November/December 2015

Still Life with Madonna, petunia and apples, August Macke

There is a pervasive form of contemporary violence to which the idealist most easily succumbs: activism and overwork. The rush and pressure of modern life are a form, perhaps the most com- mon form, of its innate violence. To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything, is to succumb to violence. The frenzy of our activism neutralizes our work for peace. It destroys our own inner capacity for peace. It destroys the fruitfulness of our own work, because it kills the root of inner wisdom which makes work fruitful. Thomas Merton, Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander Keeping in touch

Dear friends, touch with the informative, and the deeper and lighter he Camphill Correspondence is in an unusual situa- aspects of international community life. Ttion: it is both flourishing yet also struggling. Particu- How else can you help the Camphill Correspondence? larly lately articles are flowing in, people are sending By helping us to become more relevant to those who lovely little notices to be included, there are those who are newer to Camphill. If you are one of those people remember to tell people – ‘send what you’ve written in and are reading this, tell us what matters to you, what to the Correspondence!’, dialogues and debates, book you would like to read about, what would make this, the reviews...much is happening on that level. The Cor- only Camphill journal with a world-wide distribution, respondence is part of people’s lives for which we are appealing enough for you to take out a subscription. very happy! We are enabling Camphill Correspondence to become Yet, due to the slow drip drip drip of communities easier to subscribe to in future with a link from the Camp- changing how they take their subscriptions, our cash hill Research Network. We will get that set up as soon flow is running perilously low. Many communities have as we can. Meanwhile if you wish to make a donation stopped the once-common practice of automatically you can access this link: http://www.camphillresearch. taking out a subscription for each house (sometimes two com/camphill-correspondence-archive. If you can copies per house) in their community. Instead, individu- make your contribution via Paypal that means we will als are meant to make the effort themselves to get a copy not have to pay a charge, if you contribute via a different if they want one. That means, too often, that people don’t payment method there will be a charge for the Camphill find the time/money/or don’t remember to start their own Correspondence (we’re not sure how much yet, this all subscription. We also know that some residents would being new to us!). On page 19 we have included a new love to get a copy but are not quite aware that this is standing order form to make it easier for you to subscribe a possibility or how to go about doing that. There are and to renew your subscription. also some communities that don’t want to receive any It is an exciting time to be involved in Camphill. So subscriptions at all, as if the Camphill magazine does much is changing, some of it painful but some of it is also not relate to them. vibrant and exciting. Let’s reflect that in our magazine The solution we would like to ask you to help with? Get and bring it back to financial health. people subscribing again! Encourage all houses to get a Thank you, as always and with gratitude, for your copy – after all this is the magazine reflecting, inform- support. ing, communicating with their communities, families and friends. Give the Board Members all a subscription! Maria Mountain (Editor), and the Support Group: Give the families a subscription. Empower the residents Deborah Ravetz, Christoph Hanni, Maria Lyons, to take out a subscription if they would like to keep in Bianca Hugel, Marianne Sander

Celebratory Birthdays Contents November – December 2015 Becoming 90 Responses to ‘The vision of Camphill Jean Surkamp, Ochil Tower...... 24 November Communities Ontario’ ...... 1 Brigitte Köber, Rüttihubelbad...... 7 December What do you live for? Deborah Ravetz...... 2 Tamar Urieli, Simeon Houses...... 25 December From insular to global Johannes M Surkamp.....4 Becoming 85 Renate Sleigh, West Coast, S.Africa.... 3 December News from the Movement ‘World Wide Weave’ exhibition on tour Becoming 80 Peter Bateson...... 5 Ellen Klockner, Milton Keynes...... 13 November Looking back over thirty years of Becoming 75 community at Loch Arthur Barbara Roos, The Sheiling, Ringwood.. 2 December Lana Chanarin...... 6 Becoming 70 Camphill Ghent today Sila Penttonen, Tapola, Finland...... 6 November Deborah Grace...... 9 Gunnar Nesheim, Solborg...... 19 November Alan Severance, Stroud...... 24 November Book review...... 10 John Henry Wilson, Botton Village.... 26 December Obituaries: Eva van Lieshout, Holywood, Ireland...26 December Gillian Thomson...... 12 Any additions or changes, Irmgard Anna (Irma) Roehling...... 12 please let Sandra Stoddard know: Ursel Pietzner...... 13 [email protected] Nils Christie...... 18 +44(0)1224 733415 Responses to ‘The vision of Camphill Communities Ontario’ (Camphill Correspondence July/August 2015)

hen we read your letter in our long term co-worker They would have to trust the committed community Wmeeting we felt a certain kinship with your com- members. munity in that we have often been wondering whether Those of us, who know you, trust you. When you say we are really respected as a true Camphill place. It is not that your places are truly Camphill, we trust that you that we have been made to feel inadequate, at least not have wrestled with this question intensively, and for a lately, but we are aware, ourselves, of the many areas long time. So, we here in Glenora Farm are not saying, in which we fall short. We are struggling with finding “O, if they have salaries and shift-work, then they can't the right administrative forms, we are struggling with be Camphill!” But we ask you, “How do you do it, how keeping anthroposophy alive, and we are struggling to are you Camphill?” We all struggle with the question, bring the Bible Evening back. The validity of our income how we can remain Camphill and keep abreast with community has often been questioned by newcomers, the changing times. and so has the validity of the traditional form of Camp- In order to come to terms with this question we need hill life-sharing. more dialogue. Already a year ago the Glenora Farm Sometimes it seemed that there were too few of us Community has begun to discuss what it means for to stand firm against the forces that want to erode us us to be Camphill and some of the thoughts that have into just another care facility, and then there came new resulted from this. We want to share them, not because people to stand with us. Some of those were not dyed in we think that you could benefit from them, but rather as the wool anthroposophists, but just broad minded, good a beginning of a dialogue from which we could benefit. people with common sense. And so we always feel as if Last summer, following the report of one of our board we are teetering at the brink groping for helping hands. members on the Camphill Association of North America When we visit another community, what makes us dialogue, a conversation ensued around the question, recognize it as Camphill? what is it to be Camphill? At first glance it is of course the picture in the hallway, Three questions stood out: the dining room with its large table and other traditional • What is social therapy? features; it is the whole atmosphere, and the committed • Is Camphill all about sharing? community members whom we trust. • What is the role of anthroposophy in our Absence of certain traditional forms causes doubt and community? it is harder to sense the spirit when we do not meet with We would love to exchange ideas on these questions. the familiar that opens our receptivity for what is alive in the place. Especially for those who have never seen With warm greetings, the place before, the absence of even one traditional Olaf Lampson, Markus Heinz, element may cause doubt. Martha Muller, Karen Humber For the Executive Group of Glenora Farm, British Columbia, Canada

‘ raditional Camphill model’ is a well-used term at Surely this is one of the many many things the Being of Tthe moment, particularly in saying that it hardly Camphill should be engaging with today. Camphill was exists. But does anyone actually know what is meant? meant to move out into society like leaven in the dough. König did not have a ‘traditional model’; he fit in to the Towards the end of his life König wrote the essay which circumstances as well as was possible, using the study has been so often quoted and so little read, ‘The Pur- of anthroposophy to find the best possible methods. The pose of Curative Educational Work’. There König clearly forms were always in evolution and at least König always states that our ‘curative attitude’ is needed throughout came up with something new. The Memoranda, of which society wherever the individual is threatened, wherever there are four and a fragment, depict König’s recognition the earth is threatened. In the essay he gives examples of what had been achieved, not of what needed to be of ‘pastoral care, the elderly, orphans, refugees...within done in all future. Similarly he describes Camphill in the International Peace Corps’, etc. Could he have meant connection to three stars. Two years later they became that there is only one form for this working of our cura- three pillars – something completely different! As his tive impulse? Again – no offence meant to those places favourite composer, Gustav Mahler, said: ‘tradition is to where maybe the ‘original form’ still prevails. Without nurture the flame, not to worship the ashes’! it the other work would not have been and would not With this nothing whatsoever should be said against be possible. any person or group of people upholding forms of com- In the Temple Legend lectures, Rudolf Steiner describes munity found to be fruitful and meaningful, if the fire the cycles of regeneration through phases of form and is really there. But how do we tend to that fire today? life. Is not a social structure there to adapt to the needs And are we able to cultivate manifold forms out of the and realities of its individual members? In which case same fire to encompass the individual needs and cir- the main question would seem to be: how does one cumstances? This seems to be the greatest challenge of then define membership? This is a task of our time with the 21st century – not just in Camphill. certainty! 1 Does the Camphill movement not define itself through Richard Steel studied at the Camphill Seminar at the the brotherly, associative interaction of vastly varying Lake of Constance and lived from 1972 in Camphill regions, individually developing according to their own School Föhrenbühl with his family, teaching mainly circumstances, but out of the same spirit and being equal in the Upper School and craft workshops. In 2008 he elements in the mix of the movement? Being human took a leading role in the Karl König Archive, founding defines itself not from the norm but by the interaction the Karl König Institute and to date publishing König’s of diverse individuals, helping each other to develop. works in both English and German (now 15 volumes). At the moment he lives and works in the community Richard Steel, Camphill Ghent, United States for elders in New York State, Camphill Ghent.

