The Shire: built by the people who belong here

The Shire @ Crockermoor in Corscombe is celebrating its fifth anniversary – it’s turning into a very special place providing care and support to people with learning disabilities

’This place has really transformed my life,’ says Olli, as he sits in the autumn sunshine at The Shire @ Crockermoor. He has just been caring for the chickens. He is also a drummer in a rock and metal band, and has been coming to The Shire since it began five years ago.
‘When I was younger I used to be a shy person but, now being here ever day, it’s amazing.’
The therapeutic care farm is a mixture of animals, art … and just about anything else the people who come here want it to be. That’s what makes it unusual: The Shire has grown with the people who use and their ideas and creations now fill almost every corner.
Pippa (Pip) Clarke grew up with disability in her family. Her sister Catherine had disabilities, an experience which later led Pip to train in social care and work with people with learning disabilities. Catherine died when she was ten, and The Shire was created partly in tribute to her. Today, 28 people regularly use the farm, alongside support workers and volunteers.
‘People tend to find us through word of mouth and some referrals come from support workers.
‘When we got this place it was derelict. Each year we fundraise for something such as a cabin, defibrillator and polytunnel.
‘We started with very little but in the five years we have added new cabins, a barn and more.’
Pete Meathrel, another volunteer, highlighted the decision-making process: ‘In some places you have to go through committee after committee to get anything done but here it just gets sorted in a democratic way.’

A creative team
The Shire has grown organically as the team plans how the site develops. There are goats, Shetland ponies, a well-fed pig or two and rabbits. Growing areas enable everyone to get involved as little or as much as they like.
But it’s not all farming: there are also lots and lots of crafts all over the site. A brightly covered owl planter, a painted piano and even a Tardis are just some of the creations made by the people who use The Shire. Mark is talented at pyrography and his signage is impressive. Another client, Connor, does welding – under supervision – and makes flowers from horseshoes.
There is a Lord of the Rings theme and even a hobbit house complete with an open fire, which is used as a quiet area, all designed by the people who use The Shire.
Lucy has also been coming to The Shire since its beginning and is one of the design enthusiasts. When we spoke she was discussing making a swing for the chickens.
‘I get some ideas on Pinterest and then I’ll show Pip and we come up with a plan to make it happen. I have plans for a playground for those chickens! And I wanted to make a mini snail … but it turned into a giant snail! It’s very different from other places. I used to attend another place in Yeovil, and there it’s staff and trainees, and then us. And I thought – I’ve done school already! But here, we are equals and we can make what we want. We’re like a family here.

‘If you want to have a go at something, you can do it. I saw a picture of a camper van made of pallets and we just got on and made it. I’ve learned woodwork and how to use a jigsaw. I did a whole circle and now I’m OK with using it.’
Pip adds that sometimes the team get asked to create things that are beyond their abilities: ‘We got asked for a rollercoaster once, but we can’t build that! We have to be realistic. A lot of things these people make get scrapped, but here they have a home. And they can also make personal things such as a hook to hang the dog’s lead or Mother’s Day gifts.’
At The Shire, the community gets as involved as they want to – some get stuck in, while others enjoy observing. Lucy also advises Pip on plans for residential breaks, including the need for quiet spaces. ‘I’ll take her an idea and she tells me, “This is what you need to do”,’ says Pip.
Respite and residential days out can be an issue for those who sometimes struggle to get the funding from social care. ‘Not everyone gets the funding they need,’ Lucy says. ‘It’s difficult.’

Empowerment and quiet spaces
For some, quiet space is important when the activity around the farm becomes too much.
Designed and constructed by the people who use The Shire, there’s an impressive cabin with a kitchen area where it’s possible to find a peaceful moment to decompress. There’s also Lucy’s camper van made from pallets, complete with seating and a table. For others there are tranquil nature walks on the 12-acre farm.

Activities are also tailored to an individual’s needs. While some are animal-focused, others prefer crafting. Some like choice, while others prefer structure and advance notice of what the day will bring. Pip also organises themed games days for everyone to join in – this summer included a Hawaiian party. ‘It’s like a big happy Butlins,’ she says. ‘And it’s always evolving.’
There are two salaried staff members at The Shire – Trev Basket started as a support worker and now works full time: ‘It’s the best job I have ever had.’
Many others volunteer. June is 86, and joined the scheme after her husband died. ‘I needed to feel useful,’ she said. ‘I kept my eye open for things and came along to an open day. I loved it, and it has done so much for me. They keep telling me how much I do for them but there are things they do for me too. I go home feeling relaxed and that I have contributed to something.’

Pip is working hard to give people with learning disabilities or long term illness the power to design the care they want to receive, in the environment of their choice: ‘I’ve always wanted to make people happy, ever since I was a little girl. We’re all in it together here.’
Time is always a challenge for Pip – simply finding a moment to update the website or apply for grants. Her next aim is to build another cabin so The Shire can begin offering respite care.
‘There is a real shortage, especially in the South West, of places where people can have a break from families. We want it to be fun-based respite.’
Five years in, The Shire is still evolving. And, presumably, the chickens are still waiting for Lucy to build their playground.

by Rachael Rowe

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