March/April 2015

The sea at dusk, Emil Nolde

Stepping into the field of the future starts with attending to the opening of an inner crack. Following that crack requires us to let go of the old and ‘let grow’ something that we can sense, but that we cannot fully know before we see it emerge. This moment, which requires us to move although we cannot yet fully see the new, feels like jumping across an abyss. At the moment we leap, we have no idea whether we will make it across. Otto Scharmer and Katrin Kaufer Leading from the Emerging Future – From Eco-system to Eco-system Economies A Beautiful Whisper

In a clear shaft of bright light I felt the infinite presence of a divine god And acknowledged such a real presence With an eager nod

I heard him gently whisper But felt no needless surge of fear Only a new awakening of a deep spiritual peace That such a profound presence can be so casually near

I watched him forgive my sin And then wept with an obvious happiness That such an unfair weakness Can be so easily forgiven by him

Peter Brown, Loch Arthur Community, Scotland

Undoubtedly, no person can be truly dishonoured by Surf, Emil Nolde the act of another; and the fit return to make to the most enormous injuries is kindness and forbearance, and a resolution to convert the injurer from his dark passions by peace and love. Revenge, retaliation, Birthday List March – April 2015 atonement are pernicious mistakes. Becoming 98 P B Shelley, Preface to The Cenci Mary Hobson, Simeon Houses...... 18 April Contributed by James Ogden, Ceredigion, Wales Becoming 95 Hazel Straker, Stroud, England...... 6 April Becoming 92 Contents Irma Roehling, Hermanus...... 27 April Economics and the spirit – Part I Becoming 90 Carlo Pietzner...... 1 Brian Rée, Copake...... 5 April Are you interested in developing community? Becoming 85 Sabine Hope...... 3 Ann Richmond, Botton Village...... 4 April My leading images­ Mikio Shioya...... 4 Becoming 80 Obituaries: Eva Maria Rascher, Lake District, England..... 13 March Philip How...... 6 Michael Steinke, Berlin...... 28 March Pat Schofield, Thornbury...... 31 March Geoffrey Bell...... 9 Sophia Kunz...... 11 Becoming 70 Paivi Lappalainen, Dornach...... 5 March News from the movement: Andrew Dyer, Castleton, England...... 7 March Feedback from the Core Group meeting Liselotte Liebeck, Sellen...... 10 March James Sleigh...... 14 Dorothee Bakowski, Lehenhof...... 22 April Tinh Truc Gia (the Peaceful Bamboo Any additions or changes, Family): the second phase of building please let Sandra Stoddard know: Alain Grüner...... 14 [email protected] +44(0)1224 733415 Letter...... 15 Economics and the spirit – Part I A lecture given at the Camphill Economic Conference, 1984 Carlo Pietzner Contributed by Crispian Villeneuve

e decided a year ago on the rough outline of this gave me that advice?” He then became even more seri- Wconference, and I have felt challenged since then ous, and said: “Yes. Because it will be on this level that to try to say more about economic life in a community. you will have to have your first conscious conversations Wherever I held or read lectures I was aware of this with Ahriman.” challenge, and pondered about the content of our confer- Now I really could not comprehend this either – and ence. Just fairly recently I discarded almost everything I he left it at that. Since that time I have not experienced had selected, because it seemed to me that there were any situation in economics and particularly in finances only a few things in the depths of our experiences with where this statement has not been valid. And I feel that economics about which it would be worthwhile to speak – at least as far as I am concerned – this is a kind of – pictures as it were, which are perhaps the most potent entry into what I conceive to be economics in Camphill. things. This does not mean that I would not greatly value and expect that on coming together we would discuss Spiritual beings details of economics and enter practical life. But it is the At that time it was still during the war, and we in Camp- rapidity with which our time runs into disillusionment hill Scotland had hardly any way to compare ourselves with values which have seemingly been carrying us that with other anthroposophists. I assumed – as many of us makes it more important than ever to try – whatever did on other levels as well – that anthroposophists, out of else we consider – not to forget the pictures which can their spirituality and knowledge and training, were expert really guide us. in all activities. When it became possible to meet with I do not say that I have the pictures which guide us, but other anthroposophists it was then interesting to experi- decided to try and communicate with you at the level ence that while this was perhaps not untrue, the expertise on which I felt that I myself have been guided...I will not was limited in a strange way, which still persisted until use argument, and will assume that certain things are about ten years ago [i.e. till the mid-1970s]. It was lim- self-understood: amongst them a statement that could be ited to the free spiritual life. That is understandable, you a Camphill statement but isn’t, spoken by Rudolf Steiner might say, in as much as one would take anthroposophy on 20 March 1921 [in Stuttgart] when speaking about as another philosophy, as another concept of the world the youth movement. He said then what we often hear, or perhaps as an inaugurating impulse for schools and and yet always have deep trouble to reconcile with our curative education. One can even say: the reason is that own individual being: anthroposophy deals with the arts, because the arts are In the future it will be that all tasks involving the the most powerful link to reality which man has. individual will be at the same time tasks of the com- But it was obvious that the economic sphere did not munity, and each task of the community will have really belong to the preferred activities of anthroposo- to be made one’s own individual task. Nothing else will serve. Such a thing cannot be organized, but can only be achieved by associating. It is on this level that I base myself. And I would like to tell you my first encounter, which actually weaves through everything I am able to communicate. This happened over forty years ago when Dr König told me one day that I would have to take over the finances of the house of which I was Principal [Heathcot, near Aberdeen, of which Carlo became Principal in 1943] and that I would be responsible for the handling of its economic requirements. I had no idea why, or what it would entail. I had no qualifications. I was trained, as you perhaps know, as an artist. The encounter with handicapped children a few years before had been a tre- mendous inner upheaval – an enormous enrichment and at the same time an enormous trial. It meant a complete reversal of my life, which however was too amazing and promising to refuse. When he handed to me the famous big chequebooks, I asked him: “Can you give me any advice?” He replied: “You must try to be of absolutely unbiased, unprejudiced exactitude.” I took the chequebooks under my arm, and went home. Soon afterwards when trying to recollect all this, I realized that it had been tremendous advice which I couldn’t fully comprehend. So after a few days I went back to him, and asked: “Would you tell me why you Carlo Pietzner in 1953 phists. At the same time there was no doubt that a tre- this, and found that except for certain elements having mendous amount of economic assistance was needed directly to do with the group of people to whom Rudolf if anthroposophical activities were to flourish. They Steiner spoke and telling of certain circumstances then required help and support from the economic sphere. prevailing, everything is as valid today as it was then. I And it was around the time when this dawned upon us was really quite astonished, and wondered what it was that I also began to question ourselves in Camphill about that could make certain suggestions about the ordering the whole matter. of social life still as valid as that. My first real questioning – in myself, but also outwardly Rudolf Steiner himself said that the threefold social – again occurred at the hand of something done by Dr order had failed, at least in Middle Europe. He said König. I was at that time in Ireland, and seemed to be that it still had a chance, for a short while, in the west- very busy in Glencraig [founded by Carlo and others in ern countries, but had failed. It was an attempt to see 1954]. But time and again I had of course to visit Scot- whether or not the Michaelic thinking was sufficiently land and England in order to meet with Dr König and strong and reliable to work. But it wasn’t. Despite the fact have Community meetings. In a meeting at Newton Dee that it wasn’t, any serious student of the threefold social we were discussing situations concerning Botton, which order can know, as we in Camphill now experience, existed particularly in the economic sphere. Dr König that there is an immense strength and quality working said, totally out of the blue: “Well, I think we must put in these thoughts, which are by no means invalidated it on a new footing, and I propose that Carlo should be- by anything that has happened. As we know, dreadful come Honorary Treasurer of the Camphill Village Trust.” things have happened. The flood of antisocial existence I had no qualifications for that either, and I think Peter which has since that time occurred all over the world is [Roth] must have been as startled as I was that Dr König almost unprecedented. should have proposed me. I couldn’t see how it might Two things then seemed to become more obvious. be possible to combine this task with the other work One, which was for me not always there, became in the that I was doing [in Ireland]. But as you know, when Dr course of years and particularly over the last ten years König thought something was right, it was usually done. the basic element of activities in anthroposophy and in At the end of this period, which lasted a few years, community. The other, though I couldn’t fully understand many economic questions began to occur of a much it and don’t think I fully understand it now, belongs to this more complicated nature involving us in the economy thread which Dr König began to weave into the middle of the world, which had not really been the case before. of my life, so to speak, with his first remark. One of the subjects which emerged only at this time, The first is what Rudolf Steiner on the 19 October 1919 and became a matter of conscience, was the manner of [at Dornach] called “the basic archetypal element, as our income. By then a change had taken place almost it were the atom of man’s social living together”. This everywhere in the world, in that gradually the welfare famous and incredible thing is much more varied and state was starting in different forms to take over in Britain; intricate than at first appears to us. He described it from and also it was preparing to become a reality fifteen or many sides. He gave it already to the teachers in the Study twenty years later in the United States and other places. of Man [in 1919 in Stuttgart]. It is called ‘der Gedanken- Gradually the fee income which until then parents weg zum Christus’, the thought way to Christ. That is the had been responsible for became as a matter of course relationship occurring between one ego and another ego, the responsibility of the state and of various state agen- this immense mystery of a vibration of activity, of atten- cies. Without wanting in the least to suggest that there tion, of consciousness by which we become consciously is something not ‘kosher’ in that, I began to doubt. My aware of a person. We sleep over into him, and in order doubts occurred in that I felt, while in meetings of the to be ourselves must withdraw and antipathetically de- Camphill Village Trust, as if the money coming from the velop consciousness of self, restore our self-awareness in state had a different colour from the money we had been order to go out again. You are now doing that too, when accustomed to get. Perhaps it would be better to say: a listening to me. At any given moment it takes place with different smell. The money was different, had a different enormous spiritual rapidity not subject to time. This atom tendency to run, to suggest and influence conversations – the basis of human living together – seems to be the about it. And the reality not of sums, but of the presence basis of all social activity, and therefore also of economic of invisible entities could not possibly be denied. It was life. There are many complications here, but going into as if around certain moments of financial and economic them is not part of my subject. I merely indicated it as decisions different types of beings were standing and something which cannot be eliminated from any real somehow influencing, whispering into our conversa- attempt to live within the economic sphere. tions. I do not want to give the impression that some- The other thing belonging to this thread is something thing ‘mystical’ was going on. It was perfectly tangible. quite different. I became aware through Rudolf Steiner It was like when a person comes into a room, how we that many things one would try, which have real spiritual can experience in the way he greets one, stretches out solidity, will not be successful or show results within his hand, or sits down, what kind of spirit has entered. this incarnation. Among the fundamentals of curative education, for instance, is to work in such a manner that A different kind of dimension one does not expect results to occur, even though one I also then became interested for the first time in the would hope that they will occur. But it is also true in a so-called social lectures, which have to do with the number of spiritual activities or meditative practices that threefold social organism. One thing I had to ask myself one expects results too early, which is altogether among when coming to this point in my preparation for tonight the most devastating lies occurring in occult circles. was whether these lectures on the threefold common- One of the greatest elements we in Camphill have wealth, given [65] years back, are still valid. I worked on tried to be aware of – and which time and again was 2 rediscovered by many of us, even though we thought we knew it long ago, reappearing once more after a few years in a wonderful new garment of understand- ing which blossomed in our minds – is all that has to do with brotherliness, fraternity. I remember well enough that we spoke about it very early on, when Camphill was still a small community. Then too we had a tendency to believe that we knew what it was. But when we rediscovered it a few years later, we found that we had no notion of its magnitude or of its characteristics. While this was the human basis of eco- nomic life – an element of freed emotional quality which momentarily swings in the ego experience of another, or can do so – it is also at the same time the basic element or, as Rudolf Steiner called it, the foundation of any true spiritual society. The possibilities to deal with the economic sphere needed as it were to infuse substantially into this whole complex situation of human capacity. In this capacity is enclosed – is hidden one might almost say – the fact that striving towards it prepares us for something much greater to come. The preparation, so Rudolf Steiner ex- plains, will provide us in the next life with an understand- ing of karma and reincarnation. If this is taken seriously and considered, the striving for brotherhood and the Ahriman’s head, modelled in wax by Rudolf Steiner in May 1915 penetrating of interrelationships in the economic sphere assume a different kind of dimension. They are at the a manner that they can be solved. Something is woven in same time preparatory to our ability for re-understanding the very placement of the question which does not allow karma and reincarnation in our next lives. And – forgive us to be entirely and absolutely unbiased, unprejudiced me if I put it like this – there stands suddenly, clearly and exact. We are unwilling to rise above the possibil- to be seen, the figure of Ahriman. He tries to instil into ity to ‘account’ for everything. Our consciousness can us the expectation that what we try must be successful be persuaded not to assess objectively what we have to now, and if it is not successful now we had better not deal with, so that a result may perhaps justify the means. do it. For he wants to prevent us from doing something which will only later be effective. To be continued in the next issue The great lie is woven into all economics. There is a most amazing power inherent in the very questions – Carlo Pietzner was particularly financial questions which pose themselves among the founders of Camphill. He pioneered from in economics. For even in the very way they pose them- 1954 onwards its spread into Ireland and then from selves, they immediately require what we are likely to 1961 into America, where he died in 1986. Crispian call ‘practical’ answers. They want to be placed in such works in Glencraig, where Carlo lived for seven years.

