DOROTHY RANDELL "DIMMIE" (FARROW 1929)

Dimmie died at the age of 102 on 29 February 2012.  Dimmie was a much beloved member of Rhodes and Grahamstown community and will be sadly missed. Below is the tribute to her when she celebrated her 100th birthday.

100 NOT OUT - by Prof Michael Whisson

100 Birthday Card from Rhodes

Dorothy Randell, better known to her many friends as "Dimmie", celebrated her 100th birthday on 29th June. Her memories stretch back to the First World War - that bloodsoaked seedbed of the fascist and communist dictatorships which have scarred so much of "her" century - and the transformation of Africa from colonies into nation states. On that great tapestry, she continues to weave her own contribution, of artistry, determination, strength, gentleness and faith.

Shakespeare wrote of another great African lady, from the far north- east, "Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety", and while Dimmie probably did not "Hop forty paces through the public street", she rarely misses out on her walk up the aisle of the Cathedral for the early Sunday service or on her attendance at the Tuesday evening prayers for the sick and the bereaved.

She is a living Cathedral treasure - generously giving of her time and talents in making little works of art for the benefit of her church and the delight of all who receive them, but above all being a lively, loving, praying presence.

Dimmie was born and brought up in East London, coming to Rhodes in 1929 to acquire the first Bachelor of Fine Art (B.F.A.) awarded by the University College. Here she met George Randell, a charming law student, whom she duly married and returned to East London. While he pursued a legal career as an attorney, advocate, provincial legislator and judges' registrar - and was Chancellor of Grahamstown Diocese for 17 years - Dimmie kept house, reared two daughters, helped in George's political campaigns and developed her diverse artistic talents. George's contribution to the civic life of East London was recognised when the new George Randell School was named in his honour. Dimmie has retained her keen interest in the school and entertains its representatives each year on her birthday.

She designed and decorated the facade of the old Wool Exchange (now Fort Hare University's headquarters in East London); sculpted heads of her distinguished peers like Guy Butler and Basil Kenyon; created ceramic works, both decorative and functional; produced charming watercolours - often as very personal gifts - pen and ink drawings for anniversary cards, book illustrations, as well as personalised stationery for parish bazaars.

The Randells move to "The Retreat" (A Piet Retief house on the corner of Prince Alfred and Somerset Streets) with their talented daughters in 1963 opened up a new phase in her career, as she produced drawings of the City's street scapes and historic buildings, and compiled a history of those who had previously occupied "The Retreat" entitled "We all lived here - 1822-1977." She designed a new notice board for the Cathedral in memory of her dear husband, George, and compiled an "illuminated" list of Cathedral Deans. She was the last home-owner of "The Retreat", which now forms the offices of the Dean of Humanities at Rhodes, its handsome facades preserved for posterity. She has also recorded over forty books for the Library for the Blind.

Her contributions to the life and happiness of the Cathedral community continue from her lookout point at "St Luke's" with the Community of the Resurrection. She enjoys a party and will even, given a little encouragement, sing. She is a wonderful listener and a discreet confidante - rare gifts which enable here to direct her prayers for "all who in this transitory life and in trouble, need, sickness or any other adversity."

She celebrates her birthday in the company of three generations of descendants and friends of all ages.

Life's too short to waste a day for 100-year-old 'Dimmie'

By Thelma Neville and David MacGregor

RENOWNED East London-born artist and author Dorothy 'Dimmie' Randell turns 100 years old today.
Sitting in her Grahamstown Living room eating cake and sipping sherry, the talented painter and sculptor last week recalled the remarkable changes she has seen during her lifetime.
"It is an absolutely different world today. When I was born, there were no planes, cars, televisions or mobile phones. Now we can't live without them," she said.
Describing the technological changes over the past 100 years as 'unbelievable', Randell said she considered herself fortunate to have had lived through two world wars, seen the first man land on the moon and witnessed the advent of the computer age.
Still sharp as a tack, Randell - who does not use a hearing aid or even wear glasses - recalled how she was given her unusual nickname 'Dimmie' when she was four years old.
"I used to play a childhood game with my older brother Bill, and sister, Phyllis. We would call each other Jack, Joe and Jimmie," she explained with a twinkle in her eyes.
"I was too small to pronounce my Js and ended up calling them Flack and Doe. I was Dimmie... the name has stuck with me eve i since." Born in East London on June 29, 1909, Randell made history by becoming the first Fine Arts graduate at Rhodes University in 1929. She met her future husband, law student George Randell, on campus.
Advocate Randell, who died in 1983, later became a Cape provincial councellor for the then-East London North constitnency.
George Randell Primary and High School in East London were named after him, in recognition of his tireless work for education in the area.
With family now scattered all over the world, Randell is looking forward to the clan and dozens of friends descending on Grahainstown to celebrate her centenary today.
Many of Randell's sculptures are still on display, including busts of Professor Guy Butler at the Settlers National Monument in Grahamstown and coelacanth researcher Marjorie Courtney-Latimer at the East London Museum.
Besides her passion for the arts, Randell also recorded several books onto tape for the South African Library for the Blind after she moved to Grahamstown with her family in 1963.
Living in 'The Retreat' in Prince Alfred Street - built by Great Trek leader Piet Retief in 1821 - inspired her to write a fascinating book detailing all 21 previous owners of the famous house called 'We All Lived Here'.
The house is now occupied by the university's Department of humanities.
Now living in a home for the aged, Randell still writes and draws - even though she no longer; has a studio.
She recently completed dehightful books for her grandchildren with enchanting drawings of their childhood.
A devout Christian who regularly attends early Sunday service, friends say Randell has a generosity of spirit which embraces all members of the community.
Revealing her secret for living "a long and happy life", Randell said it was important to have something meaningful to do every day.
"I still write lots of letters and make cards. I try not to waste a single day. Life is too short?