“It was 1971 when the word started to spread about a very special gathering, a festival to be held in Glastonbury. Like many of us, I was born just after the war. And of course, we had all heard such horrific stories. My own father, in fact, was a prisoner of war in Japan.
“I was, at this time, very moved by a song I heard from a lady called Melanie Safka, ‘There’s a Chance Peace Will Come.’ This song resonated with me like no other. Then I heard that she was going to be in Glastonbury. So off I went.
“The Pyramid Stage was still being built when I arrived. Melanie came and sang. It was fantastic.
“One night, I could hear a bit of a commotion as the band on stage finally finished. I could just make out a young voice saying that he could help each one of us and could help mankind. I didn’t realise at the time that it was Prem.
“Glastonbury cemented my quest for peace.
“Sometime later, I read some excerpts from a speech that Prem had delivered. I immediately knew I had to find this remarkable boy. I did, and he showed me the unchanging timeless part of me.
“When I later moved to California, I became friends with Arabella Churchill – ‘Bella’ as she was called. We shared our appreciation for our mutual friend Andy Kerr, both of whom were so key to the Glastonbury Festival’s success, and of course to Children’s World. That was Bella’s baby. I think she would be overjoyed at how it’s grown today. And for those that do not know, both Bella and Andy Kerr were long-time students of Prem Rawat.
“Prem, I can never thank you enough for this priceless gift. You showed me a treasure chest full of wisdom and love. You have shown me my true home. You are the coolest cat around.”
