There are many ways to experience life at Redfield without actually living here. We realised some time ago that many people are curious for different reasons, some want to observe a different way of life, some want to get an idea of what it would be like to live in a community, some want to escape the rat race for a while, and some are just plain ol' nosey! Over the years we have developed ways of being here that cover just about all eventualities to cater for as many people as possible.
Come on a "Living in Communities" weekend:
We began these weekends this year to enable people to experience day to day life in an intentional community, to explore the issues and practicalities involved and to learn about the different ways communities are organised. For more details see the Living in Communities section.
As a WWOOFer:
(WWOOF = World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms). We have wwoof weekends
4 times a year, when we aim to make a big impact on a practical outdoor job,
in the organic garden, woodland, orchard, field or outbuildings. You must be
a member of the WWOOF organisation, please contact us to find out when our next
organised weekend is, for more information on wwoof
As a "long-term" WWOOFer:
Longer stays are possible by arrangement, though usually only for one person
at a time. Two weeks is the most we can agree without meeting you first, though
this can be extended if things go well.
As a course participant:
We offer a range of courses and events
Come on a visitor day:
For people interested in joining Redfield Community or wanting to find out more
about communal life. A tour of the 17 acre estate, communal lunch and an opportunity
to talk with community members are included, cost £10. Arrive between 10 and
11 booking and payment required in advance.
Come on a maintenance week:
Join us in our efforts to maintain our rambling Victorian mansion and grounds.
Experience communal life, have fun and help get some much needed jobs done.
If you would like to know more about any of the above please contact us by email stating which way you prefer to visit, we will then send you more details when we know on what basis you would like to stay.
The small print:
Please contact us at least a week
in advance of your intended visit, we cannot accomodate visitors who arrive
unannounced.
Payment in advance will be appreciated.
On larger short term events accommodation
may include mattresses on the floor, (camping unlimited!).
Children welcome by arrangement,
but we ask you to take responsibility for any children you bring.
Disabled access to ground floor (lounge,
dining room and guests rooms).
Please bring outdoor clothing and
wellies.
No smoking inside any of the buildings.
No pets under any circumstances please.
The weekend starts on a Friday evening with an informal get-together with the community. Supper is available from 7.00pm and the event ends after lunch on Sunday.
The programme tries for a balance of talk with opportunities to join in the regular seasonal activities of the community and informal chats with members.
There will be several tours, firstly of the estate and gardens to look at the organisation of the small-holding, and later the technical and historical aspects of the house and stables.
There will also be led discussions on the social issues involved in collective living such as work, relationships, disagreements, play, etc., and also the organisational side of how communities have been started and the financial and legal structures they use. We will also look at the communities around the world and the historical roots of the current wave of community formation. Jonathan How of the Diggers and Dreamers collective will give a talk and a slide show on communities in Britain, and Dave Darby his famous slide show and talk about some of the 60 overseas communities he visited before coming to Redfield!
The timetable will be flexible so it can develop in response to the group.
book early to avoid disappointment!
Cost for the weekend:
Adults - £120 (£75 Concessions)
Children - £25 (Under-fives free)
Includes all meals and accomodation.
If you would like to make a provisional booking, please
email us.