What do you live for? Deborah Ravetz, Forest Row, England

ecently I met a young couple in their early thirties who What was so interesting in talking to him was their at- Rtouched me deeply in the way that they lived their tempt to live out of their own thoughts and values. They lives. They had both had attended a Waldorf School and seem to do nothing just because it was what was done by felt that although they didn't necessarily buy into that everyone else. Instead they think about issues and make ethos it was something they recognised in each other their decisions out of a considered opinion. This attitude and many of their friends, and it gave them a common reaches right down into their practical life. David has language. I had hoped to speak with both of them to just completed building his own house which he has prepare this article but deadlines and schedules meant designed to have as low a carbon footprint as possible. I was only able to interview David in depth. However Even the site of the house was carefully chosen to be he said of his wife Lindsay that it was through her that in the ideal place to be able to use bicycles and public he had been able to make conscious and practice many transport, and up till now they have managed without of the ideals and choices that were now part of his life. owning a car by using a community car scheme. (The When I asked him what it was about Lindsay that had imminent arrival of twins may lead to a modification had such an effect on him he said she had shown him of this decision.) In deference to their concern for the that we don't need to live with what we think is possible. environment they also curtail their overseas flights and Rather we need to connect with what we really want to use local shops rather than big supermarkets which do and to make it possible. don't help build community or care enough for the They had met working to bring about youth confer- way their products are grown or sourced. ences for an organization called La Patachanka. This Regarding his ideals he says his morality is not always group was formed by young people who had attended in tune with his desires. He admits to being fascinated International Christian Community youth conferences by the toys of consumerism, sports cars and the like in Europe. In this spirit this new group wanted to create but he just wouldn't give in to the temptation not only their own events and venues, meeting in mutual respect because of his ideals but because his friends and family but free of what they had experienced as religious would find it difficult to support such decisions. He is dogma. Their conferences had been organised by young not claiming to be perfect, just trying to live differently. people for young people, practicing autonomy. Those When David was eighteen he went to Vidaråsen, the formative experiences working together had created a Camphill community in Norway. One evening during bond between many of them which lives on even today a Bible Evening he had a kind of realisation that he as a kind of extended international community embody- could no longer think of himself as part of the Christian ing attitudes that they still try to live by. tradition because he felt it was non-inclusive. He did David works now as a builder and Lindsay co-founded not become an atheist, as he felt that was as irrational an organisation called Thresholds, facilitating and men- as certainty about God. Instead he began to try and toring for the Civil Service. She now works as a freelance live with an acceptance of difference. When I asked trainer and facilitator, working with people in the public him if he meant tolerance he said that that wasn’t the and third sectors to enhance their ability to make a differ- right word for him because to tolerate something sug- ence in the world. Her main clients are The Green Party, gested a judgement; that one was being kind enough international development charities and government to put up with it even though one knew it was wrong. departments. They also run a business called Quirky For him what mattered was not judging but accepting Campers which supplies beautifully restored camper difference. vans for rent. They are promoting sustainable travel and His experience of the ethos he grew up in has made donate ten percent of their profits to a charity helping him work in this open-minded way in what he sees as vulnerable communities adapt to the effects of climate an attempt to redress the balance. He felt the institutions change. Both they and their friends feel it is important he was brought up in and met through anthroposophy to work in organisations that make some kind of positive did not connect enough with the wider community or contribution to the future. When I asked David about make enough of an attempt to find a common language. politics he was very happy to have been able to vote for He was distressed by the sense of knowing better than the Green Party in the last election because in the past he met in that environment and has found himself ask- he had to vote tactically. He is concerned with politics ing if the present crises experienced in many of those which is empathetic and which doesn’t condemn the settings could be mitigated by changing that attitude; poor or ignore social issues and the environment. by learning from and connecting with the wider world 2 he believes some of the problems now so prevalent was his eyes filled with tears. I then apologised in case could be overcome. my bringing it up had made him upset. He replied that While he was in Norway he worked with a carpenter he had no problem weeping in front of me and was not who was to have a profound effect on his life. Through afraid of emotions. It was simply something that moved him he was introduced to the world of physics and him to tears. Amongst his circle of friends it is part of their maths. Out of this new-found interest he returned to ethos to be open and authentic about their feelings and Britain where he studied to become a civil and en- to support each other and even challenge each other. vironmental engineer, and he uses those skills to do Recently the Observer newspaper printed an article something that makes a difference in the world. He is about the Waldorf School in Drumduan. In the article deeply grateful to the man who introduced him to that Rudolf Steiner is quoted. He says, ‘To be free is to be ca- world and helped him find his vocation. pable of thinking one’s own thoughts – not the thoughts He and Lindsay both bring up their son with rhythm merely of the body, or society, but thoughts generated and with form. They are careful about food and sugar by one’s deepest, most original, most essential self and and about rationing screen time. Every night David says individuality. (Observer Magazine, 14 June 2015) the same prayer with his son that he was taught to say Meeting Lindsay and David this is what I met. It made when he was little. When I asked him why he did this me wonder whether despite the many failures of our he said that although he doesn’t believe in paradise or institutions something had been planted which had an the other theological terms in the prayer he does believes impact on them and their large extended community. it is good to mark the end of the day like this. Regard- They give me hope for our future and I thank them for ing religious practice and belief he doesn't know how letting me write about them and in the process to be everything works and he is open to a new truth but what given a chance to learn from them. is important to him is not thinking he knows better than Deborah works as an artist, other people. writer, lecturer and social sculptor. She lived in One of the biggest impacts David had on me was when Camphill in the 1970s/1980s and has remained I spoke with him about the recent death of his father. deeply connected with Camphill ever since. When I expressed my sympathy and asked him how he www.deborahravetz.org

Working in the plant nursery, Sadhana Village, Pune

3 From insular to global Johannes M Surkamp, Ochil Tower, Scotland

hanks goes to Robin Jackson for having brought insular in the garden protecting young plants before they Tto my attention the significance of Daniel Defoe’s can cope with wind and weather. It is like this with novel Robinson Crusoe in the life of Karl König (Camphill ideas: Rudolf Steiner saw it necessary to protect his early Correspondence, September/October 2015). Through lectures by admitting members only. That it had nothing my war experience in Germany, followed by an agri- to do with sectarianism is made clear by the fact that his cultural training and my intensive involvement in cura- wife, Marie Steiner von Sivers, inheritor of Steiner’s liter- tive education in Switzerland (Brissago) and Camphill ary estate, published all of it. This is now in the public (Aberdeen and Thornbury) I had no time nor interest to domain globally in many translations. acquaint myself with Robinson Crusoe, an omission I The same applied to the inner community of Camphill. hope to catch up with now. Camphill stood for new and ‘endangered’ principles In this contribution I want to widen the scope around which needed initial protection. New impulses in his- Robin Jackson’s focus when researching König’s con- tory might need hundreds of years to mature. Failures tributories in his life. These should be seen as environ- might be necessary at a given time. But let us look at the mental circumstances, not his genius. It is essential for invasive actions of international companies, the likes of anyone aware of Camphill to see Karl König’s and Rudolf Monsanto. Their profit motive is destructive to integrity Steiner’s ‘Image of Man’ as fully identical in its threefold and innate organic principles. Not only Camphill is approach of body, soul and spirit: aware of this and tries to protect as needed. The same • The body of a person cannot be seen without global, insular problems exist with national parks, wild- the awareness of all preceding ancestors. life and plant reserves. Our world is no paradise and the Through the science of genetics this aspect has egotism of man is socially and environmentally destruc- reached a peak. tive. Unfortunately the word ‘ring-fencing’ is more often • The soul of man is to a high degree formed used in economics. Every pregnancy and infancy has to by experiences from childhood on by the protect something for the future. To see this in context, environment. without judgement, is essential. • The spirit of a human being constitutes, more or less consciously, the experiences of the world References we have come from, and of experiences made Rudolf Steiner, Reincarnation and Karma. 1912, in former lives on earth and resolutions we Anthroposophic Press. brought with us as ideals and purpose of life. Rudolf Frieling, Christianity and Reincarnation. Without this threefold approach any biography is incom- 1974, Urachhaus, 1977 and 2015 Floris Books. plete. Hans Müller-Wiedemann found in Karl König’s J Michael Surkamp, Thank goodness, there’s more diaries intimate references of König’s intuitions in this than one life to live! 2011–2014, Anastasi. respect which are referred to in his comprehensive Karl König, a Central European Biography of the Twentieth Century. Johannes has been a founder member of and was Let us look at the ‘insular’ factor. Quite practically, actively involved in Camphill places in central any gardener knows the value of a greenhouse. It stands Scotland, Camphill Scotland and the Association.

Camphill Archives article correction You are most welcome to write even very The Camphill Archives has a ‘corporate’ email few lines (or more) about books you come address now: across that you love – they don’t need to [email protected] have anything to do with Camphill or an- Please use this for Archives email. throposophy! Send it to us for including At the end of the article about Camphill Archives in the magazine so other readers can read in the September/October edition of Camphill Cor- respondence, there was an error in my personal about the book you so enjoyed. We would email address: I left a dot out! The correct address is love to include any interesting books in [email protected] the review section that can expand our My postal address is: horizons. Str. Orzoaia de Sus nr.8 Also if you feel inspired to write a response 106300 Urlati to articles, even just a line or two, please do! Prahova We love to have dialogue within the maga- Romania zine. Let’s create a safe open space for all Our apologies for any inconvenience caused. views to be aired and shared from the heart. John Byrde

4 News from the Movement…and beyond

Camphill Foundation ‘World Wide Weave’ exhibition on tour Peter Bateson, Oldbury-on-Severn, England

fter more than a year of preparation, the World paramount, as the background to a symphony of colour AWide Weave Exhibition has at last become a real- which constitutes a whole world of experience in itself. ity. The project has involved hundreds of people all From California come two complementary semi-abstract over the Camphill movement in 19 distinct nations and pieces representing the wide panorama of the ocean and regions, with contributions created in 61 communities the majestic verticality of the redwood forest. in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, Wales, Ireland, The World Wide Weave is an artistic endeavour, meant Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, to be appreciated and enjoyed as such, but also it carries Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Russia, USA, Canada, South with it at least four messages. First of all, it embodies Africa, India and Vietnam. Some places produced more the principle of ‘unity in diversity’. Despite their huge than one, and the exhibition also includes a number of variation in size, location and task and the incredibly special pieces contributed by individuals. The 75 panels rich mix of people who constantly interweave their lives celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Camphill movement and destinies in the network of Camphill communities, which began on 1 June 1940 when the first small group they all have the same set of core principles at heart. of pioneers moved into Camphill House by the River The exhibition expresses all the wonderfully varied and Dee near Aberdeen. diverse characteristics of single communities coming Every one of the 75 pieces is unique and has its own together in one great artistic panorama of Camphill. story to tell. To select a few examples, there is a beauti- Secondly, the exhibition carries a fundamental statement ful felting of the Russian landscape from the Camphill of equality regarding the potential of people with learn- day centre Turmalin in Moscow, where at first they ing disabilities. The weavers, felters, tapestry-makers and were not sure they could do anything at all and then embroiderers are artists and artisans in their own right completed and delivered a masterpiece in record time. and can place their work alongside that of mainstream There is an enchanting tapestry of Tapola in Finland, artists and craftspeople. brimful of colour and details of the village and its life, A third element is that different individuals in a group and a similar brilliantly coloured creation from Kyle in have collaborated on a single piece of art, each con- Ireland. There is a matching pair of spring and autumn tributing what they could towards the finished work. feltings from Corbenic in Scotland, breathtaking in their This has been a major feature in the development of the artistry, colour and detail. World Wide Weave. It has been a renewed experience From Camphill School Aberdeen comes panel of community cooperation and an example of social number 1 (quite rightly), a tapestry which incorporates weaving along with the actual textile work. Many other a wealth of archetypal Camphill imagery and symbol- people have also been involved in those pieces which ism in one richly coloured and textured composition. In incorporate other materials such as pottery, metal and some pieces, for example from Mountshannon (Ireland), wood, bringing together different workshops active in the Rotvoll (Norway), Oaklands Park (England) and Loch community. A good example is the brilliant seaside image Arthur (Scotland) it is the actual woven texture which is from Camphill Devon which has a colourful background of multi-textured weaving with felted and beadwork flowers, copper leaves, ceramic butterflies and wooden birds! And fourth, most of the com- munities have used entirely home produced and in many cases also recycled materials in the World Wide Weave. A few of the exhibits are composed almost entirely of recycled materials. Caring for our natural re- sources, recycling and renewal is a special theme that runs throughout the exhibition. The response to the exhibition from the general public has been extremely warm and positive. Many visitors are astonished that they had never heard of Camphill. Many also say that they had heard of it but are amazed by its breadth and interna- tionalism. They show a deep respect The World Wide Weave exhibition in the Paul Allen Auditorium of Phoenix Centre, for the ideals of community building Newton Dee, Aberdeen which they divine through the im- 5 ages and text on view. They are deeply affected by the richness and variety of Complete Tour Itinerary colour in the exhibits and the incredible variety and complexity of techniques 13 Dec. 2014–10 January 2015 Old Town Hall, High Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire on display. They experience what they 12 January–2 February, The Island Gallery, Bridewell Street, Bristol describe as a joyful, uplifting and life- 5 February–3 March, Winchester Cathedral affirming message which they read in 25 March–12 April, North Wall Arts Centre, Summertown, Oxford the exhibits, including the accompany- 21 April–7 May, National Wool Museum of Wales, Dre-fach Felindre, LLandysul ing texts and photos. Last, but not least, 11–25 May, Central Library, Cambridge they are deeply impressed by the skill 27 May–13 June, Leeds Corn Exchange and ability shown by the people who 18 June–19 July, London – Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, Holborn have created the exhibits and by the 23 July–6 August, New Lanark World Heritage Site, South Lanarkshire spirit of creative collaboration which is so much a part of that process. As one 14–29 August, Haddo House (National Trust), Ellon, near Aberdeen visitor expressed it, “the best thing of all 1–10 September, Newton Dee Camphill Community, Bieldside, Aberdeen is that it so clearly comes from a living 14–18 September, Scottish Parliament Members’ Lobby, Holyrood, Edinburgh experience of community, and that’s 19 September–3 October, Omagh Library, Northern Ireland something that we all need nowadays.” 5–12 October, The Curve Gallery, Bangor Carnegie Library, Bangor, N. Ireland Please follow the progress of the tour 13–30 October, Belfast City Hall, East Wing on the website 1–6 November, Carroll Gallery, Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry, N. Ireland www.camphillfoundation.net 10 November–3 December The Atrium, Civic Offices, Dublin, Ireland which will have all relevant informa- 5–29 December Camphill Community Ballytobin, Callan, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland tion about the various venues, and 1–7 January 2016, Museum in the Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire also updates appearing regularly on January–February 2016, Camphill Perceval, St-Prex, Lake Geneva, Switzerland Facebook (Camphill Foundation UK & Ireland) and Twitter @camphillFD. March–April 2016, Camphill Ontario, Canada April–June 2016, New York City, Hudson NY, South East Pennsylvania, USA. Peter is the Development June–July 2016, Trondheim, Norway Coordinator and Exhibition Curator Autumn 2016, Cape Town, South Africa of the World Wide Weave.