Are you interested in developing community? Sabine Hope, The Mount Community, England

he Camphill impulse is continually evolving in its This community would be near to, or at the centre of, the Tattempt to find new forms that serve the needs of the village of Wadhurst in East Sussex. It would be a shared times. We – co-workers and trustees at The Mount Com- home that offers companionship and a hearth for soul munity – therefore imagine an intentional community and spiritual well-being of all community members. A comprising young people with special needs together healthy polarity could be created here between shar- with co-workers. We see a community that is new and ing a home that is shaped out of the shared values of vibrant, has at its heart the Camphill impulse and is community members, offering protection to all, while embraced and supported by everyone within it – both expanding into the wider community by offering support, young people and co-workers – as their free choice. skills, products and work activities. These could in turn This new community hopes to be a transformation of develop and actively promote the growth of new green the traditional Camphill community, capable of meeting shoots socially or locally. present times creatively, while endeavouring to continue We imagine a rich array of work opportunities. Maybe this social experiment towards societal renewal. We there could be a walk-in wood workshop in the vil- are seeking to form a community where all members lage, maybe there could be gardening and a vegetable can experience well-being, sharing some times and box scheme based at The Mount, maybe there could allowing other times for personal recuperation, a place be a conference centre with catering facilities, maybe where individuality is fostered yet social cohesion can the existing Mount candle and herb workshop and its develop over time. bakery could find an outlet for selling produce, maybe 3 a forestry enterprise could develop...the potential for initia- tive is infinite. Some people might live in this community in order to life-share and others might come in from the surroundings to help. There might be a creative mix of volunteers and employed people. There could well be much give and take, both within this com- munity and amongst the wider locality, where mutual goodwill is of many decades’ standing and under continual renewal. New communities are longed for – and sought – in times such as ours, when socialising is often a virtual experience, when loneliness and isolation are increasing. We feel that community is needed more than ever today. What are your thoughts? Have you and others explored similar ideas or had meetings relating to the development of a Camp- hill community impulse? How do you envision ‘community living’ in the future? We are looking for people to explore this with us and we imagine people – one or two or a family, possibly with Camp- hill experience – who are inspired by similar ideals and who might be motivated to carry this impulse into the future with us. Please get in touch with [email protected] The Mount Camphill Community, Faircrouch Lane, Wadhurst, East Sussex TN5 6PT Tel. +44 (0)1892 782025 www.mountcamphill.org Sabine has lived at Botton Village and Ziggie and Sarah sourcing and purifying clay for Ringwood. This article was written in consultation making pinch pots in the foundation year. with the members of the community of The Mount.

