23 August 2013 £1.70 the discover the contemporaryFriend quaker way

Luton and Leighton camp the Friend Independent Quaker Journalism Since 1843

Contents VOL 171 NO 34

3 Thought for the Week: A better way? Owen Cole 4 News Be aware of the spirit of God at work in 5 Epistle: Luton and Leighton camp the ordinary activities and experience of your daily life. Spiritual learning Luton and Leighton Area Meeting continues throughout life, and often in 6 Opposing Trident unexpected ways. There is inspiration to be found all around us, in the natural Frank Boulton world, in the sciences and arts, in our 7 Holding to account work and friendships, in our sorrows Mike Derbyshire as well as in our joys. Are you open to new light, from whatever source it may 8-9 Letters come? Do you approach new ideas with 10-11 The hidden illness discernment? Anne Faulkner Advices & queries 7 12-13 Learning from our past, See page 16 looking to our future Roy Stephenson 14 Anthony Benezet Libby Perkins 15 Travelling in ministry: Love, authority and power Thomas Swain Cover image: 16 q-eye: a look at the Quaker world Friends gathering in the quiet space at Luton and Leighton camp. See page 5. 17 Friends & Meetings Photo: Lee Taylor.

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2 the Friend, 23 August 2013 Thought for the Week

A better way?

They walked the Pennine Way and Hadrian’s Wall, That summer of ‘09. They saw the cawing choughs Guarding the coastal path. Surrounded by sheer beauty They talked of weddings and of babies.

A year went by, the terriers left summoned to Helmand. Trod the desert path and thought of home. Six more days to stay. The greenness of a valley almost Welsh Seduced his mind and blew his legs away With thoughts of weddings and of babies.

Ripped in two he lay amid the dust. On English country roads kind folk welcomed him. And in the village church staunch comrades sang his praise. Outside, their fusillade stirred into anger the black dressed mourners high up in the trees. Then all went quiet. Alone, she laid a wreath of poppies On his yet untrodden down grave. A tear watered it. Might there not be a better way? She thought of weddings and of babies.

Owen Cole Chichester Meeting

the Friend, 23 August 2013 3 News reported by Caroline Humphries [email protected] UK urged to end arms sales to Egypt

The Campaign Against Arms crackdown on protesters who people were killed in the Maspero Trade (CAAT) has called for an have called for the reinstatement massacre. It must not be invited immediate end to UK arms sales to of ousted president Mohammed again.’ Egypt, following the recent wave of Morsi. DSEi, one of the world’s biggest violence in the country. Sarah Waldron, core campaign arms fairs, is scheduled for Arms exports to Egypt rose coordinator at CAAT, said: ‘The 10-13 September 2013. Christian sharply in the first quarter of the UK government is supposedly communities across the country year. £45 million of exports were “deeply concerned”. On Wednesday are planning a Day of Prayer on licensed for military helicopter night [14 August] Foreign Office Sunday 8 September to pray for a components and small arms minister Alistair Burt told less militarized and more peaceful between January and March 2013. Newsnight [BBC programme] that society. Quaker Peace & Social This compares to £26 million in the British government is on the Witness is encouraging Friends, total military exports licensed side of the Egyptian people. If that’s and in particular young Quakers, between 2008 and 2012. true, then it needs to stop the arms to take part in a multi-faith candle- According to CAAT, the UK sales immediately – all of them. lit vigil near the ExCel Centre the continued to sell arms to Egypt ‘The Egyptian government evening before the arms fair opens. after the military coup in late June has been a regular visitor to UK Rhiannon Rees, a member of 2013, and only revoked five arms sponsored arms fairs, including Croydon Meeting, who plans to licences in July after dozens were the biennial Defence and Security attend some of the protests, said: killed by the Egyptian security Equipment International (DSEi), ‘How can we say that we “live in forces at a peaceful protest. scheduled to be held at London’s the virtue of that life and power Hundreds have died and ExCel Centre in September. It was that takes away the occasion of thousands more have been injured invited to the last event in 2011, all wars” whilst our taxes are in the security forces’ recent just one month before twenty-eight subsidising this deadly trade?’ Cheltenham Quakers welcome heat wave Cheltenham’s summer heat wave arrived in perfect time for local Friends and their Meeting house. Sixteen solar panels were installing on the Meeting house roof at the end of June – just before several consecutive long hot summer days. Cheltenham Friends’ Meeting House is a well- insulated modern building with an efficient heating system. The panels are expected to generate as much electricity as the building requires. Alison Crane, a local Quaker and prime mover behind the project, said: ‘We chose black panels to match the roof, and just four panels in a line on each of the roofs, which match the roof well.’ She exaplined: ‘Quakers are committed to becoming Photo courtesy of Cheltenham Meeting. a sustainable, low-carbon community. Generating electricity from the sun seemed an obvious choice to reduce our carbon footprint. The electricity we produce is predicted to save 1.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. We hope to save money to ensure that our room hire rates are affordable for the organisations that use the building.’ Cheltenham Friends and their new solar panels.

4 the Friend, 23 August 2013 Luton and Leighton camp Epistle

ear Friends everywhere,

‘there is a field beyond dark and light; I will meet you there’ D (amended from Rumi, twelth century Sufi poet)

Over a hundred campers, from four months to over eighty years, lived together at Luton and Leighton Area Meeting Quaker camp this summer, in a field in the Severn floodplain, close to Upton-upon-Severn, below the beautiful Malvern hills. Many of us came to camp with a heavy heart, grieving for the loss of our Friend, Aelfi Morris. How would camp be? Our theme of ‘Dark and Light’, chosen at our early June planning meeting, promised exploration of deep but tough themes. The make-up of the camp community shifts over the years. This year, we were again blessed with many young children (including three babies) although we missed many of our teenagers. Camp has been enriched by more young adults, several returning with partners and growing families. We were glad to welcome three of the 2010 Youth Pilgrims. Many of us sought and received strength from our beautiful surroundings – tall trees, ripening grain fields, the Malvern hills – and from the ministry of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and even wasps (for some). We experienced light-filled sunny days, scudding clouds, thunder, lighting and stormy rain – and an enchanting grey mist moving towards our camp at sunset one evening, and enveloping us during the night. There is always a rhythm to our camp – this year, the first week laid a very firm foundation of love and depth of worship before our Saturday evening Meeting for Worship to celebrate the grace of God in the life of our dear Aelfi. About a hundred of us, including visitors, gathered in the serene Quiet Space we had created: some prepared ministry opened the way for ministries showing the deep love and respect for Aelfi and his family, and our collective acknowledgement of the loss of a member of our ‘tribe’. After Meeting for Worship, lanterns led a way to a humungous blazing bonfire, as a rainbow appeared in the eastern evening sky. We acknowledge with gratitude the immense loving work in preparation for camp. The deep commitment to our community upheld us during our twelve days together. Many offered service in all sorts of ways to enrich our time together: music, craft, volleyball, study groups, a Godly play… We were nourished by delicious imaginative meals. There was a sense of lightly worn but disciplined ‘right-ordering’ of tasks: joyful and willingly offered service. Meetings for Worship for all ages were gathered and strong. We know that our camp this year has been upheld by many not at camp. We have felt blessed. At our last evening Meeting for Worship, we were reminded of the African saying: ‘if you want to travel fast, go alone. If you want to journey far, go with friends’. We have indeed travelled far together. In 1647, George Fox wrote the following words which retain deep resonance for our time together, and our life beyond camp: ‘…in this, I saw the infinite love of God. I saw also that there was an ocean of darkness and death, but an infinite ocean of light and love, which flowed over the ocean of darkness. And in that also I saw the great love of God; and I had great openings.’ (Quaker faith & practice, 19.03)

