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Contents VOL 176 NO 31
3 Thought for the Week: Being a peacemaker Eleanor Nesbitt 4-5 News Faith and action 6 Polyamorous Quakers ‘Politics’ cannot be relegated to some A Friend outer place, but must be recognised as one side of life, which is as much 7 Priesthood the concern of religious people and Roger Seal of a religious body as any other part of life. Nay, more than this, 8-9 Letters the ordering of the life of man in 10-11 Friends in Wales: a community, so that he may have the chance of a full development, is An inspiring day and always has been one of the main Martin Morely concerns of Quakerism.
12 Paulette Meier: Lucy F Morland, 1919 Music ministry Quaker faith & practice 23.06 Ian Kirk-Smith 13 Hemel Hempstead tercentenary Audrey Pitchforth 14-15 Younger Friends: Home Catherine Handerson 16 A negotiator’s toolkit Joe Burlington 17 Friends & Meetings
Cover image: Photo: Terry Hughes / flickr CC. See pages 14-15.
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2 the Friend, 3 August 2018 Thought for the Week
Being a peacemaker
he city of Coventry is delighted to be preparing to be the UK City of Culture 2021. Coventry is known internationally, too, as a City of Peace and Reconciliation and it’s also a City of Sanctuary, welcoming refugees Tand asylum seekers. Here, in Coventry, as in localities throughout the UK and, indeed, worldwide, we daily experience how our local community is stronger and more vibrant thanks to its diversity. In the 1640s, a Leicestershire weaver’s son, George Fox, contributed a thread to our city’s rich religious history, noting his visits in his Journal. He recalled one intense discussion of religion with a local cleric, which ended acrimoniously, with the priest ‘in a rage’ because he had accidentally trampled on his flowerbed! George Fox was, of course, the key founding figure of the Religious Society of Friends, whose members are now better known as the Quakers. One central Quaker concern is peacemaking, often through active conflict resolution, which is usually carried out behind the scenes and away from the cameras. Quakers are also committed to equality and justice, truth and integrity, and to a simple lifestyle that respects the environment. Today’s news – and every day’s news – is a prompt to work harder for a peace-filled world in which these qualities are strongly interwoven. We tend to think of peacemaking predominantly in terms of the international stage – the ending or avoidance of wars between and within nations. Striving for peaceful cooperation is demanding: demanding for international negotiators and for more local mediators and activists. Educating for peace is challenging. For Quakers, peacemaking begins at home, and in our families. We need to support each other – and, at the same time, to be self-aware. Peacemaking and inclusion start with us – and they start deep within ourselves. To quote New Zealand Quakers in 1987: ‘We must relinquish the desire to own other people, to have power over them, and to force our views on to them.’ Being a peacemaker means acknowledging our own prejudices and negative thoughts. It means we try not to stereotype other people or assume that they are to blame. Instead, I believe, it’s about committing ourselves to resolving conflict, wherever that may be – perhaps in our own immediate family. It’s about bringing a strong, creative peace into all our relationships with others.
Eleanor Nesbitt Coventry Meeting
A revised version of the ‘Thought for the Day’ broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on 19 July.
the Friend, 3 August 2018 3 News Solidarity with cycling Friends Photo: Sally Ingham. Friends have been coming together in solidarity with dignity’ and affirms Quaker testimonies on equality and Quakers who are currently cycling through Britain to social justice. London as an act of witness over their concerns for the The ‘Ride for Equality and the Common Good’ began welfare state in a ‘Ride for Equality and the Common at Swarthmoor Hall in Cumbria on 22 July and will Good’. conclude in London on 3 August. Meeting houses have read out a ‘Quaker Declaration In 2017 Friends from Kendal and Sedburgh also for Equality and the Common Good’ that the cyclists are organised a walk as an act of witness against cuts in the taking to 10 Downing Street. welfare system. Southern Marches and Mid-Wales Quaker Camp read The cyclists are covering twenty-five to thirty miles a out the Declaration in full at the start of their Meeting day and enjoying the hospitality of Friends in Meetings for Worship on 21 and 22 July, as did Bolton Friends. along the way. A copy of the Declaration is available on The action is based on a belief ‘in the right of all to the website of Kendal and Sedburgh Quakers. Quaker gives ‘Thought for the Day’ A Friend has spoken about 19 July about the fact that the city Eleanor Nesbitt, who gave the Quakers and peacemaking on BBC is to be the UK City of Culture Swarthmore Lecture in 2003, is a Radio 4’s ‘Thought for the Day’. 2021. She stressed the importance member of the British Association Professor Eleanor Nesbitt, of welcoming refugees and asylum for the Study of Religions, and a from Coventry Meeting and the seekers, particularly as Coventry is a founder member of the Punjab University of Warwick, spoke on ‘City of Sanctuary’. Research Group. (See page 3.) FWCC ‘Living the Change’ Friends World Committee officially joined by Quakers in sustainable lifestyle and can make for Consultation (FWCC) has July. It was initiated at the UN changes in some of these high- joined a new project involving a Climate Conference in 2017 by the impact areas: transportation, home global community of religious and US-based multi-faith organisation energy use, and diet. spiritual institutions to champion GreenFaith. ‘We are advocating a flexible and sustainable living. Susanna Mattingly, sustainability thoughtful approach. We need to The ‘Living the Change’ communications officer of FWCC, keep asking ourselves whether we initiative includes Buddhist, told the Friend: ‘Living the Change can do things more sustainably and Catholic, Christian, Hindu, Jewish is a great opportunity for those take incremental steps towards a and Muslim networks and was of us who need to adopt a more more sustainable life.’ Twentieth anniversary reprint Correction Heaven on Earth: Quakers and the Second Coming, In the 13 July edition of the Friend the story ‘March first published in 1998, has been reprinted as a twentieth against Donald Trump visit’ contained a mistake. anniversary edition. The book, by Ben Pink Dandelion, The sentence ‘A Quaker contingent to the main “Stop Timothy Peat-Ashworth and Douglas Gwyn, outlines Trump” demonstration met at Friends House on 13 the idea of Quakers understanding their experience in July and marched from Portland Place to Trafalgar terms of fulfilling Pauline prophecy around the Second Square’ should have read ‘Some Friends are gathering Coming. It goes on to look at how Quakerism has in front of Friends House on 13 July before marching adapted over the years as a ‘Second-Coming church’. from Portland Place to Trafalgar Square’.