My leading images Mikio Shioya, Copake, United States

and the images that are guiding me to walk my life with Within my heart is an image comfort, stimulation, and inspiration. These images are Of all that I can be very personal. Until I have become it I have several leading images from my childhood, I shall never be free. but first of all, I need to distinguish these from other memories. They are very significant and meaningful. ighteen years ago, when I was a student at Rudolf They are very short visual scenes, like flashes. Other ESteiner College, I had a form drawing class once a memories vary widely, not only as scenes, but also as week. We students recited this verse at the beginning of stories, sounds, smells, tastes, feelings of touch, and so every class. I don’t know who wrote it, and I don’t even on. Everybody has his/her first memory. Often the case, remember the teacher’s name, but I clearly remember it has significant meaning for him/her and that can be the verse. his/her leading image. The world is filled with images which we are exposed My first leading image is the scene of myself, riding a to daily. However, there are particular images which very old small bike with white tires. I am very dirty and come back to me over and over from the depth of my sweaty. The surrounding air is full of dust since I have heart, as if they are trying to tell me something, as if fallen numerous times. I have been struggling to figure they are trying to guide me or take me somewhere. Did out on my own how to ride a bike without training I create or chose these images in my mind? No, that wheels. I must have been about three to four years old; I doesn’t seem to be so. These images seem to come out am very serious. I am trying to maintain my balance and of nowhere. But why do these particular images come feeling that new sensation. That scene has vivid images back to me, not to other people? I could say, ‘Maybe of my serious face, dust and white tires. because I am who I am’. If I had not been myself, these The next image is dominated by the strong color of images wouldn’t have spoken to me. I could say, ‘These red. There is a contrast between the huge red setting images have such a deep meaning for me as if they sun and the surroundings which are all red, lit by the were a part of me’. In that sense, what the verse above huge sun. And in between, there am I, all red, walking is saying seems to be right; as long as I am not becoming with takeuma, Japanese traditional stilts made out of these particular images within my heart, I will not be bamboo. As is seen with stilts at circuses all over the completely free from numerous other images. world, walking with takeuma requires high skill. The These particular images within my heart are the images situation of this leading image is similar to the previous that come back to me over and over, that keep telling one. I am alone, I have been figuring out how to walk me something which seems to be very important for me, with the takeuma. I must have been five to six years old. 4 The scene was at the yard of an older child’s house. We beauty since I was a child. Nevertheless, there was no were a mix of young and old children playing together. one who encouraged me to develop that part of me. Then I saw the takeuma; I asked the older child to let Even if there had been anyone who encouraged me, I me try to use it. It was very hard, but I kept trying to wouldn’t have been convinced to pursue any path of walk with them for a long time. It was getting late and it art. I had a strong sense of beauty, but I didn’t think at was time to go home. The sun was setting. I was alone, all that I would study that area. I couldn’t connect my still trying to walk better. I don’t remember the moment nature with possible future jobs. At the same time, I really that I became capable of walking with takeuma, but I liked practical subjects such as mathematics, science, strongly remember the huge red sun. The scene of this and languages. leading image is a strong picture of me, walking with I majored in science and education at my university takeuma, surrounded by the vivid color of red created and I became a high school teacher. To make a long story by the huge setting sun. short, that lasted only one year. I came to the U.S.A. to These two images have similarities. First of all, both study Waldorf education. Then, in the following year, I images are related to something I rode or walked with, decided to study eurythmy. This was the first time I was maintaining balance. Since I was very young, I have seeking art as a full-time student. always been drawn to something I ride or move with. I loved swings, slides, rides at an amusement park, The leading images in adulthood skateboard, sleds, skating, skiing, etc. That is clearly a When I became a eurythmist, I have been asked the part of me. I love especially the process of mastering. following question numerous times, “Why in the world Secondly, both images have a strong color aspect. Since did you want to study eurythmy?” I always answer that my childhood, I have always been attracted by various question as, “Because I wanted to seek beauty.” Then I colors and their beauty. continue, “The beauty of eurythmy is so unique. It is like soft sunlight going through pastel colored cellophane. The circumstances of my youth It is so transparent. I like to watch such beautiful move- I grew up in a small rural town in Japan, far away from ment and I like to move beautifully.” any big cities. The majority of the people in the town were When I explain it, I always have one scene, a strong very conservative, and my parents were typical among image in my mind. That scene has been coming back them. My father grew up in the same town; his child- to me over and over since I encountered it. It clearly hood was very difficult due to World War Two. Although led me to study eurythmy. Over the years, I became a there was no bombing at my father’s home town since it eurythmist, a eurythmy teacher and therapeutic euryth- was far away from the center of Japan, he experienced mist. That scene has always been in my mind and heart. occasional hunger due to the war. A large portion of the When I was a student at the Rudolf Steiner College, national budget was used for the war so the budget for there was a eurythmy presentation as part of an evening food had to be compromised. Towards the end of the war artistic gathering. It was not part of a grand eurythmy and for several years after, many people in Japan didn’t performance, but it was the first time I saw eurythmy have enough food. My father was twelve years old when performed by a professional eurythmist. The moment the war ended. I remember, when I was a child, each the eurythmist appeared from the side, in front of the time I asked my father how his childhood was, he always light blue backdrop, I was entranced. I was filled with said, “Oh, it was so hard because of the war.” wonder. First of all, I couldn’t tell the gender of the eu- Nevertheless, he got through the difficulties and gradu- rythmist. It was a woman, but she looked like a young ated from the local high school. He wished to go on with boy. It was so pure and transparent. Actually, that was his studies in order to become a teacher for the future, all I remember. I don’t remember what piece she did but he had to give up the wish because his family didn’t and I don’t even remember how she moved after she have enough money to send him to college. He became appeared! In that sense, this leading image is not really a local chef instead. The job of a chef was not an easy a eurythmy presentation, but a eurythmy appearance! one, but my father worked very hard, and he got married After teaching eurythmy for eleven years, I became a and had three children. My father seemed to like his job, house parent at Copake. Originally, one of the biggest but I grew up hearing how hard his job was. Because of reasons for joining Camphill Village was wishing to do his experience, he always told us to get higher education more therapeutic eurythmy. I became a therapeutic eu- for better jobs. The Japanese educational system was rythmist before I left my full-time teaching job. However, very academic, rigid and competitive. I had to study very when I look back on the past two and a half years of my hard to keep good academic records in order to enter a life at Camphill, I realize everything that I am doing is good high school. I grew up with my father’s constant really an art. Taking care of the elderly, cooking, clean- encouragement towards academic success. He wanted ing, teaching eurythmy, doing therapeutic eurythmy and me to get a socially high-regarded job such as a doctor, so on, all is art. When I do these jobs, I always want to lawyer, politician, professor and so on. do them beautifully. It is very clear that the three leading That was my situation. I didn’t know any other option. images above have really brought me to my current job. I studied hard in order to please my parents. I realized I have one suggestion to Camphill Village. Let us stop much later when I was a university student that I had calling our job house parent. Let us call it social artist! enormous stress and pressure in terms of education, especially from my father, when I was a child. That Mikio wrote this as part of the third year realization led me to explore alternative education and of the Social Therapy Program in the Camphill eventually I met Waldorf education. Academy training at Copake. The theme of the leading As I mentioned above, I was always awed by beauty Image was initiated by Karl König in his ‘Village both in nature and art. I think I had a keen sense for Lectures’, In Need of Special Understanding. 5 Obituaries

