Caroline Nursey, Clerk of BYM Trustees, on Restructuring 2 Aug 29/7/19 15:52 Page 1

the2 August 2019 | £2.00Friend

‘It’s going to be an evolution, but we do need to get on with it.’ Caroline Nursey, clerk of BYM trustees, on restructuring 2 Aug 29/7/19 15:52 Page 1

Britain Yearly Meeting Head of Communications & Fundraising Salary: £49,489 if based in London, £42,067 if based outside London. Location: Euston, London (or elsewhere subject to discussion). Contract: Permanent, 5 days per week. About the role: Britain Yearly Meeting (Quakers) have recently agreed a number of key strategic priorities to support the church to reinvigorate Quakerism. To support these objectives we have created a new role of Head of Communications to shape and drive our communications and fundraising teams and support them in meeting these key priorities. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to make a real impact. About you: • You will be ambitious with a flexible approach to work, and be excited by the opportunity to shape the future of fundraising and communications at the Quakers • You will have substantial relevant experience of leading communications in a values based organisation • You will also have substantial relevant experience of leading fundraising activities, including the delivery of strategy and managing people and budgets • You must have had previous involvement in delivering change programmes both internally and externally with an understanding of the complexity of managing change • Previous experience of managing staff, including at least two years line managing other functional specialists and team leaders is essential • Of course, you will also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills demonstrating the ability to work collaboratively with a range of different stakeholders • It’s essential that you have sympathy with the Quaker values. About us: Quakers are committed to working for equality and for a sustainable and peaceful 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 are committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk and expect all our staff and volunteers to share and uphold this commitment. Quakers have a faith commitment to equality and encourage and welcome applications for posts from all sections of society. You do not have to be a Quaker to apply for this post, but we expect you to uphold the values of our organisation. What we can offer you: You can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, a season ticket loan, and flexibility that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance. Further information For more details of this exciting role and information about how to apply, please download our candidate application pack which is available on the Action Planning website at https://actionplanning.co.uk/jobs-board The closing date for applications is 9am Tuesday 13 August 2019. Britain Yearly Meeting is committed to equality in all its employment practices. Reg. charity 1127633. the INDEPENDENTFriend QUAKER JOURNALISM SINCE 1843 2 August 2019 | Volume 177, No 31 www.thefriend.org

News 4 Brexit, security, Pride, and more Rebecca Hardy

Letters 6

Restructuring BYM 8 Interview with Caroline Nursey Joseph Jones

Thought for the week 11 Cold comfort Alison Leonard

In the midst 12 Reading from the gospel of Matthew Janet Scott

Friends in other places 13 Navigating the journey Andrew Norman

Poetry 14 Looking for cows Dana Littlepage Smith

Review 15 Appeasing Hitler Reg Naulty

Q Eye: a look at the Quaker world 16

Friends & Meetings 17

Part of the creative experience of a community is learning how to deal with conflict when it arises, and Friends are not usually good at this. ‘Speaking the truth in love’ is a Quaker cliché, but ‘papering over the cracks’ is the principle more commonly acted upon. Conflict met in ‘brokenness’ of spirit can take a Meeting a long way on its spiritual journey, whereas unresolved it deadens the life. We are a small Society. Clashes have always arisen, just as they arise in any family group. In one sense the members of a family know each other too well, in another sense not well enough. It is impossible to impress one’s relations, but they can be a great stand-by in time of need, and it is then that they come to know each other better, if the bond is strong enough.

Joan Fitch, 1980 Quaker faith & practice, 10.22 Friends protest at “up to 2,000 decision News security expo makers”, and “150+ Quakers from Malvern, exhibitors”, which include [email protected] Hereford and Worcester BAE Systems. We see this demonstrated against event as a further stage in a two-day Defence and the militarisation of the Security Expo held at UK. How far do we want Quakers say ‘no-deal with a no-deal Brexit, Malvern’s Three Counties to allow this sector of our Brexit’ is ‘huge gamble’ while frequent, are yet Showgrounds last month. economy to grow?’ Britain Yearly Meeting to be supported by Friends and supporters Friends and (BYM) has joined six substantial evidence’ held a vigil in a shopping campaigners plan to other Christian groups in and ask the government area in Malvern on 17 hand-deliver a letter to the signing an open letter to to publish evidence of July before marching Showground’s board of the new prime minister the impact of a no-deal to Qinetiq, which they trustees. describing a ‘no-deal Brexit on disadvantaged say develops military Brexit’ as ‘a huge gamble’ communities. technology. Pangolin for Pride that will hit those in Specific concerns raised Melanie Jameson, from A large handcrafted model poverty ‘very hard indeed’. include: food supply, Malvern Meeting, told of a pangolin painted in The church leaders say medical supplies (pricing the Friend that: ‘A moving rainbow colours (see right) they have been ‘compelled’ and availability), and testimony was read and a drew visitors to a Quaker to write to Boris Johnson energy. The letter also wreath attached to their stall at a local Pride event, because of his position invites the prime minister main roadside sign, in ‘Bourne Free’, last month. that leaving the European to visit one of the many memory of the 35,000 Quakers from Union without a deal is social action projects run children under five killed Bournemouth Coastal acceptable. The letter by churches to support the in the Yemeni conflict. Area Meeting showed states: ‘At a time when millions of citizens living From there, we moved their support by joining increasing numbers of in poverty. to the exit gate at the the Pride parade on 13 families have difficulties Signatories include Showground and, facing July for the second year putting enough food on leaders from: the the delegates’ cars as they running. This year, as the table, we believe it is Methodist Church of left, we formed a line well as Quaker leaflets irresponsible to consider Great Britain; the United displaying our messages and information from a course of action that Reformed Church; the [including] “Quakers the Quaker Gender is expected to make that Baptist Unions of Great say: Use your technology and Sexual Diversity situation worse.’ Britain, Scotland and to tackle the climate Community, the stall had The church leaders Wales; the Church of emergency”.’ plastic-free giveaways say that ‘it is notable Scotland; the Salvation She said the main including origami peace that assurances about Army; and the Scottish purpose of the defence doves and painted rocks. our ability to cope Episcopal Church. event was to ‘recruit small Helen Carter-Shaw, and medium enterprises from the Area Meeting, into the defence and told the Friend that: WORDS security industry’. ‘Discussion with people Melanie Jameson added: gave us an opportunity ‘In this, its third year, to discover how much the expo has doubled in we still have to learn and ‘The average member size with the addition that dialogue should be of the “Special Products welcomed rather than will be a man, in Industry Day”, previously avoided. Recent crimes held at the defence against members of the college at Shrivenham. LGBTQT+ community his late 50s… white Security has been have highlighted how dramatically increased important it is that this British… live in the with attendance limited dialogue continues.’ to industry members She added: ‘Pangolins south of England and and those intending to are among the most supply industry/military/ trafficked and endangered be comfortably off.’ law enforcement agencies. animals in the world, and The website provides a list drew attention to our Politics professor Tim Bale on the 0.14 per cent of some of the produces testimony to equality and of the population who, as Tory Party members, on show and boasts that respect for all with whom voted for the new prime minister. delegates will have access we share the planet.’

