago, a weak dollar resulted in a trade surplus.


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Guided Matterhorn Ascent…
Climb the Hornli ridge on the Matterhorn with an experienced IFMGA British Mountain Guide
The Matterhorn is one of the worlds most recognisable mountains, standing tall and alone above the town of Zermatt in Switzerland. It's an intimidating peak, with steep faces and ridge lines with no easy route to the summit.
Combined with the Matterhorn's climbing history it has to be the most famous mountain in the alps, if not the world, barring Everest maybe! There aren't many mountaineers that haven't dreamt of climbing the Matterhorn, and it is a great mountaineering challenge, with a choice of routes and tactics to suit different levels of experience and ability.
We generally climb the Matterhorn via the Hornli ridge, the route that was climbed on the first ascent of the mountain by Edward Whymper and his team. Along the route we pass many famous features, such a the mosely slabs and the emergency Solvay hut.
We are quite often on the edge of the North Face and can look across and down that steep climb too. The Matterhorn is both technical and high, and so we spend three days preparing you for the altitude and the climb itself.
What kind of preparation is required before the Matterhorn?
We highly recommend you have done at least a weeks alpine mountaineering before booking a Matterhorn climb. This will give you both the skills and experience to increase your chance of success on the Matterhorn, as well as your enjoyment! The ascent of the Matterhorn should be part of your alpine career, rather than the beginning of it.
Previous alpine routes featuring some scrambling will stand you in good stead. The Weismeiss traverse, Cosmiques arête, crouches traverse etc. Preparation in the UK is also a very good idea and many of the classic scrambles in the Lake District and north Wales are perfect practice days. They will increase your fitness as well!
Being out in the hills for eight to ten hours gives you a good idea of your fitness, equipment and skill levels. We also run one and two day alpine preparation days in the south-west where we run through various technical lessons as well as plenty of practice on real rock. Contact us and we can look at your previous climbs and suggest a progression before the Matterhorn.
Why climb the Matterhorn with us?
We are a group of experienced IFMGA mountain guides who are fully insured and certified by national guide associations. The vast majority of our guides are members of the British Mountains Guide Association and all are English speaking. We know the Matterhorn well and have guided many clients to the summit, as well as turning a few around when appropriate.
Here's a blog from a 2016 trip with Rob and Arthur.
Sample Matterhorn programme:
Our Matterhorn programme is tried and tested and is designed to give you good acclimatisation and training. It's also flexible, and we build in two days where we can swap the programme around to take advantage of better weather and conditions.
Meet in Chamonix early morning for a gear check and introductions. We then drive through to Italy and use the Helbronner lift to access the 3370m Torino refuge. We then climb a short route such as the traverse if the Marbraees or the Entreves. Night in the Torino refuge.
An alpine start allows a longer route to be climbed, replicating parts of the Matterhorn ascent. Examples include the Tour Ronde, Dent du Geant. Second night in the Torino refuge.
This is a flexible day for weather and gives opportunities to practice techniques, and also rest before heading to Zermatt. Quite often we descend the lift in the morning and rock climb in the Chamonix valley. Night in Chamonix.
What's the best time of year to climb the Hornli ridge on the Matterhorn?
The ridge needs to be clear of snow and ice, which generally occurs from mid July to mid September. Of course, every season is different. August is probably the safest bet but is also the busiest. We run open trips where the first three days are guided on a 1:2 ratio. The last three days on the Matterhorn are always 1:1 Private guiding weeks are also available, and do give the most flexibility, with all six days on a 1:1 ratio.
Check out the Matterhorn Webcams.
We now travel to Zermatt and use the lift system before walking into the Hornli hut, which is around a two hour walk. Sometimes we have a quick Reece of the lower mountain, but mainly this is about getting into position for the big day ahead.
Ascent of the Matterhorn! 8 – 10 hours round trip, stopping for a bite to eat in the hut before descending to Zermatt and travel to Chamonix.
Its possible to swap our summit day to the last day to take advantage of better weather, but otherwise we head out climbing in Chamonix, as well as some deserved tea and cake.
Matterhorn Hornli ridge trip prices – 2019:
A private six day trip on a 1:1 guiding ratio – 3514€
Contact us with your preferred dates.
A six day trip for two people, 1:2 for three days then 1:1 for the Matterhorn – 2550€ per person
Our prices includes:
During the trip you will need to cover ongoing expenses for both you and your guide.
Your expenses will include:
You should budget approximately 800 euro for the six day trip.
Upon receipt of your deposit and medical form we will email your detailed joining instructions and equipment list. Our Guided Matterhorn Ascent FAQ's section has the answer to most questions and you are welcome to email us any questions you may have: email@example.com
Mountain huts and refuges:
These come in a variety of styles but are all comfortable and warm. Think of them as mountain hostels rather than a garden shed! We book the huts on a half board basis so breakfast and dinner are included in the price. You can also buy lunch and snacks, as well as drinks during the day and evening. Being a member of a club such as the BMC, Alpine Club or Austrian Alpine Club will usually get you a small discount on the hut. Guides receive a good discount, normally staying for free and paying for the breakfast and dinner, the cost of which is split amongst the group.
For information about the Tornio Refuge
The newly refurbished Hornli Hut is fantastic, but expensive. You should budget 150€ half board, plus 140€ for the guide. (note - we cover your 100chf deposit for you and the guide as part of the trip costs)


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