12 December 2008 £1.70 the DISCOVER THE CONTEMPORARYFriend QUAKER WAY

Art and violence A Quaker approach

Travel by plane Justifiable?

The chair’s the star History and restoration

Cuban Friend’s paintings Friends House show reviewed the Friend INDEPENDENT QUAKER JOURNALISM SINCE 1843

CONTENTS Vol 166 No 50 3-5 News 3 UN passes depleted uranium resolution 4 International progress for women prisoners concern 5 Quakers debate the big issues 6 ‘Merry Global Warming’ Stuart Donnan 7 Comment Michael Oppenheim and Robin Hawes 8-9 Letters 10-11 Films, violence and us Zoë Ainsworth-Grigg 12-13 Arts 12 Abstract art to appreciate while eating Rowena Loverance 13 Does God respond to prayer? Philip Barron Books in brief Greta McGough 14 Quaker chairs with a story? Roland Carn Images on this page: Jeremy Corbyn 15 Letters extra speaking at a London Quakers Dialogue. Jeremy joined Jo Broadwood, Jonathan 16 q-eye: a wry look at the Quaker world Dale and Judith Moran, who all spoke at the event. Photo: Trish Carn. See page 17 Friends & Meetings 5. Quakerhaus, Bad Pyrmont, Germany, where European and Middle East Young Cover image: Clap hands – young nasturtium leaves. Friends met for their Annual Meeting last Photo: Philip Morris of Stratford-upon-Avon Local Meeting. month. Photo: Calum Shaw.

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2 the Friend, 12 December 2008 News UN passes depleted uranium resolution Last week the UN General Atomic Energy Agency and United as most of the research to date Assembly passed a resolution on Nations Environment Programme has concentrated on the effects depleted uranium in conventional are requested to provide updates on soldiers rather than civilians weapons by a margin of 141 votes on their positions. The resolution and there have been no large-scale to four. The resolution highlights also particularly asks that DU- studies done in Iraq. Despite this, the potential harm to human affected states be involved in the DU-using countries continue to health and the environment, and research. claim that there is no cause for calls for UN agencies to update The resolution was submitted concern. Our position is that any their research on the topic. on behalf of the Non-Aligned uncertainties are a reason for it not Depleted uranium (DU) is used Movement of states and was to be used, rather than an excuse to in armour piercing munitions opposed by the UK, the US, France continue.’ because of its density and because and Israel, all of whom have DU However a UK Foreign Office it combusts upon impact. It in their arsenals. Thirty-four statement, produced shortly before was used in the Balkans and in states abstained, including several the vote, states that in a number of the 1991 and 2003 Iraq wars NATO member states and uranium scientific reports, ‘DU has not been and the chemically toxic and producers. Falling the day before shown to have, and indeed is very radioactive dust created upon the signing of the cluster munitions unlikely to have, any significant impact is thought to be the cause treaty, campaigners believe the impact on the local population… of numerous health problems, resolution is an important first step We believe that DU is a legitimate including cancers and birth defects. in building momentum towards an weapon and the use of it is not The resolution is the second eventual ban of the use of uranium prohibited under any international passed by the General Assembly in weapons. agreements.’ and continues the process begun ‘The size of the vote in favour Dave Cullen last year of states submitting showed that there is significant reports on the topic to the UN international concern about DU’, Dave is an attender at Charlbury secretary general. The General said Doug Weir of the International Meeting and a Quaker Peace & Assembly will revisit the issue in Coalition to Ban Uranium Social Witness one-year peaceworker 2010, by which time the World Weapons. ‘We particularly welcome attached to the Campaign Against Health Organization, International the emphasis on affected countries, Depleted Uranium. Quaker Week set to run Young Friends meet in Germany for two more years The success of this year’s National Quaker Week has ensured its return for the next two years. The annual outreach drive, which in future will be known just as ‘Quaker Week’, will next take place on 3-11 October 2009 and will also return on 2-10 October 2010. The decision was taken at a meeting of Quaker Life Central Committee in late November.

Tom Harris, outreach development officer for Britain Yearly Photo: Calum Shaw Meeting, said: ‘We have announced dates for 2009 and 2010 European and Middle East Young Friends met because we got strong feedback that you wanted it to run again in Bad Pyrmont, Germany, for their Annual – and that some events need to be planned a year ahead!’ He Meeting at the end of November. The weekend added that participation in Quaker Week is optional, saying: ‘We gathering was an opportunity for young Quakers are committed to supporting Meetings who wish to take part but across the region to meet together socially and there’s no pressure to do so.’ to carry out Quaker business.

the Friend, 12 December 2008 3 News

International progress for women prisoners concern The Quaker concern for women Although a number of to prison service officials and prisoners and their children outstanding issues prevented the puts the knowledge ‘into the has been making inroads in declaration being agreed at the international orbit without going international forums. meeting, there is hope that it will through a whole lot of checking The World Health Organization be finalised soon and work is by governments’, he explained. ‘It’s (WHO) European Network for ongoing around it. Nick McGeorge, a way of getting things to happen Prison and Health is expected to who represents Quakers at the UN fairly quickly.’ give its backing to a declaration Crime Commission in Vienna, These developments reflect a on women’s health in prison, is assisting with the creation of growing awareness in international following a meeting last month, a checklist to accompany the circles of issues around women while a United Nations handbook declaration. He hopes that by prisoners and their children, an on women and imprisonment has providing detailed guidelines on area where Quaker organisations been published with significant what prison authorities should have worked continually for at least Quaker input. consider around women prisoners’ the last five years. Liz Scurfield said Liz Scurfield of the Quaker health, the checklist will make that QCEA is now being asked to Council for European Affairs it easier to provide appropriate give presentations and produce (QCEA) attended the WHO assistance. papers on the issues for European meeting. ‘What I was struck Nick was also positive about the institutions. ‘We [Quakers] by was that we came from all handbook on women prisoners, have got so many reports and these disparate countries and which was produced by the UN documentation that backs it up organisations’, she said, ‘but we Office on Drugs and Crime that it can’t be ignored any more’, were largely very much agreed on with a ‘significant role’ being she said. ‘We’re now acknowledged what the issues were and what we played by the Quaker UN Office, as being experts in this field.’ should do about them’. Geneva. It provides information Oliver Robertson

Clare Short warns of civil liberties abuse Former cabinet minister Clare Short warned Quakers her experiences at the ongoing demonstrations at the that ignoring civil liberties could lead to government Menwith Hill military base. abuses when she spoke at a Quaker conference on the It became clear in discussion that an emerging theme subject held in Birmingham recently. was that the threats to liberty from the state are also Posing the question: ‘Why worry if I’ve done nothing threatening the Quaker testimonies as a whole. Finding wrong?’, Clare went on to provide several answers, a focused way forward was difficult: perhaps this is an warning participants of the risk of thinking that small issue that is still a seed with many Friends, waiting for changes to our personal liberty are unlikely to affect us the Spirit to germinate it. personally. Looking at Anti-Social Behaviour Orders Sarah Richards (ASBOs), which prohibit individuals from carrying out Northumbria AM particular activities, she argued that ASBOs may seem a good idea if you live on a difficult estate. But what is glossed over is that ASBOs can be imposed without the Oliver Postgate subject being tried or convicted of anything and along ‘The lesson of the bomb has been with us for over that road, Clare suggested, lies Guantánamo Bay. The forty years. It is that in a world where every nation whole concept of the state thinking it knows best is of inevitably holds the key to the very survival of the concern, even if we have done nothing wrong; to Clare other nations, true security can never come from the it represents a distinct slipping of standards of integrity laying on of more and more unbelievable terrors, and accountability, a move that has already taken place. but only from the willing, careful sharing of safety.’ We can no longer respect our government, because New thinking about disarmament they no longer respect us. The conference also heard from Roger Iredale These words were written by Oliver Postgate, a of Long Sutton Meeting, who gave an overview of Quaker and peace campaigner better known for current civil liberties issues. He described the paranoia his work in the field of children’s television, where on which actions can be based and looked at the he created programmes such as Bagpuss and The nature of the threat to liberty from an authoritarian Clangers. He died on Monday 8 December. government. The third speaker, Lindis Percy, described