4 the Friend 2 August 2019 Quakers press for teachers exposed.’ NUMBERS more support to It adds: ‘The LGBT+ education requirement for schools Members of the Quaker to promote inclusivity Values in Education group between people of and the Quaker Gender different characteristics is a vital part of our society’s 11,600 and Sexual Diversity The number of crimes against LGBT people recorded by Community have signed equality and human rights framework, and helps us police between 2017-2018, more than doubling in five a letter calling on the years. Transphobic attacks have trebled. government to step up to forge a better society its support to schools in which all may fully promoting the acceptance contribute.’ schools from September Meanwhile in the real of LGBT+ education. The letter came as 2020. The changes world, British veterans parents regrouped outside Quakers joined nearly require secondary schools are rarely prosecuted and Parkfield Community eighty signatories to to include content on almost never convicted of School in Birmingham a letter sent to then- LGBT+ relationships, war-related crimes.’ to continue protesting education secretary but there is no specific He added that the against the school’s Damian Hinds and requirement for primary proposal is a ‘distraction’ decision to bring back schools. from addressing ‘the real published in The a suspended equality Independent on 14 July, needs of veterans at a programme after months time when 13,000… are following months of of consultation. Don’t put soldiers protests outside primary above the law, says estimated to be homeless The ongoing in the UK’. schools against LGBT+ demonstrations have PPU lessons. sparked protests at other The Peace Pledge Union According to the primary schools, with (PPU) has urged the QVA in Calais letter – signed by author one assistant headteacher UK’s incoming prime Eleven volunteers for Philip Pullman and who brought in a diversity minister to reject calls Quaker Voluntary Action Tory MP Crispin Blunt, programme receiving a by the Defence Select (QVA) headed for Calais educationalists and death threat. In the ‘No Committee to introduce last month to start work religious figures – new Outsiders’ programme a ‘presumption against at the Help Refugees government guidance children learn about prosecution’ for British warehouse. Friends from that says primary schools same-sex relationships armed forces personnel. Meetings in Great Britain are encouraged to through stories. The proposals by the and the Netherlands spent cover LGBT+ content Under the new Defence Select Committee the week from 15-19 July if they consider it ‘age proposals, updated were published on 22 translating documents appropriate’ is ‘weakly after twenty years, July, and, according to the and preparing food for ambiguous’ and open to Relationships Education PPU, followed ‘months of daily distribution in interpretation: ‘Statements will be compulsory scaremongering by The Calais and Dunkirk with such as these, combined in primary schools Sun newspaper… about the Refugee Community with half-hearted support and Relationships and veterans being subjected Kitchen. for schools that are being Sex Education (RSE) to a “witch hunt”.’ According to Hannah attacked, has left many compulsory in secondary Symon Hill, campaigns Brock Womack, working manager of the PPU, said retreats coordinator for The ‘Pangolin for Pride’. Photo: Helen Carter-Shaw. the proposal would not QVA, the group were also address veterans’ real busy ‘making a weighted needs and was a further blanket for an autistic attempt to put the armed child, organising wooden forces beyond scrutiny: palettes so they can be cut ‘It is a fundamental up as firewood for those principle of justice that living outside, cleaning everyone is subject to the a house [used by at-risk same law. By calling for people] and sorting a “presumption against donated clothes for those prosecution”, the Defence living destitute’. Select Committee is There were also trying to place armed ‘reflection sessions’ on forces personnel above the QVA’s theme for the year: law. The militarist lobby ‘God in the movements has whipped up fears of a of peoples.’ QVA plans to “witch hunt” of veterans. return in November.

the Friend 2 August 2019 5 and culture with a pinch of salt.

theFriend Letters The arts come to be means of 173 Euston Road sharing the experience of faith London, NW1 2BJ rather than divine revelation. The 020 7663 1010 universal, eternal God becomes www.thefriend.org immanent, a current among The Friend welcomes your views, us, rather than controlling and to [email protected]. Please Subscriptions transcendent. keep letters short. We particularly UK £88 per year by all payment Our belief – in other words, welcome contributions from types including annual direct that which we hold dear – may children, written or illustrated. debit; monthly payment by then be the universal God direct debit £7.40; online only Please include your full postal immanent, the moral compass, £71 per year. Contact Penny address, even when sending the capacity for empathy, Dunn: 020 7663 1178 emails, along with your Meeting transcendence and inspiration. [email protected] name or other Quaker affiliation. It enables us to bond with one In essentials unity, another, to contract with one Advertising in non-essentials liberty, another. It is vital. Contact George Penaluna: in all things charity. Alick Munro 01535 630230 Kingston and Wandsworth Area [email protected] Meeting Therapeutic activity Editorial Is the experience of being bound It’s a privilege Following Helen Carter-Shaw Articles, images, correspondence up in God a therapy? Do we should be emailed to adopt belief in order to help (19 July) I also feel very [email protected] us cope with life’s setbacks, differently from Rosemary Wells or sent to the address above. our imperfections, isolation, (28 June), who described feeling mortality and uncertainties? Be sad and bewildered by the focus Editor honest. The timing of our faith of privilege in the epistle from Joseph Jones activity would suggest that many this year’s Yearly Meeting. Like Journalist of us do. Helen, I really rejoice that we are Rebecca Hardy If we can accept this, we shedding light on the privilege many Friends in the UK enjoy, Production and office manager reduce the danger of becoming with the status and opportunity Elinor Smallman presumptuous, distant, set apart. We make ourselves and our this brings. Sub-editor For most British Quakers, George Osgerby faith more accessible to those who regard us as subject to we exist within a privileged Arts correspondent niche, in a wealthy country, in Rowena Loverance rationalisation. As a therapy, faith seems a very unequal world. I believe Environment correspondent effective and safe. People of our Quaker faith urges us to be Laurie Michaelis faith live longer, happier lives. concerned about this and stirred Clerk of trustees Our commitment to good to take action to remedy this. Paul Jeorrett causes helps others too. Faith Our privilege does provide a then takes its place among cushion from suffering that the ISSN: 0016-1268 eating habits, exercise habits, poor, marginalised or abused hygiene and socialisation as a don’t share. When comfortable, The Friend Publications Limited means of preserving self. It may it’s easy to do nothing. In striving is a registered charity, also preserve species and the for greater equality, I feel sure number 211649 environment. That capacity to that what we stand to gain in joy preserve species and environment and fulfilment is far greater than Printed by is, I believe, a criterion for the what we lose in comfort and ease. Warners enlightenment of faiths. I do agree with Rosemary Midlands Plc, Does this calculated approach that privilege does not provide The Maltings, destroy faith? It certainly keeps ultimate protection from Manor Lane, it grounded and could control suffering. I believe it can prove a Bourne, our tendency to indulge in false refuge and act as a barrier to Lincolnshire fantasy, raptures and notions. We experiencing true empathy and PE10 9PH would take scripture, tradition spiritual depth.

