backFirstly thank you to the many people in Camphill who have given their time, energy or produce so generously, and have supported Greenacres by using it - visiting, staying, or meeting here. All of you have made a difference.
I have been overwhelmed by the level and breadth of support and welcome there is for Camphill and this new initiative. Some of the interested groups follow.
The Anthroposophical Society would welcome a Dublin base and would be willing to commit to using it for study groups etc.
The Christian Community are also very enthusiastic. Reglind is willing to make a commitment to about 5 gatherings over the year, maybe looking at some specific questions (such as ’Destiny’), and also study groups such as her monthly gospel study group.
The Alpha Project in Clare made contact and is also hoping to use Greenacres when they come to Dublin. Sadly we couldn’t help in January as we’re booked up.
Pearse O’Shiel is confident that a course or lectures would have a good take-up in Dublin and is willing to be involved in putting together a course, looking at lecture topics over the year, etc
(The whole question of education seems to be coming up again and again. Waldorf School, Kindergarten, Anthroposophy. Is there any mileage in thinking of Greenacres as an Anthroposophical ‘College’ I wonder?)
The Dublin Parents Group, in particular Michael and Mary Hilary, who are willing to organise a parents’ meeting in January, and to commit to supporting the project, wherever it goes. There seems quite a strong feeling for some kind of independent living/working situation for Dublin-based people. St Michael’s, too, is interested. There is ready employment for people to run the B&B side of things here, and possible local opportunities at the Airfield Trust, which could be of real benefit to some ‘Camphillers’ (or others).
The Airfield Trust has been extremely generous and supportive and would be open to positive ways of working together.They have extensive facilities (workshops, studios, darkroom, cafe etc) and have suggested we could make use of their premises for fund-raising activities (dinners, concerts, exhibitions).
Maureen Duffy (Anthroposophical artistic therapist) has held a workshop here already and is keen to do more, or to work individually with people on the premises. Sarah Halloway, who has worked at Park Atwood (spatial dynamics and psychotherapy), would also like to work at Greenacres.
Peter Rebbe who is involved with the Celtic Lyre summer project is also very interested in using Greenacres. He is coming over from Germany for a week and will stay at Greenacres and share his ideas, so more about that later!
And the B&B side is thriving. I already need to look for help to keep on top of that.
We have arranged two evening meetings (7.30) in January: one on the 14th for the Dublin-based families who have a child/sibling living in Camphill, and one on the 28th for ‘fellow travellers’.
Airfield have offered their car-parking facilities, and use of their large library for the meeting, and there will be refreshments beforehand at Greenacres. Please pass the word around so that we can gather all interested parties to share ideas and inspiration. And encourage those who are able to arrive early enough to look around in daylight.
We have also arranged to meet with the nuns on the 14th to discuss the thorny issue of rent! There does seem to be a consensus that the future of Greenacres is dependent on a considerable reduction in the rent.
So, true to the season, Greenacres, too, is waiting! There seems so much here – warmth, goodwill, expectation, support. It just needs that tiny spark …
Come and stay; see for yourself! You would be very welcome.
Please hold Greenacres in your thoughts over the Holy Nights and may it be a loving and peaceful time for you all.
Julie
P.S. If anyone were getting rid of reasonable beds (double or single) or sofa-beds they would find a good home here!
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