Have Your Say

We want to know what you think
We have many hopes and aspirations for the Abundant Life project; at the heart of all of them are the people who will eventually live, work and play here – you! We want to make this project the best it can be but it would be impossible for us to do that without talking to you and finding out what you want.

We are still tweaking and adapting our design work and your input into this process is still very much welcome. On these web pages you can have a look at our current plans and make your suggestions and comments. You can also call us on 01803 847049 or email abundantlife@dartington.org to let us know what you think.

What you’ve told us so far
Since the start of the project we have tried to provide as many ways as possible for you to get involved and tell us your thoughts.

We carried out our first round of public consultation work when the idea for Abundant Life was not much more than a seed, with the aim of learning about your aspirations, concerns and fears about a residential community for older people. Between October 2009 and February 2010 we held 17 ‘Big Consultation’ events across the local area. These consultations got us off to a flying start and have helped to shape the way the project has developed since. In fact, our community garden at Foxhole started as a result of a chance conversation at one of these events.

This year we ran a series of design workshops where we invited you to come and work with our project team to tell us what you want and to help shape our designs to meet your needs. These sessions generated some fantastic ideas and you can read the full report on these workshops here.

You can also find out how all of those suggestions are being used here

As the project moves forward we will carry on providing opportunities for you to find out about our progress and for you to tell us what you think. Please keep an eye on the website and future newsletters or do give us a call.

We welcome your comments... [48]

Posted by: Mr Roland Styles on Jan 13, 2013:

On a recent visit to Dartington I was very interested to read about the proposals for the AL Community. I was immediately taken with the scheme and the philosophy behind it. I look forward to receiving more details as plans progress.

- Beno Hill (Abundant Life) Thanks for your support Mr Styles. We will be sure to keep you up-dated on the progress of this project. You can register your interest by going to this web-page: www.dartington.org/abundant-life/register-your-interest. Please get in touch if you have any further questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: ms Llyn aubrey on Jan 3, 2013:

Iread about your plan in Positive News, I am interested to live within a community, I am involved with the local transition movement, I meditate, garden,like to feel more useful than I do at the moment. I help a lot with volunteering in various ways, but I feel I would like to move from Penzance in Cornwall, to somewhere Where I am more engaged. Does this make any sense at all? I am nearly 67 years old and probably more than averagely active, but I don't know how to compare myself.... I have lived on my own, not in a relationship for 12 years.I liked to laugh and be HAPPY.

- Beno Hill (Abundant Life) Hi Ms Aubrey - this makes perfect sense, and you certainly sound like you would be a great asset to the Abundant Life community. Please get in touch if you have any further questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Mrs Shirley Joyce on Dec 19, 2012:

I would like to suggest that bidets, built-in cupboards and lots of natural light be included in the specification please.

- Beno Hill (Abundant Life) Hi Mrs Joyce - thanks for these great suggestions. I know the architects are certainly keen to include lots of natural light and plenty of storage space. Please get in touch if you have any further questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: mr andy webber on Nov 30, 2012:

I LIVED IN TOTNES FOR 11 YEARS FROM 1990-2001 THEN I WENT TRAVELLING FOR 12 YEARS - RECENTLY I RETURNED TO THE UK WITH MY BRAZILIAN CERAMICIST WIFE - WE ARE CURRENTLY 61 AND 59 AND THE THOUGHT OF OLDER AGE AND IT'S PROBLEMS HAS COME TO US BOTH - IF THIS PROJECT DOES HAPPEN THEN I WOULD BE HAPPY TO INVEST MY CAPITAL IN A COMMUNAL COLLECTIVE FLAT OR SMALL HOME - I HOPE THEY WILL BE ECOLOGICALLY SOUND AND EASY TO LIVE IN AND REASONABLE TO HEAT ETC I AM SURE THEY WILL BE - I HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING MOVING BACK TO THE TOTNES AREA RECENTLY AND HAVE RETURNED AFTER A 6 YEAR GAP - IT IS THE MOST STUNNING COUNTRYSIDE FOREST-RIVER-MOOR-SEA ENVIRONMENT THAT I HAVE SEEN IN ALL MY TRAVELS INCLUDING BRAZIL!!!

