23 May 2014 £1.70 the discover the contemporaryFriend quaker way the Friend Independent Quaker Journalism Since 1843

Contents VOL 172 NO 21

3 Thought for the Week: 10-11 Interview: Judith Kirton-Darling Conscience not creed Oliver Robertson Harvey Gillman 12-13 Series: 4-5 News Conscription and conscience 6 Remembering forward David Boulton Peter Speirs 14-15 Faith in action 7 More engagement Anne Gamble Kersti Wagstaff 16 q-eye: a look at the Quaker world 8-9 Letters 17 Friends & Meetings

Cover image: The Quiet Garden Trust’s award- winning garden at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival this year. Photo: Kristina Fitzsimmons. See page 16.

Image left: Some of the crowd of relatives and well-wishers crowded into Tavistock Square in Bloomsbury, London, on Thursday 15 May, International Conscientious Objectors Day. Photo: Ian Kirk-Smith. See pages 4-5.

The Friend Subscriptions Advertising Editorial UK £76 per year by all payment Advertisement manager: Editor: types including annual direct debit; George Penaluna Ian Kirk-Smith monthly payment by direct debit [email protected] £6.50; online only £48 per year. Articles, images, correspondence For details of other rates, Tel/fax 01535 630230 should be emailed to contact Penny Dunn on 54a Main Street, Cononley [email protected] 020 7663 1178 or [email protected] Keighley BD20 8LL or sent to the address below.

the Friend 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ Tel: 020 7663 1010 Fax: 020 7663 1182 www.thefriend.org Editor: Ian Kirk-Smith [email protected] • Sub-editor: Trish Carn [email protected] • Production and office manager: Elinor Smallman [email protected] • Journalist: Tara Craig news@thefriendorg • Arts editor: Rowena Loverance [email protected] • Environment editor: Laurie Michaelis [email protected] • Subscriptions officer: Penny Dunn [email protected] Tel: 020 7663 1178 • Advertisement manager: George Penaluna, Ad department, 54a Main Street, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL Tel: 01535 630230 [email protected] • Clerk of the trustees: Nicholas Sims • ISSN: 0016-1268 • The Friend Publications Limited is a registered charity, number 211649 • Printed by Headley Bros Ltd, Queens Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 8HH

2 the Friend, 23 May 2014 Thought for the Week

Conscience not creed

his year we’re beginning to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the first world war. I was once asked by a national newspaper whether Quakers were pacifists as quite a few had refused Tto enlist in that war, believing that warfare was wrong. I tried to point out that Quakers did not have creeds, that one had to follow one’s own convictions, but that the basic idea that there was something of God in everyone has led most Quakers throughout history to witness against war as being against the will of God.

Researching attitudes to that war among Quakers in Brighton I found that there were three main reactions to conscription. Some did enlist, some joined the Friends Ambulance Unit and other non-combat units, some were prepared to go to prison and suffer greatly for their consciences. They were activists against war, not passive in the face of violence.

We are being asked today to consider whether we are a Christian country. That question would not have arisen one hundred years ago, when churches on all sides begged God to help them defeat their enemies and many priests were willing to bless weapons that would kill other Christians.

The question is not whether we call ourselves a Christian country or not. Perhaps a more important question is: how much do we respect the face of God in everyone we meet? Or as Jesus himself said: ‘to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.’ Can we really say – now in the twenty-first century – that we are followers of such a man?

Harvey Gillman Brighton Meeting

This was first broadcast as a ‘Thought for the Day’ on BBC Radio Sussex on 4 May.

the Friend, 23 May 2014 3 News White Feather Diaries project launched

Friends from all over The five COs who were selected twenty-seven-year old Bert Britain converged on Friends for the project, and who can be Brockleby who wrote, in part of his House on 15 May to celebrate the followed on @wfdiaries, were White Feather Diary, ‘I was unable launch of a major Quaker project. announced: John Hubert (Bert) … to start hating millions of people Quakers in Britain chose Brocklesby, a teacher from South I had never met’. International Conscientious Yorkshire; Laurence Cadbury, of Geoffrey stated that ‘everyone in Objectors Day to introduce the famous chocolate firm; Hilda 1914 was in an impossible position, the four-year project to tell the Clark, a doctor from an affluent taking nightmarish decisions’. suppressed stories of world war Quaker family in Somerset; Ted He highlighted the dilemmas one: Cranks or heroes? Telling the Hoare, who was a student at faced by politicians on whether untold stories of world war one. Oxford; and Howard Marten, a to choose violence or reject it. The launch was held in the Small bank clerk, who was involved with ‘Conscientious objectors’, he Meeting House at Friends House the No-Conscription Fellowship. reflected, ‘show us, then and now, in the morning and was introduced Geoffrey Durham, the writer and that a peaceful response is possible.’ by Paul Parker, recording clerk broadcaster, gave an inspiring talk He urged those present to ‘read of Britain Yearly Meeting. He about The White Feather Diaries to these tough, compassionate, diaries’ said that ‘conscientious objectors those gathered in the Small Meeting and to ‘work it out for yourself’. showed courage and not cowardice. House. He described the journals as Ruth Cadbury and Mike Smith, Pacifism was then, and still is, a ‘absorbing, exhilarating and painful’ who had family connections with brave and difficult decision.’ and emphasised that many pacifists COs in the first world war, spoke The event marked the start of were not ‘passive’ but ‘active’ in about the value of the project. a hugely successful day when the following their consciences. Ruth Cadbury stressed that witness and bravery of conscientious He talked about how, in 1914, Quakers often took different objectors (COs) in the first world admiral Charles Fitzgerald came up positions and that these could war, who refused to kill as a matter with the idea of creating an ‘Order change. Mike Smith, who had done of conscience, were remembered. of the White Feather’ for those who postgraduate work on COs, talked A significant and imaginative refused to fight. Geoffrey called of his fascination, recently, when part of the Quaker contribution to it a ‘mean-spirited, short-sighted, he saw the original handwritten the centenary of the first world war bone-headed’ idea and went on to letter of application from one of is an online storytelling initiative illustrate, by practical examples of his relatives to join the Friends entitled The White Feather Diaries. the life and witness of COs during Ambulance Unit. It introduces five Quakers who the first world war, why he felt this. An exhibition of photographs ‘blog about their daily lives and He quoted statistics on the and rare historical artefacts from dilemmas’. enormous contribution made the archive of the Friends House The White Feather Diaries will by COs during the war and also Library, relating to the first world go online on 4 August and run for stressed that the same spirit, and war, was on display during the periods over three years leading up courage, that drove them also day in the library. These included to the anniversary of the Military drives pacifists to engage in peace fragile diaries of imprisoned COs Service Act of 1916, which brought work today. and bullets transformed into in conscription. Geoffrey Durham quoted cutlery.

