Cultural Center in Countryside

CODE: ICJA2614

Work:

Volunteers are invited to help with the care and maintenance of this social centre and its various areas. There is work outside and inside: The meadow orchard must be cleared of bushes and, depending on the weather, apples can be collected and processed into apple juice. The work in the organic vegetable garden also depends on the weather, usually the volunteers help with the harvest of fruit and vegetables. In the castle itself, there is painting and cleaning work to be done to maintain the building. Encounters with kids and people of the region are foreseen. Overall, there is a wide variety of tasks - something for everyone!

Study: We may learn more about the natural beauty of the environment. We can make excursions to places of cultural and historical interest (e.g. Weimar, the city of Goethe and the former concentration camp Buchenwald). We can have discussions and lectures about German history, society, culture and politics (the German East-West border was only 9 km away from Bedheim). There will be the possibility to meet pupils of a local primary school. Please prepare yourself for an exchange about the culture and living conditions in your countries

Accomodation and food

Bedheim castle offers simple group accommodation in the “Remise” – former coach house. Beds will be provided, no sleeping bag needed. Meals will be prepared by the group (less meat but a lot of very good vegetables and fruits from the nursery). Warm water is provided by a solar collector and electricity. Please note: Rooms are heated with one big wood-burning stove. It can be chilly for people, who are used to central heating.

Location and leisure

Bedheim castle is located in the west of Thuringia, close to the Bavarian border. The nearest bigger town is Coburg (28 km away). Bedheim is surrounded by the extraordinarily beautiful Franconian landscape. Usually weather is fine, but it can be rainy and quite cold in Autumn .

Project hosted by

Bedheim castle was first mentioned in the year 1169 and was destroyed and reconstructed several times in its long history. During the last 30 years, the castle has become a sociocultural center for this remote region. Currently, it offers meeting places for social and cultural initiatives. With historical rooms, the garden café, various types of gardens and its location surrounded by beautiful nature, it is a perfect place to meet with friends, enjoy a good piece of cake, or spend holidays. There are small concerts and exhibitions now and then and one flee market taking place. You also can play table tennis and football. Since 1992, the association has been organizing workcamps. Volunteers enjoy spending their time meeting and work together with the inhabitants. An organic garden, and an architect's office are the basis for the existence of the residents. If you like a simple analogue life with a basic standard, this is the right place for you Last but not least: a nice cat named Rudie is waiting to be petted by the volunteers!
The aim of this project is to create an atmosphere where people with or without disabilities may come, live and work together without any prejudice against handicap, nationality, or religion.

Directions to meeting point

Additional comments

Some basic knowledge of German or English is recommended. Please bring rain and working clothes, slippers,and warm pullovers with you. You can also bring pictures or special food items from your country. Rubber boots and additional working clothes will be provided.