I am Vimbi Taruvinga. I have two adult sons and live with my husband and our cat Finn.
Being a Conservative can have its challenges but I am proud to be one. There is still a misconception in some quarters that our party is not inclusive. Diversity is important to bring people together in order to form a fair and robust society. Seeing things and hearing things from a different perspective can only strengthen and generate teamwork. In addition, being able to see yourself represented in any life situation matters immeasurably as it brings a sense of belonging. In order to drive change within our party we need greater exposure to communicate and work with people from all walks of life. This is work in progress. Rome wasn’t built in a day hence the party has to keep evolving.
My life experiences and work have been wide and varied. I have reached a point in my life where I want to share some of these with others. If I make an impact or difference on even one person then I will know my job would have been done. I value relationships, good manners, working hard and the belief that ultimately nothing is more important than the love of family and good health. I worked in the Voluntary Sector for many years, initially as a Development Officer and later on as an Advice Officer. Among my many other career accomplishments, I am particularly proud of the work I did with Leicester City Museum’s Living History Unit in facilitating a project that recorded the oral histories of some of Leicestershire’s Windrush generation. These recordings are filed with East Midlands Oral History Archive. My contribution to the Conservative Association so far has been interesting and very rewarding. This has ranged from stuffing envelopes at the Constituency office to knocking on doors together with Alicia and Rupert Matthews to canvassing and dropping leaflets for Councillor Joe Orson who kept me on my toes with his motivation and enthusiasm. It was all fantastic teamwork. At the last General Election I was also involved in canvassing and enjoyed meeting and speaking with fellow Conservatives including one lady who opened her front door and before I could say anything told me “I have never voted Labour, please go away.” We both laughed about it soon afterwards when she then immediately realised we were birds of the same feather. During that time I was also able to signpost, support and lend a listening ear to the real worries and concerns some people had about the upcoming election and especially what they expected to be achieved by Brexit.
Aside from politics and all things Conservative, I am a part time Projects Co-ordinator for a small Architectural Practice. I am on a Fostering panel as an Independent Member and keep myself busy with village life as a member of my village hall committee.
What are my hobbies? Horse riding and gardening give me endless pleasure and contentment. Travelling is my other passion, I love to travel and have been all over the world and seen some wonderful places.
Guilty pleasure: a glass of Tilimuqui Organic Malbec.