4 the Friend, 3 August 2018 reported by Rebecca Hardy [email protected] Quaker MEP calls for ‘People’s Vote’
Molly Scott Cato, Green Molly Scott Cato, who is a She added: ‘We must push for MEP and Quaker, has called for a member of Stroud Meeting, said a People’s Vote on the final deal ‘People’s Vote’ on the final Brexit about the call: ‘With revelations between the EU and UK – with an deal between the UK and the EU. about criminal behaviour by the option of exiting from Brexit and The South West of England Leave campaign, manipulation remaining in the EU.’ and Gibraltar’s Green MEP, who of voters through social media, Molly Scott Cato has also stepped claims that Brexit no longer has unworkable Brexit plans from up her campaign with the launch any legitimacy, delivered the robust the government and now cabinet on 23 July of a website, ‘The Brexit message in Exeter on 24 July when resignations and a government Syndicate’, revealing the ‘murky she gave a presentation at the in meltdown, it is clear the network of powerful and secretive Exeter Community Centre in St EU referendum result has no organisations’ that she says are David’s Hill. legitimacy.’ behind Brexit. Bolton Friends join walk for interfaith unity Several Bolton Friends took part in a Council run throughout the year. ‘Community Walk’ in Bolton last month as witness to These trails visit a number of different places of interfaith unity. worship and hear from the different faiths in one day. The four-mile walk on 21 July, organised bv the He told the Friend: ‘The walk builds on that idea. but Bolton Interfaith Council, visited Queens Park, Veda includes civic as well as faith-linked sites, and is for Mandir, Al Aqsa Mosque, Victoria Hall Methodists and people of all ages, of faith and no faith. Mayor’s Parlour. ‘About sixty people participated and it was an Philip Austin, of the Northern Friends Peace Board opportunity for the building of friendships and (NFPB) and a member of the Bolton Interfaith Council, awareness. For some it was the first time they’d said the action was influenced by the ‘faith trails’ the participated in an event of this sort.’
Hitchin Meeting adds ‘Peace Table’ to Peace Garden Friends from Hitchin Meeting are celebrating a new ‘Peace Table’ as the latest addition to their Quaker Peace Garden. The picnic table (with attached benches) was donated by North Hertfordshire Interfaith Forum, with a grant from North Hertfordshire District Council Installed on 15 July, the multi-coloured table, made of recycled plastic, was chosen to symbolise a multi-faith commitment to the Peace Garden. Members of various local religious groups came to a gifting ceremony, where the table was unveiled with its central brass plaque showing nine religious symbols. Father Tom O’Brien led the ceremony and there were short addresses from Ali Sheriff (Muslim) and Gulzar Singh (Sikh). Chris Kell, from Hitchin Quakers, told the Friend: ‘The idea of a table and chairs is that it encourages people to eat together, whether to break bread or break into a samosa. We hope that it will be a place for people to sit with friends or dialogue with enemies. Friends love that this is a colourful table in our rather austere burial g rou n d .’ She added that the ‘Peace Table’ joins the ‘Courage & Conscience Chair’ (for Conscientious Objectors) and the
‘ D o v e Po n d ’. Photo: Deolinda Altringham.
the Friend, 3 August 2018 5 Opinion Polyamorous Quakers
A Friend writes about love and different relationships search for ‘polyamory’ in the Friend finds sexuality and sees love as abundant, such as the love two references, both in discussions about parents have for each of their children. God’s love as non-mainstream sexuality, but neither with viewed within Christian doctrine is a cosmic example Adiscussion on a Quaker perspective. As a polyamorous of the infinite abundance of the heart. Integrity and Quaker I felt compelled to write this article after truth are fundamental values to polyamory, as is reflecting on how Quaker values of peace and equality challenging jealousy, which I feel relates to our Peace and polyamorous values of non-competition and non- Testimony. Examining the seeds of war in our hearts ownership dovetail. we may find them rooted in notions of ownership and Polyamory comes in various forms – from people fear around scarcity of resources. Polyamory suggests living without an obvious ‘partner’, but in intimate that love is not a finite resource to be guarded. relationships both sexual and/or emotional, to Polyamorous people aren’t advocating for people raising children in triangular relationships abandoning monogamy or criticising those for whom and everything in between. The difference between it works very well. We are exploring a different way of polyamory and notions of promiscuity or infidelity living and loving that celebrates diversity, connection, is an emphasis on openness and consent. Jealousy is sexuality, abundance and trust. My agenda in writing acknowledged, but not considered insurmountable. this article is to speak from my own experience about Polyamory does not necessarily imply sexual freedom what I have discovered so far on this path. I also note without commitment. Many polyamorous people are that in 2008 Meeting for Sufferings recommended deeply committed to their relationships and may form that Yearly Meeting ‘consider how we should celebrate supportive communities in which the work of caring – and recognise committed relationships within our for example, for children or sick partners – is shared. Quaker community and what revisions to Quaker faith I have been married and a Quaker for more than a & practice would follow from this’. So, it is it time to decade. Last year my husband and I discussed being discuss polyamory? intimate with other people. Philosophically this relates I’d like to finish with Quaker faith & practice 20.06, to our commitment to non-ownership of each other, a quote read at our wedding long before we were a principle in some Quaker marriages symbolised by contemplating polyamory: keeping individual surnames. It is also reflective of our doubts about monogamy as the only blueprint for ‘Some among us have a clear sense of what is human sexuality. right and wrong – for themselves personally if Personally, it also reflects our trust in one another not for everyone else. They have a reassuring to maintain the health of our relationship whilst also certitude and steadiness which can serve as a having other sides to our selves. I am now in another reference point by which others may navigate. relationship with a longstanding friend and he is also There are others who live in a state of uncertainty, in another relationship. There has been much to learn, constantly re-thinking their responses to changing but we are learning new ways of seeing relationships, circumstances, trying to hold onto what seems which I feel is very positive. I found it helpful to fundamental but impelled to reinterpret, often read the book More Than Two: A Practical Guide to even unsure where lies the boundary between the Ethical Polyamory by Franklin Veaux and Eve Rickert fundamental and the interpretation… (the latter a practicing Quaker), which talks through ‘Please be patient, those of you who have found all aspects of ethical polyamory, from timetabling a rock to stand on, with those of us who haven’t to sexual health, and encourages us to ‘be the best and with those of us who are not even looking version of ourselves’. for one. We live on the wave’s edge, where sea, Initially I questioned how this sat with Quakerism. sand and sky are all mixed up together: we are However, Jesus’ teachings and our Quaker testimonies tossed head over heels in the surf, catching only suggest nothing to me that isn’t compatible – or, occasional glimpses of any fixed horizon. Some of indeed, encouraged – within polyamory. Polyamory us stay there from choice because it is exciting and challenges notions of having rights to another’s it feels like the right place to be.’