ALL POWER TO THE PROJECT - ANDREW WEBBER/MARCIA LIMANI BAUMGARTEN

- Beno Hill Abunant Life Hi Andrew and Marcia. Thank you for your comments and support for Abundant Life. Having travelled around the world a bit myself, I can agree with you that the countryside around Totnes is comparable in beauty to anywhere I've seen. We are very lucky indeed! Please get in touch if you have any further questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Mrs Mary MacLachlan on Nov 7, 2012:

I recently visited the proposed site and was dismayed that there seems to be no progress. Is the project still going ahead? Is there any time line?

- Beno Hill (Abunant Life) Hi Mary. Thank you for your comment. As you point out the building at Foxhole has not yet started. This is because we are still negotiating the terms with the housing association that will manage Abundant Life. I know that it can be frustrating when nothing appears to be happening - but I can assure you that behind the scenes we are working very hard to get this project up and running. We still hope that the start date of 2015 is not unrealistic. Please get in touch if you have any further questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Mrs Linda Goodhew on Nov 3, 2012:

Both my husband and I are very interested in living in and contributing to the proposed community at Foxhole.

- Beno Hill (Abunant Life) Hi Linda, that's fantastic you want to get involved. You can sign-up to register your interest and receive regular up-dates by going to our website www.dartington.org/abundant-life/register-your-interest. Please get in touch if you have any further questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Ms Sandra King on Nov 2, 2012:

I heard all about the scheme from your speaker at a recent Devon Senior Voice AGM. I am secretary of the local branch. I retired 2 years ago from managing a private retirement scheme so have had experience of living with an older generation. I love the idea of living in this type of community and of being able to have company of friends whenever you want to, but also having your own front door and personal space. I am very interested in becoming involved.

- Beno Hill (Abunant Life) Thank you for your support Sandra. We hope that the combination of communal resources with private spaces strikes a balance that many people will find attractive. We are still thinking about exactly how this balance will be made, and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on this. Please get in touch if you have any further questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: MR MICHAEL BOYLE on Nov 1, 2012:

Your initiative is timely and addresses key issues of interest to me and I imagine many others of a similar age.

Posted by: Ms Janine Mackerron on Oct 22, 2012:

I have been an Acupuncturist for 30 years supporting people (especially women ) around tranasitions and life changes. I am also a Body control trained Pilates teacher and teach 'WIse Woman Pilates, which is particularly gentle and aimed at older people.
I am 60 myself and have been interested in co-housing for many years. This project interests me for myself even though I do not live in the area at present

- Beno Hill (Abunant Life) Hi Janine, thanks for your comments. We're glad you are interested in Abundant Life. You may also be interested to know that we run a weekly Tia Chi Qigong class here at Dartington on Wednesdays at 11am in Space. Please get in touch if you have any further questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Mrs kathleen RAE on Sep 29, 2012:

I am at present 52 years old and my husband is 60 years old, we are looking at retirement perhaps in the next five to eight years. We live in Plymouth in a terraced house with a market value of approx £140,000 though we still have a mortgage to pay. We would have to look at part-ownership or rental as the proposed prices would be too high for us. We would like to know more about affordable housing for people with limited money.

- Beno Hill (Abunant Life) Hi Kathleen. Thanks for your question about the affordability of living in Abundant Life. It is central to the vision of this project that people can live here regardless of their financial circumstances. Although we have yet to finalise the rental prices, they will be affordable to people receiving benefits such as housing support. Please get in touch if you have any further questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Mr Nicholas Mann on Sep 22, 2012:

My partner and I currently live in Somerset and were already planning to move to the Totnes area to participate in a like-minded community when we saw your plans. I am 60, a writer who currently works part time as a social care worker - skills I could bring to your project. My partner, Philippa, is 57, a retired academic of limited mobility. We are very interested in hearing more about your plans and intend to become members / sustainers of the Trust.

- Beno Hill (Abunant Life) Hi Nicholas, thank you for your interest in Abundant Life. You can find more infomation on our website (see below) and sign-up to recieve regular up-dates on the project. Please get in touch if you have any further questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Ms Sharon Hall Shipp on Sep 14, 2012:

My husband and I are both visual artists and are our 50s. We have a wealth of working experience and many interests which we would like to share with an intentional community such as the one you propose. Also we are looking for a change in the way we live!

- Beno Hill Abunant Life That's great Sharon, thank you for your comments. We want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved. Please get in touch if you have any further questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Michael Lever on Aug 29, 2012:

The impression I get from skim-reading your content is that the writer thinks older people are physically unfit or not well enough to cope without help. Therre must be plenty of younger people that would fall into that same category yet because they are young the point is overlooked. It’s not amazing or suprising that many older people are generally fit active and healthy: it’s amazing that there are still younger people out there that are so surprised!
Get real!