4 the Friend, 12 December 2008 [email protected] Quakers debate the big issues Two Quaker-run lecture series have been tackling major issues of our time. Caroline Westgate writes about the Hexham Debates, while below Daphne Stedman details the London Quaker Dialogue

Building a culture of peace Each nation claims that its be more effective. People could The second series of Hexham army is purely for defence, Bruce press for change in, for example, Debates began with over 200 continued, but street gangs justify the charities law, whereby a tank people cramming into a hall to carrying knives in exactly the museum can be classified as a hear veteran peace campaigner same terms. He drew a distinction charity. They could question Bruce Kent speak. between using armed force for why Charles, William and Harry Bruce spoke for forty minutes policing and sending troops Windsor have all served in the and took questions for fifty, in into wars of aggression. Peace military; ask why nurses, firemen a tour de force of wide-ranging between peoples is the norm and or lifeboat crews don’t form the ideas expressed with an engaging war should be seen as aberrant processions on state occasions; why warmth and humour. Bruce, behaviour rather than national so many place names, like Waterloo vice-president of CND and of the glory, he said. Such a radical shift Station or Trafalgar Square, reflect Movement for the Abolition of in our society’s outlook may seem a historic battles; why churches War, pointed out that the culture long way away, but this should not minister to the pastoral needs of of war is all around us. In a short discourage us: Bruce recalled that the military but fail to challenge walk through Hexham he had the struggles against slavery and for the legal basis of the war in which spotted five war memorials and women’s suffrage did not succeed the men and women are dying. a plaque commemorating the because the majority suddenly Peace and justice are intertwined. 1761 Hexham Riot. ‘Of course we had a change of heart, but because Bruce commended the work of must honour those who died in small groups of determined people NGOs and pressure groups, which war’, said Bruce, who served in kept up a sustained campaign for deserve our support. We can all the military, ‘but we should work reform. play our part in peacemaking and, to ensure that there are no more So how do we begin this change? just as there are many instruments dead, especially because in modern Writing to MPs may yield a in an orchestra, so there are many warfare civilians suffer the biggest poor return, but individuals or ways in which we can build a casualties’. groups lobbying in person might culture of peace.

Revisioning social justice their money, looking at practicalities as well as Around eighty people heard Quakers and an MP emotional pressures to consume more. discuss visions of social justice and practical action in Hearing Jo Broadwood of LEAP Confronting Friends House. Conflict talk about that organisation’s range of Jonathan Dale, author of Faith in Action, defined projects with young people facing challenges such as social justice as ‘a fundamental sense of fairness within gang culture and even prejudice against youth showed our human community.’ The income of the richest one how important it is to take young people’s concerns per cent equals that of the poorest fifty-seven per cent seriously. Empowering them to deal with conflict and of the world’s population, so we are far from achieving violence by training them in conflict resolution skills is fairness. He linked the current credit crisis and climate vital work. change: both draw attention to social inequality Jeremy Corbyn MP provided a historical perspective, globally and call into question consumerist lifestyles. noting that public debate over social inequalities Quaker Social Action runs grassroots initiatives to dates from Oliver Cromwell’s time. He urged people help people in East London, explained its director to argue for peace and equable sharing of global Judith Moran. She highlighted their ‘Made of Money’ resources, citing inequality as a contributory factor in project, which educates people on how to manage many conflicts.

the Friend, 12 December 2008 5 Opinion ‘Merry Global Warming’

Stuart Donnan looks at the problems of Quakers, families, work and international travel in December and January

This time last year I had to inform mother and I live on opposite sides the early Quakers? Many were one of my local Quaker co-workers of the world. Clearly there are both committed travellers, throughout that I would be out of action for long answers and short answers to the British Isles and to and from a month because I was going to that sort of question, so let me for North America. They certainly Australia for Christmas and New now offer a rather short answer: didn’t consume much fossil fuel Year. The response took me a it’s because my work brought me in the seventeenth, eighteenth and little by surprise: ‘MERRY GLOBAL to this country (yes, I have been nineteenth centuries – but what WARMING’, he said (it sounded as through immigration and visa if the concern of British Quakers though it was in capital letters). checks and health checks and so for wide outreach,or support, in Although surprised, I didn’t feel on – a long time ago, I’m pleased the twenty-first century matched guilty – because the purpose of my to say). And my work led me – not that of the early days? Do we find travel was to visit my mother just forcibly, I admit – to live in Hong ourselves thinking that the purpose before her one hundred and second Kong for most of the 1980s, flying of travel, especially of flying, might birthday and whom I had not seen regularly between Hong Kong, be morally or environmentally since her hundredth birthday. Europe and Australia. relevant? Is outreach OK, work One of my professional interests Let me briefly mention two possibly OK, tourism not OK, has for many years been public couples who live in the UK family commitment a bit iffy and health ethics, one of the big issues whom we have known for years possibly an excuse? being sustainability, so I share and see regularly. One husband I’m sure I should pay more the concerns of many about the works collaboratively in leading attention to carbon offsetting ‘inappropriate’ use of carbon-based international research (and is and encourage my friends to do fuels. An important dimension in regularly on site) with colleagues so too. I can’t help thinking that the ethical analysis and the Quaker in the USA and Europe; his my Friend’s response last year, the perspective around sustainability wife likewise with colleagues title of this piece, was meant to is justice – specifically, in Australia. Another is an make me feel if not guilty, then at intergenerational justice. international researcher whose least admonished. However, my Is it overstretching the argument fieldwork is in the north of the commitments haven’t gone away to propose that actually keeping Nordic countries. She and her – my mother will be 103 any day in touch with our preceding and husband have family including now. But I know that in the old succeeding generations is part of grandchildren in Australia and days – even when I first arrived intergenerational justice? Here lies in Europe. We all can’t live and in the UK forty-three years ago one of the typical dilemmas of work as we wish without very – moving around the world meant ethics – when important principles large numbers of air miles. But I giving up on seeing family for a or values seem to or actually do guess it’s still a fair question to ask long time or for ever. Is that what conflict. whether this is the way we should we really should do now? Now you may reasonably ask live and work. Stuart is a member of how it comes about that my What do we think about Southampton LM. Photo: ArtToday

6 the Friend, 12 December 2008 Comment The killing of Jesus Christ As an ethnic Jew I find it difficult the argument as to whether it was Were this the case, then to send Christmas cards to my Romans or Jews (of that time!) whosoever was responsible for Christian friends. I tend to write who were responsible for Jesus bringing on the crucifixion of a letter, or compose a card of my being put to death. I do not feel Jesus Christ was, quite unwittingly, own, using a phrase such as ‘your competent to make a judgment. an actor in a pre-written drama. Saviour’s birthday’ rather than But I would like to say something It appears to my naïve self, ‘Christmas’. And I have already sent about the Christian theology accordingly, that whether it was this year’s batch. concerned with the status of Jesus Jews or Romans who ‘killed Christ’, One of the recipients of these as a, nay the Saviour. John 3:16 says those involved should be revered greetings recently contacted me ‘For God so loved the world, that rather than vilified. For without and the conversation turned to he gave his only begotten son’. that killing there could have been Jesus. ‘And the Jews killed him’, As I understand the argument, no Saviour; and without a Saviour said my friend. This came over Jesus could not have attained there could be no Christianity. as though I was being blamed the status of a Saviour unless he And what sayest thou? personally. I have thought over the underwent a painful death. In other circumstances of Jesus’s death and words, according to the orthodox Michael Oppenheim would like to share these opinions. theology, it was God’s plan that his Lancaster LM Firstly, I do not wish to enter only son should thus die. ‘I love to feel where the words come from’