6 the Friend 2 August 2019 I feel excited by our to adapt so we remain able that champions peacemaking. commitment to meaningful to work for a sustainable and It seems some personality types change in this area. Wouldn’t it peaceful world’. are more averse to addressing be wonderful if we could take Mention was later made of difficulties than others. They can this forward with the energy it ‘[proposals] to move to an be seen as ‘avoiders’. so urgently needs? We are ideally integrated communications and Then there are the ‘blockers’ placed to do so with our many fundraising team’. – those who put obstacles in the resources, our faith and our I appreciate that these remarks way of further discussion, maybe testimonies to equality, simplicity may be incomplete or taken out a word, as if the oracle has spoken and sustainability. of context, but I am left with the and that is final. They may be Chrissie Hinde impression that the (Religious?) those who have been in positions Sheffield Central Meeting, Society of Friends has now of authority in their working lives, Yorkshire somehow degenerated into a particularly in hierarchy-type Greenish, socially active protest organisations, and who do not Persona and promotion movement. What became of the like being ‘called out’ by those It is said that bosses promote religious – dare I say Christian? they deem to be lower down the people in their own image. If this – foundation of our belief in ‘pecking order’. is correct, could it similarly apply listening, and waiting to discern Then those who must do all to the election of politicians? the will of God? they can to protect our ‘precious Do most Americans Naturally, along with most Society’, want it to remain identify with, or aspire to, the other Friends, I affirm the characteristics and values of the same, in stasis, fixed and, urgency of correcting our Donald Trump, or Britons to ultimately, dead. Unfortunately abuse of the planet’s resources those of the new prime minister, that is where Britain Yearly who will promote to government and finding better ways to live Meeting seems to be heading. MPs that reflect his persona? harmoniously with others, but I When conflicts arise we must If the answer is ‘yes’, all well and have misgivings about the way go through the discomfort of good, but if ‘no’ the respective in which our religious witness is communication. Here is found electoral systems are not fit for diminished if we are seen as ‘just spiritual growth, advancement in purpose. We need to be able another, anti-everything protest the life of the spirit. It brings that to elect leaders for whom the movement’. The notion that ‘zing’ to Meetings. Gordon Slaymaker majority have respect. communication is inseparable Geoff Naylor from fundraising tends to confirm Lancaster Meeting, Lancashire 21 Birch Close, Colden Common, this misperception. Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1XE If we obscure the fact that we Pinpointing Friends believe the convictions that inspire In the map of the site of the Truthful, honest and open some of us to take energetic, even Peterloo massacre (26 July) the I have been subject to several law-breaking, action to be God- position of the Quaker Meeting organisational changes, and have given, we sell Quakerism short, house is wrongly marked. led some as well. and we should not be afraid to The Meeting house of 1819 The most successful ones are assert our beliefs through fear was on the site of the current those that are truthful, honest and of ‘offending’ those who do not Meeting house in Mount Street, in open with colleagues, and take understand or share the religious the rectangle shown on the map a circumspect approach. Fully element of our Quaker identity. immediately below Dickenson consult. No daft language about Barbara Pensom Street. The site the Friend being ‘bold’ and so on (19 July). Charlbury Meeting, Oxfordshire highlighted was the new Quaker Take some time to make the school, opened in 1819 either just decision, but once made, act Conflict and communication before or just after the massacre. quickly. We have seen much in the Friend The ten foot high wall which Michael Richardson recently regarding conflict in our fugitives from the attack [email protected] Meetings. We even have a record clambered over to reach the of it in Quaker faith & practice Meeting house still surrounds Religious element 10.22 by Joan Fitch from 1980. what was then known as ‘Quakers I was concerned to read, in the Conflict, as such, is not the Yard’. It is the only surviving news section of the Friend (19 issue. We are, after all, humans. structure on the site of the July), that our recording clerk had It is normal. What is not normal massacre. spoken, in relation to proposed is the avoidance of addressing it, David Boulton staff redundancies, of ‘[the need] particularly in a spiritual body Kendal & Sedbergh Area Meeting

the Friend 2 August 2019 7 Restructuring BYM is a tricky operation, but Caroline Nursey managed Oxfam’s humanitarian response in Darfur. The clerk of trustees talks to Joseph Jones

‘It’s going to be an evolution, but we do need to get on with it.’

You’ve been clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) explain why that was an issue for me. I felt very isolated. trustees for six months now. How are you finding it? So I went running along to Quakers and found it hugely I’m really enjoying it. If you’re chairing or clerking supportive. Three years after that I was accepted into something, the biggest pressure is always: ‘What is membership. More or less straight after that I went to the CEO, or, in this case, the recording clerk, like?’ I Tanzania, so there was a period when I wasn’t in regular have chaired things in the past where there were issues worship, but it did feel right to make that commitment around that but it’s an absolute pleasure working with and sort myself out before I went. Paul [Parker]. He’s so capable and visionary. So my role is to offer support, to try and make sure he doesn’t do At what point did you start getting involved in clerking too much… and sometimes to, you know, suggest that and committees? It never seems to take very long… something might be done a bit differently, or challenge After six years in Africa I returned to Walthamstow on certain points. I think it’s such a strong management and almost immediately was asked to be assistant clerk, group overall, and the trustees are a really interesting then two months later to be clerk – you know how these and vibrant group of people too – with different things go! Then I went to my first ever Yearly Meeting perspectives, from different parts of the country, but a lot in 1994 – the year they were accepting the new Book of people who are willing to put in the time, and are very of Discipline – and it was so exciting. I was just blown conscientious. over by the process and filled in one of those yellow I’m enjoying being part of Meeting for Sufferings again [nominations] forms. I was in my very early thirties too, because, of course, one of my tasks is to report there. then and Friends are always very keen to get younger It’s a good way of explaining to people what we’re doing people so I was immediately approached to go on to QPS but also getting their feedback and a sense of what the [Quaker Peace and Service] Central Committee, then I wider Society is wanting. think about a year later I was asked to clerk.

