28 November 2008 £1.70 the DISCOVER THE CONTEMPORARYFriend QUAKER WAY

An alcoholic’s recovery Inoculations withheld Escape from the bottle Refugees are second class

A dream for Europe Kindertransport Looking forward A survivor’s story the Friend INDEPENDENT QUAKER JOURNALISM SINCE 1843 CONTENTS Vol 166 No 48 3-5 News 3 Learning disabilities highlighted in new report 4 European pesticide proposals come under fire 5 Geneva Declaration success 6 A European Dream? Ian Flintoff 7 Comment Judy Kirby and Bob Miller 8-9 Letters 10-11 An anonymous Quaker’s recovery 12-13 Arts 12 A Kindertransport success story Stevie Krayer 13 Small is still beautiful Philip Bryers 14-15 Children, immigration removal centres and inoculations Crystal Dickinson 16 q-eye has been watching TV 17 Friends & Meetings

Cover image: Escape from the bottle. Drawn by Cally Gibson (www.callygibson.co.uk) See pages 10-11. Images on this page: Top: David Tennant as Arthur Eddington with Andy Serkis as Albert Einstein from the BBC2 show Einstein and Eddington, broadcast 22 November. Photo courtesy the BBC. See pages 7 and 16. Below: Friends from North Wales and Wirral & Chester Area Meetings at an elders and overseers day at Wrexham Meeting House earlier this month. Thirty-three Friends from across the area were involved. In this photo they are looking at how to greet new members, as part of their theme of creating and maintaining an inclusive worshipping community. Photo: Andrew Backhouse. Subscriptions Editorial UK £72 per year; Hello, I’m Judy Kirby, editor of the Friend. monthly direct debit £6.50; We welcome honest, succinct online only £45 per year. and engaging material. For details of other rates, Boldness with clarity – that’s our motto! including direct debit details, contact Penny Dunn on Articles and correspondence should be 020 7663 1178 emailed to [email protected] or [email protected] or sent to the address below.

the Friend 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ Tel: 020 7663 1010 Fax: 020 7663 1182 www.thefriend.org Editor: Judy Kirby [email protected] • Production editor: Jez Smith [email protected] • Sub-editor: Trish Carn [email protected] • News reporter: Oliver Robertson [email protected] • Website editor: simon gray [email protected] • Arts editor: Rowena Loverance [email protected] • Environment editor: Laurie Michaelis [email protected] • Subscriptions officer: Penny Dunn [email protected] Tel: 020 7663 1178 • Advertisement manager: George Penaluna, Ad department, 54a Main Street, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL Tel: 01535 630230 [email protected] • Clerk of the trustees: A David Olver The Friend Publications Limited is a registered charity, number 211649 • Printed by Headley Bros Ltd, Queens Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 8HH

2 the Friend, 28 November 2008 News Learning disabilities highlighted in new report

A major new report has highlighted about pressure from police officers, of the study the PRT has seen the problems that people with confusing court procedures, prison practical improvements on the learning difficulties have within the as a scary and lonely place and their issue in areas of staff training, prison system. fears about what would happen prison inspection and changed Prisoners’ Voices is the final after release. One Scottish prisoner practices in over eighty prisons. report of the Prison Reform Trust’s said: ‘Nobody told my mum I was The report has gone down well (PRT) three-year investigation into going to gaol; she thought I was in official circles, with ministers the experiences of prisoners with dead. I asked how they were going in Scotland and Northern Ireland learning disabilities and learning to tell my mum, but it took three committing themselves to difficulties. It concludes that the months for anyone to contact her. implementing its recommendations problems these prisoners often I finally found someone to help me in full, according to the PRT. have, particularly with reading, write a letter.’ The Ministry of Justice, which writing and being understood, have Juliet Lyon, director of the oversees prison policy in England had negative effects on the quality PRT, described the work her and Wales, said: ‘All government of justice they have received. organisation has done on this as agencies involved in the criminal The report, which looks at the ‘completely ground-breaking’. justice system, including Her times before, during and after While people have been aware of Majesty’s Court Service and Her imprisonment, includes interviews the issue, she said, it has not been Majesty’s Prison Service, are with prisoners and details their given the analysis and research that committed to ensuring those with experiences of the criminal justice other problems like mental health disabilities are given the necessary system. Many felt unable to express in prison have received. However, care and support’. themselves properly and talked she added, during the three years Oliver Robertson

Business-minded Quakers consider future of work ‘The Future of Work’, the title of the fifth Quakers in the twenty-nine hour conference gave plenty of & Business conference held at Woodbrooke Quaker choice but still left time for informal and stimulating Study Centre on 18 and 19 November, could hardly networking and conversation. have been more apposite in the light of current ‘Blue-sky thinking, doing things and meeting people financial convulsions around the world, but the mood I don’t usually meet in my business life were the best among the forty-five participants was far from gloomy. aspects of the conference’ is a typical reaction among If anything, the crash of the ‘culture of greed’ was seen participants, who brought an amazing range of skills as an opportunity for Quakers in business to wave the to the event. A chat show host on Iranian TV, a social flag for ethical practices, sound finance and treating issues film maker, the director of finance at a Quaker customers, suppliers and employees with equal school, a bespoke shoe maker, a creative learning fairness. consultant and the CEO of The Retreat mental health As David Price, a marketer of shoes, socks and centre in York were just a few of the wide variety of hosiery, put it: ‘Practising Quaker values in business, jobs held by those who attended and all were willing paying invoices within ten days, listening to feedback to share their wisdom (and their bruises). More from customers, and looking after your staff makes it a information about the activities of the Quakers & better and more profitable enterprise’. Business Group is available on their website. Felicity Kaal, the keynote speaker, introduced the Don’t let anyone tell you that there is no place for concept of Spiral Dynamics, a provocative insight business in Quaker life – it’s very much alive and into individuals, organisations and cultures developed kicking! by Don Beck, Clare Graves and others. Seven Andrew James participatory workshops repeated up to three times Quakers & Business Group

