Who Is My Neighbour? the Friend Independent Quaker Journalism Since 1843

13 May 2016 £1.90 the discover the contemporaryFriend quaker way

Who is my neighbour? the Friend Independent Quaker Journalism Since 1843

Contents VOL 174 NO 20

3 Thought for the Week: Seeing the person Connie Hazell 4-5 News 6 Pentecost Quakers and Volker Heine the elections 7 Europe: A number of Quakers Environment and agriculture stood in the recent elections. Martyn Kelly Those elected included Carla 8-9 Letters Denyer of Young Friends General Meeting and Alex 10-11 Children’s Charter of Developmental Cole-Hamilton of Central Rights Edinburgh Local Meeting. Wendy Pattinson A Green Party candidate, Carla held her Bristol City 12-13 Who is my neighbour? Council seat. She represents Pleasaunce Perry and Robert Foulkes Clifton Down ward. Alex is a member of the Liberal 14 From the archive: Democrat Party. He is now Harry Stanton member of the Scottish Compiled by Janet Scott parliament for the Edinburgh Western constituency. 15 Edenderry: Where the fire burns Marjorie Lamb 16 Friends & Meetings

Cover image: Bluebells in bloom. Photo: Rob Young / flickr CC.

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2 the Friend, 13 May 2016 Thought for the Week

Seeing the person

ur old friend Sam had been in hospital for ten weeks. The hospital was the other side of London from his home. He had spent his birthday in hospital and it looked likely that he would spend Christmas there as Owell. There had been tests, examinations and consultations, and yet more tests, but no diagnosis. His wife, who was far from well, was finding visiting increasingly difficult. His family, who were scattered around London, came in the evenings when Sam was tired. The other men in the ward were gravely ill, so there was none of the chat and banter that can go on when patients are recovering and looking forward to going home. We couldn’t imagine it, but our old friend, who was normally always cheerful and optimistic, was becoming dispirited and even ‘down in the dumps’. Then one day into the next bed came Gary, who had been sent from a hostel for homeless men. He was thin and gaunt but his smile lit up his face as he shook hands with Sam and started to chat. Within a short while they discovered they both had a love of motorcycles and the sixty-year age gap melted away. When Sam’s family next visited they couldn’t believe the change in him. In turn, Gary, having lost touch with his own family long ago, was intrigued with the three generations of Sam’s family when introductions were made. When Christmas came Gary had cards and presents from Sam’s family – the first for many years. Instead of being one of ‘the homeless’, this man had a name. He was a person. In this fast-moving, fast-talking world of ours it is easy and convenient to lump people together: the ‘homeless’, the ‘disabled’, the ‘blind’, the ‘deaf’, the ‘mentally ill’ or ‘immigrants’. It is gratifying, though, to note that many charities are now including ‘people’ or ‘children’ in their titles. For some years now Friends from my Meeting have been taking hot food and clothing to homeless people in a car park in the centre of town. As well as being grateful for food and clothing, the men have appreciated the courtesy, the interest shown to them and being known by their names. In the well-loved gospel story of Zacchaeus, he, being a small man, climbed a tree to get a better look at the itinerant preacher everyone was talking about. He was one of the despised tax-gatherers. What a stir it must have caused in the crowd when Jesus called to him by name. He had become a person. Sadly, our friend Sam is no longer with us, but now when the family look back with gratitude to the expertise and kindness of the hospital staff, they also remember Gary, one of the ‘homeless’ who, for a short time, shone a light in the darkness.

Connie Hazell

Bournemouth and Fordingbridge Meeting

the Friend, 13 May 2016 3 News Friends witness at AGM of BAE Systems Two Quakers were physically the front of the room during the per cent of the questions asked removed from the annual general chairman’s speech. They then by shareholders were based on: meeting (AGM) of weapons manu- stood before the audience holding ‘Why are you selling arms to Saudi facturer BAE Systems last week. posters that said: ‘900 children Arabia?’ She added that there Hannah Brock told the Friend killed in Yemen.’ Hannah said that were more BAE staff and CAAT that a number of Quakers were when they sat down she ‘felt very activists at the AGM than ‘regular’ involved in actions at the AGM. calm, and very worshipful’. Shortly shareholders. These were organised by Campaign afterwards the pair were removed CAAT is a BAE shareholder, Against Arms Trade (CAAT) from the AGM by security staff. which enabled its activists to attend and were aimed at disrupting Hannah was lifted and carried out, the AGM as proxy shareholders. proceedings and making investors singing the Taizé chant ‘Bless the The protests at the AGM were part aware of how their money is being Lord, my Soul’. Andrew was also of a larger campaign that has seen spent. dragged out of the room. the organisation launch legal action Hannah and fellow Friend Actions, many involving Friends, against the government in a bid to Andrew Dey took part in one continued throughout the AGM. stop the UK selling arms to Saudi of the first actions. They sat at Hannah said that around ninety Arabia. Leaveners look to 2020 The Birmingham-based Leaveners also looked at plans programmes.’ Quaker arts group Leaveners held for the future, which will see it The three-year plan will see its annual general meeting on ‘working in new and exciting ways’, Leaveners moving in a new Saturday 7 May. said director José Forrest-Tennant. direction, creating youth theatres The focus of the meeting was She explained: ‘Vision 2020 in Meeting houses to engage with twofold. The group discussed will include partnerships with young Quakers and working with its new mission statement in Birmingham Repertory Theatre ethnically diverse communities preparation for winning Charitable and Ironbridge Museum to in partnership with Birmingham Incorporated Organisation status. create new artistic and learning Repertory Theatre. Central & Southern Africa Yearly Meeting British Friend Jennifer Kavanagh gave the Richard Gush lecture at Central & Southern Africa Yearly Meeting, which took place in Modderpoort, South Africa from 27 April to 3 May. Jennifer was one of eight British Friends who attended the event. The subject of the Yearly Meeting was ‘Spiritual promptings to a just, shared and sustainable future’. Jennifer took as her subject ‘something that underlies any consideration of justice and sustainability, the subject of our underlying interconnectedness –

“oneness” – in our relations with each other, with the rest of the Photo: Taylor. Lee created world, in religion and with God’. Left: Helen Holleman (co-clerk of Central & Southern Africa YM) with Jennifer Kavanagh. Friends share refugee news Two Friends have shared their experiences of the Friend that Louise had described ‘a man from working with refugees in Calais, Dunkirk and on the Iraq whose five children had witnessed their mother border between Macedonia and Greece. having her throat slit, a girl who never smiled but The Friends spoke to an audience of fifty at just walked in circles and a twenty-five-day-old baby Birmingham’s Priory Rooms on 26 April. Bewdley who had been born in the camp’. Steve Gilbert of Meeting’s Louise Billet has made regular visits over the Sutton Coldfield Meeting has been running a pop-up last six months to Dunkirk and Calais and returned podiatry clinic in Calais. He explained to Friends that from the Greece/Macedonia border on 23 April. along with foot care, he found himself treating knee Barbara Forbes of Central England Area Meeting told injuries and wounds.