Signed by the Thursday/Friday clerks, Nessa Grimes and Rhona French

This is the epistle from Luton and Leighton Area Meeting Camp, which was held between 29 July and 9 August, in Worcestershire.

the Friend, 23 August 2013 5 Opinion

Opposing Trident Photo: easylocum / flickr CC Photo: easylocum / flickr

Frank Boulton reflects on the recent Trident Alternatives Review

arlier this year, in an article in the Friend, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Michael Bartlet stated that Trident, Britain’s On behalf of Medact, a UK-based charity affiliated nuclear deterrent, is obsolete, immoral and a to the Nobel Peace Prize winning ‘International E‘white elephant’. He encouraged Quakers to ask their Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War’, on 14 MPs to ensure a full debate when a formal Trident February I submitted evidence that if all – or even Alternatives Review was published. Prepared under the most – of Trident’s warheads were fired, the lives of auspices of the chief secretary to the Treasury Danny countless people would be at risk: immediately from Alexander (Liberal Democrat MP for Inverness), the blast and radiation and in the long term from a its 25,000 words (on fifty-eight pages) were finally global nuclear famine affecting even Britain. I also published on 16 July and debated in the House of reiterated Michael’s widely-supported point that Commons the following evening. ‘deterrence’ is outmoded. The Review was never intended to define In early July some politicians floated the idea that, in government policy, but it was produced as a result the event of a ‘yes’ vote for Scottish independence in of the original coalition agreement and the need to next year’s referendum, the Trident bases in Scotland satisfy both sides. Nor was it intended to answer the would become ‘sovereign territory’ and, therefore, questions it addressed: these were on what, if any, excluded from an independent Scotland. This credible alternatives to Trident there might be. Instead, perfidious threat did not last long. Its proponents beat it assumed that Britain would remain a nuclear power an ignominious and hasty retreat: but it indicated a and only considered what stopgaps were needed until polarisation of attitudes. Trident is replaced. We who oppose Britain’s nuclear policies must Currently, the UK has four submarines. Under continue to work vigorously for disarmament. The the terms of the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security ‘final’ decision on whether or not to replace Trident Review, each is armed with up to eight missiles and will be in 2016. Most current MPs – and all the forty warheads. One submarine is always on patrol conservatives – favour full replacement and CasD. and ready to fire – this is known as Continuous We must convince parliamentary candidates of the at-sea Deterrence (CasD). In effect, the Review finds obsolescence, immorality and unjustified expense that the Trident system remains the most effective; entailed by possessing nuclear weapons. although other systems may be ‘credible’ (such as putting nuclear tips on cruise missiles) these would be not quite so credible and would cost even more. The only ‘alternative’ that the Review did not dismiss Frank is a member of Southampton Meeting. was to abandon CasD, allowing one submarine to be at sea some of the time (without disclosing when), Trident will be discussed at an open Medact conference fewer submarines to be maintained and the possible in London on Saturday 9 November. For further advantage of demonstrating British compliance with information: www.medact.org

6 the Friend, 23 August 2013 Talking point Holding to account

Mike Derbyshire writes about Tony Blair and the Iraq war

ancaster Central & North Area Meeting has been The prima facie case against Blair, which should considering an issue that concerns three of our be answered publicly before an impartial hearing, is testimonies: to peace, to equality and to truth threefold: L– our silence over the circumstances of Tony Blair’s involvement in the Iraq war. A group of local Friends Firstly, that he was a party to initiating the Iraq has met to discuss what might be done and has war, with the purpose of changing the regime in Iraq, produced this paper. We would like to know whether when that regime was no threat to his own country any other Area Meetings share our concern. and in the absence of a relevant resolution of the Security Council of the United Nations. Waging a It is just ten years since millions of people marched war of aggression is a major war crime and, indeed, in protest and Quakers made clear their opposition was described in the Nuremberg judgement as the to the Iraq war. Since then, more information has ‘supreme international crime’. (Geoffrey Robertson, become available, making the criminal nature of Crimes against Humanity) Blair’s activities even clearer. However, holding him to account for these crimes will not be easy or Secondly, that he used the statement that Saddam straightforward. Hussein was in possession of weapons of mass destruction as an argument to justify the war, when As is the case in many European countries, the UK there was no credible evidence for the existence has incorporated the relevant aspects of international of such weapons. In particular, the claim was not law into its domestic law. This means that any case supported by the reports produced by Hans Blix, the must start in a local court and cannot go straight to head of the UN inspectors in Iraq. (Philippe Sands, the international court. Initiating a case in the UK Lawless World) would be difficult. However, it is not the intention of these Friends to attempt to bring Blair to a court of Thirdly, that he permitted the transfer of prisoners law, but simply to state the case that he should answer. from British jurisdiction to the jurisdiction of regimes where they were likely to be tortured, contrary to Recent developments have made it even more article three of the Convention against Torture and important to publicise these issues. The tenth Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or anniversary of the beginning of the war has Punishment. (Philippe Sands, Lawless World) demonstrated that there is still much public disquiet about Britain’s role in the conflict. The current tragic The Iraq war has not been considered formally by situation in the Middle East requires all of us to learn Quakers since the time of the war itself. We think it from past mistakes. Furthermore, recent comments would be worthwhile for Friends to make a statement by archbishop Desmond Tutu have been thought – whether in support of archbishop Desmond Tutu, or provoking. It is disquieting that it had been left to in cooperation with other churches, or on their own an African to point out the hypocrisy of the western account – making it clear that there are people in the democracies. If a black head of government had west who believe that Blair should be held accountable flouted international law, as Blair has done, there for his actions. We would welcome your comments. would be forceful initiatives to hold that person to account. Mike is a member of Lancaster Meeting.

