Interview: Philippa Ashcombe on Fourteen Months of the Home Circle

Philippa Ashcombe has hosted the Hampstead Home Circle for fourteen months. The group meets every second Thursday in her home. We spoke by phone for thirty minutes.

CD: What have you learned about hosting that you did not know when you started?

PA: I learned that the hardest month is the fourth. Everyone is excited for the first three. By the fourth, the novelty is gone, and you find out whether the circle has become something worth showing up for on a dreary evening. You prepare for that month by being consistent in the first three.

CD: What rituals does your circle keep?

PA: We begin with tea, always. We end with a round of 'one thing we noticed tonight.' Between those bookends, we play. The tea is not performative. It is a signal that we are no longer coming from our day; we are now in the circle.

CD: Has the circle's membership been stable?

PA: Two of the original eight have moved away. We gained three new members last year. We keep the total small on purpose. If we grow past ten, we will help someone start a new circle rather than absorbing them.

CD: Last question — what would you tell someone starting a home circle today?

PA: Be patient. Be consistent. Start with fewer people than you think you want. Make tea.

CD: Thank you, Philippa.

PA: Thank you for coming to visit.