Eileen had a vision of seven cedar wood bungalows to the east of the original garden on a site that was a huge rubbish dump. Peter measured the area and discovered that it was possible to fit them all in. Dennis Orme had been given the responsibility of building the bases. This took him sixteen months then he left in May 1968 to follow the teachings of a Korean Master called Son Yung Moon. In September 2020, Dennis returned to Findhorn for a brief visit after 52 years. He didn’t recognise the place he had helped to create. His main observation was the growth of the trees that were planted in the sixties. He was amazed to see the expansion that had happened in his absence. Truly the desert had bloomed!

Ross Stewart’s after 50+ years

 

Joanie’s bungalow and garage

The occupant of the first bungalow, which in fact was two caravans joined together, was Joanie Hartnell-Bevis. She arrived from St Anne’s where she had been secretary to Leibie Pugh, the founder of the Universal Link. Joanie was an extremely generous person and soon became the community’s treasurer. She and Eileen worked very closely together. Joanie was born in Hong Kong where her father was a solicitor. Her face had a Tibetan look to it.

The second bungalow was first occupied by Evelyn Sandford, a lady in her late sixties. She had been told many years earlier that she would one day live in a community in northern Scotland. Her son was the Bishop of Norwich.

The first occupants of the third bungalow were Pete and Eve Godfray. They came from a colour healing centre in Cornwall. Pete was knowledgeable in plumbing and became a great asset. His wife Eve was a keen gardener who could be seen weeding almost every day.

Bungalow four was bought by Captain Ross Stewart and his wife Aileen. He had been a naval captain. He had a fascination for dowsing and discovered that Peter’s son Christopher had a gift for this too. Young Christopher was regularly called on to locate where water pipes and electrical cables ran underground so we could avoid digging through them. Ross Stewart was one of the first trustees of the Findhorn Trust.

Bungalow five was acquired by Betty McPherson who was a healer. Amazingly she and the Stewarts discovered that they had once been neighbours in Hampshire. She was the first to suggest to Peter in 1969 a need for a community centre to cater for the growing numbers in the community.

Bungalow six was gifted to the Foundation as guest accommodation.

The final bungalow was purchased by Antony Brooke. He had been the last white ruler of Sarawak and he travelled widely. He and his friend Monica Parish had formed an organisation called the Universal Foundation to promote peace in the world. He wanted to relocate his base to Findhorn. He became a great ambassador for Findhorn as he lectured around the world.

Arrival of half of Treetops bungalow. John Willoner directing at the front right corner

Each bungalow arrived from Hull on two transporters as separate caravans that we bolted together on site. The manufacturers, called Willerby, gave an expected life of 25 years. They are still in use 53 years later. Caravans are poorly insulated so the heating costs have been high. They are not eco friendly homes but have served us well.