4 the Friend, 13 May 2016 reported by Tara Craig [email protected]

Friends witness at AGM of BAE Systems JRCT responds to report findings The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) has issued a response to the Charity Commission’s regulatory case report on the trust’s funding of the advocacy organisation Cage. The report, which was issued on 6 May, concluded that JRCT’s trustees ‘acted in good faith’ when they made awards to Cage in 2007, 2008 and 2011. The Charity Commission found no evidence that JRCT funds had been misused. Photo: Bridget Walker. The Charity Commission opened the case ‘to establish whether grants Protest at Campsfield made to Cage, a non-charitable organisation, were in furtherance of the Friends took part in a protest charity’s purposes, and to ensure the charity’s trustees had complied with against immigration detention on 7 their duties under charity law’. May. They were among forty people JRCT said in a statement: ‘We are pleased that the Charity who held a picnic outside the fence Commission’s enquiries have now finally concluded and that no further at Campsfield House immigration regulatory action is planned.’ removal centre in Oxfordshire. London Quakers welcome new mayor London Friends were among debate between the London These were: jobs for young people, those who welcomed the new mayoral candidates. There was the Living Wage, welcoming mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and an audience of 6,000 people. The refugees, and London’s housing his team to City Hall on their first Quaker involvement was prompted crisis. day in office, Monday 9 May. by London West Area Meeting, The main aim ‘was to establish Friends brought breakfast for which is a member of London a relationship with the next mayor the new team. In doing so they Citizens, a network of community of London. Both candidates were built on a relationship established organisations. impressed by the diverse and the previous week at the London The two front-running respectful communities involved, Citizens Mayoral Accountability candidates, Conservative Zac and a positive working relationship Assembly. Goldsmith and Sadiq Khan of was agreed to by both Zac and More than 200 Friends and the Labour Party, were asked for Sadiq’, Sarah Holtam of London friends of Friends attended the commitments on four issues. West Area Meeting told the Friend. Friends consider the use of money Twelve Quakers from Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich Council for Corporate Responsibility (ECCR) and and Woodbridge Local Meetings recently took part in Quaker Peace & Social Witness (QPSW). It was led a workshop on the ethical and spiritual issues around by Suzanne Ismail of QPSW. Topics covered included the use of money. ethics and investing, positive and negative screening, The workshop was a joint project of the Ecumenical and influencing companies and funds.

Anti-corruption summit Paul Parker, recording clerk of Britain Yearly ‘We welcome your announcement that the UK’s Meeting, was among fourteen faith leaders who wrote Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies will to prime minister David Cameron about an anti- adopt registers of beneficial ownership. However, corruption summit in London on 12 May. because developing countries will not benefit from The letter was sent on 9 May, and drew attention to these, we urge you to ensure that they are made the global harm caused by secrecy in UK tax havens, publicly available’. and to the need for reform. It said: ‘It is disappointing Among the other signatories were doctor Hany El that more progress has not been made around the Banna, chairman of the Muslim Charities Forum; world on public registers of beneficial ownership since David Ison, dean of St Paul’s Cathedral; and Rabbi the G8 that you led in 2013.’ Danny Rich, chief executive of Liberal Judaism.

the Friend, 13 May 2016 5 Reflection

Pentecost

Volker Heine explains why he calls Pentecost ‘the Quaker festival’

very year the Christian church celebrates Easter, and followers were transformed. From then on they although the crucifixion was an absolute tragedy. saw their mission and found the guidance and strength The Easter story has been embroidered by myths to carry it out. That is why I call Pentecost the Quaker Eand symbols to turn it into the central Christian festival. From the start they preached in Jerusalem and festival, but these are later churchly additions. For got beaten up for it. Stephen was stoned to death. They example, in an early copy of Mark’s Gospel, found, formed a commune to share their belongings. They incidentally, by a couple of women living at Castlebrae travelled and preached. in Cambridge, there is no mention of an empty tomb When Paul made his three journeys around modern (nor of a virgin birth!). The doctrine of the Trinity Turkey and Greece, not so many years later, he visited (including ‘Jesus equals God’) goes directly against Christian groups who were already in existence. what I consider to be good Old Testament teaching: not According to local legend, the apostle Thomas brought to elevate people to the status of gods, while all those Christianity to Kerala, India, in 52 AD, while the golden crucifixes seem like worshipping ‘graven images’. apostle Philip is said to have taken Jesus’ teaching to Those myths and symbols are very understandable, the Jewish community in Ethiopia (where they had and I tell a story against myself. I once needed to escaped to avoid being hauled off to Nebuchadnezzar comfort a woman who had suffered a terrible tragedy around 586 BC). concerning her child, but I was quite lost for words Before long Peter was led by an angel in a dream to deep enough. Then, suddenly, I heard myself say, see that becoming a Jew was not a prerequisite for a somewhat to my own surprise: ‘All we can do is to lay Roman army commander to share in Jesus’ teaching it at the foot of the cross.’ There was the physical image and the leading of the Holy Spirit. I have an old vinyl of laying down a burden, in some measure sharing a record of the USA gospel singer Doris Akers with a terrible tragedy; there was the solidarity of keeping track belting out the rousing ‘like the blessed day at company with the women staying with Jesus when Pentecost/the disciples in the spirit were lost… I was others had disappeared; and, above all, there was the there when the spirit came!’ Ecstasy! I would love to knowledge that in spite of the disaster and pain of the share it in Meeting, but will have to share it in the crucifixion there later came down the Holy Spirit at Children’s Meeting, where protocol is more elastic. Pentecost. The point is that experiences historically similar to It was already clear to me in my early teens, when Pentecost and its aftermath kick-started the Quaker I had to do a lot of Bible reading at school, that movement. The same empowerment and guidance are Pentecost was the significant and crucial occasion still evident in our Meetings. Some may wish to add: when everything came together. Up to that point, after ‘Yes, in a milk-and-water way’, but it always amazes me Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples were understandably how effective Friends are in their active testimony on depressed: all that they had lived and hoped for in the so many fronts. Now, as a more mature scientist, that previous year or so with Jesus was now in ruins. But is the fact that counts for me: ‘by their lives will you then something happened. know them.’ The Pentecost experience is alive amongst We can say ‘the coming of the Holy Spirit’, but us today. however we express it, the fact remains (which is what impressed the young scientist in me) that the disciples Volker is a member of Jesus Lane Meeting, Cambridge