6 the Friend, 3 August 2018 Comment
Priesthood
Roger Seal considers ‘the priesthood of all believers’
riends often refer to the idea of ‘the priesthood forsook all figures of religion as then established – for of all believers’, but what exactly do we mean by they had themselves found one who truly spoke to Fthe term? their condition. ‘Priest’ literally comes from the Greek word So, what remains of priesthood? Is it discredited, presbyteros, meaning one who is older, whence the obsolete or superseded? Certainly fewer people, even office of ‘elder’, a title predicated on the notion that among the faithful, are ready to accept the traditional one who is older can be assumed to be wiser and understanding with its ethical, cultural, philosophical, better suited to lead. Probably a richer meaning, psychological and economic associations. Is it and in the mainstream of Jewish and later Christian time to return to essentials? I suggest it is, and that thinking, is one who represents God before humanity ‘priesthood’ understood afresh still has great meaning and humanity before God. From the time when the and value. focus of Judaism was the temple at Jerusalem, there was absolute hierarchy (that is ‘rule by priests’) led Without doubt there are perils, pitfalls and by the high priest, who were believed, and believed temptations lying in wait for anyone who believes themselves, to speak and act with divine authority they are called to represent God before people or to and to command deference by the whole nation, and, represent them before God, but that call, if genuine, conversely, to intercede uniquely with God on the is solemn and transformative. It requires that we be nation’s behalf. prayerfully alert, brave enough to venture where we dare not go in our own strength, and humble enough Some Christians, especially after the destruction of to avoid ego blocking or bending God’s will. Jesus the temple in AD70, developed the ideas that Jesus taught: ‘Let your light so shine before men that they was none other than the eternal high priest (see the may see your good works and glorify your father Epistle to the Hebrews), and that they themselves had which is in heaven.’ Priesthood involves directing collectively become a royal priesthood (first Epistle of people always from the messenger to the message, Peter) in succession to the temple officials. However, it from the actor to the author. was not long before a clerical structure had developed and ‘priesthood’ commandeered by a self-selecting, It is a matter, once again, of revisiting the temple to all-male and life-long hierarchy. This continued remove the veil (the screen) of exclusivity around the throughout Christendom until the Reformation, when Holy of Holies once and for all. Priesthood is plainly lay people started to assert that they were able to not just for males, as many churches have belatedly communicate with God directly and immediately, and come to recognise. Priesthood cannot be for life, without mediation. irrespective of the integrity and vitality of that life; arguably, it is not even specific to appointment for a The brave pioneers in this process, challenging the triennium. And priesthood does not accord with, is authority of both church and, in many instances, state, not limited to, human selection and organisational often paid for their temerity with their lives. However, structures, for God can and does call whom He the ‘veil of the temple’ was now torn beyond repair chooses, at any time, in any situation, to priesthood. – and more and more believers became convinced that they no longer needed the clergy to encounter Who is ready to respond? God. It was in that great movement that seekers after truth, such as George Fox in the seventeenth century, Roger is from Spalding Meeting.
the Friend, 3 August 2018 7 Letters All views expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Friend
Mined for peace of mind very strong. How I got through that day without an Random thoughts have brought me to the passing but accident – driving almost six inches above the ground, persistent influence of three people in my life, whose or so it seemed – I don’t know. own lives were full of a sustaining and rich interior The realisation that I was (am) loved to the strength. Towards the end of their lives two of these uttermost will stay with me forever. I will not have or lived in Yorkshire and one in Cornwall. All were need that experience again. The grace of God once widows. realised should be sufficient until I meet my maker. One, the mother of a school friend and ten other David Winter children, had lived a very Quakerly life, and with Mid-Somerset Area Meeting much hardship. We hadn’t met for forty years, but she recognised and welcomed us to her cottage as close Meeting at Farfield friends. May I take issue with Barbara Windle (15 June) over Another, in the same valley, saw us admiring a Farfield Meeting House and the perpetuation of picture on the wall when we called in. She said: ‘damaging myths’? ‘Please have it’. We still do. It was clearly a missed opportunity that no active The third, my aunt, lived in a pretty house near Meeting recommended itself to Historic England as where, as a family, they used to sail in earlier days. part of England’s faith story. Alone and blind, she was full of ‘how good life was’. With few Meeting houses open for the public to Judging only from the position of our voices; she said: visit, it is surely better that people come across Friends ‘Yes that is a lovely picture, isn’t it?’ when we had gone at a heritage Meeting house, such as Farfield, than not closer to admire it. Although she could no longer see at all. it, it was still part of her life. Those of us who look after the site for the Historic All three were managing on memories – but, more Chapels Trust make sure that current Quaker than managing, they were maintaining a serenity to literature, as well as historic information, is available pass onto others. to our many visitors. Indeed, an art installation, There Having been beset with problems for over a year, but not there, commemorating the end of the first when the feeling (probably wrongly) is that no person world war, currently at Farfield, is accompanied by can help and God is rather far away, I am learning (too information about the Peace Testimony and the role of slowly) by such examples how the richness of inner the Friends’ Ambulance Unit. experiences can be mined for peace of mind. Since being saved in the 1950s there have always Carol Holding been sporadic Meetings for Worship at Farfield and Colchester Meeting, Essex through the summer we will be meeting on third Thursdays at 2:30pm. Evidence and energy Friends are always welcome to join us. I am writing in response to the article ‘Evidence?’ by Chris Skidmore Sheila Semple (20 July). Skipton Meeting, Yorkshire When I was in my forties we moved into a village in Hampshire where I started to attend the parish Remembrance church. The rector encouraged and challenged his I read with interest the report on Meeting for congregation to look more deeply into the Christian Sufferings’ consideration of Remembrance (20 July). faith to ‘ask, seek and knock’. This I did. The Collateral Damage project is proving to be Some two years on I was reading in bed when I a very inclusive opportunity to remember victims suddenly became aware of what I can only describe as of wars in the last century, combatant or not, from a blast of energy, like the rays of the sun but without different parts of the world. the light and heat. As well as people who have died directly from wars, That energy was pure love. It nearly overwhelmed victims include the wounded, traumatised, bereaved me – it was so intense. From that moment I knew and those who have lost home, country, career and ‘God’ loved me absolutely and completely. For the first dreams – not to mention animal victims. time in my life I was able to respond as much as any Each poppy is unique, as is each person, and any human can. kind of textile poppy is welcome. Many have a string This power came from outside. I could feel it tag to say who they honour. embracing me. My wife was asleep and oblivious Small displays are already on show at Swarthmoor to all this. This inrush continued for about half an Hall and elsewhere. Some individuals and groups hour and then gently faded. I turned off the light and are also holding poppy making workshops, and the went to sleep. Next morning the memory of it all was conversations here have often been very moving.