‘Bert’ Brocklesby Laurence Cadbury Hilda Clark Ted Hoare Howard Marten Society Religious Photos: © 2014 in Britain (Quakers) of Friends

4 the Friend, 23 May 2014 reported by Ian Kirk-Smith and Tara Craig [email protected]

Relatives remember COs

Conscientious Objectors (COs) of the first world war were remembered at a moving ceremony in Tavistock Square on 15 May, International Conscientious Objectors Day (see photo page 2). Several hundred people gathered for a ceremony that included speeches, songs performed by the choir The FAU cap of Henry Hodgkin in the hands of a London school, the ‘naming of first world war of his grandson, Jonathan Hodgkin. conscientious objectors’ by relatives and the laying of / Preston Photo: Michael Society Religious of © 2014 in Britain (Quakers) Friends flowers in honour of COs past and present. John Maxton, whose father and uncle were COs in Sam Walton, of Quaker Peace & Social Witness, said the first world war, explained that they had objected, that while we should remember and learn from the as socialists, on political grounds. He described how stance taken by COs in the past the subject remains of difficult it was for some COs and related a story he great importance today. Mary Dobbin, a peace activist had been told of how his father’s dog was stoned to from Bristol, talked about her grandfather Herbert death by neighbours in his Glasgow community. Dobbing, who was a CO in the first world war and had Many people came to the ceremony to remember served with the Friends Ambulance Unit (FAU). relatives who had been COs in the first world war. Christine Schweitzer, of War Resisters’ International After a song and speeches, they stood in line, holding and an activist in the German peace movement, a white flower, and walked up to the microphone. revealed how few COs there were in Germany in Each named their relative and said a few words the first world war. She said that most were sent to about them. A large number of Quakers attended asylums because they were regarded as ‘crazy’ not to the ceremony as well as leading figures in the peace want to fight for their country. movement.

‘Day to remember’ at Friends House David Blake, head of library different perspectives on the subject of Objection Overruled, he said, and archives of Friends House and both authors spoke eloquently had been much expanded, with an Library, described 15 May as a ‘day at the launch on the background appendix and 12,000 words added. to remember’ when he introduced and themes of their work. Comrades in Conscience an event in the afternoon to David Boulton remembered how, concentrates on COs within a local launch two books on the history of fifty years earlier, the idea of the community in Huddersfield and conscientious objection in Britain. book was supported by members of author Cyril Pearce stressed the Objection Overruled by David the Tribune Group, such as Michael importance of recording ‘the view Boulton and Comrades in Foot, and that 20,000 copies were from Huddersfield Town Hall steps Conscience by Cyril Pearce offer two sold in the first year. The new edition as well as that from Westminster’. Quakers at Burghfield blockade Quakers were among an eight- grassroots campaigning network results of their actions: ‘It was a strong group of protesters who Action AWE, the protest lasted really empowering experience for blocked a main entrance into the until 11.30am, despite unseasonably all of us, especially those who were Atomics Weapons Establishment hot weather. By this stage, the AWE taking part in direct action for the (AWE) in Burghfield, Berkshire, on staff’s arrival to work had been first time. We hope it inspires others Monday 19 May. significantly delayed, with queues to campaign against Trident’. The group sat down in the stretching some distances from The blockade was timed to gateway at 7.20am and chained alternative entrances to the site. coincide with the final week of themselves together. Other Among those blocking the gate European election campaigns. The protestors stood alongside them, were Bradford Friend Phil Wood organisers want all candidates, offering support and liaising with and Hannah Brock, a Quaker from along with those standing in next police, site staff and the public. London. year’s general election, to commit to A joint activity involving Hannah told the Friend that the opposing the renewal of the Trident Christians, Yorkshire CND and protesters were happy with the nuclear weapons system.

the Friend, 23 May 2014 5 Report Remembering forward

Peter Speirs celebrates forty years of Peace Studies in Bradford

ore than two hundred people from twenty- gain the radical humility to learn by our experience. seven countries attended the recent In addition to the lead speakers, there were busy conference ‘Why War?’ in celebration of forty panel sessions on a wide range of subjects, led by a Myears of Peace Studies at Bradford University. In 1974 mixture of academics and international workers from the first postgraduate students arrived at Bradford’s around the world. There was a warm and positive new Department of Peace Studies, which was atmosphere around the Bradford campus during the established by Quakers. The conference was organised conference. It was heart warming for the QPST to see by Caroline Hughes, the new professor of Conflict how the seeds sown in Bradford in 1973 had grown into Resolution and Peace, whose post is being funded for this important event, and how Bradford’s influence was three years by the Quaker Peace Studies Trust (QPST). so highly respected. Quakers were frequently cited for The QPST was one of three principal funders of the their work in international relations around the world, conference, and also contributed to the ‘round table’ on and for their willingness to engage where needed. peace philanthropy, supporting the International Peace At the same time, more than forty young people Museums Network Exhibition on peace philanthropy. took part in PeaceJam on 3 May, with Iranian Nobel ‘Remembering Forward’ was a title that spoke peace laureate Shirin Ebadi. The conference was for the whole conference, looking back and looking preceded by the annual ‘Tolstoy Cup’, a football match forward. This was the first time we elderly Friends had between the Bradford University Department of Peace been encouraged to tweet to #peacestudies40 during Studies and the Department of War Studies at Kings a session. We couldn’t, but the librarian who had College London. We were relieved to hear that Peace prepared the archive exhibition about the founding of Studies won 3-0. Peace Studies could and did. The plenary sessions of the conference were video All the plenary sessions will be made available online, recorded and will be accessible online. but two were of particular interest to Friends. Saab Since 2013 QPST has enabled grants totalling Erekat, a PhD alumnus of the Bradford Peace Studies almost £5,000 from the Gerald Hodgett legacy to eight department, who is now the chief negotiator for the postgraduate students, beyond what is covered by tuition Palestinian Authority, spoke with authority, emotion, fees, for activities in Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone and passion and openness. He likened the current situation other parts of West Africa, Palestine/Israel and Nepal. in the Arab world to the hundred years war in Europe, Professor Caroline Hughes will be giving a lecture only longer, and said that the interest and influence of on ‘Inequality and Conflict’ at the Yearly Meeting Europe was a crucial positive element. Gathering in Bath. Drawing on his recent review of the work of Adam Curle, John Paul Lederach’s focus was on the future Peter is clerk of the Quaker Peace Studies Trust. direction of peace building. Having outlined the challenges of liberal peace, political realism and short For further information see the QPST page www. time frames, he spoke of the need to ‘rediscover the lost bradford.ac.uk/ssis/peace-studies/quaker. From this art of conciliation’, to befriend, and be a compassionate page you can also link to the Peace Studies 2013/2014 presence, to understand our own values as well as those Annual Report, funded by the QPST with support from of others, to understand our own insecurity, and to the Radley Trust.