the Friend, 28 November 2008 3 News European pesticide proposals come under fire

Two proposed new European laws law drawn up by the European argues for a ‘risk-based’ system. on pesticides have led to heated Parliament and the NFU supports ‘In a risk-based system you look at disputes between farmers and a different version proposed by the the realistic use of a product in the pesticide campaigners. Council of the European Union, the field’, explained Paul Chambers. The new rules, which would grouping of European governments. ‘If you’re looking at how they redefine which pesticides can be Paul Chambers, plant health adviser [pesticides] are actually used in used within the European Union for the NFU, argued that with practice, they’re not dangerous.’ and restrict the ways in which increasing populations but a fixed One likely feature of the laws they can be used, are expected to amount of land for farming, the that could help allay the fears of be agreed in the next few months. world needed to produce as much pesticide users is a clause that The present proposals would see at food as possible. ‘Pesticides are allows blacklisted pesticides to be least twenty-three – and possibly already very very regulated’, he said. used if there is no safer alternative. many more – currently available ‘They go through one of the hardest ‘We’d rather that that weren’t in products banned. The proposals registration systems.’ However, this place but it’s a compromise’, said have been vociferously opposed by was dismissed as ‘misinformation’ Nick Mole. the farming industry. by PAN UK; Nick Mole talked about Everyone is expecting a deal to Nick Mole, policy officer for the ‘long history’ of supposedly be thrashed out: as Paul Chambers Pesticides Action Network UK safe products being recognised put it, ‘the process is devised to get (PAN UK), which campaigns to as dangerous. The reasons the agreement’. However, the precise eliminate the dangers of toxic pesticides currently at risk are still nature of that deal is still uncertain pesticides, said that while the popular are, he said: ‘They work, and Linda Craig, PAN UK’s organisation would like to see they’re cheap and they’re pushed by director, has called on the public to stronger regulations, ‘overall the agro-chemical industries’. contact their MEPs about the issue. we’re pretty happy with the way One area of dispute is how to ‘That isn’t something that Friends it is at the moment’. However, the respond to any potential risk. often think about’, she said, adding National Farmers’ Union (NFU), While PAN UK advocates use of that while the proposed laws will which is against greater restrictions the ‘precautionary principle’ to stop not achieve everything that PAN on pesticide use, is also content the use of those pesticides which UK wants, ‘we know that this work with the draft legislation. How so? could potentially cause serious happens in steps. It’s not all major The reason is that PAN UK long-term harm to people or the change happening at once.’ is backing one version of the environment, the NFU instead Oliver Robertson

Obamas opt for Quaker school American president-elect Barack Obama and his wife in Chicago. Although highly regarded, Sidwell, which have chosen to send their two daughters to Sidwell has been described as ‘the Harvard of Washington Friends School in Washington DC following his day schools’, was in one sense a controversial choice inauguration in January. since it remained racially segregated until the 1950s. This will be not be the first time that a US president When its governors decided to de-segregate the school has selected America’s largest Quaker day school for its then headmaster resigned. However, according their children. Previously leaders including Theodore to the school’s website, in the academic year 2008-9, Roosevelt and more recently Bill Clinton chose the thirty-nine per cent of the student body are students school, along with other politicians in Washington. of colour and twenty-two per cent of the student body The Obamas were known to be considering one receive almost $5 million of need-based financial of several Washington private schools for their two assistance. There are 1097 students at the school. daughters, who are currently being privately educated Stephen Taylor

4 the Friend, 28 November 2008 [email protected]

Geneva Declaration success Following a landmark resolution passed unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly last week, Oliver Robertson looks at the steps that were taken to get there

The resolution itself might not in the extreme: putting up street implementation: Swiss diplomat look like much. Only two small lighting reduces the fear people Ronald Dreyer explains that ‘what paragraphs of the two-page have about going out after dark is important is really to build on document ask for things to be done as well as improving their general existing experiences and initiatives to help prevent and reduce armed quality of life. Other programmes on the ground, to give them violence through development. are longer-term: Landmine Action support and to learn from good But symbolically it is a major is working in Liberia with ex- examples in other parts of the step forward, providing what one combatants to train them in new globe’. David Atwood puts it more diplomat calls ‘global legitimacy’ skills and provide them with the bluntly: ‘If it ain’t happening at the to a process that has been steadily materials to lead a productive community level it ain’t happening’. building for two years. life without weapons. American While there have been concerns A lead player has been the Swiss Friends Service Committee began that getting involved in the government, which helped initiate three projects in Latin America Geneva Declaration process and guide the process known as in September to aid community would mean more work, more the Geneva Declaration on Armed development and break down issues to consider, there is also Violence and Development. Set stereotypes. an awareness that this is an issue up in 2006 around the time of David Atwood, disarmament that affects people everywhere the failed UN Review Conference & peace representative at the in the world. Additionally, on Small Arms (likened by one Quaker United Nations Office thinks Ronald Dreyer, the fact participant to ‘a head-on train (QUNO), Geneva, argues: ‘It is that that armed violence is such a wreck’), the Geneva Declaration insecurity that undermines people’s universal problem could mean was a way of talking about armed confidence, makes them feel they that countries back it sooner violence away from the heavily have to arm themselves’. QUNO rather than later. ‘It will probably politicised environment of small has been involved in the Geneva go much quicker than we thought arms. It looks at the links between Declaration process since the start if we, the core group, can propose armed violence and development and has taken the lead in engaging some toolkits on how to [deal of all kinds, recognising the links civil society (ie involving people with the problems].’ There is also between poverty, social exclusion who aren’t governments). an economic incentive: ‘If you and violence. This violence, which Over the last two years the ‘core want to spend your development can manifest itself in war and in group’ of Geneva Declaration money well you need to address criminal violence on the streets, backers, which includes these issues’, says David Atwood. has major and negative effects Switzerland and is supported by ‘Equally, if you really want to on people’s lives and livelihoods. QUNO, has been steadily working reduce armed violence there are In an attempt to move beyond to build support for the Geneva some development programmes mere aspiration, the Geneva Declaration. Aided by a process of which will take away the rationale.’ Declaration process provides regional summits across the world, Both Ronald and David are examples of projects to help with the number of countries signed positive about how the process people’s economic and social up to the Geneva Declaration could develop. ‘It builds on solid development, make them feel safer has expanded from forty-two to work we’ve been doing for years’, and encourage them to move away 102. This work came to fruition says David. ‘It’s an example of from using violence. on 17 November, the date of the how you sow seeds and they then Some of the ways of reducing unopposed General Assembly become mainstream. Nobody violence and simultaneously resolution. Now advocates of talked about this stuff ten years helping development are simple the process will be working on ago.’

the Friend, 28 November 2008 5 Opinion A European Dream? Ian Flintoff considers the possibilities for Europe after reading Justin Webb’s article ‘How will you get rid of their accents?’

