To and From a Room

  S omeone donated a house to be used by anyone who needed it for work. Surprisingly, sufficient money had also been put into a trust to cover bills. Lots were drawn and people would take it in turn in return for chores, including making food and working in the garden.  It was an ongoing project, to be worked on and sorted out in lengthy weekly discussions over refreshments in the large kitchen. Core members formed a committee and handled all the applications from the local community.  The vast cellars and the large drawing room with its parquet floor and huge windows overlooking the pond would be for music. The voluminous attic and South facing bedrooms would be for arts and crafts. There was much debate about noise and mess, but solutions were found with sound proofing and temporary partitions which could be painted over with white emulsion. Tarpaulin covers for floors were to be made available.                     ...