Hello again,
I had a very good visit to Winchester, albeit briefer than expected, returning home on Sunday evening.
The building is most attractive, and the landscaping had almost been completed when I arrived. They now have raced up to 14 Companions (out of a possible 25) who gave me a warm welcome.
It was lovely to be reacquainted with the ‘new Companion’s introduction to Emmaus’ : “Our Community is run by Companions forCompanions, with the staff there to facilitate, support and provide administrative and safety cover. The working day begins with everyone doing 15 minutes’ housekeeping before a meeting to discuss issues and then setting off to work.
Having arrived on the Tuesday, I was given Wednesday off to explore Winchester as I was to help with the cafe which only opens Thursdays to Sundays. I took opportunity to walk a mile of the Pilgrim’s Way into Winchester and went on an official tour of the Cathedral, well worth the visit.
As with all Communities, they have a stream of people wanting to visit and many come to share lunch, but it is arranged at least a day in advance so that Companions are formally informed at the meetings to enable them to consent to the visit/s. One volunteer cheerfully informed me that the week before, she had not been able to take up a new Companion’s offer to join them for lunch that day the week before, because the there had not been an opportunity to ask all the Companions first ; even Companions take time to get used to the system!
The cafe had a steady number of customers, but not enough to overwhelm me and the resident Companion, so it was agreed I should return home.
Then on Thursday I visited another new Community – Oxford – for a meeting to organise the Assembly being held in September. They were also preparing the ground beside the house for turfing and have already acquired an allotment and have seedlings on every window.
So now I’m off to the allotment, which has thrived in my absence. Can’t wait to give the weeds a hard time after the torrential rain we had last night!
Best wishes,
Elizabeth