These were the wise words of the can share, talk and pray through language readily, perhaps because I Chief Papunehang on hearing apparent differences of language. have studied theology, but for me it John Woolman speak without There are many approaches to living is symbolic of deeper realities, the interpretation. I hope that we faithfully and I hope that we can sum of which I experience as ‘God.’ may keep our minds open to both be ministers of reconciliation to ‘The letter killeth but the Spirit new light and old light, in view of each other and in our Society. This giveth life’ from II Corinthians Rhoda and John Wharton’s recent may draw others to share our life 3:6 is often used by our Society comment (21 November) and and would be testimony to a loving and I believe that sharing our life subsequent correspondence. community for peace and harmony experience in openness to the Light, I believe that we should in the world. Learning to listen seeking to build the ‘peaceable appreciate the diversity there is and love each other’s differences kingdom’, is what our spiritual life is among us and be content with it tenderly is more important than all about. We can live adventurously without reproach and judgement. a perennial seeking after some in that Light, knowing one another There is a danger in our religious formula in words, which of its in the things which are eternal, society of an intolerance and nature will be provisional and keeping our hearts and minds open, over-zealousness regarding words transitory. We do not need to fear without undue burden given to and definitions that perhaps is the varying ‘theologies’ among the words we use at this moment not consonant with our ancient Friends, nor indeed among those of in history. I am convinced that tradition of holding and living by a other Christian bodies, other faiths our unity lies not in words but faith that is non-credal. and people of goodwill but of no in listening and openness and I am saddened when I hear defined faith. discovery of ourselves, our Friends Friends taking polarised positions I was not brought up in any and the great mystery of universal over belief systems, our own as well particular faith: my cultural heritage life, the unfathomable I call God. as others. We do need to engage in is Christianity. I have deep roots Would it not be a ‘silly, poor gospel’ ‘theological’ dialogue, otherwise among Friends, but also strong otherwise? our credibility with other churches bonds with the Catholic and and faiths is weakened. It is our Anglican traditions for which I am Robin Hawes strength, in my view, when we deeply grateful. I can use theistic London West AM

the Friend, 12 December 2008 7 Letters All views expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Friend

Unity and diversity I most heartily agree with Rhoda and John It was interesting for me to read the responses (28 Wharton. Particularly: ‘The theistic flavour of the November) to the article by Rhoda and John Wharton language used in much of the literature and the (21 November). My response was very different from these. leaflets does not blend with the beliefs of some I was deeply touched at the way Lichfield Meeting was [I would say “many”] Friends…’. I am especially seriously trying to find a way to communicate in a way that aware of this in relation to my partner – a lifelong reflected Friends in that Meeting and that felt congruent non-theist, or agnostic, or even atheist. Over the and right to present to potential enquirers. I so valued the years I have been telling him about Friends’ ways compassionate effort they had put into this. (I sometimes and how open and non-prescriptive we are; and just feel very annoyed at the theistic language, so I felt he has gradually grown to respect and trust us. suitably humbled by their approach!) So… I am certainly Then we were in the entrance lobby of Kendal not impatient with what Lichfield is doing. I value it highly. Meeting House (on our way to their wonderful Susan Groves cafe and teashop!) when he spotted leaflets and Devon Area Meeting literature that were uncompromisingly theistic in tone and content. It has been hard work to rebuild Many of our present misunderstandings would be his trust in the Quakers! overcome if applicants for membership were asked if Jane Taylor they had read and accepted Quaker faith & practice 1.01, Lancaster Local Meeting which states: ‘As Friends we commit ourselves to a way of worship which allows God to teach and transform us. We What reason do we have for believing that non- have found corporately that the Spirit, if rightly followed, theism is compatible with the Quaker business will lead us into truth, unity and love: all our testimonies method? grow from this leading.’ The guidance given in Quaker faith & practice If the answer is negative they could continue to be made 3.02 is that our decision-making processes are welcome and to participate as attenders pending such time distinguished from the secular idea of consensus as Qf&p is reviewed by Yearly Meeting. by the belief that God’s will can be recognised Edward Hoare through the discipline of silent waiting. If we are [email protected] no longer committed to the belief that there is a spiritual dimension by which we can be led can I have often wondered why Buddhists, Muslims, Anglicans, Meeting for Worship for Business be anything Pagans, Atheists, New Ageists, Humanists, and others should more than an exercise in consensus decision- wish, whilst still apparently retaining their own individual making? allegiances, rituals, labels and beliefs in a kind of duality, to Can Quakerism incorporate non-theism become members of the clearly stated Religious Society of without abandoning the Quaker business method? Friends and then feel the need to redefine Quakerism. Richard Pashley Molly Braithwaite [email protected] Luton & Leighton Area Meeting A bit of history As we move into the depression, and the unemployment and hardship Escape from the bottle which will follow, Friends may like to be reminded of some of the initiatives I wish Friends would stop to relieve the 1930s situation in certain areas such as South Wales. One their obsession with the Friend with the remarkable double Quaker name of Rowntree Gillett was evil of alcohol (cover and involved with helping unemployed miners in the Rhondda Valley. A property the slogan ‘Escape from in the village of Wick, near the coast, was bought to take groups for short the bottle’ 28 November). holiday breaks. At one point they were fundraising to obtain some means of Alcohol, in moderation, is heating the building and it was suggested that they visit St Donat’s Castle, both enjoyable and beneficial. then owned by the American newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, John Linton where a banquet was being held. The miners were able to raise a male-voice 25 Wyndham House, choir to entertain the guests. The choir was welcomed by William Randolph Plantation Road, Oxford Hearst and his distinguished guests. A cheque for $250 was presented at the OX2 6JJ time. A second cheque for $750 was sent by William Randolph Hearst when Alcohol is not enjoyable he received a copy of a photograph of the occasion and a thank-you letter. and beneficial if you are an Ronald Watts alcoholic, which was the Abergavenny Local Meeting point of this article. Ed.

8 the Friend, 12 December 2008 [email protected]

