I arrived in Newton Dee in February 1978 with the intention of volunteering here for three months before continuing with my travels. At that time Newton Dee received minimal government funding due to its registration as a sheltered workshop which relied on the productivity of the residents (Villagers) and coworkers (career volunteers) that lived and worked here to meet our day to day needs.
At that time most of us “young coworkers” (volunteers that joined the community for up to a year) lived in old caravans dotted around the community, close to the shared households that we were supporting. I was attached to Caarjoil House, a house with 5 villagers and a married couple who had lived in Newton Dee since the 1960s. Heather cooked and cared for us all and ran the Gift Shop (selling produce from our workshops) and Alan ran the Joinery. Alan was a real craftsman (a cabinetmaker), and was responsible for training those villagers who showed an interest in working with wood. He developed the skills of those that he taught, some able to master the many fine tasks involved in making a bed from rough wood to a smooth polished finish. Many of us still sleep in those sturdy wooden beds made in the 1960s and 70s!
As you may guess, my “three month stay” in Newton Dee has increased to 48 years. Here I have learnt that the 80 villagers who live here, and 27 day placements who live in Aberdeen with their families or in care/supported homes and come in daily to work, have a lot to offer society. In our life sharing community they support one another and even us coworkers when we need it! This way of living and working together creates bonds which can last a lifetime and create an atmosphere within the community that I believe visitors experience when they walk through Newton Dee.
I am happy to offer guided tours through the village for individuals or groups if you are interested to know more about how our community life has developed over the decades.
Alan Brown
Email: alanbrown@newtondee.org.uk