To mark International Volunteers Day, we’re shining a light on the extraordinary individuals and organisations who give their time, skills and energy to Camphill Village Trust.
From gardening and maintenance to running activities and sharing both time and practical know-how, our volunteers play a vital role in creating the vibrant, supportive communities we’re so proud of.
Volunteers truly are the lifeblood of charities like ours. Their generosity helps us go further, do more, and ensure the people we support can enjoy meaningful opportunities every day.
One of our wonderful volunteers is Clive Lingard, who supports our Ashfield Gardens community.
Clive joined us after becoming a world record holding weightlifter in retirement:
“After retiring from the care profession of 30 years, I worked at my son Matt’s gym, where I decided to throw some weights about. This led me to compete in two World – and four European – powerlifting competitions – achieving four world records at the age of 80.
…having reduced my training sessions, I found I had some spare time. As it so happens, I walk Nova my dog around the area daily, so I dropped into Ashfield Gardens, to ask if they were looking for volunteers. The gardens were supporting adults with learning difficulties, and I had 30 years’ experience in this area…
I made it quite clear that I’m not a gardener (as my wife will confirm), but that I could help with general repairs around the garden,” said Clive. “Also, as I like to work with wood, I could possibly help community members in their sessions. Plus, it’s on my doorstep.”
Clive quickly became a key part of the team, helping with garden repairs, putting up gazebos, the greenhouse and even the very large bell tent. More recently, he’s been working closely with two young men, supporting them to make bird boxes to sell and crafting a large tawny owl nesting box, ready to be placed in the woodland at the gardens.
Reflecting on his time with us, Clive said:
“As in life, I believe that the more you put in, the more you get out. I feel greatly blessed by the whole Ashfield Gardens experience. The staff are a very special group who are dedicated to giving the very best possible service to their community members. They have created a very peaceful, loving and respectful workplace filled with plenty of joy and laughter and are to be commended.”
We’re truly grateful for Clive’s commitment, warmth and creativity, and for the difference he makes every time he walks through the gate at Ashfield Gardens.
Alongside individuals like Clive, we’re also lucky to work with brilliant corporate teams who roll up their sleeves and get stuck in.
Earlier this year, a team from Bell Group volunteered their time, materials and expertise to refurbish the Old Store at Botton Village. This transformation involved community members in the design and execution, alongside the Bell Group experts. The result? A beautiful new space which can be used to the benefit of the whole community.
The Bell Group team also donated a brand new pottery kiln, to support more creative people in our Croft Community to live a life of opportunity – an extraordinary gift!
Alongside the extraordinary people and organisations who volunteer to further the work of Camphill Village Trust, we’re also incredibly proud of the volunteering undertaken by the people we support. From the InvolveMe Group’s ‘Keeping Safe’ videos, to everyone who spares their time and energy to help make their communities even better, the generosity and enthusiasm of the people we support reaches far beyond our communities and helps many others.
At our Delrow Community, for example, our Kindness Crew meet regularly to volunteer in their local community.
Kindness Crew members, Josh and Deepak, explained some of the group’s activities:
“We go to the school and clean the shed out and read to children” – Josh
“We are doing litter picking, gardening… and learn how to pick up stuff carefully” – Deepak
From litter picking in the local area, to reading to schoolchildren and even clearing out a shed at the local school, the work of the Kindness Crew is an extraordinary example of community mindedness, which is well worth celebrating today. Thanks for all you do, Kindness Crew!
Whether you’re an individual volunteer, part of a corporate team, or a community member who is helping to make a difference, your time, your skills and your kindness help our communities thrive. And for that, we can’t thank you enough.