Looking back over thirty years of community at Loch Arthur Lana Chanarin, Loch Arthur, Scotland

Lana writes: Last year I was asked by Jack Reed to write • Measurable intelligence became the criterion a history of Loch Arthur Community for a book that he according to which a man’s standing in society, was hoping to put together about curative education and politics and economics is evaluated. social therapy – a broad look at how it has all developed He suggested that our task in creating what were then in Britain and beyond since the early beginnings. At called ‘village communities’, was to counter these the moment the work on the book is on hold and I three errors by building true communities where peo- suggested to Jack that I might put the article into the ple of varying abilities would live and work together. Correspondence as it is a piece in time and would Through their efforts they would allow the ideals probably need updating as time goes on. of equality, brotherliness and freedom to shine out through the social life, work life and spiritual life of ver a shining autumn weekend at the end of Sep- the community. Otember 2014, Loch Arthur Community celebrated On the first evening of our birthday celebration, we its 30th birthday. We took the liberty of celebrating early gathered for our harvest meal which had the quality of as our actual birthday falls on 28 November and we live a Bible Evening. The marquee which we had set up in in Scotland where the weather isn’t always kind to us! a field for the occasion was beautifully decorated and The three days of festivities seemed to be a true reflec- the tables set with colourful cloths, bright flower ar- tion of the rich and varied life of the community over rangements and food which had been lovingly prepared the past three decades. Each day also carried something during the day. People came to join us from near and of the qualities described in Dr König’s address at the far – friends, family members, trustees, volunteers from opening of Botton Village. He referred at that time to the years gone by, people who are employed in the commu- three great errors which he saw as contributing to many nity and so many others whose lives have been touched of the challenges we face in our present civilization. by the community in one way or another over the past • Man considers himself the master and heir to the thirty years. There was a true feeling of equality as we earth and the universe, the idea of God being but a all shared this special meal and enjoyed the music and mirage in the minds of primitive peoples. contributions throughout the evening. • The basic instincts and the struggle for existence The following day there were different workshops on which result in the ‘survival of the fittest’ are regard- offer and a real sense of brotherliness pervaded the com- ed as the prime mover in human development. munity as people joined in the varied activities. 6 Then, on the final morning, we had a gathering which stands near the centre of the community and looks over reflected the quality of the spiritual life of the community the loch and surrounding hills. and the way in which each person has to express their In the beginning this house accommodated 22 people, connection to that aspect of their lives in an individual our community office, store, meeting and gathering way, out of freedom. room, nursery class, fledgling creamery, weavery and much more besides. We have now grown to a commu- Beginnings nity of 75 people and have 10 houses, 7 of which are Loch Arthur Community began its journey in November shared households. We also have our large farm and 1984. For some years before the estate was purchased garden, and many craft and food production workshops. by the Camphill Village Trust, there had been a wish in the Scottish Neighbourhood to start a new adult com- Periods of development munity. At that time there were a number of what were Looking over the past thirty years I think one could dis- then called ‘training centres’ in Scotland, for young tinguish three periods of development. In our first years people between 16–21 years old. These centres provide it was quite clear what needed to be done. Workshops a bridge between school and adult life, a place where needed to be established, the farm and garden needed to young people can develop skills while still within a very be penetrated and developed according to biodynamic structured environment. Many of the young people from principles. Buildings needed to be renovated and ex- communities were hoping to move on to an adult com- panded and we needed to build up the social, cultural munity but they were unable to find a suitable place. and spiritual life of the community. Children of long At that time village communities found it difficult to term co-workers were also an important element of life integrate these young people who had more profound in the community and educating those children was a needs into their existing work and social life. feature of our life for many years. At the same time, some of the smaller communities Our second phase of development required more in Scotland were hoping that a new adult community consideration, soul searching and forward planning. could provide biodynamically grown produce for them. We were now faced with decisions about building new So the search for an appropriate property began. For houses, a new creamery and other projects which would some time small groups of people travelled up and clearly influence the way the community would develop down the country searching for the right piece of land for many years to come. with enough accommodation to begin a new venture. For many years we were a group of twelve committed, It was not until a group of people from Newton Dee long term co-workers, all of whom had years of experi- committed themselves to this project that a possible ence in other Camphill communities before joining Loch site was found. Arthur. This circle of twelve provided a very stable and Lotus Estate (as it was then called) nestles at the foot secure centre for the growth of Loch Arthur. Together with of Lotus Hill and has at its centre Loch Arthur, a 70 acre the men and women who required and gave support and body of water after which the community is named. It is the enthusiastic volunteers who joined us over the years, situated in the south west of Scotland, six miles from the we built a vibrant, challenging and inspiring community. town of Dumfries. A small scouting party came to visit As with all Camphill communities, our combined the property in June of 1984. It was a beautiful, sunny strengths and weaknesses balanced and complimented day and the loch was shining like a jewel in the midst of each other and the whole became more than the sum rolling hills, green fields and woodlands. Although the of its parts. property did not quite fit the brief – it was too big, too far from other Camphill communities and didn’t have as Changing times much accommodation as we had hoped – it just felt right. 2001 was a challenging and pivotal year in Loch Arthur The Trust put a bid in and it was accepted; and by and far beyond. One of the founding couples (the farmer November of that year the adventure had begun. The who had helped to establish and build up our farm and group from Newton Dee was joined by a family from his family) needed to move on to a new situation. In William Morris House and within a week many of the that same year we were deeply affected by the national young people from the training centres had arrived to Foot and Mouth epidemic. Although our animals were help us pioneer this new community. healthy, the farm next door developed Foot and Mouth We pioneered the community together, which was and we had to lose all our animals due to the policy in extremely challenging but allowed us all to grow and place at the time. The events of the week of the slaughter mature and to lay a firm foundation of community build- of our animals coincided with and mirrored the events ing on which all that has followed has been established. of Holy Week and the animals were all killed on Good We have also, since the beginning, had to balance the Friday. Still Saturday was more silent than any we had needs of our large piece of land (500 acres, including ar- ever experienced. able land, woodland, loch and buildings) with the needs 2001 was also the year of the events of 9/11. It seemed of the people who have come to join us over the years. to be a year in which we were all being challenged to We began with three habitable houses and a number look at things differently, and in Loch Arthur we felt of derelict buildings, most of which we have renovated very much in step with the world around us. Now we over time. We rapidly set up work activities which began needed to begin afresh, rebuild our farm and regroup very humbly and have grown into thriving workshops in a different way. as the years have gone by. Our creamery started in a A period of relative instability followed, as a number of kitchen and our weavery first had its home in a bed- new people came towards us, hoping to make a longer- room. Community activities were held in a large room term commitment to the community. Much energy and in Lotus House, a fine Georgian country house which effort was spent trying to integrate new couples, families 7 two workshops. Now we employ an increasing number of people, some of whom are supporting two of our houses where people are growing frail or needing specific one to one care during the day. This is all very positive in terms of the opportunities we are provid- ing in the locality and the connec- tions we are making with all those who come to work here, but it is also adding to the administration tasks in the community. It has always been a feature of our life in Loch Arthur that we have been engaged with the world around us. We have been very active in building connec- tions with our local community. This has happened in many dif- Douglas on the left is our professional butcher who is teaching Douglas on the right (who ferent ways – contact with local has worked on the farm since he came to Loch Arthur – so he now cares for the animals from authorities, with local farmers beginning to end)! (we now have a number of bio- dynamic and organic farms in the and individuals into houses, workshops and community area), with customers and local crafts people and with life. People settled for some years and then moved on parents of children who have come over the years for – and things began to change. toddler groups, school and celebration of festivals. A number of young people who had lived in Loch We are now growing older (this seems to happen!). Arthur as volunteers and had left to study or work else- Some of our members have passed away while others where, returned to live here. Others then joined from are becoming frail and having to withdraw from many different backgrounds and slowly a new phase began. aspects of life in the community. All the children who had grown up in the community We are grateful that we have had the strength to stand had moved away (bouncing back occasionally as chil- on our own, to form our own charity and to have the dren do) but now we had a new generation of younger support from our Trustees to do this. We are also pain- people with families bringing fresh life to our aging fully aware of the struggles and hardships facing so many population. The arrival of all these capable, committed of our communities south of the border and elsewhere. younger people has made it possible for some of the Our experience over the past thirty years in Loch Arthur founder members of the community to move out of is probably similar to many Camphill communities world- living in shared houses to concentrate on other tasks in wide. We began at a time when all still seemed possible. the community. We pioneered the community together with the young people who were placed in our ‘care’. We always wished Current situation to truly live with rather than care for these people and all In autumn of 2012 two significant events took place who were drawn to be part of the community. which will affect the future of Loch Arthur. Firstly we For many years we were all content to fully share our separated from the Camphill Village Trust and became a lives, with all the joys and complexities that that involved. stand-alone charity, a mutually agreed decision. Secondly People happily shared rooms, bundled into vans to go on we opened our large new Farm Shop which has become outings together, celebrated Bible Evenings fairly regularly very successful and is much appreciated in the locality and enjoyed all the challenges of creating a community and far beyond. together. We were indeed a group of adults standing Our creamery has for years produced award winning around the activity of community building. cheeses and we developed a small farm shop as part of As time has progressed much has changed. Our expecta- the creamery building. Some years ago we realized we tions have changed and the world we live in has changed. would need to expand the old farm shop and our bakery We all demand (and need) more individual time and space and store were also needing upgrading and expanding. and this is to be expected. The pressures on those wishing We eventually decided to consolidate these activities in to live in shared houses grows greater all the time and we one building and we now have a beautiful new home for can no longer expect that everyone will wish to join or all these activities which includes a café, butchery and support all community activities. several administrative offices. We need to find new ways of moving into an uncertain The development of this new Farm Shop has also meant future with courage and confidence, open to accept the a radical change in the balance between people living and changes that might need to be made. I imagine it has working in the community and those who are employed. always been the way with life in Camphill (or anywhere Until recently we have been a fairly traditional Camp- for that matter); we need to constantly be moving and hill community, with the majority of people living and changing to maintain a level of balance. working in the community and a few people employed As I mentioned at the beginning of this piece, Loch in administrative tasks, general maintenance and one or Arthur is located a few miles from the market town of 8 Dumfries. This town is most famous for its connection to the Bard of Scotland, Robert Burns. He lived for many Celebrating our villagers years in and around Dumfries and was buried in the town in 1796, in St Michael’s churchyard. hen I was up in Scotland working in the I also referred at the beginning of this article to the WMedical Practice in Murtle Estate, Nora Bock three ideals of equality, brotherliness and freedom. These kindly gave me a copy of the book The Builders of are qualities which shine through one of Burns’ most Camphill. Earlier this year it suddenly jumped into famous poems which has been set to music and is sung my thoughts that these amazing men and women all over the world. who ‘built’ Camphill would not have done so if it We have tried over these thirty years to be true to these were not for all these remarkable people who were ideals and hope that we can continue to do so for many in need of finding a place where they could fulfil years to come. their true potential, folk with whom they could Then let us pray that come it may, share their lives. (As come it will for a' that,) So I became very enthusiastic to begin gathering That Sense and Worth, o'er a' the earth, stories to honour and respect any of the ‘heroes Shall bear the gree, an' a' that. of Camphill’ who would wish to share their life For a' that, an' a' that, stories in such a book. Not everyone of course It's coming yet for a' that, can possibly be included, but I should like to ask That Man to Man, the world o'er, any villagers or co-workers for help in suggesting Shall brothers be for a' that. ideas and names – some people who met Karl (Final stanza of Robert Burns’ poem König, and others who are now living in any of ‘A man’s a man for a’ that’) the communities in Britain. The biographies would include a photograph, and consent forms are available. I also wish to in- Lana has lived and worked clude some of the obituaries from the past printed in adult communities in Scotland since 1977 in the Camphill Correspondence. (7 years in Newton Dee and nearly 31 in Loch Arthur). I look forward to hearing from you all. She was also active in setting up and running the Greetings, Jennie Tanser, [email protected] Adult Communities Course for over 20 years.

