3 February 2017 £1.90 the discover the contemporaryFriend quaker way

Becoming Quaker the Friend Independent Quaker Journalism Since 1843

Contents VOL 175 NO 5

3 Thought for the Week: Faith and scepticism John Anderson Freethinkers

4-5 News ‘Freethinkers are those 6-7 Newark Meeting who are willing to use their Chris Rose minds without prejudice and without fearing to 8-9 Letters understand things that clash with their own customs, 10-11 The Chertkov archives privileges, or beliefs. Daphne Sanders 12 Becoming Quaker ‘This state of mind is not common, but it is essential Alex Thomson for right thinking; where 13 Quakerism and spiritual awakening it is absent, discussion is John Elford apt to become worse than useless.’ 14 Out of the silence Rosalind Smith 15 q-eye: a look at the Quaker world 16 Friends & Meetings

Cover image: Frost on a fallen leaf. Photo: @notnixon / flickr CC.

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2 the Friend, 3 February 2017 Thought for the Week

Faith and scepticism

Faith and scepticism – we need both – faith without scepticism is like trying to walk with one leg only – but, as I omitted to say, one has to have some impression, opinion or belief for scepticism to act on – scepticism is the leg that cannot exist on its own.

William Le Fevre

f we require evidence that Homo sapiens is not, in the nature of things, the topmost predator, we need look no further than the evolution of these counter-balancing virtues – faith and scepticism. Credulous gazelles that mistake a crouching lion for Ian anthill are easy prey, and nature, red in policy and performance, makes short work of the credulity gene. At the other extreme a gazelle that suspects every anthill to be a crouching lion soon dies of starvation, if not from nervous exhaustion. Our sense organs have evolved to help us to locate good things (pasture, shelter, mating opportunities) and dodge the bad (lions). But the knowledge (learnt the hard evolutionary way) that, one way or another, the world out there is trying to deceive, causes us constantly to question the evidence of our senses. Evolutionary pressures ensure those ‘prey species’ that successfully negotiate the narrow straits between these contraries out-survive the others (this also explains the total absence of solipsist gazelles). A top predator has no such imperative or need to question his impressions: mistaking a gazelle for an anthill is not, for the lion, an immediately lethal misapprehension. Quakers are, I believe, unique in placing scepticism at the heart of a belief system: Advices & queries 17 counsels us to ‘Think it possible that you may be mistaken’. Members of the Religious Society of Friends believe, and are sceptical about, many different things – each belfry with its full and different quota of bats. Even so, Quakers are pretty much agreed that there is more to life than pasture, shelter, mating opportunities and the avoidance of lions. Consequently, we aspire, among other things, to answer that of God in everyone and live in the ‘Light and Power’ that takes away the occasion of war. Of course, we cherish belief, but always with a degree of provisionality and in the knowledge that a multitude of perfectly reasonable people believe something diametrically different. Experience may lead to increasing certitude, even to convincement, but never beyond; perhaps what we all might aim for is a living faith as opposed to a dead certainty – for in the Society of Friends scepticism is returned home to its proper abode in the soul as this counterbalance to credulity. So, there remain these twin virtues – faith and scepticism. Both are necessary and, give it a tweek, neither is more necessary than the other. The appropriate function of scepticism is not to critique the experience of others but my own.

John Anderson Taunton Meeting

the Friend, 3 February 2017 3 News Building trust at climate talks Faith and science communities met earlier this human behaviours at the root cause of climate change, week at Friends House in London as Quakers set out to behaviours often exacerbated by economic and political build communication and support between them. priorities. Faith communities offer an empowering Two interfaith luncheons were held, hosted by voice of hope over fear, of compassion over indifference, Quakers in Britain and the Quaker United Nations and urgent and fair action as a moral obligation.’ Office (QUNO), with the Intergovernmental Panel on QUNO has observer status at both the IPCC Climate Change (IPCC). and the climate negotiations under the United Paul Parker, recording clerk for Britain Yearly Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Meeting, said: ‘We are aware that humanity has a short (UNFCCC). window of time to help ensure against catastrophic A statement from Friends House said: ‘Quakers are climate change. We observe that current political will motivated by a moral duty to cherish Creation for is not sufficient to address the root causes of climate future generations and to speak out against climate change caused by human activities, effectively, urgently injustice that causes huge inequalities across the world. and fairly. However, we have faith that change is They have a long history of quiet diplomacy work possible.’ with diverse groups to encourage in-depth discussion QUNO Geneva director Jonathan Woolley, who was in which understanding may grow. These meetings at in attendance at the meeting, said: ‘While technical fixes Friends House in London were informal and off-the- may address some symptoms, they may not address record.’ Trident peace activists found guilty Five peace activists were Ditchfield, Joanna Frew and Alison The judge, who said he admired found guilty on 26 January in Parker – are members of Put Down the defendants, gave them a six- Reading Magistrates’ Court of the Sword, a Christian month conditional discharge and wilful obstruction of the highway. group. Some are also members of ordered them each to pay £120 On 27 June 2016, using lock- the Peace Pledge Union (PPU), in costs, considerably lower than on tubes and superglue, the five which includes pacifists of several the £920 each that the Crown Christians blockaded the road religions and none. Prosecution Service had asked for. leading to Burghfield Atomic At the start of the trial Nick On behalf of the PPU, Symon Hill Weapons Establishment (AWE) Cooper stated: ‘The ongoing threat said: ‘This is the latest in a string in Berkshire, where the Trident of a global nuclear holocaust is of trials of nonviolent activists. nuclear warheads are assembled. already terrifying enough. The last They are a reminder that As the defendants lay in the road thing we need are missiles going off is not passive. Pacifists reject both declaring that they had ‘no faith in course and a seemingly respectable violence and passivity in favour of Trident’ they were joined in support prime minister who misleads nonviolent resistance to war and by Christians from around the parliament and the public.’ injustice.’ UK in protest ahead of the vote in After the first day of the trial parliament on Trident renewal. Nina Carter-Brown said: ‘I was Day of action against The convictions came even arrested and am on trial because though another five activists, who of my Christian faith, which is in drones blocked a different entrance on no way compatible with support Campaigning organisation Fly the same day, were acquitted in for weapons of mass destruction. Kites not Drones is asking Friends December after the judge threw I could not stand by and watch as in Britain to take part in a day of out the prosecution’s case as the the government voted to replace action against armed drones on police had failed to follow their Trident at an obscene cost without 19 March. The day involves flying own procedures (see ‘Witness at knowing I had done everything kites to show solidarity with those Burghfield’, 27 January). I could to oppose it.’ When the affected by ‘weaponised’ drones Other activists involved on prosecuting counsel suggested to around the world. The use of the day were given a conditional Nina Carter-Brown that ‘you could drones has increased dramatically discharge. have moved, couldn’t you?’ she in recent years, and there are claims The five defendants – Nina replied: ‘No, because my conscience that many of those killed in drone Carter-Brown, Nick Cooper, Angela wouldn’t allow it.’ strikes are not the actual target.