Justin Webb’s recent article (24 women in Europe who suffered and that extremism still thrives in October) was useful for his insight for beliefs and justice cannot be places despite lip service to equal into US residency. May I add some divorced from the final words of standing and respect. thoughts about our own continent? the Declaration of Independence While Moberg’s families A helpful point was made to me in 1776: ‘we mutually pledge to left Sweden because of brutal by a Friend in Philadelphia this each other our Lives, our Fortunes, conditions, others rushed with summer. She said: ‘Americans like and our sacred Honor’, suggesting greed and self-interest after gold, to recall the birth of the United a regime without racial, sexual, or the amassing of wealth at all States. We hear less about the cultural or religious prejudice. cost – a downside to the American gestation.’ That gestation, the Vilhelm Moberg, the Swedish Dream. Thanks to others who had prenatal origin, is something in novelist, writes memorably of those a dream for Europe, the European which Europeans and pioneer who left Europe for opportunities Union is now an amazing feat of thinkers like the Quakers played a across the Atlantic, many out history: nations united without major part. The men and women of sheer hardship with starving battle, without death, torture or the of the Enlightenment cannot be children. But others, fortunately, humiliation of the vanquished. separated from George Fox, John bravely stayed behind. I worked for a time with Woolman and Margaret Fell. Many of these struggled to bring the European Commission in For example, and in the light equality, fairness and progress to Brussels and was impressed by the of recent exuberances in the US our own continent. Women like dedication and vision of the people presidential election, we may note Mary Wollstonecraft and then the who worked there – contrary to that William Penn was one who in suffragettes, Quakers like Elizabeth myths propagated by some of particular dealt respectfully and Fry, others like the Chartists, the the media. Appropriately, the EU humbly with the native population Tolpuddle Martyrs and the early headquarters is just a few metres of the new continent. trade unionists, conscientious away from Quaker House, both On 16 August 1683 in objectors; these stayed home to urging peace and cooperation Philadelphia he wrote of the native beat and change the system. It was everywhere. peoples: ‘If an European comes to they who helped transform Europe From Athens to the liberation see them, or calls for lodging at – a Europe for which they had of Eastern Europe it has been a their house, or wigwam, they give vision and hope. remarkable journey. We have the him the best place and first cut…’ America, as Justin Webb points scars, the fruits and the harvests, With memorable foresight he also out, has been the instigator of and I would argue that we should later wrote (when charged with much improvement. Yet it is not be proud of them. May the treason for his sympathies towards churlish to remind ourselves that European story finally be the tale Catholics) a treatise on The Present the native population was squeezed of human wisdom, bravely told. and Future Peace of Europe, by the into virtual non-existence, that Establishment of an European Dyet, human beings were cruelly brought Ian is a member of Oxford Meeting Parliament, or Estates. This was from Africa to serve as slaves, that and a former official spokesman some 250 years before its time. women were often portrayed as for the European Commission in The influences of men and dumb blonde playthings for men, Brussels.

6 the Friend, 28 November 2008 Comment Outreach goes universal

Two heroes of popular culture have have an almost captive audience Eddington given a white feather? just achieved a miracle of outreach of young and old watching how a (There were certainly enough for Quakers without even trying. scientist integrated – at some cost people around in the first war Doctor Who star David Tennant – his belief in God, his Quaker shouting ‘coward’ at pacifists.) But and Andy Serkis, who plays the faith and his longing to know the would that be the most important malevolent Gollum in The Lord workings of the universe. In many observation to be made about this of the Rings, gave remarkable ways, although this was the tale production? performances last weekend on of Einstein’s great discovery, the People have always loved a story, BBC2 (see Eye) in the story of focus of attention dwelt more on and loved to be moved by human two ‘heroes’ of science, Arthur Eddington, whose story is mostly endeavour and pain. Much as we Eddington and Albert Einstein. unknown outside the scientific have striven to get ‘the Quaker way’ Can we thank them enough? community. before the general public with our Children have been known to Maybe there were some ‘factual outreach activities, somehow we watch Shakespeare if ‘Doctor Who’ inaccuracies’ in the script that are missing the common touch. is playing in it. The actor brings readers may well want to point We need to take our stories out a vast TV audience with him. out to us; apparently it wasn’t into the world through culture Likewise Andy Serkis, currently Eddington who announced – popular or otherwise – if we are appearing in Little Dorrit on his eclipse results to a stunned to capture imaginations. BBC1. Add to this a wonderful scientific and lay audience, it script by Peter Moffat and you was the astronomer royal. Was Judy Kirby

Not forgotten – not dead

This year, more than any I can where we have been before and war, do not share a common bond remember, focused for a protracted never won. Yet we repeat the same with each and every one of their period on the horrors of war, mistakes and citizens back in peers. They return nowadays to particularly the first world war. ‘Blighty’ have no clear idea of what civilian life, surrounded by others This year, 2008, is the ninetieth we are doing there. who haven’t the faintest idea of anniversary of the cessation of the Simon Armitage, the what they have been through war to end all wars, the ‘Great War’ Huddersfield poet, sums up – adding to the trauma by asking of 1914-18. succinctly in the film Not Dead the crass questions such as: ‘Did you BBC4 showed some poignant feelings of modern-day soldiers. shoot anyone?’ programmes where the effects of Returning servicemen from Basra Let’s hope this present young that slaughter still resonates with and Bosnia recite his poetry, generation never forgets what has those left behind. The poetry of describing vividly their experiences gone before, understands its effects Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred – mostly negative. The one single and does everything in its power to Owen is as relevant today as the thing that stands out is the lack of unite the future world in peace and poems were then. The messages the support – the suffering physically harmony. poems contain and the lessons to and mentally that scars for life. Bob Miller be learned about the futility of war Over 2,000 service personnel Guildford LM are sadly still applicable. returning from active duty since We continue to enter conflicts 2003 suffer from some kind of Bob is a member of the Siegfried with no good reason and with mental illness. They, unlike their Sassoon Fellowship and is a Winston places such as Afghanistan, going predecessors in the second world Churchill travelling fellow.

