A remarkable community offering a place of 'security and nurture' is celebrated in a new book.

And the uplifting tale of the Pilsdon Community and its people is being praised for telling the story of an inspiring place where people live well together.

For more than 60 years the Pilsdon Community has offered a refuge to people experiencing troubles resulting from mental health difficulties, addictions and homelessness.

Although a Christian community, it offers hospitality to people of all faiths and none.

Based in the old Pilsdon Manor House at the foot of Pilsdon Pen in the Marshwood Vale, the 13-acres has cows, sheep, pigs, chickens and ducks as well as a substantial vegetable garden and orchard that feeds the residents.

People going there may stay for weeks, months or years – for some it has become a long-term home. The only firm rules are no alcohol or non-prescription drugs, and no aggressive behaviour.

The book, ‘Living Life in Common: stories from the Pilsdon Community’, is the end result of a Heritage Lottery-funded project led by member Mary Davies who interviewed people about life at Pilsdon. She embarked on the project in 2018, the year the community celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Those interviewed included Gaynor Smith who, with her husband Percy, had founded the community in 1958. It also included people who had lived in the community as members, guests and volunteers, and others who had visited as wayfarers, or who lived locally and had been friends of the community.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Rev Sue Langdon, Warden of the Pilsdon Community, with authors of the book Mary Davies, David Prior and Marian Barnes 

The book, written by Marian Barnes, Mary Davies and David Prior, recounts these stories. It has now been published following a launch event this week.

Rev Sue Langdon, Warden of the Pilsdon Community, said: "It explores what brings people to Pilsdon and what the experience of living in community in this special place is like. The book describes the hard work involved in caring for the animals, the land, the old buildings, as well as managing finances (the community is a charity) and external relationships. It also offers inspiration for different ways of living well together and acknowledging our vulnerabilities.

"In the words of one reviewer the book ‘truly lifts your spirits...As we emerge from lockdown, and with growing concern about mental health generally, it raises crucial questions about faith and care in the community in the future.’"

For more information about the Pilsdon Community and to purchase a copy of the book visit www.pilsdon.org.uk/our-new-book