8 the Friend, 3 August 2018 [email protected]
Poppies sent to Collateral Damage (white poppies), We do not have to be persecuted to ‘quake’. I feel an care of Quaker Peace & Social Witness, by 14 October internal ‘quaking’ before I (rarely) speak in Meeting. will be included in a large installation at Friends I speak professionally, so it’s not fear of speaking House during November and December. It may give us in public. This is something I fight against until it all pause for remembrance, and will perhaps educate becomes clear that it isn’t going away, and that is how some of us too, if people send in poppies with labels I know it’s necessary for me to speak. I assume others that tell their stories. We hope many of you will wish have had a similar experience. to do so. As to ‘Society of Friends’ versus ‘Quakers’, I had Linda Murgatroyd finally settled in my own mind to call it the former, Wandsworth Meeting, London but it became clear that the rest of the world had settled on the latter, so I use them interchangeably and Hear one another can’t stop myself. Since evidently ‘Quaker’ has won, as I am much perturbed by recent letters and articles far as the public are concerned, perhaps we should get in the Friend and by events at Yearly Meeting this used to it. year about the consultations around the Gender Arthur Kincaid Recognition Act. Colthouse Meeting, Cumbria I fear battle lines are being drawn up and Quakers are in danger of being misled in a laudable desire to Money matters be open and inclusive. At the moment it is a cloud no Rhiannon Grant (13 July) writes that William Penn bigger than a man’s hand for most Quakers, but we was ‘terrible about money’. This is unfair. are being faced with it more urgently as our Meeting He was a trained lawyer (at Lincoln’s Inn) and houses are offered for public meetings. although he bought land in America for humanitarian It would be good to know why Brighton Friends reasons he treated it as an investment and received refused their Meeting house to the group Woman’s interest. Place. If they fear ‘acrimony and discord’ (20 July) then He was cheated by his agent, and was forced to sell many other organisations would have to be excluded. Worminghurst, but retained Pennsylvania, which was Conflict, generously and lovingly handled, is how the an investment he left to his widow, with parcels of land Light gets in. left also to a daughter and to three grandchildren from There is much fear and anguish on all sides of his first marriage. the gender recognition debate and Quakers have a These shares would have been valid until the long and honourable history of holding a peaceable, Declaration of Independence, fifty-eight years after his hospitable and safe space for us all to be able to listen death, when Pennsylvania was confiscated. to one another. Elaine Miles Rather than denying or permitting the use of our Jordans Meeting, Hampshire Meeting houses to one side or another in any serious issue let’s be proactively organising meetings to which all can be invited and let us truly hear one another. Kathy Gollin West Somerset Area Meeting In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, Spirituality and quaking I am puzzled by David Correa-Hunt’s article in the in all things charity. Friend of 13 July. Originally the Society of Friends was based on ‘that of God in everyone’ (setting aside how one may define God). If that is not a spiritual concept, The Friend welcomes your views. what is? I don’t recall anyone ever speaking about ‘disembodied spirits’. Do keep letters short (maximum 250 words). The idea he feels Friends witter on about apparently has to do with the spiritual aspect of human beings Please include your full postal address, even (who have bodies) – whatever it is in the human being when sending emails, and specify whether you that grasps at transcendence. wish for your postal or email address or Meeting name to be used with your name. This is different from the ordinary aspects of humanity and human relationships (‘shared mood’, Letters are published at the editor’s discretion ‘oneness’, ‘atmosphere’) – and, of course, it is perceived and may be edited. by the brain.
the Friend, 3 August 2018 9 Friends in Wales
An inspiring day Speakers and Friends at MFW. All drawings by Martin Morley. by All drawings at MFW. and Friends Speakers
Martin Morley describes a recent Meeting of Friends in Wales
rexham was sunny and very hot when Ben Pink Dandelion’s talk was based on the findings sixty-two Friends gathered in Wrexham of his ongoing research into the state of the Society. Meeting House on 30 June for Meeting of He explained the problems of doing research into a WFriends in Wales (MFW). It was possibly the largest religious society from a sociological standpoint, as the number of Friends to come together since MFW was whole premise of sociology is rooted in an atheistic established in 1992 and quite a challenge. There was viewpoint: facts, facts and more facts. So, consequently, much collaborative chaos as more and more chairs a basic question like ‘Do you believe in God’ is fraught were brought into the room. Friends struggled to find a with problems. He had to be very persuasive with his place and, even then, there was an overspill area in the supervisors before allowing the question to be asked in hallway. Eugène Ionesco’s play The Chairs sprang to my his first survey, which was done way back in the 1990s. mind; but like everything unexpected, it brought people And, of course, answering yes or no to questions is not together in a way that routine does not. the Quaker way, we are an ‘absolute perhaps’ society.
Engaging humour Statistics and songs
There was a lengthy agenda of the usual items: a report He was very persuasive in the way he spoke, with clarity on the Quaker presence at the Hay Festival, which was and complete lack of pretentiousness, so even statistics very successful and provided a platform for outreach in seemed interesting. He emphasised the possibility that an otherwise religion-free zone. Then an announcement sociological surveys, for all their data, end up telling about the Quaker lecture at the National Eisteddfod in us what we already know. But there were unexpected Cardiff to be given this year by Jane Harries. The main outcomes; for instance, nontheism is fairly evenly reason, however, why Friends had travelled so far and spread over all age groups, not just among younger in such numbers was to listen to two very inspiring members as we might expect. It also showed that people speakers: before lunch the academic and writer Ben tend to join in their forties, often after a break from Pink Dandelion, of Woodbrooke, addressed the ‘State of being with another church. An average Quaker is sixty- the Society’ and in the afternoon Ruth Moore Williams four. So, as long as they stay with the Society, it may not spoke about being a Quaker chaplain in HMP Berwyn. all be doom and gloom that we are perceived as a group Both spoke with engaging humour about serious issues of oldies. This is something we are all conscious of, but and in doing so held us in the palm of their hands. it is a very difficult challenge for Friends today.