the Friend, 28 November 2008 7 Letters All views expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Friend

Unity in diversity A framework for action I have to say that I read the article by Rhoda and John Whilst appreciating Roland Carn’s views (14 Wharton (21 November) with a growing sense of November) about what A framework for action might impatience. Quaker literature in general and Quaker have done, I take the opposite view about what it faith & practice in particular are the product of a huge actually does – open up Quakerism to the ordinary. amount of prayerful consultation. I know of no other For me, the document is one of the most useful, religious body that can match this process. In particular, accessible and comprehensive practical guides to Quaker faith & practice was approved at special Yearly Quakerism that could have been produced – precisely Meeting sessions, where a very large and representative because it is capable of being meaningful, in Roland’s body of Friends recognised that it was not perfect, but words, to ‘anyone of any religion or political party’. that it was a mirror of where the Society was at the time I picked up the booklet one Sunday morning and and that it would in any case be rewritten in due course. read it within ten minutes while on doorkeeper-duty Indeed, bits of it are the subject of amendment at the waiting to let latecomers join the Meeting. I danced present time. a metaphorical jig and punched the air with a burst The literature we produce for National Quaker Week, of silent energy as a resounding yes leapt from my or for other similar purposes, should reflect where the being. I like to think of myself as an active Quaker, Society is and not where a minority of Friends would working at a senior level and in some high-profile wish it to be. The suggestion that it should be rewritten roles across the public, private and third sectors – and to be inclusive of the sometimes outlandish beliefs of thereby working with a large network of people who every last Friend would ultimately result in our total know little or nothing about Quakers. I don’t wear my inability to say anything to anyone. It seems to me that Quakerism on my sleeve in my various roles although we all need to quietly accept that on certain issues we it lies at the heart of my being and informs all my may not be mainstream, but that we nevertheless want actions and judgments. A framework for action has to be part of a particular faith journey. provided me with a simple, coherent and universal Metford Robson coathanger on which to place the fabric of my beliefs, Ipswich & Diss Area Meeting one that can be easily understood by all the non- Quakers I come into contact with in my daily life. I Rhoda and John Wharton are very optimistic if they shall use it to bring Quakerism to a wider audience. think they can find language that suits all Friends. Their Ann Limb energy and time could be better used more profitably! Milton Keynes Meeting Patricia Piqué Flat 17 Altamont, Westview Road, Warlingham JRCT investments CR6 9JD I am glad to learn from Susan Seymour’s response (14 November) to my letter (27 October) that the Rhoda and John Wharton have found the ‘theistic Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) is hoping flavour’ of much Quaker literature not to the taste of to ‘invest in employee-owned businesses’ in the some members. Hence material should be ‘rewritten in near future. Nearly all the 394 employee-owned language that speaks to all of us’. businesses in UK are cooperatives in style (eg one- There is a danger that the resulting text would speak person-one-vote rather than one-share-one-vote) to none, or few, of us. I prefer a ‘salad bowl’ approach and the majority of them are also cooperatives in to diversity. I have learnt to value the spoken and structure, registered under the Industrial & Provident written ministry of theist and atheist Friends, and of Acts rather than incorporated under the Companies the many Friends who reject such ‘notions’. There are Acts. They are thus part of the wider values-based many flavours in Quakerism. These should not be cooperative movement which also embraces all concealed, but savoured and celebrated. mutual building societies and credit unions. Advices & queries 12 urges us to receive the ministry In forty years of direct experience of employee- of others ‘in a tender and creative spirit. Reach for the ownership I have always been convinced, never meaning deep within it, recognising that even if it is more so than today, that the cooperative structure not God’s word for you, it may be so for others’. With is the appropriate business model for people tenderness, I hear the Whartons’ complaint that their concerned for justice at work and that there will be beliefs are under-represented. However, would it really a major cooperative business sector in due course be the best use of our creativity to delete ‘God’ from in this century. So, well done JRCT – go for it! our dictionaries? Roger Sawtell Mark Dewey 20 Old School House, 201 Billing Road, Forest Hill Meeting Northampton NN1 5RX

8 the Friend, 28 November 2008 [email protected]

