A walk on the dark side

[Jeffrey Newman]

If you are reading this, could we walk together, for a way? We need one another though soon our paths will separate.

Throughout the world, there are so many, like us, of all ages, who know that the Manifesto speaks truth, that is, it provides an accurate reflection of the world we know.

Last night, on Grand Designs (a UK TV programme on buildings) a guy was building a house of freshly cut timbers in the woods. The programme was, no doubt, a repeat and I missed the beginning, so I have no idea where or who he was (if you know, I would love to follow up).

He showed resilience and skills - he'd lived ten years'outside' in the forest.

But his life is not mine and may not be yours, either.

On the other hand, we need each other and can provide such important support for one another.

I'm inspired when I read something which strikes me as true - and truth may be beautiful or just, it may make me sad or angry but it evokes feelings, response and ACTION.

That action can be words or digging the allotment - both are necessary.

Tonight we will learn who is to be the next leader of the Labour Party. I re-joined just to vote for Ed Miliband. I think he 'gets it' (what an interesting bit of jargon that is: worth looking at in a moment). But the situation in which we find ourselves is far beyond the ability of political leaders and parties and governments - without us.

And even with us, the changes necessary are unimaginable. Does that mean un-doable?

There will be, there are catastrophes (Pakistan, Hurricane Katrina) but we can still respond as humanely as possible and we may learn better how to work, live and build together.

The internet is potentially such a wonderful tool for change. I find it inspiring as I explore.

Soon, I shall go out and dig on the allotment. I have to plant onions and garlic and try to put down some netting to protect some cabbages and broccoli, if it's not too late.

And you, too, I know, have to leave. Where are you going, what are you doing, where and how do we build the best possible and strongest network?

That guy, in the woods, has solar panels and windpower energy for his computer, stored in ex-submarine batteries!

Ed Miliband 'gets it' because he knows what we know and he even knows where some of the ways forward (not 'the answers' - none of us knows that) are to be found: he came to the Transition Towns conference even though he was told that he could not speak but was welcome just to join in on round-table discussions and listen; and he knows that Climate Change is happening faster than most of us can believe....

So, thanks so much for reading this, and it would be great to have a brief comment if you could take the time to 'sign in' or whatever; I'll even try to pay a visit. Or let's meet on twitter.

All good wishes

[Andy Sheridan]

The guy in the woods is likely to be Ben Law. Yes, he certainly has the life. He's an inspiration to us all! Since the making of that program (a few years ago now - yup, it would have been a repeat) he has become well known, particularly in the Permaculture world, and he's written several publications. His website is: http://www.ben-law.co.uk/

[Sarah Gall]

Wonderful programme, watched it a few years ago and loved it. Thanks for the reminder – especially now as I'm in process of buying a new old house and so preoccupied by things related to a new life.