4 the Friend, 3 February 2017 reported by Harry Albright [email protected] Record suicides in prisons A record number of they take their own life, and yet on prison staff – a forty per cent people, 119, killed themselves in every three days a family is told increase on the year before. The prisons in England and Wales that a loved one has died behind number of serious assaults on staff last year, according to official b ar s .’ rose by twenty-six per cent to 761. data published by the Ministry of In total, 354 people died in The Howard League and Justice. prisons in England and Wales another charity, Centre for Mental This is the highest number during 2016 – another record Health, have been working in a calendar year since current high and a thirty-eight per cent together on a joint inquiry into recording practices began in 1978. rise on the year before. Of those, preventing prison suicides. The previous high was in 2004, 196 prisoners were recorded Research, published last November with ninety-six deaths by suicide. to have died of natural causes. as part of the inquiry, found that Twelve women lost their lives Investigations into the deaths of the increasing number of prison through suicide in 2016 – more a further twenty-eight prisoners suicides had coincided with cuts than double the number of women remain incomplete. to staffing and budgets, as well as who took their own lives during The figures also reveal that there a rise in the number of people in the previous year. were 37,784 reported incidents prison, resulting in overcrowding. Frances Crook, chief executive of self-injury in prisons during Violence had increased and safety of the Howard League for Penal the twelve months to the end of had deteriorated. Reform, said: ‘It is official – more September 2016 – a twenty-three ‘Cutting staff and prison budgets people died in prisons in 2016 per cent year on year rise. while allowing the number of than in any other year on record, There was a twenty-eight per people behind bars to grow and more prisoners died by cent increase in serious assaults unchecked has created a toxic suicide than ever before. and a thirty-one per cent rise in mix of violence, death and human ‘No one should be so desperate assaults in total on the previous misery,’ said Frances Crook. ‘The while in the care of the state that year. There were 6,430 assaults problems are clear for all to see.’ Quaker arrested on peace protest A London Friend was arrested at a BAE site in the genocide in East Timor. In a statement, the two Lancashire on 29 January. activists said: ‘BAE security found us just metres from Sam Walton, of Streatham and Brixton Meeting, war planes bound for Saudi Arabia. We’re gutted that who works at Friends House was acting in a personal we couldn’t disarm a plane and stop it being used to capacity, was detained with Dan Woodhouse, a carry out airstrikes in Yemen. We could have saved Methodist minister, when they entered BAE Systems’ lives by preventing Saudi war crimes in Yemen. Warton site in order to disarm warplanes bound for ‘We did not take these steps lightly, but we have no Saudi Arabia. The two peace campaigners were taken other option. We have been active in opposing the into custody in Blackpool. They were released on bail arms trade to Saudi Arabia for years, and in the face of on 30 January, pending charges. wilful government denial that there is a problem with They acted to try to prevent BAE’s delivery of fighter arming Saudi, including willingness to suspend our jets to the Saudi government, exactly twenty-one own due process of law, and complete unwillingness to years after three women entered the same airbase to consider stopping arming Saudi Arabia, we must take disarm a plane being sent to Indonesia to be used in this action.’ UN Summer School This year’s Quaker Nations, as seen through twenty-five summer discussions, role plays United Nations Summer the programmes of the school participants an and workshops. School will take place in Quaker United Nations in-depth understanding Participation in the Geneva from 2-14 July. Office (QUNO). of the issues that QUNO summer school is not The event provides Formal and informal is working on, such as limited to Quakers. an introduction to the discussion sessions are human rights. There will The closing date for work of the United designed to give the be lectures, small group applications is 15 March.

the Friend, 3 February 2017 5 Quaker life

Newark Meeting

Chris Rose writes about a new Meeting in Newark-On-Trent

any Friends will have driven past Newark-on- Brant Broughton, with its beautiful 1701 Meeting Trent as they travel north or south along the house, has been slowly growing in numbers in recent A1. Newark though, as far as we can tell, has years. In 2010 we set up an outreach group. Our aim Mnever had a regular Quaker Meeting. In the 1650s and was to look for ways of raising our profile in the local 60s the villages to the north of Newark along the River area, to let people know we exist, and to try and find Trent were hotbeds of Quakerism. Trentside Monthly ways of letting more local people know something Meeting was at one time the largest Monthly Meeting in about Quakerism. the East Midlands, but of Newark there is little mention. The only record we have so far found is of two Meetings Getting organised held in 1659… So, over the next few years we launched a number On the 7th of November this year (1659) William of projects. We put together exhibitions, gave talks, Dewsberry preaching at a meeting at Newark upon organised a variety of musical evenings in the Meeting Trent, was insulted and much abused by the people… house, and set up a website. We noticed that our local newspaper the Newark Advertiser had a weekly ‘Credo’ On the 11th of the same month, being the first section (Thought for the Day) written by the members day of the week… while the Testimony of Truth of local churches, so a phone call saw us added to the was declaring, a rude multitude broke in, throwing rota, to which we have contributed regularly ever since. down both men and women, buffeting, punching and stoning them, so that some were thrown down, others It was back in 2011 that we had the idea of organising had their teeth beaten out and their faces bruised: Meetings for Worship at lunchtime in our two Women had their head-clothes pulled off: After this neighbouring towns of Sleaford and Newark. We tried manner they continued to abuse about an Hundred Sleaford first but only attracted our Brant Broughton Persons who were there religiously assembled, and all regulars. bore all patiently, as Christian Sufferers. These things were acted on the day they called their Sabbath, by The response in Newark was much better, and so a people who deemed it a Profanation of the day to we decided to concentrate our energies in Newark and travel five miles to a meeting, and whose consciences to persevere with the lunchtime Meetings in Newark, could admit them to exercise such barbarity on the advertising them in the local press as ‘Silence in a Busy day in which they would have thought it a crime to be Day’. employed in any honest labour. We held a short, thirty-minute Meeting on every ‘The Sufferings of the Quakers in Nottinghamshire second and fourth Wednesday. Initially we used a Yoga 1649-1689’ by Percy J Croppper (1892) studio, but then persuaded the Newark Methodists to let us use the attractive foyer to their Barnbygate Methodist Friends who live in the Newark area currently travel Church, which ever since has proved a very comfortable to Brant Broughton Meeting in Lincolnshire, which is and convenient location for our Wednesday lunchtime eight miles due east of Newark, but Newark itself, a Meetings. Our numbers slowly grew and we attracted rapidly growing town with over 35,000 people, had no new attenders, who became regulars and started to form Meeting. the nucleus of a Newark group.

6 the Friend, 3 February 2017 The River Trent as it flows past Newark Castle. Photo: Gingerburn / flickr CC. Photo: Gingerburn / flickr

By summer 2012 we were thinking of adding a Sunday Meeting. On Saturday 15 January Lincolnshire Area Meeting once a month on the third Sunday. This started Meeting supported the establishment of a new Meeting in September 2015 and has proved successful, though in Newark. as the Methodists are meeting at the same time we have to use one of their smaller rooms in the next building. New opportunities Special thanks are due to Barnbygate Methodists for the support they have given us, including insisting we Thanks are particularly due to Brant Broughton join them for coffee after their service and our Meeting Meeting for their spiritual and financial support. Fears have finished. that the creation of a Newark Meeting might have a negative effect on the Brant Broughton Meeting seem, Next steps so far, not to have been realised. Newark is still at present meeting once a month on a Sunday and Friends Some of us who had been involved with the Newark at Brant Broughton report there is no noticeable change Meetings from the start were becoming a little in attendance on those Sundays. concerned as to where the Meeting should go next; so last December we held a meeting of our Newark group. The Newark initiative has brought new Friends to Thirteen Friends were present and the strong feeling Brant Broughton, who have become regular attenders of the meeting was that it was time now to establish and members. It is our sincere hope that the two Newark as a separate Local Meeting. Meetings will complement one another.

