There are not many things which are more beautiful than a meadow full of blossoming flowers, of all possible colours and shapes; although this is not the reason why a music group formed by young volunteers in Newton Dee got their name - the Camphill Flowers. The story is a little bit more complicated.

It all started in the summer of 2016. I came to Newton Dee after quitting everything I was working on before and had to get used to a new life, a new place, new people.; and this obviously brings with it difficult situations. Always in my life when I had a hard time, I had my music. There was a time when I couldn’t go out without headphones on my ears. There was a time when I couldn’t express my feelings, so I put them on paper with music. Music was everything; it determined the people around me, my clothes, places I went to, my lifestyle. Thanks to music I met friends, lovers, heroes and proper jerks too. But the main thing was, music helped me to feel when I didn’t want to feel anymore; to get back to myself and to feel hope, or at least survive. 

As a child I started playing the piano. After reaching my teenage years, I needed something more energetic and so drums came on the stage. And since the other girls were more guitar types, we could form a band. There were ups and downs, new members, new bands; in the end everybody went somewhere else. Several times I tried to be a cool guitarist too, but never had enough patience.

Until I came here, to an unknown place and a house with one child’s guitar. After a few weeks it was clear that music is what I needed again, and fortunately I wasn’t alone in this. (I still didn’t become a cool guitarist, but it’s OK.)

We put together a few co-workers and started playing in Morven house with the kind blessing of the house parents. It didn’t take long and most of the people involved left, so it was just Juan and me with a wish to form a band. But we didn’t give up and asked every new co-worker: “Do you play an instrument? Do you like to sing?” And surprisingly, many people did! It was a great opportunity to do something together; to have fun, relax and get to know each other while doing something beautiful – making music. Our first performance took place at the Folk Club and we almost couldn’t fit on stage. We were so happy with the support from the audience and wanted to do it again. Although the people in the band came and went, it was very organic, we always went on. There were incredibly talented musicians, as well as simple music lovers like me. We had a chance to stand on stage and overcome our doubts about ourselves with the support from the others. Together we were stronger. 

And that’s how I want to remember it; and hopefully keep this image for new people coming who would like to join. The band is not based on particular people, but on an idea which brings them together. Although after time things get harder, fights and misunderstandings come, the root of this flower is healthy and for me will always be a kind of miracle that it could grow and may one day blossom again. 

And how was it with the name? Of course, it was a joke from one of our secret fans (thank you for that by the way), but we kind of liked it and so took it. Because all the flowers of the world are welcome.