On Sunday, 15 September 2024, from 10:00 to 17:00, we gathered at the Universal Hall, The Park Ecovillage, for a remarkable event hosted by Jonathan Dawson & Tessa Brock. Although the day has passed, the memories and key moments remain vivid. Here’s a look back at the highlights, insights, and unforgettable experiences, along with some great images.
The Universal Hall buzzed with energy, inspiration, and a sense of shared optimism—thanks to you and so many others! Every attendee contributed to the day’s vibrant atmosphere, from the early morning flurry of over 25 stallholders setting up their intriguing displays, to the heartfelt standing ovation honoring David Hoyle and Jan Boultbee, recipients of Ekopia’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jonathan Dawson delivered a thought-provoking keynote, reflecting on the role of ecovillages in an era of polycrisis and exploring potential solutions for our own community. The day was gracefully anchored by co-hosts Jonathan and Tessa Brock, with Marilyn Hamilton facilitating the Local Place Plan segment.
Nearly two dozen local speakers provided insight into the “who, what, and why” of our community, examining it through the lenses of economics, ecology, culture, and society. Additionally, over 20 business and organizational leaders shared personal stories, highlighting the stages of their own Life Cycle journeys.
In the Lower Foyer, JR Fulton and his team, along with the Local Place Plan Co-Chairs, coordinated discussions on key topics, including:
- The future functions of a new Community Centre
- Upcoming plans for the Phoenix Shop
- Initiatives from the Education Circle, such as the launch of the new website www.visitecovillagefindhorn.uk, designed to showcase the wealth of educational offerings in our community.
Meanwhile, Ruaraidh and his team from Nature 4 Health made sure the children enjoyed outdoor activities in the Hinterland.
The day culminated with the presentation of Ekopia’s Lifetime Achievement Award to David Hoyle and Jan Boultbee, followed by a standing ovation in recognition of their 34 years of dedicated service to our community through their work at the Phoenix Shop and the Bakehouse in Findhorn village.
Videos
Ekopia would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the day possible:
Co-hosts: Jonathan Dawson, Tess Brock, and Marilyn Hamilton
Organising team: Fasil Bogale, Cornelia Featherstone, George Goudsmit, Jane Duncan Rogers, Edward Fitsell, and Lorraine Ritz-Theriault
On-the-ground professionals: Alex Wright (Tech Support), Pia and Evert Vanthoor, Ursula Pfahler, and Peter Vallance from Universal Hall Promotions, as well as the Phoenix Café & Mark Richards.
And last but not least, our sponsors:
Ekopia Social Investments, AES Solar, Biomatrix Water Solutions, Adam Reising, Ixchel healing Arts, Findhorn Innovation Research & Education, Karen Grant, Biomatrix, Findhorn Hinterland Trust, Adelaide Raulais CranioSacral, Theatre of 7 Directions, Phoenix Shop and Café, Ways to Make It Count, Heartbeat Findhorn, Inner Work for Outer Action, PANOSUN Ltd & Health works.
As we hope to make this an annual event, we would love your feedback and input. Whether or not you attended, your views are important to us. Please fill in this survey before 7th October 2024.
Enterprise Fair Feedback Form (office.com)
Thank you again for your support!
We are immensely grateful for your participation, and we look forward to what we hope will become an annual tradition.