Quaker artists Sizing our needs to fit within our means It is interesting to see how people interpret ‘things’. Tony Crofts (5 December) pointed out that For example, reading the commonsensical approach ‘something seems to be missing from our of Caroline Coode in your recent letters page (28 conversation about the economic situation’. Tony November): ‘If a person is truly starving the choice also says that Friends seem content to go along between food for your children or a piece of ‘art’ is, I with resuming growth, merely talking about how think, very clear…’ to run business better. It would appear so; in most instances it might be What Tony was perhaps not aware of is that last so; but what that proposition seems to ignore is the year’s Quakers & Business (Q&B) conference on invisible world – the invisible world which, I think Business and Climate Change did directly address we think, is more important than the visible one. In the concerns he raises (see the epistle at http:// this invisible world ‘are’ all the abstractions like art www.qand.org.uk/events/91-epistle-conference-2007. – truth – justice – and other ‘things’ that we don’t html). eat, but which might be part of being in the ‘light’ This year’s conference in November on the – which, incidentally, we don’t ‘see’. Future of Work followed on from this framing In short, as someone else put it, ‘man does not live work done on 2007 and next year’s conference by bread alone’, but by something else that we don’t will hopefully allow us to extend our conversation ‘eat’. Is that a Quaker perspective? further. James Sale Tony calls on Friends to proclaim the need for Bournemouth Local Meeting recession. At Q&B this is an ongoing concern. We are aware both of the need for change and also of I suspect that the utilitarian view dismisses the arts as the disproportionate impact of recession on the mere play. It’s all very well as a bit of refreshment and poor amongst us. respite from Saving the World – but it’s peripheral. Listed under ‘Projects’ at our website http://www. Well, here’s what Richard Mabey has to say in qandb.org is ‘Wealth or Riches’. This ongoing Nature Cure (my italics): ‘Play [is] an almost universal project, set up after last year’s conference, addresses phenomenon among more complex animals (and itself to zero growth and to other issues aiming to which includes what humans call art), and one which, explore the economic implications. in its exuberant purposelessness, seems close to the Tony’s idea of more allotment gardening would heart of the whole business of life. Play is the opposite undoubtedly help. We need also to recognise that of Management by Objectives, the current creed from the point of view of the earth as a sentient which rigidly screens out spontaneity, imagination and and exploited entity, that ‘the seeds of war’ in the surprise as parts of the creative process.’ Heaven help form of unsustainable extractive industry, beef us if we ever cease to take play seriously! farming and exhaustion of our fisheries, amongst Stevie Krayer other activities, have long had ‘nourishment in South Wales Area Meeting these our possessions’. We do not have the three planets that the welfare Dementia: my worst nightmare of the nine billion people projected for 2050 In recent years, I’ve been a dipper into the Meeting apparently calls for. At Q&B and elsewhere in the house copy of the Friend rather than a subscriber, YM, conversations recognising this are being held. partly from pensioner frugality, partly because the Prophetic witness will undoubtedly emerge. Friend often didn’t speak to my condition. I have Tim Phillips and Eoin McCarthy been deeply moved by two recent issues, particularly Clerks to Quakers & Business Shelagh Robinson’s account of the onset of dementia (21 November), an alcoholic’s tracing of his struggle The Friend welcomes your views. Please keep letters short and include your full postal address, towards balance and health and a glowingly sensitive even when sending emails. Please specify whether review of poetry inspired by the Holocaust (28 you wish for your postal or email address or November). When I find myself in a taxing situation, I Meeting name to be used with your name, learn immeasurably from how others have dealt with otherwise we will print your post address or email challenge, grief and pain and courage grows. More, address. Letters are published at the editor’s please, of such deeply considered spiritual journeys. I discretion and may be edited. Write to: the Friend, will be resubscribing in hope. 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ or email Barbara Prys-Williams [email protected] Swansea Local Meeting Remember if you are online that you can also See Letters extra on page 15. Ed. comment on all articles at www.thefriend.org

the Friend, 12 December 2008 9 Peacemaking Films, violence and us

‘Something so powerful as film should be celebrated and understood’ Anthony Minghella Violence on screens is seen to be increasing.

Many Friends feel that violence on violence portrayed excites them. who can make moral choices our screens is increasing and that The psychological excitement is and will be educated by this film this may be reflected in our society akin to sexual experience and the into nonviolent behaviour. It by an increase in actual violence. As endorphins produced are similar to presupposes that all children Quakers we wonder whether this having sex. There is a genre in the universally have a good moral phenomenon should receive our DVD market that caters specifically upbringing honing their choices. concern. Peace is our concern. As for this violence-watching sub- I asked: ‘How can you be sure we strive for peace, reconciliation group and it is growing. that viewers of these films do and the furtherance of peaceful Hammond Khan thought that not identify with the aggressor means to resolve conflict, we are as cinema is an art form, it merely rather than the victim?’ By also reminded of the violence that holds up a mirror to society, identifying with the victim we we see every day in our media which is the purpose of art. This are either culturally horrified by environment. underestimates the power of art. the perpetrators of violence or At the fifty-second London Film Art not only mirrors but also gain a vicarious thrill. Through Festival I attended a forum entitled: forges society and culture. identification with the aggressor or ‘The Ethical Problem of Violence It was evident that each of the victim we are also responding in Film’. Three directors, Jean- the directors felt a deeply held to our own psychology, our own Stéphane Sauvaire, Pat Holden responsibility and a belief ‘dark side’ and our own superego. and Richard Jobson, discussed structure. Each felt that by making Within us all there is a mixture their reasons for portraying their film, there was the possibility of light and dark and we hope as violence as a vehicle for their art. of changing attitudes towards Quakers that those forces come A representative from the British violence by the viewer condemning into balance psychologically. Board of Film Classification the violence that is portrayed. Psychologically complex thought (BBFC), Hammond Khan, was also The film New Town Killers by processes are going on. We may there. Richard Jobson tries to portray enjoy that violence is perpetrated The session began by excusing the super-rich of our society as on a wrong-doer. But Quakers violence on our screens as being the wrong-doers. Hedge fund believe that there is a fundamental a gender issue. Men often have managers become literally violent moral core within us all which raised their testosterone levels and people who do not care that responds to our relationship with pleasurable sensations when they their moneymaking activities God. Holding ourselves in the watch violence. divide society; for sport they ‘Light’ raises this up. We respond to The forum stated that through become manhunters of the weaker ‘That of God’ within everyone and surveys it has been established that strands of society. It is intended within ourselves when we are in there is a sub-culture of people for the teenage market. The contact with the ‘Light’. who enjoy watching violence. director believes that teenagers As a society, by perpetrating They are mostly men and seeing are intelligent watchers of film violence, we treat the victim as the Photos: ArtToday

10 the Friend, 12 December 2008 Films, violence and us

‘Something so powerful as film should be celebrated and understood’ Anthony Minghella

‘Do viewers identify with the aggressors?’

wrong-doer and we see them as an ages to perform violence as child can teach about manipulation of object that deserves punishment soldiers in war zones around the the senses by directors and what and not someone who is connected world. It portrays extreme violence the ‘message’ of the film is. Often to us and is part of our own as documentary. It has not been there is a mismatch between what human experience. Not someone released in America as the board the director intends and what is who has ‘That of God’ within there found it too violent. Their perceived. them but someone who is ‘evil’. board said that their viewers know The subconscious mind is full of Therefore our superego permits the difference between actual images that we have stored away. us to perform violence on them in violence and stories for amusement In previous generations, as well many ways: emotionally, physically, and therefore do not ‘believe’ the as in our own and our time, there spiritually or culturally. Thought, violence. are many good, bad or beautiful word or deed can be violent. As How, then, are we to find our images, which reappear in dreams Quakers we try to see ourselves, way through this minefield of and shape our experience of the know ourselves and speak truth to growing violence on our screens? world. Choose wisely. power. Just as parents can take protective Lastly, of the films that were All three directors agreed that measures about the internet so shown at the London Film Festival, the glass ceiling of violence on our then they can take protective a minority were violent. The screens has been smashed and the measures to protect what children majority of films were about the barriers are therefore raised. In see. There are websites produced way in which ‘love and art’ can order to shock and repel, deeper by the BBFC that list the contents transform and change people and deeper levels of portraying of a film and people can look that and society for the better without violence are needed. Censorship is up before going to a film; not rely portraying violence. Make your now incapable of redressing this on the publicity material which choices wisely and recommend trend. However, Britain is the most is there to ‘sell’ it. Newspaper them to other people. difficult country in which to get reviewers also review films more a film past the film classification fully. Be careful of the gender and Zoë Ainsworth-Grigg authorities. Khan said that each ethos of the reviewer – just as time he sees a film which has gone newspapers have a bias, so does beyond the pale, there is another the reviewer. Zoë Ainsworth-Grigg undertook film one that comes along that is even There is also personal censorship: studies as part of a BA humanities more shocking. switch off the TV, walk out of the degree and holds a diploma in The film Johnny Mad Dog cinema. No one is forcing you to psychoanalytic psychology. She has by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire was sit there. Educate yourself about been a Quaker and Quaker attender produced in order to educate film and be very sure about what since 1991. She also volunteered as the audience about how adults you are about to subject yourself a neighbourhood mediator for ten manipulate children at vulnerable to. Education in media studies years.

