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Camphill Market
by Lise Muller
The Camphill Village market has a long history and it is with a sad heart that we have had to cancel our April market. As all our regulars know it is a special market loved by our residents and the wonderful people that come every month to support us. Together with the rest of South Africa, Camphill is taking proactive steps to ensure that all our residents and staff are safe. We will be back to full production as soon as we receive the go-ahead from the government.
With the virus very much on our minds it is heartening to know that our Camphill products are exactly what everyone needs to stay in good health. Organic milk and dairy products have a high level of omega-3 fatty acid. Studies show that Omega-3 can reduce cardiovascular disease, improve neurological development and function and most importantly strengthen the immune function. Our bakery produces bread that is free from additives, preservatives and without high levels of salt. High salt intake contributes to high blood pressure which is one of the most powerful predictors of major cardiovascular events. Our cosmetics are all produced using the best essential oils and wherever possible herbs that are grown on the farm.
Moving forward please feed your body with food that will support your immune system and keep you healthy. Do not compromise your health by eating fast foods or foods that are contaminated with a host of unacceptable preservatives. Camphill has a wide variety of choices we would love to share with you so please contact marketing@camphill.org.za for any further information.
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Camphill Village in Lock Down
by James Sleigh
As all of us in South Africa, and many of you elsewhere in the world, sit at home in this lock down time, we are forced to come face to face with true values. The earth is breathing a sigh of relief as emissions drop, and each of us can slow down and get in touch with our health, our families, and our connections to others and to ourselves.
It feels very reassuring to know that, at Camphill, most these true values are our daily practices. As many of the staff left for their homes on Thursday, there was a realisation that those who remain behind at Camphill are really fortunate, and can continue to live a wholesome and engaging life during this locked down time.
What we do at Camphill on a daily basis - growing and harvesting organic food, milking cows, making yoghurt and cheese, baking bread in the slow nutritious tradition using sour dough yeast, making cosmetics from herbs and our own jojoba oil, and eating and socialising together - is what our ancestors did for generations. As life sped up we lost our connection to the true source of food, the nutrition within the food, and connections between ourselves and others, and also to ourselves. We have this incredible opportunity now, to slow down and re-establish these connections.
The team of staff who have stayed behind at Camphill, together with the all the residents, are all pitching in to help with any task that needs to be done. They have decided to flatten the curve of hierarchy, hands on deck are needed, and anyone who can do a task that needs to be done, gets involved. And in the process, everyone is feeling empowered. It perhaps illustrates this quote by Iain S Thomas - The best way to avoid feeling helpless, is to help.
Camphill has always maintained a strong connection to the earth and nature, and connections to others, to create a healing and nurturing space for our residents, and perhaps this can remind us to live closer to these values in the future.
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Cleaning up and beautifying our village
by James Sleigh
On 18th March, we had been planning to host delegates from around the world as part of an international Camphill Dialogue conference.
We used this opportunity to organise a huge spring-clean of the village. For the months leading up to it Friday mornings were a time where everyone in the village cleaned up and beautified designated areas. Our village is large - if you think your garden is a lot to maintain, imagine trying to maintain 220 ha. But with lots of hands we started this process, and as areas transformed so enthusiasm grew to further transform more areas, and the more pride each person felt for our village.
Despite the event being cancelled, this has been a great catalyst for us, as we plan to make our village truly beautiful.
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Easter with a difference
by Janine Strumpher
This year Easter will be celebrated differently in Camphill. It will be quieter, there will be less time of doing and more time for thinking, reflecting and taking care of each other. But it would be no celebration without Easter eggs and Hot Cross Buns!
Thank you Patricia Wade, together with the family support group, for the Easter surprise you have organised for our residents, and Hillary de Kok for the packages for our House leaders and staff, who are staying at Camphill to carry on with the day to day care of our loved ones. And Max, our baker, who has offered to stay to bake daily bread and hot cross buns.
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Gardening is Good for the Soul
by Lise Muller
Many of the houses in Camphill Village are growing their own vegetables. Growing your own vegetables ticks off many boxes which are good for our mental health. Fresh air and exercise, time away from the daily stresses of life, the ability to express one's creativity, and most importantly a sense of accomplishment when the produce is served up on table. So a big thumbs up to all the wonderful house moms and residents that are taking part in this wonderful initiative.
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A heavenly gardener?
by Janine Strumpher
Chris Martin, who passed away last year, always had the most beautiful garden filled with flowers, veggies and herbs. Months after his passing we noticed that the garden has stayed green and luscious. Tess, Chris’s life partner, is quite surprised that she has managed to keep the garden going: “I couldn’t be bothered with a garden while he was alive and doing the garden” she says. She feels he definitely still works the garden, keeping his hand on it like he always has. It is constantly abundant, and a constant reminder to her of his presence.
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Quote of the month
by Janine Strumpher
In the midst of the tons of information we have been inundated with lately, I read an article and the writer stated "We love our rights, but refuse to acknowledge our obligation" something to ponder on ...
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Making Time for the Moment
by Nina Oberzaucher
Taking care of our mental health is now more important than ever before. In this time of uncertainty, we need to take stock of our worries and anxiety and find practical steps on how to cope with our stresses.
Here are a few things you can do to look after yourself, and your family:
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media.
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths and stretch. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling
- Try to keep a sense of normality and routine. This can reduce stress.
- Find beauty around you
Ideas for distraction:
- Do household chores, or spring cleaning, do personal paperwork, de-clutter your home
- Complete that home project that you have wanted to do for ages
- Do art and craft
- Watch movies – especially comedies and inspirational movies
- Read, play games, listen to feel-good music
- Work in your garden
- Help someone else
- Do an online course
- Use this time to look within
- Use this time to deepen spiritual practice
Together we are strong. Let’s be strong for each other.