One problem was that the original Newark initiative The growth of the new Meeting in Newark offers had come from Brant Broughton Meeting, which many opportunities. Many of our Newark group are is in Lincolnshire, and many Newark Friends were new to Quakerism and are very much centred in members of Brant Broughton and, therefore, part of Newark. We feel being in the centre of this growing Lincolnshire Area Meeting; but Newark, of course, town gives a new dimension for our Quaker witness and is in Nottinghamshire. Fortunately, we had already an opportunity to be part of that growing community. It been in contact with Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire is now 358 years since that early Meeting in 1659. So far, Area Meeting, who had wholeheartedly supported our the response has been much more positive. Newark efforts. Exciting times! So, our Newark group wrote a minute to be sent to Brant Broughton, which was supported at their Business Meeting and forwarded to Lincolnshire Area Chris is from Newark Meeting.

the Friend, 3 February 2017 7 Letters All views expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Friend

Letters to prisoners due to the pressure put on it by one species – man. It I must affirm what Mark Humphries has written is precisely when the pressure is at its utmost that we regarding letters in prison (20 January). They are a need to preserve the Green Belt and other countryside lifeline that is critical to coping inside. rather than build on it. Whatever a person’s crimes, it can all too often Sadly, I am becoming increasingly concerned that lead to a loss of their support network, leaving them the commitment of Friends to sustainability places feeling isolated and alone. A regular letter, and the joy far too much emphasis on its effect on other Quaker felt when it is slid under the cell door, can make the concerns rather than true sustainability for the planet difference between a life with hope or a life lost. and its whole biodiversity. This is why I became a I would urge anyone with some free time to contact member of Quaker Concern Over Population (QCOP), charities, such as the New Bridge Foundation, who as until we consider the impact of human population can match you with a prisoner and train you in how to we cannot be truly sustainable. correspond safely, as well as supporting you with any Jonathan Riddell issues that arise. Alton Meeting, Hampshire To someone alone in the darkness today, you can be a light that illuminates the path towards a more Antonia Swinson is one of many Quakers to reflect in hopeful tomorrow. the Friend on the decision by the British electorate to Steve (full name and address supplied) leave the EU. In almost all media, the decision has been greeted A prison experience with shock, disbelief and horror. Then follows the I am moved to write in response to reading Mark ‘blame’. They must be ‘racists’, or ‘working class’, or Humphries’ article, ‘Prison, ecology and stewardship’ ‘right-wing’, or ‘stupid’, or ‘anti-immigration’, or… or… (6 January). Then Antonia, in my view, makes a thinly-veiled It was such a heartening surprise to read Mark’s attempt to group all Quakers together as ‘Remainers’ words when all we seem to hear in the media is terrible (‘Quakers are brilliant at quietness, except when they news and views of life in UK prisons – suicides, drugs, are all agreeing that Brexit is a tragedy’). riots, understaffing, and so on. Having a personal opinion is the right of all people, Even the wonderfully inspiring paper Vision for but for individuals to suggest that British Quakers a Criminal Justice System, from the Quaker Peace as a whole see the decision as a tragedy, is, I feel, & Social Witness Central Committee’s (QPSWCC) outrageous. Thou shalt… decide for thyself! Crime, Community and Justice sub-committee, in We will never know the proportion of Quakers its benign recommendations inevitably and logically who voted one way or another, but, considering that implied many of the ills in our current prison system. Quakers are represented on all points of the political Mark’s description of the educational and vocational and economic spectrum, the best one can assume is opportunities offered in the system was the most that we have voted roughly in accordance with the optimistic news of the prison service I’ve heard for general public. a long time, and his account of the environmental Of course, there are good reasons to remain project he was involved in is so inspiring – something and good reasons to leave. For me, the one word all institutions, including Quaker Meetings, can learn which tips the balance is ‘governance’. Brexit is a from. Mark’s frankness about his own past conviction wonderful opportunity for the people of Britain to be was also very moving and salutary – a lesson in Quaker unconstrained by the political and economic desires truthfulness. Thanks Mark: you’ve made my day! of the ‘United States of Europe’, of which, currently, we Lois Chaber are one voice in twenty-seven. Winchmore Hill Meeting, London Bob Morley Penrith Meeting, Cumbria Quakers and Brexit I was surprised to read a recent ‘Talking point’ by In her article Antonia Swinson makes a number of Antonia Swinson (6 January) and a subsequent letter valid points but then spoils matters for me, as a farmer, (20 January) that proposed a review of Green Belt with her solutions. policy. To my way of thinking this is not in keeping Readers of this letter may feel that my views are with the Canterbury Commitment on sustainability. prompted by self-interest – I hope that some will begin We must all learn that to be truly sustainable humans to understand the dilemmas we all face. cannot keep increasing in numbers on this planet at In recent history support has twice been removed the expense of the planet’s very fragile biodiversity. from farming and the result has been a major Countryside around the world is fast disappearing reduction in food production in this country. We have

8 the Friend, 3 February 2017 [email protected]

used our wealth to purchase food produced elsewhere, successes and failures it must inevitably bring. In this usually in less reliable and more fragile climates. It year of all years, it is essential to recognise the stresses could be argued that the American dustbowl was that being a politician, and a woman politician – I created by the demand for wheat, or that the Roman shouldn’t need to remind us of Jo Cox – now entails. demand for grain resulted in the desertification of If we are unable as Friends to respect Catherine North Africa. West’s legitimate choice, that says something I don’t Currently we produce sixty per cent of our food. want to hear about Quakerism today. We import the rest, thus reducing the food available Jennifer Barraclough in the countries we purchase from and possibly more Witney Meeting, Oxfordshire importantly reducing the water resources in those countries (most food movements are largely water We do not know what Catherine West is going to movements). say in her Swarthmore lecture. Are being an MP It is not up to farmers to decide future policy but our and a supporter of Jeremy Corbyn of themselves a representatives are consulting more widely than any disqualification for being appointed Swarthmore other interested party I have come across as we try to lecturer? If that is the case, wouldn’t many past lecturers develop post Brexit policies. We do not create demand, be disqualified by their various affiliations? Every we respond to it. Ever increasing areas are being used Quaker has other attributes besides being a Quaker. to produce fuels, as ‘green energy’ is in high demand Lucy Pollard while food is not. Finally, remember that we are Ipswich & Diss Area Meeting farmers so we will always feed our families. If others rely on imported food so be it. Transcendent reality Robert Campbell I so agree with Sam Donaldson (27 January) that Great Ayton Meeting, North Yorkshire ‘Success is not one of the names of God’. Truly, ‘our Quaker way… cannot be founded or driven by success, Kindertransport or even the hope of success’; success in securing what Reading the article about the Kindertransport we want in this world, that is. exhibition (20 January) reminded me of the most The devil offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world memorable Quaker Meeting I have ever attended. if he would put success first. But Christianity is such a It was an annual one, in a barn in an orchard in the great religion because its Messiah chose to fail rather Warwickshire village where George Fox was arrested than fight. Love and Truth won. for the last time. To follow the Quaker way is to put our trust in a The speaker was Brenda Bailey (wife of Sydney). She transcendent reality that speaks to our inmost selves of talked about Bertha Bracey, who was responsible for a peace that goes beyond all understanding, and values bringing children out of Germany to Britain – and two that carry us beyond death. of the ‘children’ were there. A very moving moment. Rachel Britton Helen Keating Colchester Meeting, Essex Castle Douglas Meeting, Scotland