6 the Friend, 23 May 2014 Opinion More engagement

Kersti Wagstaff reflects on the recent Nontheist Friends Network conference

t has been said many times in the Friend (often train on the way home, I encountered the following: by self-identified nontheists) that the way to deal ‘what are we Quakers uniquely called to do, to be, to with ‘the nontheism question’ is to engage with minister as individuals and Meetings? We need to find Iit, and that is why I attended the recent Nontheist the courage to challenge what one blogger called “the Friends’ Network (NFN) conference at Woodbrooke Quaker art of squashing” that prevents our passion – despite holding more of the George Fox view on the and energy getting through.’ unprofitability and divisiveness of ‘notions’, especially of the theological sort. I learned several things. As so often, the Kindlers have hit a nail on the head. What the NFN conference experience really seemed to Firstly, the most high profile nontheists are tell me was that a significant part of the drive behind not necessarily representative of the whole NFN the NFN has been a squashing of the spiritual passion membership. and energy of individuals, and that more engagement and less squashing up and down Yearly Meeting, very Secondly, the worship sharing was as productive likely, will result in the spark going out of the debate and moving as any that I have encountered. and diffusing into the life of Britain Yearly Meeting as a whole. Thirdly, at least two NFN members are giving faithful and loving service in the hard slog of helping With some clear exceptions (I wouldn’t want to to keep a struggling Area Meeting going, where no suggest that all nontheists are theists in disguise – one has any energy left to deal with anything but that wouldn’t be fair and, anyway, undermining the administration. Their commitment to the Quaker theism/nontheism polarity is part of the fun to come), community is deep and practical. For them, the NFN NFN positions are not nearly as entrenched as they is a lifeline for the sharing of vital spiritual matters. may look from correspondence and articles in the Friend – because, being presented in words, these are Finally, some members joined the Network because necessarily foreground notions (intellectual concepts) the experience of sharing their spiritual experience and must tend to divisiveness. in their Local or Area Meetings left them shaken and bruised. In many cases I found their views not Engagement means not just writing to each other significantly more nontheist than my own (I am happy in public, but meeting in person, sharing worship, to say that God exists, though not the straw God ‘out holding threshing meetings – using all those tools there’ – often cited in the nontheism debate); often, I we have inherited and evolved to help us manage felt the tiniest bit of ‘reframing’ would have allowed our difficulties, support each other and order our them out of the nontheist corner. It was almost communal life. They are good tools, and on the as though it was the firm views – in some cases, basis of this conference I see no reason to fear they perceived hostility – not of themselves, but of those are not good enough for the job in hand. Thanks to around them that had led to the (self-) labelling and West Weald Area Meeting for helping to fund my polarisation. attendance.

As I was reading the recent Kindlers’ publication, Visioning New Fire: working for Quaker renewal, on the Kersti is a member of West Weald Area Meeting.

the Friend, 23 May 2014 7 Letters All views expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Friend

Quaker Friends of Israel The ideal Quaker way forward is not hostile Like Sarah Lawson (2 May), some of the members of sanctions against one side or the other but friendly the Central England Peace Committee felt uneasy about persuasion. the high-profile Quaker position on Israel, Palestine All mankind is kin. and Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS). We Peter Hancock agreed that while the sufferings and tribulations of the Guernsey Meeting Palestinians are clear and apparent, as is the imbalance of power in the situation, a more constructive approach ‘…till death do us part’ might be to support groups which try to bring Jews and Are we ready to question the ‘as long as we both on Palestinians together, and also to get to know our local earth shall live’ in the marriage ceremony (9 May)? Jewish community better – and not just our friends Something more than hope is required, and perhaps from the Progressive Synagogue. a bit stronger than intention. Firstly, I tend to judge I attended a meeting of the West Midlands Friends people by wondering ‘would I like to have been born of Israel group and was very warmly received; I hope his or her child?’ Hence, if my parents are going to that in due course (which, of course, may mean years bring me into this world, then I would want from them rather than months) it will be possible to raise our some form of commitment to me. Secondly, there is concerns with them. I am also at the moment trying something positive in recognising that people change to facilitate the request of a Palestinian asylum-seeker with their years of life experience, so that to part and, to join the local Jewish-Muslim discussion group probably, repartner can be good positive living. after he met one of the local rabbis at our house. As I do not know the right form of words, but would Quakers, we are called upon to listen to all sides. It is want to include a commitment not to ditch the never helpful to deny the humanity or goodwill of any marriage unilaterally, and a commitment to co-parent one group, and while it is understandable that Friends any children under the age of twenty-five. will rally to the support of the perceived underdog, Volker Heine we might also need to exercise greater compassion Cambridge (Jesus Lane) Meeting, Cambridgeshire and imagination in trying to understand the Jewish perspective. Same sex marriage Barbara Forbes I am sorry that Anne McPhun’s ‘coming out of the Central England Area Meeting woodwork’ fails to recognise the pain that many ‘straight’ couples experience by being denied the We forget, at our peril, that the Jews and the ‘shared miracle’ of a newborn baby (16 May). Or, Palestinians are our brothers and sisters. For Quakers indeed, anyone who would have loved a child. For to wade in with punitive measures against one side them it is not a ‘comfortingly common experience’. or the other seems unwise. Questions of the legality But, principally, I am sad that she describes herself of occupation of any piece of nation-sized territory as being different from those who support Friends are almost impossible to disentangle, anywhere in the in the gay community. Surely, at the core of our faith world. Follow up in the Old Testament, and elsewhere, as Quakers is our testimony to equality. Perhaps she the claim by Abraham’s descendants to the huge land finds it difficult to help the way she feels but I think of Canaan and you soon realise that title to land in the she should seek the help within and I don’t think she Middle East is hopelessly complicated – legally and should be looking for solidarity for her views within theologically. Quakers. Once some British Quakers formally decided – Barbara Penny without sufficient discernment in my opinion – to Harrogate Meeting, North Yorkshire apply trade sanctions against Israel, it was inevitable that other British Quakers would disagree and plead I am sad that Anne McPhun seems to have utterly for a more balanced approach. The tension between misunderstood Stephen Cox’s letter. I do not believe Israelis and Palestinians is now being replicated within that he was denying the immense importance of the Religious Society of Friends. Harsh words are being children in any marriage, but merely pointing out uttered between Quakers. We should never have got that many same sex couples also have deeply valued into this position. children at the core of their relationships, some of There is a strong case to be made that both Isreaelis them born and celebrated in the same way as she and Palestinians have some legal title to land in the did, others adopted or fostered or born to a previous disputed areas of the Middle East. Checking the source relationship. of oranges in your local supermarket is a futile gesture Jill Green which helps neither side, yet adds to the war of words. Oxford & Swindon Area Meeting

8 the Friend, 23 May 2014 [email protected]

of course, though significantly different, is much With reference to Anne McPhun’s letter, I, too, am better established here, if limited to well-defined, non- happily married, and my experience of parenting commercial, copyright exceptions, which most of us is woven into the fabric of my marriage. But every feel is wholly reasonable and right. marriage, like every individual, is unique, because of Hugh Jones the different mix of personalities and experiences that Brighton Meeting, West Sussex go to make it up. Having children is only one element, however important, in my marriage or any other. A The Peace Testimony and BYM investments childless relationship, whether same sex or opposite The investment practice of Britain Yearly Meeting sex, is no less a marriage because of its childlessness. (BYM) worries me in regards to our Peace Testimony. Lucy Pollard The list of investments shown on the website shows that Ipswich & Diss Area Meeting BYM invests in shares of a number of banks, insurance companies and asset management companies. These To avoid any possible confusion, I write to dissociate institutions invest in all sectors of the investment myself from the views expressed in your letter market. Some of these companies have shares in page (2 May) by my namesake in Derbyshire and companies that produce components for weapons of Nottinghamshire. war. So, at the same time that we proclaim our Peace Roger Babington Hill Testimony, we are making a profit from warfare. Totnes Meeting, Devon Ken R Smith Craven and Keighley Area Meeting Intellect vs Spirit Noël Staples’ article (9 May) came at a good time for Private Peaceful me. I am reading a beautiful account of the life and I commend to Friends Private Peaceful, a moving teaching of Eckhart von Hochheim, the fourteenth- and powerful new play based on the book by century mystic and scholar whom the authorities of Michael Morpurgo of War Horse fame. A one-man the Catholic Church found difficult to cope with. performance, it’s about one of the 306 soldiers executed The author, Cyprian Smith, a Benedictine monk in by firing squad for ‘cowardice’ in the first world war. Ampleforth, states in modern English that Eckhart I was so good to see Norwich’s Theatre Royal full emphasised the need for us to strip away the veils of with school parties. This production now travels our projections and of our identifications. We project to Manchester, Guildford, Aberdeen, Cambridge our need for security, for belonging, for status, for and Glasgow. It’s a vital contribution to the first comfort onto God. We identify ourselves with our world war commemorations. Local Meetings might social functions or roles and with our own private organise group visits. The play itself and the excellent emotions and thoughts. So, it’s not only our intellect accompanying programme have a lot to teach us all. that needs attention. David L Saunders The journey is uncomfortable but worth it. There is Wells-next-the-Sea Meeting, Norfolk an inner sanctuary where we and God meet – Quakers cherish our Meetings for Worship – but it can be found in all places, at all times. In essentials unity, We still need to go out into the everyday world but in non-essentials liberty, try to remain inwardly detached. Noël writes of the difficulty in describing this in all things charity. experience. He mentions joy, wonder and awe, peace, beauty and a sense of belonging. I would offer the The Friend welcomes your views. Please keep letters word ‘lightness’. short (about 250 words) and include your full Richard Thompson postal address, even when sending emails. Please Reading Meeting, Berkshire specify whether you wish for your postal or email address or Meeting name to be used with your Copyright name, otherwise we will print your post address or Thanks to John Hall (16 May) for adding the fuller email address. Letters are published at the editor’s details on UK Fair Dealing, which I had to edit out discretion and may be edited. Write to: the Friend, for reasons of space, although to be fair I wasn’t 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ or email dismissing Fair Use entirely, but rather pointing out [email protected] that this US concept is highly controversial and far Remember if you are online that you can also comment on all articles at www.thefriend.org from ‘time-honoured’, even in the USA. Fair Dealing,

