The building

Originally a manor, then a convent, and latterly a Franciscan friary, Old Hall was purchased by the community in 1974. Legally we are known as Unit One Suffolk Housing Association (UOSHA). The building covers about two acres of ground and is divided into private and communal areas. Much of the interior has been altered and improved, but some areas still need to be done up. Many facilities are shared- these include a large kitchen/dining area, sitting room, sewing room, ballroom, library, washrooms, showers and laundry room. There is also a separate cottage. Some of the many buildings have been converted to workspaces - these include a wood workshop, a metal workshop, a garage and a cycle repair shop. We also have a deconsecrated chapel and a lay chapel, the latter frequently used for exhibitions. There is wheelchair access to most communal areas. A book describing the history of the building is available for £3. A book describing the history of the community is available for £5.

Accommodation

When members join the community, they purchase loan stock in the housing association which entitles them to private living space (known as 'units') and a share in the communal facilities and land. Unit sizes vary according to need and the amount of loan stock bought. A full-size unit comprises approximately six rooms, or roughly the size of a family house. Heating is mostly by wood stoves, and people decorate their units according to personal taste. Structural alterations have to be agreed at a weekly meeting.

The land

We own 70 acres, cultivated organically. We have vegetable gardens, orchards, woodlands, soft fruit patches, and a large lawn and play area, plus pastures and arable farmland. We grow wheat for our own bread, potatoes and other crops for animal fodder. We have a flock of Lincoln Longwool sheep (a rare breed) and dairy cows (Jerseys and Redpolls) which are milked by hand. We make our own butter, cheese and yoghurt. We are largely self-sufficient in meat and vegetables, although we do buy in whole foods, fish and other foodstuffs. Some of us are vegetarian. Other animals include chickens, geese, ducks, bees, pigs and cats. In the past we have also had ponies, goats and turkeys. What livestock we have at any particular time depends on who is willing to manage them. We have a 'no dogs' policy.

Organisation

Decisions are reached by consensus at a weekly meeting. Each year we elect a committee to run the housing association. In addition we have convenors for the land, domestic matters, energy and building maintenance. These sub-groups have regular meetings and make recommendations to the weekly meeting.

Commitment and work

Most people have part-time paid employment outside the community, some full-time. In addition to this, members are expected to put in a share towards the running of the community - an estimate is a minimum of 12-15 hours a week. Domestic work - cooking, bread-making, cleaning, washing up - is done via a rota system and forms part of the 12-15 hours commitment. Secondary school children do one job rota job a week, adults three. Although some work is done communally - such as the potato harvest - people usually take on individual responsibilities of their own choice. A certain amount of commitment, drive and stamina is necessary for happy co-existence.

Social life and communal activities

Most social activities are informal and spontaneous, although sometimes we do hold gatherings to read plays, play board games or discuss current issues. At other times we have big parties, and sometimes we hold events open to the public. Christmas, New Year, and our summer birthday are celebrated in grand style. We also have an annual summer camp for children plus Maypole dancing and a pantomime. Living in a large group of people has its joys - and its difficulties. Not everyone gets on all the time and decisions can be frustratingly hard to reach. However, on the whole we are a bit like an extended family. At the same time, despite the number of people, it is always possible to find peace and quiet.

Meals

Breakfast is self-served; lunch is usually at 12.30 (1pm school holidays) and the main meal is either in two sittings (at 5pm and 7.30pm) or more often a combined meal at 6.30pm.

Costs

There is a monthly 'maintenance' payment linked to space occupied to cover heating, water, etc. In addition, there is a monthly 'poll tax' per person (lower rates for children). Food is paid for on a meals-eaten basis at the end of each month. As we grow most of our own food, living costs are quite low.