2017 Swarthmore Lecture In essentials unity, I write to offer my unequivocal support for the choice in non-essentials liberty, of Catherine West MP as this year’s Swarthmore lecturer (27 January). There are two reasons for this. in all things charity. One is that the opportunity to have the Quaker faith interpreted through the lens of an individual’s life and commitment enriches our corporate understanding. The Friend welcomes your views. The lecture does not seek to define what we are for or against as a body. I do not hear ‘an address to voters’ Do keep letters short (maximum 250 words). as the focus of the lecture and – knowing as I do the complex and lengthy process of writing, editing Please include your full postal address, even and preparing the lecture with the help of several when sending emails, and specify whether you wish for your postal or email address or Meeting experienced Friends – I cannot imagine that such a name to be used with your name. simplistic approach could result. Secondly, we ought to want to offer our support Letters are published at the editor’s discretion and love to a Friend who has chosen this form of and may be edited. public service, and seek to understand the problems,

the Friend, 3 February 2017 9 Pacifism The Chertkov archives via Чертков В.Г. with Leo Tolstoy in 1909. Photo: Wikimedia Commons. Daphne Sanders introduces an account, by academic Irina Gordeeva, of a project to conserve the history of the Tolstoyan peace movement

uring 2016 the Quaker way once again to 1908 Vladimir Chertkov was in exile in England. converged with the life and work of Leo Tolstoy, Irina Gordeeva, who is currently working on a book when Friends House Moscow (FHM) provided tentatively entitled All people – brothers: History of Da grant to assist Irina Gordeeva, of the Russian State pacifism in Russia in the twentieth century, gave an University for the Humanities, to preserve in electronic illuminating presentation in English to Friends House form the deteriorating paper records of the Chertkov Moscow in October 2016 on Chertkov, Tolstoy and the archives in the Lenin Library. pacifist movement in Russia. An edited version of her These archives are the lynchpin for contextualising talk follows. and understanding Tolstoy’s writings on pacifism. They illustrate an active peace movement in Russia that is Tolstoy, Chertkov and pacifism now almost entirely forgotten. Quakers at FHM share Irina Gordeeva’s view that this knowledge is important The history of pacifist, antimilitarist and grassroots peace to Russian people today. As Friends we know that movements in Russia in the twentieth century includes inspiration from the past can support modern peace the history of both the radical pacifist movement of movements. Tolstoyans (free Christians) and sectarians in the first Tolstoy had contact with both British and American half of the twentieth century, and the independent Quakers and was influenced by his contact with them. peace movement during late socialism. Vladimir In his book The Kingdom of God is Within You (1894) Chertkov’s archives serve as the pivotal information he writes: ‘The Quakers sent me books, from which store for examination of the first part of the story. I learnt how they had many years ago established It represents the organisational attempts of the beyond doubt the duty for a Christian of fulfilling the Tolstoyans to create the pacifist movement both before command of non-resistance to evil by force, and had and after the of 1917: the history of exposed the error of the Church’s teaching in allowing their periodicals (including the letters of the readers); war and capital punishment...’ An English couple, official, informal and underground groups; development Aylmer Maude and his wife Louise, who had a Quaker of theoretical thought; leaflets, proclamations and background, visited Tolstoy at his estate in Russia correspondence with authorities; the records on the and translated his books into English. Aylmer Maude communication with sectarians and foreign pacifists; was also authorised by Tolstoy to write his biography. civil rights defence and other materials. For about Leo Tolstoy’s daughter-in-law, Olga Tolstaya-Voyekova fifty years these archives were closed for historians, as (1858-1936), joined the Quakers in 1924. ‘pending cataloguing and indexing’. I think this harmed A key figure in the story of Tolstoy’s pacifism was both historiography and Russian history: there are not Vladimir Chertkov. He met Tolstoy in 1883 and became any facts and ideas relating to the theme of nonviolence a devoted follower and his literary executor. From 1897 in Russian historical memory.

10 the Friend, 3 February 2017 Emergence of pacifism counterparts were the War Resisters’ International, the International Fellowship of Reconciliation, Quakers, The Russian radical pacifist movement emerged at the , , and other pacifist end of the nineteenth century as a result of a public organisations and activists of the peaceful movements identification of so-called ‘Tolstoyans’ – the disciples worldwide. of Russian writer and thinker Leo Tolstoy. From Between 1909 and 1928 the main base of the Russian the very beginning, the Tolstoyans’ public movement pacifists was at the Moscow Vegetarian Society (MVO). had a definite identity as a radical pacifist, Christian They reached the peak of their public success after the socialist and anarchist movement. Their main values revolutions of 1917. At this time Tolstoyans created the were nonviolence, freedom of conscience and social Society of True Freedom in memory of Leo Tolstoy. Its justice. The pacifist leaders were Vladimir Chertkov, numerous local branches arranged several central and Pavel Birukov, Ivan Tregubov, Ivan Gorbunov-Posadov regional periodicals, established the inter-confessional and Valentin Bulgakov. They were active in defence United Council of religious communities and groups for of conscientious objectors and the human rights of the defence of conscientious objectors, and succeeded religious minorities and other oppressed people. in raising public sympathy among ordinary people. The final goal of the Russian pacifist movement Furthermore, Russian pacifists paid principal attention was proclaimed to be the worldwide revolution of to the pedagogical theories of so-called ‘free education’, brotherhood, which had to be a nonviolent, moral, aimed at developing the personality; this personality spiritual revolution. In the period of the first world could be capable of rejecting all forms of external war they were sure that a spiritual, inner revolution, authority, relying only on his or her conscience – the a ‘revolution of brotherhood’, had begun with Jesus voice of God. Christ, and now, during the war, it was continued by In the 1920s and the beginning of the 1930s they the common Russian people who refused military continued to exchange information with their foreign service. associates and tried to participate in international Despite the fact that the leaders of the radical pacifist anti-war and pacifist congresses. The peak of the movement in Russia came mainly from privileged international activity of the Russian pacifists (including circles, the movement was geared towards ordinary emigrants) was an attempt to organise the International people – namely the religious sectarians, peasants and Movement for Christian Communism (1926). This was workers. The aim of the Tolstoyans was to transform an attempt to suggest an alternative to the Bolshevik spontaneous practices of passive resistance and non- revolution in the form of a revolutionary nonviolent cooperation (‘weapon of the weak’) into the modern, religious movement. Hundreds of ordinary people ethical and effective methods of social protest against in different countries supported the movement. the state, the official church and war. Repressions against the movement started in the early In different time periods the solidarity with the 1920s, became stronger in the late 1920s, and totally pacifist movement was expressed (fully or partially, destroyed it in the middle 1930s. Those few Tolstoyans in individual or collective manner) by vegetarians, who survived the repressions and the second world Esperantists, various sectarians, including, for example, war did not participate in any public events but they , Molokans, Malevantsy, S’utaevtsy, managed to collect and keep the archives and write Dobroliubovtsy, Baptists, Evangelical Christians, several memoirs. Mennonites, Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovists (Il’in’s Now the history of the Russian pacifist movement is followers), New Israelites, spiritual monists, Teetotalers totally forgotten for many reasons. It has to be written (Trezvenniki) and other ‘seekers of God’. In addition, on the basis of the Tolstoyans’ archives and presented the movement had been supported by the authority of to a wide public in Russia, as well as integrated into Leo Tolstoy, who had a great influence both in Russia the general framework of the world peace movement’s and around the world. history. It requires scanning of the archival records, publishing primary sources, and writing books in A broad movement popular and academic genres.