the Friend, 23 August 2013 7 Letters All views expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Friend

Dilemma are prepared to be open to it. We can proclaim from The first four letters (2 August) gave Friends a personal experience that it exists and has been, from dilemma. Their concerns were climate change, peace, the beginning, the source of all Quaker action. In the population and God. It is no surprise that some silence of our Meetings, and in seeking confirmation of religions ignore, or even oppose, a lower population our business decisions, we prepare ourselves to be open through birth control and education – they would to it. The Quaker faith has not changed. have less God-worshipping minds. Research has Edward Hoare shown that more mammals (including humans) in a [email protected] space increases conflict – or reduces peace. There are an increasing number of protests that highlight the Sail training competition for scarcer resources (for example, fishing In a recent pamphlet, which came out with the Britain quotas, rubbish and drilling at Balcombe). Yearly Meeting mail, I was encouraged to read of the Can God give us the wisdom to see the biological offer for young Quakers to give sail training a life- reality of too many dominant living creatures of the changing trial. Sadly, the offer referred to a sail training species Homo sapiens on planet earth? group who operate a vessel not fitted to accomodate Bob Booth young Friends with mobility problems. Only the able- Seaford Meeting, East Sussex bodied may apply! As a supporter of the Jubilee Sailing Trust I know Revision of Quaker faith & practice that equality of oppurtunity can be experienced by all I fear that Carole Hamby (9 August) is misinformed degrees of mobility. I hope that by reading this short about the process of revision. letter those so restricted may feel challenged enough to I was a member of the Church Government Revision look into the facilities of the Jubilee Sailing Trust. They Committee from 1961-67 and, from that experience, currently operate two grand vessels – the Lord Nelson can confirm that if a text from the past is felt to be and the Tenacious are able even to haul wheelchair- spiritually relevant to present day Friends, despite its based persons up to the crow’s nest! What a life- wording, it has to be quoted accurately. It cannot be changing adventure that would be! tampered with – in case this changes the meaning Howard Wright that its author intended. We must each try to discern Lyme Meeting, Dorset the meaning behind, sometimes outmoded, words that have been spoken or written by Friends of deep Choice of energy supplier spirituality. Friends, in London and the South East in particular, Quaker faith & practice is full of gems from the past who have sought to use electricity from a renewable and there is no way that any Revision Committee will and environmentally sustainable source will be as be carrying out wholesale deletions on the basis that dismayed as I was to learn that EDF is terminating its somebody somewhere might be offended. The same, of ‘Green Tariff’ at the end of September. This tariff was course, applies to newer texts that have yet to find their established, by the then London Electricity, over twelve way into our book of discipline. My observation is that years ago as a progressive move. Quaker faith & practice is deeply loved by the Society EDF is heavily committed to nuclear power (sixty- as a whole and I have every faith that any Revision two per cent) and coal (twenty-eight per cent) for Committee will, in the end, produce a document that power generation. It will source less than three per cent will be equally valued by us all. But we will, as ever, of its electricity from renewables. need to search for the meaning behind words that may There are several suppliers committed to the use of sometimes be difficult for us. sustainable and more environmentally friendly sources. Metford Robson Their products can be compared on ‘green electricity’ Bury St Edmunds Meeting, Suffolk websites. One of the longest standing companies is Good Energy, whose products were suggested for use ‘The essence of Quaker spirituality is our personal by Meeting houses in the London area many years ago. experience of, and our collective witness to, a sacred John Hewitt dimension of life that is greater than our limited Westminster Meeting, London human consciousness. A mystery at the heart of life which will guide us as we wait expectantly upon its Young Friends want to meet you leadings.’ (Alex Wildwood, Universe as Revelation) Could your Meeting host a group of young Friends for Over the years Friends have referred to the a weekend? Young Friends General Meeting (YFGM) is manifestation of this mystery as the ‘Inward Light’, the a community of young adult Quakers between the ages reality of which can be testified to by those of us who of eighteen and thirty-ish. We meet together for three

8 the Friend, 23 August 2013 [email protected]

weekends a year in large Meeting houses around the and I quite agree this is a regrettable necessity, but we country – and in order to plan each of these gatherings, have made it a priority to provide as much bursary fifteen to twenty of us spend a ‘planning weekend’ support as possible; this now amounts to in excess of together in a smaller Meeting house. We arrive on £350,000 a year. Much of this has been made possible Friday, eat and have meetings in the Meeting house by the generosity of old scholars, and other Friends, on Saturday, and join local Friends for Meeting for from all walks of life, who have appreciated the way Worship on Sunday, leaving around 2pm. in which schools such as ours can make a life-long Currently, we have a small pool of Meeting houses impression. that we visit regularly for planning weekends, but Michael Goodwin we’re keen to expand the number of Meeting houses Sibford School, head we use. This is partly because we’d like to have as wide a geographical spread as possible across England, Gatesbield Scotland and Wales. It would help us to be accessible It was a real pleasure to read Jo Jaffray’s article (9 to all our members, but also enable us to meet you. August) on the continuing success of this enterprise. We want to build relationships with Local Meetings, to As clerk to Swarthmore Monthly Meeting at the time share what YFGM does and to get to know you over tea may I add one or two items of record which may be of a little! interest? It was ‘touch and go’ at one time, as Friends We need an accessible Meeting house, with enough only had six months in which to set up a Housing space for fifteen to twenty-five people to sleep Association and accept the gift. We had already gone overnight. We’d like access to a kitchen and three up one ‘blind alley’, causing much anxiety. rooms over some of the weekend (not necessarily all). The young architect was Robert Gilchrist, who Would your Meeting be interested in hosting us? We’d himself lived in an Arts and Crafts house further down love to hear from you. Please email [email protected] the lake and who sadly died shortly after this brief. Hannah Brock Sylvia Hicks, the first warden, had a long tenure there On behalf of YFGM trustees and was instrumental in providing the scheme, from the start, with a secure and stable ethos and modus It’s up to all of us vivendi. I agree with almost everything that Niki Todd says Jo Jaffray confirms the continuity of good (9 August). Francis of Assisi wrote a wonderful Peace governance. From the beginning we were blessed with Prayer. But I have some doubts in the second verse the necessary expertise in the management committee – seeking consolation can sometimes lead to mutual (trustees). As for Stanley Davies’ furniture, it is much understanding (after all we are all human!), as long as it valued and examples of it may be seen in the gallery at is not at the expense of the other person. Abbothall in Kendal. Elaine Miles John Voysey North Wales Area Meeting Ludlow Meeting, Shropshire Sibford School In the light of the advice printed on the letters page (…in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity), I was In essentials unity, sorry to read the criticism, in a letter, of our animal in non-essentials liberty, husbandry initiative at Sibford School (9 August). Our role as Quaker educators is to broaden horizons. I do in all things charity. not think that the writers would want us to enforce vegetarianism on our students, although we always The Friend welcomes your views. Please keep letters offer vegetarian and vegan meals. Given that some of short (about 250 words) and include your full our students will eat meat, isn’t it appropriate that they postal address, even when sending emails. Please see first-hand how the meat is produced so that they specify whether you wish for your postal or email can make well-informed choices for themselves? address or Meeting name to be used with your Or does the punctuation of ‘“Quaker” (?)’ school name, otherwise we will print your post address or reveal other issues? We are a Quaker school, email address. Letters are published at the editor’s established by Friends in 1842. Our governing body discretion and may be edited. Write to: the Friend, is Quaker and so are the head and deputy head. We 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ or email hold a daily Meeting for Worship and, I think, do a [email protected] good deal of Quaker outreach, largely paid for by non- Remember if you are online that you can also comment on all articles at www.thefriend.org Quakers. It is true that the majority of parents pay fees,

