Project Q: a new cohousing community in Southwest England

Project Q is setting up a new cohousing community in Southwest England, based on Quaker principles (truth, peace, equality and simplicity. Other aspects of the community are up for discussion and debate. Jackie Carpenter writes:

The community will have shared communal spaces and private living spaces, where we will be dedicated to helping people and the environment. It will be:

• An example of simple, sustainable living, showing people how we can survive and thrive during and after the existential crisis that is threatening us
• A deeply spiritual space to nurture members; a place where people can come to find spiritual care in connection with the climate and ecological crisis
• An educational centre teaching practical skills like food-growing and crafts
• A centre of inspiration and positive thinking
• A loving community based on Quaker principles (truth, peace, equality and simplicity) with strong links to other Climate Crisis groups.

We are seeking people who will sell their houses and invest their money, or commit to working diligently if they don’t have much money. We shall buy a country estate or farm which already has suitable buildings, move in within a few months (depending on house sale speed!) and devote ourselves to supporting others, helping people to learn to live simply with hope and happiness. In particular we shall aim to help teenagers and young adults find their path in this confusing and mixed-up world.

Track record? Read about her earlier experience below* and learn about her first co-housing project on the Trelay Farm website. Day to day living is described here:

Friendship Cohousing – the first Project Q cohousing community – is progressing well. We are close to purchasing a property near Marazion. Our next meeting will be on 11th and 12th January. Contact Jackie@trelay.org for more information.

*

Jackie Carpenter is a chartered mechanical engineer – and in the 80s she managed large projects for Brown and Root. She was President of the Women’s Engineering Society from 2002-03 (see her 2001 paper). In 1995 she changed direction, helping to found the charity Energy21, and was managing director for ten years, promoting community renewable energy – networking with many, notably Hermann Scheer, a member of the Bundestag and President of Eurosolar. Jackie’s Stroud cottage ran on 100% renewable energy. She was President of the Women’s Engineering Society from 2002-03 (see her 2001 paper). In 2007 she moved to Cornwall to help to create a new sustainable community, Trelay, ensuring the long term continuity of the Energy21 Network of community organisations by linking it with the Centre for Alternative Technology.

 

 

 

 

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Tags: Centre for Alternative Technology, cohousing, crafts, Energy21, equality, food-growing, Jackie Carpenter, Peace, Project Q, Quaker principles, simplicity, truth, Women’s Engineering Society.