A VILLAGE STORY

Chris and I live in the little village of Binsted in the south of England, known as the South Downs. There are about 30 houses in Binsted Lane, single-track road that makes a horseshoe turn and return to the main road, along with several farms, a 12th century church and a pub. That's it. That Binsted. But when he arrived here in April 2003, I was introduced to the richest community experience I have ever met.
There are some families that have always been aware that we have to stick together as a community. Ron Withers and Jo are very fortunate to have them as our closest neighbors. John and Peg Northern bred family here, while John worked in the largest farm most of his adult life. John deals with our place now. Romero and David Tristram live in the Old Rectory and owns a plant nursery in the lane. The son of Mike and his family live next door. From the moment we arrived, these people were silent and discreetly to our door, offering reception and integration in the life of Binsted Lane. And little by little I got to know and be part of the subtle structure that keeps track Binsted together as a community.
The base is the Friends of Binsted Church. It's a nice little place where we all get together at special times during the year. (My favorites are the harvest festival in September and Christmas.) Many years ago, Romero and David created a charity to raise money for the upkeep of the church, an expensive proposition for a building so old, and asked neighbors to act as board members. The main fundraising activity is the Strawberry Fair, which takes place every July. A wider circle of neighbors meet to plan and organize the event in an old Tristram ownership structure, now known as the Strawberry Fair Barn. Fairies are a lovely village tradition that serve family entertainment in England, so many people come from far away. Half of the money we raise goes to the Friends of Binsted Church. The other half goes to another near charity is selected each year. Enough money accumulated in recent years to make repairs to the church, and also to build a new Lych-gate at the driveway. Last year, residents formed a "book club" and collected stories, photographs and family stories. There was a book called Binsted and beyond, now in its second edition.

Every year when September comes, we plan to harvest dinner for everyone in the lane, usually in combination with Harvest Festival in Binsted Church. We call it a dinner in the U.S.. Held at Strawberry Fair Barn, and is organized by neighbors who provide decorations, food and prizes. There is a small donation accepted for dinner, and we sold raffle tickets. All proceeds go into a metal box that keeps Jo, until the Christmas season begins and Binsted planned the Christmas party.

The Christmas party was held on the farm of Marsh in a big old farmhouse. Neighbors provide decorations and food, and each brings a bottle or two. In a few days a week or ten are carols in the church of Binsted, followed by minced pies and mulled wine in the Old Rectory. Christmas is celebrated quietly and smoothly on the rail Binsted.
This simple structure, subtle, almost invisible unless you're looking for, invites everyone to know each other and be connected through the seasons. With every encounter know a better neighbor. The inclusion process occurs slowly, but steadily and safely footedly. It's been almost four years we've been here. I am one of the lucky ones on earth who has found the place I belong, far from where I was born in Southern California, but completely amazing than mine. I am proud to be the treasurer of the Friends of Binsted Church, and the call for the next planning meeting, whatever the subject. Maybe my neighbors feel that way, too - eager to give back to the place that welcomes you home.