the Friend, 12 December 2008 11 arts Cuban artist exhibits at Friends House The US abstract expressionist artist scale, Vazquez Martin cannot ring Mark Rothko famously refused to let his many changes with the texture of Seagram murals hang in the exclusive New the paintings, but the information York restaurant which had commissioned panel reminds us that he works them, because he decided that hungry within the Spanish art movement diners were unlikely to appreciate high known as ‘matière’, which uses art. Happily the Cuban abstract painter different materials to enrich a Juan T Vazquez Martin has shown no painting’s surface and explore the such squeamishness. A small but mouth- transformative qualities of matter. watering exhibition of his paintings is on show in Juan Vazquez Martin and his the restaurant at Friends House, London, until 23 partner Mercedes Soca Gil, a Friend in Cuba Yearly December with a preview on 13 December from 3-4.30. Meeting, worship with the Havana unprogrammed Mercedes will introduce her partner’s works. group. They are in London on a cultural visit and were The first thing that catches the eye about these tiny introduced to British Friends at Yearly Meeting in May. paintings is their colour. Juan Vazquez Martin covers Friends in Cuba were badly affected in September the whole spectrum, with particular emphasis on an by Hurricane Ike, which caused damage estimated ethereal purple and an earthy brown. Their watery in billions of dollars. Half of the proceeds of the tone gives the feeling of looking through gauze, like the exhibition will go to support these Cuban Friends. And moment in a theatre when a backcloth dissolves and a even if abstract painting is not your thing, this is a good new scene takes shape behind. The forms are various, time to polish up your Cuban credentials. 1 January some fluid and melting, others firm and angular like 2009 is the fiftieth anniversary of the Cuban revolution. window frames. Working here on such a miniature Rowena Loverance An interview with Juan by Anne Hosking Cuban history formed Juan, Batista coup – a government anti- to paint more. formed his art. Like so many art, anti-modern, uncultured – and He’s fascinated by the technique immigrants, vivid memories when Juan got a scholarship to of water colour, painting on special of their arrival in the new the Escuela Provincial de Arte, his papers that absorb the water. Time country are passed on: the maintenance grant was never paid and patience are needed to wash religious grandmother from the until Castro’s revolution when the the paper with clean water, dry it, Canary Islands who ensured his revolutionary government improved add transparent colour again, erase middle name was Teodolu, the buildings, supplied materials and with a wet sponge, repeatedly – but Greek saint whose name day enabled young artists to engage with never confuse water colour with coincided with Juan’s birthday. foreign art through things as basic gouache. This small exhibition is The Galician grandfather who as subscriptions to art journals. easy to transport and fits into any arrived at the end of the nineteenth Juan’s first exhibition derived exhibition space. century, part of an effort in Spain from his exercises in different His themes are abstractions, to bring in more white people, said techniques and styles, and was different planes, where people Juan: the authorities were afraid of much influenced by Klee and Miro, find emotions, tranquillity. The revolts, of the increase in the black but he retained his own vision. works are independent, not population following the recent He travelled many times abroad, representational; you will not find liberation of slaves. They settled a setting up exhibitions for talented flowers and sunsets but colours major tobacco growing area, strong young Cuban artists, but this is his and forms. ‘I want to be a creator in trade unions, fighters for the first long visit to Britain – thanks of nature, of original forms, not a emancipation of all, for Cuban to Gaslight Productions of Derry/ copyist of nature. It is my spirit, as independence, but very aware of Londonderry, whose invitation a human being to be creative, to the power that the USA had over enabled him to gain a visa, and fulfil my liberty: I have to use the this island only ninety miles from whose hospitality and facilities in faculty that God gave me to create Florida. In 1952 there was the Northern Ireland have enabled him new things.’ Juan Vasquez Martin Vasquez at House Friends in Juan Carn Trish May 2008. Photos:

12 the Friend, 12 December 2008 Does God respond to prayer?

There seems to be a reluctance a personal being who listens to final result. ‘It may be a mystery in some Quaker circles to use the prayers and then responds (not why God should have allowed us to word God in ministry. I think this necessarily granting petitions). He cause real events at all; but it is no is a pity, for surely the word is prefaced what we call the Lord’s odder that He should allow us to simply one that humans employ to Prayer with an admonition which cause them by prayer than by any stand for a concept of divinity that contained the words: ‘Your Father other method.’ they cannot comprehend. Nowhere knows what you need before you Yancey admits that he often turns is it harder to avoid the G-word ask him.’ to prayer feeling besieged. ‘My than when talking about prayer. Yancey does not find God’s distress spirals inwards as I think Anyone troubled by omniscience a disincentive to of family, friends, neighbours, philosophical questions about prayer. ‘God knows everything so many of them battling illness, prayer should find it rewarding to about us and still listens’, he divorce, financial burdens, children read Philip Yancey’s book entitled observes. ‘We can get right to the in trouble. To my shame, petty Prayer: Does it make any difference? point.’ Another contemporary interruptions in my own life often (Hodder & Stoughton, 2006). writer, Clark Pinnock, suggests crowd out these concerns… I Although Yancey comes from an that since God’s nature is love, confess to God my sins and realise American evangelical background, God must be impressionable and they are the same sins I confessed he does not dodge the difficult sympathetic. ‘Because God’s love yesterday, and last week, and the issues raised by his chosen subject never changes, God’s experience week before. Will nothing ever but looks at them fairly and must change.’ change? Will I?’ squarely without using theological C S Lewis suggests that we best The big questions may continue jargon. One of those issues is the imagine the world not as a state to puzzle us, but the important extent to which prayer can affect governed by a potentate but as a thing is to persevere, to ‘show up’ at God’s will. work of art, rather like a play, in whatever time we set aside to pray. Various verses in the Bible the process of being created. The Does prayer change God? One thing describe a changeless God, while playwright allows his characters I know – it does change the pray-er. other passages show God changing to affect the play itself, then Philip Barron his mind. Jesus spoke of God as incorporates all the actions into the Purley & Sutton AM

Books in brief by Greta McGough A Journey into Love: meditating with In Celebration of the Human Spirit by Eliza Dear. Piers Plowman by Mary Clemente Davlin. This book is subtitled: ‘A look at the slave trade: a personal Marymount Institute Press. story using prose and poetry, which combines family data ISBN: 978-1-59907-031-5. £24.99. from Lancaster and St Kitts’. A pretty fair summary of a This is a startlingly beautiful book. The pages look charming little book. Eliza Dear’s (maternal) family hailed like photographs of foxed sepia paper, but with from Lancaster, but had owned plantations in St Kitts. She modern font print. The illustrations are mostly found herself exploring her family history, and learning sepia, tasteful and not too numerous. about her Quaker – and slave trader – ancestor from The fourteenth-century poem that is ‘Piers Lancaster, who later owned a plantation in the Caribbean. Plowman’ has fallen from common familiarity over Eliza combines excerpts from ‘letter books’, which detail the last couple of decades. This presentation is not business expenses, with her own evocative poetry. This only a masterful re-discovery of a great mediaeval allows her to describe her personal journey and her own English classic, but also takes our understanding ancestors. Yes – thought-provoking. Some of our ancestors of it to new and surprising levels. Mary Clemente were Quakers as well as individuals who traded in and Davlin brings her scholarship to provide a owned slaves. It’s good to remember, and perhaps to evoke thoughtful page-by-page commentary on the the time when men of conscience were still struggling to poem’s spiritual insights. Her questions take readers free themselves from the accepted mores of the time. on a ‘journey into love’ that we will remember and treasure. Greta is a member of Blackpool LM.

the Friend, 12 December 2008 13 History Quaker chairs with a story?

