Way back in 2018 when I seemed to have a much greater capacity to engage with the challenges, I was doing a series of self portraits. I found a hidden spot by the river at which to practice with my mini tripod and the timer and remember well the fun and games of creating the self portrait here; https://365project.org/helenhall/365-extras/2018-02-18
Having found that spot, it became a place that I returned to many times. Clambering through some undergrowth, there was a cleared area that seemed like a secret hide away. A place to pause, to observed an undisturbed micro world of insects and butterflies.
Then one day, a tent appeared and week by week the place became transformed by signs of home making. It transpired that a young man called Dave was making it his home and over the months and then years, he even started to show off his wood carvings with pride, and lay them out for passers by to perhaps buy as garden ornaments and planters.
Then the planters disappeared and as weeks went by, I began to realise that there was no sign of activity and Dave was no longer there.
These last few weeks the tent disappeared and I ventured back into the space where there remains elements of his various outbuildings and stockpiles of wood. I felt sad, and wondered what has become of Dave, and whether he had been evicted from his rough sleeper's castle.
So I have made a few enquiries, and today learned that Dave was housed by the council in November last year and that he is still in his new home and doing well. And I am thankful for that.
There is no excuse for the shambles of an attempt to make something out of a couple of images here of the remains of this Englishman's home. I am just posting because I have run out of time and energy.
I'm glad to hear he has a roof stronger than canvas over him - I also hope that the pandemic has caused the councils to rehome all the homeless. Being without a roof is perilous at any time, especially so now.
What a wonderful tale Helen - full of hope. And what an amazing place to return to from time to time - it has story, history and a happy ending (or rather - happy beginning).
well that's a wonderfully hopeful tale in these difficult times. so glad you were able to find out what had become of dave. i remember doing those self-portraits - we stuck out a whole year, didn't we?!
It's so nice to read a story with a good ending. Actually it's good all the way around. You had a special place for those selfies, but it became a special place for Dave's carving. I like that he did not sit idly by but used his talents to create while dealing with his adversity. I like that he now has a better place to live. I hope he didn't stop carving. And perhaps now there'll be some photography taking place there again...life moves on. And this time in a good way.
Good pic, good story, Helen. The Welsh Government are taking steps to house all currently homeless people who have been temporarily housed during lockdown
June 14th, 2020
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