the Friend, 23 August 2013 9 Feature The hidden illness

Anne Faulkner writes about Quakers and the fight against ME

hen there is a group of people being treated physician at the Royal Free Hospital, was conducting a with unkindness and injustice, their suffering research study into CFS/ME, but, more importantly, he either ignored or disbelieved, then it is likely ran a CFS/ME clinic that produced outstanding results. Wthat some Quakers will intervene to try to do something Sadly, he died before the study was completed, leaving about it. So it is with the disease popularly known as despairing patients behind. ME, although scientists prefer to call it Chronic Fatigue In the twenty-one years since its inception the research Syndrome (CFS). organisation, which was named the CFS Research When, in the 1980s, I was diagnosed with the illness Foundation, has made an important mark on research I was appalled to find a situation where sufferers worldwide. An impressive portfolio of papers has been were enduring pain and distress, but their doctors published in distinguished scientific journals, covering were either ignoring their problems or abusing them, the studies funded by the Foundation. insisting their illness was imaginary. Fortunately, there A respected scientist wrote of the work: ‘The was a group of doctors and scientists who were alarmed Foundation may be proud of what it has achieved, not at the increasing prevalence of the illness and were only from the work funded directly but also in helping anxious that a research body should be formed. This is bring about recognition that CFS is a genuine disorder where Quakers stepped in. that merits significant research spending nationally and globally.’ A research foundation The Quaker attitude My husband, Hugh Faulkner, and I, both members of Jordans Meeting and both experienced in running I have often wondered to what extent the Quaker a charity, offered to undertake the establishment of attitude to business influenced the organisation. I a research foundation – if we had the backing of can’t remember ever having a vote in either research these doctors and scientists. This was enthusiastically committee meetings or trustees’ meetings. Decisions are welcomed and the organisation was formed. We had always consensual. In an area where bitter arguments no money, so everything had to be done on a voluntary and strife were paramount, the Foundation remained basis. We turned to Jordans Meeting and, soon, the aloof and concentrated entirely on research. majority of the part time staff were members of our When we came into being in 1993 there was little Meeting. We needed trustees to oversee the organisation research into CFS/ME. The research that was being and, again, we turned to Quakers. We soon had a done was of poor quality. It was imperative that this board of trustees, of whom four were members of the should be changed. We formed a Research Committee Religious Society of Friends. In 1997 Hugh died and I of scientists pre-eminent in their fields. Over the years took over the directorship alone. four fellows of the Royal Society have joined us. A There was one other contribution made by Jordans decision was made that the Foundation should only Meeting. Ian James, an attender who was a consultant fund research of the gold standard.

10 the Friend, 23 August 2013 Photo: James Cridland / flickr CC Cridland / flickr Photo: James

The most difficult problem facing us was the attitude research, or attempting to change attitudes to an illness, of many sufferers to scientists, doctors and to each with the notable exception of the establishment and other. Some doctors and scientists, at the same time, work of The Retreat in York. I have often wondered had entrenched ideas about CFS/ME. It became a why Friends were so determined to do something very contentious issue. about this illness. It may We might have looked to …between one and two per cent have been because they journalists to show the know that between one suffering being caused by of the UK population are affected… and two per cent of the UK the illness. However, on population are affected and the whole, they decided to give the subject a wide berth. so little is being done for them. It may have been the Whenever they wrote anything on the topic they often knowledge that twenty-five per cent of these people received what could only be regarded as hate mail. The were virtually prisoners in their homes and many most damaging effect of this was that scientists turned bedbound for months or years. Whatever the reasons, their backs on research into the disease. They could not it must be acknowledged that Friends, through the CFS afford to become involved in such muddy waters. Research Foundation, made an important contribution in changing attitudes towards the disease in the general Despairing letters population and, more importantly, among doctors and scientists. Research has gone ahead in a way it had Naturally, the Foundation received despairing letters never done before. from patients, but we refused to become embroiled in the arguments. Was this again the Quaker approach? Quaker trustees We pointed out that only research could find the true answers. We were pulling out all the stops to take Sadly, the influence of Friends has almost disappeared. this forward; but we were not going to be involved in Over the years our Quaker voluntary helpers have arguments. grown too old or moved away. I am the only Quaker For several years the Foundation has funded studies trustee left. Because of my ME, while I work from the examining the basis of the disease by concentrating on office in my home, I am unable to go to Meeting. So, I comparing the genes of CFS/ME sufferers with those have not been able to talk to Friends about our work of normal healthy people. Gene research is still at the and so find new Friends to join us; but the real need is top of our agenda. We realise that this is likely to be for Quaker trustees. The Foundation still needs Friends long term research. We are, therefore, funding a study to keep this vision alive. examining the reasons for the devastating pain endured by the majority of sufferers so that therapies may be found to alleviate or eliminate this pain. Anne is a member of Jordan’s Meeting. She is honorary Friends do not usually become involved in medical director of the CFS Research Foundation.

the Friend, 23 August 2013 11 Reflection

Learning from our past, looking to our future

For many years there has been a Meeting for Worship on Firbank Fell to commemorate the great occasion in 1652 when George Fox spoke with hundreds of Seekers and convinced their leaders that their message and his had a fundamental unity and relevance to the world.

This Meeting is always introduced by a few words from a Friend.

This year the invited speaker was Roy Stephenson, of Lancaster Meeting, who talked about

LSF SE26 Fox on Pendle Hill by Robert Spence. © Religious Society of Friends in Britain Society Spence. © Religious of Friends Robert Hill by on Pendle SE26 Fox LSF Quakers and the Bible.

