GIVING THE PAST A FUTURE AND THE FUTURE A PAST
In previous articles I have often drawn upon historical reference points and benchmarks - including song lyrics, poetry and the lessons from historical creative communities. This was a genuine tactic to encourage us to seek inspiration (maybe) from the past, to learn lessons from previous initiatives to drive development (hopefully) but perhaps, more importantly, to demonstrate that much of what we are searching for coming out of this first wave of the pandemic has been a fundamental part of our traditional and historic models of community. This is not a romantic perspective of a rural idyll viewed through rose-tinted glasses but rather an attempt to give the past a future and the future a grounding in the past.
These ideas were floated in the previous articles of 9th June and 10th June on this website. They respectively discussed the emergence of a world-class economic cluster producing highly valued and highly prized sail cloth in a small area of south Somerset that lasted for over 200 years and the characteristics of the creative enclaves of Laurel Canyon, St Ives and others around the world.
It is clear that the tourists of tomorrow CARE MORE - they care about themselves, the environment and the places they visit - that is why the idea of the pldege (discussed in the previous article (16th June) is so relevant and important). But, the tourist will also be seeking out authentic, real, honest, simple experience in safe and secure places. Part of this demand will be fuelled by the values and perceptions of the ‘old ways of life’ - Hen ffordd Cymrieg o fyw (the title of an LP by the Welsh language rock band, Edward H Dafis).
Earlier this week I listened to a series of highly talented designers present their ideas for creating a post-industrial, post-COVID destination and community. Fancy names and interesting concepts flowed. Then, in cold analysis, it dawned upon me that what they were describing was in fact all the components that would have organically evolved into what I understood to be the square mile of my village: the village hall, the village green, the doctor’s surgery, the school, the pub and, lierally, the tinker, the tailor, the carpenter and the candlestick-maker.
It is interesting, therefore, to reflect upon some of the tourism businesses that exist back in my home area of south Somerset and which exude the traditional values and the products that are reflective of the traditional village life.
In Haselbury Mill in the ancient village of Haselbury Plucknett, the irrepressible Roger Bastable and his endlessly energetic business partner, Minnie and her team have created a wholesome, family, mini-destination with a business ethic and model that is admirable and have emerged from the lock-down with a highly relevant HaselFest family get together each weekend in the setting of the River Parrett and the Great Tithe Barn (see picture above).
In West Coker, there is the Dawes Community Heritage Project that has successfully restored one of the village’s Victorian twine works and the classy yet understated Lanes Hotel and Restaurant in the former Rectory next to the village Church.
At Bruton, you will find the remarkable, world-beating Hauser & Wirth Somerset art complex, The Newt and Hadspen House as contemporary take on a small Somerset estate, At The Chapel a sensitive restored Baptist chapel housing art gallery, restaurant and rooms.
In East Coker, there are village walks, the resting place of T S Eliot and country hospitality in the Helyar Arms pub.
