Hi my name is Colin Lambert, I write a monthly article in the Sherborne Times Magazine. I also host a live desert Island disks style show on our local radio station: Abbey104.com. Each month the guest featured appears live on the show the following publication.
David Evans (Some call him Gabriel) is my subject for December's Sherborne Times article and also appears on my last radio show of the year on Sunday 11th December.
When I met David to write my article I collected him from his home which was freezing at the time. It took a while for me to discover he needed money for the oil, and that the boiler supplies the hot water.
I later discovered his washing machine was broken and as he has no money for taxis, bus or car he has to walk nearly 6 miles (a minimum of 1 ½ hours) along the dangerous B3145 for food and essentials. I soon learnt this is not where he wants to be and how something as everyday as the breakup of his parents’ marriage ended his future hopes of becoming a teacher and started him on his current downward path.
Part of my role through both my Sherborne Times articles and my Abbey 104 Sunday morning show is to introduce the community to the tales of local folk. David more often known as Gabriel is known by many who drive past him on his walk in and out of Sherborne. Over the last few weeks with David I have come to realise that he has an awful lot to offer which I hope to encourage and support but his first need is the basics of warmth and hot water.
I have set this page up with the hope that others will help David buy oil to get through the winter and then hopefully you will get to know him through his helpful activities within the locality. In this season of goodwill, when many of us have too much of a good thing maybe spare a thought for others such as David and help me reach his target to pay for his oil.
You can listen to my conversations with David live on Abbey104 Folk Tales, Sun 11 December, or at www.colinlambert.co.uk