Michael
age 63,

- Beno Hill (Abunant Life) Hi Michael. Thank you for your comment. I'm sorry if the impression you get from reading this blog is that I believe older people are not active and always in need of support- it was certainly not what was intended. My gran is 85 and regularly goes for walks on Dartmoor with her dog, so I know from experience that older people can be far more active and healthy than I am. The fact is, however, that as more people are living longer, more people will need care and support in order to live active lives. The Department of Health estimates that for people aged over 65, 67% of men and 85% of women will need some form of care. The purpose of Abundant Life is to provide a place where people over 55 can live rich and fulfilling lives, whether they need support to do so or not. I do agree with your point, however, that there is a perception among young people in general that older people are not active and healthy. Personally I think this largely stems from the environment in which many young people grow up in – where adverts, television and films generally depict getting older as something ‘bad’; as losing youth, rather than, say, gaining experience. This is certainly a cultural deficit which needs addressing. Also, your point that there are many young people who need care and support is undoubtedly true, but as this project is specifically aimed at those over 55, it was not something which seemed relevant to this blog. Please get in touch if you have any further questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Mirhane McLaren-Howard on Aug 20, 2012:

I don’t know whether this is too late in your plans but:
We have recently installed green energy central heating/hot water system – air to water which is the more up to date technology of ground water heating. We cannot praise it highly enough. It is energy very efficient, there is no digging for extensive underground pipes and it provides even heat, monitored by 2 sensors, one outside and one inside which constantly monitor the needs of the house occording to outside temperature. Once set up, that’s it. You do not need to touch it; totally computer operated. We were independently advised to install Mitsubishi for best technology and best customer service. Do contact me if I can be of further help.
MMH – Trust and DISS member etc

- Beno Hill (Abunant Life) Hi Mirhane, thank you for this suggestion. We are currently working with the architects to develop the most sustainable and efficient means of heating the buildings, while also maintaining a reasonable cost efficiency for the residents. I will certainly pass on this information, however. Thank you. Please get in touch if you have any further questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Ms Sara Ferguson on Jul 30, 2012:

We are so impressed by the Abundant Life Project. It is a most enlightened and forward -thinking scheme and so in keeping with the ethos and philosphy of Dartington Hall. We have lived very many years in Dartington and are excited that we may continue living here as part of this project, being able to contribute to it, as well as receive any support that we may need as we get older.

- Beno HIll (Abunant Life) Thank you Sara. The success of Abundant Life depends upon people like you who, by living within this community, will make the philosophy and ethos which underpins this project come alive.

Posted by: Ms Amanda Speedie on Jul 25, 2012:

I will be 55 by the time residents are due to move in in 2014 and am interested in the project as a future home/community. I'd like to hear how the residents will be useful for projects on site, in the local community, and hopefully in the much wider community. I'd also like to learn what support there will be for creative endeavours and what provision will be made for entertainment/activities on site. Thanks.

- Beno Hill (Abunant Life) Thank you Amanda. It is central to the vision of the Abundant Life Project that residents will be involved in community projects both on and off site, and have a diverse range of creative activities and entertainment available to them - this is, after all, what the concept of an 'abundant life' is about. The matter of what these activities will be will depend upon what the residents themselves wish to see happen. We see it as our job to help facilitate this, but not to determine what the residents want. Examples of what people have so far suggested include a community bakery, an art room, a library and tai chi classes. There is also a community garden on site that is already set-up. Any more suggestions are very welcome! Please get in touch if you have any further questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Ms Jill Hemmings on Jul 18, 2012:

I am retired and currently live alone but I really enjoy living in a community of people with shared aspirations and I do need to have my own place where I can welcome my family and find peace and stillness. Sharing ourselves and resources has to be the way to live our lives,being interconnected and taking some responsibility for one another. I am very interested in this project and I wish it well.

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Thanks for your well wishes Jill, we too believe something like Abundant Life is currently missing in society and we look forward to realising our own aspirations for a community of like minded, engaged individuals. Please get in touch if you have any questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Ms FIONA GREEN on Jul 16, 2012:

What price would a one bedroom flat be?
will there be any accomodation on site for our children who visit?

