Paul and Hoppi Wimbush

Plot 6

Paul, Jarro, Hoppi and Emba Wimbush

We are a family of five. Paul (36), Hoppi (40), Jarvis (18), Jarro (8) and Emba (5). We are, subject to planning approval, planning to live on plot 6 of the Lammas development.  We plan to build a timber framed straw bale house and be largely self sufficient. We plan to sell hazelnuts, plums, apples, berries, livestock and gypsy caravans. In addition we intend to run courses on a variety of topics ranging from low impact development to emotional literacy. Paul has played a central role in bringing about the Lammas project and he plans to continue to play an active role in this. Hoppi plans to bring her wealth of training and experience in conflict resolution and communication skills both to the project and to the area.

Illustrative model of plot 6

Paul has a wealth of low impact living and building experience. He spent three years studying Architecture at Cardiff University. He then lived in Tipi Valley for 5 years where he learnt gardening, goat herding, coppicing, green woodworking and simple living skills. Whilst there he built and lived in Tipi’s and Yurts. He then spent 5 years living in Brithdir Mawr where he played a central role in managing the 165 acres of pasture and woodland. Whilst there he also learnt hedge laying, dry stone walling, working horses (including teamwork and haymaking), conservation skills, as well as developing his forestry, pasture and horticultural skills. Whilst there he built a timber framed, straw bale, turf roof roundhouse. He now lives in a chalet community on the Gower Peninsular where he works as a carpenter repairing and building wooden chalets. He currently keeps goats and ducks.

Hoppi has a background in teaching and ceramics. She has built and given birth in a yurt and has co-built a wooden chalet. Her passion lies in developing a holistic approach to mainstream education in schools, connecting children and teachers in with their own unique and boundless potential. She is an Integrative Arts Therapist and an accredited Journey Therapist and specialises in Communication Skills and Emotional Intelligence training. She currently works freelance across sout-west Wales. Jarvis is currently working in a café in Swansea and plans to return to full time education to study joinery. Jarro and Emba attend school full time.

To see a clip from Hoppi's recent 40th Birthday party celebrations, please visit

www.gowervideo.co.uk

Jarro's drawing of an eco-house