The Russian pacifist movement was a living part of the trans-national pacifist movement. In the early Daphne is on the board of Friends House Moscow. twentieth century Tolstoyans set up close connections with foreign pacifists, anarchists and socialists. They Irina is an academic with the Russian State University corresponded with their foreign adherents, and for the Humanities. organised famine relief in Russia in collaboration with international organisations. Among their foreign Further information: http://friendshousemoscow.org

the Friend, 3 February 2017 11 Reflection

Becoming Quaker

Alex Thomson writes about becoming Quaker, becoming Christ, becoming fully human Photo: Monteregina (Nicole) / flickr CC. Photo: Monteregina (Nicole) / flickr

could have said being Quaker, being Christ, This is not a fight of violence of any kind, but a being fully human, but being, is fairly static. Life process of transformation – of greed, anger and fear is flowing, forever changing. In each moment we – by becoming fully human within the Light. By Iare becoming: becoming angry, becoming happy, transforming ourselves we transform the world; for becoming worried, or becoming something else. So, the Light will shine through us for the world to see the what does becoming Quaker mean? Kingdom of Love and the Kingdom of God in the For me, becoming Quaker means becoming Christ. way we live our lives and interact with the world, Our Becoming Christ is simply realising the ‘Divine Source’ purpose in becoming Quaker is to transform the world within and living from that source. This is what I think by letting that of God within us live through us. the early Quakers realised and how they lived their It seems to me that God does not want to be lives. It is something we are in danger of losing in this worshipped, nor is it for us to try and please. It is modern, materialistic world. enough for us to know the Divine Presence, which is I am continually in flux, sometimes moving towards always here and available, and we are never alone. We the source, but most often not, yet it is my intention are supported and loved. Nothing is expected from us to move towards that Divine Source, learning from my in return and we are accepted for who we are. mistakes and letting the Divine Source live through me It is our choice, our loss not to know God, to live that I keep coming back to. This is what it means to as a random, insignificant accident. It is our joy to become fully human, to live connected to our Divine awaken to the Kingdom of God and to see, in the ‘light Source. Just look at the world outside: there is a lot to of being oneself’, beyond the illusion of separation. do in becoming fully human. There are many forms, yet one Eternal Source to be While we hang on to that ‘what’s in it for me’ attitude discovered within each moment: God. the world will never change. We get the world we deserve. Happiness doesn’t come from getting more, it All that I am, can be, will be, is up to me. comes from realising you are more, and the more you I embrace God’s Presence as God’s Presence are the more you have to give, and the greatest thing embraces me. you have to offer the world is your fully human self. Complete love without expectations or conditions. Not everyone may know this. What is important is that you know it… and live it. That is happiness You are always with me, as I am with you. My cup – being yourself and accepting everyone’s faults, overflows no matter what the outward appearance: including your own. We are all still learning what it no wants, no needs, nothing that can be taken away. means to be here. The power of God is within us all. I am always home as You are always here. Quakers call that power the Light. The Light nourishes and heals the soul, preparing us for the fight of our No external proof required, God is. lives, the fight of love and of hate. Love’s resources It is your choice to know, or not to know, are endurance, compassion, empathy, selflessness, It is up to you. generosity, acceptance and forgiveness, of faith in the Just be still, God is. vastness of ‘that which is beyond our limited selves’ – of manifesting our awareness of that ‘Divine Presence’ within us. Alex is from Stone Meeting.

12 the Friend, 3 February 2017 Spirituality Quakerism and spiritual awakening

Now thou must die in the silence, to the fleshly wisdom, knowledge, reason, and understanding; so thou comest to feel that which brings thee to wait upon God; (thou must die from the other) that brings thee to feel the power of an endless life, and come to possess it. George Fox John Elford believes we need to look deeply into ourselves uakers often describe themselves as seekers, we are; but we cannot see it, and hence we search with and in Meeting for Worship there is a sense of our minds – a part searching to realise the whole – a waiting on the Divine. As our thoughts calm laughably impossible task. We need to see that reality Qdown and our ordinary sense of self becomes more can never be grasped or understood through the transparent we become aware of a wider and deeper ordinary thinking process. When this is seen in one reality that is in truth ever-present and eternal, and that moment of clarity everything collapses into a divine some call ‘God’. simplicity and singular awareness (‘If… thine eye be This is a taste of ‘the peace… that passeth all single, thy whole body shall be full of light’, Matthew understanding’ (Philippians 4:7). But most people 6:22) whose truth is wondrously self-evident, without find it hard to touch this place of peace in their busy need for reference to any external agency or teaching. lives: they need to make time to loosen the grip of the It is also the end of spiritual seeking, for what was thinking mind, and this is often most easily done in sought has been found, albeit in a radically different Meeting for Worship, in meditation or in nature. way than was expected: for the notion of seeking Many of the great religious traditions speak of the was dependent on the idea of oneself as a seeker, and possibility of spiritual awakening, a radical change this, like all concepts, has been seen to be empty of in perspective whereby spiritual truth is directly any real substance. This awakening to the nature of perceived, no longer seen ‘through a glass darkly’. reality rarely comes out of the blue: it is usually the There are techniques such as self-enquiry and fruition of a long spiritual search, but there is always meditation; yet even in traditions that are ostensibly a strong element of grace, because we cannot ‘do it’ aiming at self-realisation or awakening people may ourselves, any more than we can lift ourselves up practise for decades without reaching their goal. by our own bootstraps. We can put ourselves in the Whatever our views about the spiritual path, almost way of it through deep spiritual enquiry and through everyone carries with them a sense of incompleteness, persistently trying to understand what is really going of something lacking; and what lies at the root of on and what life is all about. this is one’s sense of self. Following the way of the How does this relate to Quakerism? A gathered heart, mystics talk of ‘losing oneself in God’, a total Meeting for Worship – the heart of Quakerism – brings devotion in which the ordinary sense of self disappears. its own sense of satisfaction: at its best it is a rich Following the way of knowledge, the mind can be used communion with the Divine and with others; and a to thoroughly investigate the sense of ‘I’, which may be Quaker life of simplicity and service to the community, seen to be insubstantial – merely a thought. In both whatever form that may take, brings its own rewards. cases all inessentials are stripped away to reveal what But if we are truly reaching towards the Light we need was always there: God, Brahman, Oneness. to look very deeply into ourselves, and to question all Here lies a great irony: what is called ‘spiritual our assumptions about who we are. awakening’ is the realisation that there never was In the Divine Light there is no Quaker, Catholic, anyone to awaken; there is no separation between God Buddhist, atheist or agnostic, for all such distinctions and ourselves; all is One. In this sense, the spiritual path are merely creations of our human minds. as conceived by the mind is a mirage. Nothing needs to be added, for we are already whole and complete as John is an attender at Totnes Meeting.