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Hi Fiona, we're constantly remodelling our financial plans to offer the best value to potential residents and to make sure that the cost of living in the Abundant Life scheme is in line with other homes locally. Our current forecast for a 1 bed apartment is £225,000. We are hoping to have some space allocated for visiting family members but we also have stacks of accommodation on the estate in Higher Close and around the Courtyard so there'll always be somewhere nearby for family members to stay. Please get in touch if you have any other questions or do have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Mr Nick Mercer on Jul 15, 2012:

Brilliant ideas, Is the Prince's Foundation for Building Communities involved?

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Hi Nick, the Prince's Foundation isnt currently involved in Abundant Life, but we do have an expert team of professionals around us to help us get the project right. Please get in touch if you have any questions about the project or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Denise Rowe on Jul 9, 2012:

The proposals that have been made so far are of considerable interest. A purposeful community is a happy community and that is how I would like to live and become involved in its development. I am not a 'local' but have enjoyed many fruitful times in and around Dartington. Would there be an opportunity still for me to live in an apartment here?If not could I be involved anyway?

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Hi Denise, thanks for your interest. We dont have a waiting list at the moment but will soon be able to release the criteria for residents so that you can check your eligibility, please do keep an eye on the website for more info. And there is always something to get involved in, look out for our latest newsletter for details. Please get in touch if you have any other questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Jean Wildwood on Jun 16, 2012:

I think it would be good if some residents were able to have their own gardens.

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Thanks for your suggestion Jean. We are big advocates of the beneficial effects gardening and simply being outdoors can have and there is much research to back this up. We currently have the community garden in place down at Foxhole which has proven to be very popular and which will continue once residents are living in the scheme. We are also looking into the option of having allotment spaces within the scheme for residents to use should they wish. So although there will be no private gardens for residents, each of the new build apartments will have a balcony/terrace space outside. Please get in touch if you have any questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: Mr Bill Taylor on Mar 24, 2012:

If I want to live in the Abundant Life community and also continue working, can I rent office space at Dartington? Would the office space and my flat have good broadband connections? I'm 62 in a few weeks' time. On your present timetable, I would therefore be 64 by the time Abundant Life takes in its first residents.

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Hi Bill. You would absolutely be able to rent office space at Dartington if you wanted to live and work here. As well as the business premises already on the estate, we are planning to include a number of small business units within the Abundant Life scheme too. And we'll be making sure that the scheme is fully serviced, which includes broadband provision. Please get in touch if you have any other questions or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page

Posted by: naomi chamberlain on Feb 28, 2012:

Our Daughter and Son in law both attended Dartington Hall in the 70’s and currently live in Totnes,and my son in law has kept very much involved ever since in the music side and it was my |Father’s cousin Elmhurst who started the school!My husband and I are very interested in your project and would love to be kept in touch with what is happening, the thought of living there is a very arrtactive one ,we are both very active grandparents!

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Hi Naomi, thanks for registering with us. Please do have a look around these pages to find out more about the project and do get in touch with me if you have any questions. Thanks for your support!

Posted by: Miss Mary Coombs on Feb 25, 2012:

This sounds a promising idea. Something different. I always get a certain buzz. Positive vibes??? When in this area. Part of my childhood was spent at Buckfastleigh, so the broader general area always has a draw to me. I like the idea of an active community for the retired. My chief concern would be costs.

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Thanks for getting in touch Mary. We want Abundant Life to be an affordable option for everyone. You can find out more about the costs of apartments and service charges on our Frequently Asked Questions page. But please do get in touch with me if you have any other questions.

Posted by: Ms Linda Hallam on Feb 19, 2012:

My current partner and I were Drama/Dance students at Dartington from 1967-1969. We would very much like to enjoy the very special and unique environment of Dartington again. Please keep us informed and Good Luck with all your plans.

Posted by: Rita Hills on Feb 18, 2012:

So interested to read about this project, have been looking at Co- Housing. Feel this really is the right time for our society to build sustainable "community" life for the older generation but still within the bigger community.

Posted by: Ms Rosemary Brindley on Feb 18, 2012:

No comment at present but would like to know more. eg. pets welcome? heating solutions? timetable for start of project? any meetings I could attend to meet other interested participants?

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Thanks for getting in touch Rosemary. The answers to many of your questions can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page. Although we have no events planned at the moment, we are looking to introduce new activities in 2012 and will keep you posted on when these are available.