Share local Quaker projects at Yearly Meeting Gathering Yearly Meeting Gathering (YMG) is an opportunity projects supported by Local and Area Meetings. for Quakers from all over Britain to come together, to The opportunities for this are: explore issues, make decisions, have fun, learn together • a one hour interest group meeting at lunchtime and grow as a community. It will have all the buzz and • a table at the fair, which runs from Wednesday business of Yearly Meeting, all the fun and fellowship of evening (29th July) through until Friday lunchtime Summer Gathering and all the energy and excitement (31st July) of Junior Yearly Meeting (JYM). We hope YMG, from To take advantage of either of these opportunities we 25 July to 1 August at the University of York, will will need an Area Meeting minute confirming that encapsulate all that it means to be a Quaker today. this is a Quaker project and supporting its presence at One of the many opportunities which YMG offers YMG and an ‘Interest Groups’ booking form available is for Quaker groups to share their work and interests online from www.ymg.org.uk or from the YMG office at with a great many Friends. Some of this will be Friends House – 020 7663 1040 or [email protected]. centrally managed work, some will be the work of Paul Parker and Lizz Roe Listed Informal Groups and, we hope, some will be Co-clerks to Yearly Meeting Gathering Bible Society insert Quakers and art The Quaker Meeting which I attend has I do not often write ‘letters to the editor’ but an interesting mix of already responded to a recent appeal insert things from recent issues of the Friend is prompting me to do so. from the Bible Society which appeared I am mentioned by Rowena Loverance in the special outreach in the Friend (7 November) and I hope to issue (3 October) and have an image alongside Angela Schütz’s do the same personally. You are therefore article this week (21 November). In this, Angela challenges incorrect in thinking that ‘it is unlikely to Rowena’s proposition that ‘being an artist does not directly be the kind of work Friends would want to contribute to the betterment of human kind…’ and asserts that it support’ (21 November). I hope that you does. will continue to carry appeals from the The word ‘directly’ is the one that prompts me to reflect that Bible Society and give your readers the though, like Angela, I believe in the enriching of our lives by all choice of contributing if they wish. the arts, they do not provide a bowl of rice. If a person is truly John Scott starving the choice between food for your children or a piece of [email protected] ‘art’ is, I think, very clear and this is perhaps what Rowena was suggesting. ‘A young Hindu man is invited into a John Hawkins (21 November) is concerned about the church. His life will never be the same ‘profligacy’ in the production of A framework for action, again. He wants to get a copy of the key suggesting that nine pages of photographs are ‘surplus to book of his new faith.’ requirements and contradict the idea of sustainability’ asking: This ‘is not something that Quakers ‘Does not the Society still have a commitment to simplicity?’ My would want to be connected with’ (21 thought is that simplicity need not mean austerity. November). As an artist I thought it a most attractively produced pamphlet We have been inviting people into and the pages of pictures he considers ‘surplus’ emphasised the our Meeting house for the last two years text with vividness and subtlety. and several former Catholics, Anglicans Perhaps John, like me, would have been comforted if there had and others have decided that there is been some mention of, for instance, ‘vegetable based inks’ and/or something about us that makes them want ‘recycled paper’. to stay. Perhaps it was just the offer of a Caroline Coode heavily subsidised copy of Quaker faith & Newcastle upon Tyne Meeting practice. I must ask my Meeting next time somebody suggests that we run another The Friend welcomes your views. Please keep letters short Quaker Quest if this is something we and include your full postal address, even when sending would really want to be connected with? emails. Please specify whether you wish for your postal or As a more sensible response I decided to email address or Meeting name to be used with your name, do my bit to ensure that the young man, otherwise we will print your post address or email address. and others like him, gets his Bible. Letters are published at the editor’s discretion and may be edited. Write to: the Friend, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 Christopher Thomas 2BJ or email [email protected] 10 Laithwaite Close, Cockermouth Remember if you are online that you can also comment on all CA13 0AQ articles at www.thefriend.org

the Friend, 28 November 2008 9 Personal growth An anonymous Quaker’s recovery

My wife thought I would get up as though the cosmos itself had siren blaring and lights flashing. and walk out from my first meeting rejected me. The pain of being One of them said: ‘Don’t you be sick of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). alive was impossible to bear. Words in our car’ and: ‘You’re not going to AA meetings usually start with a diminish it. like what they’re going to do to you.’ recitation of the Twelve Steps (see As I left the house, my wife and I found out what he meant when I page 11) suggested as a programme daughter arrived home. I muttered: was pumped out. I really did think of recovery; six of them mention ‘They shoot mad dogs, don’t they?’, then that I was going to die. God or derivatives. I was a surly, and pushed past them. I went to a My wife refused to visit me; here cynical agnostic and my wife, sitting chemist’s and tried to decide how was yet another disaster caused beside me, thought: ‘This won’t many aspirins would do the job: by my drunkenness. The kids work’. But I was a week away from a twenty-five, fifty or a hundred. persuaded her to come but she just suicide attempt that I’d survived by I bought a hundred just to be sat at the end of the bed, quivering the skin of my teeth – in no state to sure, and a bottle of orange juice. with rage, refusing to speak to engage in theological wrangling. I I walked into nearby woods, left me. Before I was discharged a listened with laser-like attention to the path so I wouldn’t be found, psychiatrist told me: ‘If you’d left anything that would keep me alive sat under a tree and gulped down it any longer before getting help, and that meant not drinking. the aspirins in handfuls. I then all they could have done was My last binge had not been lay down and waited to die. I was watch you die’. I didn’t plan to cut that spectacular; in fact I thought saved by luck and ignorance. I it that fine; I just wanted off the I deserved a pat on the back for thought I would swiftly lapse into planet. He told me I would need to arriving home before the pubs unconsciousness and the oblivion I arrange psychiatric aftercare with closed. But my wife took one look craved; I didn’t know how long the my GP – and suggested I attend at me as I reeled through the front tablets would take to work. I was AA. I’d turned my nose up at AA door and fled out of the back door aware of an insect scratching away years before but now I was terrified with our daughter. As they drove next to my ear. I felt woozy but that if I drank again I would die; off into the night I cursed them that passed, as did the ringing in and I just knew I would drink for being so unkind. I then turned my ears. I watched the sun passing again because that’s what I always the place upside down, wreaking through the branches. At one point did. In AA I often hear members my frustration and resentment on I began to panic and struggled to say they lacked the courage to the furniture. The next morning get up. But I forced myself to stay commit suicide. It seems a perverse as I surveyed the wreckage I knew there and told myself I had to go sort of courage that enables this could not go on. I’d never through with it. someone to die but not to live. I smashed the place up before and Baffled that nothing seemed to be didn’t want to die but didn’t know was appalled and horrified. It happening, I thought: ‘You haven’t how to live; I lacked the courage to finally dawned on me that while I killed yourself but you haven’t done live. I’ve seen suicide described as kept on drinking my life just got yourself any good so you’d better a supremely selfish act. In my case more chaotic. Despite all my well- get help.’ A cynic might say: ‘Well, morality didn’t come into it; I just meaning and strenuous efforts I why didn’t you put your head on couldn’t take any more. Depending could not stop drinking. I couldn’t a railway line?’ I don’t know the which statistic you believe, a third face another ten, twenty or thirty answer to that. All I know is that I of male suicides are drink-related. years of that living hell so decided was confused, bewildered – I wasn’t When I got home I phoned to end it all. As an alcoholic, thinking straight; maybe the instinct AA and the surgery. My GP loneliness was a way of life. I felt for self-preservation had kicked in. I encouraged me to go to AA and despised and rejected, shunned walked back into the town and gave arranged an appointment with the like a leper; I despised and rejected myself up to the police. Two young consultant psychiatrist at an NHS myself. But that morning I felt PCs rushed me to A&E with the car addiction treatment centre. That