the Friend, 3 February 2017 13 Books Out of the silence

Rosalind Smith reviews a new book by Terry Waite

here is a light that shines from Terry Waite’s We walked together new book Out of the Silence. It is the light of Through life hope – a light that sustained him throughout With faltering steps. This prolonged period of captivity between 1987 and Half hoping. 1992. He was in solitary confinement for four of these Half dreaming years, often chained, beaten and blindfolded, and even That life would bind us deeply together. subjected to the horror of mock execution. How did he survive? How did he, especially, survive In the eyes of God we were one. mentally? Many, in similar circumstances, would have As we looked into each other’s eyes, been destroyed both physically and mentally. But from The distance was immeasurable. his inner resources of faith, hope and love he found the strength to do just that, to survive – and more. In later years, while still an Anglican, he found He wrote, not with pen and paper, as he was never himself drawn to the deep silence of Meeting for allowed that, but in his head – poems, prose and even Worship (having had much forced experience of novels! silence) and is now a ‘Quanglican’! But one feels that Somehow, much of what he stored away in the his faith goes deeper than any so-called religious recesses of his mind have found their way into this divisions, that it is truly universal, all-embracing and simple but lovely book; and, later on, in his freedom totally whole. he found himself able to compile his thoughts and A deep love for humanity permeates this book experiences from, as he says, his memories, poems and Terry Waite relates his continuing interior and and reflections. He admits to being inspired by the exterior journey as he engages in peacemaking and similar title of Carl Jung’s autobiography. It was in humanitarian work around the world, much of which New Zealand, with his family, that he found the release would have proved daunting to anyone who had to be able to start to commit these things to paper endured what he did. He has met with so very many and then, later, in England, especially at Trinity Hall, who have suffered, and still do: Cambridge. His new book does not dwell for long on his In my silent room prolonged period of captivity and torture. Rather My heart is heavy. than succumb to hating his oppressors, he found that I think of those whom I know: despite the terrible deprivation and inhumanity he ‘My son was blown into pieces’ experienced he was able to have compassion for his ‘My wife was taken and shot.’ persecutors: ‘I felt an overwhelming sense of pity for In my silent room the one who had administered the beating.’ As I read I I cry, found myself thinking, along with him: Forgive them, Cry for the suffering of so many. for they know not what they do. He has written of the pain of individuals who have This beautiful book of poetry and prose touches on lost loved ones and of the joys of reunion, of beautiful all aspects of the author’s far-ranging thought, both places like New Zealand, and hidden places ‘within my during his incarceration and the years since then. It is s o u l ’. a worthy book to dip into and meditate thereon. He also writes of unexplored relationships: Rosalind is from Bury St Edmunds Meeting. I knew you But I never knew you. Out of the Silence: Memories, Poems, Reflections by I saw you Terry Waite is published by SPCK Publishing at £9.99. But I never saw you. ISBN: 9780281077618.

14 the Friend, 3 February 2017 [email protected] a look at the Quaker world

Meeting under the sky Photo: jesus presa / flickr CC. Photo: jesus presa / flickr

The history of a group of cottage. It certainly doesn’t give Such was the Friends’ impatience eager Friends appears in Tiny the impression of being a church, to gather there that this took place Churches by Dixe Wills. and that is just as it should be even though the structure had no The Friends Meeting House at because the Religious Society of roof. Dolobran, in Powys, is believed Friends – to whom this building ‘Their eagerness was perhaps to be the oldest Quaker Meeting belongs – do not think of its places spurred by the awareness that their house in Wales. of worship as being churches, Meeting house was not only a Dixe Wills writes: ‘Amble across hence the designation “Meeting place to gather but also a physical the low hills near Pontrobert in h o u s e”… sign that their particular form of mid Wales and you’ll come across ‘The first Meeting in the new Christianity was now recognised what appears to be a brick-built building was held in April 1701. by the state.’ Moving memories Glimpsing the past A recent episode of Antiques Roadshow, aired A recent historic name change was on 15 January, marked the preparations for Holocaust accompanied by an intriguing historical document. Memorial Day by meeting a remarkable group of Beth Allen, clerk of the London Quakers Property British survivors. Trust, writes: ‘When Six Weeks Meeting trustees met These survivors were invited to bring along on 12 December 2016, to minute the final transition treasured items that helped to relate their experience to London Quakers Property Trust, the Library of the Kindertransport. allowed us to have on the table the original minute Among them was Axel Landmann, a member of book from 1671.’ Northampton Area Meeting, who spoke about his The book shed light on the first Friends involved tiny teddy bear. in the stewardship of Quaker places of worship in In a moving interview he tells of how it was the London: ‘On its first leaf is the list of around forty only toy packed in a small case by his parents. They men Friends appointed to Six Weeks Meeting – we sent him to safety in England before they died. think that only men could deal with property matters Friends can see Axel with his cherished teddy here: in those days – and on the facing page, the names of www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04p1szh the thirty women appointed to meet with them. It is In a rare break with the tradition of the clear from the minutes that the women took a full part programme, no monetary value was placed due to in carrying out the business agreed on. the items’ priceless nature and historical importance. ‘We recognised several well-known names – Ann One-and-a-half million children died in the Stoddart, whose husband captain Amor Stoddart gave Holocaust. The Kindertransport rescued around the land on which the original Bunhill Fields Meeting 10,000. House was built; George and Ann Whitehead; Frances Quakers, alongside many others, were involved in and Patience Camfield, who started the Camfield this extraordinary rescue: bringing Jewish and non- Trust; William Mead, who was tried along with Jewish children out of German-occupied Europe, William Penn in a landmark trial; Gilbert Latey, the persuading the government to relax immigration tailor who gave up selling ribbons for the sake of requirements to allow the children into Britain, and simplicity; and many more. We were thrilled to see hosting and supporting them. this link with our predecessors.’

the Friend, 3 February 2017 15 3 Feb 30/1/17 16:46 Page 6

For how to place a notice please email [email protected] or call Friends&Meetings George on 01535 630230. Deaths Changes of clerk Meetings

Malcolm EDMUNDS 24 January, THAXTED AREA MEETING BUNHILL FIELDS FRIENDS at Burley Hall Nursing Home near From 11 December, clerk: Gill MEETING HOUSE Banner Street, Otley. Husband of Janet, father of Parker, [email protected] London EC1, Wednesday Julia and Helen, grandfather of Assistant clerk (correspondence): 15 February and the 3rd Wednesday Matthew and Oliver. Member of Loes Reeve, [email protected] of every month, 12.45 - 1.15pm, Ilkley Meeting, formerly of Preston. Meeting for Worship followed by a Aged 78. A Memorial Meeting light shared lunch. will be held at 2.30pm Friday Diary 10 February at Ilkley Friends Meeting QUAKER MEETING IN MALTA House, Queens Road, LS29 9QJ. THE KINDLERS: DEEPENING 1st Sunday of each month, 11am in There is another Memorial Meeting WORSHIP Workshop: ‘Prayer and a small library next to the Anglican at 2pm on Monday 27 February at Healing.’ 10am-4.30pm Saturday church (Holy Trinity) in Sliema. Preston FMH, 189 St Georges Road, 25 February, Friends House London. Access from Rudolfo Street, bus no PR1 6NQ. Enquiries to: No booking. £10 on the door. 12. Details: www.maltafriends.org [email protected] or email [email protected]

Ann Patricia GRAY 13 January, New meetings SEOUL QUAKER MEETING, suddenly. Member Sussex East AM, KOREA Unprogrammed Meeting formerly Cambridgeshire AM. NEWARK-ON-TRENT MEETING for Worship every Sunday at 11am Aged 81. Funeral 2.30pm 9 February, Meets 10.30am every 3rd Sunday followed by lunch. The meeting Main Chapel, Eastbourne and 12.45pm every 2nd and 4th house is just west of the city centre. Crematorium, BN23 8AE. Wednesday at Barnabygate Visiting Friends always welcome. Donations to Stroke Association, via Methodist Church, Barnaby Gate, Please email the clerk: Co-operative Funeral Care, NG24 1PX. Details from our clerk: [email protected] 51 South St, Eastbourne BN21 4SL. Gill Jennison 01636 705899, email [email protected] The world family of Friends! David Robert HUMBER 18 January in Staines. Member of Staines and Egham Meeting. Aged 76. Funeral at 2pm, Tuesday 14 February at Hanworth Crematorium, TW13 5JH.

