My name is Gavin Thomas.
I'm better known as Jack.
Call me whatever you like, I don't mind.
And I live on a beautiful little island
in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean.
This is the island of St Helena.
We fly the Union Jack.
We're proud to be British.
But we are also, in a way, very multi cultured.
I think what makes a Saint a Saint, is...
the variation amongst our identity.
And that is what makes us so very unique.
I say I'm 'other'.
And I like 'other' because that's fascinating, isn't it.
I'd never change my identity. I'm so proud to be a Saint.
I love cooking all sorts. Baking and cooking...
the love of my life.
Love is a great concept, isn't it. It's a passion.
It's something you find rewarding.
It's something you find fulfilling.
So for me, love comes in all shapes and forms.
And if I can find something in my life that I enjoy
and can share with others, it has to be food.
So here we are.
But finding ingredients can be a challenge.
And you can almost go into a sulk.
And then you have to remind yourself
that life wasn't handed down to you on a spoon.
So be thankful.
Now while that's cooking, I'm going to make my cake.
There is an old saying on St Helena,
and rarity is an issue with produce.
It's not what you know, it's who you know.
And when it comes to eggs and vegetables and fruit
you must express love for those people.
So down here,
I hide my eggs.
I'm not being selfish, but sometimes
the less seen, the more I get.
I'm going to make a very simple all-in-one
almond and coconut cake.
It's my recipe.
They must be cherished and respected.
There we are, four eggs in the bowl.
Self satisfaction - that for me, is to create a meal.
Not prick something and put it into the microwave
and thank you Mr Big Industry - that's not me at all.
In the oven it goes.
Five, ten, fifteen, twenty... twenty past two...
we should have a cake, there abouts.
I think the family value is still embedded in our culture.
It's that giving, that sharing.
And that element of a little goes a long way.
Neil Phantom's birthday? Today? Ooooh, OK.
I'll probably sing to him down the mic.
For me, the essence for getting on in life
is to have a very sound and trusted relationship with others.
Good afternoon everyone and a very warm welcome to Saint FM
with me, Gavin Jack here in the studio.
The radio is a big thing for me
because I'm not into social media.
I gain more from radio.
I love hearing about other peoples perspectives.
But lets start the show off this afternoon with a track.
And this goes out for your listening pleasure.
And it says here, for the Golden Girls
out there at Longwood Supermarket, on duty today.
We've got lots to talk about.
So grab yourselves a cuppa, stay in tune, and don't go away.
Oh I love this place.
I love to play this, it's called 'As the deer pants'.
I want you more than gold or silver it says.
It's people rather than material things in life.
It's just gorgeous, the words.
You are my friend, you are my brother.
It's just beautiful.
I've thought long and hard about this, and I believe
that our life here on earth should be one of example.
And should be one of enjoyment and engagement.
And I just want to be remembered for someone
who did something small
that made a difference for others.
Eat, pray and be merry.
And that would be me.
There we are, look.
My coconut and almond cake is baked.
Perfect.
It's too hot to cut I'm afraid.
I'll ring you when it's ready.
Thanks everybody for your messages.
They really motivate us to keep doing this.
And you can continue supporting us
at the Patreon link below.
We appreciate every dollar. We appreciate every message.
And it's great to be on this journey with you all. Thank you.