Things fall apart. And it most definitely feels like the world is falling apart right now. As Chinua Achebe explains so poignantly in his critically acclaimed work of the same title, that if communities fail to stick together, the virus wins. What Covid has taught us in 2020 is that we as humans, animals, societies, countries and an earth are truly and inextricably linked. We are as strong as our most powerful warriors while simultaneously being as humble and vulnerable as the most frail among us. And when the most frail among us need a helping hand, it is our responsibility to stand up and simply do what we can to provide one.
It is on this note, that I wish to convey the following story. Due to a series of viral infections, Martyn Randall had been in hospital 15 times in little more than a month. With the fears surrounding Covid, the hard lockdown and multiple visits to the hospital, Martyn had become depressed, a condition shared by many in the UK and by our friends to the South in Africa. Post recovery and unable to shake the feelings of anxiety and near despair, Martyn decided to do what so many plucky Brits have done before him. He rolled up his sleeves and he got to work. Accompanied by his loving and even more awesome wife Laura, the Randall’s hatched an idea to begin a community meals program to deliver amazing fare throughout Whimple. Thus and on the 28th of March 2020, the Secret Chef was born.
Relying on precise medical advice regarding health and safety and for 14 consecutive weeks, delicious meals including roast gammon, buttered chicken, fish pies, lasagnes and casseroles have been flying out of the Randall’s kitchen and into the community. To begin with, Martyn and Laura (ably supported recently by Oli Wellesley) were covering the meals out of their own pockets. However, through the Whimple Volunteer Group, word began spreading that the “Secret Chef and the Food Fairy” were behind these efforts and Katie Williams was able to organise a grant from East Devon District Council to cover most of the food costs. Martyn decided to donate half of the monies received straight to the Ubuntu cause. Further donations have also been received by many people who have donated directly to Ubuntu. We have replied to each and every one of them with huge thanks and with further information about our organisation and the causes we support. For this project, not only are up to 36 bellies filled each and every weekend, but the Whimple community began to realise they are not alone in this battle against an invisible pandemic.
The response has been nothing short of overwhelming. As the cat slowly crawled out of the bag, our organisation has received dozens of thank you letters from a community that has written the most fantastic messages of support. This has not only helped Martyn, but truly showed that the spirit and concept of Ubuntu is alive in all of us. On behalf of all the other Directors and Ambassadors, we were shown by our team mates that what we are attempting to achieve with the Ubuntu Wildlife Trust is right, pure, just and important. And we couldn’t be more proud of Martyn and Laura.
We wish to acknowledge the most fantastic efforts provided by Katie Williams who delivers the evening meals to either the people directly or via parcel drops to other volunteers. The Thirsty Farmer (Our local Whimple Pub owned by Marc, Donna and JJ The Thirsty Farmer) began offering huge support in donating aluminium containers and some additional ingredients so the meals could be delivered safely to the people in need. Over 13 weeks we have delivered almost 400 hot meals (and some delicious desserts) to the Whimple community (the vulnerable and the elderly) as well as the brave workers in the National health Service.
This is a simple story of some of the Ubuntu team based in Whimple, doing their best for those around them. The mental health aspects of the Covid related lockdown will no doubt be studied for years to come. But we wanted to share this personal story, not seeking to transcend into the realm of self aggrandizement, but to deliver the most important of our mandated messages which is to educate and inspire people to always understand that by selflessly working together, we can move mountains.
And on that note, with the end hopefully in sight, and the restrictions on cooked food supplies being relaxed, today will be the final instalment of the Secret Chef Adventure, with a wonderful Shepard’s Pie and lemon cheesecake lovingly cooked by Martyn and Laura, one final time…
Well done guys. We are proud of you.
