BRYNDERWEN
Brynderwen (Welsh for oak tree hill) is a spacious 4-5 bedroom detached house set in a semi-rural area on the outskirts of Swansea. There's a raised front and back garden, and a huge adjoining garage (which could be converted to further accommodation or to a workshop, or both). We sometimes have space for vegans to join us and live at Brynderwen (but non-smokers, and moderate drinkers only). Rent is about £55/week inc bills.
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We realise that vegans interpret veganism in a variety of ways, and so discussion (and some tolerance) is needed over what may and may not be acceptable regarding food, clothing, children, pets, vegan-organic growing, etc.
LIVING NEARBY
Some people may wish to live independently nearby, rather than at Brynderwen itself, in which case we can help and advise. Properties locally are relatively cheap to buy or rent.
We moved into Brynderwen at the end of May 2002 and, although our group is still small, we're beginning to slowly expand. The photos above and below show the house and garden, and many of the people who have visited or been involved.
There's been some debate about exactly what we mean by "community". In one narrow sense the community consists of those people living at Brynderwen; in a wider sense the community extends outwards and includes those people who visit often, and who interact with us and each other. In other words we're a bit vague about it! The project was founded by people in their 40s and early 50s, but people of all ages are very welcome to get involved.
We have now bought some extra land adjoining Brynderwen. And there are other business ideas. Two members of our wider group have been buying some properties locally, with the idea of doing them up, then renting them out (or possibly re-selling). This does mean that if anyone wants to move into the area, but not live at Brynderwen, we may be able to help quite directly. It will also make it easier if, in future, we want to purchase a second community house.
VEGAN SUMMER GATHERING
We don't now run the Vegan Summer Gathering. We might in future years.
This part of South Wales is quite vibrant, and we've been encouraged by the number of vegans active locally. Swansea Vegans meet regularly, and there are two good vegetarian restaurants and an Environment Centre. It's also an attractive part of the country to live in - the sea is just visible from Brynderwen, the Gower Peninsula lies nearby, and the Black Mountains/Brecon Beacons are a little way north.
Visitors are welcome - several people have visited, for short and long stays - but please ring us first. We'd like more people to come here, short or long term, with or without capital, and get involved. And we're open to a variety of ideas...
Please contact MALCOLM HORNE or Bob Howes,
Brynderwen,
Crymlyn Road,
Llansamlet,
Swansea
SA7 9XT
Tel: 01792-792 442
E-mail: robertcircle1@yahoo.co.uk