Charles, Judith and Monica, as representatives of Bridport Cohousing, were invited by Tim Crabtree to a meeting on 25 May at Bridport’s Literary and Scientific Institute.  This was ostensibly to meet with others representatives of local organisations that share an interest in affordable housing, sustainable construction, using local materials and renewable energy, but each with a distinctive perspective.
 
Representatives of Wessex Community Assets, The Symene Community Land Trust, Dorset Community Energy and Dorset Community Action, Dorset County Council’s AONB team and Low Carbon Economy Programme, Schumacher College, Dorset Arts Development Company, Common Ground, a Dorset maker and the Town Council introduced themselves and described in what way their organisations linked with the shared interests.
 
But this meeting had an interesting additional purpose.  Tim had gathered us together particularly because Prince Charles was due to visit the building; we were a group he could meet who were engaging on issues that he shares an interest in.  It just so happened that when he came into the meeting room Bridport Cohousing’s site plan was up on the screen, and our explanatory boards were on the wall against which Tim and Prince Charles were photographed.  Tim explained the purpose of the meeting and answered some questions; Prince Charles left soon after.
 
We were fortunate that Tim has set up the meeting with the common house as a focus and it was seriously considered as a possible project to realise some of these ideas. It was really encouraging and exciting to hear from other organisations endeavouring to:

• develop local jobs and training in the construction industry particularly fabrication and using local materials;
• benefit from collaborating with local makers and artists;
• create community-led projects which could involve practical participation such as self build;
• develop small scale systems using local materials and off-site construction that could later be scaled up for much larger local applications.

The plant swap in May

Thank you.  Thank you.  Once again, the growers of Bridport gathered up their spare seedlings, plants and small trees and we had a lovely Bridport Saturday morning talking all things growing and encouraging one another to try something new.  We raised £255.42 for the Friends of Dorset Women’s Refuge and have hopefully brightened up numerous gardens in the process.  So, thank you once again for your good thoughts, generous donations, and general well wishes.

All being well, we may do the same next year so listen out for the word.

All the very best,
Sally Beeson