When Dorothy first returned to the community in 2009 she was advised to write a Scottish will to replace her previous one. This precipitated numerous discussions between she and I as to her wishes. Having repeatedly declared that she didn’t want a wake, funeral service, or memorial, she articulated what she did want – to be cremated asap, for some time to pass, and then to have her ashes divided between a Maple Tree planting at Findhorn and the forests of her childhood. Finally, we were to have a party to celebrate her.

In a bittersweet way, it seems we did the last bit first when, on Jan 7, 2020, Dorothy reached the milestone of turning 100. She had steadfastly held onto attaining that goal for several years beforehand. As a community we spent a week celebrating her in various ways – singing to her from her garden, with special dinners, parties and various events and performances dedicated to her. Most importantly, from Dorothy’s perspective, was that she got a congratulatory telegram from Queen Elizabeth II. She also got special letters from the Governor General of Canada and our local Member of Parliament. Then there were the 400+ cards and emails from all over the world and numerous newspaper articles about her turning 100.

Celebrations that week were kicked off with a special Sunday afternoon sharing in the Universal Hall. It is a recording of that celebration that is about to follow. There will come a time, in a post COVID 19 world, when all her requests will be fulfilled. In the meantime we offer this recording as a way of honoring the lady, her work, and her message to us all about the primacy of our inner connection and our relationship with nature. That message, and the example of her life, is more relevant than ever.

Deep gratitude to Peter Vallance for creating this film.

Running Order

MC Jonathan Caddy introduction

1. Happy Birthday & To You We Sing led by Barbara Swetina

2. Dorothy’s history adapted from “This is your Life” Photo Slide show

3. Video clips from:
David Spangler and Lorians
Louise Day
David Caddy

4. Sing along song I Dreamed a Dream by the New Troubadours with Barbara Swetina + friends

5. Video clips from:
Christopher Caddy
Roger and Katherine Collis
Freya and Jeremy
Michael Lindfield
Geoff Dalglish

6. Contribution from Margot Henderson

7. Contributions from people present : Alan Watson
Helen Martin
Rosie Turnbull

8. Sarah – violin w/ Tom Richardson 30s /40s song

9. Contributions from people present): Caroline Matters
Judy McAllister
Mary Inglis

10. Marlene Butler
Reading from “Come Closer ”
2 videos. Background music is “Because Someone Prayed” by The Talleys

11. Robert Holden passage from “Come Closer”

12. . Barbara Swetina sing along song: Almighty God

Acknowledgements:

Show organised by Sharon Took-Zozaya
Sound Ian McIvor
IT Lewis Buchan
Stage Management Durten Lau and Sarah Dunway
Lighting Peter Vallance
Filmed and edited by Peter Vallance

For more videos by Peter Vallance click here for his YouTube channel.

The featured image is by Mark Richards Aurora Imaging.