NEWBOLD TODAY

 

Since the early days of the Newbold community, so well described in the article by Harley Miller, nearly a third of a century has passed. The community has variously thrived and struggled, enjoyed stability and turmoil, focused on this practice and that type of workshop — in other words it has survived. Looking around at the house and the garden today, we can honestly say that it has not just survived but lived richly and well, home to an amazing variety of experiences for hundreds of people. Now as 2012 begins the community feels confident and forward-looking. In fact we are 15 months into a new phase that began in October 2010 after a period of rapid turnover of staff and financial pressure that took the trustees to the verge of putting the house on the market. Since October 2010 the Newbold community has drawn together a new group of members, refocused its vision, changed its legal and decision-making structures and once again started to create its own educational material. Our vision is focused on creating a place where we can develop, practise and teach skills for sustainable living, in harmony with ourselves, each other and the earth. We recognise that living sustainably starts with our connection with Spirit, develops through our relationship with each person with whom we connect and is expressed in every action we take in the physical world. So that gives us plenty to work with!

To make that work easier we have enthusiastically adopted the methods of Dynamic Self-Governance or Sociocracy. This has resulted in a much more empowered community group, more enjoyable and efficient decision-making and a more integrated relationship between the community group and our trustees. Another big change is that many community members now work less than full-time for the community, allowing them to pursue other interests and ways of earning a living whilst still contributing to the work in the house and the vibrancy of the community. It also means that people coming to Newbold can enjoy massages, wildlife and nature activities or learn other skills in which community members have specific knowledge. Ultimately, as always, at Newbold the experience of living in a small, face-to-face community is our greatest teacher and one that continues to draw a steady stream of wonderful people to grow under its influence.

Christopher Raymont