6 the Friend, 13 May 2016 Europe Environment and agriculture

Martyn Kelly considers agriculture, environmental policy and the referendum

should declare a personal interest in the outcome In regulation of the environment the UK as a whole of the EU referendum: my work involves helping suffers from a more systemic problem: the lack of clients (government agencies, mostly) translate clear policy separation between agriculture and the IEuropean environmental legislation into practice. environment. It is, of course, foolish to pretend that I once tried to explain this to Enoch Powell. He environmental policy does not have implications on put his face close to mine and, eyes blazing, spat agriculture, or vice versa. The problem is that the contemptuously: ‘What business of theirs is it if we ambition for the environment can never be entirely poison our rivers?’ separated from issues of farm income or food security. It was a fair question. If I were a Dutchman I would What may be presented as joined-up thinking on rural have pointed out that all of our major rivers rose affairs may also end up as a fudge: far better to lay out elsewhere and received effluents from sewage works the ambition and then make cogent arguments for why and industries in several other EU states before crossing that ambition may need to be balanced by pragmatism. into their territory. Were I Swedish, I could point to That, to me, is the biggest advantage of the EU the role of EU legislation in reducing emissions from to the UK: it brings a clear ambition for sustainable power stations elsewhere in the European Union, development, based on a continent-wide view, leading to less air pollution blowing over their territory; independent of views of other sectors. My point is but what about the UK? We have a short land border not that these other viewpoints are not important, with the Republic of Ireland, mostly running through or that there may be situations where they have rural areas. Other than that, the patterns of North Sea to take priority. It is that we must not let these currents mean that our coastline is less affected by sectors influence the setting or implementation of pollution from the River Rhine than by our own rivers, environmental targets. The accommodations that are and the prevailing winds from the Atlantic mean that necessary to make high principle rub up against reality it is our pollution that blows to continental Europe can be dealt with by derogations within the legislation and Scandinavia, not the other way around. There (as is the case in the Water Framework Directive, for is, relatively speaking, less direct benefit to the UK’s example) rather than by fudges during the process of environment than is the case for many other countries. policy development. Environmental management can be summarised This debate is less about the minutiae of legislation, as devising a path from where we are to where we whether environmental, trade or any other sector, would like to be. That destination might be expressed than it is about how the UK sees itself in relation to in the language of science but it is tangled up with the rest of Europe. The logic of pulling back from a slew of social and cultural factors. Ambition, in international cooperation at a time when national many cases, is tempered by what is perceived to be boundaries seem to be increasingly irrelevant defeats the ‘art of the possible’ framed by a collective vision. me. The environment epitomises this: a crude analysis An environmental regulator responsible for a densely suggests that the UK gains fewer tangible benefits than populated region with a long history of urban and some other countries, yet this misses the point. The industrial development will, rightly, gain a sense of true benefit of Europe to the UK’s environment is not achievement from any significant movement towards measured by the absence of negative effects so much a cleaner environment. And the Environment Agency as by the share that we hold in a collective vision that in England has made considerable progress over is greater than the sum of its parts. recent years. But ‘better than before’ is not the same as ‘good enough’ and where European Union legislation Martyn attends Durham Meeting and is an goes beyond what the UK alone can achieve it is by environmental consultant. He is the author of The establishing this collective vision. Theology of Small Things published by Langley Press.

the Friend, 13 May 2016 7 Letters All views expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Friend

EU referendum would be a big step backwards. To carry effective I am glad that Simon Barrow (29 April) has reminded influence with the USA, China, India and Russia we us that most of our decisions are based on feelings need to be an integral part of Europe. rather than on facts. Of course, false feelings come We have much to contribute to this union. Yes, from and lead to choosing dodgy facts, and vice versa. Simon, there are different Quaker views on Brexit: Life is complicated. mine is that we should refrain from action that could My decision on the European Union comes topple this fledgling, peaceful group – to become from my feelings, influenced by my reading of buccaneers once more. history. Geographically, historically, culturally and George Macpherson linguistically Britain has been an integral part of Minehead Meeting, Somerset Europe since the first human beings reached here from Africa. Over the centuries Europeans have developed Simon Barrow encapsulates much on the forthcoming a variety of units, which have taken many forms with EU referendum. Regarding the feelings he refers to, many attempts made to unify the continent. may I offer the following? My family name is Saxon; my husband is Norman. ‘You are so lucky!’ said a Peace Studies student from I do not know what other Europeans have joined our Africa to me a few years ago (regarding the EU). Lucky families over the centuries; Huguenots and Italians I – that after so much war, Europe had at last learned can vouch for. I feel I am part of the European family to live in peace. This inspired him with the hope that who have lived together and fought each other over his own troubled continent might possibly achieve the the centuries. same… After the second world war it was felt that the time Recently in Greece I saw many groups of excited, had come when we must find ways of preventing any enthusiastic young people from all over Europe come more war between the nations of Europe. That was to visit and learn about ancient Greece, including the the main purpose behind the Common Market, as the start of democracy. That democracy was, of course, start of the process was called. very limited. It was confined to a minority of men. Today, the EU has worked towards many policies Two and a half millennia ago this was a quantum leap leading towards the Quaker values of justice, peace and, indeed, a start. The EU as we have it now is also a and the integrity of creation. We have MEPs, though start, and a lot is wanting. I feel they need greater power and voter interest. Those eager young people I saw will write the next However, I feel that the idea of ‘cutting ourselves off’ chapter. Will young British people be among them? from our European relations is my prime reason for Evelyn Shire voting remain. Craven & Keighley Area Meeting Audrey Urry Bridport Meeeting, Dorset I am an enthusiastic ‘Remainer’. In the early 1990s I was teaching at a comprehensive Thank you, Simon Barrow. Yes, there are school in North Yorkshire with responsibility for uncomfortable subjects that we find hard to discuss Work Expeience. I still believe that setting up a objectively – for example, calling Israel to account programme of placements for sixth form students in without being called anti-Semitic. Regarding the the Netherlands was one of the most important things EU, we might examine an African example of unity I did. One of the reasons behind my doing this was bringing peace. the need to counteract the negativity towards Europe It was the experience of enduring a succession of a certain British prime minister. I believed that of devastating wars that drove us to seek peace in the future for our young students was very much a the unity of the EU. In East Africa, however, it was European future – and I still believe it. German and British colonialists who imposed union We have three granddaughters. One of our twenty- on more than 100 nations to become Tanganyika. four-year-old twins lives and works in Spain with her We did it for profit, but after independence the new fiancé, where they are buying their own home. Her conglomerate was attractive enough for Zanzibar to sister is able to travel, to attend conferences and to seek union and to create Tanzania. work in Europe, championing the cause of those who Unlike the Africans, we have the freedom to choose, are disabled: shortly, she will be flying to Italy to be on 23 June. We have the opportunity to continue to measured for a new wheelchair, which will then be support the EU and to help improve it – or sail off delivered to her in the UK. Our seventeen-year-old alone, waving the flag. granddaughter hopes to go to university. At present I feel that it would be irresponsible for us to risk there are huge opportunities, if she so wishes, to study causing Europe to return to competing regimes. It in another European country.

