Copy
View this newsletter in your browser.
 
Newsletter 30th June 2020
About  |   Get Involved  |   Products  |   The Farm  |   Newsletter  |   Media
Renate Sleigh80 Years of Camphill
by James Sleigh

Renate Sleigh, 89, looks out of her window, over her lawn to where an angel in her garden stands at the head of a water feature. The sound of cascading water joins the scent drifting from freshly cut roses in the room. Renate sits elegantly dressed in a white jersey, a turquoise scarf, pinned with a silver brooch.

Could she have imagined as a nine-year-old girl, 80 years ago, I wonder,  while taking refuge with her mother and three younger siblings in a humble building in the north of Scotland – with no electricity or running water – that her family and the people that she was with would pioneer an organisation that would extend across the world and touch the lives of millions of people? 

Konig FamilyEighty years ago this month the start of the Camphill movement hung in the balance: a home had been purchased for the first Camphill school, near Aberdeen in Scotland. The König family and a few pioneers, together with some children with disabilities, were living in a temporary residence waiting to move into their new home and start the initiative that Karl König and some of his followers had been planning. But just a few weeks before the move marking the official start of the movement, all the men were rounded up and interned on the Isle of Man for a year. They were all foreigners and, as the Battle of Britain had started, the British forces were ensuring no foreigners could supply any information to the enemy.

The handful of women had a choice: wait until the men returned, or make the move and start the first Camphill without them. They decided to make the move… 

Camphill in Aberdeen, Scotland.And so, in 1940, these strong women built the first Camphill, and were joined by the men when they were released a year later. The school developed and a village was started. As they started to meet the demand for an organisation that not only cares for people with disabilities, but empowers them in all areas of their lives, more and more villages came into being.

At the time, in Europe, people with disabilities were the most vulnerable people. Back then the only places of care for people with intellectual disabilities were large asylums.  Hitler ordered the killing of anyone with a disability as he regarded them as ‘impure’, so anyone with any disability in a country run or conquered by the Nazis was hidden for fear of being killed. 

The need for an organisation like Camphill spread into Europe after the war. From there, the pioneers took the Camphill movement to Africa, America, Scandinavia and, more recently, Eastern Europe, Russia and Asia. 

Today, there are 120 Camphills worldwide.

Camphill Alternative LivingNot only has the Camphill movement cared for people with disabilities, it has provided communities where people live and work together and, in the process, recognise and understand themselves better practicing brotherhood and a new type of economy.

Most Camphills have undertaken to care for the earth and build up the soil in their farming. They produce products free of pesticides and chemicals, and grow wholesome produce to feed and nourish their Camphill communities, and also their wider communities.

The seed of Camphill, planted 80 years ago, has grown and flourished around the world. The book ‘Candle on the Hill’ describes this first Camphill in Scotland as the mother candle, from which, now 80 years later, lights around the world have been lit.
Julian and Renate Sleigh
Of that original pioneering group in Scotland, only Renate and her brother Andrew, who now lives in Canada, are still alive. It was Renate, with her husband Julian and a few other pioneers, who brought Camphill to South Africa.

To look out over beauty that you have created and know that your work has touched the lives of millions of people, is probably one of the richest feelings anyone could have –and one of the greatest senses of fulfilment one could wish for. Yet Renate remains modest. She knows and loves each resident at our Camphill. She treats them with utmost respect, reads to the older ones, and knows about the wellbeing of each one of them. She truly is still the mother of Camphill, and one of the mothers of the greater Camphill Movement.

RoseBack when Camphills were struggling in South Africa, the founding women in the various Camphills, bonded, each growing roses in a silent show of support for one another. As I smell these roses in Renate’s room, I imagine these strong women, cultivating their roses in harsh conditions, with faith that from these dry and thorny branches, more roses would keep appearing. 