10 the Friend, 3 August 2018 There is something about our rigid use of a ‘peculiar’ is new to Quakerism and is learning new words every and out-dated language that is off-putting for many: day: elder… doorkeeper… hope so… and also how indeed, it can be seen as a barrier. But in spite of all passionate she was to become involved with the brand the knowledge, the same questions, which we all know, new super prison that has recently opened in Wrexham. remain: how do Friends become more diverse as a She felt nervous but was encouraged by her Meeting, group? At present we are about ninety per cent plus and the outcome is that she is now Quaker chaplain educated, white, middle-class: how do we persuade there, supported by a group of other Quaker visitors the young to stay with us? Alongside the dry statistics including Gwynneth Marrs, who spoke to us about the purpose of the surveys is to trace the way the writing poetry (specifically Haiku) with the men. Society has evolved and is evolving over time, finding new ways for the future while also tempering this by Inspiration remembering our past. There was a lively question and answer session at After the comic/serious opening Ruth drew a vivid the end. One Young Friend spoke about the difficulty picture of the work she is doing at the prison to Young Friends have becoming integrated into Meetings establish a safe space where the men can be open. This after the vibrancy of the Young Friends community. takes the form of a twenty minute quiet time followed He said young people ‘did not always want to hang by a discussion. As well as telling of the central work, out with their grandparents!’ and that they sometimes she gave a vivid picture of what this new-style prison is felt patronised. A Friend asked what we knew of the trying to do, without glossing over the problems that lie reasons some Friends resigned. beneath the surface. Ben Pink Dandelion answered, saying it was difficult In a strange way she reminded me of Gerard Hoffnung. to obtain information without appearing intrusive, He was another non-typical Quaker, who also worked but indicated that some Friends left because they felt very effectively as a prison visitor in the very different the Society had lost its way and that they were ‘true’ environment of the 1950s, which went some way to Quakers, while others felt they might need a place with show that Quakerism can be extrovert without losing its more certainty. roots. Ruth Moore Williams and Gwynneth Marrs gave After lunch Ruth Moore Williams burst into song, a most inspiring presentation. accompanying herself on the Celtic harp singing doggerel about how she is learning to ‘Quake’, how she Martin is from North Wales Area Meeting.
the Friend, 3 August 2018 11 Music
Music ministry
Paulette Meier talks to Ian Kirk-Smith about her recent visit to Britain aulette Meier is a Friend from Ohio who has it in a new way. Over time Paulette shared more of been visiting Britain and sharing the wisdom her song-chants, always with similar responses. Later, of early Friends through her ‘song chants’. back home in Ohio, she provided a workshop for her PHer ‘music ministry’ involves singing quotations Yearly Meeting, based on the sung quotations. The of seventeenth century Friends and her tour in then-manager of Quaker Press in America, who had Britain, doing workshops with Friends, took her to been involved with publishing a Quaker hymnal years Swarthmoor Hall, Woodbrooke, Oxford Meeting, earlier, happened to attend. From that chance meeting, Lancaster, Central Edinburgh, Burford and Bromley. a CD with twenty-one sung quotations from the ‘I was first drawn to the writings of early Friends writings of early Friends was proposed and produced: due to their wisdom and power,’ she explains. ‘I found Timeless Quaker Wisdom in Plainsong. them very meaningful and relevant to the challenges Paulette has had a travelling minute for her music of our day. The quotations are beautiful – “Stand still ministry for some years. At first her travelling minute in that which is pure…” “Sink down to the seed…” concerned her children’s music for peacemaking, They are part of a living tradition, and Friends such but in the last eight years it has included providing as George Fox, James Nayler, Isaac Penington and programmes for adults based on her sung quotations. Margaret Fell still have so much to teach us.’ She said: ‘Usually I begin by singing some quotes Initially Paulette put some quotations to song in solo, in a meditative style, for Friends to drink in order to memorise them for herself. ‘One day when the message. I then invite participants to join me I was feeling particularly lost and down, a quotation on selected songs, for which they have the printed from George Fox caught my eye: “Be still and cool in score. We sing them in a communal, chanting style, thy own mind and spirit, from thy own thoughts.” repeating them, similar to Taizé singing. I provide a bit ‘It was advice he wrote in a letter to Oliver of commentary between songs, talking about the texts, Cromwell’s ailing daughter, to help her open to “God’s the authors, and the context of the quotes. The quotes strength and power”. I found that setting it to song often provoke additional insights and discussion. allowed me to internalise it. Soon I found myself doing They are “pearls of wisdom” that can be used as tools the same with other Quaker quotes. Songwriting was for spiritual practice and a way to help Quakers get not new to me; in fact I was awarded the Artist in interested in the roots of our faith.’ Residence grant at Pendle Hill in 2004 based on my ‘Participation is so important for me. In Swarthmoor music. But these are more like “song-chants’’. The Hall, where I led a retreat with Woodbrooke tutor melodies just follow the words. I grew up in a Catholic Mark Russ, there was a lot of harmony singing. Sitting family, pre-Vatican II, and sang Gregorian chant. I in a circle, facing each other, the harmonics created think chanting is in my bones.’ by the entraining of our voices was heart opening. I Paulette remembers the first time she felt moved, never expected the communal singing of these quotes with heart pounding, to stand up in Meeting and give to sound like sacred chanting, but it did.’ She reflects: vocal ministry that included singing a quotation from ‘I have been amazed and humbled at the paths that George Fox. She was soon sojourning among Friends creating these simple songs have led me down. Never in the Philadelphia area, providing peace education in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to be able to programmes in Quaker Meetings and schools with come to Great Britain and travel among Friends. I am her music. Many Friends who heard the ministry said so grateful for the generous welcome I’ve received.’ they were familiar with the quotation, but hearing it sung touched their hearts and they felt the power of Ian is editor of the Friend.
