no74 home of London Spring
London Spring is the umbrella name for a new initiative at 74 Castlebar Road begun in 2017. The name London Spring calls to mind the spring of water that bubbles beneath the property. It also evokes memories of the Prague Spring in 1986, the Arab Spring in 2011 and the world wide hope for a deeper democracy. We have a dream for such events to take place in this underused and partially restored property. We want to create a “dense spot”, perhaps for just a short time. Here people from many different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities can meet in a Worldwork sort of way.
London Spring 2017
The inspiration began when two young professional women met with James Leachman on 8 February 2017. Together they wanted to present an initial facilitated event. Later another friend suggested the name London Spring for the location and the series of events. The aim has been to bring together people of many different cultures, orientations, ethnicities, commitments and ages. The purpose is to look at experiences of social isolation and fragmentation in the culture of the London we love. Together we have lots of contacts with people of faith, no faith and with social activists.
In 2017 we started by inviting groups of about 20 people from different backgrounds to events. We sorted themes for discussion and facilitation. We offered a vegetarian lunches.
Trump – Brexit – 18 March 2017
Muslim – Christian Understanding – 13 June 2017
Sikhi – Christian Understanding and Deep Democracy Forum – 22 July 2017
lounge room at no 74
74 Castlebar Road, W5
Overton House on Castlebar Road is an elegant red-brick, neo-Gothic house. This typically Victorian suburban house contains 19th century stained glass, floor tiles, and carved wood features. A short walk through the monastery gardens behind Ealing Abbey monastery and Church leads to this charming spot.
labyrinth in the garden at no 74
This charming building houses a number of activites that translate Catholic and Benedictine values into language and expressions more accessible to post Christian generations. One of the interpretive tools we have used for some time is toolkit of ‘human strengths’ of the Eriksonian system of psychology; trust, hope, overcoming obstacles, competence, fidelity and love.
Ealing Abbey JL 10 December 2017