8 the Friend, 13 May 2016 [email protected]

So much of what we have heard is negative: it is It seems to happen when I am taking life too encouraging us to vote for one side or the other out of seriously – so in need of some playtime. We then fear of what will happen if the other side wins. I do not romp, dance, laugh and sing! believe that this approach should have any sway with It is reassuring to know that for such psychic us as Quakers. We should be looking to the future with or strange experiences, the Quaker Fellowship for hope: not only for ourselves but for future generations. Afterlife Studies is there to support us. Michael Yates Elizabeth Angas Settle Meeting, North Yorkshire Blackheath Meeting, London Outing to Friends House Population We were an ‘event’ on the list of activities at Friends There is a well known cartoon in which two people are House, which was far more than I expected when we discussing the environmental crisis. She says: ‘We’ve accepted the invitation in the Friend to visit there. got to deal with the root cause of global warming!’ He There aren’t many of us in Weymouth and Portland says: ‘Right! Let’s talk sustainability! Let’s talk clean Meeting, so the percentage of us taking part in this trip energy! Sustainable agriculture! Carbon footprints!’ was extremely high – like eighty per cent! She (holding up a graph) says: ‘Actually, how about We all went into the vault beneath the library; we talk sustainable human population?’ He, looking we saw records dating back to the 1600s written in shocked, says: ‘Sorry – we don’t talk about that.’ homemade ink, eating into the paper due to the iron Although it does not appear in Martina Weitsch’s content; we saw records of conscientious objectors in report (15 April), I know the subject of population world war one who were relatives of current members was raised at the Britain Yearly Meeting sustainability of our Area Meeting; we were escorted into each office gathering, though perhaps only marginally, and am and desk; and we saw so few doing so much for and disappointed that the central importance of population on behalf of so many Friends. We were introduced to is still not recognised by many Friends. The world’s every aspect of Quaker work in Britain Yearly Meeting population grows, currently, at about 9,000 per hour, (BYM). a billion every twelve years, which is as fast as it has It was inspiring, exciting, enriching and just so ever grown. This cannot be irrelevant. Two hundred worthwhile. If one was allowed ‘pride’, it would have million or more women have no access to modern been the emotion we felt about the work of BYM on contraception. Is this a situation to be complacent our behalf. about? Thanks to Leslie Bell and all of the staff at Friends This and other issues around population are House for making us so welcome and our trip so discussed in detail on the website of Quaker Concern worthwhile. We recommend this invitation to Friends. Over Population (qcop.org.uk) Lee Dalton Roger Plenty On behalf of Weymouth and Portland Friends Nailsworth Meeting, Gloucestershire The Bear Thank you to James McCarthy (22 April) for being willing to share his ‘Bear’ dream, and his In essentials unity, interpretation. in non-essentials liberty, I think it is always important to write down our dreams, and to try to understand and analyse them in all things charity. (perhaps by ‘free associating’ or meditating). This way we may become more aware of, or in touch with, our spirit-self in our human body; or it becomes The Friend welcomes your views. an opportunity for ‘guidance’ from the Holy Spirit. Dreams often have a healing message for us, as Do keep letters short (maximum 250 words). many Friends in the Friends Fellowship of Healing will testify. Please include your full postal address, even I keep a dream diary and find this a useful practice when sending emails, and specify whether you wish for your postal or email address or Meeting for understanding my spiritual journey. name to be used with your name. I was particularly interested in the polar bear because I believe I am regularly ‘visited’ by a brown Letters are published at the editor’s discretion bear at night-time. I think this happens by ‘astral and may be edited. travel’ and is an ‘out of body’ experience.

the Friend, 13 May 2016 9 Social responsibility Children’s Charter of Developmental Rights

Wendy Pattinson has been concerned about the erosion of childhood for some time and welcomes a Children’s Charter of Developmental Rights

’ve had a concern for childhood for several years healthy human learning and development and take now. It grew from my observations working in action to protect children’s rights and freedoms education, which I came to realise reflected my own based on this awareness. Ichildhood experiences and explained difficulties I’ve had throughout my adult life. ‘Health and Wellbeing: National and local decision As Quakers, we see our faith as being expressed in and policy-makers have the duty to seek to provide how we live and in our social responsibility for what environments that maximise children’s physical, happens in the world. How children are cared for and mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. In doing raised is the most fundamental responsibility. It’s so so they should recognise the vital importance of fundamental that we’ve taken it for granted and many relationships, the primary importance of parents, of us have failed to notice as childhood has been eroded. families and local communities and the intrinsic Many Quakers work in education and the caring human need for belonging and contribution. professions and are very aware of the absolute need for young children to be nurtured by an attentive mother ‘New Technology: National and local decision and (or other primary caregiver) and that many mental policy-makers have the duty to ensure that young health problems have their roots in childhood neglect children’s development is safeguarded from the and abuse. Much in society today works against parents unintended developmental consequences of living giving and children receiving the sort of nurture and in a digital world. play opportunities that will enable them to grow into the people they could be. ‘Learning and Development: Children have the As a result, growing numbers of children and young right to be protected from any system that might people are stressed, depressed or harming themselves. inhibit their innate curiosity, creativity and love of Many are addicted to electronic devices and have learning. little idea of how to relate to each other, manage their ‘National and local decision and policy-makers emotions or solve problems in the ‘real world’. Like have the duty to seek to provide environments that me, these children and young people will carry these maximise children’s innate capacities and learning problems throughout their lives, problems that could potential. They should do so in ways that affirm to and should be prevented. every child the value and importance of diversity I was pleased, therefore, to see that the Save Childhood and that nurture positive and self-affirming values, Movement has put together a Children’s Charter of dispositions and mindsets. They also have a duty Developmental Rights. It reflects Article 3 of the UN to ensure that external systems of monitoring, Convention on the Rights of the Child: ‘In all actions assessment and accountability never compromise concerning children, whether undertaken by public or undermine children’s natural curiosity and love or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, of learning. administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.’ ‘Adult Wellbeing: Adult wellbeing is essential for It states: child wellbeing. Adults have the right to expect the cultural and social systems within which they ‘Awareness: Children have the right to live in live to acknowledge this and to respond in ways societies where policy-makers ensure that they that seek to support their own learning and self are fully informed about the evidence supporting development.