10 the Friend, 28 November 2008 An anonymous Quaker’s recovery

evening two AA members visited metaphor. If not scientifically exact, me and told me their stories. They it works for me as experiential The 12 Steps invited me to an AA meeting, verification. And it doesn’t let me 1 We admitted we were which I went to with my wife. off the hook. I had to try to put powerless over alcohol She had put me on probation. right the damage and hurt that – that our lives had become She thought going to AA was just I’d caused others in my alcoholic unmanageable; another one of my ‘tricks’; I was descent. As soon as I felt well 2 Came to believe that a Power always making solemn promises enough I went to the police station greater than ourselves could not to drink again. At that first and thanked the two PCs who had restore us to sanity; meeting I got hope that this was rushed me to hospital. I wrote to 3 Made a decision to turn our will no longer my unique problem; that the hospital and thanked them and lives over to the care of there was help if I was prepared too. Those people saved my life. God as we understood Him; to use it. A few days later I met I’ve tried to be the husband to my 4 Made a searching and fearless David Marjot, the psychiatrist at St wife that I’d denied her while in moral inventory of ourselves; Bernard’s hospital, west London. my alcoholic wilderness. I’ve made 5 Admitted to God, to ourselves, He listened to my story and said: amends to our lovely kids. and to another human being ‘Well, I confirm the diagnosis. The AA group that I began the exact nature of our wrongs; You’re a chronic alcoholic and attending met at a Quaker Meeting 6 Were entirely ready to have from now on things can only get house. There was a poster on the God remove all these defects worse.’ I thought: ‘I’ve just tried notice board that said: ‘A silent of character; to kill myself – how much worse Quaker Meeting for Worship can 7 Humbly asked Him to remove can it get?’ He went on: ‘I’ve seen be a quiet process of healing and a our shortcomings; hundreds of men like you. You’re journey of discovery’. That spoke 8 Made a list of all persons we in your mid-forties, still employed to my condition so I plucked up had harmed and became willing and married – it will all go if you courage one Sunday and went to my to make amends to them all; carry on drinking, and with your first Meeting for Worship. I was not 9 Made direct amends to such pattern of binge drinking you’re in told what to believe but welcomed people wherever possible, danger of having an oesophageal for who I was. I was attracted by except when to do so would haemorrhage and bleeding to the similarities between Quakerism injure them or others; death.’ He offered me an inpatient and AA. Both are practical, non- 10 Continued to take personal bed but said there was a seven- hierarchical, egalitarian and non- inventory and when we were week waiting list. He added: ‘I’ll creedal – the AA programme makes wrong promptly admitted it; keep a place for you but in the useful suggestions about recovery; 11 Sought through prayer and meantime keep going to AA’. That Quakers have our Advices & queries. meditation to improve our was in September 1984. I still have Both say the spiritual life is not a conscious contact with God his letter of appointment; I hope I theory – we have to live it. I’m still – as we understood Him never have to use it. an agnostic, though more open- – praying only for knowledge of In AA there’s a saying which I minded than before. I thought the His will for us and the power to found immensely consoling: ‘I’m worst thing that happened to me carry that out; not a bad person trying to get was being an alcoholic; it turned 12 Having had a spiritual good – I’m a sick person trying to out to be the best thing. If I hadn’t awakening as the result of get well’. I always blamed myself found AA and the Quakers I these steps we tried to carry for not being able to control my wouldn’t have found myself. I drank this message to alcoholics, and drinking. I didn’t realise I was for limitless expansion, but that to practise these principles in very sick. The illness theory is thirst was never satisfied. Today it is, all our affairs. controversial but I find it a useful one day at a time. © AA World Services Reproduced Reproduced by permission of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain.

the Friend, 28 November 2008 11 arts A Kindertransport success story

Kindertransport, Before and simple words. Poem by poem she permanence that was to turn to After: Elegy and Celebration by finds small yet telling emblems of shards and ashes along with those Lotte Kramer. Edited by Sybil a many-faceted pain: survivor’s same loved ones. Here are not Oldfield. Centre for German- guilt, orphan’s hollowness, helpless only family members, but Lena the Jewish Studies, University of empathy for the suffering she maid with her ‘yeasty body’ and Sussex. 1997. £10 + £2.50 p&p herself escaped. Here is the frayed ‘rough hands square with love’; the tablecloth, handwoven by her doomed ‘guru of groceries’ in his Her personal experience Her rather fearsome grandmother, its ‘Kosher-white coat’; the scholarly personal experience of the fragility symbolising headmaster who committed Holocaust is a theme that Lotte suicide, unable to bear the Kramer has felt compelled to the broken peace, destruction of Kristallnacht that return to time and again in the The rootlessness, our dread. ‘throttled all sense’. She celebrates thirty years since she began writing acts of kindness and courage, both poetry. Now Sybil Oldfield has Here is the pile of books beside her great and trivial – the teacher who had the inspired idea of drawing father’s armchair and the smoke dares to remonstrate with Nazi out these poems from among from his cigar, an illusory ‘yellow looters; the shoemaker’s wife crying Kramer’s prolific oeuvre, arranging screen’ against the madness outside as she secretly returns their illicitly them in chronological order and that he thought he could stare out. mended shoes, issuing them in one volume to A glass of water recalls the thirst of commemorate this year’s seventieth the deportees in their cattle-trucks. Her red-blue eyes anniversary of Kristallnacht and Shutting the door of her house, she Like sores in her face. the start of the Kindertransport. pictures her mother leaving home The metre and rhyme are under guard, never to return: The celebration and the snuffing- unassertive, the language and out are held in irreconcilable imagery direct. This may be because …maybe, you looked around tension. The well-meant the poems are written in a language As if before consolation offered by ‘the lady that is not Kramer’s mother-tongue A holiday, leaving of good works’ cannot cancel the (she was fifteen by the time she No trace of dust, unbearable suffering. left Germany); yet there is an No crumbs for pests, no moths… I was a post-war baby, born in assurance about them that draws security and under the care of the reader deep into their reality, Turned off the water, gas… the NHS. Yet, as for many other leaving such analytical thoughts Jews, the horrors of the immediate behind. It is difficult to explain Some of her vignettes contain a past have remained an icy weight where this book’s piercing power black irony, like the new teacher on my heart. Most of my life I comes from, other than from an singling out a boy as the ideal assiduously avoided either learning intolerable and indescribable truth specimen of blond Aryanism – but or writing about the Holocaust. So bravely faced and accurately named. little Heinz is Jewish. Kramer does I could well understand those who But prose could perhaps do that. not comment on or underline the prefer to avoid this book. (Indeed, These poems, though, have a spare moral; the laughter of the other Kramer herself would understand; music to them that, like a Bach children speaks for itself. But the for her it was thirty years before violin partita, touches the deepest intent of the most impressive ‘the wall unbricks itself’.) But in emotions by some means beyond poems is to bring back to vivid avoiding the pain, you will also explanation. life, for a brief moment, the miss the transfiguring love. Kramer has a knack of distilling beloved figures of her childhood Stevie Krayer huge themes into a few apparently world with its illusory sense of South Wales AM Kindertransport memorial Meisler’s standsFrank outside Liverpool Street Station. Photo by StoneColdCrazy

