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New beginnings
by James Sleigh
For any sustainable growth to occur, those who study nature will tell you that cycles and seasons are vitally important. Plants need periods of growth and of stillness, in which they gather their strength and set course for the next growth time.
A number of forces have come together at the moment, all contributing to an incredibly powerful feeling of growth at Camphill Village West Coast, and it is quite palpable the minute one enters our village.
These forces are:
Spring - we have had very good rains - after 4 years of drought - and the village is really blooming. Carpets of colour cover the village in waves. The white daisies have now given way to fields of yellow, orange and purple.
The country is slowly emerging from lockdown. Many projects that we have been planning for years, having used the lockdown period to plan strategically and meticulously together with our board and with contractors, are now coming into blossom.
Another wonderful force, which seems to blossom when we most need it, is a great blessing from Rays of Hope, in the form of support to upgrade our dairy. The masterminds behind Rays of Hope, Kris and Katrin, have become close friends of Camphill, and have now assisted us in finding the funds to transform our dairy into a modern, state-of-the-art dairy, without losing its charm.
Together with Rays of Hope, Janine has meticulously been planning every aspect of the upgrade, with quotes and project management tools, overseen by the great minds of Kris and Katrin. After hundreds of hours of planning, talking, stress and much laughter, we now have the exciting experience of it all unfolding before our eyes. Contractors, under the watchful eyes of Antonius and Danie, are putting together all the pieces of the puzzle, to reveal the completed picture of a beautifully equipped and well functioning dairy. We have spent months pouring over Kris's project management spreadsheets and costing forms, and now the planning is bearing fruit.
Sending "Dairy Rays" from Germany to Camphill Village
by Kris Drabik and Katrin Emmrich
Driven by the development masterplan jointly defined by Camphill Village and Rays of Hope, the newest project (codename "Dairy Rays“) targets the modernisation of the 38 year-old dairy.
Together with Camphill’s management, Rays of Hope has identified and prioritised all necessary measures required to address one of Camphill's greatest needs - to modernise their dairy. The areas to be targeted in Phase 1 of the project are:
- Structural improvements and adaptations (such as the re-arrangement of internal walls for an improved flow of processing, the tiling of floors and walls, and the installation of windows and ceiling fans)
- Implementation of modern dairy equipment (such as the in-line milking system, the in-line pasteurizer, the separator, and the cheese vat)
- Overall enhancement of operation (with focus on process optimization, on maintenance and repairs to all aspects of the dairy, as well as on hygiene and safety issues)
Alternative quotations were collected and evaluated resulting in a cost estimate for Phase 1. By presenting the project to foundations and private sponsors Rays of Hope succeeded in securing the necessary funds.
The project was kick-started in mid-August 2020 and should be completed within a six-month period. Once completed, the new dairy will operate with much improved availability and reliability parameters, also offering a higher throughput of milk products.
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Meet the faces behind the Marketing Team
by Janine Strumpher
Every Thursday a group of vibrant, energetic Camphill employees gather, the “Think Tank” of all marketing, events, socials and new developments. Discussions include our newsletter and social media, brain-storming a year plan of events promoting Camphill as the dynamic organisation it is, promoting Camphill’s wonderful organic products, and planning experiences to keep our residents stimulated, inspired and happy.
Meet the team in the picture above - from left to right:
Max, Bakery Manager | Janine, Fundraiser | Delmaine, Intern | Lise, Marketing | Frankie, Junior Social worker | Carine, Social worker | James, CEO.
We all look forward to sharing with you all our lovely Village on the Cape Town West Coast.
 Web Developer and Editor
Patrick and Kit Heathcock work behind the scenes on the website, newsletter, product photography and Facebook page, sharing their expertise and knowledge with our team. Patrick is a web developer and photographer, Kit is a writer, and they have been neighbours of Camphill Village for 18 years, their children growing up friends and schoolmates of a generation of Camphill children.  Social Media Whizz-Kid
Tess Derrick-Sleigh is studying at UCT, and volunteers her time to help Camphill expand our Instagram presence and adding energy to our social media accounts. |
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Spring Cleaning and Clearing
by Janine Strumpher
Our newsletter this month is devoted to the theme Spring – New Beginnings, and as part of this celebration we are recycling, upgrading, redecorating, cleaning and clearing around the Village.