12 the Friend, 23 August 2013 wanted to say something that arose from the same A different way of envisioning what was in John’s sources from which early Friends spoke; in other mind when he wrote these words might be that Jesus words, out of personal experience, informed by the said: Iideas of the Bible. I also wanted to show that in times that are much less centred on biblical language, some God is Way, Truth and Life, and if you live as I live, you biblical ideas might still have much to say to us. And will find God living in you. lastly, I wanted to give an example of how we might listen to one another in our differences, if we listen I’ll say that again, because I think it’s important and below the spoken word for its meaning and message. might be helpful: This is the ministry I prepared: God is Way, Truth and Life, and if you live as I live, you Friends, will find God living in you.

Meeting on Firbank Fell is an opportunity to consider What strikes me forcibly about this is how like the roots of Quakerism and what they have to offer the approach of early Friends it sounds. They, too, to the world we live in. Today, I’d like to look at some realised that God was not to be contained by a static of the roots of Friends in the Christian faith they noun, but was a force that could refashion our lives; rediscovered, and indicate how that might continue to that the attempt to live according to this force for challenge and inspire us. dynamic, often uncomfortable, change gives our lives an authenticity that otherwise they lack; and that being One of the key gospel sayings for the development of in connection with this force makes our experience the Protestant form of the Christian faith comes from of life so much more vivid that it feels as if our prior John’s gospel. It is: experience was merely marking time. In other words, Way, Truth and Life. I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Message of faith John 14:6 The first Friends were enabled to find their way to a Today, this is more often a barrier to faith than a truer, deeper sense of personal value and worth, to way to express it, unless one belongs to the evangelical a freedom they had not previously experienced, and tradition. However, it would be wrong to base a way to a courage in life they had not known was in their of faith on the exigencies of translation; the form of grasp. And it was these qualities that enabled them to this translation, by William Tyndale, was specifically take their message of faith out from this hillside and designed to attack the church-oriented theology of immediate area to the towns and cities of this country, fourteenth and fifteenth century western European to other countries, other continents and to other faiths. worship and to redirect it back to the source from which that church arose. Why, Friends, are we today not listened to when we attempt to share with the world the truths we find? Friends know that, for a living basis, faith always Why do we not continue to grow and show the world has to arise from personal experience and humble how much joy there is in living in the Quaker way? toleration of the experience of others. Are we so much smaller people today? Do we have less to share? Do we believe that the ideals of early I am what I am Friends have all been achieved in this country? Are we, perhaps, afraid to find a Divine Way, an authentic Let’s go back to our quotation. I’m no expert, but people Truth to live by, a Life that is full? who know these things tell me that the language in which the gospels were written, new testament Greek, We are not first called to become evangelists, or to contains neither the definite not the indefinite article. speak Truth to power, but to have changed lives, lives And I remember being taught that the Hebrew form that infuse our Quaker community with the power of of the name of God, Yahweh, means something like our love for one another and the certainty that in the ‘I am what I am’, suggesting that in God we find the Divine scheme of things, we are worth loving. possibility of change, of self-re-creation. The fact that John credits Jesus with beginning this quotation with the words ‘I am’ for me implies that he was linking Jesus Roy is a member of Lancashire Central & North Area to the Divine, but not in the sense of identification. Meeting.

the Friend, 23 August 2013 13 History Anthony Benezet

Libby Perkins remembers an inspiring Quaker

his year is the tercentenary of the birth of Other papers given, in French or English, ranged Anthony Benezet (1713-1784). Benezet was a from Benezet’s geneology to his relevance and legacy fascinating and inspiring figure but we know so for today’s African Americans. Benezet taught at Tlittle about him – except as a friend of John Woolman, the William Penn Charter School and founded sharing his vision of a society without slavery, as an two Quaker African schools for black children abolitionist, a pacifist and an ardent Quaker. in Philadelphia. He had progressive ideas about There are no quotes by Benezet in Quaker faith education and wrote a ‘Philadelphia Spelling Book’. & practice nor, for example, in Spirit of the Quakers, His library was legendary and he lent his books most Geoffrey Durham’s recent personal selection of the generously to all and sundry. He was also a vegetarian writing of Friends. Yet he wrote hundreds of letters (unlike John Woolman). to, amongst others, John Woolman, Charles Wesley Benezet is historically important for founding the and William Wilberforce. He also wrote a number of first anti-slavery society: ‘The Society for the Relief tracts. Many of them are now in the Haverford College of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage’. After and Swarthmore College libraries. Benezet’s death in 1784, Benjamin Franklin and Earlier this summer a conference was held in Paris Benjamin Rush reconstituted this association as the devoted to Benezet: ‘The Atlantic World of Anthony Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Benezet’. It was attended mainly by American, British Slavery. and French academics specialising in seventeenth and Maurice Jackson, a professor at Georgetown eighteenth century Huguenot history and the slave University, Washington DC, spoke movingly at the trade. Only a few of those who attended were Quakers. event of the same suffering, poverty and exclusion that The event was two days of intellectual, emotional and exists among the underprivileged and marginalised spiritual challenge. in the twenty-first century world as in Benezet’s era. Benezet’s family were Huguenots in the Languedoc There is still a need for empathy and ‘a tender hand’. region of France, including Congenies and the It was refreshing to be in a Quaker minority. Sylvette Cevennes. After the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, Thompson, the clerk of France Yearly Meeting, they were forced to flee persecution to St Quentin in was also there with her husband, Richard. It was, the north of France, where Benezet was born in 1713. altogether, two days of ‘living adventurously’. The He was one of a large family who were merchants in Quaker Tapestry panel of the Nantucket whalers was the linen trade. Soon after his birth they were once much in evidence. again forced to flee as refugees to Rotterdam. They Anthony Benezet’s life shows that action comes first then travelled on to London. After ten or twelve years and that one must ‘walk the walk’. He would probably in England the family sailed to Philadelphia, where the have been too modest to say ‘Trust me, I’m a Quaker’ young Anthony became a Quaker. Two of his sisters - the title of the young people’s programme at Yearly married Moravians. Meeting 2013, but I certainly would have trusted and As Jeanne Henriette Louis, the leading French admired him. Quaker historian, pointed out, he became the spiritual successor to William Penn. Although they never met both men held the ideal of a ‘Peaceable Kingdom’. Libby is a member of Congenies and Polegate Meetings.