12 the Friend, 28 November 2008 arts Small is still beautiful

Rekindling Community: from the ego, or small self, to the an awareness of place and a Connecting People, Environment great Self, or deep awareness of deeper sense of cultural identity. and Spirituality. Alastair the unity of our being. These steps Another worked with the Scottish McIntosh. (Schumacher Briefings in defining a holistic conceptual Parliament to develop a policy on 15) 2008. Green Books Ltd. £8. framework are helpfully expressed social responsibility in purchasing. ISBN 978 1 900322 38 6 visually in a series of illustrations In doing so he showed what can ideal for use by discussion groups. be done by creating safe spaces When did you last read Fritz It is this emphasis on wholeness in the workplace for people to Schumacher’s Small is Beautiful? which gives the book relevance explore personal values. Several This slim volume makes a to a wide range of issues, from studies focused on what constitutes compelling case for us all to healing at both individual and genuine community regeneration, reread it. Schumacher is most societal levels to our care of the juxtaposing their conclusions often associated with ideas about environment. McIntosh considers against the management-led efforts appropriate technology, but how we might transform the of many official regeneration Alastair McIntosh explores what institutions which dominate our agencies. he has to say about how the right lives from Schumacher’s ‘idolatry The message from all the studies ordering of our outer and inner of economism’ to his ‘economics is beautifully encapsulated in a lives can rekindle community. as if people mattered’. The book quotation from an essay entitled The book stems from work by concludes with a call for the ‘Real People in a Real Place’ by the Centre for Human Ecology spiritual bravery which will be the Scottish author Iain Crichton and research projects undertaken needed if we are to attain that deep Smith: ‘It is the holiness of the by thirteen WWF International community which ‘involves being, person we have lost, the holiness of scholars, whose diverse findings are doing and having together’. life itself, the inexplicable mystery interspersed with the main text. Rekindling Community is full and wonder of it, its strangeness, All the studies fall within the of ideas and is the latest in a its tenderness’. bounds of human ecology – series of Schumacher Briefings. It What a refreshing and defined as ‘full human community’ contains something for everyone – invigorating way to look at – with one another, with the Earth including a persuasive argument in community in all its manifestations. and with Spirit/Self/God. This support of belief, or metaphysical Having read this book you is expressed in a variety of ways. awareness. A sense of what may be tempted to delve into McIntosh explores what he calls the McIntosh calls the ‘essence of life’ Alastair’s other writings (via triune basis of community in terms is set against the nihilism of ‘selfish www.alastairmcintosh.com). If, of Society, Soil and Soul. These gene’ proponents such as Richard one day, he were to be invited to elements describe our community Dawkins. present a Swarthmore Lecture I with one another, with the earth The case studies alone prompt am sure Friends would be treated and with the divine. He outlines all kinds of ideas. They deal with to a fascinating and challenging our engagement with these three subjects quite different from what presentation on how we can aspects of community – through one might normally expect. They become again ‘the radical voice head, heart and hand. are characterised by a commitment [we] once were’. Do you recognise Having provided this framework to listening. One student studied those words? If not, look again at for our relationships, he sets out the human ecology of the River page 10 of A framework for action a model of the human psyche, Findhorn in Scotland, travelling 2009-2014. drawing on the ideas of C G Jung the length of the river by canoe Philip Bryers and describes a vision of growth and on foot in order to achieve East Scotland AM

the Friend, 28 November 2008 13 Concern Children, immigration removal centres and inoculations

My daughter Janet intends to than supportive. courses of infant inoculations work in Ghana for five months There is such a thing as malarial are not allowed their ‘jabs’. Yet it from February 2009. Her NHS immunity, built up over years, is widely accepted that measles, family practioners contacted us which adults coming to Britain in particular, is a major killer of in September 2008 to set up the from tropical countries often have, young children in the third world schedule for inoculations they but as little as three months in a and measles survivors are too often consider essential: a booster for temperate, mosquito-free climate permanently damaged by resulting hepatitis A and typhoid, paid for by is sufficient to destroy it; children deafness, blindness, etc. Diphtheria, the NHS. Additionally, we must pay who are young or born here never mumps, tuberculosis, polio, for yellow fever and hepatitis B have it. Anti-malarials appear to be rubella and croup are even more (both compulsory for visitors to offered to under sixes and pregnant serious for anyone inadequately Ghana), rabies, meningitis and the women because the NHS actually fed, housed, or with poor access to appropriate course of anti-malarial advises all voluntary travellers clean water. Vaccinations against pills to be taken before and during simply not to go into malarial areas these diseases are part of babies’ her travels, plus a mosquito- when pregnant or very young. It is entitlement under our NHS. repellent sleeping net. The total considered too dangerous. The theory seems to be that cost will be about £300, but not Janet has received from the because detained children are to spend that money could easily NHS her share of its ever-evolving being returned to their own prove fatal. pattern of inoculations from countries, in which the appropriate People forcibly removed from babyhood upwards. Even babies of inoculations are ‘freely available’, Britain via Yarl’s Wood and other failed asylum seekers living in the no serious deprivation results immigration removal centres have community share her entitlement. from not receiving inoculations as no entitlement whatsoever to any The UK Borders Agency (UKBA) scheduled under the NHS. (Recent inoculations, unless they are either tries to give the impression that research into Egypt, Mauritania, six and under or pregnant. If so, the medical care given to detainees Zambia and Mexico suggests a very they are only entitled to malarial held in immigration removal different picture.) Even in countries prophylaxis, which is designed to centres is the same as that provided where appropriate inoculations last about a month after arrival to ordinary citizens by the NHS. are available cost-free through and enable families to arrange their This is, quite simply, not true in international charities, these are own prophylaxes, accommodation, several important ways, including often delivered intermittently at purchase of sleeping nets etc. choice of medical practice with temporary centres in major towns. People are frequently returned which to register. Perhaps most Access is thus effectively denied to destitute to communities which, seriously of all, babies detained poor villagers unable to afford the for various reasons, may be less before or during their normal journey.

