ten years on

A Day for Doreen

at London’s Conway Hall

on Sunday 13 September 2009

History passed before our eyes, came centre stage and spoke to us. Marian Green bringing to life with her eloquence days spent with Doreen on the Sussex Hills. Maxine Sanders sitting quite still, a stillness which grew as she spoke until the stillness in that spellbound hall was so tangible you could touch it. Mary Rands, on her 70th birthday, with a tiny hint of mischief and a sparkle in her eye. Janet, playful and supple as a ballerina, speaking of great wonders with assured conviction.

And at the end of the day there was Doreen herself – on the big screen. Captivating.

These are the women of the witchcraft generation, the weavers of magic who still dominate and inspire as does the Goddess with her consort the Horned God.

The men too played their part. Ronald Hutton leading in with the keynote address disguising erudition with beguiling fluency. Brian Botham and John Belham-Payne carrying the day forward from step to step. The past the present and times yet to come. Gavin. And Fred. Steadfast.

When I think back it suddenly strikes me. There was no sense of them and us. We all took part as is the custom of the Craft. And in the moments of transition there were the meetings again of friends from near and far.

Every ticket had been sold. In advance.

Next year, in the same place, on the 19th of September, there is A Day for Gerald. Now is the time to make plans.

© francis cameron

oxford, 15 september 2009