Page 17 - C.A.L.L. #35 - Fall 2012

Redfield Community, UK

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.

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

17