Page 22 - C.A.L.L. #32 - Summer 2010
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Here we present a report on the Welsh community of Brithdir Mawr. On a
communities tour of the UK, Frank Richardson–Schäfer, of the German community of
Niederkaufungen, compared notes on community living with his European hosts.
Observations and impressions, The community use part of the land for
memories and musings: organic horticulture and agriculture,
and two other small communal projects
I have lived for many years, on and off, are on the site. Using wind, water and
in communities, both in Italy and sun power, the community is self-
Germany, and I know many people in a sufficient in electrical energy. The
number of groups in those countries. group rents the farm from an ex
Coming from Britain, I thought that it community member who no longer lives
would be interesting to get to know there. It is an idyllic setting, quite high
people in communities there too, and up on a hillside opposite Carn Ingli, the
see what their projects are like and Hill of the Angels. The area is “gently
what is going on. In addition, I was wild”, not bleak like many parts of
interested in telling them about what is Wales, and they have their own stone
happening in Germany and, particularly, circle to add to the magic of the place.
about the “Kommuja” network of left
wing communities and, of course, my I arrived at Brithdir early on the day
home commune of Niederkaufungen. that they began to bale up the hay. The
Initially, I read about some of the old MF tractor and baling machine both
British communities in the “Eurotopia” needed careful nursing and attention,
directory (www.eurotopia.de). I was and, at one point, the baler needed a
interested in finding secular replacement part, but the harvest,
communities that had consensus which took three days, was a success.
decision-making, some sort of Just about everyone in the community,
agriculture or horticulture, and which plus guests, helped with loading the
aimed at sustainability. At this point, I bales on to the carts, and with
found Brithdir Mawr, a most unloading them into the barns. One
interesting British community. cart was horse drawn, and I enjoyed
seeing how a horse can still be
My visit to Brithdir Mawr lasted nearly integrated into agricultural work. The
a week. It is a rural community of nine hay harvest this year was about double
adults and four children near the lovely that of last year, which means that the
little harbour town of Newport, in the community will be able to feed their
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in livestock through the winter and be
southwest Wales. The community able to sell some for cash.
members live in the converted farm The evening we finished the hay I gave
buildings and parts of the typically a presentation of the commune
Welsh farmhouse, with its stone floors Niederkaufungen with a slide show. As
and walls and its slate roof. Other well as members and guests, a couple of
rooms in the farmhouse are for guests. visitors from other projects in the
area attended, and we talked and drank
home brew until late into the night.
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