Our 'Day' Volunteers - From Home

We are very fortunate to have a band of regular volunteers who live locally and help out on a regular basis - some of whom have been full-time members of the community in the past and who are happy to come as 'holiday cover' for a weekend or longer, as are some trustees who stay for a week or two. Others come once a week or more and fulfil specific roles:  we have three excellent cooks who provide a lunch and a supper each week, for example; volunteer drivers and 'odd-jobbers', gardening and animal experts. All work hard but even more importantly bring the gift of their personalities.

"I enjoy gardening, love flowers and have a pretty free hand playing in the walled garden at Pilsdon.  I admit that I felt an outsider at first but am now accepted by members and guests alike and am delighted when, away from Pilsdon itself, I am recognised by guests or wayfarers ."  Gill

"I have been connected with Pilsdon for many years.  My work, including running a similar community has always been based around farming, both with my own small farm and working in larger units.  Coming to live at Hawkchurch, just over four years ago has enabled me to have a closer involvement.  I now help with the animals both in terms of daily routines - and in creating and keeping up with the increasing number of records required by government.  There is a desk in the office for me, where I can usually be found two or three days a week working at 'animal admin' and answering the 'phone when Alan the administrator is busy.  Percy Smith's vision lives on and it is heartening to see many of those who come here gradually rebuilding their lives through being valued and accepted unconditionally.    John

Residential Volunteers from Home and Abroad

If you join us as a residential volunteer, you will stay for about six months or so; you will contribute to working with the animals, in the garden, in the dairy, with the maintenance of the house and its surrounding acreage.  You will, of course, bring your own skills as well as learning new ones from others: there is always someone more than willing to show you what to do.  It is a high priority that as a volunteer you should have a current driving licence as there are quite a few occasions when you may be asked to take guests to appointments locally.  We try to offer opportunities for you to try most things here which certainly makes for an interesting and varied life.

Accommodation is on site in a single room and a bathroom. You have access to all community facilities and we hope that all volunteers share fully in the life and activities of the community.

A Personal Perspective - from Bob the Volunteer

I am a pair of hands, a 'gofor' a taxi driver, a cook, a gardener, a general factotum, a dogsbody! And I love it.  This is one of the happiest, most fulfilling episodes of my life.  A typical day for me starts with Eucharist - all religious services here are optional but this simple, small gathering is as moving and spiritually rewarding as one would find in the grandest cathedral.  Spiritual nourishment, then a hearty breakfast before going to the vegetable garden for the morning. 

I've just started when a member finds me and asks me to take someone to Beaminster for an appointment. 'Oh,. and so-and-so needs picking up from Crewkerne station.  And while you're there could you pick up sheep wormer from the vet's.  I've missed morning tea break, but the kettle is always on.  I resume my gardening.

Lunch is followed by an afternoon preparing supper - a two-course meal for thirty or so.  I have to choose what to cook and have it on the table at 7 o'clock. I have discovered the truthy of the old adage 'you can't please all of the people all of the time' but most are generous with their praise. I'm clear of the kitchen shortly after 7:45 and realise I haven't been into my room since I left it over twelve hours previously. 

If nothing is pressing I go to the church along the garden path and play music until my day is rounded off at 9:15 with Compline, night prayer - brief but calming.  I am content to turn in, as I am listed to mil cows at 6:00 the next morning and look forward to another full and rewarding day - and it won't be the same as the one just past.

No wages, but good food, shelter, companionship.  I think I work hard but I have to in order to earn what I get back in kind.  If the Inland Revenue fins me and puts a tax on happiness, I'll be in the top bracket!