Hello,
You find me busy doing something that we do a lot. The record is 5 in one day, showing people around LandWorks.
The ‘follow the brolly’ LandWorks tour is the same for everyone, whether it is a possible trainee, a visitor, supporter, probation officer or a potential funder. Taking everyone on the well-established route around the site.
I often smile (secretly) as we pass the log-store (neatly stacked), because this so often gets a comment that seems to cement the visitors’ developing view of what (for them) LandWorks is. I won’t detail all the comments but something about split wood laid out in a uniform manor to dry. It just somehow stirs something.
It used to leave me a little disappointed, even bewildered that this was so often verbalised as the highlight of the tour. After many years, I’m no longer dismayed. I now think it represents something about homeliness, community, thinking of the future, order and physical accomplishment, all represented by a log-store.
So, I do get it, now.
Today I’m showing a man in his thirties around. We have just got to the point on the tour where I ask about his drug and alcohol use. A question usually reserved just for potential placements, but not always!
He’s open and honest with me. It’s a good sign.
Then he takes of his jacket off.
His arms are alive with what looks like snakes, his skin distorted and risen by many knife cuts, self-harm.
He wants to talk, and we do.
He describes his recuring nightmare, how he sees his victim’s face, as it winced as he brought the hammer down.
Our job is not to judge. We try very hard to see people for who they are today and support them moving forward.
Not punishment but acceptance and promoting reparation.
We’re passing the log store. He asks if we do this ourselves.
“Yes”, I reply and ask, “What is it that you like about it?”
He says, “I often think there’s got to be more to life than my chaos, this wood stack sort of says there is.”
I found out it is his 34th birthday tomorrow. I make a note to text him in the morning.
I reckon he will join us next week. Maybe split a few logs, I always keep some handy.
Chris
8th May 2025