Where did your Quaker journey start? So, is it a process you enjoy? I was brought up in the Church of England but I got I love clerking! I really love that process. There was one to that usual teenage point of thinking: ‘How can there time when I was clerking QPS and there was a difficult be a God when there are so many hurtful things in the minute to put together. The other members had gone world?’ My mother became a Quaker when I was in my for coffee and I thought: ‘How can I do this?’ Then I teens but I wasn’t going to do what she was doing! It did remember one of the old hands saying ‘trust the process’ mean, though, that I knew about Friends. Later, when and it’s absolutely true. If one can put aside the ego and I was a very young teacher, the school I was at wanted just go with the process, I find it comes, and I really, to celebrate the sinking of the Belgrano. I struggled to really enjoy the task of trying to make it clear to the

8 the Friend 2 August 2019 gathered Meeting what it is they have to do, and holding Standing Committee and chaired the NGO forum. The them to it. You know, if it’s a tough decision, no one likes engagement was absolutely full-on. But I used to worship making it, and I think the clerk can help to keep the at someone’s house – there was an American Quaker Meeting focused. I love the way it comes together and working for another agency and it was hugely valuable. you can see the way forward – which is not what any individual had in mind when they walked into the room Are there many similarities between administering – and then recording what’s there. I think it’s magical… secular charities and Quaker bodies? I know that well, spiritual! you’ve talked to MPs about the issues of safeguarding in the aid sector and that’s something Friends are Have you found many differences between working in thinking about too. Local Meetings and clerking national committees? I think safeguarding is extraordinarily difficult. I think It’s exactly the same. Of course, you have to be very abuse happens in all sectors but it can be particularly conscious that, at a national level, you’re working with difficult for charities, whether that’s a secular one or a people who have significant experience. But otherwise it’s church. I think some of us were slow to realise that… exactly the same: you have to prepare and make it as easy that bad things can happen. That good people can do as possible for people to come to a decision. bad things. However much we want to think, at Local Meeting, that we’re all good people, we have to be aware Can we step back a bit? You’re the executive director that anyone, including those who are holding responsible of BBC Media Action, which works to promote good roles, could be a potential abuser. We have to put in place communications in developing countries. You went systems to keep children and vulnerable adults safe. It’s a there from Oxfam and VSO. Where does your concern very difficult thing to do, and we’re never going to stop for Africa in particular originate? it entirely – it’s impossible – but we can put processes I think I’ve always been fascinated by Africa. I can vividly in place that make it less likely to happen. We’re going remember the Biafran war, and a poster of a Biafran to have to do more as Quakers. And as Britain Yearly child on the church door. Meeting trustees we’re going to have to find better ways I had a conversation with of helping Meetings protect their children. u ‘I love clerking! my parents just asking: If one can put ‘How can this be?’ That was formative. aside the ego and Then, just being there just go with the in the middle of rural Tanzania, that was very process I find it meaningful. In my roles comes.’ since it’s been very much a case of rushing around in a Land Rover, or sitting at a computer. So, it’s a bit of a caricature I suppose but I always go back to that close engagement with people and community. That experience was wonderful, and changing.

Did they feel faith-led, these concerns? I suppose it’s always difficult to say what comes first: the faith then the witness, or the concern that faith reinforces. But I certainly think my Quakerism sustains me in that work. Going to Meeting for Worship, sitting there, it helps keep things in proportion. I couldn’t worship in Tanzania but in Ghana I went to Hill House Meeting. Often there were only two of us – perhaps half a dozen – but that was a very pleasurable thing over those three years. More recently, in Sudan, I was having a very pressurised time with Oxfam. We had a big programme in Darfur and we had staff killed while I was there. It was very political – we had prime ministers and foreign secretaries through all the time, and I was on the UN

the Friend 2 August 2019 9 The other obvious similarity is the issue of support is important is because it can help people navigate fundraising… our national structures. For Friends who aren’t involved Whatever organisation you’re in, one of your primary in national work, it becomes the route by which they’re responsibilities is to ensure that money is used connected to the wider Society. responsibly. BYM is unusual in that it does have significant reserves, but that’s also misleading because a What I hear there is that one of the problems that needs lot of that is in buildings. We don’t want to have to sell to be solved is the dissociation between Friends on the Friends House. We don’t want to lose the opportunities bench and Friends House. given to us by previous generations of Friends, who made Yes. But also everything being too complicated. There are some very sound and Spirit-led financial decisions. But I too many committees, and a lot of them are too big. We think trustees can clearly see that if we just carry on as we need to look at what governance is required, and how we are doing, we’ll run into trouble in seven or eight years’ deliver that appropriately, so that valuable staff time is not time. We are spending more than our income. Now, that’s taken up by serving committees. Also, we don’t want to OK, we can do that for a few years, but we need to find take committee members away from their Local Meeting. better ways of bringing income in. We need to make sure we are spending our money on things that match our How developed is the planning? Do you have a vision in priorities. That’s what’s behind the recent restructuring, your head of what it all looks like, yet? where we’re bringing communications and fundraising Not exactly. And I don’t think it’ll look the same together [see ‘News’ 19 July]. We’re investing in fundraising everywhere. It’s not going to be a cookie-cutter solution. and looking to create a team that we think will be more Every Area Meeting is different. Some are wealthier, and I effective in helping Friends to understand the work, as know some are keen to support others. But where exactly well as their responsibility to finance it. And when we anyone will work, or what their brief will be, that’s all to look at change, we’ve got to do that in the next five or six be worked through by management and trustees – but years because, after that, we won’t have the money to do it. also by Friends in their Local and Area Meetings. We’re very keen to hear ideas of how it could be done. It’s going There are different restructuring processes underway, to be an evolution, but we do need to get on with it. aren’t there? There’s one that’s looking at being a simpler church, but there’s another that’s about I think readers of the Friend have good things to say supporting Meetings more locally. Inevitably, these about Vibrancy workers, and localisation. But there things overlap. But our sense of the last Meeting for are two concerns I’ve heard. One is a worry that Sufferings was that, yes, it wanted to see movement on we’re moving from the priesthood of all believers to this, but movement with caution. So, it was something something more like a clergy model… of a surprise when it was announced the following week I think that’s a total misunderstanding of what’s that jobs would be ‘deleted’ (which I know some Friends being proposed. These are not ministers. They’re not thought was an unfortunate phrase). hierarchical leaders in any way. These are people to be Restructuring communications and fundraising isn’t used… to work with role-holders and others. To make intrinsically linked to the project to support Friends more things happen. And, you know, we’ve had paid workers locally, except insofar as we think it will help to bring in for hundreds of years. more income. More income will help with that process, and means we might not have to cut other stuff as much. The other worry, following a Yearly Meeting in which So it’s not directly involved but it is linked. we were encouraged to think differently about how we operate, is that we’re going to find another way to Of course, the value of a restructure is separate to support things as they already stand. whether any restructuring is handled well… I don’t think so. A good worker will be able to help grow Yes and, frankly, the recording clerk knows it hasn’t been green shoots. Help Meetings to change. A resource to help handled as well as it should have been. He’s written to Meetings make shifts to being more open, or more simple. staff to say so. One of Paul’s strengths is that he’s able But also link them up to resources that will still be central. to sit back and say: ‘Didn’t get that right, and next time we need to do it differently.’ I think that’s a great sign of We’re meeting on the day that Boris Johnson becomes leadership. Having been through a few restructures in my prime minister. Friends will have different politics, but time I would say that’s it’s extraordinarily difficult to get there is a feeling of pessimism about where we are. I it right. Who you speak to at what point – and whether sense, though, that you’re an optimist. What hopes do they’re going to go and speak to other people – it is just you have for the Society and the wider world? really, really difficult. But I agree with Paul that it hasn’t I am an optimist. That’s why I think the restructuring is happened the way we wanted it to, and the management important. We’re going to make it possible for the Society group has definitely learned some things. to grow, be stronger, and witness to the wider world. The world is facing more challenges than it has since the 1930s What are the other big challenges as we try to become a and we need to be able to speak to it. n simpler church that gives support more locally? I do want to say that one of the reasons I think local Joseph is editor of the Friend.