Camphill Burn: Alien vegetation is one of the biggest headaches that our farmer battles with. While clearing on one side, they spring up on the other, an ongoing battle. Good ground that could be planted with food for people and animals is covered with aliens that are a security and fire risk. To assist with this “plant pandemic” the whole Village came together in groups, each covering a separate area, chopped, dragged and burned. It is hard work, we spent two full days sweating and trying to do as much as humanly possible - after September we are not allowed to burn as it poses a fire risk in the hot summer months. A huge shout out to all the residents and staff - it is a small dent, but we have reclaimed a few hectares of plantable fields. *
Afterwards we had a well-deserved burger and cooldrink prepared by Damian. Job well done! For a bunch of pen-pushers the Moya office staff really proved that there is no job that cannot be done if your heart is in it. To the reliable housemothers, ever-hardworking farm team and residents, thank you for always going the extra mile.
Camphill Upgrades: Coming out of a very long hibernation, we realized it is time to dust off the old and start with the new. We have embarked on a few long overdue projects. A good all-round clean-up in the village, getting rid of clutter and things that cannot be used, cleaning from top to bottom. Amanda and the gardening team have been beautifying the Village by pruning, cutting and planting.
* One of our greatest challenges with alien vegetation clearing for fields and pastures, is to remove the stumps of the trees. High on our wish list is to get a digger loader, or the services of an excavating company, to help us remove these stumps. If any readers have any ideas for assistance, please contact me.
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Spring waits for no man
by Carine Human
While the world has been guided by mankind and its expertise, and ordered how to, when to, and whether to, Spring has sprung in all her grace!
She reminds us of the importance of change. She is clearly and intentionally unphased, and evidently not giving any attention to what is happening around her. She has mindfully spent her time planning, designing and carefully creating a show of note for the Spring of 2020 edition.
We stand in awe yet again at how our village has changed into a massive canvas of nature with a million little flowers enticing us. There are little seasons within this season, changing according to the time of day, the light of the sun and flowers taking turns to blossom.
Camphill Village West Coast received Spring wholeheartedly with much enthusiasm and joy, and took the opportunity to celebrate many previously uncelebrated events and to make up for lost or postponed festivities. Everyone made an effort to dress the part, group home leaders decorated their lunch tables beautifully with flowers and an abundance of colour! Much joy was created and appreciated and photos were shared, furthering the inspiration throughout the village.
We are ready, we feel revived - we are reminded of new beginnings and that nothing lasts forever. We feel alive and well, and of course spoilt.
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Our Virtual AGM
by James Sleigh
As a registered NPC, legally we need to hold an AGM each year before the end of September, with a representative number of members. As Camphill Village is still under lockdown conditions, this year our AGM was a virtual meeting - where members connected remotely.
While we were concerned about how this would pan out, we were all very pleased by how smoothly this ran, with 45 attendees, who could now join from anywhere in the world, all contributing. What has amazed me is how quickly we as humans are able to adapt. These remote meetings, although they require some new skill sets, have become the new normal. A year ago we would not have entertained the idea of having a virtual AGM, but since this one many of our members have suggested that, in future, we at least have a partially remote AGM, which saves on travel time and costs.
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Staying in touch with loved ones through technology
by Francinah and Carine
Making the most of available communication lines to stay in touch with loved ones has been one of our primary commitments, to keep relational wellbeing blooming and residents connected with their loved ones. During this time of lockdown due to our COVID restrictions, the only in person connection many of our residents have had is with their fellow residents, group home leaders and caregivers. We would like to thank all the families that have made interactions with us through SMS, telephone calls, WhatsApp video calls and texts, and are grateful for videos recorded by our group home leaders and the marketing team, including everyone within the village that has interacted with the residents.
As much as lockdown tried to stop us from interacting, technology has been one of our life savers. And we are so grateful that the families are enjoying the technological connections.
