By Wilma Jakobsen | Project Leader
GlobalGiving Volmoed Retreat Centre Report
October 2021
Volmoed Retreat Center continues to be challenged by the realities of Covid-19. The third wave during the last three months, combined with a cold winter and epic rainstorms together with strong, gusty winds and even hailstorms, has meant continued low numbers of people coming to Volmoed. Groups and individuals have booked, and then have canceled due to the inclement weather and Covid-19 nervousness. However, with the arrival of spring, in the last week the number of bookings has just started to increase, and we are hopeful these will result in greater occupancy and retreat programs taking place.
We were happy to host one group retreat; though small, it was good to see people engaging in programs and reflection. There is another larger group expected during October. A day long training program also took place. Given that South Africa has just relaxed Covid-19 regulations at the end of September, we are hopeful that our retreat programs will take place once again, before the expected fourth wave in December.
We were happy to host two vaccination clinics for our staff and the staff of neighboring farms. These were very successful, and all of our staff are now vaccinated.
During the last three months we have begun a process of taking out alien vegetation, which has grown enormously on the property in the last year. One of the houses was in need of maintenance and fixed up, another had the carpet replaced due to flooding of the floor from the epic rains.
The art program has managed to continue during Covid-19, by limiting numbers in the studio to three people. The program was featured in the local Hermanus news magazine, Whale Talk. See page 15, A Tribute To Volmoed Art Circle: https://issuu.com/whaletalkmag/docs/winter_welcoming_whales_2021
The Annual General Meeting took place on September 29, 2021, and the chairperson’s report and financial statements were presented. Prof John de Gruchy was elected chair of the Board of Trustees for the next year.
Despite all the challenges, we are hopeful about the future and look forward to the coming months.
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