Beech Hill Community: 20 Questions and Answers
Below we have tried to answer 20 of the most commonly asked questions about Beech Hill. Such answers tend to generalise and, of course, will change as we change and grow. However, we hope they satisfy some of your initial curiosity.
Who are we?
1. What is Beech Hill
It is an intentional community which occupies a large rural manor house and outbuildings in mid Devon. We do not have any particular religious, spiritual or political ideology but do try to be aware of the impact our activities have on the environment. Our approach is generally pragmatic, and spiritual activities tend to be of a personal nature.
2. Who owns the place?
Beech Hill Property Holdings Ltd (BHPH) owns the freehold of the property, the grounds, and most of the accommodation in the main house. Other self contained units of accommodation have been sold leasehold to individuals and families. Beech Hill Community Co-op Ltd manages the property on behalf of BHPH.
3. Are all residents co-op members?
Not everyone living here is a Co-op member; some do not wish to be and others are in the process of becoming members. Membership is neither automatic nor obligatory, but is preferred. Members contribute work to the co-op and decide future directions. This will be more clearly explained when you visit. It is in the interest of the community that everyone who lives at Beech Hill eventually becomes a member.
How does it work?
4. How do you reach decisions?
Co-op members get together once a week for a general meeting. Decisions are arrived at by consensus. Sub-groups for gardening, building maintenance, administration and course centre are given a mandate for achieving their goals.
5. How do things get done?
Each Co-op member is expected to contribute labour for the work that is necessary to run the Co-op, live communally and manage the place for BHPH. Decisions about what work needs to be done are made in the weekly meetings or sub group meetings. When large tasks come up we have found that working together on "workdays" (usually Saturdays) means that the job gets done more quickly and its fun! All residents contribute to the household work that needs to be done as in any home. Sometimes visitors are amazed that we don't have rotas and divide the work equally. We have tried various ways of organising work and the issue comes up for discussion from time to time.
Finance
6. How is the co-op financed?
The Co-op receives a management fee from BHPH and generates extra income by hosting non-residential courses.
7. Do you share incomes?
No, although we have discussed doing this. Any such scheme would be voluntary.
8. Does anyone go "out" to work?
Yes, we have to pay rent, food and all the normal bills! Most of us are employed part-time, outside or at home and some are unemployed, retired and/or full time parents. Hosting courses here generates some income, but not enough to pay ourselves. Generally people find it difficult to work outside full-time and have enough time and energy left to contribute to the community in the long term.
9. Is it expensive to live at Beech Hill?
Rents are on a par with local levels. Other living costs are comparatively cheap. We run a voluntary food pool (£14 per week for adults and £8.00 per week for children aged 2 to 14 years) and each adult contributes £16.00 a week towards communal charge( £7.50 per week for children aged 2 to 14 years ) which covers bills and other expenses. Living here is generally cheaper than living alone or in a "nuclear family".
Accommodation
10. What type of accommodation is there?
It is possible to rent one or more rooms in the main house. Most renters have a bedroom and then share communal space: kitchen, lounge, bathroom and grounds. From time to time there are self-contained flats or houses which are for sale privately on a leasehold basis.
11. Do I have to "buy in" to live at Beech Hill?
No. However, it may be that the only space available at times is accommodation which is for sale.
12. Is there any space?
This depends on whether you want to buy or rent. At the moment there are rooms to rent and privately owned units for sale or rent. The situation does change all the time and you will be updated on this if you decide to visit.
Food
13. Do you all eat together?
Most of us do each evening, and we usually all get together for celebrations, and also on days when we work together.
14. Are you all vegetarian?
No, and we are tolerant of each other"s choices. Communal meals are vegetarian or occasionally meat with a vegetarian alternative. We have a food pool to which we contribute weekly and in return get fruit and vegetables from the garden and basic ingredients for a vegetarian wholefood diet.
15. Are you self-sufficient in vegetables?
No, although almost so for several months of the year.
Children
16. Are children welcome?
Yes! We welcome diversity in our community, age being just one aspect. Our ages range from 3 to 65.
17. Do children go to school?
Yes; at present all school age children here go to local schools, although the possibility of home education is considered by some parents.
Pets
18. Could I bring pets?
At present we have one cat and four dogs belonging to individual members. We do not like pets to be brought for short visits and are wary of new additions. Any individual case would be considered carefully.
Outreach
19. What about transport?
People find it difficult to live at Beech Hill without using a car. We have a small carpool but most members have their own transport. The village is one and a half miles away and the nearest town, Crediton, is 8 miles away. There is a bus to Crediton and Exeter from the village and 4 miles away there is a train station with a service to Exeter and Barnstaple.
20. How do you interact with the wider community?
Locally, we have good contacts with neighbouring farmers and the village. The local Composting Scheme is based here. Individuals from the co-op get to know people locally which provides a network of contacts as in any community.
If you have any questions contact us via email: beechhill@gmail.com