10 the Friend, 13 May 2016 Photo: liz west / flickr CC. / flickr Photo: liz west

‘Children need the company of loving, responsive independence, self-confidence, self-expression, and attentive adults and have the right to be protected cooperation and emotional resilience. from any relationships that are uninformed or harmful to their health and wellbeing. ‘Risk-Taking: Children have the right to learn from challenge, to experience failure as learning and to ‘Pre-Birth: Every child has the right to expect to be become confident and adventurous explorers of protected from anything that might be detrimental the environment. Safety concerns therefore need to his or her healthy growth pre-birth. Local and to be balanced with the child’s need to experiment national decision and policy-makers have a duty and grow. to ensure that parents are fully informed about the issues that might negatively impact on the ‘Wonder and Awe: Children have the right to development of their babies. maintain a deep connection with the natural world that helps them feel part of something greater ‘Birth: Children have the right to be welcomed than themselves and that fosters compassion and into the world in as gentle, loving and caring empathy. They need to be able to learn with and ways as possible with mothers and babies having from nature and not just about it. the right to be protected from all care that might compromise their healthy, natural perinatal and ‘Stewardship: Children have the right to be birth experiences. protected from systems that endanger their own future. They need to learn about plants, animals and ‘Engagement and Encouragement: Children have ecosystems so that they understand the importance the right to be in the company of informed and of balance and sustainability and can grow up as encouraging adults who help to enhance the ways in stewards of the environment.’ which they can relate to and understand the world. I hope that Friends will take the content of this Physical Activity: Children have the right to be charter to heart and that Meetings will consider how provided with environments that enable them to they can promote these aspirations in the world. I also develop all of their senses and physical capacities. hope that it will be reflected in a new section of the chapter on ‘Social responsibility’ in a revised Quaker ‘Body Image: Children have the right to be faith & practice. protected from negative media and commercial influences that might undermine their confidence Children deserve no less! and self-worth. Wendy is a member of Lancashire Central and North ‘Play: Children have the right to be provided with Area Meeting. the time and space to explore their environments in unstructured ways that nurture their creativity, Further information: http://bit.ly/ChildrensCharter

the Friend, 13 May 2016 11 Ireland Yearly Meeting

Who is my neighbour?

Pleasaunce Perry and Robert Foulkes report on Ireland Yearly Meeting

reland Yearly Meeting (IYM) this year challenged is my neighbour?’ In the business sessions that day the Friends to consider the question: ‘Who is my input from the Peace Committee and Quaker Service neighbour?’ helped point Friends to areas where people are in need I and where we can put our faith into action. We need The quotation from Quaker Life and Practice, which to think of new and innovative ways to reach out to underpinned the theme further, probed participants: our neighbours. Friends were told of projects that were providing visiting and support for isolated prisoners; ‘How can we, such a small insignificant group of helping mothers to turn their lives round through a people as the Society of Friends help to stem the tide year long intensive programme, with ongoing help of evil and hate, and greed and fear that is so wide- afterwards; and one especially for teenagers. Quaker spread in the world today?’ Service is also involved with the all-Ireland Restorative Justice Forum, pushing to see restorative practices C Winifred Lamb, c.1954 at all levels of society. Friends are encouraged to Quaker Life and Practice, 4.13 contribute in whatever way they can, either financially, by volunteering or by donating items or purchasing This was addressed throughout the three days in the from Quaker Care. We were reminded of the quote by business sessions, interest groups and the public lecture. Helen Keller: ‘There is no better way to thank God for For the first time, we were invited by the website editor your sight than by giving a helping hand to someone in to ‘share, like, post and comment’ about Yearly Meeting the dark’. on social media, with Quakers in Ireland producing updates on Twitter and Facebook throughout the event. Other sessions updated us on Yearly Meeting finance and statistics, and asked: What is the role of Quakers in Kings Hospital School in Dublin is a familiar venue education? for a lot of Irish Friends, and it was good to be joined by other Friends from further afield in Britain and Europe, Between sessions there were many opportunities for and some representatives from local churches, between fellowship. Friends were able to purchase books at the 31 March and 3 April. book stall, buy bargains from the Irish Quaker Faith in Action stall, learn about the activities of Foinse Marisa Johnson, executive secretary of the Europe Research, EcoQuakers Ireland and order an English and Middle East section of Friends World Ccommittee language version of a new Dutch Quaker ‘comic book’. for Consultation (FWCC), presented the Ministry The chat at meal times was lively. Volunteers were and Oversight session on the first evening with the encouraged to help too – at reception, collecting in the intriguing title ‘The Gift of Conflict’. Traditional meal tickets, serving tea and coffee, or on the door and reactions to conflict are avoidance, discomfort and a microphone duty. Every day finished with epilogue, desire for swift resolution, but Marisa encouraged us to with Friends gathering quietly by candlelight. view it differently. The public lecture on Friday evening continued the Bible study on Friday morning centred on the parable theme, and was given by Will Haire of South Belfast of the Good Samaritan, which provides us with the Meeting. The title was ‘Who is my Neighbour? What answer that Jesus gave when he was asked: ‘And who is our Testimony on Inclusion?’ Will spent his career

12 the Friend, 13 May 2016 working in government – in Northern Ireland, London Carolina. The Young Friends added significantly to the and Brussels – and his focus as a civil servant was life of the Yearly Meeting and there was a lot of interest on how government can help produce social stability in the reports of their activities over the past year. and inclusion through economic and social policy. Currently, Will is a trustee of the Joseph Rowntree The third of the speakers on the issue of homeless Foundation, and he spoke about the challenges of living people was Peter McVerry SJ, from the Peter McVerry out our faith in an advanced capitalist society. How can Trust. He spoke about how homelessness is a growing we ensure that everyone may have life and live it to the problem in every country as governments have full as Christ wished? The focus must be on equality abdicated their responsibility for providing social and social justice, and on looking at the reasons for housing. Homelessness can easily lead to hopelessness. poverty and finding answers. Legislation itself cannot People leaving prison or young people leaving the care prevent problems, but we need to drive for change with system are particularly vulnerable. ‘unreasonable optimism’ and be a neighbour to anyone who needs us. Peter’s advice was to treat those on the street with dignity. The Yearly Meeting decided to express its Andrew Lane, from the Quaker Council for European concern publicly in a statement addressed to the Affairs, spoke on ‘Who is my Neighbour in Europe?’ authorities in both jurisdictions of Ireland, urging them Our faith is a simple faith in a complicated world, and to take urgent action to tackle the underlying causes of our response is about having Quakers in the right places homelessness. to address local as well as global problems. The three representatives who went to the FWCC The recent concern of a Dublin Friend led to the World Plenary Meeting in Peru were given the chance setting up of a Welcoming Refugees Group, in response to report back on their experiences there, and the Yearly to the plight of refugees who end up in Direct Provision Meeting agreed to answer the FWCC call to initiate two Centres. Some six thousand people are currently in concrete actions on sustainability by January 2017. Each these centres, approximately one third of them children, Preparative Meeting is asked to develop a sustainability and nothing is on offer in the way of language teaching plan before the end of the year, taking into consideration or orientation to Irish culture. Problems with alcohol factors such as accessibility by public transport, energy dependence and aggression are common, and the efficiency, use of Fairtrade tea and coffee and use of attempted suicide rate is higher than average. Dublin organic and locally sourced food, when possible. IYM Friends urged us to get involved, and raise awareness of will take the same factors into account when planning the problems for refugees. the next Yearly Meeting. A commitment was also made to develop an investment strategy by January 2017 We also had a vivid account of the current refugee to ethically invest all funds within Yearly Meeting in situation in Germany, from Lutz Caspers. He told sustainable and peaceful companies, and to divest from us about the ‘welcome culture’ instigated by Angela destructive industries, including fossil fuels. Merkel, and how many Germans still remember what it means to be a refugee. Therefore, there is more Yearly Meeting also allowed time for a bit of fun, willingness to help others in the same situation. with a table quiz on Saturday evening. On Friday and Saturday interest groups were held each afternoon. The The second session on Saturday morning focused on topics included ‘Basic Income’, ‘Getting the most out the work of Irish Quaker Faith in Action (IQFA), and of our Committee System’, and ‘Breathing the Psalms’. in particular the issue of homelessness. IQFA supports There was also a chance to meet the public lecturer, find a wide range of projects at home and abroad, and out about the Quaker view of the UN Climate Summit, we heard in more detail about one of these schemes. and an opportunity to share experiences about what Friends have set up a service in the Dún Laoghaire/ part the Holy Spirit plays in our lives. Deans Grange area of Dublin to support homeless people every Monday night. All in all, it was a packed schedule, with much to take back to our home Meetings, and think about over the Homeless people in another area were helped by coming months. Young Friends. The IYM youth coordinator, Carolyn McMullan, took a group of ten young people on a pilgrimage to the United States in the summer, where they worked with homeless people across a whole Pleasaunce Perry and Robert Foulkes are members of range of projects in New York, Pennsylvania and North Ireland Yearly Meeeting.