Posted by: MS Moya Morris on Feb 15, 2012:

I think this is a great idea and would like to be invoved in any useful way. I see this project as a much needed service which has been overlooked and needs a re-think in terms of a way forward with new ideas.

Posted by: gillian binks on Feb 15, 2012:

Sadly I am not a local (though I used to work for the Dartington Amenity Research Trust in the 1970's). I am active in my rural community here and interested in new models of living as we all get older. I would like to keep up to date with the development of 'Abundant Life' and to consider how its aims might be delivered in other settings.

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Hi Gillian, thanks for getting in touch. Now that you've registered with us you'll receive regular updates on the project and please do get in touch if you have any specific questions. Best wishes Michelle

Posted by: Mrs Deborah Ward on Feb 13, 2012:

I think this sounds like a terrific scheme I do believe that we need to start looking at community living to address some of the needs of society,

As a society we have lost so many of the support networks that were formally provided within families & communities that the future can look a rather bleak prospect, so to be able to contribute to a dynamic new community would be a new & exciting opportunity - the start of a new life rather than a decline of the old.

My question is will there be an opportunity for those not currently living in the Totnes/Dartington area to be considered?

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Thanks for your question Deborah. We will be introducing allocation criteria for apartments in Abundant Life when the scheme is completed and whist we don't know what those will be just yet, we are keen for the scheme to be a provision for those people with a local connection whether that is living in the area, having friends or family nearby or of a historical connection with the place. Of course, there will be other criteria involved, as is the case in other schemes of this kind, so whilst we are planning a scheme for local people, residents will need to meet a range of criteria before being allocated an apartment. So essentially, there does need to be a local connection but that does not necessarily mean being resident in the area.

Posted by: Mrs Ffion Coombs on Feb 9, 2012:

I live locally and am interested in living in this community after retirement

Posted by: Mr Paul Taylor on Jan 16, 2012:

First impression is that project is too big and may well be refused planning.
Flat plans look too small,prefer larger unit that is not open plan,with outside space and storage for bikes and mobility scooters.Garaging with some properties will be good,as well as some garaging close to the apartments.
Modern architecture of the new buildings/extensions is unsuitable...cold bland spaces more like a hospital or school.The new build should be more homely and look much more like the original building,maybe with some cottages/period style homes around it.Look at Dartington Hall itself for inspiration,and echo some it's style,materials,and architectural details.
Don't use a gym much,but a swimming pool and jacuzzi would be a real asset.
Suggest keeping the existing music room for the same purpose,available all the time and with recording facility.
Also dedicated space for,art studios and a quiet sacred space....available all the time for those things only.
Can there be relatives who are younger renting an apartment to help with care?
Can there be relatives who are older and do not currently live in the catchment area,renting/buying an apartment where there is need for support/care?
The money raised from £50 per week charge will be substantial for the whole project.What will this money be used for? What will be provided for the people living here? Is the charge per dwelling or per person?
Also suggest community singing,songwriting and creative writing,dancing and movement,jam sessions,multi-denominational religious meetings,etc.

Hope this is helpful...Paul.

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Thanks for getting in touch Paul, and for taking the time to offer your feedback. I hope that the answers to many of your questions can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page. I'll also make sure to update that page to include those questions you've asked which do not yet have a response there. Best wishes Michelle

Posted by: Mr Peter Thomas on Jan 15, 2012:

I was at Foxhole 1933 -1940, and I have always had an interest in Dartington though I live far away.
It sounds like the kind of place I would choose to live if I was a bit younger!

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Thanks for getting in touch. We really hope that Abundant Life will have something to offer and be suitable for all ages so please do keep an eye on our plans and hopefully you'll find it is somewhere for you after all - regardless of age!

Posted by: Lorna Maunder on Jan 13, 2012:

Would like to receive updates, interested in helping with specialist knowledge.

Posted by: Ms Comfort Litha on Jan 12, 2012:

Just 3 months from my 60th birthday I look back 40 years at the two years I attended the Drama and Dance course before going onto Rolle College for a year and then on out to the wide world.

Dartington had such an impact on me in my late teens. The experiences I was privilidged to be part of, the discussions, the respect that was given and received......so many things that helped mould the adult I became. I learned to like myself, I learned I had something to offer my fellow men and my physical and spititual world. I enjoyed the communal aspect of Dartington so much and regret that the course of my life never took me to a commune to experience communal life as an adult.