John MUDD 23 January, in Chelmsford. Member of Billericay Meeting, formerly of Maldon ACKWORTH SCHOOL Meeting, and attender at Bridport Ackworth, Pontefract, West Yorkshire WF7 7LT and Reigate Meetings. Aged 102. Tel: 01977 611401 E-mail: [email protected] Contact his daughters Sarah and Bridget for details of funeral: [email protected] GENERAL MEETING will be held at the School on Alan Stephen Harwood PUGH Saturday 13 May 2017 22 January, suddenly and unexpect- edly at home in Sheffield. Husband • The Meeting is an opportunity for all members of Britain Yearly Meeting of Irene, father of Hilary and to see the School and we hope that as many as possible will attend to Rebecca and grandfather. Member see the exciting work undertaken. of Sheffield and Balby AM, previ- • Members wishing to attend on a personal basis are asked to make ously of Luton and Leighton AM. contact with the School, to receive associated papers. Aged 76. Funeral Meeting for • In addition to the normal business, this meeting will be asked to Worship at Hutcliffe Wood approve alterations to the Rules of Government of Ackworth Schoool. Crematorium, Sheffield, at 10am on Details of these alterations and copies of the Rules, and the full Thursday 9 February. agenda, are available from the Bursar at the end of February. From 10.30am Coffee Keep in touch... 3.45pm Tea and dispersal ...let everyone know by putting your Jane Wheatley - Clerk of Ackworth General Meeting family announcements in the Friend!

16 the Friend, 3 February 2017 3 Feb 30/1/17 16:46 Page 7

The Kindlers RESIDENT ON-THE-ROAD WARDEN Explore your faith WOLVERHAMPTON MEETING HOUSE Grow in the Spirit In a post-truth world, getting the facts is more Rent-free accommodation The Kindlers 2017 We are offering a flat rent free in important than ever. return for wardenship. The unfur- Workshops: Every month brings further nished 3-bedroomed flat is above a well appointed and equipped • Prayer fragmentation to European modern meeting house, which has • Vocal Ministry politics. Europe needs Quaker a pleasant garden. We ask our • Answering that of God voices, perhaps now more than warden to care for the meeting ever. Join the QCEA Study Tour house and its users, arranging • Deepening Quaker Worship to Brussels and Strasbourg to and supervising the lettings and • What does love require the cleaner. uncover the reality behind the of us? headlines at this turning point The meeting house is located next for the future of peace and to a large public park and within £200 for a one-day Saturday easy walking distance of the city workshop. Visiting any meeting human rights in Europe. centre. The flat will be vacant from in Britain Yearly Meeting. mid-February and we will want the QCEA Study Tour new warden to start as soon as For more information see 24 June - 1 July 2017 possible thereafter. The hours of work will be flexible, averaging www.thekindlers.webs.com, To find out more, visit 12hrs a week over five days. email memberquakerkindlers www.QCEA.org/events @gmail.com or write to For further details contact: Kindlers Admin, 7 Queens Rd, email [email protected] [email protected] Sale M33 6QA. or call +32 2230 4935. Applications close: Fri, 17 February. Britain Yearly Meeting Programme Manager – Economic Issues Quaker Peace & Social Witness Team Salary: £38,808 per annum. Contract: Fixed term until December 2017 Hours: 35 hours per week. Location: Friends House, Euston, London NW1 Quakers have a radical vision of a more just, equal and sustainable economic system. Could you help us transform this vision into reality? We’re looking for an experienced professional who shares our values and can lead our campaigning and advocacy on economic justice issues. Do you have the knowledge, expertise and skills to carry out advocacy at a national level? Could you provide support, tools and advice to enable Quakers and Quaker meetings to become effective agents for social change? Do you have good project management skills? Could you help us evolve the strategy for our future work? This is a diverse role and no two days will be the same. You’ll need to be a flexible team player with an excellent understanding of the current policy debate around economic justice, and experience of using campaigning and advocacy to create social change. Does this sound like you? If so, please apply! Closing date: Monday 20 February 2017 (9am). Interviews: Wednesday 1 March 2017. Further details and an application pack are available at www.quaker.org.uk/jobs Britain Yearly Meeting is committed to equality in all its employment practices. Registered charity 1127633.

the Friend, 3 February 2017 17 3 Feb 30/1/17 16:46 Page 8

Classified advertisements 54a Main St, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL. T&F: 01535 630230 E: [email protected] books MID-WALES, DOLOBRAN Meeting House where to stay cottage. ‘Another world.’ Simple, rural, INNER LIGHT BOOKS secret, heavenly retreat. Sleeps 3. Donations. Editions concerning traditional GUESTHOUSES, HOTELS, B&BS [email protected] Tel. 01938 Quaker Faith & Practice 500746. www.dolobran.llanhub.uk For a list of publications or for more CAUTLEY, SEDBERGH, 1652 COUNTRY information on particular titles visit Cross Keys Temperance Inn (formerly SHETLAND, TRADITIONAL COTTAGE. home of early Quaker Gervase Benson). Well equipped, disabled friendly, sleeps www.innerlightbooks.com Quality en-suite B&B £42.50pppn. 2/3, spectacular position, views, wildlife. or write: Editor, Inner Light Books Evening meals available. Friendly Quaker [email protected] 54 Lapidge Street hosts. 015396 20284. [email protected] 01595 880308. San Francisco CA 94110, USA www.cautleyspout.co.uk OVERSEAS HOLIDAYS EDINBURGH. City centre accommodation miscellaneous at Emmaus House. Tel. 0131 228 1066. SOUTHERN FRANCE Centre Quaker www.emmaushouse-edinburgh.co.uk ALL YOUR PIANO REQUIREMENTS Congénies. Walk, cycle, lovely valley. Share Email: [email protected] Restoration/nationwide removals/modern camaraderie/worship with Friends. Relax Scottish charity SC042957. secondhand sales. [email protected] in our pleasant garden. S/C Kitchen. www.cambridgepianolacompany.co.uk www.centre-quaker-congenies.org or call Tom Poole 01223 861507. GLASGOW FRIENDS B&B. £20pppn. +33 466 71 46 41, +33 466 35 27 16. Proceeds for new Meeting House. Contact: 01505 842380. [email protected] QUAKER MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES, RETREATS Partnerships, commitments, notices and COTTAGES & SELF-CATERING other calligraphy. Liz Barrow 01223 369776. PERSONAL RETREATS, FRANCE. Make space to reflect and be still. Beautiful old WRITING YOUR BOOK? Biography, 1652 COUNTRY, HOWGILL, SEDBERGH. farmhouse in rural Auvergne offers family history, novel or non-fiction, let me Comfortable 4 star holiday cottages in supportive, nurturing environment for help with layout, typesetting, printing. Yorkshire Dales National Park overlooking individual retreats. Simple daily rhythm: Photographs/images can be included. Firbank Fell. Walks and Quaker trails from meditation; silence; contemplative/artistic Free quotes. Leaflets/brochures also the door. Bed & Breakfast also available. activities. Walking. Organic vegetarian prepared. Trish: 01223 363435, www.AshHiningFarm.co.uk food. www.retreathouseauvergne.com [email protected] Jim Mattinson 07774 281767.

