What does ‘Community’ mean? I think this is a question many people living at Braziers Park came to explore. It’s not easy to define or put into words—but it is something you can feel.

At Braziers, this feeling of community was perhaps most evident at mealtimes. During the day, everyone was absorbed in their own work—some typing away on laptops in the study, others tending to the crops in the Walled Garden, chopping wood, or cleaning the house. But just before 1:00 PM each day, the old food bell of the Grade II* Listed Manor House would ring—a call to gather. Tools were set down, laptops closed, and slowly, people made their way to the Dining Hall.

As they arrived, the hum of conversation would build —small talk, shared stories, perhaps a glance at the chalkboard to see what meal had been prepared. Then, the unmistakable, thunderous sound of the food trolley rolling down the corridor—expectant, hungry eyes turning toward the doorway. Residents and guests formed an orderly queue as pans and bowls were placed on the long serving table, each person helping themselves.

At the long wooden tables, a patchwork of people would settle to eat — of different ages, backgrounds, and temperaments. Some chatted, others ate in companionable silence. But what was shared in common, was simply the desire to be there, together. There was no pressure, no obligation, no phones, no distraction —just a shared meal and a sense of belonging.

- Tom Forrest