Philip How 14 November 1952 – 9 November 2014

he last journey Philip and I made course, which sometimes meant a Ttogether was to the Camphill lot of hard work. He greatly valued Schools in Scotland. I was going to the new friends and colleagues he spend the weekend working in the met through these two areas of in- Camphill Archives and Philip wanted volvement. to visit friends. Now I think it was not But the greatest demand on him just chance that we stood together in during the last two years was the in- the Rose Garden outside Camphill creasing frailty of his elderly mother House and I showed him the origi- who lived alone in England. As her nal chapel which now temporarily health deteriorated she needed houses the Camphill Archives. For Philip in many ways, from actually all our married life of nearly thirty caring for and nursing her at times three years we lived in Camphill to organising other carers and help- and shared a deep commitment to ers and seeing to the upkeep of her the Camphill impulse which formed house and garden. Latterly he was and directed us. called over several times when she So on the morning of Saturday seemed to be at the threshold. All 8 November Philip said goodbye to this was a great strain on Philip but me and drove to Ochil Tower School. was also an opportunity to draw On Sunday morning Philip and Neil closer to his mother. Snellgrove were climbing Ben Ledi When she died at the end of May when Philip collapsed and within a 2014 Philip undertook the arrange- short time died peacefully there on ments for her funeral and made a the mountain, just days before his point of contacting all the family 62nd birthday. Philip in 2011 friends, far and near. In order to The news of his death was a great honour his mother and father and shock to everyone who knew him. Philip was always their family life Philip systematically went through full of life and energy and had no symptoms of heart everything in the family home of nearly sixty years and disease. Recently, however, he had felt tired, too busy found good homes for most things. This enabled him with no time or space for his own needs. He wanted to to be near his parents in soul as he looked at letters, restructure his involvements to have more time for him- diaries and photographs. This was moving for Philip self, to visit places and people. He was worried about but also painful and now seems to me like a necessary developments in England which seemed to threaten the preparation for his own death just five months later, a Camphill he knew and loved, and his beloved Botton recapitulation and leave taking. It also led him to dwell Village. on some of the issues that arose for him. He had had a very full and intense year. As well as Philip had been a rather sensitive and withdrawn child running the community’s vegetable garden with a team who had deep feelings but found it hard to find his place of villagers five days a week for most of the year, and in the world. Often he felt he wasn’t good enough and undertaking all the social care training and record keep- was afraid of not living up to expectations and disap- ing this involves these days, Philip had created a new pointing people. As an adult these themes lived on in a role for himself as a therapeutic counsellor and saw certain diffidence, a lack of self-confidence, and also in clients one afternoon a week as a volunteer in a local what he himself then expected of others, with a some- pastoral centre which provides low cost counselling what unrealistic disappointment if things weren’t perfect. to people in need. This came about when in 2004 he As a child Philip found solace and meaning in nature: decided to undertake training at the Institute of Psycho- childhood pets, fishing and wildlife. In this he was sup- synthesis in London. This was a demanding commitment ported by his parents who were keen gardeners and which meant he had to travel to London one weekend a wildlife enthusiasts. His favourite book was The Wind in month for several years and write academic papers, as the Willows. As an adult this matured into a soul-filled well as undergoing personal counselling nearly every identification with nature, particularly plants, flowers, week and being supervised in his work with clients. In birds, fish, rivers and landscape. 2011 he graduated with a Diploma in Psychosynthesis Throughout his whole adult life Philip applied his own Counselling. forces to creating and forming landscapes and gardens At the same time he remained a member of the Faculty in the three communities in Ireland where he lived for group of the Mental Health Seminar which he was part almost forty years. In neat rows of vegetables and soft of for over twenty years. This consisted of three intensive fruit, in hedges, stone walls, paths, lawns, roses and daf- modules every year. Philip’s special contribution here fodils: everywhere we can see Philip’s life forces spread was to facilitate practical and social elements of the out before us. 6 Through dedicating his whole being in this way I feel that Philip followed the path of the Rosicrucians of old but in a modern way: revealing nature in its beauty and its potential as a source of healing. As is appropriate for our time Philip did this in a social setting, for and with other people. Whether co-workers or villagers, everyone who worked with Philip received an education in skills and hard work, but most of all in the inner devotion and application which is needed in the task of transforming the earth. For Philip the children and villagers were co-contrib- utors in this task and for them he was an example and a true brother who helped them develop their potential. He loved them unconditionally and they loved him too. He saw them as equals. His sense for social justice awoke when as a young schoolboy he was puzzled why he was set apart and had to go to a private school when the other children of the neighbourhood went to the local school. Philip exemplified what Karl König wrote in 1945 about people ‘who do their work out of love for the children, the sick, the suffering, out of love for Cherry and Philip. Civil wedding 1982 the soil, the gardens, fields, woods, and everything that is embraced by the community’. Whether at home, or away somewhere new, Philip t was a special grace to have spent the last twenty-four permeated himself with a feeling identification with Ihours of Philip’s life with him in Scotland. We had landscape and nature, ranging here and there, observing rarely seen much of each other in the last fifteen years plants, birds and weather and what people were up to. and our previous meeting had been at the funeral of He knew all the gardens of the places he visited and felt it Baruch Urieli. It was in this space that we were able to keenly when things were not as they should be. Like the reaffirm our shared values, interests and concerns; and herb gatherers and naturalists of former times described this encounter was the catalyst which led Philip to visit by Rudolf Steiner, Philip’s wisdom and knowledge was me at Ochil Tower in November. gained through opening himself to nature and applying On the morning of 9 November, a Sunday, we decided himself through work to ‘a Christianising of ordinary life’. that we would climb a hill in the Trossachs called Ben (R.S. 1916) For Philip also extended his transformative Ledi – the Hill of God. This is in an area of outstanding abilities to the social, cultural and religious life wherever natural beauty and beloved by Gerard Manley Hopkins he lived, establishing and maintaining the values, forms and Sir Walter Scott. As we climbed out of the valley and and rhythms of Camphill life which nurture us as much started to hit steeper ground Philip briefly stopped, and, as our vegetables do. with a broad generous gesture which encompassed the Since his death many people have spoken and written whole width of the mountain corrie, simply said, “God’s about Philip’s integrity and humanity, his ability to medi- sculpture!” No other words were spoken. ate, to bring calm and stability to situations, to support We moved on, with the ground getting ever steeper and others, to be reliable and faithful and a kind and loyal it was clear that Philip was struggling with the physical friend. These were personal qualities Philip cultivated but exertion. I asked if he was all right and suggested that are also essential elements in the alchemy of community we needn’t go any further but he simply said, “We are building. His example and influence radiated beyond going on!” this community and made an impression on neighbours, After a few minutes of steep climbing we stopped again local people, clients and colleagues. and once more I suggested that we didn’t need to climb After he died it became obvious how very many people the hill but Philip dismissed the suggestion and showed his Philip had visited or talked to in his last months of life: determination to climb higher. After a few more minutes he had seen all his close family including his brother, we stopped again and I reiterated for the third time that sister-in-law, nieces and cousins, old friends of all ages we could easily retrace our steps, adding flippantly that from his home town in Norwich, Camphill friends from I didn’t want to have to carry him off the mountain! His far and wide and many people for whom he felt a special response was clear and succinct. “This is a good place to responsibility. die.” These were the last words that Philip spoke. Philip is among the first of his Camphill peer group to We went a little further and stopped again to take a leave the earth, and is one of the remarkable number breath and met two local men who frequently walk the of special men of Camphill who have died, seemingly hill. They started to share with us the many times they before their time, over the last few years. had climbed the hill and all the different weather condi- On holidays and outings Philip was always in front of tions that they had experienced over the years, adding me, striding on ahead, observing and exploring. In the that they always tried to climb the hill on the winter and same way he strode up the Mountain of God to a place summer solstice and how the weather on mid-summer of beauty to begin his further journey. could be worse than that of mid-winter! These were the Cherry How, Clanabogan, Northern Ireland last words that Philip heard before he collapsed. Please contact Cherry if you would like to see a In pondering this event I couldn’t help but feel that a slideshow about Philip’s life. [email protected] higher purpose was at work, guiding Philip on his last 7 earthly journey. Firstly, the choice of hill, Ben Ledi – Philip always worked out of Karl König’s village im- the Hill of God; the three opportunities which Philip pulse. On the land he worked together with faithful was offered to turn back; his recognition that Ben Ledi teams of villagers. They took their tasks seriously, and was ‘a good place to die’ and finally, from the mouth could flourish and develop. Philip was an excellent gar- of a stranger, how the great portals of initiation into the dener. Under his skilful management and with the help Hibernian Mysteries were opened to his consciousness of his team (and the favourable weather), the vegetable moments before his passing. and flower garden this year flourished as never before. Neil Snellgrove, Ochil Tower School, Scotland Short before his last journey, to Scotland, Philip and his team had completed the gardening season in Cla- nabogan. The whole garden area was completely tidied, hilip was born in England, where he grew up in a fam- with beds covered up for the winter rest – it had become Pily with a passion for nature and gardening. This and a peaceful place. The bees which had been buzzing dur- other aspects of the English spirit remained part of his ing the flowering time had also gone. It nearly looked identity throughout his life. After acquiring a university as if the garden was prepared for Philip’s final leaving. degree in botany, he came across anthroposophy and Philip’s death was a powerful sounding of destiny, shak- Camphill. At the age of twenty one he joined Botton ing all in Clanabogan and many friends further afield. Village. Hetty van Brandenburg, There he met Michael Schmundt and worked with him Clanabogan, Northern Ireland on the farm for two years. Michael was an inspiration to Philip and when he went to Camphill Mourne Grange, Philip also moved to Ireland and lived there for nearly To Philip a very dear friend forty years. He was in Mourne Grange for seven years, farming and gardening. Cherry and he met and got mar- ried there. Together they answered a call from Ballytobin, Philip the steadfast and the faithful to come and support this young Camphill community. Melancholic his gait yet wakeful. Seven years later there was again a call for help and they First we met in dear old Botton moved to Camphill Clanabogan in Co. Tyrone in 1990. This mythic place and unforgotten They came to Clanabogan at a time when the commu- Like the ascending lark nity needed to make a new start. Philip took on the office, Tracing Joan of Arc set up a winter workshop, and further developed the To Reims we went in France estate, laying paths, planting hedges and house gardens There we had the chance and establishing the fruit orchard. Nature conservation Upright she stood was close to Philip’s heart, and the Clanabogan reed-bed From head to foot sewage system was one of his projects. On our spirit knees we fell The lofty bees could tell It sounded like a bell The vivid glance of Michael; This happened in seventy-seven As a call from heaven. You were a special friend To our family up to the end, Godfather to my daughter He was a great supporter, Helped us through a marriage crisis As host and friend a calm oasis. Philip was one of the apostles As is written in the gospels, He was approached by friends from Greece To meet the One, the Lord of Peace; ‘Only when the corn of wheat Put in the Earth and dies Can it become and rise To plant and fruit we need to eat.’ Philip went to Irish lands Cultivated with his hands In wind and rain Through joy and pain A very special garden Where it’s easy to pardon That the Soul of Man may shine In the image of Bread and Wine, May we thank you for the food Given us to do the Good.