Our staff has tried very hard to send out a flow of images and stories to family members. It has been wonderful to receive such positive messages back. Please read below some of the replies and joyful words we have received from families as a result of those interactions:
- "Thank you for the picture He is now looking good! You all look after him so well."
- "It all looks wonderful! Thank you VERY much for going to all that trouble to make it special. I really appreciate it."
- "Many thanks for all the info, and the lovely photos of such happy events. Many thanks for your update and most welcome reassurance of all the measures you are taking to keep the village safe for everyone. A daunting task and very much appreciated."
- "Looks like there could be worse places to live!" (After receiving pictures of a Spring Lunch)
- "Oh wow they are lovely! Thank you for sharing! :-)"
- "Joyful, heart warming, EVERYBODY can be so proud!"
- "Brings a heart-warming smile on a windy wet chilly day"
- "How lovely to see everyone having such a wonderful time and your village is looking beautiful with all the Spring Flowers."
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How lockdown changed the work environment
by Delmaine Willemse
When we hear the word ‘lockdown’, everyone has their own experiences and opinions on how it was. I enjoyed the peace that came along with the lockdown restrictions, but had a few changes that I had to adapt to. One change was not being so close and interactive with the residents. Since my first day at Camphill Village, working with the residents became not only my job but my new life. Being around the residents brought out a side in me that words fail to explain and all I can say is I love it. Their mere presence instantly brightens up a cloudy day. Before lockdown Friday mornings were dedicated to sports. The staff could spend an hour with the residents playing soccer/netball. It was the highlight of our week. Last November we had the opportunity to take the residents on an outing. Due to lockdown restrictions this will not be possible in 2020.
Spending all those times together and suddenly not being able to see the residents was a disappointing change. Each day became more challenging. Their unexpected visits to the office, the chats, coffee dates and jokes shared whilst passing each other in the village became a thing of the past. The only communication we had was the occasional phone call, which was just not enough. All we had during this difficult times was memories to cherish!
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Camphill Jojoba to the rescue
by Delmaine Willemse
After years of struggling with acne, dark spots and dry skin, Camphill Jojoba oil has come to my rescue. I started using Camphill Jojoba oil about a year and a half ago and the results are absolutely amazing. It leaves your skin smooth and moisturized, with no oily residue after applying it. But that’s not all Camphill Jojoba oil is good for...
A few months ago I started my natural journey and used Camphill Jojoba oil as a sealing oil for my hair. It is doing wonders! I also use it as a hot oil treatment and mix it with my conditioner along with a few other essential oils. Camphill Jojoba oil even helped me with my dandruff problems - my hair and scalp look and feel moisturized for longer.
If you are struggling with damaged hair, split ends, hair loss or dandruff, Camphill Jojoba oil is the answer to all your hair struggles. I am part of a group called the Curly Girls, and since I have introduced this, this is the only product we all use. It has saved us so much on other products that, I am realising now, were damaging my hair and compromising my skin.
Camphill Jojoba is simply the best!
See below picture for examples of hair-types that respond beautifully to Camphill Jojoba Oil!
If you would like to order Camphill Jojoba Oil, see our website for outlets, or contact marketing@camphill.org.za
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Shopping online
by Lise Muller
South Africa has been social distancing for months now and it is clear that there has been a major shift in our buying habits with many people turning to online shopping. It is well known that it takes anywhere from four weeks to two months to instil a new habit, and many people will be emerging from this crisis with a new way of doing things, especially when it comes to consumption.
"Local is Lekker" has never been truer than it is now. The coronavirus pandemic has instilled in many customers a greater interest in shopping local. People want to support their favourite coffee shops, boutiques and eateries, and more than anything they want to know the source of the food that they are buying.
Camphill ticks all the boxes for the new emerging online buyer, who is assured that they are supporting an organization that is all about sustainable farming and adopts an inclusive work ethic for all the Camphill residents.
 TuisBly - A new shopping experience!
TuisBly has recently set up their online business and we are thrilled that they are stocking Camphill products. TuisBly is an e-commerce platform that delivers the freshest products to Cape Town and surrounding areas. They are currently focussed on fresh fruit and vegetables, but will offer in the coming months a unique variety of exclusive locally produced ranges available to shop in your “spens”, your “badkamer”, your “slaapkamer”, the “kinderkamer” and your “braai” space. They support local businesses by giving them an accessible platform to showcase their ranges coming out of the Covid pandemic, with no hidden costs.