The image of the rose feels symbolic of Camphill – this beautiful rich nurturing space that has been created from one of the thorniest and most spiky times in history.
Mandela Day 2020
Mandela Day celebration 2020
by Janine Strumpher

Mandela asked us to make a difference and in his words: 
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

What powerful words! Thinking over recent times, significance comes from all sources, every person is a hero. We have stood at our locked-down doors and saluted the people who collect our garbage, the grocery packer, the nurse, the doctor, etc etc…. no job too big or small, everything is significant in this chain of lives. Everything is symbiotic and of equal importance. I am once more reminded of the epic movie Pay It Forward, so simple and yet the impact is exponential. 

Everyday heroes. Mandela did not live to be a hero, he just was. All the heroes that make the Camphill movement what it is today, first and foremost the residents who keep the Camphill movement strong and alive through their exemplary example of life, staff who dedicate their lives to this cause, volunteers who give their energy, board members who give their knowledge, and friends of Camphill who give their support. Thank you all, as each has made a difference in the lives of other. Significantly so!

This Mandela Day at Camphill will be different. We have to protect our residents and staff at all cost, and are very sad not to be opening our gates to all the friends of Camphill who volunteer and come and give their labour of love in so many ways to our Village. 

This does not have to stop us all from making a difference in 2020. We are proceeding with our planned projects within the village and you can join us virtually and in spirit. 

You can contribute to any of the following projects by donating:
  • Fruit trees for our orchard 
  • Seedlings for our vegetable garden
  • Garden Tools
  • Cash - specifying to which project you want to contribute
We now have a Payfast account where you can donate via our website in SA Rands, it is very user friendly and you can send me a message regarding your wishes for the donation. If you'd like to make a donation CLICK HERE or to learn more about our current projects and how to Get Involved have a look at our website https://www.camphill.org.za/get-involved.

Let’s celebrate 80 years of Camphill (Camphill is its people), the true hero that has stood the test of time, while commemorating the birthday of our much-loved Mandela.
Gratitude
by Lise Muller

When you interact closely with the people that live at Camphill, the thing that stands out the most is how happy people are.  You will never pass a single person without being hailed with a happy hello, a big smile and if possible a catch-up chat.  Happiness is very tangible at Camphill and it has to come from the fact that every person is respected and empowered to live their best life. 
 
Empowerment is about giving people a voice and involving them in the decisions that affect their lives, it is about really listening and taking into consideration people’s wishes and what will make them feel happy. It is said that true happiness is not about self-gratification but comes through committing to a worthy cause, and in our case this cause is the people at Camphill.  The magic lies in the ordinary day-to-day routine that happens in an extraordinary way.  Everyone participates, supporting and appreciating one another for every goal achieved, with much encouragement, laughter and helping hands always readily available.  This is the ethos that has been handed down by the pioneers of this great cause and is the flagship by which Camphill steers itself now and will continue to do so in the future. 

This happy environment and ethos spills over into our products. Over the last few weeks we have received the most wonderful feedback from loyal Camphill clients that we would like to share:  Carina Brown has been buying rusks from us from a number of years and because she lives quite a distance from us she puts in a bulk order and sends a courier to pick it up.  She told us,  “As you know, I eat quite a long time on these, but I cannot survive one day without.  I tried to convince myself there is a life without Camphill Village Rusks and Biscuits, but it did not last for longer than one day, and I gave up.  You will unfortunately have to cope with me up to my end!”

Jenni Van Der Byl has been coming to the farm on a weekly basis to buy milk and this is what she had to say, “Your milk is delicious!  Really enjoying it, thank you. I have to be so careful what milk I drink, most of my life I’ve had goat’s milk. Vegan milk triggers off fibromyalgia pain, and shop cow’s milk triggers my sinus allergies… Your milk hasn’t affected either, and is so rich and creamy!”

We have recently started to supply French Market in Gardens Centre and their feedback is that they are “having a really great response to your amazing products.”

