70 stories for 70 years
To mark 70 years of Camphill Village Trust, we embarked on a truly special journey—bringing together 70 stories that celebrate the heart of our charity: the people. From the people we support and dedicated staff members to passionate supporters, each story highlights the extraordinary lives that shape our communities and the lasting impact of our shared vision.
Through this project which was showcased at our 2024 AGM, we’ve captured inspiring tales of personal growth, heartfelt connections, and collective achievements—showcasing the transformative power of inclusion, creativity, and care. These stories are a testament to the resilience, joy, and community spirit that have driven our mission for seven decades.
Have a read or watch some of our 70 stories and join us in celebrating the lives, dreams, and achievements that continue to make Camphill Village Trust so extraordinary.
The 70 people behind the stories
Read some of the amazing stories...
"I've been living here since 2010. I used to work at the Grange but now I have voluntary work. I work in Precious Pets in Littledean and I work at Taurus Crafts... The reason why I like working with animals, is because, when I was a little girl, I was playing with baby foxes in the field and my mum and dad had to get me out of the field. I went into a tunnel with them and my mum got me out, I didn't want to go home...I've loved dogs all my life! They call me the dog whisperer at work."
Harriet, The Grange Village community
"My involvement with Camphill began in 1980 when I met a group of co-workers in York who recently set up a new community in Malton called the Croft. Some years later I was invited to join the Trust as a Trustee and I did that for about 10 years during which time I got involved with setting up the Ruth fund and the investment group... I'm glad to see the Trust is still thriving and lots of new initiatives still taking place."
Chris, former Trustee and Chairman
"I really enjoy living here because it's such a lovely, happy place and I have lots of good friends around me and we do lots of fun stuff, like trips and different pantomimes most years. We also have really nice houses, with comfy rooms, and our own spaces so we can decorate as we want; our own sense of self and where we live."
Nicki, St Albans community
"I've been here for the past 43 years. It was my mother who found this place for me and if I'd like to try it out, which is what I did do for about three months... I loved it down here because I've got quite a lot of friends down here, too."
Ian W, Oaklands Park community
"I went to Botton when I was 24... I had 6 months doing gardening, forestry... We then had to make a decision do we stay in Botton or do we do the biggest move... So, I've been here 14 years now!"
Steve, Stourbridge community
"I was at the Grange at 1976... We celebrated the festivals... Someone asked me if I wanted to be an angel because Angela does actually mean angel... Hopefully one day I get my wings!"
Angela, Oaklands Park community
"I've lived in Delrow for over 30 years. One of the things I love about Delrow is that we're on an estate and we have beautiful lands and gardens."
Royston, Delrow community
"I do some gardening... cutting the lawn and seeing if the garden's alright... I like going out with lots of people - going to the cinema, going to town... I am going on four holidays! "
Peter, The Grange Village community
"I love being a [Life of Opportunity] reviewer. I love going to all different kinds of places. It's amazing to think I'm still a reviewer and getting paid for it."
Michelle, Stourbridge community
"I grew up in South Africa, Cape Town. I became a supported resident in 2004. I've been with Taurus ever since... I certainly wouldn't be where I am today without the incredible support from Taurus and Camphill... The friendships and my independence is entirely due to my supportive family and Camphill."
Brian, Taurus Crafts community
"I am a very busy lady... I just started doing forest crafts which I actually enjoy and I do my usual bits and pieces for the house like shopping, cleaning... I do the cafe on two of the mornings and the art studio. I also visit my partner a lot of the time, so being independent, getting to places by bus or train to other places."
Claire, St Albans community
"I've been here 12 years... I love working here because it's a beautiful place, the countryside and our surroundings are absolutely fantastic and I love the people that I work with. I really enjoy making things with the people that I work with and to help them to make beautiful things for our shop."
Sue, Larchfield community, craft workshop
"I've been at The Grange now at least for 20 years... I'm originally from London... I've got a best friend called Paul, he contacts me since we left college... I help him sometimes and he helps me. I do my best at The Grange, also, I do woodwork on Monday and Tuesday bakery... I've been making a toy bus for about two years, actually!"
Tudor, The Grange Village community
"I've worked with Camphill Village Trust for nine and a half years, working in the social gardens now. I just it here, I love the people we support, some amazing people and staff and lovely community. I learnt a lot from the people we support... They bring out the best in the staff. We support people to do different things. They've got their own allotments. We do a lot of seed work and herb work and crafts in the summer."
Rhian, Botton Village community, social farm and garden
"I come to Delrow every week... I enjoy the workshops because they help me to stay calm, and I really enjoy being in the workshops with the staff and students... I enjoy working hard in the 3 hours of the workshop... I like being outside going for walks. In the future, instead of people being in the cafe all the time, I want people to go to the social spaces and relax there. My favourite workshop is textiles and music because they make me feel relaxed."
Daniella, Delrow community
"I did the pottery, the weavery, the wood workshop and the bakery. That was down the road. I like the pottery now... We make bowls, cappuccino cups, little decorations like candle holders and pottery stuff. I live with Michael, Charlotte, Christine, Dawn and Gill. And Sue, Brian and the girls, they live upstairs. I still live here because I like it here."
John, The Grange Village community
"I've been working here ten years in March next year... My favourite thing is the end product of everything that everybody does. Seeing people who would be, in general society quite vulnerable, happy, healthy and enjoying life in a nice, secure and safe environment for them. Everybody should have that for them and it's really nice Camphill Village Trust provides that... One of the reason I took this job is because the Charity has been around for so long and it just shows that what they're doing is right."
Caulette, Payroll and Pensions manager
"I can't remember how long I've been here in the Grange. I went on holiday last week to the Isle of Wight, and it was nice... I live up in Hawthorne with my friends, I've got so many! We watch telly or Netflix. My favourite is Strictly Come Dancing. I just like it...On Monday morning I do crafts over on Oaklands, and Tuesday I go over to Gloucester and do threads and knitting. And coffee morning and karaoke. Thursday morning I do food production and Friday morning I do Kingfishers."
Vicky, The Grange Village community
"I've been with Camphill St Albans for 6 years and a few months, prior to that I was in another Camphill in Gloucestershire called Oaklands Park, from 1995-1998. I came to this Camphill in St Albans in 1998, the year after it opened and been here ever since. The good thing about Camphill is everyone's very friendly, you've got lots of friends who are residents and staff and we have lots of varied activities including an allotment... I'll be spending all my time now in the studio. The studio is a lovely place and we have lots of activities here... I mainly concentrate on embroidery and those kind of craft things... St Albans is so wonderful because everything is so accessible."
Sophie, St Albans community
The AGM art installation
Our other 70th Jubilee celebrations
