History timeline of Camphill
History of Camphill
1938
On the night of the Nazi annexation of Austria, in Vienna Dr Karl König and his group gather by candlelight behind closed curtains. They resolve to meet in another country to continue their work to create a community for children with special needs. In the following days and weeks, the group of 11 flee Austria.
1939
On March 30, 1939 the first of the group moves into the disused manse at Kirkton, near Insch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, following an invitation to start their work in North-east Scotland.
1940
Thanks to a loan from publisher Mr W F Macmillan, Dr König and his colleagues purchase Camphill House in the Milltimber area of Aberdeen and found the community that will establish and give its name to the worldwide Camphill Movement.
1944
Again supported by Mr Macmillan, Camphill acquires the nearby Murtle Estate in the Bieldside area of Aberdeen as a second community to help children with special needs.
1945
Camphill acquires Newton Dee Estate, originally as a community for boys with special needs and difficulties.
1948
St John’s School opens on Murtle Estate to provide education facilities for the special needs’ children at Camphill and Murtle, alongside the children of Camphill co-workers.
1950
Cairnlee Estate purchased, initially as a centre for girls.
1953
Camphill Movement spreads outside Aberdeen for the first time, with the opening of centres in England.
1959
First Camphill community establishes in USA.
1960
Newton Dee transfers to the Camphill Village Trust as a centre for adults with special needs.
1978
The Beannachar centre establishes at Banchory Devenick, just outside Aberdeen.
1984
Simeon Care for the Elderly opens on Cairnlee Estate, in the Bieldside area of Aberdeen.
1987
Tigh a’Chomainn opens in Peterculter area of Aberdeen as a home for more independently-minded young adults, who need the support of an extended family unit.
Amber Kindergarten establishes within Murtle Estate as an inclusive nursery for children with and without special support needs.
2000
Camphill Medical Practice develops as an NHS practice, opening its doors to provide healthcare services to the wider community.
2002
Friends of Camphill Medical Practice Blue Door Charity Shop opens as a fund raising venture of Camphill Medical Practice, now Camphill Wellbeing Trust.
2004
Save Camphill campaign launches to avert the threat of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route to Camphill’s Murtle Estate and Newton Dee Community. With the active support of public, business figures, celebrities and politicians, the immediate threat is averted in December 2005.
ends
For further information:
Ken McEwen
Telephone +44 (0)1467 633667
Mobile +44 (0)7768 105449
After hours +44 (0)1467 633666
ken@kenmcewen.co.uk
www.kenmcewen.com
Issued on behalf of Camphill Aberdeen City & Shire
by Ken McEwen Public Relations
Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire represents the shared interests of seven Camphill charities in the Aberdeen area.
The Camphill pioneers likened their first community in Aberdeen to lighting a candle on the hill.
Now that candle spreads its light widely.
More than 700 people live and work in Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire communities, offering education, therapies, training, work and living opportunities for vulnerable children, young people, adults and the elderly.
Internationally the Camphill Movement extends to more than 100 centres in 23 countries.