Sunshine at Dunshane

The annual Open Day at Camphill Dunshane was blessed with glorious sunshine that did its own bit to bring visitors to the community from all around the area.



The various facilities of the community were open to the visitors, including the workshops and the residences. In addition there was music, a bonfire, bric-a-brac stalls, archery, and produce sales from the bakery and the nursery.

Novelty events included sheep racing and a children's 'taxi' service in a garden shuttle.



















It is 19 years since the community first came to Camphill, and it now averages out around 50 people, including volunteers, senior staff and houseparents, and some 20 people with special needs, some day attenders among them.



According to staff member Tobias Peterson, the community is probably approaching 45 percent self-sufficiency, with the help of the farm, the bakery and the garden. The workshops include pottery, basketry and a candlewick workshop, which also contribute to the income of Dunshane, as well as providing work and training for the residents and students.







Brian Byrne.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Over the next week the Diary will be documenting the 19 years' development of Dunshane with some other articles. Stay tuned.]