A client came to me with three chair as SWD’s work and went chairs that she had rescued. They on to give me helpful advice on had loose joints, broken seats the construction and finishing and splintered edges; ‘not worth methods used by SWD. Now I mending, better got rid of’, she had felt confident that the chairs were been told. They were large heavy authentic, but were they historic? oak chairs in the Arts and Crafts SWD was a Quaker and had committee. One – but only one style. Very little English furniture is given long service as Monthly – minute referred to Stanley by signed but inside these chairs had Meeting clerk. His foreman for name. So now I had a link between some very unusual carved marks many years, John Oldcorn, was SWD and the furnishing committee with dates. also Quaker. Sid Johnson had told for Friends House. A short series At the time I had just been me he remembered ‘Mrs Cadbury’ of minutes showed that SWD had asked by the Friend to review an frequently visiting the Windermere been asked, through the architect unusual biography of a Quaker workshop. So there was a credible Hubert Lidbetter, to provide some furniture maker, Stanley Webb Quaker link, but could I do better chairs for the Small Meeting Hall. Davies (SWD). I recognised the and show the chairs were made for There were copies (not originals) carvings as being similar to those Friends House? of letters that showed that SWD in the book. So were they genuine There was nothing in the archive had designed and supplied chairs or were they reproductions? They to show that SWD did work for and a table for the Small Meeting came from Friends House and were any Quaker client. The archive did Hall and had been paid. dated 1926, the year Friends House not contain any accounts, diaries This was as far as I could go. The opened. Could they have been or private papers and Hugh Wright chairs were probably those made made for Friends House and were did not know of any. So I started for the opening of Friends House they interesting ‘historic’ chairs? from the other end. Was there but the definitive documentation, My first step was to take one anything in Friends House Library? if it ever existed, has been lost. of the chairs to biographer Hugh My preliminary enquiries were I repaired the chairs and remade Wright. He confirmed that the discouraging. There was very little the seat frames. SWD had made marks were genuine. He also told documentation about the building them of chestnut, which did not me of the Stanley Webb Davies of Friends House and much less stand up to their treatment by archive at Kendal and of two of about its furnishing. Certainly generations of Quaker clerks. I Stanley Webb Davies’ employees there were no records of accounts, made a new set of oak frames and who were still alive. purchase orders or inventories of replaced the existing leather top In the archive I found drawings, furnishings. covers. SWD had a preference for photographs and costings of 2,000 Joanna Clark, of the library at local and traditional materials. I furniture designs of SWD’s work. Friends House, found a reference wondered whether he might have But the archive started in 1928, five to Percy, Stanley’s elder brother as used the unique local Herdwick years after SWD started his business a member of (then) Hampstead sheep wool as stuffing but I and two years after the date on Monthly Meeting. Lesley Forster, couldn’t find any evidence for this my chairs. I did find drawings and the oldest member of (now) North so I used recycled horse hair. photographs of similar chairs and West London AM remembered The historic chairs are now alive drawings that are found frequently him. Josef Keith, Friends House and well living in the home of a on SWD’s designs. librarian, found some minute Friend who would be glad to lend I took one of the chairs to books and a file of odd documents them to the Sufferings clerks now SWD’s last surviving worker and for me. The minute books showed that the chairs can be sat on safely! to his last apprentice. Both of that both Henry and Elizabeth Roland Carn them unhesitatingly identified the Cadbury served on the furnishing North West London AM Photo: Roland Carn

14 the Friend, 12 December 2008 Letters extra

Bible Society insert In 1804 Mary Jones walked twenty miles to get a Welsh Bible; she I have no objection to the Bible Society inspired Wilberforce, Newton and many Friends to establish the insert in the Friend – we have the Bible Bible Society. Elizabeth Fry was prominent and remained active in Meeting and use it also from time to for the rest of her life. Current trustees include the human rights time. George Fox gained his insights from campaigner David Alton and the bishop of Durham, who is reading the Bible in English! respected for his work on world poverty and involvement in the Nowadays missionaries are usually ‘Christian-Muslim initiative’. trained as teachers or doctors as well as Friends School in Lisburn treasures one of the Society’s Bibles preachers. One of Gandhi’s great friends that it received during Elizabeth Fry’s visit in 1827. Indeed was reverend Charles F Andrews who Ulster Friends offer a Bible to every school leaver. There is no wrote The Christ of the Indian Road, the compunction to accept, yet every year Friends gather with the leaders of new Africa were largely educated pupils and are heartened by the excellent response. by missionaries – frequently Methodist – In this country it is not illegal to change one’s religion, nor and Kenya’s first president Jomo Kenyatta do we risk murder as in Orissa, or suffer eastern bloc ‘gulags’. studied at Woodbrooke. Fox’s liberating ‘there is one, even Christ Jesus, who can speak The Bible is not out of date but to thy condition’ emphasised that it ‘brings people to have speaks to us still. Remember the Psalms, access to God’. Mary Fisher spent sixteen months in jail telling Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. that to her parish priest and then, after ministering in the new Ingrid Penny world, walked 500 miles to Turkey. We do not believe people 1 High Green, Leiston IP16 4ET are destined by birth to an irrevocable status as in the Hindu Varna caste system that leaves approximately 200 million Dalits I was very upset to read Maureen Miller’s segregated as ‘untouchable’. letter entitled ‘Bible Society insert’ (21 Proselytising in our country is free to all faiths, yet some November), and even more upset to read consider it insulting to promote Christianity to other cultures. George Penaluna’s reply. Surely being associated with ‘toleration’ we should promote I came to Quakers seven years ago from universal religious freedom, including rigid theocracies and a background of Baptist upbringing, totalitarian regimes. where the British and Foreign Bible Lisburn Friends are sympathetic to the Bible Society; Bibles Society featured strongly in my life. My should be accessible to all, including those in less ‘liberal’ spiritual journey has taken me to the societies. Anglicans and the Roman Catholics Martin K Mail, clerk of Ministry and Oversight before becoming a Quaker. Lisburn Preparative Meeting I recently had a very powerful experience. One night I woke up and all my anxieties crowded in. I cried out: ‘I can’t do this anymore’. I heard: Coca-Cola ‘hijacked’ Christmas ‘You don’t have to. Underneath are the Before Mark Thomas’s expose of the Coca-Cola corporation everlasting arms.’ Suddenly I was at in his recently published book, few people knew that the peace. I knew I must go to Mass the next company had ‘hijacked’ Christmas to help sell its product morning with my Catholic neighbour. by dressing Santa in its red and white livery. That took place Since then I have been attending as far back as 1931 when Swedish Coca-Cola employee my local Catholic church as often as Haddon Sundblom came up with the makeover wheeze. possible, as well as continuing to go to Prior to this, Father Christmas had traditionally worn either Meeting for Worship at my local Meeting rags or rustic browns and greens. house. It is mystifying why those people who don’t drink Coca- If we are really Friends of Truth why Cola because of the unhealthy level of sweeteners it would we want to stop anyone being contains, or because of the company’s poor environmental given a copy of the Bible? Are Hindus record, think it normal in the last month of the year, to not allowed to think for themselves? My parade the soppy bobble hats and ‘Santa suits’ in the copy of Quaker faith & practice tells it is company’s colours. ‘The book of Christian discipline of the So, please, no subliminal advertising for Coca-Cola on Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society the top left corner of the q-eye page of the Friend, such as of Friends (Quakers) in Britain’. appeared in your Christmas edition last year. Phyllis Russell Keith Davis 3 Falkland Gardens, Dorking RH4 3BD 1 Mason’s Court, Cockermouth, Cumbria

the Friend, 12 December 2008 15 a wry look at the Quaker world [email protected]