I know have to look at ageing. I dont feel any older inside but my body starts to let me down on occassions. I still have so much to give and do as much as I can in my current location and I think that growing old as part of the AL project would be like coming full circle for me. The thought of being able to learn, teach, laugh, cry and live out the rest of my life in the place that opened my eyes to the wonders, the injustices and a way of living a useful and happy life despite inevitable sadness gives me great comfort and instead of dreading old age, the possibility that I might be a part of the AL project fills me with hope. Your project will always be in my thoughts. Namaste.

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Thanks so much for getting in touch Comfort and for sharing just a snippet of your long history with Dartington. Please do keep following our progress and hopefully you'll have the opportunity to come back to Dartington soon.

Posted by: Ms Alison Wills on Jan 7, 2012:

I have been associated in various roles with the dartington project since 1984. For 17 years I was a resident of the estate and have a long standing commitment to the ethos of the area. Should I be accepted as a resident I would form a strong part in rejuvenation of the area.

Posted by: Mrs Pamela Newton on Dec 28, 2011:

Sounds very interesting and I would like to be kept informed of developments

Posted by: Ms Sansonette van Schalkwyk on Dec 12, 2011:

I have just moved to Totnes and just starting to find out more about this project of Abundant Life - it sounds wonderful!

Posted by: Mr Bernard Cockfield on Nov 21, 2011:

Know Dartington and its work well. Am 64, looking for an exciting vision for the future. Married, wife also extremely interested,attends summer school, etc. We are both extensive users of what Dartington currently has to offer and would be very interested in making this journey with you. Marisa has has recommended we find out more about this project

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Hi Bernard, we hope to offer you the exciting vision your looking for! The Abundant Life scheme promises to be an innovative, lively, and outward-facing residential community. Its always nice to hear from people who are so connected to Dartington, and we look forward to sending you regular updates on our progress.

Posted by: Mrs June Ross on Nov 11, 2011:

We are moving to Devon next March to be near out family in Plymouth and Torquay. We would be very interested in hearing about your progress and may be available for some voluntary work when not baby sitting!!

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Hello June, its nice to hear from you. I hope that your move goes according to plan, and is as happy and stress free as possible. There will be opportunities to volunteer in the future, and we would love your help. Any opportunities to volunteer will be advertised in our newsletters, which you will be recieveing regularly now that you have signed up for updates.

Posted by: ms isabel gray on Nov 4, 2011:

I have been living and working in Los Angeles for 30 years. I want to return to England, and friends told me about this wonderful project. I am disabled, due to a heart attack 2 years ago, but still work from home.

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Good to hear from you Isabel. We are pleased to say that the Abundant Life scheme will be built for all kinds of users, with options - and acess - specifically designed for disabled residents. We hope you enjoy the updates we send you, and that they keep you informed of our progress.

Posted by: Mrs Katarina Richardson on Nov 3, 2011:

My husband (English) and myself (German) have lived in Devon for many years and are now - after looking after relatives in Germany - approaching retirement age. We wish to return to Devon, and particularly the Dartington area which we know extremely well. We were/are both professionals and wish to remain actively involved in community life. Your project attracts us and we would like to join and live in the community.

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Hi Katarina, thank you very much for your comments. We want to build a community that is attractive to potential residents because its lively and outward-facing, so its good to hear that our curent plans are doing that. Now that you have signed up for updates we can keep you up to date on what is happening and look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Posted by: Mrs Julia Frazer on Aug 29, 2011:

Attended Dartington Hall School

Posted by: Mrs Jenny Taylor on Aug 21, 2011:

After seeing a programme on Totnes and how resilient and holistic it is, the part regarding your Abundant Life project intriged me. I have had a varied life and just wish the World would embrace this type of living ideal and stop wasting lives. If ever I could persuade my husband to give up the rat race, I would love to become part of this community with him and to offer our service and friendship to all involved until we can become part of this community (All this and Heaven too as the book said). Can I suggest but I would say you have already thought about it, of Animal Therapy with helping dogs and other animals. Wishing you total success with this Project.

- Michelle Meredith (Abundant Life Community Liaison Officer) Thanks for your suggestion Jenny. We're currently gathering ideas on what the Abundant Life scheme could encompass and Animal Therapy is one that's come up a number of times. We are really keen to cointinue gathering suggestions so please keep sharing your thoughts with us. Thanks too for your well wishes, they're very much appreciated.