14 the Friend, 23 August 2013 Travelling in ministry Love, authority and power

Thomas Swain, in the last of his series on travelling in ministry, asks: Do British Friends know their authority and power?

hen a Friend travels in ministry to visit a Friends search for authority. They know its Meeting they bring new eyes in seeing that authenticity. Yet, they keep themselves sheltered from Quaker community. When is it appropriate it. Is this because they do not understand it? Do they Wto share this? Is it appropriate for Meeting for carry irrational fears – that someone might gain Worship? Sometimes it is important for the visiting authority over them and that they might be forced to Friend to hold these newly seen things in his or do something they are not ready to do? It is good to her heart for further seasoning and understanding. be wary of this kind of authority. Is my perception of Sometimes a written letter to the Meeting, or an article British Friends correct? to the Friend, speaking to it in a general way might be The sociologist Max Weber talked about helpful. ‘charismatic authority’ that comes from grace. This is The larger picture I have of British Friends is that the kind of authority that originally gave Friends their they are faithful people desiring goodness. They know legitimacy. love and they love. Love arises from the Spirit within Are there Friends today who have an abiding love themselves and in the worshipping community. British for the Religious Society of Friends, who would travel Friends show an abiding passion for the immediate among our Meetings with a constant message that world around them and for events in other continents. ‘there is One who can speak to our condition’? Are They desire a centred and sturdy worshipping there Friends today who might travel among us and experience. There is a longing to go deeper and to be encourage us to enter into the grace of authority and more faithful. use that power to heal ourselves? Might some British There seems, however, to be a lack of understanding Friends rise up to visit Meetings and speak about the in how this might be done. I wonder, sometimes, Guidance that has authority over our lives – that longs whether they fear becoming powerful Quakers? Why to address the wrongs in our world? can’t Friends nurture and strengthen their authority Do we have the faith that Rachel Wilson, an and power? I detect that there is a yearning among eighteenth century travelling British minister, pointed British Friends for authentic religious experience – the to when she wrote of the source that ‘is abundantly kind of experience that has the power to convince, to able to support [us] through every trial’? influence and to make things whole again. In an earlier article (7 June) I noted the blossoming The Kindlers are a small group of Friends who promises that are evident among British Friends are ministering to this need. They offer, at minimal today. How more abundant might the entire cost, classes to Friends and Meetings. Their aim is to membership be if we were united in our intent to bring the worshipping community to an awareness nurture our faith and support travelling ministry in of that power and truth within us that lifts us up Britain Yearly Meeting. Might this unleash an open and empowers us. They want to build that stable throttle of love, authority and power? confidence that Friends are a gathered people and that their work is to change or restore the world and enable wholeness. From my privileged association with the Kindlers team they are making an impact upon British Friends. Is it enough? Maybe the Kindlers ‘Visioning New Fire’ conference in October might give direction Thomas is a member of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and for this. is working with The Kindlers.

the Friend, 23 August 2013 15 a look at the Quaker world [email protected]

New light Turrell’s

There is inspiration to be found all around us, in the natural world… Are you open to new light from whatever source it may come? triumph Advices & queries 7 Our Friend Judy Kirby, in One fine July evening saw half-a-dozen intrepid Friends Northumberland, has alerted Eye rendezvous in the old town cemetary turned nature reserve in Stroud. The to a story at New York’s famous mission? Seeking new light. Guggenheim Museum. She writes: Mary Brown, of Stroud Meeting, wrote to Eye to illuminate their quest: ‘Quakers like to think of James ‘A glow worm’s light is illusive, often part hidden in the foliage. We need Turrell, the installation artist, as to walk slowly in the dark, searching diligently. Then one of the group sees theirs. His medium is light and his one. We all gather round, amazed at its brightness, its greenish glow. We mastery of it in numerous shapes wonder how we could nearly have missed it. Yet move slightly to one side, and forms has given him an view it from another angle and its light vanishes. enduring reputation, as the work ‘After this first sighting we no longer mistake a white flower for a glow of other creators of installation art worm, although moonlight on a wet leaf can still fool us.’ has become more theatrical and The experience clearly resonated with Friends, as Mary reflects: ‘Glow easily forgotten. worms live solitary, seemingly unfulfilled, lives, hardly moving from ‘Turrell is currently being where they hatch. The female does not fly, she lights up on midsummer celebrated in a major exhibition nights and the male flies around seeking her light. When he finds her they of his work at the Guggenheim mate briefly, her light goes out, she lays her eggs and then dies. They have Museum in New York City. And fulfilled their life’s purpose: eggs for next year’s resurrection. his genius is wowing the critics ‘In the few weeks that she glows, the female glow worm offers us a it seems. The New Yorker critic unique, magical light. We can only stand and stare and wonder at this Peter Schjeldahl calls the show miracle of nature. Let us be open to it.’ “air conditioning for the eye and, if you’re gamely susceptible, the s o u l ”. Lion-like Lyn ‘The critic thinks Turrell is “the veteran wizard of installations that Eye sincerely apologises Welsh is a diminutive of Llewellyn, involve illusory effects of light, for inspiring the Afterword, ‘The meaning ‘leader’ or ‘lion-like’. both natural and artificial.” In Friend has changed my sex’. Thankfully Lyn himself Houston, the Live Oak Meeting It transpires that Lyn Wilson, graciously did not roar when he House has a Turrell retractable of Cambridge Hartington Grove spotted the error. ‘I often receive roof, which reveals the setting sun Meeting, who lay in alpine letters, “Dear Madam”. Many years in a deep Texan sky. meadows in last week’s Eye (16 ago I booked a place at a Youth ‘Turrell told the critic that August) should not have been Hostel and must have forgotten he has never ceased to value referred to as ‘she’. to tick the box M or F; I got to his childhood in a family He writes: ‘I’m one of the few in the hostel and the warden said, of traditionalist Quakers England (lots in Wales) male Lyns.’ observing my beard, “I put you (Wilburites). “There is something Some industrious digging in the women’s dorm, I guess I’d of the silent Meeting house, unearthed the fact that ‘Lyn’ in better throw you out”.’ awaiting visitations of the Spirit, about all his works,” says Schjeldahl. “Turrell is coolly The writing on the wall pragmatic in his way of conceiving art. But, should some people Geoff Braithwaite, of St Albans Meeting, got in touch to share chance to have theophanies this some social commentary spotted in the customer toilet of a local shop. summer at the Guggenheim, I The grafitti – and retort – read: doubt that he would mind.” Sad to recall, then, that the opportunity People are suffering because you think you’re special to have a permanent Turrell skyspace in the roof of Friends They are suffering because they think they aren’t House was missed last year.’