There’s a Quaker at the bottom of the garden... Gardening correspondents got rather over-excited Cornish Fox. He was recently about a tropical garden languishing under an ironmaster and overgrown foliage at a horticultural gem in Cornwall. became manager An intriguing mystery evolved as astonished gardeners of a foundry at unearthed a secret ‘tropical forest’ at the Trebah gardens Perranarworthal. He in Falmouth, where balmy weather has often produced was president of the exotic plant life. Even more exotic is the reputed Royal Polytechnic behaviour of Charles Fox, the Quaker architect of Society, the Cornwall this hidden jungle. Fox, who planted it all in the mid- Geological Society nineteenth century, had an endearing habit, according and the Miners’ to the gardening correspondents, of assessing the height Association. Not a to which newly planted saplings would grow and their word about green appropriate placing by sending a small boy up an fingers. But Fox A view in Trebah Garden erected scaffold with a white flag. Fox sat in an attic obviously travelled the watching, with megaphone and telescope, to shout his world as an industrialist, and must have collected orders. Typical eccentric Victorian gentleman gardener rare species on the way. Gardening writers note that we feel. there are plants used in traditional Chinese medicine Trying to stay with the facts, as Eye is aware of our and Asian and South American shrubs at the Trebah knowledgeable readership, we consulted Ted Milligan’s hidden garden. But it is hidden no longer, thanks to Biographical Dictionary of Quakers in Commerce much spade work, and now this spectacular jungle

and Industry and found only a short entry on this view can be seen for miles around. Photo: j_hlmn/ CC/BY flickr. Dying for outreach Do nothing, Christmas Surely only a Quaker could send this story to Eye? Jean Fisher asks us: ‘Can anyone cap this as a is coming way of recruiting new members? A year or so ago I Remember Do Nothing to Change Your Life in 2007? decided to organise my own funeral in advance and Well, the churchman who thought that up, the the funeral directors sent up a very helpful, friendly bishop of Reading Stephen Cottrell, has managed man who asked me a lot of questions and explained to hit the spot again with a new book: Do Nothing, procedures. Some weeks later a tall man sat next Christmas is coming. What a wonderful antidote to to me in Meeting for Worship and said sadly: “You the frazzled nerves of the season! Bishop Stephen don’t remember me, do you?” He turned out to be handed out egg-timers last year at his local train the funeral director who had visited me months station to bring home to commuters the value of before. He had been curious to know what those stillness. This time he is leading the flock to a ‘slow “Quakers” were like and had come to investigate for motion’ Christmas, ever attractive to those of us himself. He is currently applying for membership always strapped to deadlines. in our Meeting and has already been appointed to The book’s daily reflections are prompts to relook deal with local deaths. Is this an unusual form of at charitable giving, make Christmas presents and outreach?’ take out vulnerable people who might be alone. Good ideas – can we follow them up? Culture@Christmas Next week the Friend comes in the shape of your bumper Christmas edition and the editor has handed over the reins to your host Eye. We thought readers might like to have some essays, humour and reviews to while away those holiday hours, and there will be a general knowledge quiz to keep the grey cells active. Eye has been beavering away to bring you some of the Quaker world’s most engaging writers, so we hope to see you next week. And we’ll have some colour too! Cartoon from ArtToday

16 the Friend, 12 December 2008 Ad pages 12 Dec 8/12/08 21:35 Page 3

Friends&Meetings Births Alterations to Notices meeting Ella Somerset FOX 2 December, to WIDOWED AND YOUNG. Carron and Thomas Fox, a sister for National support and self-help Will. Grandchild of Jane and RATCLIFF LM From Sunday group for widows and widowers Jonathan Fox. 4 January 2009 MfW will start at under 50 and their children. Run by 10.30am (11am until then). See the members for the members. See www.londonquakers.org/ratcliff or www.wayfoundation.org.uk Deaths call our clerk on 020 8986 5510 for Tel. 0870 011 3450. Suite 35, directions. A warm welcome to all 20 St Loyles St, Bedford MK40 1ZL. our visitors in 2009. Donations welcome. Ruth BELL 29 November. Widow of John Bell, mother of Jonathan SWANAGE LM From January 2009 and Colin. Member of Maldon Meeting for Worship will only be Meeting, formerly of Welwyn held on the first Sunday of the Garden City and Beccles Meetings. month at 10.30am and on the third Aged 84. Funeral 12.00, Thursday 11 Sunday at 6pm. December, Lodge Hill Crematorium, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 5AA. Donations: The Stroke Association, Diary c/o V. Morton & Sons, 705 Bristol Road South, Birmingham B31 2JT. BECCLES MEETING Christmas Day Worship 10.30 - 11.30. Basil SHELDRICK 28 November. Friday Worship will not be held on Husband of Margaret and the late 26 December. Leonie, father of Peter and Ann. Member of Cheltenham Meeting. SHEPHERDS PLAY Traditional Aged 96. Funeral 2pm, Friday nativity from Oberufer. Meeting 12 December, Cheltenham members will perform the play as a Crematorium. Meeting for Thanks- gift to the children and community. giving 3.15pm Cheltenham FMH. Sunday 21 December, 10.30 Meeting, 12.30 Christmas Shared Lunch, 2.30 Margaret TURNER 17 October, Play. Walthamstow FMH. Details peacefully at home. Widow of Philip 020 8926 7853 www.londonquakers (Pip) Turner, mother of Judith, Tessa and Sally. Member of UNA BIRMINGHAM celebrates Abergavenny Meeting. Donations: the life of Nicholas Gillett. Chamber Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust, Music, 1-2pm, 19 December. BMI, Alexandra House, 5 Blyth Road, 9 Margaret St, Birmingham B3 3BS. Bromley BR1 3RS. All welcome.

NEW Notices on this page VAT RATE Births, marriages, deaths, anniversaries, changes of clerk, new wardens, changes of address, diary items, etc., should preferably be prepaid. Personal entries £15.40 incl. vat, Meeting and charity entries £13.40 (zero rated for vat). Max. 35 words. 3 Diary entries £35 (£30.63). Add £1.70 to receive a copy of the issue with your notice. 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 which excludes terms of endearment and words of tribute. Please include a daytime phone number. Deadline usually Monday am. Cheques payable to The Friend. The Friend, 54a Main Street, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL. Tel. 01535 630230. Email: [email protected]

the Friend 12 December 2008 17 Ad pages 12 Dec 8/12/08 21:35 Page 4

Classified advertisements George Penaluna, Advertisement Manager, 54a Main St, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL T&F: 01535 630230 E: [email protected]