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APPLE
Practical, Mindful Steps for Worry & Anxiety
by Nina Oberzaucher
When you feel worried and anxious:
Acknowledge
Notice and acknowledge the thought as it comes to mind
Pause
Don’t react as you normally do. Just pause, and breathe.
Pull back
Tell yourself this is just the anxiety or worry talking, and this though or feeling is only a thought or a feeling. Don’t believe everything you think! Thoughts are not statements of fact.
Let Go
Let go of the thought or feeling. It will pass. You don’t have to respond to them. You might imagine them floating away in a bubble or cloud.
Explore
Explore the present moment, because right now, in this moment, all is well. Notice your breathing, and the sensations of breathing. Notice the ground beneath you. Look around and notice what you see, what you hear, what you can touch, what you can smell. Right now. Then, SHIFT YOUR FOCUS OF ATTENTION to something else – on what you need to do, on what you were doing before you noticed the worry, or do something else – MINDFULLY, with your full attention.
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Drum to the Beat
by Nina Oberzaucher
Since the beginning of this year, we have introduced drumming sessions for residents as part of our weekly programme. This is a great space to come together, connect, share feelings, be creative and get rid of worry, frustration and stress.
The relief and relaxation that follows a drumming session is palpable. Breathing is more relaxed, a smile happens where there was none.
Together we share and learn that we are all facing our own struggles and that it is ok to have uncomfortable feelings. By expressing these feelings the residents support each other and find joy, hope and fun in this space.
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Elizabeth Dederick - Born 21 January 1951
by Renate Sleigh
Admitted to Camphill Village 1983 at the age of 32.
Elizabeth's parents were English. Her father was a poet and used to publish some of his poems in the Cape Times. Her mother was an artist and wrote stories. She wrote the story of Elizabeth, and called it “The Moon Child”. This was one of our most beautiful biographies.
Elizabeth has two sisters, Jane and Charlotte, who live abroad but visit her and care for her. She also had a brother who was not well and died. Her mother too died many years ago. Elizabeth was mainly raised and looked after by her granny, with whom she learned to read, but was not really able to care for or look after herself.
When she came to us, she needed care and support with washing, dressing and hygiene. She was not motivated to do things, and in fact her limbs where very clumsy and stiff - if asked to carry thing she would hold them with the upper arm not her hands.
She is a being who lives in her head, she observes and reports. She can tell you exactly what she has done, where she has been or what she has eaten. It is objective reporting. She does not really take part in daily events and needs. Only when asked, will she do and be active, and help.
She has tried to work in the village in many areas, but actually she is a great child who can play with her toy dog, take him for walks with a friend and be happy. She has Wilfred, her faithful companion, yet she controls this friendship.
Elizabeth really is a moon child, who has joined us from another world. Work, and toil are not important, she sees and greets, recognises and knows people, yet we do not really get to know her.
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From the Kitchen
by Rochelle
Chocolate Caramel Shortbread
Made with the finest ingredients of Camphill. This recipe will satisfy the sweetest of the sweet cravings and it is easy to make. You will need a 20 cm brownie tin or baking dish, a medium saucepan and a small saucepan.
Yield - 16 Slices.
INGREDIENTS
Shortbread base:
100g Camphill salted butter, melted
50g castor sugar
150g stoneground cake flour
Caramel layer:
200g condensed milk
150g Camphill salted butter
50g castor sugar
50g golden syrup or honey
Dark Chocolate Ganache topping:
200g good quality dark chocolate (Cocoa Fair 71%)
100g Camphill fresh cream
METHOD
- Preheat the oven to 160°C. Line your baking dish or tin with baking paper and grease the sides with a little bit of Camphill butter.
- To make the shortbread, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix with a wooden spoon until it just comes together. Do not knead the dough or overmix it. You will not need any extra liquid.
- Press the dough out flat with your hands in your baking dish and bake it for about 10-15 minutes or until it is a lovely golden brown colour around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool down in the tin.
- While you wait for the shortbread to bake you can start the caramel. Place all the weighed ingredients in a saucepan and put it on a medium high heat. Stir gently and frequently. Watch closely while you stir as you should see little slivers of brown that have stuck to the bottom of the pan. When you see this stir vigorously but with caution, and turn the heat down to a lower-medium heat. Let it simmer gently until it is a deep dark golden brown. Stir frequently so that it does not burn.
- When the caramel is ready, pour it directly onto the shortbread base and spread it out evenly. Let it cool for at least an hour or overnight.
- Making the chocolate ganache you will need a small saucepan to heat the cream to boiling point. Turn off the heat and add the chocolate. Mix it with a whisk or wooden spoon until it comes together into thick chocolate sauce.
- Spread it onto the cooled caramel layer and let it set for a few hours.
- Remove it from the tin and cut into slices. If you cannot remove it then cut it into slices in the tin or dish and remove slice by slice.
- Store in the fridge when you have cut it into slices, in a sealed container.
Enjoy!
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Thank Yous
by Janine Strumpher
Thank You:
Patty Koning – Trampoline and wood
Fanie & Elsa Steenkamp – Kitchen goods
Kris Drabik - Clothing
Sonja - Clothing
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View our previous newsletters
If you would like to view some of our previous newsletters... CLICK HERE
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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
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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.
- Our PayPal account is now fully functional if you would like to use this option - Click Here
- EFT – Camphill Village Standard Bank Malmesbury Acc: 082 399 204 Branch: 050507 Swift: SBZA ZA JJ
- 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.
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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!
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Please click the Facebook link below to hear about weekly updates happening at the Village and you can also follow us on Twitter
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