16 the Friend, 23 August 2013 Ad pages 23 Aug 19/8/13 20:44 Page 3

Friends&Meetings Memorial meetings Calls for contributions Meeting up

Rose Helen SANDFORD Charles SWAISLAND Abingdon SINCERE, 67 YEAR OLD A Memorial Meeting to give thanks Local Meeting are preparing at Northampton man, average build, for Rose’s life will be held at 12 Testimony to the Grace of God in with ‘Universalist’-type beliefs and noon Saturday 21 September at the life of Charles (FAU, China old-fashioned values, seeks open- Derby Meeting House. Further Convoy, Nigeria, VSO, Fircroft, minded and compassionate lady for details from Stephen Sandford Birmingham University, Anti- companionship (perhaps more later). 0115 930 9922. Slavery International, Rhodes Interests include current affairs, House, Thembisa Trust, Kennington classical music and commitment. Overseas Aid etc.) and invite Replies please to Box 961 c/o Changes to meeting Friends to share memories and sto- The Friend Advertisement Dept. ries for possible use. Please contact WESTMINSTER MEETING Caroline Jackson: 01235 832753, HOUSE closed for renovation until [email protected] September. Meetings for Worship at Let your life their usual times, Tuesday 1-1.30pm, Wednesday 6.15-7pm, Sunday Diary 11am-12pm, at Kings College Chapel speak... (inside Kings College London, CHALLENGING CAPITALIST Strand Campus). All welcome. GREED AND VIOLENCE ...through Details: 020 7836 7204/ Radical Christianity conference, www.westminsterquakers.org.uk 10am Saturday 21 September, a legacy to Bunhill Fields QMH. Speakers Choice of energy supplier? Justin Meggitt and Martin Newell. the Friend Hosted by London Conservative See last week’s issue for a Friends. No charge but donations appreciated. Register: Simon Watson When making copy of the Ethical Consumer 020 8469 2901. your will, please energy suppliers report! consider leaving a EXPERIENCING OXFORD legacy to The Friend 9-13 September. Enjoy the hospitality Publications and help Notices on this page of Charney Manor whilst exploring Oxford and its attractions, including the continued production Personal entries (births, marriages, visits to Christ Church college, the of the Friend and Friends deaths, anniversaries, changes of Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Quarterly. address, etc.) will be charged at £20 Library, Oxford Castle and prison, incl. vat for up to 35 words and includes a copy of the magazine and the Botanic Gardens. Organised Registered charity 211649 containing the notice. Meeting and by Gillian Peaston, Manager at Registered address charity notices (changes of clerk, Charney Manor. Cost £450. To book/ 173 Euston Road further information: 01235 868206 or new wardens, alterations to meeting, London NW1 2BJ diary, etc.) £16.67 zero rated for vat. email [email protected] Max. 35 words. 3 Diary or Meeting up entries £40 (£33.33 zero rated); 6 entries £72 (£60 zero rated). Notices A QUAKER BASE IN Independent advisors should preferably be prepaid. CENTRAL LONDON planning your secure Cheques payable to ‘The Friend.’ future in line with Deadline usually Monday morning. Central, quiet location, your concerns convenient for Friends House, Entries are accepted at the editor’s British Museum and transport. discretion in a standard house style. Comfortable rooms tastefully investingethically A gentle discipline will be exerted to furnished, many en-suite. maintain a simplicity of style and Full English breakfast. We manage Personal wording that excludes terms of Discount for Sufferings and and Charity Portfolios endearment and words of tribute. Club members. Call Tracey for a free brochure The Friend, 54a Main Street, 21 Bedford Place 01603 309020 Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL. London WC1B 5JJ Tel. 020 7636 4718 www.investing-ethically.co.uk T 01535 630230 E [email protected] Investing Ethically Ltd is Authorised and

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the Friend, 23 August 2013 17 Ad pages 23 Aug 19/8/13 20:44 Page 4 ygy g

Classified advertisements QUAKER HOUSE where to stay Classified ads NEW MILTON COTTAGES & SELF-CATERING New Forest Quaker From 1 July 2013 Standard linage Residential Care Home 54p a word, semi-display 82p a Open to All PENZANCE. Georgian terraced house, word. Rates incl. vat at 20%. sleeps up to 8. Convenient for shops, parks, Min. 12 words. Series discounts: short drive to beaches. 01736 368575. TREASURER www.westcornwallcottageholidays.com/ 5% on 5 insertions, 10% on 10 The role would suit a recently penzance-cottages/426/parade-house or more. Cheques payable to retired Finance Director The Friend. SOUTH DEVON. Wonderful walks from Advertisement Dept The role of the Treasurer is impor- this recently refurbished flat at Greenway 54a Main Street tant in guiding the board in agree- on the River Dart. Sleeps 2. Donation £200pw to Quakers/Oxfam. 01803 Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL ing annual budgets, monitoring the Tel. 01535 630230 financial position of the organiza- 431047; [email protected] tion and presenting the monthly Email: [email protected] finance reports. SPACIOUS 2-BED FLAT (sleeps 5) in village between London and Cambridge. Being a Board Member is an Suit Quaker visitors. 24 December - incredibly important role and a 16 January. £350 per week. personal good way to make a significant [email protected] or 01763 273321. difference to our business. As a respected and responsible role, it is ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS AROMATHERAPY also a great way to develop new skills and it is a good way to get involved Would a kind Ffriend please send me in supporting your community. LOWER SHAW FARM. Affordable Courses contact details of a supplier of and Weekend Breaks. Yoga Weekends, aromatherapy products on a retail basis. An honorarium is paid for this role. Family Activity and Craft Breaks, Juggling The supplier should have no minimum We are a not for-profit organization and Circus Skills, Healthy Cooking, Crafts cost, or minimum order. ! registered with charitable status - we for Christmas, and more. Local and organic food. Lower Shaw Farm, Old Thanks in advance. aim to keep our fees as low as pos- Megan Gray, 30 Spitalfields Road, sible. Reasonable travel expenses paid. Shaw Lane, Near Swindon, SN5 5PJ. [email protected] or 01793 Alton, Hampshire GU34 2DU. THE ROLE 771080 or www.lowershawfarm.co.uk (Alton Meeting). Support the Management Board to oversee the quality service delivery to 40 older residents through effec- miscellaneous tive participation at Board accommodation Meetings of which there are 9 per WANTED year. Monitoring the financial posi- ACCOUNTING SERVICES tion of the Organisation operating LONDON ZONES 1-3. Young BBC Charity Accounts prepared. within the legislative requirements trainee seeks accommodation at afford- Independent Examinations carried out. of a residential care home. We also able rates. Happy to help with housework Bookkeeping Services. welcome applicants who are inter- and odd jobs. Contact Patrick 07985 ested in supporting a sub-commit- 722929, [email protected] Contact David Stephens FCCA on 07843 766685. tee to enable us to undertake spe- Email: [email protected] cific projects. THE PERSON courses & events Experienced accountant or finance manager/director Commitment to We can insert your the ethos, values and independence CLARIDGE HOUSE campaign leaflet of Quaker House. Willing to use Lingfield, Surrey your knowledge, skills and profes- Feeling the Effect or newsletter sional expertise to support the cur- Friday 27 - 29 September rent Board of Management to Nurturing the soul in secular times with develop the services we provide. Mindfulness coach Linda Hoy £200 In every copy of Letting Go the Friend! All posts are subject to CRB and Friday 11 - 13 October reference checks. Steps in the spiritual life with Jennifer For an informal Kavanagh, Woodbrooke associate tutor For details call discussion please contact either: £200 Anthony Woolhouse (Chair) Full-board, vegetarian. George Penaluna on on 01425 618560. 01342 832150 01535 630230 or Paul Abbott (Registered [email protected] Manager) on 01425 617656. www.claridgehousequaker.org.uk email [email protected]

