Page 13 - Bulletin #67 - November 2020

The New Lanark site with its remarkable facilities of meeting rooms, accommodation and
hospitality in the glorious setting of The Clyde Falls south of Glasgow were a fitting
backdrop to a number of inclusive conferences that took place in the new century which
began with a modest remark by a co-worker at Newton Dee at a Summer Conference to
mark the centenary of Dr Kong's birth. He mentioned he was taking adult education
groups from the Newton Dee to New Lanark to learn not only more about the personality
of Robert Owen and the birth of the Cooperative Movement but witness the rebirth of the
semi derelict mill and housing site through imaginative Job Creation Projects in an area
of great unemployment as mines closed and social deprivation threatened the local
community. The rebirth of the New Lanark site with its Camphill 'Owen Connection' thus
became more than just a place to meet, it represented a response to this threat to the
Image of the human being as has been referred to.

It would be remiss if I didn't mention the part played by partners of Camphill and friends
who quickly formed a working group to bring about the first gathering in the early
summer of 2003. Jack Reed and Garvald were very involved and carried much of the
organisation. The Iona Community were eager participants at the first conference as was
the L' Arche Communities and social service departments were also represented, a truly
inclusive attempt to share good practice, learn about each other's approach and have it
has to be said a very good time together!

I am sure that 80th Birthday Celebration will happen and a more fitting place than New
Lanark can hardly be imagined! Meanwhile A Happy 80th Birthday Camphill wherever
you are in these lock down days! 13

Credit: Our thanks to Vivian Griffiths and Tom Marx for permission to reprint this article
which originally appeared in CAMPHILL PAGES, Vol 30 Spring/Summer 2020