Endings and Beginnings

At the end of Oct the pagans celebrated Samhain which marked the end of the light half of the year. The dark half of the year was a tough slog and on the last day of October pagans would create community fires, preserve food and travelling fortune tellers would visit and give people nuggets of wisdom and hope to help them make it through the dark days and nights. This week we are honouring this tradition at Harriett’s Press and encouraging people to write themselves a resolution and bury it in the ground – to be dug up in the spring. The idea of committing a desire for change to paper and knowing it is waiting for you come spring is a powerful motivator – its a bit like telling everyone you are quitting smoking or joining a gym knowing they will enquire about it at a later date.

My resolution is to swim more – at least once a month – as I know I always feel more positive afterwards. For me it’s the small things that make it easier to get through the day – sharing a cup of tea, laughing with a friend or doing something creative be that a jigsaw, cooking the dinner or writing and burying a message to myself.

For many this winter is going to be struggle – and the lack of leadership and accountability in uncertain times is creating an anxious population. Personally I’m tired of hearing about the ‘cost of living crisis’ without any realistic and immediate ideas for how to rebalance resources in this very wealth country. Harriett’s Press is our response – we can and we will raise funds which allow us to support people who don’t have access to affordable laundry but its not just about the laundry It’s a chance to give you and your clothes some attention, to pause and reflect on what supports you through a tough winter and to connect the community around you.

If you live on or around London Rd and a free wash and dry would help we would love to meet you. If you have ideas about what creative activities you would like to see at the laundry space we would also love to hear from you. If you are interested in getting involved in our project to open a community laundrette please email us – lets talk laundry Brighton.

Harriett’s Press is our laundry project at our Balcony Studio 6, Brighton Open Market, BN1 4JU.

At Harriett’s Press you can wash and dry a load for free, share a hot drink, talk and try out some creative projects

We are open Tuesday – Friday, 9.30am – 2.30pm for a free wash and dry of your load.
Book a time at harriettspress.youcanbook.me or call/text Emily on 07442958207.