1.
Another wholly preventable wild-fire in the mountains.
If only, like the Mexicans, the residents of the Santa Monica Mountains could bear the idea of a yearly brush burn.
Then, every decade, they wouldn’t stand miserably by their pyre lamenting the loss of personal items on the early evening news.
2.
So. I’m writing my last will and testament. And, after much prayer/thought, I’ve decided to leave everything to my former school Monkton Wyld.
I am also discussing making a charitable donation to Monkton which is now a residential education center.
The Grade II listed neo-Gothic building is set amongst an idyllic eleven acres of lawns, gardens and meadows.
Designed by Richard Cromwell Carpenter, the rectory was built in 1848. It is in need of help. Tracery needs restoring, energy efficient windows need installed and a large bay window at the front of the house needs underpinning.
As a Centre for Sustainable Education, Monkton Wyld hosts a range of courses, conferences and gatherings for adults, families and children.
From bee-keeping to scything to yoga, Monkton’s programme promotes low-impact, earth-centred skills for changing modern life.
Meals are prepared in the house kitchen using fresh organic ingredients from the Court’s own Victorian walled garden, orchards and farm.
The Court is managed by a resident volunteer staff with the help of volunteers and overseen by a board of trustees.
They work to develop and promote a lifestyle based on mutual respect for each other and for the wider community and environment.
Sounds perfect doesn’t it?
I want my ashes scattered there.
Have you written a will? How many single people do? It is imperative.
I’ve been thinking for many years what to do with any money I might have when I die and this, I believe, is the best solution. Helping with the fabric of this building may secure its future for decades to come.