10 the Friend 2 August 2019 wo things came together recently. The first was watching Simon Reeve’s Thought for the week: TV series about Russia, in particular the moments he spent watching the Alison Leonard has some melting of Siberian permafrost. ‘When that goes,’ he said, ‘the land gives up cold comfort its stores of methane. Methane is a far worse climate-changer than carbon. The results will be catastrophic.’ The second was watching a huddle of Extinction Rebellion activists sheltering from ‘I’ve made a list of ten Ttorrential rain in Manchester. Their drums were still drumming, their cymbals still clashing, their voices still shouting against the thundering torrent: ‘What do we things to do, right want? Climate action! When do we want it? Now!’ A third key moment came later: the memory of now.’ protesting at Greenham Common in the 1980s, standing at the air base fence, shouting out our songs to distract police attention from other women’s wire-cutting action farther along. I and another woman found ourselves face to face with the flaring nostrils of police horses, and moments later, we stood, breathless, weeping, far away from the whole demonstration. Instinctively, we had fled from the action we had come to fulfil. I’m absolutely with the activists of Extinction Rebellion, and support them in every way I can. But I find that I can’t join them in their street actions. That’s mainly for practical reasons: a seventy-five-year-old bladder and a tendency to claustrophobia. When there’s an emergency, it’s important not to become a victim of the action you’re there to support. So, how can I help? I’ve made a list of ten things to do, right now. My numbers one to nine are meditative (‘Deepen the quiet inner space’) or practical (‘Look at each meal and each journey for its climate impact’). My number ten combines both: ‘Watch out for openings.’ I’m especially watching out for ways of confronting the pig-headedness of our Brexit-soaked society and persuading it to turn, in every possible way, towards decarbonising our economy. I’ve also found a number eleven: I’m reconnecting to the work of Joanna Macy, who inspired me in the 1980s and who, in her old age, is still at work today. She helps me to accept the grief that I feel about the possible end of human life on this planet. ‘That grief,’ she says, ‘if you are afraid of it and pave it over… it shuts you down… Our difficulty in looking at what we’re doing to our world stems not from callous indifference or ignorance, so much as it stems from fear of pain… [But] when we look at it, when we take it in our hands, just be with it and keep breathing, then it turns. It turns to reveal its other face. The other face of our pain for the world is our love for the world, our absolutely inseparable connectedness with all life.’ I can’t persuade Vladimir Putin to stop the thawing of Siberian permafrost. I may not be able to get the UK government to reverse its decision to expand Heathrow. But I can make connections, and give support, and listen to inspirational voices like Joanna Macy’s. And I can travel deep inside myself in Meeting for Worship, and connect with others doing the same. I’ll see you there, Friend. n

Photo: Boris Radosavljevic / Wikimedia Commons. / Radosavljevic Photo: Boris Alison is from Brighouse West Yorkshire Area Meeting.

the Friend 2 August 2019 11 atthew’s gospel sets out to show how the risen Christ is Present company: Janet present in and with the church (though the word ekklesia is Scott reads from the better translated as ‘assembly’, or indeed ‘Meeting’). We see gospel of Matthew this at the beginning and end of the gospel. In 1:23 Matthew quotes from Isaiah, ‘they shall call his name Emmanuel’ which is translated ‘God with us’. And the final verse, ‘Where two or three are M28:20, says, ‘and see, I am with you all the days until the fulfilment of the age’. How Christ is present is addressed in chapter eighteen, gathered together in my which deals with the life of the community. It includes the verse that promises Christ’s presence in any gathered name, there am I in the meeting, however small. It is customary to take this verse as being about worship. Friends also have thought midst.’ (Matthew 18:20) this way. During Yearly Meeting in 1916 a picture, now called The Presence in the Midst, by J Doyle Penrose, was exhibited and attracted much attention. In the Friend of 15 December that year, Doyle Penrose explained that he had ‘the idea of showing… the wonderful power and confidence of those who had worshipped there… [and] that this was the secret of their power, the close and intimate connection between Christ… and the soul of [the] humble follower’. He wanted to convey ‘the great truth of the spiritual Presence of Christ with all who sincerely worship… and the privilege of coming into direct contact… without any human intervention’ The picture (left) shows Christ standing on the elders’ bench (spiritual discipline), at the level of the ministers (teaching) and with his hands raised in blessing. His position indicates his work in the Meeting. If we look carefully at the chapter, however, we see that Matthew has more than worship on his mind. This verse is the climax of a section on the nature of the community, one where children are welcome as signs of Christ’s presence, where the lost are looked for as a shepherd searches for a stray sheep, and where conflicts are resolved. Those who cannot live up to this standard are to be treated as gentiles and tax collectors. That is, they are again part of the mission field, those who need to be taught the good news and convinced in their hearts. The chapter concludes with teaching, including a parable, about forgiveness within the community, which is to be unlimited. In this sort of community, humble, loving and forgiving, there is the authority to make decisions. Verses 18-19 envisage a two-layer universe of heaven and earth, closely connected, with the power to decide given to earth, to the meeting in which Christ is present. This, I suggest, lies behind the term ‘gospel-order’ that George Fox used to describe our Meetings for Church Affairs. To read the chapter this way raises interesting questions. photo (by John Hall) of a print John photo (by Does it imply that ‘heaven’ is more interested in the life of the Meeting and the way it reaches decisions than in the actual decision reached? And does this help to explain why different Meetings and different churches can prayerfully come to different conclusions on the same matters? n Image: Detail from ‘The Presence in the Midst’ at Beccles Meeting House / flickr CC. Meeting House / flickr in the Midst’ at Beccles Presence ‘The Janet is from Cambridge Jesus Lane Meeting.