12 the Friend, 3 August 2018 Quaker life
Hemel Hempstead tercentenary
Audrey Pitchforth writes about a major anniversary
emel Hempstead Local Quaker Meeting is About two years ago our librarian suggested that we celebrating its tercentenary this year. So far, it should prepare an anthology as a permanent memento has proved to be an invigorating and exciting of the tercentenary. This has proved to be a splendid Hyear with, inevitably, a great deal of looking back. In venture, with a book that tells the story of the Meeting this celebratory year, we have thirty members and five over 300 years. The opening paragraphs of this article attenders listed in our Meeting. are taken from the ‘Time Line’ in the book, which gives a valuable and interesting insight into the history There was a Quaker Meeting House at Wood End in of Quakers in Hemsted. We have viewed the original Hemsted, Hertfordshire, in 1682. It was a rudimentary deeds of purchasing the land from the Bell Inn in 1718 building, with a burial ground nearby. In 1689 it was and wondered at the number of Friends from different reported that twenty-three men held a Meeting for places who gave money to buy the land and build. Worship and, on the same day, there was another Meeting of eighteen women. There were some weighty Friends amongst those first members and fortunes varied as the years Friends have identified many of the thirty-three progressed. In Victorian times a local Q=uaker, Joseph Friends buried in that burial ground. Cranstone, was mayor and bailiff of the town, and an important employer in his iron foundry. One son, In 1718, following the Act of Toleration, a plan was Lefevre, was a royal academician and we have been made to buy land in the centre of the town and establish allowed to borrow prints of his work from a Cranstone a new burial ground. This was followed by the erection descendant in Bournemouth Meeting. of the present Meeting house. This is now a Grade II listed building. We remain part of the ‘old town’. Hemel Hemel Hempstead is now quite a small Meeting, but Hempstead was developed as a ‘new town’ in the late our wish to mark 300 years of our building has given 1940s. us great pleasure. We have worked closely together and enjoyed our self-appointed task. We shall continue Our first celebration of the tercentenary took place to celebrate and commemorate with music, an Apple at Easter and took the form of a pilgrimage to Wood Day (when we shall make apple juice from our End to remember the Friends who worshipped and garden trees), a specially written play about long dead were buried there. There will be a large-scale housing members and a Christmas concert by a choir, which project there in the near future and we have asked that has used our main hall as a rehearsal room for many the burial ground is left untouched and that it should years, and we shall try to sell our anthology! So much be marked. is known of the past – we are determined that Hemel Hempstead Meeting will have a future. A special Meeting for Worship was arranged for 20 May, when local churches sent representatives, as Audrey is clerk of the Quaker Terecentenary did the local Interfaith Group (which meets monthly Committee. in our Meeting house). This was followed by lunch (with many apologies to our Muslim guests, as it was Further information: Ramadan). [email protected]
the Friend, 3 August 2018 13 Younger Friends
Home
Catherine Henderson shares some ideas for younger Friends on the idea of ‘home’
There was an Old Man with a beard, Who said, ‘It is just as I feared! – Two Owls and a Hen, four Larks and a Wren, Have all built their nests in my beard.’
ave you ever built a nest or a den – maybe in a secret corner behind the sofa or under a table, or outside under a tree? Most of us like to curl Hup somewhere secret, with a friend, or a cat, or just quietly by ourselves – somewhere we feel cosy and safe. Animals and birds do this too, sometimes in unusual places – though not usually in beards.
I used to make camps with my friends in the barley fields when the straw was cut. We made a horseshoe- shaped wall out of straw, laid sticks across the top and heaped straw on top of that. It made a kind of straw cave, and when you were inside no one knew you were there. Photo: Catherine Henderson. Most of us like to curl up somewhere we feel cosy and safe
I once met a man who lived in a tree. It was his home, all year round. It was a huge ancient oak – when you looked up you would never guess there was someone up there. I think he built a little platform to sleep on, though sometimes, he told me, he slept on the ground snuggled up against the trunk.
He shared the tree with many other creatures – woodpeckers drumming on the bark, squirrels scurrying along branches and a pair of tawny owls, who flew out at night to hunt, calling to each other in
Photo: Rudolphous via Wikimedia Commons. via Photo: Rudolphous the darkness. The oak tree was home to them all.
14 the Friend, 3 August 2018 In the winter, though, the man got a bad cough because it was too cold to sleep outside, so he came into the town to live in a hostel with lots of other men and women who didn’t have homes.
He missed the tree very much, and used to sit and make beautiful drawings of it, full of detail – the rough patterns on the bark, the sun shining through the leaves, and of course the birds and animals.
It’s hard to imagine not having a home. But like the man in the tree, there are a lot of people who have nowhere to live, and a lot of different reasons why this is so.
In countries where there are wars people’s homes are destroyed, and they have to leave all the familiar places behind to find a safe place to stay. Sometimes Wikimedia Commons. via Vassen Photo: Frank they shelter in tents in massive camps in the desert and are often there for many years. Sometimes they live in crowded rooms with lots of other families and no quiet corner for anyone. It must be difficult to feel at home in places like this. Sometimes animals, like people, need a bit of help to make a home
Everywhere people go they try to make a home, a shelter, a safe place to be. Animals do the same. But sometimes animals, like people, need a bit of help to make a home.
Hedgehogs need somewhere safe to shelter, especially when they are hibernating in the winter. If you have a garden, or know someone who does, you could build a hedgehog house.
You need four bricks, placed hollow-side down to form two walls with a space in the middle, and a small paving stone for a roof. A handful of hay inside will make it cosy.
Build it in a sheltered corner facing away from the wind, perhaps near a hedge or compost heap (plenty of worms for breakfast!), with a few logs on top for extra warmth, if you can find them.
If you’re lucky you might find a hedgehog has moved into your garden – or even a whole hedgehog family!
Catherine is from Hertford Meeting. Photo: Catherine Henderson.
the Friend, 3 August 2018 15 Review
A negotiator’s toolkit
Joe Burlington welcomes a timely and needed publication s floods, droughts and wildfires can neither as impacts intensify. There is an emerging global be ignored nor rationally explained away, consensus that climate change will stress economic, government departments – in every country – social, and political systems that underpin each nation Arequire ‘concise arguments for urgent climate action’. state’. The authors have kept each entry brief but one reference for this point refers to a paper with the title: Ministers at climate change conferences need the How Climate Change is Behind the Surge of Migrants most up-to-date findings available. A Negotiator’s to Europe – a thought as pertinent for attitudes Toolkit: Engaging busy Ministries with concise to refugees aiming for Europe as for those at the arguments for urgent climate action, which is edited Mexican/USA border. by Lindsey Fielder Cook and Isobel Edwards of the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) in Geneva, An item in ‘The Ethical Argument’ is: ‘A provides them. These are not opinions – every point transformation is needed in our behaviours, lifestyles, has a reference to published research. Nine of ten and our political and economic systems…’ In sections address ‘Arguments’ related to topics like September, QUNO hopes to publish a version of this ‘Economics and Food Security,’ but light is shone on Toolkit intended for activists. I hope it will address less discussed issues, such as ‘Gender’, ‘Health’ and the question of how ‘behaviours’, among other issues, ‘Civil Society’. might be changed.