Philip around twenty years old Hubert Genz, Le Beal, France 8 Geoffrey Bell 22 December 1924 – 26 December 2014

Funeral address 1951. She was also a teacher for ” ascinating” – this may well small children. Fhave been Geoffrey‘s favour- Their son Stephen was born in ite word, or at least one of them! 1952. He had to be rushed into There are many different ways hospital straight after birth for of going through life, Geof- lack of oxygen and the resulting frey‘s way surely was to find difficulties made it necessary everything in the natural world to find him a special school. worthy of study and attention. This was how Jean and Geof- And of course there was hardly frey came into contact with the anything he didn‘t know at least Camphill Rudolf Steiner Schools something about. in Aberdeen, which Stephen In the social realm, it was then attended. sometimes a little different. He Both Jean and Geoffrey were did have some very clear opin- active politicians in Leeds, Jean ions on whatever happened as a councillor and Geoffrey in the world and possibly also in the local Labour Party ward. about the people around him, I clearly remember my first but about these he said very lit- conversation with them during tle, just observed; and probably a visit to Templehill. They both he found what he saw as equally made a point of finding time for fascinating or, as he sometimes a serious conversation with this said, “strange, very strange”. long-haired, bearded student of He was a man of principles and protestant theology from Ger- clear habits. Coffee and ciga- many and his girlfriend, who rettes were important for him. had been with them as a young Apparently he started smoking at co-worker for a while. The sub- the age of eleven – and promptly ject, for some reason, turned stopped a few years ago, when to politics. “I‘m a socialist”, his favourite brand of cigarettes Geoffrey in 2014 said Geoffrey, “I‘ve never voted was no longer produced. One anything but Labour, but...” and Christmas at a young age, he found he had overeaten he continued to explain the great advantages of the and promptly decided never to do so again. So his only monarchy. ‘If such a down-to-earth, practical person indulgence when I knew him at Templehill Community with socialist opinions can be an anthroposophist in was a drop of double cream on his morning porridge. Camphill’, I remember thinking to myself, ‘then I could Geoffrey was born in Leeds on 22 December 1924 also come here one day.’ as the youngest of three sons of his parents, May and As a schoolmaster, Geoffrey must have been very strict Tom Bell. They were Presbyterians of Irish origin which and severe. A life-long friend, who was younger and resulted in a very strict upbringing. There was, for ex- lived in the same street, the only boy who did not attend ample, no playing outside on Sundays, and only reading Geoffrey‘s school, told me how he had to be the one the Bible was allowed. to ring the doorbell if their football ever landed in the The summer holidays were always spent near Ballybay Bells‘ garden, as all the other boys were too terrified to in Ireland at an aunt‘s farm, a paradise for the boys to meet their teacher. On a later occasion, Geoffrey gave roam and discover. A few years ago, already quite frail, some superb advice to this young boy regarding his path Geoffrey was able to return to the farm on a journey to in life and they became friends. Jean and Geoffrey liked Ireland and vividly recalled many details of his child- to be surrounded by young people and often took them hood holidays there. on as friends, inviting them for holidays and activities. With the beginning of the Second World War these The ways of the old-fashioned schoolmaster were still visits ended. The children were evacuated from Leeds to noticeable in later years at Templehill Community, where Lincoln for some time, and then were allowed to return. they earned him much respect, even though they may After finishing school, Geoffrey‘s dream was to study not have been found appropriate by everybody. Geof- veterinary medicine in Edinburgh. But his mother would frey taught a daily lesson there for the young adults not let him go in the middle of the war, so he chose the about a wide variety of subjects including literature, next best course on offer at Leeds University, which was history, architecture, Russian music and many others. zoology and biology. He was trained as an army officer He followed the Camphill principle of teaching age- at the university but luckily was never called up. So he appropriate content to everybody, regardless of apparent became a biology teacher. outer abilities or disabilities. Being taken seriously in this At the Labour League of Youth which he ran, he hurt a way showed some amazing results among his students girl‘s ankle during a ball game, promptly owned up and for their development. began to visit the girl‘s house to see how her recovery We have to return to Leeds: in 1961, Jean and Geof- was going. This was Jean Gaunt, whom he married in frey‘s second son Matthew was born, a child with great 9 see his ninetieth birthday, but he did and quietly died four days after, on Boxing Day. Hearing about the day Geoffrey had chosen for passing the threshold into the spiritual world brought a gentle smile to my face. This just corresponded with his dry sense of humour, as Boxing Day at Templehill had al- ways been the day of a homemade Pantomime, possibly the strangest aspect of British culture and humour for a foreigner to comprehend. Geoffrey was always directing these improvised performances; I particularly remember one which prominently featured the ‘evil stepladder’. Geoffrey was a very religious person, a service holder for the non-denominational Sunday Services celebrated in Camphill, and the weekly Bible Evenings were of great importance to him. His holistic views brought me to the recognition that my degree in theology had taught me no more than to take Biblical texts to pieces, but not to put them back together and understand them. Later, Geoffrey accompanied my path into the priesthood of The Christian Community with warm interest, but he was no longer a churchgoer and did not develop his own relationship to the congregation in Aberdeen, although he knew it well. This is why I was not too surprised to Geoffrey and Jean hear that he did not want a religious funeral service. It with a young co-worker at Templehill in 1981 was even more special, then, that I was able to attend difficulties quite unrelated to Stephen‘s. Matthew also his funeral and help to accompany his further path in the attended Camphill in Aberdeen and in 1968, towards the spiritual world by giving an address on his life‘s journey. middle of Geoffrey‘s life, the two of them decided to give Anthroposophy tells us that after death, we re-expe- up their house as well as their life as teachers in Leeds rience our life step by step, this time becoming aware and move to Scotland to become Camphill co-workers. of the missing part: that which others have experienced They first joined Murtle House, Geoffrey looking after a through us. dormitory of seven boys. Then, in Cairnlee Estate, they I have no doubt that Geoffrey will find this extremely began the work with adolescents and young adults which fascinating! they were later to continue at Templehill. There they were Michael Bruhn, Berlin, Germany able to take on youngsters with even greater difficulties to create an environment with a strong work ethic for them. At the same time, hundreds of young co-workers must have passed through their care and supervision Memories of Geoffrey over the years, receiving orientation for their future lives. hen I first arrived at Templehill Jean had already After a few years at Templehill, Jean died of cancer and Wdied. I didn't really know what to expect, but I Geoffrey had to continue without her – they had comple- was met at the door by a sort of chain-smoking Gandhi, mented each other very well, Jean being the more outgo- with a distinct Yorkshire accent. As Geoffrey showed ing part, Geoffrey much less so. He was still a scholar, me about, I noticed that all the walls in Glenfarquhar an expert in almost anything you can think of, but at the Lodge were resolutely the same colour: buttermilk. It same time eminently practical in crafts, carpentry and was summer break and there were few people about, many other things. It was always fascinating to talk to but David Bracegirdle was there in the Lodge, painting him, although his answers to simple questions could be more panels. I was curious as to the buttermilk theme, quite extensive. “Geoffrey dear,” Jean is reported to have and David said he really didn't know, he was just told said one day, “Could you explain to us in three minutes what to do. the difference between a moth and a butterfly? We don‘t I said, “I suppose if you started out with white walls need a three hour lecture.” “Well, if you don‘t want the and smoked in the rooms they might turn buttermilk answer, don‘t ask,” he replied. after a while, so why not just save the trouble and start Geoffrey rarely got annoyed and often kept his opinions out with buttermilk?” quietly to himself. He usually had to be asked to find “That's possible,” he said, non-commitally. We never out his opinion on a particular question. In Leeds, he really did discover the secret. had always watched a lot of television to keep up with The next thing that stood out for me was the main les- current events. In Camphill he had decades without son at Templehill. This started at 5 pm promptly each television, relying on his daily copy of The Guardian weekday, and lasted fifty minutes to an hour each time. newspaper for information. Later, when reading got more I soon learned it was absolutely on a university level. difficult, he returned to television, particularly after he Geoffrey had his illuminated projector and all kinds of had moved to Simeon Houses, a home for older people interesting handmade transparencies, including hand- in Cairnlee Estate. To begin with, he could still travel out drawn maps, diagrams and all sorts of informative from Simeon. But then very slowly he withdrew from sketches. The first year was history of Britain, and we life more and more, still enjoying little treats like an oc- were soon caught up in the Norman Invasion of 1066 casional box of chocolates. He did not think he would and all that. 10 I began to wonder what some of the students were get- I very soon met Matthew, and then Stephen. It was a ting out of these presentations, but Geoffrey was resolute sight too deep for words to watch Geoffrey taking up the in his narratives and refused to be drawn out or slowed task of being a father to them now that their mother had down with what he wanted to say. He had a long pole gone. I soon experienced that Matthew had exception- which he used as a pointer to his screen, and occasionally ally keen hearing, and I know for a fact that he could if there was a disturbance among the audience he would pick out his father's voice in a large hall crowded with use this pointer to tap the offender on the head or poke people. them in the chest to get their attention (not that we should It was the 1980s and Geoffrey was not well satisfied admit in these politically correct days that such a thing with the social-Darwinistic, survival-of-the-fittest capital- ever actually occurred, but no one was ever the worse ism that was sweeping across western countries. But by for it) without in the slightest breaking his narrative flow. that time he had gone well beyond his roots in Labour He would carry on regardless of any kind of disturbance party Socialism. I would occasionally come over and or hindrance and take his audience with him. listen to Alistair Cooke's ‘Letter from America’ on the I had occasion later on to have a conversation with radio with him. Sometimes he would let out a sigh and him when it came to submitting reports for various say, “Where in all this is the Christ, I wonder?” It was a workshops. With some students I was totally stumped simple enough, seemingly innocent question, but I came and really couldn't think of what to say. to know that it was the overhanging star of his life that “Well,” Geoffrey said, leaning back and closing his he gave his energies to. eyes contemplating this weighty matter, as if civilization My son Andreas still has on his bed in university a depended upon it, “I think you'd better be positive, but little bear that Geoffrey gave to him for his Christen- truthful.” For thirty years this has been the most effective ing party in 1994. We call it the ‘Geoffrey Bear’. It's and best piece of advice I've received regarding reports emblematic of Geoffrey's hidden, humble and subtle and communicating all kinds of matters about students influence on people and Andreas absolutely refuses of all kinds, disabled or not, to concerned parents. I to be parted with it. There Geoffrey Bear sits, year unhesitatingly give it out today to young co-workers after year on the bed, urging all who pass by: ‘Have needing to write something about their workshops when integrity; do your best’. I can see clearly they are as stumped as I was. Adam Hewitt, Camphill Soltane, United States