The lesson they have learned going through the various stages of lockdown these past months, is that nobody has the patience to stand in a queue any longer. The shopper experience has shifted to staying home, browsing and shopping from the comfort of your home and having beautiful products delivered to your door as your gift to yourself. And they love gifting with authentic locally produced small batch South African products.
Tuisbly is the brainchild of husband and wife, Johann and Karen Latsky. Together this power duo has 16 years of extensive experience in the retail, film and marketing industry. They are born entrepeneurs with a deep appreciation of local products, bringing you real South African products, produced by real South Africans, and sold at real, affordable South African prices.
Johann Latsky has been a great supporter of Camphill. He volunteered his services as a videographer, and made our beautiful videos of the Mandela Day, and Anthem challenge. TuisBly now stock many of our products, and we have brainstormed new products that our residents can make that they will sell online.
This is a current Camphill promotion on their website www.tuisbly.com
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Bicycles
by Francinah and Max
Qhubeka Bicycles have played a huge role in inspiring our residents to utilize bicycles as means of transport to and from work; they also gain mind-refreshing therapy through cycling around the village and exploring nature. This has stimulated other residents to wish they could have bicycles as well and be part of the village cycling crew.
We give a big thumbs up to those residents who opened their hearts and gave their unused bicycles to other residents who were not privileged enough to have one. We would also like to give a big thank you to the families that followed up what Qhubeka Bicycle has started and donated bicycles for their family members, so that they are not left out of the newly developed Camphill Village cycling movement. If any of you have an old bicycle in your garage that is looking for a new life, we may have a very keen resident for it!
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Amanda and her team
by Max
In her quiet way Amanda, the house leader of Ibis, has taken leadership of a group of residents that have not managed to work in the enterprises. She has skilled them up to become the landscape team, transforming and beautifying previously neglected areas of our village.
Her strength can be seen on the faces of the residents in her team. The growth of self-esteem and pride in her team is tangible to observe. This team is transforming our Camphill estate, quietly, methodically, with each member building their abilities in the process.
Thank you Sonet and New Media for the herb donation. They have been planted by Amanda and her team, some have already been used in meals and drying for cosmetics.
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The art of mindfully cultivating one's passions
by Carine Human
Paul (59 years) is one of our residents living in Aloe house. He works in the bakery and has a very quaint sense of humour and an amazing way with words. He can spoonerise any word or phrase or rhyme on demand, which is sometimes quite hilarious! When you meet Paul in the first few sentences of conversation you will learn about his passion for aeroplanes. His knowledge about the subject, both modern and historical, is astounding!
He furthermore loves drawing them. Paul was never previously involved in art therapy, but since the Art Room was moved to the work centre during the lockdown period, Paul has taken the initiative to go there twice a week and sit by himself and draw. It is wonderful to see how someone takes control of their needs and uses opportunities to express, self-regulate, relax and enjoy devoting time to a passion. Not needing anyone or anything else - just the space, pencil and paper and time. He disturbs no-one and no-one bothers him.
The art room holds a sense of serenity and respect that our residents uphold, whoever the facilitators, and whenever they work of their own accord in dedicated time. Max (our Baker) took a beautiful picture of Paul in passing one day. This picture speaks so many words and triggers so many thoughts and insights; the story had to be shared. Paul, you inspire us - we also feel what we feel when we feel it, but do not always have the discipline to be good to ourselves and grow our passions, or take time out to mindfully relax. We learn a lot from you!
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Jess and Hayley share their friendship advice
by Francinah Mahlomuza
Camphill Village strives to be a place where one can develop personally, understand oneself, and establish sincere and committed friendships. I have been in the village from 5th January 2020 interacting with the residents, and I’ve been observing the relationships the residents have with each other, together with the relationships between the residents and staff. After I saw the interactions between Jessica and Hayley, I could not stop thinking of the beauty of their friendship. I decided to catch up with them and ask what is it they do that keeps their friendship so beautiful and flourishing.