‘The Climate Science Argument’ reveals that ‘global The tenth section, ‘Urgent Mitigation Policy’, emissions from fossil fuels and industry’ are now sixty- concludes with the thought that a political choice to two per cent higher than when the Intergovernmental focus on ‘end-of pipe geoengineering technologies’ Panel on Climate Change alerted the world to the implies ‘that it is more acceptable to risk irreparable problem in 1990. How many of us knew that, after harm to our planet than alter the dominant economic twenty-eight years, emissions are not falling steadily as system’. expected, but are in fact higher by a large proportion? ‘Eventually only our sense of the sacred will save us,’ Equally remarkable is a 2009 statement by professor so that we can ‘live more sustainably and fairly, and Tim Jackson quoted in ‘The Economic Argument’: flourish on the Earth’. (The first quote is by the ‘Earth ‘The global economy is almost five times the size scholar’ Thomas Berry; the second is from Shopping it was half a century ago, and has already been for Sustainability by Gill Seyfang of the University of accompanied by the degradation of an estimated East Anglia.) sixty per cent of the world’s ecosystems,’ which ‘is totally at odds with the finite resources and the fragile Just as it says on the cover, A Negotiator’s Toolkit ecology on which we depend for survival.’ It is hard to provides ‘concise arguments for urgent climate action’. take in – we have debased three-fifths of the world’s The Quaker United Nations Office has done what is wildlife! After that, it may not be surprising to know needed – and done it well. that: ‘Seven of the ten costliest years since 1950 for global weather catastrophes occurred between 2000 and 2014’ – facts ignored by conventional economic Joe is from Bridport Meeting. ‘wisdom’. A Negotiator’s Toolkit: Engaging busy Ministries ‘The Peace and Conflict Argument’ includes: ‘Over with concise arguments for urgent climate action is the long term, climate change will result in more edited by Lindsey Fielder Cook and Isobel Edwards. It is disruption, more instability and more displacement available from the QUNO website: www.quno.org
16 the Friend, 3 August 2018 3 Aug 30/7/18 15:13 Page 7
Friends&Meetings
Marriages Changes to meeting QUAKER FELLOWSHIP FOR AFTERLIFE STUDIES CONFERENCE Gill COFFIN and Betty HAGGLUND LISKEARD LOCAL MEETING 21 – 23 September were married on 25 July at From Sunday 12 August until at Working in partnership with Woodbrooke, under the care of least Sunday 7 October, our 10.30am Woodbrooke Selly Oak Meeting. Sunday Meeting for Worship will be quakerfellowshipforafterlifestudies.co.uk held in Stuart House, Barras Street, Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre Liskeard PL14 6AB. Enquiries: 1046 Bristol Road, Birmingham B29 6LJ Deaths [email protected] [email protected] 01579 343641. 0121 472 5171 Diana SIMPKINS (née Holmes) A weekend of presentations and 10 July, peacefully at home. discussion exploring the overlap between Member of Friends House Meeting. Diary spirituality and science, and between Aged 94. There will be a Memorial theory and experience. meeting at 11am, Saturday MINDFULNESS AT WORK What is the true nature of 1 September in the Sarah Fell room Two Day Retreat, 15-16 October. a human being? at Friends House. All welcome. Whatever your workplace - school, We will explore spiritual/psychic office, medical practice, corporate - experiences and focus on the urgent John Conway VOYSEY 15 July, join us at Charney Manor. Learn need for recognition that we are peacefully at home. Member of tools to bring clarity and calm to much more than physical beings living a Ludlow Meeting. Aged 89. Memorial any work situation. Details: finite life. Meeting at Ludlow Meeting House Georgeanne 07765 045939. There will be opportunities to learn from 3.30pm Saturday 4 August. Enquiries: www.ascotmindfulness.co.uk the experiences of other Friends and to [email protected] share our own. For how to place a notice please All welcome. Margaret (Peggy) WADDINGTON contact George Penaluna, email Speakers: Linda Hoy, (née Toop) 28 July, peacefully at [email protected] or telephone Michael John Lovett, Don Mason, home. Widow of Eric, mother of 01535 630230. Catherine Reidy, Tim Walter. Kate Sewell and David Waddington. Member of Abingdon Meeting, previously of Cardiff. Aged 101. Funeral details later. Enquiries: Quaker communications [email protected] 01865 423966. Media training day Free one-day workshop, Saturday 1 September IMPORTANT Friends House, Euston. 10.30am to 4.30pm. The advertisement pages Learn to use the media and social media to share Quaker faith in for the 17 & 24 August action. Sharpen skills in social media to attract new Friends to your issues are being prepared in meeting. Find out what journalists need from you. advance. Please supply any Places are limited and booking is essential. ads by Tuesday 7 August. Please contact: [email protected]
the Friend, 3 August 2018 17 3 Aug 30/7/18 15:13 Page 8
Classified advertisements 54a Main St, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL. T&F: 01535 630230 E: [email protected] MAKING OUR WEST CORNWALL. Studio, sleeps 2/3, on CONSUMPTION SUSTAINABLE where to stay small farm, lovely location close to coast, The Life-Style Movement is holding garden, walks from door, dogs welcome. its annual residential conference at GUESTHOUSES, HOTELS, B&BS [email protected] the Bamford Quaker Community, 01736 762491. Hope Valley, Derbyshire S33 0DA CAUTLEY, SEDBERGH, 1652 COUNTRY from 21 to 23 September. Cross Keys Temperance Inn (formerly home of early Quaker Gervase Benson). OVERSEAS Easy access from Manchester or Sheffield. Quality en-suite B&B £42.50pppn. Talks, discussions and time to Evening meals available. Friendly Quaker SOUTHERN FRANCE Centre Quaker explore beautiful countryside. hosts. 015396 20284. [email protected] Congénies. Walk, cycle, lovely valley. Share Cost £100. www.cautleyspout.co.uk camaraderie/worship with Friends. Relax All welcome. in our pleasant garden. S/C Kitchen. Contact CLARIDGE HOUSE RETREAT CENTRE www.centre-quaker-congenies.org or call [email protected] En-suite B&B, Lingfield, Surrey. 17 National +33 466 71 46 41, +33 466 35 27 16. or 0117 909 3491. Trust properties within 1 hour. Wonderful vegetarian food. Single £65, double £80. SUMMER/AUTUMN AVAILABILITY. 