Exciting news! We have now completed the purchase of the Steadings, here at Kilmuir just across the road from the Coach House. The beginning of a dream come true. Those of you who have been friends for a long time know just how much this has been part of our hope over the past ten years. It has only come about through the generosity of Philippa McCowen (one of our Trustees and the daughter of our founder Ursula Burton), offering us the opportunity to purchase the building, after she herself had become the sole owner. We also would not have been able to contemplate it at all without the offer of capital from friends of the Coach House to supplement our own investment. Some have gifted money and others have loaned capital, which will of course have to be paid back. So a heartfelt thank you to those folks who have enabled us to make this purchase.
Having already had an outlay of £128,000 for the purchase, we now have to find funding for the development of the Steadings: therefore we are looking to raise another £1000,000. It looks daunting when we type it, yet we know if it is meant to be, the money will come in. This is an opportunity to let you know what the project is about and hopefully to fire your enthusiasm to the point that you too may feel you can reach into your own piggy bank and help us out in some way. If your own piggy bank is somewhat depleted then do you know anyone who might be interested in being part of our project or would you be willing to run a fund raising event for us? You may not be able to provide a wall but we do need the bricks!
So what are we proposing to do with the Steadings building?
As you may be aware when the Trust was formed in the year 2000, Ursula’s family, who own the Coach House, enabled us to continue our work here and agreed a 15 year lease. The purchase of the Steadings in part is to ensure that the Trust does have a place to continue and expand its work in the future. We do sometimes need a bigger meeting room, space for movement and dance, plus a painting and creativity room where things can be left out. We also have need of disability accommodation to provide a place of welcome where individuals can come with a carer if necessary and have retreat space or join in workshops.
There is a crying need for nurturing space for those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness where they and their families can share their thoughts and feelings of anger, despair etc.
We want to provide a space where people can learn to ‘live their death consciously’. Also people recovering from bereavement and breakdown need a shelter where they can safely explore their feelings and begin to put themselves together in a new way.
We envisage the Steadings will be able to provide courses and space to enable people to explore spirituality, honour their own uniqueness, potential and intrinsic value and that of everyone else. A place in which to discard the ‘oughts and shoulds’ that have been imposed upon them so that they can accept themselves as they truly are and begin to live life fully. We are more than just our little ego self, we are part of All that is – both a humbling and awesome understanding but one that sets us free.
There is a new world developing amidst the chaos of change. As growing numbers of people find a deeper inner connection and more profound purpose for their lives, then oases of the future can hold an energetic blueprint of what is emerging. The Coach House/Steadings is one such oasis. As we expand and develop we can reach further into the mainstream and also to those groups we have not been able to invite before. A new world is calling us forward.
Small oases of the New, like the Coach House/Steadings initiative, can become oases of light and beacons of hope. Your financial contribution – whether donation, a loan or monthly commitment - as well as your spiritual support of love, prayer and goodwill, are an essential part of this.
WITHOUT YOU WE ONLY HAVE A DREAM,
WITH YOU WE HAVE A REALITY.
If you are able to help us in any way with this project do please contact us by email coachhouse@kilmuir.fsbusiness.co.uk