the Friend, 13 May 2016 13 From the archive Harry Stanton

Janet Scott recalls the witness of a Quaker conscientious objector

arry Stanton was a Friend who was involved days ‘field punishment, No. 1’ because he refused to do in one of the most controversial events the work demanded. The Friend, on 26 May, reported concerning conscientious objectors in the first what happened to the conscientious objectors who Hworld war. It began with his refusal to fight in 1916 refused: and his decision to take up the ‘conscience clause’ of the Military Service Act 1916. Ordered to do non- They are either fastened to a gun wheel, or combatant service, he said he could not accept it. The handcuffed, and their arms fastened above the level Friend, in the issue of 21 April, reported: of their head to an iron bar. They can move up and down for the length of the bar, but of course H.E. Stanton has been sent to Landguard camp, their arms are kept in the same position. They are Felixstowe. He has been told that he will make fastened to the bar for an hour every morning and himself liable to penal servitude if he disobeys an hour every afternoon. orders. On 28 May Harry Stanton wrote to his family from Harry Stanton was loyal to his conscience and the Field Punishment Barracks, saying that he had suffered the consequences. He was sent to Harwich been thinking very much of Yearly Meeting. His words Redoubt for a week’s detention for refusing to do were published in the Friend on 16 June. military duties. The Friend, on 12 May, published a poem that he wrote about his experience of solitary Whatever we have gone through, or still have to confinement: face, we are confident that God is with us. His rod and his staff comfort and strengthen us to endure. In solitude I spend the lagging hours, Pain, suffering and hunger are my lot; In France, at a court martial, Harry Stanton was Pain, weary pain, that ceases not, one of seventeen conscientious objectors who were And saps relentlessly my mortal powers sentenced to death. The sentence was commuted to Of fortitude. Temptation oft recurs ten years penal servitude. He spent the remainder of To leave this arduous course; one thing deters the war in different prisons, including Winchester, And that omnipotent: the strength that God Wormwood Scrubs, and Dyce camp near Aberdeen, Imparts so freely to the feet that plod where the work was breaking stones for road building. The hard and narrow way of Christ’s own cause. The conditions in the camp were insanitary. The men That strength enables me to firmer stand were housed in bell tents that had been condemned as Than ever in the cause of right; for laws unfit. Several men fell ill and in September one man Of love ‘gainst those of might. At this command died. I turn again unwounded to the strife ‘Gainst war, for love; nay more, ‘gainst death for life. Harry Stanton later spent time in Armley Gaol in Leeds and in Maidstone. His release from Maidstone When he was told that he and others would be sent on 14 April, 1919, was reported in the Friend four days to France he said that he ‘should have no alternative later, on 18 April. but to refuse to obey the order’. He was then told that in this case he would be liable to be shot. The Friend reported his response on 19 May: ‘It may be that this Janet is a member of Cambridge Jesus Lane Meeting. is only a further test for us. Whether it be so or not, I feel sure that God will give me strength to maintain a ‘From the archive’ is a series in which Janet makes a clear testimony to our faith in the power of the Spirit personal selection of extracts taken from the Friend of Christ’. Harry Stanton was taken to France on 8 magazine published during the first world war. The May. On the 11 May he was sentenced to twenty-eight Friend 1914-18 Digital Archive is on the Friend website.

14 the Friend, 13 May 2016 Reflection Edenderry: Where the fire burns Photo courtesy of Charles Lamb. Marjorie A Lamb reflects on a Meeting for Worship at Edenderry Meeting House in County Kildare

he ‘Welcome Mat’ was well and truly out. message that is finally taking deeper hold now that Smiles; warm generous handshakes; warm, cozy gray hair tops my head? fire in the tea room – how on earth can four We can run off down the road of this theology and Tpeople create such an atmosphere? Warm committed that; this philosophy and that; try to explain exactly hearts is what I reckon. what we mean by what we say and end up apparently Into the main Meeting room and met by a glass getting nowhere. So, of all the simple and complex front solid-fuel stove – more warmth. No, it wasn’t messages I have heard over the years, it all boils down the old style pot-bellied stove I was used to back in to one simple statement (first heard from my mother the hills of south-eastern Ohio, but it sure brought many years ago): ‘Try to find out what the Lord wants back memories! Where else in Ireland would we find thee to do and do that.’ a solid-fuel stove in the middle of the Meeting room, Yes, the statement is simple; the trying to find out is with its double-skinned black chimney reaching not so simple, and getting to the point of being willing way up through the roof to the heavens above? It set to do it God’s way is often very hard, but maybe that the scene for meditation/contemplation/worship – is why tsunami’s hit us from time to time – just to whatever you call that silent gathering of Friends. remind us that we need help; that we aren’t quite so I thought about sharing in the Meeting for Worship, smart as we thought we were; that there is ‘One’ who but somehow the anointing wasn’t there, and then it can ‘speak to our condition’. I believe that now with came to me that I could share by writing about it. How all my heart. I will be repetitive and make that simple appropriate! statement again: ‘Try to find out what the Lord wants What mind journeys did I take this morning while thee to do and do that.’ the fire burned? I thought of all the faithful Friends The fire burned on and the warmth at the end of who have gone to Meeting over the years – some more Meeting for Worship was just as warm – perhaps faithful in their attendance than others. I thought of warmer. Thank you JJ, Deirdre, Gavin and Kevin for the complexity of life – so complex, in fact, that the your warmth and the space in which a visitor can try fabric of our very existence seems thin and challenged to find out – can work towards being willing to be to the limit. made willing. What was the message I heard as a child? What has the message been to me over the years? What is the Marjorie is a member of Roscrea Meeting.