Sophia Kunz 14 May 1926 – 21 January 2015

ophia was born in Breslau, Ger- 1941 and some of the teachers were Smany, an area that is now part imprisoned. Sophia herself did not of Poland. She was the first of five experience the bombing of Dresden, children of Joachim and Elizabeth since she had gone home to Pilgram- von Jeetze. Hartmut von Jeetze, who shain prior to that event. now lives in Chatham, was the sec- After returning to Pilgramshain ond child. Then twin girls arrived, she had to go to the public school Gabriele and Christine, and finally where the Nazis were in charge. This a boy, Eckhart. Both of her parents school was very difficult for her. In became involved in anthroposophy 1943, after the tenth grade, she left around the time of their marriage. and went to a homemaker school Her father's family owned a big estate for three years. It was guided by a which encompassed the village of Moravian Brotherhood group and Pilgramshain. It was there that they was a wonderful experience for her. started biodynamic gardening, and It was the same school where her later made the manor house available mother had gone when she was a for one of the first curative education young girl. Even though things were homes that had been started by Karl very difficult in Germany, life was still König. full and rewarding for her during her Sophia had vague memories of her time there. early childhood. She went to the Sophia was very musical and played village school in Pilgramshain for the violin from an early age. She con- a short while, but was then home sidered making the violin her career, schooled with other children from In 2008, when Sophia was 82 and was encouraged to do so by her the curative home. music teacher. But she realized that there was not enough In 1938, when Sophia was twelve years old, she had money available for that and that she needed to learn a the opportunity to go to the Waldorf School in Dresden skill that would enable her to earn a living. through the generosity of her godmother, who had So in 1946 she went to Munich for horticultural and been a pupil of Rudolf Steiner's. For Sophia the time gardening training. While in Munich, she took part in in Dresden was wonderful. She was able to take part The Christian Community and anthroposophical youth in the rich cultural life there. The school was closed in groups. Three or four years later she had finished her 11 training, and went to middle Germany to the Loheland The name given to the new initiative was Triform which Community. She did not stay long. Her independent spirit came from the threefolding aspect. There was to be work, clashed with the people there, and she was asked to cultural activities and opportunities for developing the leave. She then went back to her parents who were living social life. The work would be making a special kind of in Solz at the time. But, unable to find work there, she bed, the design of which came from Switzerland. In the returned to southern Germany where it was suggested beginning, it was a day school and was supported with that she consider moving to Dornach, Switzerland. state funds. The idea was that the villagers could learn Once she got to Dornach, she found that there was life skills and social skills and then go out into the world much discord in the Anthroposophical Society, causing to work. Hans gave workshops helping the villagers to her to become disillusioned with her life there. She knew learn these skills. It was recognized that this was a dif- of Camphill and spoke to Karl Alexander Mier about ferent focus than Camphill Copake. joining a Camphill place – but he advised her to stick it However, this venture wasn't always supported by out where she was. So, for about two years she worked Camphill. Hans had a hard time selling the beds in the US in a laboratory in Dornach, doing agricultural research and sales were not enough to support the endeavor. Also, and experiments on plant growth. as time went on, more of the students who came to Triform In 1950 she met Hans, who rented a room in the same had greater mental and physical needs and couldn't so boarding house where she lived. Hans made furniture in easily go out and work. More and more of them required Dornach and also did interior work. They married in May a live-in situation, and as a result there were fewer day 1952. I, Ursula, was born in 1953 and Reinhard followed students. After a few years it was recognized that Triform in 1955. Now her life revolved around her family. She was becoming more of a Camphill place, and eventually was a wonderful homemaker, with high standards for they joined the Camphill organization. order, cleanliness and beauty. She used her gardening Over the years Sophia was involved in the healthcare knowledge to create beautiful flower, vegetable and herb of the students and some co-workers, and in the cultural gardens around the house. She taught her children to be life of the community. During this time she was also creative in so many ways, and made sure they practiced the devoted caregiver of Hans, who had had heart dif- their musical instruments. ficulties for over twenty years. This included two open In the mid-1960s Hans and Sophia wanted to leave heart surgeries. He crossed the threshold on February because they wanted to have a new experience of 22, 2001. Sophia remembers that she saw a slight smile anthroposophy outside of Dornach. Hartmut, who was on Hans' face during the three day vigil when he was instrumental in the founding of Camphill Copake in in the ‘box’, as he referred to the coffin before he died. 1961, said “You should come to Camphill in the US.” Sophia stayed on in Triform doing whatever needed to They said: “No, not Camphill, not to America.” be done. For a short while Hartmut and his wife Gerda But in the summer of 1966 Hans's curiosity got the bet- lived with her after they had left Kimberton Hills. She ter of him, and he went to Copake for a visit, and liked was heading towards retirement at that point and not what he saw. By December he had decided to move to able to run a full household. So she moved into White America. Even though her mother had moved to Copake Birch, a little house attached to one of the bigger houses in 1965, Sophia's first response was: “Are you crazy?!” at Triform that Hans had designed as a place for them After thinking about it for two days, she told him that if to retire to. the children agreed, she would go. I agreed but it was a The lively activity around Triform got to be too much hard decision for Reinhard. In the end he agreed too. So, for Sophia and she decided that she couldn't live there in 1968 the Kunz family moved to Copake. There Hans any longer. She considered going to The Fellowship built a woodworking shop and taught the villagers to cre- Community, but decided to wait for the completion of a ate beautiful things for the gift shop. Sophia was a house- new initiative, Camphill Ghent. I encouraged her to go mother and worked with Dr. Incao in the medical office. to Camphill Ghent. She said that she thought it was the In the mid-1970s Carlo Pietzner spoke to Hans about right place for her mother to spend her remaining years. the need to expand Camphill in the Hudson area. Hans In February 2012 she came to Camphill Ghent, a took up the challenge. He said, “I’ll look for property month after or so after the place opened. In her words: where we can train young people in woodworking, “Everything was still pretty wild there”. It was a dif- agriculture and life skills.” It took several years looking ficult transition for Sophia and it took her a long time for the right property and to gather the necessary funds to adjust. Giving up much of her independence as an for the project, and by 1979, Hans gave up the search. involved community member at Triform and becoming Then a real estate agent came to him and said that he a ‘resident’ at Camphill Ghent was not easy for her. And had found “the property you are looking for”. At first the constellation of people also presented challenges. Hans said no. Then he was asked a second time and he There were retired old Camphillers, and there were vil- said no again. Then he decided to have a look. Destiny lagers that she had known in Copake, and also people had spoken. The property was purchased with funds from the surrounding towns. Sophia had different needs from the sale of their house in Switzerland. There was at this point and couldn't just fit into the relationships one house on the property in which they could live, and that she had had previously with these people. She felt a big old barn that was to become Hans' woodworking she did not have a real task anymore after being totally shop. They moved there in 1979, which marked one engaged in her work at Triform for thirty three years. hundred years since the Archangel Michael had assumed Her task became more of an inner task connected with his regency. Even though Sophia was happy in Copake anthroposophy and community building. and had found a fulfilling role working with Dr. Incao She peacefully passed over the threshold on Wednes- and Janet McGavin, she agreed to the move, saying that day 21 January at 9:40 am at Camphill Ghent, with me the decision was inspired by the spiritual world. lovingly by her side. 12 The main focus of Sophia's life was to be there for oth- she could do for me. She imparted her knowledge of ers and to be a teacher. She gave of herself unstintingly, gardening and the care of the sick to many during her first as a mother and homemaker, then as a caregiver at life. And in her last years she was a teacher to the people Camphill Copake and at Triform, and finally during the caring for her and for others at Camphill Ghent. May her long years of Hans' declining health. Even during her last generous spirit live on in all of us. week, as she was bedridden and obviously not able to Ursula Currie (daughter) do much more than just live for herself, she asked what and Barbara Patterson (Camphill friend)