the Friend, 23 May 2014 9 Europe Judith Kirton-Darling

Photo courtesy of Judith Kirton-Darling. Photo courtesy of Judith Oliver Robertson talks to Judith Kirton-Darling

remember when I was at QCEA I went to a they felt confident talking about Europe’, she explains. meeting of the Council of Europe… and at dinner ‘Because part of the problem in the UK is there’s little I was sitting at the table with a very elderly German rational, reasonable debate… there are so few facts that ‘Ilady and she asked where I was from. I said I was from people don’t feel comfortable talking about Europe.’ But the European Quakers and she burst into tears and she there is also the need to overcome disillusionment and said “Quakers fed me after the war and I’ve never met cynicism encountered on the doorstep, which Judith another one since”. And I was just overwhelmed.’ hopes to do by being visible and involved. She is a keen Judith Kirton-Darling, prospective member of the exponent of social media as a way to connect with European parliament for Labour in North East England, people, given that ‘you can’t know everybody on a first- is speaking after a full day of campaigning. On a Sunday. name term’, and has committed to visiting every one of Like Quakers, modern politics doesn’t really do times the 500 council wards in the North East if elected. and seasons. ‘It’s a marathon. It’s kind of an endurance She says: ‘I don’t think anyone will come if you say test,’ she says. If so, it’s clearly one she’s been trained for. “I’m your MEP, I’m having a surgery”… whereas if The Middlesbrough-based scion of a Quaker family, you’re out door-knocking or talking in the street or Judith’s European engagement began when she went to in a community centre and linking to local services, work as a one-year programme assistant at the Quaker problems and questions, it’s a way you can make Europe Council for European Affairs (QCEA) in Brussels after relevant and visibly relevant in people’s lives.’ finishing university. Following that she retained her ‘There’s a kind of withdrawal from organised politics involvement both with Friends (‘It’s a fundamental part – the vast majority of political parties, their membership of who I am’) and with Europe – for the last three years is falling. People aren’t joiners in the way they were she has been a confederal secretary to the European in the past, but I’ve spent quite a lot of time… with Trade Union Confederation. younger people. They’re hit so hard because they don’t vote in big numbers… There are some who realise if Applying for the vacancy they don’t vote they’re giving their vote to the person who does vote, whose interests will be defended rather When the serving Labour MEP, Stephen Hughes, than their own,’ she explains. announced he was retiring, she was somewhat pushed into applying for the vacancy (‘I was asked quite Voter disengagement strongly, both arms put behind my back, metaphorically speaking’) but has since embraced it with gusto. Voter disengagement, she adds, is not just a problem in Coming top of an internal party vote meant that Judith the UK: ‘Turnout is falling in elections across Europe, headed Labour’s list of candidates for the North East apart from where it’s mandatory. So, it’s actually a and should, on current polling, become one of three developed world problem across the board.’ regional MEPs after 22 May. Still, she’s not taking it for But isn’t Europe subject to particular scorn? ‘Part of granted and has been campaigning since July or August that is because we’re bombarded by misinformation. last year (and full-time since February) to persuade as When the best thing happens, political parties and many of the 2.2 million electors as possible to back her. politicians claim the credit, and when something bad ‘Up until Christmas a lot was about educating and happens it’s Brussels,’ she says. preparing Labour party members across the region so She warms to the theme, going on to answer one of

10 the Friend, 23 May 2014 People aren’t joiners in the way they were in the past, but I’ve spent quite a lot of time… with younger people… There are some who realise if they don’t vote they’re giving their vote to the person who does vote, whose interests will be defended rather than their own.

the follow-up questions before I even have a chance European institutions to ask it: ‘There’s not a lot of responsibility taken for the policies taken like austerity measures in Southern And the worst? ‘There’s a disengagement by the general Europe… The other European leaders have been population from the EU institutions, which leaves instrumental in pushing those austerity measures. It’s them open to corporations.’ One of Judith’s hopes for schoolyard politics, picking on the most vulnerable to the coming years is about ‘having a Europe that’s 500 some extent. It’s very easy to say “the terrible austerity million people, not 500 million customers’. Many of the being pushed by the EU or the Commission”.’ social protections and workers’ rights that people can take for granted came from the European Parliament, The media but more recently the focus on ‘the market’ has sidelined other issues. As an example, ‘the first thing that new Another villain is the media: ‘One of the interesting MEPs will be confronted with is – this autumn the things in the Leveson inquiry [into press standards]… [European] Commission is coming forward with the was that the Leveson report was extremely critical about energy and climate change targets for 2030… Many the press in their coverage of the EU. It basically said people are pushing climate change down the agenda for the press have been lying about the EU for the last forty economics.’ y e ar s .’ The European Parliament may be a tough place for Regardless of the cause, it is a cocktail that threatens Quaker values: ‘I think there are real challenges around to bring in the most Eurosceptic European legislature our testimonies and trying to be true to them in the ever, at a time when the European Parliament has real world. My kind of feeling is that you’re just working unprecedented powers. She explains: ‘The really big away, little steps, sometimes very little steps.’ Yet, the challenge is if, as a continent, we return MEPs with Quaker business practice of finding common positions extremist views – nationalists, xenophobes, racists – in will, feels Judith, be especially helpful within the EU large numbers, then the tensions between countries will because of the way it is set up: ‘So many processes at only intensify because it’s populism based on division a European level are based on as calm as possible a and the challenge for those who are more reasonable negotiation and process.’ will become more difficult.’ Even at this late stage, Judith clearly has energy – at one point she drops into the conversation that she got Anti-Europeans married during the campaign, then moves on as though it’s nothing more than getting your hair cut – but the But her problem with anti-Europeans like the UK election is not her sole focus in life. Independence Party has another dimension: ‘The idea She says: ‘I don’t eat, sleep and drink politics. I think if that you elect somebody to a parliament and they you’re too involved in anything you become dependent consciously don’t turn up, don’t vote, is so disrespectful. on it and then you lose perspective and I think that It’s such a violation of the agreement between elector creates a bubble, the Westminster bubble. You need a and electee.’ balanced life… I think if you’re completely consumed What does Judith think is the best thing about the by it, it consumes you. You have to know you’ll survive EU? She says: ‘The fact that there hasn’t been war if you’re not elected.’ within the borders of the EU, and conflict is put on a negotiating table rather than a battlefield, is absolutely fundamental. We should never forget how peaceful, Oliver is a member of North London Area Meeting. how relatively peaceful, the transformation has been for countries in Eastern and Central Europe, particularly at As voting takes place on 22 May, Judith may have already the moment when you look at Ukraine.’ been elected or not by the time this article is read.

