residential weekend course

living in communities

venue: Redfield Community, Bucks

This course has been run since 1994 by Redfield Community in association with Diggers and Dreamers (the Directory of British Communities).

The course tries for a balance of discussion with opportunities to join in the regular seasonal activities of the community, and informal chats with community members.

There will be several tours, firstly of the estate and gardens looking at the organisation of the smallholding, and later the technical and historical aspects of the house and stables.

There are led discussions on both the social issues involved in collective living such as work, relationships, disagreements, play etc. and also the organisational side of how communities were founded, and the financial and legal structures they use.

We also look at communities around the world and the historical roots of the current wave of community formation. On Friday evening Jonathan How of the Diggers & Dreamers collective will give a talk and slide show on communities in Britain. On Saturday evening, Redfield member Dave will share some of his unique experiences of communities in many countries. Both slide shows will be followed by drinks and chats with community members.

The timetable is flexible so it can develop in response to the group.

more on communities


how to book:
  

if you can't open the booking form, you need Acrobat Reader - it's free
arrive:
  
Friday evening from 5.00 for dinner at 6.30-7.00
depart:
  
Sunday after lunch (served at 1.00)
directions:
  
click here for directions by bicycle, public transport and car
what to bring:
  
pen and notebook; towel; work clothes or overalls; boots / wellies; (meals and bedding are provided)
NO DOGS PLEASE, as we have sheep
let us know:
  
if you are vegan or have any food allergies, or any special needs
accommodation:
  
3-4 people sharing single-sex rooms
prices:
  
£120 waged; £75 student / unwaged
Refundable up to two weeks prior to course (minus £30 admin fee)
No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of course
discounts:
 
car sharing:
  
visit our car sharing forum to offer or request a lift
 

 

 

 


people: you will get the opportunity to eat with us, work with us, chat with us, and join discussions on the social, legal and financial aspects of living in communities

 

 

 

 

 


slide-shows: there will be two slide-shows - one of UK communities, and one of communities worldwide. here teenagers work in the polytunnels of a Yamagishi community in Japan

 

 

 

 

 


tours: there are tours of the house and estate, and a 'practicalities' tour of the everyday things that have to happen to make living here possible