The Glorious Complexities - Tuesday 09/11/10

10:00 I saw various faces walking past the caravan to Ayres'. It wasn't until the third person that i remembered today was a committee meeting that i had resolved to attend. Those that also attended included Jane (Plot 1), Katy (Plot 2), Ayres and Marianne (Plot 3), Jude (Plot 4), Myself, Kit, Paul W, Simon D, Justin (Volunteer) and Nigel.
The matter consumed 4 hours related to one incident. This incident however had many far reaching ramifications. These areas encompassed - law, policy and procedure, professional and personal conduct/misconduct, Lammas as an organisation, Lammas as Tir Y Gafel village and many other issues. I say it consumed 4 hours, in reality it will probably be more after reviews have taken place and been discussed at the next meeting.
By 15:00 i was feeling both mentally and physically drained. But what a valuable experience.
The question that could be asked by residents is "Why did Mike attend?" The answer to that is this.
Many people that visit Tir Y Gafel see a very idyllic life, lifestyle and setting. For the most part, this is true. What fascinates me and what i witnessed first hand today, is the glorious complexity of humans co-existing. In mainstream battery hen living, i for one, had a minuscule input into the running of the community and settlement i was residing in. Here, people are having to organise and discuss all the same issues councils do. And a whole lot more.
Of course, here you also have those that attend most if not all meetings, as well as others who only do so when issues directly affect or pertain to them.
I feel in this environment and structure, it is far easier to have your say and make a difference. That said, the daunting myriad of rules, issues and protocol could seriously make one NOT wish to reside in a community if ANY description. In my opinion the benefits far outweigh this and i empathise with those in this community who wish to place trust in others to wade through the quagmire on their behalf.
An important proposal was raised and agreed to, which was the fostering by Lammas of another low impact settlement using the template of Tir Y Gafel.
There is a feeling inside me akin to being present at the birth of Christ and bearing witness to the beginning of an extremely important movement. I am also the bearer of a terrible sadness when i realise money currently prevents my entry into this incredible life. As our stay continues, I foresee expansion and the opportunities that brings, melting away as those with the cash leap frog their way in front of us. The pain of this would be crushing and the fear of this alone could be enough to make me want to leave, just to avoid that possiblity.
I will not be ruled by fear. With that in mind i feel if we can spend two more years here, providence will provide a doorway.

M Jones

Woe betide the man who disturbs the pregnant beast.

An Engaging Community - Saturday 02/10/10

Picked up the battery after its 18 hours of resurrection. Forgot today was a 'Community Engagement' day. The intention of this was to invite the locals to see the progress and answer their questions. A bit difficult when apparently hardly any of the large number of visitors were local. Didn't particularly want to stick around with all the people about so we took a day trip to Cardigan instead.
Whilst there i picked up six of those LED stick on lights, a huge adjustable spanner, 3 books for Frances (Classic Ghost Stories,Children's Encyclopedia and British Wildlife) and some food. Wanted Fish and Chips but they were shut :-(
With the battery back online we settled down to watch one of Frans new films 'The Ant Bully' Pretty entertaining, certainly passed the time.


M Jones

Options Options Options - Thursday 09/09/10

End of French drain that will hopefully feed a pond

Other end of the drain. Blue sacking to prevent soil slipping due to being a high traffic area.

Where dark and light gravel meet to give Sunrise/Sunset effect.

Building site so far.

Was pleased and eager to be outside today. So much so, i was out past 20:00. Worked until I could barely see and a wood chip jumped up and smacked me square in the eyeball. Called it quits after that.
11 hours take the time spent on the school run and taking the children to the language centre.
Parents are invited to learn Welsh too to aid their child's learning. I completely agree, however couldn't thinking "Yeah, but we won't be here that long..." So either we be here that long and commit to all the various initiatives, or we decide on what the hell we're doing with regards to the next place we're going. If its in England, then perhaps its not productive use of our time. Although I'm all for not only us, but Frances learning Welsh, we have so many options and therein lies the problem.
Here are the options as i see them;


1)Leave in October for a place like Tinkers Bubble, where we can settle, or at least stay for the foreseeable future.

2) Stay at Lammas for as long as we're able, risking outstaying our welcome.

3) Buying land locally with the help of parents and replicating what Lammas have done. Either on our own or preferably with a group of others,

4) Buying land in England most likely a derelict farmstead and blazing a trail, again like Lammas. This would require substantial fund raising, but anything is possible.

5) Go WWOOFING

There are of course other factors to consider. Option 3 would be good if done close to Frans existing school which she very much enjoys.
There are 14 acres for sale for around £65000 with woodland, however thats alot to manage on your own. Plus would only support 2 other families max. A very intimate community... The reality is that it would be further away. Slightly negating that option, but leads to yet another. Am so confused am going to talk to Paul tomorrow in the hope he can impart some wisdom from experience to aid my decision.
I guess this has all come about predominantly through an attack of conscience .
Our daughter has no control and is bound to follow us, her parents. I therefore feel honour and duty bound to ensure we still provide her with the best possible life that agrees with all of us. That will take compromise. But one thing i know for sure, the only definite I have is we will NOT return to 9-5's and 'the system' or the 'Matrix' as one guy called it. Hehe.

M Jones