This project encourages and supports community in relearning how to work, rest and play together, co-operatively with nature, for the great good.

Orchard Barn Environmental Education Community Interest Company (OBee CIC) Registration Number 6379982 - Wildfire Designs 2007 - Photographs by Richard Smithson

Sophie's Time Capsule

June 2009, whilst repairing the flint walls of the old cart lodge, we decided to include some time capsules. This is what Sophie wrote of her experience of being at the barn:-

'I'm Sophie Crisp, 12 years of age. Born in 1996.

This is my second visit to the barn and I very much enjoy being here. My dad is one of the volunteers here to help build the barn and orchard. He has been working here for almost a year now. Even though I did not see the beginning project of the barn, from the last time I was here, there has been much improvement and I can see the changes clearly. There has been good progress recently as lots of helpful inspiring volunteers have volunteered for what I think is a life-changing experience.

Today, we went to Needham Market Car Boot Sale and have bought lots more tools to go in the tool shed.

Last month at the weekend I was here, I made 3 of the vegetable patches in the seating area where the fire is placed and Imogen and my dad made the other one. Imogen is my best friend at the barn. She is 8 years old. We have so much fun together. We usually play on the swing on the right hand side of the entrance of the area.

Right now I am sitting on the wall writing, watching my dad, Imogen and Richard (Imogen’s dad) work on the rest of the wall. Imogen is carving some bricks to put in the time capsule.

I love being at the barn as it is such a different experience to my usual routine back home in Lowestoft.

Being here is like a whole different world. Nobody to criticise you, annoy you, distract you at all. It is calm and unique, original and one of a kind.

So, when you are reading this, just memorise all the experiences that have happened in this magical place. Imagine the laughter, the hope, the beginning and the end.

Have hope for this barn as lives, hearts and soul have gone into it.

It just shows that if you truly believe in something and I mean truly, deeply believe in it, wishes, really can come true.'

Sophie Crisp (from Lowestoft) 20th June 2009

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