Here is some friendship advice from these two adorable ladies:
Jessica: I have known Hayley from 2016 when I moved in to Camphill. I stayed at Egret house and Hayley used to stay in Ibis. When I came here, I did not have friends and I did not know the place very well but my family told me that I am here because of my disability. So, I saw Hayley and found out that we have the same disability called “Down syndrome” but more importantly we even share the same birthday. Hayley is not an easy person to just look at and understand because sometimes she gets angry and I don’t know why; and after some time she will be happy and a loving person again. I got to understand how she functions. When she is angry, I give her some time and when she is happy, she shows me so much love. She will hug me, kiss me and tell me that she loves me.
It is a pity now that we are no longer staying close to each other (Hayley currently stays in Ferry and Jessica in Sunset) but when we see each other around the village, especially at the tuck shop, the bond grows strong again. Even though we do not see each other every day, I still love to invite her to my house for lunch. I love her for who she is and I would like people to also understand that people with Down syndrome can live a normal life and be friends like any other people in the world.
Hayley: My name is Hayley and I have known Jessica from when she arrived here. I love her so much and she is a good friend. I know sometimes I make her angry but she understands me better and she was there for me when I was not feeling well. Even today when I see her, I get so happy. When we stayed close to each other in Ibis and Egret, she used to help me sweep under my room cupboard. Sometimes my group home leader did not want her to help me, but she was still helping me when the group home leader was not looking. I love Jessica and she is like my sister!
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New Developments
by Janine Strumpher
Thank you to all who donated towards our Mandela Day tree planting project. Your trees and funding have added the following: 10 Blueberry, 2 Litchie, 5 Fig, 4 Plum, 5 Grape, 2 Olive and 4 Apricot trees to our flourishing Camphill orchard.
All were planted in Arbor week, celebrated the first week of September. We are all looking forward to harvesting healthy organic fruits to feed the village, and the excess will be sold to assist us in our self-sustainability. This gift will keep on giving.
The Ferry House burglar bars and gates have been replaced with new robust and impenetrable burglar bars and security gates. I never would have thought these could look good but they really do, and the Ferry residents are very happy and feel safe and secure.
Huis ten Bos is being redecorated with a new lick of paint inside and out, and the roof has been cleaned, transforming the tired blue house with a brand new look. All residents were moved out and everything will be sanitized before they move back in, as safety is always our top priority. When our gates eventually open again, everyone will be very surprised at the welcome changes.
And this is just the beginning of all the new beginnings to come. We now are working through a comprehensive plan to upgrade all of our houses.
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From the Kitchen
by Lise Muller
Creamy Salmon and Lemon Pasta
This dish can be made using Camphill’s Crème Fraîche to create a creamy simple salmon pasta dish that takes less than half an hour to prepare.
INGREDIENTS
350g tagliatelle, or pasta of your choice
1 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely sliced
5 tbsp crème fraîche
1 lemon, zested (finely grated) and juiced
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
200g smoked salmon, torn into strips
30g fresh chives or dill, finely chopped
70g bag rocket, to serve
METHOD
Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta for 2 mins less time than indicated on the pack instructions.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the garlic and fry for 2-3 mins until softened but not coloured. Stir in the crème fraîche, lemon juice, Parmesan and 2 ladles of pasta cooking water. Allow to bubble gently for 1 min.
Drain the tagliatelle and mix into the sauce in the frying pan. Cook for a further 2 mins or until reduced to a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
Stir through the smoked salmon and chives, season with black pepper. Garnish with the lemon zest and top with a handful of rocket. Enjoy!
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Thank Yous
by Janine Strumpher
Thank you to all the loyal MySchool/MyVillage swipers who contribute monthly to Camphill as their beneficiary. Please note that Builders Warehouse is now also a partner.
Ellie - Bags of oranges
Patricia - Clothing
New Media - Herbs
A huge thank you for all the support, support financially, in kind and emotionally.
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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.
- We now have a Payfast account if you'd like to donate in ZAR - Click Here
- And a PayPal account for donations in USD or Euros - 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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