A New Beginnning

With the sale of St.Joseph's College behind them, the General Council members along with a small group of members began the process of adjusting to a new environment and to a completely different way of living. The first member to move into one of the twelve houses in Maidenhead in Berkshire, a journey of about an hour by car from Mill Hill, was Paul Mooney, the new Vice-Rector there. The move began in late August when the first three houses along Cookham Road were completed and the keys handed over. One of these houses, the one occupied by Paul, was to house the chapel.

The second block of five houses was completed in October. The General Councillors were to occupy this block with the first house reserved for the General Superior. The Secretariat and the General Council meeting room would be located there. The last set of four houses were finally handed over in early December. The move into Maidenhead was finally completed on 20 December 2006, but it was also the start of the Christmas break and therefore the number of residents plummeted to four during this time.

A whole new game

Being so used to the available space and size of St. Joseph's College, the "pioneers" at Maidenhead were overwhelmed with the relatively "small" sizes of these houses. Understandably, size became a hot topic, with members comparing "sizes". The kitchen area became a hotly debated issue, not that everyone was clamouring to do the cooking. It was really interesting to note that things which were often taken for granted became a totally new ball game. When the initial dust settled, attention was drawn to the real big issue: setting up home and trying to work out how best to accomodate certain aspects of community life into houses that were essentially built for small families.

Daily Life

Meals were not a great issue with some members welcoming the opportunity to practice some culinary skills. There was certainly no chance of dying of hunger as those who were able to cook invited those not blessed with such skills. The opportunity to set up 'home' to one's own taste was an adventure in itself. Numerous shopping trips were embarked upon to add to the festive spirit of Christmas. The degree of independence and freedom of choice was something which some welcomed and others took with great stride.

A sort of resemblance to community life emerged soon after the Christmas break. With residents back from their well-deserved break, there was a renewed fervour to set up 'home'. Community prayers and the Eucharist were reinstated and the chapel was used for the first time on 8 Jaunary 2007. Members have to get used to rubbing shoulders with each other while at prayers. It was agreed that residents would come together for their midday meal at the Rector's house from Monday to Friday. Breakfast and supper were left to the residents' own imagination. The weekends were also left for them to feel more adventurous. A part-time cook has been employed to cook lunch during the weekdays. Residents have the option of doing their own laundry or have it done for them at the local launderette. Two machines are available for use in the garage.

Permission has been sought for two conservatories to be built behind the General Superior's and the Rector's houses. These extra 'space' will be the common area for the General Councillors and the residents respectively.

Visitors

Visitors and members are most welcome to stay at the Maidenhead complex. There are six guest rooms: one double room, four single and one twin room. Those wishing to stay for a few days must contact the Rector, John Smith, in advance. A room will then be reserved for you. Residents observe a strict no-smoking environment so visitors are requested not to smoke in their rooms or in the house.

The Finance Office

The new Finance Office is now located just a few minutes walk away from the houses. It is situated in a rented room within the Parish Centre of the local Catholic Church, coincidentally called St. Joseph's Church. The new phone number is 01628 777211.

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