the Friend, 23 May 2014 11 Witness Conscription and conscience

In the second article of a three-part series, David Boulton looks at Quakers in the first world war

veryone knows what Quakers did in the 1914-18 Rowntree’s only son Lawrence. Rufus Jones wrote war. Inspired by their historic Peace Testimony after the war that the historic Peace Testimony had they were united in opposing it. While soldiers become ‘an unexamined inheritance’ for most Friends, Ejoined up to kill the enemy, Quakers chose to bind describing those who remained faithful to it in these wounds rather than inflict them, to cure rather than kill, early months as a ‘remnant’. except that it was rather more complicated than that. But the remnant, once it had gathered its breath, Quakers are not exempt from the tendency of all grew in strength. An early expression of it was the groups – religious, political, social or whatever – campaigning committee set up on the eve of war by the to simplify their past, airbrushing out inconvenient Northern Friends Peace Board. Friends in the industrial truths and refurbishing the narrative with a brighter north tended to be more radical than those in the soft gloss. So, although our best historians have given south, new socialist rather than old liberal. They urged us a fuller picture, many Friends remain ignorant the Society to be ‘open to new light from Socialists and of the complexities that make for a more complete the Women’s Movement’, linking the Peace Testimony understanding of what happened. to the fight against rampant capitalism as the engine of war. It was a not a message welcomed by weighty Quaker Outbreak of war industrialists. Young Friends were soon finding ways of serving the On the outbreak of war, two Conservative Quaker MPs, cause of peace. Some 200 joined a War Victims Relief Frank Harris and Alfred Bigland, announced their Committee working in France, rebuilding devastated enthusiastic support for the government’s enlistment villages and manning emergency hospitals. Others programme. One of the four Liberal Quaker MPs, founded the Friends Ambulance Unit (FAU), which Joseph Pease, accepted office as a government minister. served at the battle front, risking their own lives to save At the first wartime Meeting for Sufferings Henry those of wounded soldiers on both sides. The Society Marriage Wallis, newly returned from peace work in was slow to give the Unit official recognition, concerned the Balkans, urged Quaker youth to join the recruits that it had, of necessity, to work with British and French needed to crush the Hun. William Charles Braithwaite, army units. Not all its members were pacifists, or even whose classic history The Beginnings of Quakerism had Quakers. Some soon left it to join the army, some to made so much of early Quaker pacifism, now advocated face prison as ‘absolutist’ conscientious objectors when cooperation with the government’s war effort as ‘our conscription arrived. But theirs was undoubtedly one duty to our country… in fear of God’. way, and a brave way, of combating the effects of war. ‘Many Friends do not know where they are,’ wrote Ernest Taylor in despair: some Quakers, ‘caught by First official statement the “urgency” and “righteousness” of this war’ were becoming ‘very cold’ with regard to peace principles. In November 1914, three months after commencement Around a thousand Quakers of military age enlisted of hostilities, Meeting for Sufferings made the Society’s voluntarily: about a third of those eligible. Over a first official statement on the conflict. ‘We can well hundred were killed in action, including John William understand the appeal to noble instincts’, it said, ‘which

12 the Friend, 23 May 2014 Series makes men desire to risk their lives for their country’, called ‘crucifixion’, since it involved being strapped to a but ‘the highest sacrifice is to contribute our lives cross-beam or gun carriage, with arms splayed out in to the cause of love… We see danger to principle in a manner reminiscent of Calvary. Cornelius Barritt of undertaking any service auxiliary to warfare which Harrow and Uxbridge Meeting described it: involves becoming part of the military machine’. ‘Each of us was placed with our backs to the framework, This helped maintain a sometimes fragile unity. consisting of uprights at intervals of four or five yards, On one hand, the peace principle was commended as and cross-beams at a height of about five feet from the ‘the highest sacrifice’, but not enforced. On the other, ground. Our ankles were tied together and our arms those who chose to enlist were understood to be then tied tightly at the wrists to the cross-beams... The motivated by ‘noble instincts’ and were not disowned. following evening we were placed with our faces to the Some did resign their membership, including the two barbed wire, so closely that when I wished to turn my Conservative Quaker MPs, but the Society avoided a head I had to do so very cautiously to avoid my face catastrophic split. being torn.’ The real test came with the threat of conscription in 1915. A group of young Quakers organised an unofficial Back at home referendum of Friends of military age, asking which of them would refuse to be conscripted whatever the Meanwhile, back at home, two Liberal Quaker MPs, consequences. Some 700 pledged themselves to do so and Arnold Rowntree and Edmund Harvey, joined ILP the Friends Service Committee (FSC) was born. A mere members in persuading Herbert Asquith to grasp remnant no longer, the young radicals were a force at the the nettle and transfer recalcitrant conscientious May Yearly Meeting, which, under the inspired clerkship objectors from the army to work camps administered of John Henry Barlow, formally adopted the FSC and its by the Home Office. The FSC opposed the move as absolutist position. The way was now clear for Quaker an unacceptable compromise with the warfare state, absolutists to join forces with Clifford Allen, Fenner especially when it became clear that the men would be Brockway and Bertrand Russell, who were leading the placed in Section W of the army reserve and remain militantly pacifist No-Conscription Fellowship (NCF), eligible for call-up. This opened up a serious division to which the FSC affiliated. within the FSC and the NCF. How absolutist should an absolutist be expected to be? Bertrand Russell warned Conscription of ‘the cruelty of fanaticism, which is the very spirit which supports the war’. But the coalition of absolutists The storm broke when conscription became a reality and ‘alternativists’ survived. early in 1916. Hundreds of Friends of military age joined the thousands who applied to government-appointed Resistance to conscription tribunals for total exemption on grounds of conscience. Only a tiny fraction were granted it, the vast majority Although many older Friends were active in the FSC being either refused any exemption or ‘sentenced’ to and NCF leadership, it was undoubtedly the new non-combatant service in the army. Some religious generation of Friends which spearheaded the resistance groups negotiated special arrangements with the to conscription and endured the consequences. As government for partial exemption, but Yearly Meeting American historian Thomas C Kennedy writes: ‘In a made it clear that Friends would seek no favoured real way this sort of activity was a blossoming of the treatment that wasn’t available to all conscientious seeds planted by Neave Brayshaw and others in the objectors, religious and political. pre-war Young Friends Movement, a fulfilment of The arrests began in May. Young Friends, some of the promise made at the Swanwick Conference “to them teenagers, found themselves sharing a prison live out our message and our faith in ways that must cell with members of other church peace groups, the cost us dear”.’ Youthful idealism overcame the caution Independent Labour Party (ILP), assorted anarchists and compromise of the older generation. The Peace or sectarian fundamentalists, having little in common Testimony was upheld. but their conscientious refusal to be part of the war machine. They were ‘deemed to be soldiers’, transferred David is a member of Kendal & Sedbergh Area Meeting. to the army, forced into uniform and threatened with a death sentence under the Mutiny Act if they refused to Next week: Facing the death sentence. obey orders. Some were shipped to the front line in France where This article is based on a new expanded edition of their disobedience earned them what the Manual of Objection Overruled, published by Dales Historical Military Law called Field Punishment No.1 but soldiers Monographs in association with Friends Historical Society.