Camphill Ghent today Deborah Grace, Camphill Ghent, United States

amphill Ghent was conceived in the midst of a de- Isn’t this also a way to understand the task with elders Cmographic shift so big it’s often called an earthquake. if we take ‘educate’ in its root ‘educere’, which means Twenty-six percent of the US population is baby boomers ‘to lead forth’? Then we might reframe Steiner’s leading and 10,000 people turn 65 every day. The world popula- thought something like this, ‘Receive elders with rever- tion is rapidly aging. The number of people over 60 will ence for their sacred journeys, lead them forward with triple from 605 million in the year 2000 to 2 billion in love, and help prepare them to meet the mysteries of 2050. A lot will need to happen in our world to accom- new life with freedom.’ modate the challenges facing humanity with these shifts. This articulation of purpose leads us into the work of As is the case in many developed countries, Americans Camphill Ghent today. Ghent is a community that sup- are growing older in a nation where elderhood is not ports elders in feeling honored and loved while finding venerated but seen as a looming social and financial meaning and peace in their later years. Ghent offers both burden. Seniors feel increasingly cut off from the mean- independent living and a licensed adult home providing ing of their younger lives and from offering their gifts to care. We are committed to both community and personal others. Emptiness, fear and hopelessness too often await transformation as we walk with these esteemed old people in the last phase of life. ones. Like them we can ask, “What will I still make of Yet the root of ‘elder’ is ‘al’, which means to ‘grow this life that is given to me…” Martin Luther addressed or nourish’. Throughout history elders were honored the question in this way, “This life is not righteousness as nurturers of the community, guardians of tradition, but growth in righteousness, not health but healing, not teachers and mentors. They were storytellers guiding being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not people into deep understanding and initiators for those yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it, the seeking spiritual passage. process is not yet finished, but is going on, this is not the We know that every striving human being is wired to end, but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory, seek a life of purpose and has a desire to serve the greater but all is being purified.” good. This inner flame doesn’t need to be extinguished On its own road of becoming, Camphill Ghent has, with age and the wisdom of elders is greatly needed after its first three fairly challenging years, come through in our time. As we seek to re-conceive elderhood in to a good and hopeful place. Ghent was born out of the today’s world it can be helpful to look again at Rudolf Camphill Village Copake Elder Project which had the Steiner’s guidance for the education of youth, ‘Receive task to explore the needs of Copake’s aging villagers and the children in reverence, educate them in love, and let co-workers. In the ten years of visioning and developing them go forth in freedom.’ that went into this project its dimensions expanded to 9 include elders from all walks of life. The concept grew majority of residents rely on government funding, has beyond that of a traditional Camphill place into a com- been possible through generous support from Camphill munity where people from different backgrounds and Village Copake and its foundation. spiritual streams could work together to find new ways Understandably, it’s been the hope of Copake that this of community, nurtured by the wellspring of Camphill. new community ‘child’ would soon stand and walk on Not surprisingly, this turned out to be not only an inspir- its own and so it goes without saying that the process ing but also a thorny task and inevitably there was some of determining how to address the financial challenge discord. Yet people had chosen to join Ghent wanting to has required real effort from the Ghent and Copake discover new ways of living in community and so before communities and their boards. Yet facing these issues too very long, they also made the choices to forgive and also brought these communities closer together, an become more pliant, tolerant and interested in each experience that was strengthened in a recent College other, embracing and including the diversities. We’ll Meeting on Ghent. It included 44 people from Ghent need to keep learning and growing from our experiences; and Copake and their boards, as well as from Triform, however the whole community stretches itself now to Camphill Hudson, Beaver Run and friends from our look at things from new vantage points and to try things Columbia region. The reality of the College Meeting is, in different ways. of course, that it is not only a human endeavor but also As Ghent independent resident Margrit Metraux says, a working together with the spiritual world. And the gift “It’s about a new step in becoming an individual today. of this event was that it was transformational and con- And it’s about Camphill being able to say, ‘we are the sequential as it brought people into a harmony of soul world’.” Sylvia Bausman observes how people from and unity of purpose that touched everyone and allows disparate backgrounds offer examples every day of what us to go forward with confidence. it means to love and create community, examples that I want to acknowledge and give heartfelt thanks to the help expand the framework and fabric of Camphill. As entire Copake community and their board and founda- Joan Allen expressed it before her passing, “The deeply tion board, as well as to the Ghent board and community, impressive concept of a truly ecumenical community including our dedicated employees (co-worker staff). I drew me strongly. It spoke to me of a creative future want to thank John Baring for the yeoman’s work he did where folk of all faiths, religions and outlooks could to get the Ghent project up and running and with Penny, strive to live harmoniously together as brothers and sis- to bring it into such a beautiful form. I want to thank ters. There is a tangible atmosphere in Camphill Ghent the many friends who’ve supported the Ghent initiative of a group of elders from many different religious and over these years with their love. I want to appreciate philosophical backgrounds. Together with many others Jeannie Carlson and her team in Simeon for mentoring who live elsewhere but are here working on an almost Ghent. And gratefully honoring their presence, I want daily basis, we are enthused by the challenge of building to acknowledge the ring of friends helping the work of up a welcoming and vital community that will lead us Ghent from across the threshold. into the future of the 21st century.” What’s next? To help carry Ghent into the next phase So we have wonderful inspiration, yet on an organi- we are seeking experienced Camphill co-workers who zational level Ghent still faces a real challenge in the want to bring their talents and enthusiasm into co- realm of finances. Simply put, because building an creating the future of this exciting community venture. elder community was a new endeavor for Camphill in Thank you all for your warm interest. America, with the best of intentions the financial pre- forms upon which the community was based lacked Deborah is the executive director at Camphill Ghent. sufficient context. The costs of providing a true Camp- She lived for 25 years in Camphill Village Copake and hill quality of life and care for residents in Ghent’s adult then spent 15 years outside of Camphill during which home are substantially greater than the support available time she worked primarily as a life coach, but also from government funding. Therefore offering a Camphill worked in facilitation and mediation, administration quality of life and care in the adult home, where the and as a realtor.

Book review

Honourable Friends? Parliament of ‘the first new political movement to enter Parliament and the Fight for Change in nearly a century’. This in itself is quite an achieve- By Caroline Lucas ment, but Lucas achieves so much more during her first tenure, not in the least the writing of a book that speaks Portobello Books, 2015 the truth while the author still holds public office. Her 304 pages, paperback priority, she states, is the struggle to ‘open up’ Parliament, ISBN: 978-1846275951 for ‘unless Parliament changes, progress in every other Review by Maria Lyons, London, England area of our national life faces delay or obstruction’. The book reveals a host of sometimes humorous and often alarming illustrations of how the culture, structures and ‘If politics were a business…it would be a prime case processes of our government are for the most part less for a referral to the Competition and Markets Authority than ‘honourable’. for monopolistic collusion in excluding new entrants Lucas was elected as representative for Brighton Pavil- to the market’. So writes Caroline Lucas, representative ion in 2010 on the Green Party’s platform of social and 10 environmental justice, with climate Yet this book is not all doom and gloom. change top of the agenda. ‘More than For every critique launched, an alterna- any other single issue, it was climate tive route is presented. Lucas’ practical change that brought me into politics, proposals range from the simple and and it is climate change that keeps (technically, at least) straightforward to me awake at night’. Having arrived in more complex ‘paradigm shifting’ sug- the corridors of power, however, she gestions. On parliamentary reform, for was soon confronted with the reality instance, why not introduce electronic that a precondition of reform ‘outside’ voting in Parliament to improve efficiency those corridors is reform within them. and thereby the productivity and quality Divided into three parts, her book of MP working hours? As an alternative paints a picture of Parliament and its to welfare cuts, why not use the mecha- workings first from the perspective of nism referred to as ‘quantitative easing’ a newcomer, experiencing it all for to invest directly in public infrastructure, the first time; then, as someone ‘in the energy efficiency or affordable housing trenches’, fighting for the interests of rather than high-end financial assets her electorate; and finally, as a vision- which lead mainly to greater wealth for ary, describing how it could be differ- the already wealthy? On tackling the na- ent with the right blend of imagination, tion’s extreme concentrations of wealth, courage and political will. Lucas advocates the ‘elegantly fair and Attaining an admirable balance be- simple’ measure of the Land Value Tax, tween detail and scope Lucas’ discussion ranges from a policy which has much to recommend it both histori- the environment to the financial system, taxation, the cally and theoretically. Many more interesting proposals NHS, housing and energy, drug policy, foreign affairs could be cited, and by and large the answer to ‘why not?’ and war, the EU, electoral reform, sovereignty and back is a political system dominated by the vested interests again, always, to the seemingly intractable conventions of big business and corporate finance, exacerbated by of parliamentary procedure. Throughout the narrative a lack of real leadership and motivation on the part of example after example expose the hierarchical, pater- our politicians: ‘…if the world were a bank, the money nalistic, anachronistic and sexist culture of that revered and political will needed to avert catastrophe would be institution, not to mention the bullying, game playing, found within days’. phenomenal wasting of time and public resources, In summary, this book is not a manifesto or personal sense of entitlement and related abuses of privilege that reflection (despite being deeply personal) but an aware- are imbedded in its daily activities. While much of the ness raiser, a public education that somehow manages information might merely confirm or reinforce public to say it like it is and yet be neither overtly pessimistic perceptions of Westminster as stuffy, pompous and nor patronising to its audience. Indeed, Lucas is careful utterly removed from ordinary life, some of it will no to praise the intelligence and benevolence of the voting doubt shock and disgust. Like, for instance, the extent public, placing blame firmly with powerful groups who to which MPs are controlled in voting and discouraged do not simply misinform but actively ‘con’ citizens and from thinking about the issues or acting out of their own ‘thwart’ the democratic process. A cynic might see in this conscience: finally the mark of a politician seeking re-election, but In fact, they don’t even need to know what it is they to this reader, at least, what comes across is a genuine are voting on, and in my first few trips through the faith in the people. As for Lucas’ optimism, some might voting lobbies there were plenty of MPs who had run remain unconvinced on the balance of evidence that from their offices when the division bell rang without ‘the tide is turning’ in a more positive direction. knowing the name of the bill being debated, but sure Though it makes depressing reading the overall experi- how they were supposed to vote. ence of this book is uplifting, perhaps more for the fact of In her appraisal of issues beyond Parliament, there is also it – and of its author – than the content. If one takes away a great deal to cause outrage. Unsurprisingly economic one key message from this book it is that Green politics and financial policy feature prominently and Lucas is is emphatically not ‘fringe’ politics: Green politics is one of the few politicians prepared to challenge the dual about ‘the places where we live’, extending beyond the creeds of ‘austerity and ‘growth’ that have the three main physical to the social, moral and psychological. At the parties – and much of the populace, it would seem – so end of the day, whether housed in a bedsit or a palace, enthralled: none of us has the luxury of moving out when it comes The truth is that economic growth is fast becoming to our planet. uneconomic: in other words, the cost of clearing up the social and environmental damage caused by the process of growth … is increasingly outweighing the value which the growth creates. Maria is a self-employed researcher and teacher living In so many areas of social life today both policy-makers in London. She is a founder of the Camphill Research and the media are obsessed with performance indica- Network, which collates, disseminates and promotes tors as a justification for action or inaction, celebration research related to Camphill and other intentional or lamentation. And in economics, as in healthcare or communities. For further details, please visit education, public debate completely bypasses the point: www.camphillresearch.com that indicators measure ‘only those things that can be or contact measured, not those things that matter’. [email protected]. 11 Obituaries