12 the Friend 2 August 2019 was very grateful when several readers of the Friend contacted me after I had written asking Take two: Andrew for insights from those who, like me, had been Anglicans before becoming Quakers. I used them Norman on friends in to contribute to a Festival of Prayer in Cardiff earlier last month. The event began with the other places Eucharist. My contribution was later in the day so I was able to first enjoy one workshop on Queer spirituality and another on Islamic ways of prayer. Both took the form of small groups, in which we listened carefully and ‘It made me reflect on Ishared intuitions honestly; it felt very Quakerly. My own workshop took the form of an hour’s Meeting for Worship. First I led a group of fifteen people in some simple the different ways this ‘centring down’ exercises. Then I read, between periods of silence, quotes from Quaker faith & practice (Qf&p). After journey is navigated.’ this we entered into worship, with ministry offered in the usual way. It emerged that others present were also both Anglicans and Quakers. I sensed that natural homecoming we have found as Friends – yet which often cannot be separated from a connectedness to all that has formed and nurtured us as Anglicans. It made me reflect on the different ways this journey is navigated. Some of us joyfully surrender our Anglican past and identify with Caroline Stephen, who recalled: ‘On one never-to-be-forgotten Sunday morning, I found myself one of a small company of silent worshippers who were content to sit down together without words’ (Qf&p 2.02). But others attend Meeting most Sundays while returning to an Anglican church for the Eucharist at Easter. A Meeting for Clearness soon after becoming a member assured me that dual Anglican and Quaker membership was right for me. Both now shape my faith and practice. Still centred in the regular sacramental celebration of the Eucharist, I now value the gathered silence in Meeting for Worship as a different form of the same celebration. I say the creed while accepting that it expresses ‘thought on matters that will always be beyond any final embodiment in human language’; that creeds may ‘fetter the search for truth and its more adequate expression’ and ‘set up a fence which tends to keep out… many… who would gladly enter’ (Qf&p 27.23). My prayer now is in recognising the invitation to listen deeply. In practice, this means I expect always to have a foot in both camps, though the testimony to integrity restores me when I wonder about the wisdom of that. Faith in God continues to speak into my questioning of nontheism – while the whole structure of imagery about God is itself challenged. Celebrating this year a fortieth anniversary of ordination as a priest, the testimony of equality frees me from thinking of that role as being an intermediary, yet also allows particular callings within our spiritual communities. I do wonder about the future. Where is the Society of Friends going? Will there still be a Local Meeting for me to be part of? What happens when the elderly members of my church are no more? Will younger people become less busy, or more spiritual? Or will there only be big ‘happy- clappy’ churches in town? (Though that’s not a term I like to use – it feels pejorative.) And please never let me be called a Quanglican! It feels enough for the future to be inclusive. n

Andrew is from Surrey Hampshire Border Area Meeting. Photo: Robert Koorenny / Unsplash. Koorenny Photo: Robert

the Friend 2 August 2019 13 Poem: Looking for cows

Dana Littlepage Smith

After Meister Eckhart

We went looking for God the way one looks for a cow: expecting warm flanks, soft cheese while all the universe ran away from us, its rivers of milk lit a way for us but we were too busy looking for cows, in dark byres. We kept our eyes down, burrowed toward cow pats while all the world stayed awake for us— But we were looking for meat we could skewer in our little fires. The spheres of delight were already disappearing singing in flames — for us. But we were busy we thought, we had something better to do—looking for cows—

Dana is from Exter Meeting.

14 the Friend 2 August 2019 Photo: Daniel Leone / Unsplash. Photo: Daniel Leone hat is of special interest to Friends in this story, so well told by Tim Appeasing Hitler: Bouverie, is the strong inclination to pacifism which existed in Chamberlain, Churchill Britain between the wars, and the huge efforts of Neville and the road to war, Chamberlain to preserve peace. Bouverie writes: ‘The campaign by Tim Bouverie against the arms manufacturers was continued by the Left [in the decade after world war one]. The Liberals were wholly committed Wto disarmament; while the Labour leader, the Christian Socialist George Lansbury, wanted to disband the Army, dismiss the Air Force and dare the world to “Do Your Worst”.’ Review by Reg Naulty The politicians of the day were well aware of the sympathy for pacifism, and took it into account in their campaigning. The spirit of pacifism possessed the educated, moneyed class to such an extent that, when the threat of war became real towards the end of the 1930s, there was a procession of amateur diplomats to see Adolf Hitler in the cause of peace, including: Philip Kerr, Arnold Toynbee, Nancy and Waldorf Astor, the chair of The Economist, and others. Moreover, Chamberlain was in some respects a model Quaker. He not only wanted to forestall a war with Germany, he wanted to avoid war for all time. For a Conservative, he did a surprising amount to help the poor. In fact, he laid the foundations for what became the welfare state after the war. And whereas some of his colleagues regarded Hitler as an evil being with whom no compromise should be attempted, Chamberlain thought differently: ‘The dictators are too often regarded as though they were entirely inhuman. I believe this to be entirely erroneous.’ Although Hitler did display casual ruthlessness in conversations with British leaders, his behaviour showed very human traits. The book describes how he suffered a bad attack of nerves before he over-ran Czechoslovakia, and the tension before he invaded Poland seems to have brought on a full-scale breakdown. So, I believe Chamberlain was right to try to reach his human side. But Chamberlain had some attitudes which hampered him. He treated the Labour Party badly, regarded the US with frigid disdain, held the League of Nations in contempt, and put too much store in his own assessment of people from very different backgrounds. He also liked Benito Mussolini (who considered Chamberlain one of the ‘tired sons of a long line of rich men’). An unexpected feature of the story is the people from the German opposition to Hitler. One was Ewald von Kleist- Schenzin, a Prussian conservative, sent at the behest of the anti- war head of German military intelligence, Wilhelm Canaris, who tried repeatedly to frighten the British government into re-arming. Another was a senior officer from the German General Staff, another was Joachim von Ribbentrop’s chief of staff. The book is full of interesting characters, Edward Wood, nicknamed ‘Holy Fox’ by Winston Churchill, being one of the most memorable. He was a deeply religious man, viceroy of India during one of Mohandas Gandhi’s civil disobedience campaigns, over which they negotiated. The press dubbed them ‘the two mahatmas’. Hitler met him when he was foreign minister, and referred to him as ‘the English parson’. Many wanted Wood to succeed Chamberlain, but he declined. Churchill did not. n

Reg is from Canberra Meeting, Australia.