the Friend, 23 May 2014 13 Report Faith in action

Anne Gamble reports on Ireland Yearly Meeting

reland Yearly Meeting (IYM) was held in King’s She talked of the use of the ‘Human Givens’ approach of Hospital School, Dublin, from Thursday 24 April psychotherapy to help people come to terms with very to Sunday 27 April 2014. The theme this year was traumatic war experiences. I‘Faith in Action; living our lives according to our spiritual experience’. It was based on James 2:26, ‘For During Yearly Meeting we had our usual reports of as the body without the Spirit is dead, so faith without committees and minutes were made and read. After works is dead also’. hearing an analysis of the statistics, we entered into a discussion on being attenders and perhaps moving to The Ministry and Oversight session centred on ‘How membership. Much more work needs to be done on this do we embrace peace in our everyday lives?’ Three issue by the Purposes and Priorities Working Group. speakers shared very different aspects of integrating peace into their lives. Friends were told: ‘Spirituality is Faith in action about everyday, for everyone, not just Christians’. Each day began with a Thought for the Day on the Gretchen Castle updated us on the work of the theme of ‘Faith in Action’. A Friend said: we may send Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) a cheque in response for a plea for aid – but we will and commented on the wide variety of Friends in the be asked at the end of our lives ‘What have we done?’ world – yet with the ability to worship, communicate Another speaker commented, ‘When we witness to and learn from one another. God’s imperatives, it is simple. We are given tasks according to our gifts’. We heard that ‘a concern is Supporting causes God initiated, often surprising, always holy’. One such initiative by Quaker Service is the visiting of isolated Irish Quaker Faith in Action (IQFA) supports a variety prisoners in their project called Quaker Connections. of causes around the world by financing projects nominated for financial aid. We heard a moving Each Yearly Meeting session ended with a short report from Mohammed Altawil about the work of reading from Quaker writings or the Bible. One reader the Palestine Trauma Centre. He described how the alluded to the statement: ‘Speak out for those who Centre provided psychological support to traumatised cannot speak.’ victims of war. His pictures gave us a glimpse into their disorientated lives after loss of limbs and family. It was a joy to have many young people with us as they also gathered in their various age groups during First hand sight of how the money has been spent the time of Yearly Meeting. We had an inspiring time of is always satisfying for the IQFA committee. Jonathan reporting their activities, including hearing how parents Pim travelled to see the developing Education Centre welcomed the impact of the Quaker youth work in at Mutoto in Uganda, which illustrates how faith developing their offspring socially and spiritually. has inspired the action of setting up a school for 200 children. We also heard of Sue Saunders’ visit to Bosnia. During Yearly Meeting there were many great

14 the Friend, 23 May 2014 When we witness to God’s imperatives, it is simple. We are given tasks according to our gifts.

moments outside the formal sessions. Many animated morality and religion – the way of principle. conversations took place at mealtimes. We enjoyed How do we know the right thing to do? Ian suggested eating the buns made by the young people, which raised that, in silent worship, the Spirit of Christ, a Spirit over £200 for IQFA. Saturday night was entertainment of Love and Light, speaks to us and guides us. It was evening. Gillian Armstrong gave us a splendid piano abundantly clear, throughout, that Ian was led, in his recital. We also had flute music from Lori, an American life and work, by this Spirit. The lecture, which was very visitor, and humorous readings of stories and poems moving in content and delivery, stirred us to consider from a former Church of Ireland rector. our motivation.

On principle, not consequence Inspired and challenged

One of the highlights of IYM was the annual public lecture The overall feeling of IYM was very much centred on given this year by Ian Kirk-Smith, the editor of the Friend. faith in action. It was as if the reports of work were He spoke to the title ‘On principle, not consequence’ and dovetailed to illustrate the theme. There was a spirit delivered a deeply personal and passionate account of his of friendliness about and a meeting together from all journey of faith and his experience in broadcasting in parts of Ireland. This was reflected in the observations Northern Ireland. He talked about the IRA bombing of of participants. the Abercorn, in 1972, which he narrowly missed, being a turning point in his life. Sectarianship, a respected Lee Taylor, a visitor from Britain Yearly Meeting, noted teacher taught him, was ‘fear of the other’ and this fear the immediacy of the link between faith and action in was, invariably, based on ignorance. The solution was to Ireland Yearly Meeting. For Margrit the speakers at the ‘get to know the other’ and you would find ‘they were a Ministry and Oversight meeting were inspiring, such as lot like us’. He described how he had learnt much, as a Myra, who talked of salt both hurting and healing at the young man, working in Loyalist and Republican estates in same time. Rita said it was her best Yearly Meeting yet. Belfast. He spoke of the respect for people he gained from Margaret said there was a spirit of friendship, clerks had this experience. Voluntary service in Nigeria, where he done their homework and were very relaxed. lived and worked in a remote Muslim village, taught him that if love and respect is shown it will often be returned. Cathy described IYM as ‘a replenishment’. For Richard He observed, in talking about a major series that he wrote both the lecture and the youth work reports stood on missionaries, that Christianity, at its best, was ‘not out. Anne-Marie told how volunteering had gone well preaching, but living it. Deeds, not creeds’. and folk offered to do more than she needed. Ann, a USA visitor, experienced a wonderful sense of trust in His Quaker belief in the value of every individual Ireland’s Yearly Meeting. Carol, another visitor from profoundly influenced how he did his work in radio America, said: ‘You could tell, as you did business, that production and film-making. He talked of the title you cared for one another’. of his lecture: ‘On principle, not consequence’, which was taken from the writing of the abolitionist Thomas Faith in action. We go from Yearly Meeting inspired Clarkson. Clarkson outlined two ideas on how we may and challenged to live out our faith this coming year! respond to situations: one based on political expediency – the way of consequences – and the other based on Anne is a member of Ireland Yearly Meeting.

the Friend, 23 May 2014 15 a look at the Quaker world [email protected]

Lessons from Woodbrooke Geese

The vocal geese by Woodbrooke lake Call loudly to each other – and may disturb our peace! But they do communicate! -- maybe to argue, chastise or say, ‘I love you’. They walk mindfully across the grass. What are they looking for? What will they find? They glide smoothly through the water in search of weed and tasty bites. They curl up with head under wing basking in the sunshine. Or squat under a bush to hide from the world.

Am I like a goose? – disturbing someone’s peace with my chatter and noise? How do I communicate – without hurt but with love? Do I mindfully walk over the world with some purpose? How often do I rest to bask in the Light? Or glide gently through my life looking for glimpses of truth? Do I hide from the world because of shyness or fear? Or walk with my friends sharing laughter and care – together? The geese may be noisy but they teach us some lessons – -- as we walk through the world let our lives speak!

