"Connecting Communities" Since 1961
History
In 1961 Cresset House was started on a large property in Carlswald, Midrand as a school for children with intellectual disabilities. For various reasons the property was sold in 1971 and a new property was bought and built up in Glen Austin over a period of 3 years (1973 – 1976). The architect was Monty Sack who, with his wife Muriel, not only lent moral support, but physically helped hanging curtains, cooking and laundering and even helping move children. Their daughter, Susan, is currently still living at Cresset House.
In the 80’s with a number of pupils finishing school and leaving parents with few options of alternative placements, a “Training Centre” for school leavers was started on Cresset’s grounds providing training in gardening, woodwork (some items of furniture of that time still exist at Cresset), pottery, baking and domestic work. This new venture was run for some time, together with the school. Eventually all children at Cresset House found alternative and suitable schools and in 1987 the Centre officially became a residential and work facility for adults with intellectual disability.
Cresset House was part of the world wide Camphill movement from its inception days in 1961 up until 2006. It has since been run as a n independent organization with emphasis on Christian principles and community involvement.
Some of our villagers have been at Cresset House for as long as 43 years, initially as children and later years as adults.