the Friend 2 August 2019 15 Photo: Daniel Leone / Unsplash. Photo: Daniel Leone A Quaker World Cup Q Eye Friends on Twitter have been voting for their [email protected] favourite Quaker Week posters in the ‘Quaker Poster World Cup’. In June and July, The Hufflepuff Hozier on Quakerism several ‘matches’ saw a hypothesis Hozier – the Irish selection of twenty-four A light-hearted look musician, singer and posters narrowed down at parallels between songwriter – has spoken to four favourites. Quakerism and the about his Quaker Jon Martin, Britain Harry Potter books has childhood. Yearly Meeting’s ministry been penned by Chloe In a segment on the and outreach officer at Scaling, who is currently Scandinavian talk show the time, told Eye: ‘We doing an internship in Skavlan, which can be wanted to celebrate all the recording clerk’s viewed at http://bit.ly/ these great posters we’d office at Friends House, HozierSkavlan, Andrew made over the years and London. Hozier-Byrne, known do something a bit fun In a blog post that professionally as Hozier, with them… covers quotes, characters spoke about being raised ‘While Quakers don’t and houses – which in a Quaker Meeting. normally make decisions can be found at http:// He described his ‘great via voting we were happy bit.ly/QuakerHufflepuff admiration’ for Meeting as there was lots of – Chloe argues that for Worship, though said discernment into making Hufflepuff might be that ‘as an adult I would the posters originally and a natural home for appreciate it a bit more’. it provided a good way Quakers: ‘When Helga He reflected on what to get people involved… Hufflepuff founded a he carried with him When we realised it Hogwarts house, she from his experience: would coincide with went against the other ‘The central thing I was the women’s football founders… by creating taught, definitely, was World Cup we came a space where all are trying to look for the up with the idea of welcome. Similarly, when God in each person… #QuakerPosterWorldCup.’ Quakerism emerged, you’re trying to look for Nearly 6,000 votes it was on the basis the spark of the divine were cast and four that all human beings in every individual, the winners (right) were could experience a hope being that you announced last week. Jon direct connection with would treat everybody told Eye: ‘We appreciate the divine… To be a as if, when you look into not everyone is on social Hufflepuff you don’t another individual, you media, but different have to be a pureblood look into the mind and media reaches different wizard, you don’t have to face of God.’ people… we’ve found be able to answer riddles Hozier’s debut EP in this is a great way to get and you don’t have to 2013, Take me to church, the conversation started!’ have great ambition. To was a blues-gospel pop He explained: ‘Quaker be a Quaker, you don’t song. He’s gone on Meetings will receive one have to say or believe in to release a platinum new landscape poster a set creed, be from a album and is about to and the four reprinted particular background begin a world tour with posters… The theme this or social class, or know his second. year is “Quaker Stories” a lot about theology and His songs have and we’re encouraging religion.’ featured subjects Friends to share their A poll on the Quakers such as: same sex story, their Meeting’s, in Britain Twitter feed relationships, domestic their favourite Quaker seems to support this, violence, protest and stories and also listen with forty-one per cent activism, sea level rise to the stories others can identifying as Hufflepuff. and refugee crises. bring.’

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Friends&Meetings Deaths Memorial meetings

Muriel ACOMB 23 July. Member of Emily DALE Memorial Meeting Acomb Meeting, York. Aged 90. to remember and give thanks for Funeral at York Crematorium for Emily’s life: 3pm Saturday close friends at 10.40am Tuesday 6 7 September at Central Manchester August. Memorial Meeting to be FMH, 6 Mount Street, M3 5NS. held at a later date. Enquiries: Followed by informal music making Debbie Wood 01904 738703. and buffet. Enquiries: Jonathan, 0161 876 5006, Changes to meeting [email protected] Dorothy GRAHAM A Memorial EPPING MEETING HOUSE Meeting celebrating Dorothy’s life is closed for works throughout will be held at Canterbury FMH at August 2019. Meeting for Worship 12 noon on Saturday 31 August, at other local Meetings. Please see followed by refreshments. RSVP www.eppingquakers.org for details and enquiries: colinanddorothy@ and confirmation of MfW mcgraham.plus.com resumption or call 07553 543833. Meeting up HOLYHEAD MEETING We now meet at The Oratory, St Mary's Church, Longford Road, Holyhead, SHARE A GOOD LIFE! Happy, Anglesey LL65 1UT. Second and caring, intelligent female Friend, fourth Sundays from 10.30-11.30am. open to new experiences, wltm Visitors always welcome. Enquiries gentle, passionate man, 55-65, who (clerk): angelabardsleyburton@ loves city and country. South West hotmail.com England or Stoke Newington? My likes: walking, swimming, creativity, gardening. Replies please to Box 996 c/o The Friend Ad Dept, 54a Main St, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL. Trustee Vacancies Diary DOLOBRAN LATE SUMMER Bernhard Baron Cottage Homes GATHERING Sunday 1 September. Bring picnic to eat from 1pm. Meeting Bernhard Baron Cottage Homes (BBCH), established in 1945 to for Worship 2.30pm, followed by provide care and support to older people, is a vibrant residential tea provided by Dolobran and community. We offer residential care services in cottages and in Montgomery Friends. All welcome. our main building in Polegate, near Eastbourne. Details/directions: Simon and Sophie 01938 500746, email: We employ over 70 staff and about 20 volunteers and hold chari- [email protected] ty status. BBCH is run by a board of up to 12 Trustees, all of whom are Quakers. Our Quaker faith influences all of our decision-making and, although our staff are not Quakers, our Quaker Quaker Lesbian ethos permeates all aspects of life at the Homes. Group We are seeking additional Trustees to support BBCH in our (QLG) strategic direction and our aim to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating with the Care Quality Commission. You will need to be available AUTUMN for 4 Trustee meetings a year plus one strategy day and any GATHERING committee work you might be interested in. Northfield Meeting House Please email Sue Hallett: [email protected] for more 11-13 October information or if you would like to visit the Homes. THEME: EQUALITY Bursaries available Our website is at: www.bbch.co.uk [email protected]