the Friend, 13 May 2016 15 13 May 10/5/16 14:27 Page 6

Friends&Meetings Births Memorial meetings The Kindlers in the South Owen Peter ROWLANDS 30 April Janet QUILLEY A Memorial All-day workshop Sat. 14 May to Lucy White and Thomas Meeting to to give thanks for the Creativity and Spirituality Rowlands of Tottenham Quaker grace of God in Janet's life will be ‘The Living Spirit’ Meeting, first grandchild for Bessie held at Newcastle upon Tyne FMH, Come and sing Tony Biggin’s and Peter White and fourth for West Avenue, Gosforth NE3 4ES, joyous new cantata celebrating a Deborah and Stephen Rowlands. 2pm Saturday 21 May. Enquiries: Quaker meeting for worship. Led [email protected] or by Tony Biggin & John Sheldon Deaths tel. Anna 0191 252 8765. See: https://itun.es/gb/sghNW Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London, 10am - 5pm. £10 at door. Wyndham Bowen EVANS Changes of address Bring picnic lunch. All welcome. 26 April. Widower of Nancy, father Confirm coming: 0208 418 9517 or of Sarah and Frances. Member of Allan TIPPING (Alford Meeting [email protected] Cotteridge Meeting, Birmingham, Correspondent) from Louth to: formerly Harrogate. Aged 90. The School House, Fen Lane, JOURNEYMEN THEATRE'S Memorial Meeting for Worship at Beesby, Alford, Lincs LN13 0JQ. FIRST PERFORMANCE of the play Cotteridge FMH, 2pm Saturday Tel. 01507 451856. Email allan.tipping "Feeding the Darkness - Shining a 11 June. Enquiries Sarah: @btinternet.com Light on State Sanctioned Torture [email protected] through Story, Poem and Song'' on behalf of Q-CAT, at BYM, Eric RIGBY 4 May, finally peacefully Changes to meeting Drayton House, Saturday 28 May in Hull Royal Infirmary. Husband 5.30 - 6.35pm. Enquiries: of Brenda, brother of Trevor and GARSTANG MEETING [email protected] Tom. Member of Beverley Meeting. From 15 May - 28 August, Sunday Aged 74. Enquiries: Diana Sandy Meeting for Worship will be held in SPIRITUALITY Friday 13 May 01482 844102 or diana@ the Meeting Room of Garstang A day with Alex Wildwood. Jordans sandy246.karoo.co.uk or Brenda: Library, Windsor Road, PR3 1ED at Quaker Centre HP9 2SN. £35 or [email protected] 10.30am. Regret no arrangements what you can afford. 10am-4pm. To for children. Contact 01995 604946. book: [email protected] Anne Marie RITSON 6 May, peace- or telephone 01494 876594. fully in John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. Diary Mother of Mike, Eve, Carol and Chris, WHAT WOULD TODAY'S CADBURY LOOK LIKE? grandmother and great grandmother. CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS Come and design a model for today's Member of Abingdon Meeting, DAY Sunday 15 May. Meeting for socially concerned businesses. formerly Cotherstone. Aged 98. Worship 3pm at the Quaker Service Quakers and Business Group Quaker Funeral at Abingdon Crem- Memorial, National Memorial Gathering/AGM, Saturday 25 June, atorium, 3pm Wednesday 25 May. Arboretum, near Lichfield, 10am-5pm, Dorking QMH, Surrey. A memorial meeting in Cotherstone Staffordshire. For more details Details: www.qandb.org will also be arranged. Enquiries: please see www.qsmt.org.uk [email protected] or 01661 852702. Donations: Northern Hosting an event? Friends & Meetings Friends Peace Board. Put a notice in the Friend! Personal entries (births, marriages, deaths, anniversaries, changes of Do you know a young Quaker aged 11–14? address, etc.) charged at £25 incl. vat for up to 35 words and includes a copy of the magazine. Meeting Tell them about Junior Gathering! and charity notices, changes of 20th - 27th August 2016 in Reading clerk, new wardens, changes to meeting, diary, etc.) £21.15 zero MAKE FRIENDS HAVE FUN BE QUAKERLY rated for vat. Max. 35 words. Entries accepted at the editor’s “I really enjoyed “EVERYTHING “Worship was a discretion in a standard house style. the acceptance of WAS really special time A gentle discipline will be exerted to AMAZING!” for me. The silence maintain a simplicity of style and the whole group” is beautiful” wording that excludes terms of VISIT endearment and words of tribute. Guidelines on request. www.fsse.org.uk to find out more T 01535 630230 E [email protected]

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Quaker Life Outreach Marketing Officer Salary: £18,844 per annum (pro rata £31,407 per annum). Contract: Fixed Term for 18 months Hours: Part-time - 21 Hours per week. Location: Friends House, Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ We're seeking a well-organised, personable and pro-active Marketing Officer to work with the Head of Outreach Development and the Media and Advocacy Team Leader. You will use your knowledge of marketing to heighten public awareness of Quakers and Quaker work. You will deliver various marketing projects including: to research and place advertising on behalf of Britain Yearly Meeting in a range of channels to help establish appropriate measures for the effectiveness of our advertising, contribute to the development of the outreach marketing strategy by working with consultants and others and manage the Outreach advertising budget. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills and to have a real impact with the work you do. You will have the chance to shape the future direction of the reaching out strategy for Britain Yearly Meeting and your role will have a significant impact in improving the effectiveness of our outreach marketing. You should have proven experience of marketing in a similar role, excellent written skills, the ability to maintain high standards of work under pressure and the ability to balance competing priorities. Britain Yearly Meeting is committed to Equality in all its employment practices. Closing Date: Friday 20 May 2016. Interviews: Wednesday 8 June 2016 For details on Outreach visit: www.quaker.org.uk/our-organisation/support-for-meetings/outreach and for job details and information about how to apply please visit: www.quaker.org.uk./jobs Registered Charity No. 1127633.

A QUAKER BASE IN CENTRAL LONDON

Central, quiet location, convenient for Friends House, British Museum and transport. Comfortable rooms tastefully furnished, many en-suite. Full English breakfast. Discount for Sufferings and Club members. 21 Bedford Place London WC1B 5JJ Tel. 020 7636 4718 [email protected]

The Penn Club www.pennclub.co.uk The Kindlers in the North All-day workshop Sat. 21 May: Being Quaker Today Stillness, Faith & Action Margaret Calvert & Terry Winterton Revisiting the source of our witness in the world today. Central Manchester FMH, 6 Mount St, Manchester M2 5NS 10am-4.30pm. £10 at door, no booking. Bring lunch. All welcome.

