A successful fundraising lunch entitled ‘Putin’s Game’ raised over £1,000, with 97 guests in attendance.

Kingsbridge and Saltstone Caring hosted a ‘thought-provoking lunch’ on Wednesday, April 25 at the Thurlestone Hotel. The talk, given by KASC chairman Derek Weaving, was centred upon an attempt to help understand better the Russian psyche.

Derek speaks fluent Russian and lived in Moscow for many years, firstly as a Naval Attaché during the Cold War, then as a political advisor to two deputy Russian Prime Ministers and finally as MD at Renaissance Capital, Moscow.

The talk was introduced by KASC supporter Vice Admiral Sir Jonathan Tod KCB CBE and former Deputy Commander-in-Chief Fleet. Sir Jonathan reminded the attendees of historical events and then set the Cold War scene. Derek followed through with the political and social climate after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Each guest was given an illustrated file and instructed not to turn the pages until invited. As Derek spoke the audience turned over the pages to view evidence of the events described. He had close and personal experience with the many Russian personalities that have been publicised in recent years, many of whom have not lived to tell their story. Derek gave some sobering statistics about the incidence of balcony accidents and unexplained deaths. His knowledge of the Russian language and culture gave insight into reasons for Putin coming to power and how that power is implemented.

KASC Trustee Sandy Gilbert claims, “You could have heard a pin drop during the presentation it was so interesting.”

Sir Jonathan Todd said: “Russia remains that enigma which Churchill coined during the war and an explanation of its behaviour is hard for us outsiders to understand.

“Fortunately in Derek, who has worked and lived in Russia and has many contacts at a high political level, we were given an insight into the Russian mind and its motivation that can only be done by a person with firsthand experience over several years.”

The event raised £1,198, and included a raffle and auction of a horse-drawn carriage drive and a picnic which was donated by Jonathan Mathys of Woolcombe, East Allington.

Event Facilitator and KASC Trustee, Sandy Gilbert said: “On behalf of Kingsbridge and Saltstone Caring I wish to thank all those that came to the lunch and participated so generously. In our efforts to top up much needed funds, we are broadening the scope of events to attract a wider audience.

“This talk proved so popular we have been asked to repeat it in an informal setting. We plan to satisfy this request during September in Salcombe and at a Kingsbridge venue later in winter. Please visit our website kascare.uk to watch for events and perhaps donate. Why not consider becoming a volunteer? The next excitement on the horizon is a fashion show at Avon Mill, on September 12.”

For more information, call 01548 854588 or email [email protected].