It is evident that all the happiness and love that we have in Camphill is stirred up in a huge bowl of empowerment and the magic formula manifests in the best environment, best products and best people, all of which has been passed down over the last 80 years by our amazing and tenacious forebearers.
 
Camphill - Fresh Produce
Pine Close
The Legendary Pine Close House
by Carine Human

For this edition of our newsletter focusing on our journey and where we've come from, I chose to pay Pine Close a visit, it being the first group home established at Camphill Village West Coast.

I learned that within the walls of this house life was shared, work was shared and Chapel was held. The spaces were transformed to what it was needed on a certain day. Much different from the Village created since then! And still equally profound.

The current Group Home Leader is Lime Cengani-Roji who has been in her role here since 2008. Her kind husband, Roji, helps with bathing and cutting Thomas and Mtunzi's hair, assists with administering meds if she is unwell or out, and takes care of their veggie garden.

In exploring the interactions and each person's contribution to their unique constellation, I learned that Bart (33yrs) loves singing and prides himself on keeping the kitchen clean. He further enjoys walking to collect the house's bread from the Bakery and keeping the fireplace clean during winter months. Mthunzi (29yrs) loves his dancing, and he and Bart enjoy listening to music and watching movies together.

Thomas (25yrs) does his bit by packing away dishes. He also has a great love for music and knows many songs, which he loves singing aloud. Building puzzles and watching movies are his favourite weekend activities. Ursula (67yrs) enjoys making breakfast and supper once a week, she takes down the laundry in the afternoons and assists with cleaning bathrooms every 2nd weekend, along with helping clean the lounge. She is very good with puzzles and enjoys relaxing with one. She is exceptionally kind and always willing to help others.

Shirley (51yrs) is the best cleaner anyone could wish for. She supports the house in making breakfast and supper once a week and on weekends she helps Lime with cooking brunch. Her favourite game is dominoes, which she usually plays with Juliet (59yrs). Juliet enjoys her dominoes games, helps in the kitchen preparing vegetables and brings conversation wherever she goes. She has a quirky sense of humour that many enjoy. Peet (41yrs) helps in the garden on Saturdays when he is not milking the cows. He likes to watch his favourite Afrikaans program once a week for relaxation.

Upon exploring what dreams Pine Close has for the future, it came to having their own vehicle and own swimming pool to enjoy as a group. Lime further hopes for the house to be renovated as it's old and has lots of cracks and other refurbishment potential. They could also do with a new lounge suite.

Despite these improvements needed on material level, it must be said that the house is always spotlessly neat and tidy, one is always invited in with open arms and much warmth, kindness and happy faces. Truly a very special space created by the unique, kind, helpful and caring individuals sharing life within those walls now and through many years.
Pine Close Residents
Hanna
Hanna our oldest resident turns 90!
by Janine Strumpher

As the world celebrates 80 years of Camphill, West Coast celebrated the 90th birthday of one of our founding residents, Hanna Ueberück. Hanna is one of the kindest, gentlest, friendliest, most joyful people you will ever meet. Always a smile on her face, a hug to share and a joke to spread her love. Hanna said she wants to live till the age of 100 “at least”, and we wish she blesses us for many more years to come. 

A few words by Hanna on her Camphill journey: 
"I came to Camphill Village in 1965 when I was 35 years old. There were only two houses at that time – Pine Close and Beverley House (later called Orchard House). There was only sand, bush and Port Jackson. We had to clear the bushes to build new houses. We were only 19 residents and the co-workers. We did not have electricity, we used paraffin lamps. The way we ironed our clothes was to take crates, fold up the clothes, put it on the crates, put newspapers over it and sit on it. Pine Close was for living, for working and also the chapel on Sundays "
Interactive Awareness and Training
Interactive Health Awareness
by Nina Oberzaucher

Covid-19 and the ongoing regulations / awareness of prevention and spreading of the virus, is a new challenge to our daily living and social interaction.  Through actively engaging our residents with practical exercises to encourage their development, Francinah Mahlomuza (Junior Social Worker) and I, with support from others, have encouraged and empowered residents by raising conscious awareness about themselves and others.