Gillian Thomson

illian Thomson! Where I grew up in non-stop, wheedling kind of way, saying GYorkshire we would probably have essentially the same thing over and over referred to Gillian as ‘a little body – but and repeating my name again and again, bonny’. It is now more than twelve years demanding my attention. She would peer since I last saw her and memory so easily at my face high above her over the top plays tricks with the distant past as you get of her glasses, and periodically the eyes, older. She was certainly small in stature among the myriad wrinkles that spaghet- (if not in personality!) but was she bonny tied her face, would sort of swivel round (that is, on the round side)? And though I’m and up, I can only say with a most sly, if sure I do remember correctly her walking endearingly sly, look in them, as she waited along single-mindedly, determinedly, with for my reaction. It was definitely not a mo- a curious diagonal sort of gait, eyes directed ment to be in a hurry! firmly forward – was there, indeed, a little I remember her with great affection and handbag swinging back and forth at her love, a quite unforgettable person who has side? I can only say that if there wasn’t Gillian enriched my life. And on the Other Side, there should have been – for I can see it clearly in my I can see her amongst all those other older ladies who mind’s eye! have left us recently – not wrinkled, and not small in any Certainly if I happened to be coming towards her she way. Tall, young, laughing and full of light. would stop when we met and start in as if we were Christopher Kidman, already in the middle of a conversation, talking in a Ringwood Sheiling School, England

Irmgard Anna (Irma) Roehling 27 April 1923 – 24 July 2015

rma Roehling was born on 27 April 1923 Whatever Irma did it was with great energy Iin Krefeld, on the river Rhine, in the and determination. At Beaver Run one of western part of Germany. She died peace- her pupils was a Jewish girl from the Bronx, fully on Friday morning 24 July 2015, at who at twelve still could not walk. Irma 4:20 am, in Hermanus in the Western Cape, managed to let the girl look after a little South Africa, after having spent 47 years in goat which needed to be taken from its Africa. There was a wake for her In the Old pen to the pasture. The young girl became Farmhouse at Camphill Farm Community so excited about looking after her goat that Hermanus which had been her home for she managed to learn to walk in no time! the last 31 years. Her wish to live in Africa never left her, As a child Irma heard a missionary speak- and after a sabbatical, her dream came ing of his experiences in Africa, which true when she joined Camphill School planted a seed in her to go and live and Hermanus in 1968. She worked there work in Africa. However, her plans were as teacher and housemother until 1982, disrupted by World War II. During the war when she went to Camphill School Ranko- Irma looked after a group of young girls romane in Botswana as a teacher. Irma who had been sent to Eastern Germany to managed to send four of her pupils there to escape the heavy bombing in the Rhine- Irma at her 92nd birthday a regular school after two years in her care. land. Fleeing the Russians, they travelled In 1984 Ingrid and Lawrence Adler who west again and landed in Dresden towards the end of started Camphill Farm Community in 1978, invited Irma the war. Her group of 48 children and 9 adults needed and Ruth Borchard, who was with her in Botswana, to to change trains there. Irma managed to convince the join them. Irma became house mother in the Old Farm conductor to put them on the already overflowing train House. At the time they moved in there was no garden – in the postal carriage. The train left just in time to es- around the house. Laurence Adler came with a bulldozer cape the bombings which destroyed Dresden in 1945. and cleared everything around the building. Irma, with During 1951, after attending a talk by Dr Karl König in Ruth’s help, started to plant trees and to develop the Germany, Irma went to Scotland to undergo the curative lovely garden that now thrives all around the house. After education training. She worked at Camphill in Scotland a while the OFH developed into Camphill's guesthouse. and England. She left for the USA in 1959 where she A steady flow of guests and friends from all over the helped Carlo and Ursel Pietzner at Camphill Donegal world enjoyed Irma and Ruth’s hospitality and helped at Springs and Camphill Beaver Run. She remained in the both school and farm with therapies, etc. Together with USA at different Camphill places until 1966. Irma was George Louw, Irma (who originally had studied horti- a brilliant curative teacher, strong and committed, who culture in Germany) also started the estate team. They carried classes – as well as households – for many years. helped establish beautiful gardens around the estate. 12 During recent years Irma gradually became frailer. She and had some hilarious escapades and near mishaps on still attended the services and festivals faithfully. Until the road in her little Volkswagen Beetle. She was fear- a week before her passing she still presented a gospel less and guileless and yet came to no harm. She always study group once a week. somehow enchanted the people who intended to be Irma’s strength lay in her openness and her easy con- stern with her and so instead of a ticket or a row, she nection and interest with everyone she met. She will garnered smiles, made new friends and dinner compan- be remembered for her loving care and dedication to ions! People just adored her. Her openness, innocence, all the children and adults she cared for during the 92 those big blue eyes and the energy she emanated always years of her life. inspired others to help her. Elma Young, Camphill Hermanus, Once she went to a drive-in movie and when she was Hemel en Aarde Valley, South Africa ready to leave, gunned it while exiting through the en- trance lane, trailing the sound system, still attached to her car, out the window! When the policeman stopped her, she was puzzled. “But I didn’t do anything wrong,” Irma in America she insisted. He tried to explain just why he had stopped her, but in the end…he surrendered to her charms and rma was among the first Camphill pioneers to reach she didn’t get a ticket. IAmerican shores and played a lively part in the first When Beaver Run began in 1963 Irma was a part of seven years of the Camphill work in America. In 1959 its inception, together with Ursel, Charles and Adola Janet McGavin, Irma Roehling, Anke Weihs, Averil McWilliams and some others. Irma was an upbeat Buchanan and Piet Blok all came over to America to person who always had a mission. In Beaver Run she answer the call of Gladys Hahn. She needed to pass on became interested in the teenagers and wanted to start her work at Downington Special School and invited Karl a special program for them. She worked intensively and König and Camphill to take it over. developed a comprehensive program, but somehow its In 1961 with Downington bursting at the seams, Irma time had not yet come. It was she who planted the first together with Janet McGavin and Herta and Andrew seed for the work with teenagers, for what much later Hoy, moved to Donegal Springs, a much larger house. on became Beaver Farm. Janet, Herta and Andrew were all musicians, and so Irma was a free spirit. She remained faithful to her own Irma had to sit with all the 16 children when they made ideals and was not swayed by shifting alliances or social a concert together. She entertained the children with politics. She always thought the best of people and was lovely puppet shows. not easily offended. She always made friends. She was Irma was a particularly gifted teacher, a classic curative so innocent and naïve, so open and uninhibited, though educator, both in the classroom and the dormitory. She there were always a few who found her sometimes a bit was absolutely dedicated and convinced of the capacity of a bull in a china shop! for great achievements by all those in her charge. She Irma left Beaver Run in 1966 for Delrow, England, in had an incredible gift for handling very difficult children. response to an invitation by Ann Harris. Her stay there She once ‘tricked’ a child into speaking. She told him was not entirely a happy one, so she moved on shortly a story again and again and then began leaving words for Camphill in South Africa. out. The child was simply compelled, inwardly, to fill in the blanks! Another parent of a child in Irma’s care once Compiled with information gleaned from conversations lamented: “I waited all these years to hear my daughter with Andrew Hoy, Adola McWilliams and Peter Rich- speak and now she speaks – with a German accent!” ards. Peter now lives in Camphill Village Copake. He Irma was a very happy, friendly co-worker and a real came to Downington at age 7 and Irma was his first class enthusiast. Many things were new to her in America. She teacher and later also his dormitory parent. He said of just loved the fresh ripe local peaches – none of those her: “ She was young. I loved her. She was kind to me.” in Scotland; and her nearly ritualistic night snacks of peaches are still remembered! She also loved to drive Wanda Root, Copake, United States