the Friend, 13 May 2016 17 13 May 10/5/16 14:27 Page 8

Classified advertisements 54a Main St, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL T: 01535 630230 E: [email protected] Classified ads OVERSEAS HOLIDAYS where to stay Standard linage 56p a word, GUESTHOUSES, HOTELS, B&BS PORTUGAL. National Park. Spacious semi-display 84p a word. Rates house in unspoilt coastal village; optional incl. vat. Min. 12 words. Series cottage. Gardens, pool. Accommodates 2- discounts: 5% on 5 insertions, TAVISTOCK, DEVON. Quaker couple offer 8. Secluded beaches, fishing, cliff-top ensuite B&B. £30 pppn. 01822 614378. walks, riding, birdwatching. Available all 10% on 10 or more. Cheques [email protected] year. 07731 842259, www.vilad.com payable to The Friend. THE DELL HOUSE, MALVERN. B&B and The Friend, 54a Main Street, Self-catering. Two acres garden. TUSCANY APARTMENT with patios. Hill village south of Pisa near coast. Culture, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL Vegetarian breakfast options. Ideal for beaches, walks. £350pw. 01643 818176. Tel. 01535 630230 individuals, couples and groups of 6-20. [email protected]" www.thedellhouse.co.uk 01684 564448. Email [email protected]

COTTAGES & SELF-CATERING

ABERGAVENNY FRIENDS offer one-bedroom first floor apartment for 2/3 in recent barn conversion. Ideal for short breaks. Quiet village location on edge of town. Easy walks, mountain, canal or MfW start from door. Details: 07855 200132, [email protected]

CLAVERHAM, NORTH SOMERSET Cottage adjoining historic Meeting House in rural area close to coast. Ideal for short breaks or family holidays. Sleeps up to seven. Website: www.claverhamtrust.org.uk For more than 60 years, the 12 bed Quaker Retreat Centre of Claridge Enquiries: Tom Leimdorfer, telephone House has provided a safe space where people of any faith or none 01934 834663. [email protected] may enjoy peace and stillness before returning to their everyday lives. DORCHESTER, DORSET. Meeting House offers simple summer-time accommodation. The House is currently closed for extensive refurbishment, and you will Ground floor room with bed-settee, ensure it sets new standards in hospitality, food, service and comfort shower/toilet facilities, use of kitchen, upon its reopening. A new B&B service will operate when rooms are not overnight parking. £15/night. Bring own booked for retreats or courses. In particular, you will make certain that linen. Book with warden: 01305 263544 the kitchen and the bedrooms are maintained to the highest levels of or [email protected] cleanliness and oversee the provision of a varied vegetarian menu, whilst REETH, SWALEDALE. Charming, extremely assisting the General Manager with all aspects of budgeting and business well appointed South facing house. Sleeps development. What's more, you will actively recruit and mentor the 3/4. Not suitable for pets or under 10s. housekeeping team, co-ordinate building repairs and improvements £300/week. 01235 832753, and interact constantly with guests to ensure their complete satisfaction, [email protected]. giving you wide-ranging responsibilities and a very high profile. SUFFOLK COAST, WALBERSWICK. ‘Creek Cottage’ annexe, self-contained. Naturally, you will be experienced in housekeeping within a small or Very close to beach. Beautiful, varied medium-sized residential establishment, with real passion for cookery walks. Sleeps 2/3. Details: 01502 723292, and organic food. A hands-on and highly flexible approach is also vital, [email protected] backed by excellent organisational, leadership and negotiating skills, www.durrantsholidaycottages.co.uk and you will be fully versed in office systems and IT. Above all, you will SWALEDALE, YORKSHIRE. Superb be comfortable taking decisions, capable of planning effectively and selection of gorgeous cottages amid able to solve diverse problems - and you will be ready to do whatever stunning scenery. Details, photos, virtual it takes to ensure our guests' comfort and spiritual succour. tours. www.catholecottages.com 01748 886366. Empathy with Quakers and Quaker practices would be helpful.

WEST CORNWALL. Studio, sleeps 2/3, on small farm, lovely location close to coast, garden, walks from door, dogs welcome. Full job description and person specification is available [email protected] on our website www.claridgehousequaker.org.uk with 01736 762491. information on how to apply and when interviews will take place for shortlisted candidates. Always mention the Friend when you reply to an advertisement! Charity no. 228102.

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STUDY TOURS Reading Quaker faith & practice THE CATHAR VIEW. A pilgrimage tour in Cathar Country, 7-14 September. Details: It's not too late! www.lesbonshommes.com There is still time to join in with the Reading Quaker faith & practice programme. Get to know our Book of Discipline better and share in the national for sale & to let conversation, through personal study, in a local study group or online. You can join in with the reading calendar at any point, start from the OVERLOOKING SALISBURY FMH beginning, or adapt it to suit you. One bedroom retirement flat, £85,000 leasehold. Peter Elliott 01225 762264 Free study resources to download and print are available at: [email protected] www.together.woodbrooke.org.uk

You never know what you’ll find For more information about the project and to see the calendar visit: in the Friend Classified! www.qfp.quaker.org.uk/reading or email: [email protected] miscellaneous

Britain ALL YOUR PIANO REQUIREMENTS Restoration/nationwide removals/modern Yearly secondhand sales. [email protected] www.cambridgepianolacompany.co.uk Meeting Tom Poole 01223 861507.

PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY Publications Manager &TAXATION SERVICE Advocacy and Public Relationships Team Quaker Accountant offers friendly service countrywide. Communications and Services Self-assessment & small businesses. Salary: £38,002 pa. Contract: Fixed Term - Two Years. Richard Platt, Grainger & Platt Chartered Certified Accountants Hours: 35 per week. Location: Friends House, London NW1 3 Fisher Street, Carlisle CA3 8RR Telephone 01228 521286 We are looking to appoint an experienced Publications [email protected] www.grainger-platt.co.uk Manager with knowledge of current trends in publications to produce a review of our printed publications. You will also provide creative, editorial, and operational management of our printed material production. the Friends This post offers the opportunity be closely involved with the Quarterly breadth of work undertaken by Britain Yearly Meeting on Issue two 2016 out now behalf of Quakers in Britain. Sheila Houldin Martha and You will have experience of assessing the print publications Mary; Richard Eddleston needs of an organisation, technical knowledge of publishing What is meditation?; David books and other print materials, managing multiple projects, Lewis Wennington: a trans- working with external specialists and managing a staff team. formative work of art; David Ian Hamilton “The desire of Vital attributes for this role include well developed people thine eyes”; Stuart Masters skills, a flexible attitude to work and the ability to participate The early Quaker movement: fully as a manager in a wider communications department. Pauline Christianity revived; John Lampen a fable. Closing date: Tuesday 31 May 2016 – 9am Single copy £5+70p UK post Interviews: Tuesday 14th June 2016 FREE to new subscribers at £20 a year UK, £22 overseas. For details about Quakers in Britain and information on how Please send cheques payable to apply please visit www.quaker.org.uk/job-opportunities to The Friend to: Penny Dunn, The Friend, 173 Euston Rd, Registered Charity No. 1127633. London NW1 2BJ.

the Friend, 13 May 2016 19 13 May 10/5/16 14:27 Page 10 V ADVERTISEMENT DEPT EDITORIAL ol 54a Main Street 173 Euston Road 174 Cononley London NW1 2BJ Keighley BD20 8LL T 020 7663 1010 No

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