They learned about social distancing with practical examples to better visualize how far 1.5 metres is from the next person. We interactively repeated correct hand washing and sanitizing technique, as well as proper coughing and sneezing etiquette. Correct putting on and taking off of cloth masks and general handling was also explained and demonstrated. We explained not to share personal devices and items such as cellphones to avoid sharing germs.

This included teaching preventative behaviour to our enterprises, including our Dairy, Bakery, Cosmetics, Farm, Gardens and houses. Using a water spray-bottle we demonstrated how respiratory droplets behave during coughs or sneezes. “Don’t touch your face!” and regular hand washing is key!

It takes a village to raise a village, hence the pledge we take as a Village to actively participate in healthy behaviour to keep our Village safe. All our staff, families and most of all our residents. deserve huge applause for the ease of acceptance and adaptation to new learnings. 
Bravo to All!
Thank Yous
by Janine Strumpher

Kiki Allen – Boxes full of very useful art supplies
Heather – Kitchenware, clothes
Medina – Art Products
Angela – Fridge
Leon & Hannelie – Kitchenware, clothes

A huge thank you for all the support, support financially, in kind and emotionally.
View our previous newsletters

If you would like to view some of our previous newsletters... CLICK HERE
Sponsor a Resident
by Janine Strumpher

We have embarked on a drive to find a sponsor for each resident who has no family or financial means. Without Camphill Village they would be on the streets where people with special needs are often victims of abuse and manipulation and at risk even within their own families and/or communities.

And without financial assistance we cannot continue providing this place of safety.

Living at Camphill Village West Coast gives people with intellectual disability the chance to live a full, creative and fulfilled life, to develop their abilities and contribute to their community. The life that we take for granted, is for many a gift. However we can only do this when financial support is found for the individuals.

If you can help, or know of Individuals or Companies we can approach please contact Janine Strumpher on 021 571 8600 or e-mail fundraiser@camphill.org.za

Take a break from your busy day and watch this beautiful slideshow about life at Camphill - https://youtu.be/B3BQ8PmMZuY


 
How to Donate
by Janine Strumpher

Our PayPal account is now in operation; there are now three ways to donate cash to Camphill Village West Coast.
 
  1. We now have a Payfast account if you'd like to donate in ZAR - Click Here
  2. And a PayPal account for donations in USD or Euros - Click Here
  3. EFT – Camphill Village Standard Bank Malmesbury Acc: 082 399 204 Branch: 050507 Swift: SBZA ZA JJ
  4. Foreign donations can be made through a NPO in your country and a tax certificate can be issued, please contact Janine to discuss for more info.
NB! Your donation is TAX DEDUCTIBLE, we would like to thank everybody that supports Camphill, remember without your support we cannot continue the work we do. We provide a safe normal life for people living with intellectual disability.
My School Card
My School Card
 

Support Camphill Village with a MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card.
 
Every time you shop at Woolworths, Engen, Flight Centre, Loot, Bidvest Waltons, Alltech Netstar and Power 24 a percentage of the amount goes to your MySchool beneficiaries.

If you don’t already have a card the application form is available on our website here.  http://www.camphill.org.za/my-school-card

If you already have a card, update your profile to include Camphill Village West Coast as one of your beneficiaries. https://www.myschool.co.za/supporter/update/

You can have up to three beneficiaries per card, so can support us at the same time as your school or other favourite charity.

Thank you – every little bit makes a difference!

Please click the Facebook link below to hear about weekly updates happening at the Village and you can also follow us on Twitter

 
Facebook
Facebook
Twitter
Twitter
Website
Website
Copyright © 2020 Camphill Village West Coast, All rights reserved.


 






This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Camphill Village West Coast · PO Box 1451 · Dassenberg · Cape Town, WC 7350 · South Africa

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp