Kate Moran

I’m excited to be part of the team growing this innovative cohousing project, which will enhance the lives of the older women living there. I have become aware of how little provision is made for single women as they age and wish to co-create a vibrant alternative-living situation. I have worked in both Youth & Community and Care areas, and have run a business. Now it’s time to learn new skills as we progress through the planning stages in order to ensure we retain the central cohousing ethos, which puts shared facilities and cooperation at the heart of the community. 

To build and live in a sustainable method is essential in these overheated times, and HOWCH can provide a template for other cohousing communities – kinder to us and the planet. 

 We’ll be recording our journey via blog and video…

Elise Liversedge

I live in Bexhill and i’m also a member of Bexhill Community Land Trust, which is soon to deliver a six flat low rent accommodation in Sidley. I practice as an architectural designer, and fine artist.

I’m passionate about developing holistic community projects and asipre to creating a net zero environment.

I joined the board of HOWCH in autumn 2022 and took the role of trust secretary.

Ruth Gregory

I moved to St Leonards-on-Sea from East London 10 years ago, at the age of 60, and I have found it so vibrant a place I have hardly stood still! I have always been passionate about community build/living projects and zero carbon housing as a model to combat the isolation and loneliness that many marginalised groups, such as older women, experience. 

I am a published word/image artist and I believe this project offers the chance for all of us to learn skills, grow our confidence in all kinds of unexpected ways. and have fun doing it! I am currently part of local outreach projects to raise awareness of the climate crisis, and I am co-curating an exhibition about Rock Against Racism (1976-82) at the De La Warr Pavilion.

Caroline Develyn

I’m involved with HOWCH because I think it’s a great idea – older single women can live more happily in a mutually supportive community. 

We must make the most of our lives and not just put up with the way things are. Loneliness and isolation negatively affect mental and physical health and this is a great solution. 

Lower bills, eco-friendly and somewhere to live for as long as feels good among like-minded friends – sounds good to me!

Joan Bones

I am a 75 year old widow who likes to keep fit and enjoys a varied social life. I still take a weekly ballet class and try to do yoga twice a week, I also play lawn bowls.

I am not sure I have any specific qualifications for my place on the board other than the belief that women like me are all too frequently ignored and forgotten about. I have a history of stepping up to the plate when a job needs doing having been a captain of darts teams and at bowls, and serving as secretary for various different organisations down the years.

What HOWCH is trying to achieve is something I believe in very strongly and will work to help make it happen.