The determination to continue the process towards a Lesbian Elders Village was renewed after vigorous and open discussion. Acting communally appeared without alternative when envisaging self-determined and supportive conditions in our old age. Even though it was pointed out that it is the responsibility of the larger community, represented by Government, to provide decent living arrangements for all citizens when they are in need of solidarity, it was viewed as unlikely that a recognition of our needs will manifest in policy in the near future. More generally, it was observed that the solidarity owed to the weakest members of civil societies is vanishing at a breathtaking pace.

The current status quo of everyone  fending for herself was declared unsustainable, particularly in light of a changing world. Instead, a desire was expressed to go back to the roots of civilisation, acknowledging that the sharing of resources and commons is in the best interest of every group of people. In all this however, it was recorded that privacy is essential to our well-being, and that the proposed community will resemble a village with good neighbourly relations rather than a commune.

Besides engaged and respectful debates, we enjoyed the hot water at the spa, good food and good company. A strong easterly blew us back into our homes, energised and invigorated for another chapter in our journey together.