Dorothy Randell - 100 not out!

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 blood soaked 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.