In the weekend of october 14th Interviewed Dave. Member of redfield community and starter of LILI
A different way of living...Redfield is an Intentional Community situated in North Buckinghamshire, England. The house is a large old mansion with 17 acres of gardens, woodland and pasture surrounded by farmland.Our legal structure is that of a Fully Mutual Housing Co-operative, where members are effectively both Landlord and Tenant. The legal structure merely forms the bare bones of a culture of collective living that has developed since 1978.We live as a single household which means that we spend a lot of time together. The rewards that flow from this way of life are many, varied and sometimes unexpected. Sharing your life in this way, with a group of like-minded people, makes for an active and involved life where something is always happening. At the same time the personal challenge that this creates should not be under-estimated. It constantly challenges us to take full responsibility for ourselves.Decision-making is by consensus of all members of the community at the weekly meeting. As well as community business there is space for feelings to be expressed in a supportive atmosphere. One meeting per month is set aside for any issues affecting personal or community morale. We feel that this is an area of communal life that cannot be left to look after itself. Communal life tends to highlight individual foibles and test self-esteem. As well as bringing us closer together, open communication and shared feelings are necessary to limit the scope for misunderstanding.Day to day life, whether necessary domestic tasks or large joint projects, is managed through the various systems that have grown up over the years but this is only a basis and lots of creative effort and joining in is always needed. As well as gardening, building maintenance and animal management there is logging for the wood-burning stoves and catering for events large and small.Some members also have jobs
send to friend
add a comment