job vacancies NEW where to stay VAT Classified ads in RATE RESIDENT FRIEND/S FOR GILDERSOME HOTELS, GUESTHOUSES, B+BS Meeting House. Large village, Leeds The Friend suburb. Half mile M62. Tenancy of fully HIGH CHAPEL HOUSE, RAVENSTONEDALE, modernised cottage on site. Reduced rent Cumbria. www.highchapelhouse.com Standard linage 47p a word, semi- for light duties at Meeting House. 2 bed- Peaceful, rural B&B in stunning walking display 72p a word. Rates incl. vat. rooms, CH, garage, outhouse, garden. country. Yelly 015396 23411. Cookery days Min. 12 words. Series discounts 5% Support for small, friendly meeting also available: www.cookincumbria.com on 5 insertions, 10% on 10 or welcome. Details from Martin Rowntree more. Cheques to The Friend. 0113 259 3843. Applications close SELF-CATERING HOLIDAYS Wednesday 31 December. Ad Dept, 54a Main Street Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL BEAUTIFUL, RUGGED PEMBROKESHIRE. T&F: 01535 630230 Two eco-friendly, recently converted RESIDENT FRIENDS E: [email protected] (Two posts) required for barns on smallholding. Each sleeps 4. Lincoln and Spalding Meetings Coastal path 2 miles. 01348 891286. [email protected] 10 hours service per week in early www.stonescottages.co.uk mornings and evenings in return for study tours rent free accommodation in adjoining flat. RUGGED SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS Loch Ideally starting in May. Torridon. Comfortable house. Log fire. QUAKER BOLIVIA TRIP 13-27 June 2009. Duration of post negotiable. Panoramic mountain views. £275 (inclusive). Study Tour and Community Service. Visit For details contact Brochure: 07818 082897. projects of qbl.org and bqef.org. Work Andrew James, 38 Northgate [email protected] with villagers on Quaker funded projects. Newark NG24 1EZ Meet leaders of civic reform. Hike Inca [email protected] ruins, Lake Titicaca. Optional Peru-Machu 01636 642803 daytime OVERSEAS HOLIDAYS Picchu or volunteer service. Reserve early. 01949 20512 evenings www.TreasuresoftheAndes.com Closing date 9 January. CITY BREAK VIENNA. Culture, cafés, (001) 707 823 6034 (California). character. Well-situated groundfloor apartment, sleeps 4. From £275pw. Easy THE QUAKER UNITED NATIONS OFFICE, access skiing. 01904 733545. gifts New York invites applications for its www.holidayapartmentinvienna.co.uk 2009-10 internship program. The intern- JULIAN OF NORWICH Beautiful silver ship provides an opportunity for candidates pendants and brooches, made to raise with an interest in international affairs, POLAND. Mountain house for rent. Amazing views. Sleeps 1-6. Mark 01223 funds for The Julian Centre, Norwich. and a commitment to Friends’ principles, Wonderful gift. Tel. 01603 767380. to work at the UN. Further information 423333. www.holidayhomeinpoland.co.uk and applications are available online www.quno.org. Deadline for submission UMBRIA, GUBBIO. Small, friendly farm- STUCK FOR GIFT IDEAS? Give someone of applications and references: 6 February house on our farm. Beautiful green hills. a subscription to The Friend! Call Penny 2009. 300 euros/week. Jane 01273 692304. on 020 7663 1178. Free book offer!

Just Me by Sheila Hancock Only £15 Sheila Hancock ‘lives adventurously’ in this incl. UK p&p moving, honest and charming account of her (rrp £18.99) life after the death of husband John Thaw. In this latest chapter of her life she faces down burglars and EasyJet staff, makes friends with waiters and taxi drivers, unearths secrets in Budapest and gets arrested in Thailand. Just Me is a book about moving on, but it is also about looking back, and looking anew. Honest, insightful and wonderfully down-to-earth this is the story of a woman seizing the future with wit, gusto and curiosity.

Please send me ___ copies of Just Me at £15 each incl UK p&p. Order by 19 December for delivery before Christmas. I enclose a cheque payable to The Friend for £______Your name______Address______Postcode______Daytime tel______Return to: The Friend, 54a Main Street, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL. Subject to availability. Expires 31.01.2009.

18 the Friend 12 December 2008 Ad pages 12 Dec 8/12/08 21:35 Page 5

OUR PIANOS SAVE TREES. Climate for sale & to let friendly pianos. Sale or rental. Removals. Part-exchange. Restorations. Associate CENTRAL LONDON. Delightfully quiet 2 Blind Piano Tuners. Member Quakers & bedroomed maisonette overlooking garden. Business Group. All enquiries welcome. Newly redecorated and ready now. Between wwwcambridgepianolacompany.co.uk Pimlico, Victoria & Westminster stations. 01223 861348. £465 per week. Tel 020 7627 5146. Senior Educational QUAKER LESBIAN & GAY FELLOWSHIP Administrator IPSWICH OFFICES. Concord Media, A welcoming, supportive national net- 22 Hines Road, Ipswich IP3 9BG has work with local groups for Ffriends of all Salary £16,484 several rooms, small or large, to let to sexualities/identities. Ruth (F), 46, The charities or not for profit organisations. Avenue, Starbeck, Harrogate HG1 4QD. Woodbrooke is the major Flexible time periods. Frequent 75 minute E-mail: [email protected] provider of learning programmes train service to London. Please telephone for Quakers in Britain and Eric Walker on 01473 717088 for further QUAKER MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES, Europe. We are looking for a information. partnerships, commitments, notices and skilled and efficient Senior other calligraphy. Liz Barrow 01223 369776. Administrator to undertake the NORTH OXFORDSHIRE. House to let responsibility for our Feb-July 2009 inclusive. Three bedroom, GIFT IDEA? Give someone a subscription Educational Admin team. You one ensuite, study/bedroom and main to The Friend! Call Penny: 020 7663 1178. will have relevant experience, bathroom. Three recept, downstairs WC, enthusiasm and flair for your utility, conservatory, garden, easy access work, coupled with the ability Oxford/Stratford/London. Friendly village. WALK CHEERING OTHERS UP this Tel: 01295 720900. Christmas in shoes from James Taylor & Son, to work independently as well Bespoke shoemakers, 4 Paddington Street, as part of a team. Some (near Baker Street), London W1U 5QE. experience of supervising other PECKHAM. Double room in Victorian flat. Telephone. 020 7935 4149. staff would be beneficial. Share large living room, kitchen, 2 bath- www.taylormadeshoes.co.uk rooms, ample storage space, free parking. Details and application form £600pcm inclusive of all bills, council tax www.woodbrooke.org.uk or & cleaner. Quiet road 2 mins walk from WRITING YOUR FAMILY’S HISTORY? Queens Road Peckham station (zone 2) Books typeset for your family’s pleasure. [email protected] and 1 min walk from bus. 07855 849887. Photos and other graphics can be included. or phone 0121 472 5171 [email protected] Contact Trish on 020 8446 5772. Application Deadline: [email protected] Other printed material also prepared. 19 December 2008. TO LET, WORTHING. Beautifully redeco- rated semi-detached 2 bedroom house. South facing conservatory. Close to FMH and bus route. 01903 203482. Friends’ School Saffron Walden Founded by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in 1702 miscellaneous Deputy Head CONCORD MEDIA Required for September 2009 (Quaker based charity). Over 3000 DVDs about Peace, Race We are seeking to appoint a suitably qualified, dynamic and enthusiastic Relations, Third World, Social Work & graduate to join the school’s Leadership Team. The successful applicant Counselling, Ecology, Refugees, etc. will have full delegated responsibility for the development of teaching Please visit our website and learning and performance management structures in the school. www.concordmedia.org.uk Candidates should have a proven record of classroom success and ECO ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING and leadership experience. The ability to think strategically is essential. permaculture design. Sustainable, ecological The post would suit a candidate aspiring to Headship. designs and consultants. Website: www.eco-architectureandplanning.com The successful applicant will uphold and foster the distinctive Quaker Telephone: Sophie 01235 529266. beliefs of the school which cherishes individuality, equality and respect for others. Friends’ School Saffron Walden is committed to the safeguarding and PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY &TAXATION SERVICE promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Quaker Accountant offers friendly service countrywide. Further details and an application form are available from the Head’s Self-assessment & small businesses. PA on 01799 525351, email [email protected] or on our web- Richard Platt, Grainger & Platt site www.friends.org.uk Chartered Certified Accountants 3 Fisher Street, Carlisle CA3 8RR The closing date for applications is 16th January 2009. Telephone 01228 521286 [email protected] SHMIS Independent Co-educational Day and Boarding School for children aged 3-18. www.grainger-platt.co.uk Registered Charity number 1000981

the Friend 12 December 2008 19 Ad pages 12 Dec 8/12/08 21:36 Page 6