Ursel Pietzner, née Sachs 16 June 1927 – 28 July 2015

n her ‘retirement’, Ursel Pietzner often conceived of which was locked, when he heard my mother’s cry in Iand undertook projects which gave her both joy and the Elizabethan seminary in Heidelberg (Germany). focus. About a year before she died, she began to work Their joy was immense. My name was to be Ulrike, on a private memoir. This obituary incorporates some or something like that, but I looked too grumpy; they excerpts from the memoirs to tell Ursel’s story. It is, had to call me ‘Ursula’ – the little bear. therefore, also quite personal, and not a chronological With her two younger sisters, Eva and Renate, she spent recapitulation of dates and activities. her childhood at the Odenwaldschule, a well-known, Ursel was born before the Second World War in Ger- progressive boarding school where her father was the many and died at her beloved home in Camphill Beaver Principal. For Ursel these were mostly happy years, where Run, Pennsylvania, 88 years later in high summer. she learned a love of nature, was athletic and excelled I was born June 16, 1927, a summer child, in the in sports and played the viola. The family was cultured evening. My father climbed over the big iron gate and musical, with her grandfather a professor of music 13 She was placed in Heathcot, a Camphill school nearby where Carlo Pietzner was Principal and Janet McGavin the Matron. At her arrival, Carlo was away, visiting in Dornach, Switzerland. Carlo came back soon one evening and the next morning he came to the dining room for breakfast to greet everybody. I still see him standing at the door, in a brown corduroy suit, with his blue eyes looking around – seeing me, greeting me. Something must have happened then, because I noticed he liked me. The following weeks (and months!) confirmed that. But these were difficult weeks to settle in and learn. And the physical and spiritual situation was so totally new and strange from everything I had ever met. Her Camphill training was thorough and far-reaching, both inwardly (spiritually) and outwardly: In the house, I became the mother of the ‘green’ nursery, with eight children, mostly cerebral palsy, in different ways. I even had to sleep with them! (My bed was in one corner.) The nights could be tough, if Maria B. had a seizure and I was at her bedside. After a while, I moved with some of my children to another room, four in the nursery, two next door with me. My dorm helper was Christof-Andreas Lindenberg. There was much carrying and physical help needed. Although the work in Heathcot was still young and new, Ursel went for 18 months between September 20, 1951 Young spirited girl and early 1953 to southern England to help build up the coming from the Gdansk area, then still part of Prussia, work of Ringwood Sheiling Schools. She recalls: and her entire family highly accomplished in various Well, this was now absolutely like pioneering life! instruments. (Sister Renate trained as a concert pianist). Apart from cooking, we had to do everything! Her father read poetry to the family on Sunday mornings, Children, school, therapies, walks, entertainment and Ursel at an early age learned to draw and sketch (acting out fairy tales on Sundays was great fun!), with accurate and true observation and a sure hand for excursions, etc. proportion and relationship. For some three years Ursel resisted the wish of Carlo to With the Sachs family having to leave the Odenwald- marry her, finally consenting in San Gimignano, Tuscany schule immediately after the war in 1945 (followed on a group journey to Italy with Carlo, Christof Andreas shortly by the early death of her father), Ursel moved to Lindenberg and Reg Bould. She and Carlo were married Stuttgart and attended the Waldorf School there briefly. on 25 May, 1953. On the advice of her father, she took up a practical training in weaving at Schloss Salem near the Lake of Constance. Post war Germany was poor, and Ursel learned to ‘make do’: We had our lunches, a hot meal, in the restaurant ‘Schwanen’. The waitress knew us and tried to make our limited portions (on food stamps) as big as pos- sible; but of course, we were always hungry. We could pick up apples under trees, and col- lect corn ears from harvested fields, to exchange for flour at the bakery. This was an attribute that she car- ried with her for the remainder of her life – a modest, even spartan approach, with no need for luxu- ry and no waste or extravagance. Back in Stuttgart she learned of Dr. König and Camphill, and, in August of 1949, journeyed to Scotland with her sister Eva. Carlo and Ursel 14 Later that same year, Carlo and Ursel went to Glencraig capacities and grow ever further into her role, taking on in Northern Ireland to build up Camphill. Here their her own persona and identity, deepening her character, in three children, Clemens, Christiana, and Cornelius were her way. She was twelve years younger than Carlo and not born. These were intense years, raising the young family yet sixty when he died. She was no longer ‘Carlo’s wife’. with the many inner and outer aspects and responsibili- She was Ursel. Something new and independent emerged. ties of deepening the community. There were many journeys over the years, many family In 1961, again at the request of Dr. König, the Pietzner vacations, and special trips that were important to Ursel. family, together with Mary Elmquist and Renate, sailed A special highlight for her 85th birthday was a celebration to America to pioneer Camphill in upstate New York hosted by her daughter Christiana in Norway. Ursel’s (Copake) and expand Downington Special Schools in three children and their partners were there, and this Pennsylvania. special week is commemorated in a picture book that Carlo spent a great deal of time in Copake, and Ursel she so enjoyed. and the children in Downington Special Schools. As the In the last (nearly three) decades of her life, Ursel de- latter did not provide the conditions for the necessary veloped a large and diverse circle of friends. She was growth, Ursel spent many weekends (with her children in genuinely interested in people, could be (and was) direct tow) driving around the countryside looking for a suitable and occasionally sharp. She said what she thought, and property. She found Beaver Run and it was acquired in would cut to the chase. Some would say that this was 1963. Camphill Children’s Village was soon born with being honest. She was honest to herself; that is, authen- the consolidation of Downington and Donegal Springs. tic (and occasionally eccentric). She preferred things It was here that Ursel could develop roots, raising her (speeches, for example) to be rather shorter than longer. family, directing the growth of Beaver Run together She would often be the one to say what needed to be said with Carlo and others, and integrating herself slowly in difficult community settings, eschewing diplomacy for into American culture and climate. Yet most of the new the plain, sometimes hard, truth. She had her likes and environment was indeed unfamiliar, a little unsettling, dislikes, and she also had her opinions. But she could and full of surprises and experiences, not all of them change them, and was willing to work on them. benevolent. She was spiritually stalwart and also in this regard A typical story of ‘leading by example’, was the har- honest. This led her to question, especially in her later vesting of the unknown large zucchini/squash-like veg- years, assumptions and anthroposophical homilies that etables that were growing wild in the garden in Beaver had carried and supported her striving for many of her Run in the first year after we moved there. These were earlier years. harvested, duly boiled and served to the large Whites- On each of my visits to Beaver Run in the last years we tone household for lunch. It tasted truly awful! In fact, always had several deeper talks. Once we had covered one could not eat it; it was just too horrible! Ursel, and the catching up, and the soul and life-level of exchange, her dear mother Elisabeth who was visiting at the time, we spoke about deep, genuine questions she had. These stoically forced down the disastrous lunch as a good ex- amazed me for she was so open and without ambition. ample to us. (I still don’t know how they did it.) I simply And it amazed and moved me that she was even con- refused to eat and would not partake of this ‘America’. cerned about such questions in her old age. There was Well, it turned out the vegetable was a decorative gourd, no guile or cleverness that was intended to stimulate and by no means ever intended to be eaten: Ursel and conversation – just deep human, spiritual questing. her mother paid for their brave stoicism and leadership Ursel concluded her memoirs with the Calendar of by being sick all afternoon. Welcome to the new world! the Soul Verse 34 (Nov 24–30). She felt much closer to With the ongoing integration into the new environ- the German original, and wasn’t really happy with the ment, Beaver Run grew rapidly, partially through the English translation. interest of the federal government at the time which financed the construction of five residential houses si- Geheimnisvoll das Alt-Bewahrte multaneously. Also Ursel’s role in Beaver Run expanded. Mit neuerstandnem Eigensein In her words: Im Innern sich belebend fühlen: Carlo began to delegate tasks: I took over admissions. Es soll erweckend Weltenkräfte He had said WE had to carry the karma with the In meines Lebens Aussenwerk ergiessen children and their parents! That was scary to begin Und werdend mich ins Dasein prägen. with, but then I learned and became confident. Co- worker admissions with the visas, etc., from abroad, In secret inwardly to feel of course, were also my task. Slowly, I took on a lot How all that I’ve preserved of old of administration, and I think in the course of years Is quickened by new-risen sense of self: became, and felt like, the soul of Beaver Run. I had This shall, awakening, pour forth cosmic forces also to travel overseas, for the Community, for confer- Into the outer actions of my life ences, also to Dornach and for the international semi- And, in becoming, mold me into true existence. nar teachers. Taking over from Carlo was an honor. My responsibilities for Beaver Run and trust in To close, she wrote: people, and in the Being of Beaver Run, made me I am myself, my destiny is fulfilled, and what I can think of every co-worker and houseparent for years still give to the Aussenwelt (outer world), may be a every evening before going to sleep! That was good. little love, a little lightness, a little joy, and a very lit- Carlo’s death in Copake in April of 1986 was clearly a tle wisdom. And gratitude for all that has been. My significant event in many ways. In a certain way it also angel knows. freed Ursel to develop her own considerable gifts and Cornelius Pietzner, Goetheanum, Switzerland 15 could get out of his bad mood. And to Ann L who had long limbs and was heavy to lift, with her flaccid paralysis, Ursel sang: “Fly like a bird, oh fly, oh fly!” and it helped. Foremost for the sisters was the early admission to the old form of the Camphill Community, even before their first year was over. All such inner and outer happenings were as gripping as the playing of Bach’s double violin concerto. However it was in Ursel’s fairy tale that from the begin- ning of her time in that stately building, Heathcot, there was a prince. He was eagerly watching her every move. In a notable school community meeting across the river, Ursel stood up together with three other young friends to volunteer there and then for Camphill’s development in the south of England. It must have been for her a huge inner jump and change of direction, but she and others spoke out of spirit awareness of the moment. Exactly what Carlo thought we don’t know, but before long he invited Ursel from the Sheiling to a continental trip with Reg Bould and myself, and that is another story; only to mention her sore leg which had to rest on the lap of one Early years in Camphill of the three gentlemen in the back of the car! That was in 1952; in 1953 the fairy tale unfolds further. There was the old king, of course! One should realize ummer 1949: the news spread quickly about two that Dr. König, who always looked old to us, was a mere Syoung violin-sisters who had come to the Camphill 46 when Ursel and Eva had come. Ursel had many Estates, and that they played The Bach Double Concerto talks with him, and it happened that at the end of the without piano accompaniment! Of course, for playing year 1952 somehow Ursel returned to Heathcot from together they had to meet probably in the music room the Sheiling Schools. How else could Carlo and Ursel in Camphill House, and did this quite often. If, how- have married, namely on a beautiful May morn, 1953? ever, you would have come, like Christl Bender and I, They chose this day because it was Whitmonday, like just a year and a quarter later, you would have heard a Whitmonday 125 years earlier in 1828 when Kaspar 23 years old Ursel and her 21 year old sister Eva a little Hauser first appeared in Nuremberg. less frequently: “Camphill has taken hold of them.” Not In Camphill one never finishes a real live fairy tale with exactly ‘nose to the grindstone’ (which was more a male ‘and they lived happily ever after’, but one expects the experience of Camphill), but being a ‘nursery mother’, story to continue on another level. The next challenge on with qualities that each brought with them. These inborn the western horizon was the coming about of Glencraig skills had to be tried by the fire of Camphill itself. the following year, when Carlo, Ursel, and a few others of There were plenty of calls that took one a step from us moved to Northern Ireland, a well recorded episode. the actual pursuit of a nursery mother. The famous clin- And with Ursel, highly pregnant, sitting on the meadow ics with Dr. König for individual children, preparations of Glencraig plucking daisies for our humble tea, a very which were as important as it was for the college meet- different fairy tale began. ings; there were the 6:45 morning readings of the three Christof-Andreas Lindenberg, sentences out of How to Attain Knowledge of Higher Beaver Run, United States Worlds, standing in a circle (why did I never see Ursel drinking coffee after this as the rest of us did?); the participation in the first seminar in curative education was introduced to Ursel on Maundy Thursday, 1973 (which Ursel loved); the daily and so effective Colour Iin the living room of her home, the Chantry. I had just Light treatments over at Heathcot Chapel where Ursel arrived in Beaver Run and my host who needed to see was able to musically contribute with singing; oh, and Ursel also sensed it would be important for us to meet. being so tired when going in the transformed ambulance, I was a stranger from Boston coming to Camphill for the our transport to Murtle, for a lecture or meeting in the first time to attend a wedding. It was a fateful meeting. evening. Ursel said: “Must we wake up when it’s really For the next 24 years I learned lived and worked along- bedtime?” side her, as student, friend and colleague. For a time I was Ursel’s ‘nursery helper’ and witness to Ursel and I never spoke of that initial encounter and for special moments. Paul M had a big and heavy head and all I know it did not strike her as particularly significant struggled to balance and walk, and he grumbled a lot, but I remember leaving and feeling that a critical piece to especially in the bathroom. Ursel would have none of his the puzzle of my life had fallen in place. Later I observed complaining, but instead of telling him off, she simply that many people who met Ursel discovered a thread of sang to him. It was charming to hear her use a melody destiny that they might have otherwise overlooked. She out of the Three Kings play in which she had played Mary, was a kind of karmic midwife, helping people to give and now she sang: “Grumble Pumble, Grumble Pumble” birth to their true task. (on g g c g ). “Bethink what you say” (on a minor descend- A year and a half later I returned to Beaver Run to at- ing sequence from g). It worked! And from then onward tend the three-year seminar. Ursel was my tutor for all she just needed to sing ‘Grumble Pumble’ twice and he three years. What began as a pupil/teacher relationship 16 blossomed into a close friendship. We met frequently around a wide range of topics that touched on personal as well as community and anthroposophical matters. These conversations were a great source of wonder for both of us and gave credence to the words “What is more refreshing than light? Conversation!” My last conversation with her was in November of 2013. I was in Beaver Run for a special 50th anniversary event. As usual we arranged to meet and I arrived at the Chantry at the duly appointed hour filled with the same sense of excitement and anticipation that attended all our encounters throughout the years. We sat in the same room in which we first met in 1973. It was as if time had stopped and we were able to converse as if we had just seen each other yesterday. As always we shared our joys and sorrows, hopes and disappointments but mainly joys and hopes, which was fitting considering our respective ages. At the end of our meeting she spoke of her struggles with memory in relationship to esoteric content, a new development in her life. In that moment I felt the wheel of fate turning ever so subtly towards the gate of the sun and for the first time I realized that this may be the last time I converse with my friend in this life. Indeed it was. As I sit here 3,000 miles away on the Pacific Rim I have Later years before me a beautiful watercolor painting of an alpine scene, a chiseled black walnut candleholder and a small 35 years of friendship. On that short walk, Ursel, in her crystal set on a small wooden pedestal. Somewhere in uncomplicated way, revealed a person that I had not my closet there is a hand crafted book dedicated to my seen or imagined. A woman with vulnerabilities, doubts, wife, Kathy, and me that depicts twelve occasions that unresolved conflicts, and a softness. She jumped right off unfolded over twelve months leading up to our marriage. that pedestal I had put her on, she landed right beside Once a month the two of us would do something special me, and stayed right beside me ever since. with Ursel and unbeknownst to us she had created a The artificial barriers of age, role, status, experience, and scrapbook that illustrated and characterized the nature cultural backgrounds all fell away on that short walk, and of each event. I mention all this because what lives in there we were, friends…for life as it turned out. Because these things is what I believe was Ursel’s most endear- being a friend of Ursel’s means you get her loyalty, her ing quality, a childlike innocence and wonder that was honesty, her warmth and interest, not to mention her faith- always seeking creative, artistic expression. This same ful birthday call every year. It was a wise moment in my quality also accounts for her love of and devotion to the life when I realized what was being offered, and I took it. Shepherds Play, which she produced numerous times. When I tried to find the special moments to share with This was not a quality that everyone was so aware of in you, I found only ordinary ones. The most special times Ursel. You cannot lead a community, as she did for many were the ordinary moments. Ursel was a master of the decades, without coming across as somewhat practical, ordinary. She celebrated everyday life experiences with realistic and tough. But as I knew her Ursel had first and gusto. The meals out, a movie, putting dinner on the ta- foremost an innate connection to the ‘child within’ and ble, the drives in the countryside, the walks, swimming, its importance for humanity’s salvation. It is this connec- the stuff of companionship, these she made meaningful, tion that shines through her death and illuminates the special and fun. Our friendship didn’t include many deep many decades that I was privileged to know her. conversations about anthroposophy, or world events, Coleman Lyles, Santa Cruz, United States or art and culture; ours was a sharing of ‘ordinary’ life events, the joys and sorrows of personal challenges, family dynamics and Camphill concerns. And through sharing o receive ‘grace’ in the Ecclesiastical sense of the word our life experiences, this extraordinary woman wove me Tis to receive the free and unmerited favour of God. I, into her life, and indirectly, but effectively, into the wider like many of you, have been graced by Ursel’s life. I met life of the Camphill community. Ursel in 1980. I was a new recruit to Beaver Run, living There were times I let her down, but all would be for- with my husband Chuck, (or Chucky, as Ursel affection- given in an instant. Recently I got an email in capital letters ately called him) and our two children in Whitestone, next ‘WHY DIDN’T YOU PHONE ME ON MY BIRTHDAY? door to the Chantry where Ursel lived. Ursel was a mighty COME AND SEE ME IN GHENT.’ I sadly missed the op- presence for me. She was, after all, a Camphill pioneer, a portunity to talk to her and see her one last time in person. leader, the director of Beaver Run, and a serious student I know that many of you have been given the gift of of anthroposophy. Ursel’s friendship and I probably speak for many when I I was younger, inexperienced in Camphill, and didn’t say: When I was with Ursel, I belonged. When I was with know an angel from an archangel. I was in awe of her. Ursel, I was loved. Within a few weeks of our arrival in Beaver Run, I had We have experienced grace with her presence among the opportunity to walk down the hill from Rainbow Hall us. to the Chantry with Ursel. It was to be the beginning of Diane Kyd, Camphill Communities Ontario, Canada 17 rsel was a summer child. She was born in June, died in July and For Ursel Ushe was married at Whitsun. She carried something of the summer with her at all times: its warmth, joy, fire and glory and like the majestic, You rise like the morning mist, summer sun, she was at the center of our universe, radiating out her permeating this village. light and warmth. Ursel loved all flowers, even flowering weeds, but The physical is a shell she especially loved tulips, irises, lilacs, daisies, roses and lilies. And and you rise past its limits, she loved birthdays, festivals and plays and she, herself, loved being intangible but not unnoticed celebrated! for you’ve long since In the days since she died, Ursel has been described as the rock on let your presence which Beaver Run was built; the heart beating at its center; the wisdom cover this village. guiding us all and one who was a mother to many and to Beaver Run itself. You spoke about joy, She was at different times in her life a musician, a weaver, a gardener, and play and what it means the founder of Beaver Run, its director, a board member, a seminar to be be childlike teacher, a tutor, a class reader, a service holder, a guide, a daughter, in this, the Children’s Village. a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother and a Joy, like life, has impermanence friend. of morning mist Ursel had just been on vacation for ten days. She came home on Mon- and like life, day afternoon (July 27), talked with a few friends, made her own supper it is a treasure to behold. and went to bed. She died in her bed on Tuesday morning, July 28. Ursel lay in Rainbow Hall for the three days after her death, sur- May we remember this rounded by many, many flowers and watched over by her family, her and let our lives be filled. friends and the whole community. Ursel’s funeral was at 11 am on Laura Mooney, Friday July 31. We are so grateful here in Beaver Run that Ursel came New Orleans, United States home to us before she died. Ginny Thimme, Beaver Run