Other friends who have died

Elfed Thomas Williams, a resident of St. Michael’s House, Marianne caught pneumonia during the Christmas holi- Delrow Community, crossed the threshold at 3:58 am on 31 days and she was brought to the hospital where she quietly December. Thomas passed away peacefully in his sleep ac- and peacefully died. On January 8 Marianne was buried at companied by people who loved and cared for him deeply, the cemetry of Rohrbach, her home village. following some months of illness. He was sixty seven years Rainer Menzel old. Thomas’ first contact with Camphill was as a pupil of Michael Boyd, a resident in the Thomas Weihs House at the Camphill Rudolf Steiner Schools in Aberdeen. He then Botton Village died unexpectedly December 31 at 7:45am. moved to London with his family, where he was employed He was seventy years old. He had been unwell and passed as a butcher’s assistant for twelve years, prior to joining away peacefully in his sleep. Delrow in June 1991. Here he showed his many skills with Michael has been in Botton since the early 1970’s. He woodwork, estate, garden, maintenance and house work. worked many years on the farms and gardens, in the food He particularly enjoyed all festival celebrations and he had centre and village store. He will be remembered as the one a love for eurythmy. keenest to manoeuvre himself about in an electric powered Thomas possessed a tremendous amount of energy engag- wheel chair, relishing the independence this gave him! ing in many tasks and he worked tirelessly tending the land, Margaret Griffiths always with a cheerful smile! He was a true community man and will be very much missed by the great number of Turid Engel passed away in the morning of 7 January 2015 friends who felt blessed by having known him and, without in Rüttihubelbad Nursing Home, Switzerland, just one exception, describe him as a very good man. month after her 81st birthday and after a year of serious Charles Bamford health problems. Turid grew up in Norway where she did her nurses’ On 29 December 2014 our adored villager Isabelle Brod- training and found anthroposophy. She joined Camphill mann died unexpectedly at the age of twenty seven. She in Aberdeen at the age of 23 and spent important years in became ill shortly before the Christmas holidays which she Glencraig where she got married to Hans Heinrich Engel. In was looking forward to share with her family. She had to 1978, six years after her husband’s death, she moved with go to the hospital where she passed the threshold at 19:20. her son Finnolaf to Camphill Humanus Haus in Switzer- Isabelle was with us at Haus Guggenbühl in Humanus land, where she lived for thirty years. Turid was a dedicated Haus since August 2007. She worked in different workshops housemother, nurse, service holder – always faithful to the like the kitchen, herb workshop and creative workshop. Isa- Camphill impulse she was deeply connected to. With her belle had a fine sense for the arts, and was able to structure strong belief and unwavering moral conviction, true altru- herself and her daily life. She beamed an elegant calmness ism was Turid’s guiding star. Sabina Schulz and was open, graceful and amiable to everyone she met. From the 29th up to New Year’s Day she was laid out at Patricia Oldfield died peacefully at 12:15, 19 February Humanus Haus and despite the holidays quite a number 2015. Patricia will be known to many of you as Christopher’s of people showed up, together with her family, to say mother. She and her late husband, Jimmy, discovered Camp- goodbye to her. Rainer Menzel hill about forty years ago when Christopher was eleven and thus began a long relationship, first with Camphill Schools, We are sad to announce that Joan Smith, a resident from Aberdeen, then Blair Drummond and then Botton. During Botton Village, died in Middlesbrough hospital on Sunday that time, both she and her husband were great supporters January 25 at 18:40. Joan was 62 years old. She came to and friends of Camphill and Botton in particular. Patricia was Botton in the early 1970s and was very involved with all a member of our LMC, she organised dinners, coffee morn- life in Botton had to offer until more recently when she ings and many events to fund raise for Botton. She loved to moved to Linden, a house for the less able and more elderly. visit and to join in cultural and social activities. Joan had learned to live with her diagnosis of MS and all Patricia was of a generation who had war thrust upon through her gradual decline she maintained her cheeky them. They learned how to fight, but they also learned the sense of humour and usually managed to face life with a virtues of comradeship, courage and honour. These were mischievous smile! She always enjoyed a joke. She had qualities that Patricia evidenced consistently – she had a another bout of pneumonia recently which considerably strong and unflinching sense of what was right, and she weakened her. Margaret Griffiths would fight for it. The thoughts of all her friends in Botton turn warmly towards her family at this important moment. With the leaving of Marianne Oberli, who passed away Soleira Wennekes on 3 January 2015 at the age of 55, a great personality has found her way home. In April 1976 Marianne became a vil- lager at Humanus Haus. She worked in several workshops Susan Donat, known to many as Sueky, passed away peace- including the weavery and the joinery. Her big passion was fully in her bed at The Grange on the 25th of February 2015 to cook in the Karl-König-Haus kitchen. Marianne had a at 10:00am. She had been ill for quite some months but pronounced will to live and much strength and stamina. remained chatty and social right up to the end. She was She loved to listen to the music and to dance. born on 4 Februrary 1954. Ian Bailey 13 News from the Movement…and beyond

