A window into LandWorks

“I had visions of having Hi-Vis on, ‘community service’ written on, picking up rubbish in a field or something, thought it would be something degrading to be honest. It was completely the opposite. Fell on my feet massively. From what I understand that’s what community service is… well, back in my Town it was anyway. It would only be on the weekends. You’d be starting Saturdays, Sundays, it would be an early start. You’d be in a field or whatever, picking up rubbish with Hi-Vis on, ‘community service’ written all over the back. It was just embarrassing…

I was quite surprised because I’m not used to people wanting to help. I was a bit sceptical about it to begin with. It’s strange. I’m not used to people genuinely wanting the best. There’s always hidden agendas and motives. I was sceptical about that, but they’ve been as good as gold. I was thinking it can’t really be genuine, but no, it was, it was nice. I’m definitely going to come back, pop in from time to time because it’s not that far. Well, depends if you’re coming down on public transport…

I’ve been here nearly two months. I get a bus from A to B and then from B to here. It’s about an hour-and-a-half all-in-all before I’m in here. It’s not a far distance, but by bus it’s unbelievable. That’s from the time I set off. It’s about an hour-and-a-half before I get in. That’s why I’m looking forward to getting my licence this year…

I’ve got to rebuild my tools first. My ex-partner, she kept all them. She gave them to her father. I’ve got to rebuild all that first. My painting tools, power tools. I spent two-and-a-half grand on tools last year. I haven’t got a thing. So, start again…

It’s only the kids I miss from home really. When I was younger I was always in and out of prison. I was on drugs, but I’m coming up to two-and-a-half years I’ve stayed away from all that. I don’t miss it, drugs, prison. Everyone I used to knock around with really. I was in and out [of prison] for 12 years. They were only shoplifting offences. They were only level ones, but it soon adds up. It’s hard to break away from it, it is. I tried for years…

Even probation, because that’s what I was dreading when they gave me this order. I’ve got 11 months from an order before now. I missed one appointment and they sent me back to prison. I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. When I started this, I was dreading it. I’ve got bad experiences. I just assumed it was going to be the same…

The best bits? Well, food. I’ve loved the food every day. I enjoy working with my hands. I was relieved when Chris said I could crack on with the painting. That was my first job. Then I after that I had a go at turning some wooden plates on the lathe in the workshop. I got Graham with different bits and pieces. I’ve always enjoyed working with wood. I painted the inside then. I haven’t done anything in the garden. I don’t want to really. I’ve really enjoyed the woodwork. I’m looking forward to coming back and having a go at making some stuff. It’s flown, the time I’ve been here…

This is a whole new section now. New beginnings. I’m looking forward to it.