about us
We are Ross Kemsley, Helen Clift and our son Matthew(4).
Between us, we have many years of experience working with adults with learning disabilities at Garvald Centre, Edinburgh: at the Garvald Bakery (training workshops) and in Garvald Accommodation Services.
Helen completed a degree in mathematics at Edinburgh University before moving into vegetarian catering. She has worked for other care organisations but has spent the last 8 years at Garvald running first the Canteen and then the Bakery workshops.
Ross has an art and photography degree and worked in this field for 6 years including time as an artist in residence and worshop manager. He spent 2½ years at Garvald Edinburgh supporting people in their homes and in workshops.
To see Helen at work in the Garvald Bakery follow the link to the award-winning Breadmakers film:
www.bbc.co.uk/dna/filmnetwork/A22860759
To find out more about Garvald Centre go to www.garvaldedinburgh.org.uk
about Pentaillo
We have lived in France for 2 years now, and moved to Pentaillo at the beginning of 2009 to set up our smallholding and holiday venture. Pentaillo is an 18th Century granite farmhouse, perched on top of a hill in rural Brittany. There are 1¼ hectares of farmland and gardens surrounding the house and holiday cottages: home to our animals, vegetable gardens and orchard.
There is a 19th Century stone, wood-fired bread oven for baking and pizzas, along with a surrounding barbeque and eating area provides a perfect setting for balmy evenings.
mission statement
Our long-term aims are:
- The smallholding will sustain all the visitors we welcome.
- To work in harmony with our surroundings, producing our own food and energy and trading for other goods we need.
- To set up a non profit-making association, where anyone can enjoy a holiday in rural France in a calm, peaceful and inspiring setting
- To offer a space where holistic and creative professionals can come and share their skills with holiday-makers and the local community, running workshops or sessions.
- To offer the opportunity to people to join in with the local community, learn about a different culture and enjoy nourishing organic food.
At Garvald the work is based on the ideas of Rudolph Steiner and from many years working there we have developed our values:
- To appreciate the individual and enjoy mutually beneficial relationships.
- To be motivated by the quality and detail of small and large tasks in our work.
- Good food nourishes the body and mind and is vital to a good day