14 the Friend, 28 November 2008 Ad pages 28 Nov 24/11/08 21:39 Page 2

Very many sub-Saharan African women and children under c) Would not a better alternative women see themselves as deeply the age of one year to malarial be to abolish altogether the tied, spiritually, emotionally and areas, in line with NHS advice to immigration detention of socially, to their home villages of voluntary travellers. All pregnant families and removal of children birth (or sometimes marriage). women and their children would under thirteen months? Life elsewhere in their own country thus be entitled to release from Obviously, if no families were is an almost unimaginably grim immigration detention, which detained, and if free appropriate prospect, however scant the is designed to hold only people prophylaxes were offered those welcome they anticipate from ‘whose removal is imminent’. facing removal, an absolute their village. Therefore, if forcibly (Superficially desirable, but guarantee would also have returned from the UK, such such a policy could lead to to be given that under no women almost invariably head situations comparable to that circumstances could a family back to their own villages with of eighteenth-century women or any member be ‘snatched’ their children. Those villages are condemned to death who kept at a prophylaxis session or any often over a hundred miles from themselves perpetually pregnant journey connected with it. the nearest, infrequent, vaccination to avoid execution.) I would greatly welcome Friends’ centres… returned destitute, what b) Might it be more realistic to comments – snail-mail please, as priority can returnees give to the insist that all detained families my computer is misbehaving . necessary, expensive, journey? are offered the full complement Friends, is this acceptable? If not, of age-appropriate NHS Crystal Dickinson what, if anything, should we be inoculations and not removed doing about it? until at least opportunity has 26 Brecon Way, Bedford MK41 8DD. Three possible changes to our been given for the thirteen- Crystal is a member of Luton & UKBA policy suggest themselves: month MMR (measles, mumps Leighton AM. a) To stop removal of pregnant and rubella vaccine)?

the Friend 28 November 2008 15 the Friend, 28 November 2008 15 Q-eye has been watching TV [email protected]

Einstein and Eddington BBC2 22 November

“We’ve all heard about Einstein, but what about this other chap?” Radio Times, 22-28 November

Every schoolchild knows of Albert previous certainty crumbled. Proving that space bends was no Einstein. Do they know who This documentary drama by simple matter but Eye appreciated Arthur Eddington was? Unlikely. Peter Moffat, who did a similarly the dramatist’s helpful illustration In every big story there will be two impressive job on Stephen of a tablecloth held aloft in the voices (at least) – a mover and an Hawking, made Eye proud to be Eddington household and a round enabler, but one may well be heard Quaker. Our man’s role was shown cob loaf thrown into the middle, louder. In the story of penicillin, to be crucial in the recognition with an apple sent in to circle the for example, everyone knows of the general theory of relativity globe. The space between them is that it was Alexander Fleming and his deep spirituality was forced into shapes so that straight who discovered the mould which portrayed as his driving force. We lines can’t be maintained. You became a life-saving drug, but saw the reality of public disgust at could try this at home. Eddington how many know the role of the pacifism – Eddington presented deduced from Einstein’s figures Australian scientist Howard Florey with a white feather and spat at. that starlight is bent by the sun, who got penicillin into hospital We saw Eddington and his sister and therefore stars would be wards? Winnie taking in the German moved by the gravitational pull. And so it was with Albert Müller family and welcoming them The proof would come from Einstein and Arthur Eddington. at Meeting after they had been matching photos of a solar eclipse English science was in the shadow assaulted. (taken by Eddington in Africa) of Isaac Newton when these In Germany Einstein was also with other photos of earlier two geniuses were starting their trying to stay aloof from the eclipses. If there was a gap between challenging work at the beginning military who were funding his the stars when the photographic of the first world war. ‘We know research work. He saw the effect plates were placed on top of each how the universe works, we just of poison gas on a chamber of other, showing a movement from need to measure it’, says Oliver pigeons and protested at the a previous position, then Newton Lodge, one of the luminaries of destructive use of science in the was wrong. And there was a gap. the Royal Astronomical Society. pursuit of war. In their separate Like the wonderful Michael The Quaker astrophysicist ways, and without having met, Frayn play Copenhagen this Eddington was the director of both Eddington and Einstein were scientific drama was about much the Cambridge Observatory seeking to protect scientific truth. more than science. Eddington and ‘the best measuring man After poison gas killed so many confronted science as a believer, in England’. So he was sent to at Ypres, the viewer has a glimpse and it profoundly affected his life. discover why the German military of Eddington’s own anguish in the He looked at the new universe that were interested in the work of an loss of his loved friend William he helped to introduce and he said: unknown scientist called Albert Marston, who enlisted to fight. He ‘I have no doubt that I can hear Einstein. The answer was not to the can only share this with his sister God thinking’. academic establishment’s liking, and we listen dismayed as Oliver however. Newton was about to be Lodge demands of him: ‘What do A profile of Arthur Eddington was overturned. The universe was going you know of grief? I have lost my published in the Friend on to be much harder to live in as son.’ 2 November 2007. (Left) Arthur Eddington photo (Left) courtesy the Library at House Friends and (right) Albert Einstein courtesy ArtToday.

16 the Friend, 28 November 2008