Speech given at the memorial ceremony for Nils Christie 10 June 2015 Rigmor Skålholt, leader of the council of representatives Camphill Village Trust in Norway

n behalf of Vidaråsen Landsby and the the Camphill Trust in Norway at Vidaråsen. OCamphill Village Trust in Norway, I I experienced that he delivered a kind of would like to say some words about Nils and testimony in this lecture. the village impulse. Nils came to Vidaråsen He said in the introduction: for the first time in 1970. He came together I learned to use small words, not to go for with a group of students, after visiting Dram- complicated words. Keep it as simple as men Prison on the way. It was ‘love at first possible. This was the most important les- sight’, or at least deep fascination and interest son I learned from Tom (a villager at Vid- from this social researcher who was familiar aråsen). This was so valuable that I tried to with the Danish communes Tvindkollektivet express it in the latest of my books which is and Christiania. called Little Words for Big Questions. This We did not experience that Nils was do- book is based on my experiences from the ing research on us. He took responsibility time I spent here in the village community. for Vidaråsen and already in 1971 became Nils celebrated his 70th birthday at Vidaråsen Nils Christie in 2012 a member of the council of representatives with a seminar for the whole village together of the Camphill Trust in Norway. He was a member for with professor colleagues and friends from both home and 28 years, for many as chairman. Margit Engel, a strong abroad, including the great Ivan Illich. In the evening, and colorful personality who was one of the pioneers at there was a big party in the hall. What could one give to the start of Vidaråsen, was the vice chairman. Peter Roth this man who had received so many honorary titles from (founder of Botton Village in England) said he experienced different universities? He was appointed ‘honorary vil- that Camphill in Norway was ‘hanging on a washing line’ lager’. That was the best acclaim we could give him. We stretched between Margit’s anthroposophical thoughts felt that he was in many ways related to the exceptional and concept of the human being, and Nils Christie’s people. They tend to think slowly and in a non-abstract humanistic view of life. It was in the tension created way. They have a different kind of intelligence. Nils had between these two poles that Camphill in Norway was this quality – he thought with his heart. able to develop. One co-worker at Vidaråsen said when she heard that It was however the villagers, the exceptional ones, who Nils was dead: “Nils held a protective hand over us. As were closest to Nil’s heart. In the foreword of his book long as Nils was there, we felt safe.” Away From Loneliness and Institutions he acknowledges A wreath came to Vidaråsen today. It is made of flow- that ‘it is first and foremost the exceptional people in ers and herbs which grow in Vidaråsen. On the ribbon is the villages who have been the main teachers for the written: ‘Our dear Nils, thank you for being so fond of us’. author of this book.’ Last autumn Nils held a lecture for Thank you dear Nils. 18 Other friends who have died Gillian Thomson, a resident in Botton Village for many years, such a regular check-up she suddenly left her frail body. But her died at 4.45am August 22 in the Thomas Weihs House at Botton. spirit and her will were so strong that she lived much longer than She was 82 years old and had been gradually fading for the past all the doctors had predicted. few weeks. It has been heart-warming to read all the messages Most people know her as the one sitting in the weavery knit- which have poured in for Gillian. In her own way she will have ting socks. She could knit several pairs in the course of a week. been very pleased to hear from so many old friends and feel their Although we will miss her a lot, we are grateful that we had the love and support! Gillian came to Botton in the early 1970’s and possibility to meet such a special person. is well known for her love of talking, her adoration of various Thank you, Kersti! Katarina Seeher animals (both alive and in the shape of hot water bottle covers) and her attachment to many co-workers who have come and It was with great sadness that we learned that Jeff Balls had gone over the years. passed away 22 October, in Frome, Somerset. In her message to Many people throughout the Camphill world have been us, Jane his wife said simply: ‘Jeff passed early this morning and touched by their interactions with such a warm, repetitive and the family is now with him. After a year of ill health with all its cheeky lady! Margaret Griffiths struggles, becoming more and more debilitated, being with him See obituary on page 12 now he seems at peace and surprisingly calm.’ Nick Poole

On a shining Michaelmas Day in the morning our dear friend Toby Seex passed away at the infirmary in Dumfries. Toby (born NEW Jonathan Tobias) was born in England but grew up in Ayrshire, Scotland. He joined Loch Arthur in August 1987 and helped us If you fill in a standing order form for your subscription, not only will you be able to renew automatically in future, making it easier to build up the community over the next 27 years. He has been a for yourself, you will also be helping us to reduce our admin. devoted and hard-working member of the community and will be You can always cancel whenever you wish and we will let you greatly missed by all his many friends from near and far. Over the know each year before your subscription is due so that you have past few years Toby's health began to fail and he was becoming the opportunity not to renew if you prefer. increasingly confused and disorientated. He was cared for with great love and devotion in one of our shared houses until a few Our thanks and appreciation! weeks ago when he had to move to a nursing home. Last week he developed a chest infection and was taken to hospital where he passed away surrounded by friends from the community. B Standing Order Request Lana Chanarin Address of your bank: With sadness we inform you that our friend George McCutcheon passed away in the early hours of the morning of October 2, aged 57. George was an active member of Camphill Ballytobin To the Manager from 1982 and his amazing artistic impulse was the inspiration for the founding of the Kilkenny Collective for Arts Talent (KCAT) ...... Art and Study Centre. George moved into town when the Camp- hill community was established in Callan alongside KCAT, and ...... became well known locally. He travelled extensively promoting the work of KCAT and connecting internationally with other ...... groups exploring ‘outsider art’. A rapid aging process began around three years ago, but George was still able to host and enjoy a major retrospective exhibition ...... of his work in 2014. Even though he had become increasingly frail and had a mild infection, his death came unexpectedly. A ...... dedicated team of supporters cared for him until the end in his chosen home with the family of Valti Rozendaal and Colum Lydon. Jenny Frister, for Camphill Callan Bank Sorting Code: ......