01342 832150. Retreat/holiday residence in quiet SW grants France village. Near rail, air, A75. EDINBURGH. City centre accommodation Broadband. www.faugeres.co.uk at Emmaus House. Tel. 0131 228 1066. [email protected] THE PERCY BARTLETT TRUST www.emmaushouse-edinburgh.co.uk Mention FHLSoF18 Supporting Independence in Older Age Email: [email protected] Scottish charity SC042957. For Members and Attenders of the for sale & to let Religious Society of Friends COTTAGES & SELF-CATERING in their later years BOLTON-LE-SANDS. Lovely little two- Examples of grants given for: A WARM PEMBROKESHIRE WELCOME bedroom mid-terrace (1980s-ish) cottage • meeting shortfalls in local authority awaits you in 2 cosy well equipped with parking. Village Centre. Excellent funding for residential care cottages each sleeps 4. Woodburners, facilities. Four miles north of Lancaster. • helping those in their own home meet sea views, coastal path 2 miles. 01348 £550pcm. Available after renovation costs of extra help 891286. [email protected] 30 September. Enquiries: 01524 823904; • help with certain travel costs www.stonescottages.co.uk messages: 07980 850969. • specialist equipment • respite for carers CORNWALL, 14TH CENTURY COTTAGE LEEDS. Comfortable room to let Monday • physiotherapy overlooking sea. £200-240 pw. Short to Friday in Chapel Allerton, close to Applications are made by the individual breaks. www.wix.com/beryldestone/ buses and shops. Details 07765 452964 with the support of their local Overseer cornishcottage 0117 951 4384. or [email protected] Enquiries to Clerk to Trustees [email protected] COTSWOLDS. Spacious barn conversion or 01279 305247. in Charlbury near Woodstock. Sleeps 2+. books Woodburner. Lovely walking. 01608 Please include a contact phone number. 811558. [email protected]. www.cotswoldsbarn.com INNER LIGHT BOOKS Editions concerning traditional miscellaneous COUNTRY COTTAGES near Ludlow. Quaker Faith & Practice Walking, wildlife. Short breaks. Families. For a list of publications or for more Pets. Green awards. Ffriends’ discount. information on particular titles visit 01547 540441. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT & www.mocktreeholidays.co.uk www.innerlightbooks.com CONSULTANCY or write: Editor, Inner Light Books Bookkeeping, Wardening Cover, Lettings, DEVON-DORSET THATCHED COTTAGE. 54 Lapidge Street Outreach & Project Management for Beautiful 16thc Grade II Listed, 4-bed- San Francisco CA 94110, USA Quaker Meetings & small businesses. rooms. Peaceful village in East Devon Wendrie Heywood AONB, near Jurassic Coast. Autumn rates 07881 220829 from £350 p/w, £220 long w/e. Details: events [email protected] [email protected] or www.mindfulbusinessservices.com 01608 643967. QUAKERS SHARING EXPERIENCE MID-WALES, DOLOBRAN. Summer PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY vacancies. Meeting House cottage. A half-day workshop, tried and &TAXATION SERVICE tested in meetings across the UK. Simple, rural, secret, heavenly retreat. Quaker Accountant offers friendly Sleeps 3. Donations. Tel. 01938 500746. It offers us the opportunity service countrywide. 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18 the Friend, 3 August 2018 3 Aug 30/7/18 15:13 Page 9
Do you want to help shape the future of Quaker communities in Britain? Get involved! Be the change you want to see in our Society! Quaker Life Central Committee (QLCC) is looking for new members. We are particularly keen to receive applications from younger people, and from a diverse range of backgrounds. QLCC works to support and strengthen Quaker life throughout the yearly meeting. This covers faith and practice: both spiritual nurture and the tasks required to run Quaker meetings (Quaker faith & practice 8.08). We are looking for Friends who are strategically minded and have: • an understanding of a variety of Quaker meetings (for example, you have moved around, worshipped in different places, and experienced different forms of Quaker community) • some experience holding a role in a Quaker meeting or community. If you are interested in this opportunity, or know of someone who might be, please email [email protected] with your name and phone number. Alternatively, call 020 7663 1115 and we will be delighted to tell you more about the role.
the Friend, 3 August 2018 19 3 Aug 30/7/18 15:13 Page 10 vol
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T 01535 630 230 T 020 7663 1010 31 E [email protected] the Friend E [email protected] Pilgrimage in 1652 Country V HARNEY For 12–15 year olds ` Follow the footsteps of George Fox and other early Quakers. ANOR Experience their journey and gain insight into the roots of Quakerism by visiting Pendle Hill, Firbank Fell and Swarthmoor Hall. Have fun, Programme 2018 make friends and reflect on your own spiritual journey. 19-22 October 2018, Lancaster. Bookings close Thurs. 20 September. Limited spaces so book early to avoid disappointment. Details and booking info: 020 7663 1013, [email protected] or see www.quaker.org.uk/events/pilgrimage2018
The Dell House AUGUST 20-24 Malvern Experiencing the Cotswolds Gill Peaston SEPTEMBER 3-5 Prophets or mystics: Founding stories of Quakerism Ian Maclean SEPTEMBER 26-28 Finding out about Quakers, a weekend for enquirers Quaker Quest team The 1820’s Dell House offers a OCTOBER 26-28 wide range of accommodation Finding out about Quakers, with a relaxed and peaceful a Membership Weekend spirit that guests value. Quaker Quest team NOVEMBER 19-21 In 2014, Friends Kevin & The peace and hope to end war Elizabeth Rolph took the advice Philip Austin to “Live Adventurously”, NOVEMBER 23-25 giving up their careers in “The truest end of Life….” Cambridge for a new life in the Barney Rosedale and Sue Douglas Malvern Hills. Particularly All events are £195 (deposit £95) successful is their recovery of the except Experiencing the two acre wooded garden. Cotswolds £480 (deposit £240). The house has four ensuite B&B Bursaries of up to 50% may be rooms, three self-catering available (one per person per year) apartments and three large except for Experiencing the reception rooms. It has the Cotswolds. We also offer the option flexibility to provide a quiet to have a few days relaxation at B&B break for individuals, Charney Manor on a Bed and through to workshops and social Breakfast or fully-catered basis. gatherings for groups up to 20; Please contact us for further from self-catering to full board. details. Retreat Administrator: www.thedellhouse.co.uk Nicola Cooper Charney Manor, Charney Kevin and Elizabeth Rolph Bassett, Wantage, OX12 OEJ. 2 Green Lane, Malvern Wells Tel: 01235 868 206 WR14 4HU E: [email protected] Web: www.charneymanor.com [email protected] 01684 564448 Registered charity, no. 237267