Whereas previously the connection had been so appalling or non-existent that people had been spending hours either trying to do something online or driving to find a better connection, post a CD with the file on, attending far distant meetings etc, what the improved connection over Wennet did was give them MORE time to get involved in their community. And interestingly, more money to spend within their communities – the fabled Blue Pound.

Several people mentioned having more time to get involved in school activities, community fetes, fundraising events and so on. These were all things they had wanted to do previously, but had been unable to because of a lack of time.

Even more so, the fact that they were on a community network and had got to know their neighbours a bit better, now they were all keeping each other in touch about community goings on and helping out at and attending events together. Purely because they were all better connected – not just over the IP network, but as neighbours and members of their community eg as people.

I can’t see our shop re-opening in a hurry though, because there is still one vital factor missing. And that is the understanding in the people who currently make up our society just how important the community is. Many people have never experienced true community life, and don’t understand how it functions.

They just don’t get that if they shop in the supermarkets in the nearby town, they will put the shop out of business. And then they moan it has gone, but little adjustment is made by the average person to support that community asset, because we have become desperately selfish and me-focused.

There has to be a lot of giving to make a community work, but when you contribute, a) it feels good and b) you get it all back in spades, often from the most unexpected sources.