Photo courtesy of Joan Patton. Photo courtesy of Joan Joan Patton New Earswick Meeting A quiet winner

Green-fingered Friends have been quietly wooing the public at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Malvern Spring Festival. A garden (see front cover photo) developed by The Quiet Garden Trust, with the help of some Friends from Beverley and Jordans Meetings, has won the prestigious People’s Choice Award. The garden was also awarded a RHS Bronze Medal. Angie Turner, who designed the garden with Patrick Swan and Kristina Fitzsimmons, described it: ‘At the heart of the garden is a labyrinth. Walking along the turning path of stones, your mind is stilled. The path leads to a pond where the sound of water provides a focus while a resting stone provides a place to stop and reconnect with the natural world. ‘The soft colours of the plants add to the tranquillity. Three Friends, from Beverley The garden becomes a sanctuary, a place of rest and and Jordans Meetings, safety enclosed at the back by a wall with metal arches helping to plant the garden. Photo: Kristina Fitzsimmons. and tall planting.’ Angie added that the team was delighted to win the Several Meeting houses make their grounds available people’s vote, and was especially pleased that the show as quiet gardens, including Boscombe, Disley and garden is to be recreated as a quiet garden in a school Aylesbury, Mary-Anne Hall, administrator at The in Buckinghamshire. Quiet Garden Trust, told the Friend.

16 the Friend, 23 May 2014 Ad pages 23 May 20/5/14 14:09 Page 3

Friends&Meetings Deaths Laying down meeting

Kenneth ALDOUS 12 May. Member MORECAMBE LOCAL MEETING of Sutton Meeting and formerly the The last Meeting for Worship will FAU. Aged 89. Funeral at Randalls be held at 2.15pm Sunday 25 May Park Crematorium, Leatherhead, in Bare Methodist Church, Seaborn 11.45am Tuesday 27 May. Enquiries Road, Bare, Morecambe LA4 6BB. The West of England [email protected] Friends Housing Society Ltd Avenue, Kirwin and Lansdowne Joyce (Jo) BROTHERTON (née Diary Houses Backhouse) 8 May. Peacefully at Cotham Park North, Bristol home. Widow of Stuart, mother of CHARNEY MANOR: 2 SUMMER Friends Housing Bristol has been Mark and Michelle. Member of EVENTS Writing the Seasons 18-20 providing high quality housing, Gatesbield Meeting. Aged 96. July. Poetry workshop with Eleanor care and support for the retired and Enquiries Michelle 015394 43888. Nesbitt. Practical help/inspiration in elderly for over 60 years, whilst writing in several verse forms; being entirely non-profit making. Beatrice Ruth JAMIESON (formerly a chance to write together or alone. Avenue House provides residential Rodger, née Brayshaw) 31 March. Bring poems that reflect the seasons. care for 30 residents, and has Twin sister of Barbara Aynsley £176. Experiencing Oxford, 21-25 gained a reputation in Bristol for July. Enjoy Charney’s hospitality providing excellent, homely and Smith. Sidcot Old Scholar. Aged 90. loving care at affordable prices. Funeral held in Ipswich, 14 April. and explore Oxford’s many attrac- Contact Alison Rodger (daughter): tions, including Christ Church, 8 independent living flats are pro- 01475 673343. Ashmolean museum, Bodleian vided in Lansdowne House and 10 Library, Botanic Gardens and supported living flats are provided Blenheim Palace. Cost £480. To in Kirwin House. Edith Constance (Connie) JARRATT For further information, please (formerly Lee, née Field) 10 May. book/further details: 01235 868206 or [email protected] contact our manager on Member of Reading Meeting. 0117 989 2020 or visit Aged 99. Cremation 28 May. www.friendshousingbristol.org.uk Please telephone 0118 948 3509. PAINTINGS BY JENNY KAY Exhibition at Colchester QMH in May WYON (née Mitchell) 8 May, aid of Quaker Peace Studies Trust. peacefully at home. Aged 100. Viewing times: Saturdays 10am–4pm, Let your life Private Green burial, followed by a Sundays after Meeting for Worship. Thanksgiving Meeting to celebrate 31 May to 15 June. 6 Church Street, her life at Thirsk FMH at 12 noon Colchester CO1 1NF. speak... Saturday 31 May. Enquiries: [email protected] SARUM COLLEGE Free Post- ...through a legacy graduate Study Taster Days Saturday 28 June and Saturday 20 September. to the Friend Keep in touch... Visit www.sarum.ac.uk/tasterdays Put all your family notices in for more information or telephone 01722 424800. the Friend! When making Notices on this page your will, please consider Personal entries (births, marriages, deaths, anniversaries, changes of address, leaving a legacy etc.) charged at £20 incl. vat for up to 35 words and includes a copy of the magazine containing the notice. Meeting and charity notices (changes of clerk, to The Friend new wardens, alterations to meeting, diary, etc.) £16.67 zero rated for vat. Publications and help Max. 35 words. 3 Diary or Meeting up entries £40 (£33.33 zero rated); 6 continue the publication entries £72 (£60 zero rated). Notices should preferably be prepaid. Cheques made out to ‘The Friend.’ Deadline usually Monday morning. of the Friend and Friends Quarterly. Entries are accepted at the editor’s discretion in a standard house style. A gentle discipline will be exerted to maintain a simplicity of style and wording that excludes terms of endearment and words of tribute. Guidelines on request.

The Friend, 54a Main Street, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL Registered charity no. 211649 T: 01535 630230. E: [email protected] 173 Euston Rd, London NW1 2B