A WARM PEMBROKESHIRE WELCOME awaits you in 2 cosy well equipped cottages each sleeps 4. Woodburners, sea views, coastal path 2 miles. 01348 891286. [email protected] Britain Yearly Meeting www.stonescottages.co.uk

COTSWOLDS. Spacious barn conversion Personal Assistant to in Charlbury near Woodstock. Sleeps 2+. Woodburner. Lovely walking. 01608 Management Meeting 811558. [email protected]. www.cotswoldsbarn.com Salary: £32,073 pa. Contract: Full time, two years fixed contract. Hours: 35 pw. Location: Friends House, Euston, London NW1 DELIGHTFUL COTTAGE in picturesque Are you a self-motivated PA or Executive Assistant who could use North York Moors village, sleeps 5/6. Situated in the National Park with superb your organisational skills and experience to support Quaker work views, private garden, Aga and open fire, and worship? the cottage is a perfect base for walking Our four senior managers – responsible for the church, the charity holidays. [email protected] and the company – are looking for someone with an eye for detail, EAST DEVON THATCHED COTTAGE someone who is adaptable and enjoys the challenge of working in a Lovely, peaceful, Grade II Listed. 4-bed- complex organisation. rooms. Secluded village near Jurassic If you have experience of working closely with senior management, Coast/Dorset border. From £300pw. Details: [email protected] of providing administrative support for governance bodies, and or 01608 643967 enjoy managing projects and systems, we welcome your application. This is a new role, initially for two years. It will entail some weekend KENDAL. Available for occasional short and evening work, with occasional time away at events. breaks with visits in Lakeland, tapestry, art gallery, etc. Two bed house with stair lift Closing date 9am on 20 February 2017. Interviews 1 March 2017. and adaptations suitable for accompanied disabled person. Enquiries 07855 865011. For details about Quakers in Britain, and information on how to apply, please visit http://www.quaker.org.uk/job-opportunities SIMPLE PEACE AND QUIET. West Cornwall. Cottage on smallholding. Sea view. Britain Yearly Meeting is committed to equality in all its employment practices. Sleeps 2. Tel. 01736 763803. Registered charity 1127633.

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Quaker Peace Studies Trust Eva Pinthus Awards In recognition of the many contributions for peace made by Eva Pinthus, awards are offered of up to £5,000 to Quaker students studying peace at the University of Bradford in 2017-18. Further information at www.evapinthusaward.wordpress.com Details from Christy Bischoff, [email protected], or V HARNEY telephone 01274 921 379. Closing date for applications: 1 April 2017. Registered charity 529095. ` ANOR Spring Events Britain March 10-12 EASTER STORIES Yearly Through discussion, group study and worship we explore what Easter means Meeting for us and wrestle with the challeng- ing aspects of the Jesus narrative. Financial Controller Mark Russ £195 Salary: £46,958 per annum. Contract: Permanent. May 8-12 Hours: Full time - 35 hrs pw. Location: Friends House, Euston, NW1 EXPERIENCE SHAKESPEARE Why is our Financial Controller role right for you? Summer days at Charney and Stratford, seeing and exploring the You are looking for a new challenge and increased scope of operational themes of Julius Caeser, Anthony & responsibility. Used to ensuring solid financials, you will be keen to help our charity develop robust controls and system frameworks in Cleopatra and Vice Versa. order to deliver our work effectively. John Lampen (with Jane Lapotaire) £500 What can you expect to be doing day-to-day? June 23-25 The Financial Controller is responsible for implementing and maintaining NATURE AND US – THE ISSUES all financial controls and systems within Britain Yearly Meeting, identifying The interactions between the natural and recommending potential operational efficiencies and improvements world and humankind and the to working practices and procedures; overseeing the financial data problems that can arise, with local processing and maintaining the quality and accuracy of data held walks and discussions. within the Trial Balance for Britain Yearly Meeting and related entities. Reporting to the Head of Finance and Resources, you will oversee a Andrea Hudspeth £195 team of four. July 17-21 What will make you right for the role? EXPERIENCING THE You are qualified accountant with a strong knowledge of financial COTSWOLDS accounting and controls. Working alongside programme staff, operational A full and varied week highlighting managers and Members of Management Meeting, you are committed some of the gems of the Cotswolds, and engaged with both the financial numbers and our charitable work. with visits to Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, Kelmscott Manor, Ched- How is Britain Yearly Meeting changing the world? worth Manor and Sudeley Castle. As Quakers, we are inspired by faith to work for a just, peaceful, and Gill Peaston £480 sustainable world. We seek to fill the gaps, to work where help is most needed, alone or with others – whatever will have the greatest impact. We also offer individuals an option This is an exciting time to join us and make a real impact as the charity to have a few days of relaxation on a evolves and grows. We offer a generous benefits package, including a Bed & Breakfast or full board basis. pension scheme, 27 days holiday and other non-financial lifestyle benefits. For further information contact: Closing Date: 12 noon Monday 13 February 2017. Wendy Jeffs,Course Administrator Interviews: Monday 27 February 2017 Charney Manor, Charney Bassett, For further information about Quakers, go to Wantage, OX12 OEJ. www.quaker.org.uk/about-quakers and for details on how to Tel: 01235 868 206 apply, go to www.quaker.org.uk/jobs E: [email protected] Britain Yearly Meeting is committed to equality in all its employment practices. W: www.charneymanor.com Registered charity 1127633. Registered charity, no. 237267

the Friend, 3 February 2017 19 3 Feb 30/1/17 16:46 Page 10 vol ADVERTISEMENT DEPT 175 54a Main Street EDITORIAL Cononley, Keighley 173 Euston Road BD20 8LL London NW1 2BJ No

T 01535 630 230 T 020 7663 1010 5 E [email protected] the Friend E [email protected] FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR FRIENDS IN NEED

The trustees of William Gunn’s Charity invite applications for assistance from Friends in need. Applicants may be individuals or families and must be Members of Britain Yearly Meeting. Applications on behalf of groups or other charities cannot be accepted. We are unable to assist with continuing commitments such as education fees. All applications must be supported either by local Overseers or a Friend who is familiar with the need for the application. Our Grants Correspondent is Val Brittin 01905 25472 or email [email protected] for details. Jacqueline Fowler, Clerk 01952 253378. David Sharman, Treasurer and Financial Correspondent.

PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY &TAXATION SERVICE Quaker Accountant offers friendly service countrywide. Self-assessment & small businesses. Richard Platt, Grainger & Platt Chartered Certified Accountants 3 Fisher Street, Carlisle CA3 8RR Quaker United Nations Telephone 01228 521286 [email protected] Summer School www.grainger-platt.co.uk 2 – 14 July 2017, Geneva For all 20- to 26-year-olds who have a keen interest in international affairs and the United Nations

Find out more about Quaker work at the international level and witness the United Nations in action. Summer School provides an introduction to the work of the United Nations, as seen through the programmes of the Quaker United Nations Office. Emphasis is given to formal and informal discussion sessions so that the 25 Summer School participants can gain in-depth understanding of the issues at stake and the dynamics that shape work on these issues. A variety of learning techniques are employed, including lectures, small group discussions, role plays and workshops. Application packs are available from www.quaker.org.uk/events/quaker-un-summer-school-2017 or Helen Bradford (QUNSS), QPSW, Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ. Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7663 1071. Closing date for applications: 15 March 2017. For information on the work of QUNO see: www.quno.org