18 the Friend, 23 August 2013 Ad pages 23 Aug 19/8/13 20:44 Page 5 g

Quaker Week is coming and we are preparing our annual Outreach Upcoming events issue of the Friend for young Quakers Still only 50p a copy when ordered in Facilitation and Leadership advance, this 24-page, (13 – 15 September 2013) full colour issue A training weekend for 15 to 21 year olds at Woodbrooke, provides a fantastic Birmingham. Cost £80. Closing date 31 August Outreach resource that www.quaker.org.uk/Facilitation-and-leadership lasts all year. Living as a Quaker (25 – 27 October 2013) Next week’s issue, Achance for 12 to 15 year olds to think about their Quaker journey. 30 August, will have an Near Doncaster. Cost £90. Closing date 15 September order form on page 19, www.quaker.org.uk/living-as-a-quaker-2013 and letters are being Tall Ship Event (14-19 April 2014) dispatched to all Local An exciting one off opportunity for 14 to 17 year olds to crew a Meeting clerks. Tall Ship – non-Quaker friends welcome - starting and finishing Pre-publication orders in Liverpool. Cost £250. Closing date 12 September should be returned by www.quaker.org.uk/tall-ship-event-2014 Thursday 19 September. Make the most of these exciting opportunities! To advertise call George For further details and booking forms visit the event web on 01535 630230. pages or contact: [email protected] or 020 7663 1013.

Volunteers now required Originally managed by Quaker Peace and Social Witness, Circles South East (formally HTV Circles) launched as an independent charity in 2008. Working in partnership with the Police and Probation Services, Circles South East is a successful, multi-award winning community initiative working with groups of volunteers to support, monitor and maintain registered sex offenders in the community. Additional to our core services (Circles/Mentoring) we provide free counselling for survivors of sexual abuse, an intervention and support service for partners/family members and are commencing a pilot to develop services for sexual offenders with intellectual disabilities and autism. Volunteers are needed to support registered sex offenders in the community. We are recruiting volunteers who can combine an empathetic approach with the ability to maintain firm boundaries and challenge inappropriate attitudes and behaviour. Volunteers should be able to commit to supporting one individual for a couple of hours a week for an eighteen month period. Volunteering opportunities are available across Hampshire, Thames Valley, Kent, Surrey and Sussex and across all services delivered. In particular we are keen to recruit volunteers across Surrey and Sussex where we are piloting Circles over a 12 month period. Training and supervision are provided and expenses are paid. For more information contact Grace on [email protected] or call the office on 01235 816050. Further details and an application pack can be found at www.circlessoutheast.org.uk Circles South East is a registered charity, no. 1123361.

the Friend, 23 August 2013 19 Ad pages 23 Aug 19/8/13 20:44 Page 6 V ADVERTISEMENT DEPT EDITORIAL ol 54a Main Street 173 Euston Road 171 Cononley London NW1 2BJ Keighley BD20 8LL T 020 7663 1010 No

T & F 01535 630230 F 020 7663 11-82 34 E [email protected] the Friend E [email protected] Quaker Council for European Affairs Your Quaker Voice in Europe! Interested in helping change the world? QCEA promotes Quaker values at the European level, advocating on peace, human rights, democratic governance, economic justice, and sustainable energy security. OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED INCLUDE: * Applying to become Deputy Representative (applications close 2 Sept.) * Participating in the joint QCEA/QPSW November conference on just and sustainable economics. * Helping inform Friends about our work. For more information, visit www.qcea.org or email [email protected]

London Quakers GATESBIELD Working with children in a Quaker setting Please support our Saturday 14 September, 10.30am to 4pm 30th Anniversary Appeal A day organised for London Quakers by the Quaker Life Children & Young People's work team (CYP) for all those who organise or help with children's Gatesbield Quaker Housing meetings in their Meeting, do other work with Quaker children, or just want Association provides sheltered to know more about what is available to help us work with children in a housing to both Quakers and Quakerly way. Please encourage everyone in your meeting with an interest to attend. Venue: Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ. non-Quakers, and is the home No charge, but you are asked to book in advance by: of Windermere Quaker emailing [email protected], phoning 07806 663023, Meeting in Cumbria. or searching under 'Events' at www.londonquakers.org.uk Please help us to remodel our Please say which Meeting you are from. Bring lunch or buy at Quaker Centre. communal facilities to ensure level access for all, tenants, visitors attending through our community outreach activities, and those attending Winder- Anne Dyer mere Quaker Meeting. • New accessible toilet facilities Foundation • More handrails and new ramp to a spacious reception area • Well lit and easier circulation Founding Trustees required routes inside for those with With Quaker principles at its heart, Westhope Craft College mobility aids (www.westhope.org.uk) is a small, charitable, independ- • Improved office, meeting, ent adult education college based in South Shropshire. laundry and catering spaces • Accessible parking bay/level We are at an exciting stage in our development and are dropping off point. in the process of forming the ‘Anne Dyer Foundation’. Estimated cost: £150,000. We are looking to recruit new trustees to help us Already raised: £53,000. through this important transition. Please send cheques or charity The posts involve a commitment of around 6 days a year vouchers payable to in a voluntary, unpaid capacity (although expenses would Gatesbield QHA to: be payable). Applications from individuals who bring The Treasurer, Gatesbield QHA specific knowledge of finance, business or marketing will New Rd, Windermere LA23 2LA be especially welcomed. www.gatesbield.org.uk [email protected] For further information please contact Bronia Tel. 015394 45578 Gardner: 01584 861293 or [email protected] Inland Revenue Exempt no. XN 56615/2