the Friend, 23 May 2014 17 Ad pages 23 May 20/5/14 14:09 Page 4

Classified advertisements George Penaluna, Advertisement Manager, 54a Main Street, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL. T&F: 01535 630230 E: [email protected] volunteers COTTAGES & SELF-CATERING the Friends PEMBROKESHIRE NEAR TENBY. Golden sands. Castles. Coast Path. EDINBURGH AT FESTIVAL TIME Two comfortable flats attached to 16th Quarterly Last few Volunteer opportunities! Century farmhouse each sleeping five. Edinburgh Meeting House Peaceful surroundings. 01834 845868. Who are Quakers today? 3 - 23 August [email protected] Tearoom/kitchen assistants in weeks one and three SUFFOLK COAST WALBERSWICK Self- Cooks in weeks two and three contained annexe. Very close to beach. Front of House week three Beautiful, varied walks. Sleeps 2/3. £150– £275pw; £50/night. Tel: 01502 723914 Accommodation and meals provided in email: [email protected] return for about five hours per day. Come and be part of it! SWALEDALE, YORKSHIRE. Superb Details: selection of gorgeous cottages amid www.venue40.org.uk/volunteers stunning scenery. Details, photos, virtual tours. www.catholecottages.com 01748 886366. MUSWELL HILL QUAKER MEETING (NW London AM) Seeks to appoint two or three WEST CORNWALL BUNGALOW near Resident Quakers Marazion, sleeps 2-3. Quiet,comfortable, Live in volunteers coastal walks,cycling. [email protected] www.holidaylettings.co.uk/167311 An opportunity to develop your own 01736 763623. service to and engagement with the Society of Friends doing a range of practical, communication and WEST CORNWALL CARAVAN, sleeps 4, Issue Two 2014 out now. administrative tasks around the meeting on small farm, panoramic sea and rural house premises and its users. views, comfortable, private, dogs Stuart Masters welcome. [email protected] The transformative power of God Applications welcomed from individuals 01736 762491. or couples who already have close links Hugh Rock with the Society of Friends. OVERSEAS HOLIDAYS Do Quakers possess a theology? Further details from Ann or Robin: [email protected] Peter Bevan Phone 020 7281 1779 HALKI ISLAND, NEAR RHODES. Antique Creativity and existential guilt Closing date Friday 20 June 2014. villa with fabulous views. Tranquil island. Sleeps 6 (3 bedrooms). Modern kitchen. Linda Murgatroyd £300 - £500pw dependent on season/ Lies, truth and statistics length of booking. 01835 822264 where to stay [email protected] Please send me a copy of Friends GUESTHOUSES, HOTELS, B&BS SW PORTUGAL. Looking for a holiday in Quarterly Issue Two 2014, a warm and relaxing area? Spring, EDINBURGH. City centre accommodation price £5 + 50p postage summer or autumn, villa to let. Sleeps 4/5. at Emmaus House. Tel. 0131 228 1066. Swimming pool. Edge of small village. www.emmaushouse-edinburgh.co.uk Please send me a subscription to Beaches nearby. Tel. 0114 236 2456. Friends Quarterly, starting with Email: [email protected] Scottish charity SC042957. Issue Two 2014. First issue free for VIENNA, WORLD’S BEST CITY. new subscribers. Culture, cafés, outdoor delights. FOXWOOD, ISLE OF SKYE. Inspirational Comfortable garden apartment. Sleeps 4. UK £20 pa setting amid mountains, sea, islands. Short breaks or longer. 01904 416840. Delightful accommodation. Sauna, jacuzzi Rest of World £22 pa [email protected] bath, therapies, special diets. B&B £35. www.holidayapartmentinvienna.co.uk Cheques payable to ‘The Friend’ www.scotland-info.co.uk/foxwood 01470 572331. Name...... Address...... To contact the Advertisement Dept ...... electronically please only use our Postcode...... Return to: Penny Dunn, published email address: The Friend, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ [email protected]

18 the Friend, 23 May 2014 Ad pages 23 May 20/5/14 14:09 Page 5

for sale & to let Classified ads BOGNOR REGIS. Large single bedroom Standard linage 54p a word, available. Quiet residential area. Five semi-display 82p a word. Rates minutes seafront, station, shops, buses. Suit professional non-smoker. £340pcm incl. vat. Min. 12 words. Series incl. bills. 01243 829146. discounts: 5% on 5 insertions, 10% on 10 or more. Cheques BROADHEMBURY, EAST DEVON (AONB) payable to The Friend. 3-bedroomed bungalow, 2 ensuite. Three- quarter acre garden with large workshop. Advertisement Dept Apply agents: 01884 33333. 54a Main Street, Cononley, www.rightmove.co.uk Keighley BD20 8LL T. 01535 630230 rooms wanted E. [email protected]

LONDON Room to rent for max. 5 nights per month when working at Friends House. Please contact: 07974 962270, The best investment you can make... [email protected] ...a subscription to the Friend personal Enjoy a weekly dividend of Quaker

QUAKER LESBIAN & GAY FELLOWSHIP news, nurture and inspiration! A welcoming, supportive national net- work with local groups for Ffriends of all Plus, all new subscribers will receive a free copy of sexualities/identities. Roy Vickery, The Quaker Way - a rediscovery by Rex Ambler. 9 Terrapin Court, Terrapin Road, London Recently published, it normally costs £11.99 plus SW17 8QW. E-mail: [email protected] £4.20 postage from the Quaker Centre Bookshop. miscellaneous The book acts as an introduction to, and a reminder of, ‘the Quaker way of doing things.’ A valuable guide to inspire and encourage us. ACCOUNTING SERVICES An annual subscription to the Friend is £76 a Charity Accounts prepared. year, the equivalent of just £1.49 a copy delivered Independent Examinations carried out. Bookkeeping Services. right to your door.Less than the price of a cup of coffee! Contact David Stephens FCCA For those who prefer, the monthly direct debit option is £6.50. Simply on 07843 766685. Email: [email protected] tick the box below. Isn’t it time you made time for the Friend?!

ALL YOUR PIANO REQUIREMENTS Restoration/removals/sales/part-exchange. The Friend subscription form www.cambridgepianolacompany.co.uk Tom Poole 01223 861507. Free copy of The Quaker Way for new subscribers. [email protected] I enclose a cheque for £76 payable to The Friend for a one year subscription. QUAKER MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES, Partnerships, commitments, notices and I wish to pay by monthly direct debit of £6.50, send me the right form other calligraphy. Liz Barrow 01223 369776. Your name...... SASSOON POEMS FOR CHOIR & ORGAN Suitable good amateur choir. Thoughtful Address...... contribution to WW1 commemoration. Quaker composer. £1.50 per copy...... Postcode...... Sample: [email protected] Daytime tel ...... WRITING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY? Books typeset for your family’s pleasure. Email...... (queries only) Photos and other graphics can be included. Contact Trish on 01223 363435. Return to: Penny Dunn, The Friend, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ [email protected] Other printed material also prepared. Offer expires 30 June 2014. Free book for new subscribers with this form only, subject to availability.

the Friend, 23 May 2014 19 Ad pages 23 May 20/5/14 14:09 Page 6 V ADVERTISEMENT DEPT EDITORIAL ol 54a Main Street 173 Euston Road 172 Cononley London NW1 2BJ Keighley BD20 8LL T 020 7663 1010 No

T & F 01535 630230 F 020 7663 11-82 21 E [email protected] the Friend E [email protected]

Meeting House and Charity Insurance We are pleased to provide insurance services to many of the Quaker Meetings and other Quaker organisations around Britain, including homes for elderly people, educational bodies, conference centres, social, environmental and arts charities. Our aim is to provide a friendly, helpful and expert service, and our client testimonials demonstrate a high degree of customer satisfaction: • “Thank you again for your help. I am most impressed by your hard work getting us a lower premium and visiting us to ensure that we are indeed fully covered. It is good to know that you are there to advise us.” • “Your help and guidance during our recent development has been appreciated.” • “Thank you for coming and seeing us today and helping us to understand our insurance much better.” • “You’ve no idea how relieved we are to have you on board.” • “I have no hesitation in recommending David Edwards Insurance Brokers as being helpful, efficient and applying common sense to insurance needs.” Whether your needs are large or small, we would be pleased to help your Meeting or charity. David Edwards ACII Tel: 01564 730900 Email: [email protected] Web: www.deib.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Member of Broker Network and the British Insurance Brokers Association. Circles uk Circles of Support and Accountability, originally developed and promoted in the UK by Quaker Peace & Social Witness, are having a growing and important impact. Circles UK has carried forward the initial Quaker scheme and now trains and advises the 14 Circles Projects that currently operate across England and Wales. The evidence is positive that Circles work; those most despised can be supported towards leading lives free from their previous sexual offending. Please support us to support them. Circles UK is a registered charity, no. 1122641.

I want to support the crucial work of Circles UK and enclose a cheque/CAF voucher payable to 'Circles UK' for £...... For Gift Aid: I confirm that I will pay UK Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in this financial year equal to the tax you will reclaim I would like to hear more as to how I can support the work Name...... Address...... Postcode...... A simulated Circle environment Email...... To learn more, or donate online, Please return to: Circles UK, Abbey House, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BE please see www.circles-uk.org.uk