Feedback from the Core Group meeting held in Dornach

t the beginning of January 2015, the Core Group work that takes place in the centre of the organisation, Aof the Movement Group, now consisting of Sabine we have some guidance. Otto, Betty Marx, Michael Motz, Rüdiger Grimm, Hen- Are more and more decisions made centrally or by drik Hammer and James Sleigh, met in Dornach to plan one person and if so, how does that affect the direction the Movement meeting in June. The first day was spent of Camphill? Many of our communities have undergone looking at ‘Future aspects of Camphill’, in which we all big changes and all will in some way. We discussed the shared from our regions and discussed challenges that importance of being conscious during these times of we foresaw for the future. The discussion broadened into change, and rather than focussing on the systems, focus the question ‘what is the task of Camphill in the future?’ on what is alive and working and let that be the guiding Themes that came out of this were: evolution and the principle to change. need to transform and change; the courage it requires Through these discussions, the theme emerged for the to transform. What is the cohesive element? How can conference in June. We moved from ‘Understanding the we find a new pioneering courage to take Camphill field of change’ to ‘Narratives of change’. We realise forward? Additional questions we worked with were: that if we don’t transform, and do it consciously, we will how can we realise the positive aspects of the other? bear the consequences. We encourage all regions and What would these new initiatives look like? How can all delegates to look into their transformation processes we learn to speak the language of the world? and to bring these to the Movement Group meeting We also discussed where we draw our inspiration from which can hopefully become a very lively sharing and to take these issues forward. The inner community and processing ground. anthroposophy has been this source for many. Is this One cannot solve the problems with the same form of still the case, and if not, what replaces this? In looking thinking that created them. Perhaps through using the at what is or is not an anthroposophical organisation we principles of curative education, if we can understand realised that most judgements of this would be based the ‘mythos’ of our communities, the transformations on the past, not the future. If instead of coming from a can take place more consciously. place of judgement, we focus on the productive/creative James Sleigh, Camphill Village West Coast, South Africa

Tinh Truc Gia (the Peaceful Bamboo Family): the second phase of building Alain Grüner, Perceval, Switzerland

rriving in Vietnam by plane is a breathtaking expe- Peaceful Bamboo Family outside and inside. Situated on Arience: earth and waters meander so intimately, in a hill slope in the neighbourhood of Hue, surrounded by a dance full of life and graceful movements. The same a cemetery and bell makers, close to monasteries and qualities of life, grace and movement can be found in pagodas it has a unique mood. Five years ago the place was inaugu- rated and two years ago it was welcomed as a Camphill place during the Regional Conference in Perceval. Since then the Peaceful Bamboo Family went through a second phase of building. A new piece of land was bought which was uncared for and stony – which is now, thanks to the team who moved stone after stone by hand, developing into an acknowledged biodynamic garden. The former garden was completely transformed and is now host- ing some of the workshops, in luminous and airy spaces: incense and lacquer are close to the very elegant tea house and its gardens and pond. You would never guess that a few months before all this ground was different, so strong is nature. We hope that the tea house will bring more people to know about the Peaceful Bamboo Fam- ily and that it can contribute as well by bringing a financial contribution, which it The biodynamic garden seriously needs. 14 Very peacefully and quietly, another building is taking shape at the border between the former and the new When I am an old Camphilde land. It was drawn according to traditional buildings, (with apologies to Jenny Joseph’s ‘Warning’) circular with high walls, small windows on top to re- move the warm air, but with wainscoting and a light When I am an old Camphilde pink lazure. Many songs, games, and tales are filling I shall not wear purple, but orange those walls, many questions and serious endeavours to So that people may wonder whether better understand the small child. The children’s needs I’ve joined the Hari Krishnas. and futures resound here. A challenging new step in the I shall not spit, but I shall swear Peaceful Bamboo Family is also to welcome a kindergar- Freely and fecundly and watch ten, for children with or without so called special needs. Whose eyebrows go the highest. With this second phase of development, the Peaceful I shall eat breakfast on my own Bamboo Family is to my feeling leaving its pioneering Every single day. phase to enter a phase which should be caringly sup- Me and my dressing gown. ported. Many forces have been involved in creating I shall make a clay model of my house mother self this beautiful place, and many more will be needed And drop it in the unemptied waste paper basket to keep balance between the ‘meanders of our time’. I And write my Secret Name in the dust on my desktop. hope that Tinh Truc Gia, the Peaceful Bamboo Family, I shall go to meetings only when I want to can find a special place in your hearts and thoughts as And otherwise I shall nod, courteously, to Duty a young sibling in the big Camphill family. As I go out to play. Alain is a long standing Hilde Camp co-worker in Perceval, currently teaching.

Letter Dear Editors, ost people will know that Botton Village and many lost. Is this how Botton and many Camphill places will Mof the Camphill places in the world are struggling. be remembered? One could wonder where this attack is One could ask: why is this? A friend of mine recently said coming from and who is behind it. If these places have to me: "Everything that has a beginning has to have an been serving the good, then it is a serious situation. ending, but Botton was a miracle!" Another friend wrote Historically events like this have happened before. The to me recently saying: "I have not been living in Botton Knights Templar were a respected part of the church for as many years as you...yet as I grow older I more and and slowly their reputation was ruined. Yet today, they more realise that Botton was a kind of salvation to me. are not remembered for these accusations – they are As our priest said, it is terrible to think of all the young mainly upheld for what they attempted to do and for people who are deprived of the chance to experience what they tried to carry. History does have a way of how things can be done differently, even if imperfectly. making things right. I always referred to Botton as an oasis in the desert of How will you remember Botton? I know that I will re- our times...but there is; it seems to be a real danger of member it as a miraculous place that allowed so much the oasis drying up." to happen – truly as an oasis in the desert or an island I was lucky enough to discover Botton as a young man of culture that rescued so many people. And I hope that and spent many years helping to build this community. I this work can continue, both in Botton or in new places did feel like I was in a miracle – not that I was perfect, but that will be formed. that I was graced enough to be able to serve this miracle Camphill has grown out of anthroposophy and Christi- that could help so many people. I think many Camphill anity. How will our colleagues, fellow anthroposophists, places have been graced in this way and we, the co- fellow Camphillers and members of The Christian Com- workers carried this miracle knowing we were imperfect. munity view this seeming attack? How will the Anthro- Yet today there are so many criticisms. Fellow Camp- posophical Society, the official organs of the Camphill hillers will say you haven't modernised enough or you movement or the leadership Christian Community haven't done enough trainings. The government, who itself respond? In the Middle Ages the Knights suffered pays the fees, will say: you are too expensive, you are a unanimous attack – will there be some fragmentation not providing the services we want, you are not person this time? I believe these are important questions that centred enough. People are in danger of being abused. will have far reaching affects for our future work, both And the trustees of the Camphill Village Trust are saying: personally and for the organisations who try to carry our co-workers have not been concerned enough about the respective impulses. beneficiaries, they are more expensive than they say, David Adams, Stroud, England they take expensive holidays and some spend too much money and do not do the work. Many of these criticisms have some truth in them, but as we know, half-truths After most of his life in Camphill places, particularly can be more destructive than lies. Is the picture painted Botton, for a little over a year now David and his by the conglomeration of all these accusations the new wife have been living in Stroud. Although life is good truth that will prevail? there, they do miss being in community and they It is like an attack by fragmentation and criticism. There are proposing to start a new kind of place out of the is so much of it that the miracle is in danger of being impulse of Camphill. [email protected] 15 Are you interested in living a ob[kZgm%\nemnk^&Ûee^]eb_^% in a busy Camphill Community?

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Editors: Maria Mountain (Editor and Adverts) 10 Shrubbery Hill, Cookley, Kidderminster, Worcs. DY10 3UW, UK Email: [email protected] Deborah Ravetz, 11 Upper Close, Forest Row, RH18 5DS, UK Subscriptions: Bianca Hugel, Flat 5, 20 College Street, Lampeter, Ceredigion, Wales, SA48 7DY Email: [email protected] Advertisements: Suggested contribution of £25–£45 per small announcement/advert. Visa/Mastercard details or cheques can be sent to Bianca (address above), made out to Camphill Correspondence. Subscriptions: £22.80 per annum for six issues, or £3.80 for copies or single issues. Please make your cheque payable to Camphill Correspondence and send with your address to Bianca Hugel (address above), or you can pay by Visa or MasterCard, stating the exact name as printed on the card, the card number, and expiry date. Back Copies: are available from Christoph Hanni ([email protected]) and from Camphill Bookshop, Aberdeen Deadlines: Camphill Correspondence appears bi-monthly in January, March, May, July, September and November. Deadlines for ARTICLES are: Jan 30th, Mar 30th, May 30th, July 30th, Sept 30th and Nov 25th. ADVERTISEMENTS and SHORT ITEMS can come up to seven days later than this.

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