Very sad to announce that Norbert Hoffmann passed away Account Number: ...... suddenly on Thursday September 10 in the late morning whilst he was outside enjoying his garden in Yorkshire. Norbert was Account Name: ...... first associated with Camphill in Ringwood before moving to Murtle Estate, Aberdeen and then to Hermanus, South Africa. He Please pay to: The CO-OPERATIVE BANK returned to England in the early 1970s and spent many years at Sort Code: 08-92-99 the Sheiling School, Ringwood. In the mid-1980s he spent a few a/c Name: Camphill Corre Ltd years at Delrow before setting up the community at Thornage, North Norfolk. In retirement he moved to Yorkshire. a/c No. 69347843 Contact may be made through his daughter Andréa Routledge via email on [email protected]. The sum of £ ...... On October 18 in the early morning hours, Kersti Smid crossed on the ...... day of...... 20...... the threshold. (26 Oct. 1971–18 Oct. 2015). In November she would have been 44 years old. She lived in Pahkla Camphilli Küla, Estonia, for 22 years. Half of her life she spent in children’s and thereafter the same sum yearly until further notice. homes, the other half she lived with us; she was incredibly help- ful, friendly, orderly, and was always at the right hand of the housemother. She thought more of others than of herself. Please send this form directly to your bank For a third of her life she had to come to terms with an illness which made her regularly spend some time in hospital. During Enquiries: Bianca Hugel, Rock Cottage, Oreton, Nr. Kidderminster, Shropshire, DY14 8RT, UK email: [email protected] 19

Living Learning Working ♦ ♦

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An Inspiring place to Learn We arecultural an focus. independent The Mount works actively specialist with the Camphill Communitycollege impulse for and young

A Fulfilling place to Work anthroposophy. people (aged 16–25) with a range of learning difficulties, Education CoCo----ordinatorordinatorordinatorordinator

currentlyWe are supporting seeking a highly experienced 35 students. professional to exercise We leadership have in, anda strong take arts, VACANCIES FOR SENIOR PRACTITIONERS VACANCIES FOR SENIOR PRACTITIONERS responsibility for, all aspects of the education provision. To work collaboratively with the VOCATIONAL AND EMPLOYED OPPORTUNITIES crafts Co-ordinators and cultural for Care and Resource focus. Management The in providingMount oversight works of the organisationactively with vocational and employed opportunities and development of the College, and to work collaboratively with colleagues and groups in the Camphill Communitymeeting the needs impulse of the Community. and anthroposophy. At Camphill School Aberdeen, we currently have exciting opportunities for enthusiastic people to The key areas of activity are: joinAt us as Camphill we grow and adapt School to the increasing Aberdeen, need for the care,we educationcurrently and support have we • Provide leadership in the development of education strategy and policy, particularly in relation to We are seekingcurriculum and assessment,a highly including experienced the unique Mount approach professional to exer- provide. We are vibrant and forward thinking yet retain many of the traditional Camphill values and • To raise our profile in the wider community to attract, and maintain, student admissions exciting opportunities for enthusiastic people to join • Support professional development, mentoring and appraisal processes for tutors ethos. cise leadership in, and take responsibility for, all aspects • Ensure integration of, and college support for the anthroposophical view of the human being us as we grow and adapt to the increasing need for of the educationthroughout learning and provision, teaching processes to work collaboratively with Camphill School Aberdeen works to create a community where children and adults feel a sense of • Manage all external relationships including those with commissioning local authorities/ LA belonging,the care, support education and personal growth. and A place support where there we is an provide. inclusive, lifelong We learning are culture the Co-ordinatorsinspection visits and Ofstedfor Care and Resource Management in • Keep informed of developments and good practice in the sector with an integrated approach to health, education and care. providing• Implement oversight and improve qualityof theassurance organisation processes for education, including and writing development the self- vibrant and forward thinking yet retain many of the assessment report and develop and monitor the annual rolling quality improvement plan Do you have: of the College, and to work collaboratively with colleagues • Manage and improve the quality of all student journey processes traditional Camphill values and ethos. and groups• Oversee in progress meeting tracking and reporting the processesneeds and workof closelythe with Community. the Student  Experience of working with children, teenagers and young adults with additional support Programme Co-ordinator in the planning and monitoring of individual programmes, and the reporting and tracking of student progress

Camphillneeds School Aberdeen works to create a com- • Promote best practice in the learning and teaching and actively demonstrate role model attitude to policies and procedures of The Mount munity The ability where to work as childrenpart of a team and adults feel a sense of The key areas of activity are: The post is full-time to commence as soon as possible, initially on a one year contract. belonging, Any prior experience support would be andwelcome personal but is not essential growth. as full training A willplace be • Provide Applicantsleadership will be required in to undergothe developmentappropriate Disclosure & Barring of education provided. You must however be willing to undertake relevant training strategy and policy, particularlyService checks. in relation to curriculum where there is an inclusive, lifelong learning culture We offer: and assessment,Please including contact us for furtherthe information:unique Mount approach with an integrated approach to health, education • To raise our profile Thein Recruitment the wider Group community to attract,  Comprehensive support packages, vocational or salaried The Mount Camphill Community and care. and maintain, studentWadhurst admissions East Sussex TN5 6PT  Career development including relevant SVQ and study opportunities in partnership with +44(0)1892 782025 • Supportemail: professional [email protected] development, website: www.mountcamphill.org mentoring and ap- Robert Gordon University Do you have: praisal processes for tutors  Security, 75 years here and here to stay • Ensure integration of, and college support for the anthro- • Experience of working with children, teenagers The Mount Camphill Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our vulnerable  Possibilities to live onsite posophicalstudents (children and view young adults), of the and expectshuman all staff being and volunteers throughout to share this commitment. learning and young adults with additional support needs  Work, live and learn with fantastic and inspiring people and teaching processes • The ability to work as part of a team The closing date for this application is: 11th December 2015. • Manage all external relationships including those with • Any prior experience would be welcome but is commissioning local authorities/ LA inspection visits and For further information or an application form, please contact not essentialCentral Office, as Murtle full Estate, training Bieldside, Aberdeen,will be AB15 provided. 9EP Ofsted You must howeverEmail: [email protected] be willing to undertake rel- • Keep informed of developments and good practice in the evant training Phone: 01224 867935 sector www.camphillschool.org.uk • Implement and improve quality assurance processes for A Charity No SCO15588 education, including writing the self-assessment report We offer: and develop and monitor the annual rolling quality im- • Comprehensive support packages, vocational provement plan or salaried • Manage and improve the quality of all student journey • Career development including relevant SVQ processes • Oversee progress tracking and reporting processes and and study opportunities in partnership with work closely with the Student Programme Co-ordinator Robert Gordon University in the planning and monitoring of individual programmes, • Security, 75 years here and here to stay and the reporting and tracking of student progress • Possibilities to live onsite • Promote best practice in the learning and teaching and • Work, live and learn with fantastic and inspiring actively demonstrate role model attitude to policies and people procedures of The Mount The post is full-time to commence as soon as possible, The closing date for this application is: initially on a one year contract. 11 December 2015. Applicants will be required to undergo appropriate Disclo- sure & Barring Service checks. For further information or an application form, please contact Please contact us for further information: Central Office, Murtle Estate, The Recruitment Group Bieldside, Aberdeen, AB15 9EP The Mount Camphill Community Wadhurst East Sussex TN5 6PT Email: [email protected] +44(0)1892 782025 Phone: +44 (0)1224 867935 email: [email protected] .org www.camphillschool.org.uk website: www.mountcamphill The Mount Camphill Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our vulnerable students (children and young 20 A Charity No SCO15588 adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are looking for co-workers with Camphill experience to help carry an exciting new impulse into the future! Come and be part of a young and lively group of very diverse people, building inclusive community with elders in beautiful New York State.

www.camphillghent.org Contact: [email protected]

Self Catering Holiday House pointandcircle The White House Killin The magazine for anthroposophical curative education and social therapy throughout the world. We would be glad to send you a subscription (£18.00 for four issues a year including postage) or an individual copy (£4.50 + postage).

Thank you for your support and interest – St John’s 2015 it helps to keep the Set within the beautiful Loch Lomond and anthroposophical world Trossachs National Park, The White House is in of curative education an ideal location to explore the natural beauty of and social therapy Highland Perthshire, Scotland. informed, focussed, Situated in a secluded setting near the engaged, and listening! shores of Loch Tay, this area offers outstanding opportunities for touring, walking, cycling, bird Working with glass at the Ruskin Glass Centre in Stourbridge Please contact: Belinda watching and ca-noeing. Comprises 5 bedrooms Heys (Subscriptions) at with accommodation for up to 12 persons Point&Circle 2015-2 Summer 02.indd 1 26/05/2015 16:40:02 sharing. Please contact: [email protected] or at: [email protected] Treetop, Post Horn Lane, for a brochure and availability Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5DD, UK

21 Pennine group with their tapestry for the World Wide Weave exhibition

The Dove Logo of the Camphill movement is a symbol of the pure, spiritual principle which underlies the physical human form. Uniting soon after conception with the hereditary body, it lives on unimpaired in each human individual. It is the aim of the Camphill movement to stand for this ‘Image of the Human Being’ as expounded in Rudolf Steiner’s work, so that contemporary knowledge of the human being may be enflamed by the power of love. Camphill Correspondence tries to facilitate this work through free exchange within and beyond the Camphill movement. Therefore, the Staff of Mercury, the sign of communication which binds the parts of the organism into the whole, is combined with the Dove in the logo of Camphill Correspondence.

Editors: MariaMaria Mountain Mountain (Editor (Editor and Adverts) and Adverts) Bettena 10 Cottage, Shrubbery Hill Hill, Farm, Cookley, Northwood Kidderminster, Lane, Bewdley, Worcs. Worcs. DY10 3UW,DY12 1AA,UK UK Email: [email protected] Deborah Ravetz, 11 Upper Close, Forest Row, RH18 5DS, UK Subscriptions: Bianca Hugel, Rock Cottage, Oreton, Nr. Kidderminster, Shropshire, DY14 8RT, UK 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£24.00 per annum for six issues, or £3.80£4.00 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.

Camphill Correspondence Ltd, registered in England 6460482 Lay-up by Christoph Hänni, Produced by www.roomfordesign.co.uk