I am a retired psychiatrist and psychotherapist, worked for 12 years in Sobell House (the hospice.) After my husband's death I moved to a smaller house and made it as green as possible. It has had quite a lot of publicity, the latest being on BBC Songs of Praise. A web-site showing the work as it progressed is sageoxford.org.uk/ecohouse.htm. (Or just Google my name!!)

METER READER

In this road all the houses are the same.
When the meter reader came
his voice deep in the cupboard said
quite indignantly
You don't use much!
What a shame.




DECEMBER

Yesterday was bright.
Panels on my roof
focussed light
captured heat.

It waited
insulated.

Tonight a lovely soak
hot and deep.
Sunbathing.

 Averil Stedeford