the Friend 2 August 2019 17 2 Aug 29/7/19 16:05 Page 8

Classified advertisements George Penaluna, Ad Manager, The Friend, 54a Main Street, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL T: 01535 630230 E: [email protected] MID-WALES, DOLOBRAN Meeting House where to stay cottage. Simple, rural, secret, heavenly wanted to rent retreat. Sleeps 3. Donations. sandsmeade GUESTHOUSES, HOTELS, B&BS @btinternet.com, 01938 500746, SEEKING TWO/THREE BEDROOM www.dolobran.llanhub.uk house/apartment anywhere in London CAUTLEY, SEDBERGH, 1652 COUNTRY asap. Three clean, conscientious, non- Cross Keys Temperance Inn (formerly ROOKHOW QUAKER BUNKBARN, smoking adults in their early thirties home of early Quaker Gervase Benson). (product manager, audio engineer and Quality en-suite B&B £42.50pppn. Rusland, Lake District. Sleeps 16. £250 per night. www.rookhowcentre.co.uk tech consultant working in the charity Evening meals available. Friendly Quaker sector), two relocating from Kendal. hosts. 015396 20284. [email protected] Can Friends help? Please contact Daniel: www.cautleyspout.co.uk SWALEDALE, YORKSHIRE. Superb 07895 901007 or email https://youtu.be/Vr5jCm2C0Kc selection of gorgeous cottages amid [email protected] stunning scenery. Details, photos, virtual GLASGOW FRIENDS B&B. £25pppn. tours. www.catholecottages.com Proceeds for Meeting House funds. Contact: 01748 886366. courses & events 01505 842380. [email protected] WEST CORNWALL. Peaceful Cottage and Studio on smallholding. Sea views. THE DELL HOUSE, MALVERN. Relaxing Dogs welcome. 01736 762491. WORKING TOGETHER FOR CHANGE B&B for individuals, couples and groups www.lowerbalwest.co.uk (up to twenty). Vegetarian options. Perfect The annual residential conference of the for walking, historic houses, gardens. Life-Style Movement will be held at www.thedellhouse.co.uk / 01684 564448. RETREATS Minster Abbey, near Ramsgate, Kent. 16–18 August. YOUR FRIENDLY BIRMINGHAM STAY CLARIDGE HOUSE, LINGFIELD, SURREY Talks, discussions and free time. For business or leisure Woodbrooke is a Wide range of retreats and courses. Cost £120. great place to stay. Explore or relax, the Vegetarian food, wooded gardens, ethical Contact [email protected] choice is yours. Near Bournville/public produce, unique intimate and supportive transport. Historical library, beautiful atmosphere. Massage, Reiki and gardens, delicious meals. Great value. Reflexology available. Full board from Book at www.woodbrooke.org.uk or £115pppn, including all meals/ miscellaneous 0121 472 5171. refreshments. 01342 832150. www.claridgehousequaker.org.uk COTTAGES & SELF-CATERING ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT & PERSONAL RETREATS, FRANCE. Make CONSULTANCY space to reflect and be still. Beautiful old A WARM PEMBROKESHIRE WELCOME farmhouse in rural Auvergne offers Bookkeeping, Wardening Cover, Lettings, awaits you in 2 cosy well equipped supportive, nurturing environment for Outreach & Project Management for cottages each sleeps 4. Woodburners, individual retreats. Simple daily rhythm: Quaker Meetings & small businesses. sea views, coastal path 2 miles. 01348 meditation; silence; contemplative/artistic Wendrie Heywood 891286. [email protected] activities. Walking. Organic vegetarian www.stonescottages.co.uk food. www.retreathouseauvergne.com 07881 220829 [email protected] www.mindfulbusinessservices.com CORNWALL, 14TH CENTURY COTTAGE OVERSEAS HOLIDAYS overlooking sea. £200-£240pw. Short breaks. Email [email protected] INNER LIGHT BOOKS or see: https://oldcottage.wordpress.com WONDERFUL BURGUNDIAN HOUSE Editions concerning traditional 17th century stone house sleeps 10. Quaker Faith & Practice Quiet village, forest and wildlife, lovely COTSWOLDS. Spacious barn conversion walled garden. Child friendly. 07870 For a list of publications or for more in Charlbury near Woodstock. Sleeps 2+. 192599. www.maisonlespommiers.com information on particular titles visit Woodburner. Lovely walking. 01608 811558. [email protected]. www.innerlightbooks.com www.cotswoldsbarn.com Avertising? Ask for our Media Pack. or write: Editor, Inner Light Books 54 Lapidge Street San Francisco CA 94110, USA Reading Quakers need a new PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY RESIDENT WARDEN &TAXATION SERVICE Friendly service countrywide. To manage our busy, community-orientated Meeting House in Reading Self-assessment & small businesses. town centre, and be part of the life of our Meeting. Richard Platt, Grainger & Platt You’ll make sure the Meeting House runs smoothly and manage bookings and Chartered Certified Accountants invoices. You'll live nearby in a 3-bedroom house with a small garden, under a 3 Fisher Street, Carlisle CA3 8RR service occupancy. Telephone 01228 521286 The salary is £7,688 per year, after deduction of the accommodation charge, for [email protected] 18 hours of work per week spread over six days. We offer 34 working days paid www.grainger-platt.co.uk annual leave and a contributory pension. For full details or if you'd like to discuss the position before applying, email [email protected] QUAKER MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES and other bespoke calligraphy. Liz Barrow Starting date: 1 October. Applications close: 7 August. Interviews: Friday 16 or 01223 369776, [email protected] Saturday 17 August in Reading. www.midthamesquakers.org.uk/reading-quakers www.lizbarrow.co.uk

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Britain Yearly Meeting Fundraising Manager Salary: £40,900 if based in London, £34,765 if based outside London. Location: Euston, London (or elsewhere subject to discussion). Contract: Permanent, 5 days per week. About the role: The Quakers have recently adopted a new and very exciting fundraising strategy and to support this we need to expand and professionalise our fundraising capacity. We are now looking for an experienced fundraiser who relishes the challenge of setting up a new fundraising team and introducing best practice into the organisation. About you: • You will be ambitious with a flexible approach to work and be excited by the opportunity to shape the future of fundraising at the Quakers • You will have demonstrable experience in fundraising roles, across a number of disciplines, especially trusts and individual giving which has given you a good understanding of fundraising regulations and best practice • You will also have a sound understanding of what motivates individual and organisational donors to support faith-based charities • Previous experience of managing staff, including line managing another fundraiser is essential • Of course, you will also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills demonstrating the ability to work collaboratively with a range of different stakeholders including volunteers • It’s essential that you have sympathy with the Quaker values. About us: Quakers are committed to working for equality and for a sustainable and peaceful 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 are committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk and expect all our staff and volunteers to share and uphold this commitment. Quakers have a faith commitment to equality and encourage and welcome applications for posts from all sections of society. You do not have to be a Quaker to apply for this post, but we expect you to uphold the values of our organisation. What we can offer you: You can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, a season ticket loan, and flexibility that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance. Further information For more details of this exciting role and information about how to apply, please download our candidate application pack which is available on the Action Planning website at https://actionplanning.co.uk/jobs-board The closing date for applications is 9am Tuesday 13 August 2019. Britain Yearly Meeting is committed to equality in all its employment practices. Reg. charity 1127633.

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ADVERTISEMENT DEPT EDITORIAL 177 54a Main Street, Cononley 173 Euston Road

Keighley BD20 8LL London NW1 2BJ N T 01535 630230 T 020 7663 1010 31 E [email protected] theFriend E [email protected] Quakers Sharing Experience Friends Historical Society The Quaker Week theme this year (27 Sept – 5 Oct) is Hodgett Grants 2019 Quaker Stories, and that is exactly what this half-day workshop is about: sharing, Call for applications listening and knowing one another in the things that are eternal. Friends Historical Society (FHS) Hodgett Grants, up to a maximum Available to Meetings everywhere. of £500, are offered to help both individual historians and groups, www.quakerssharingexperience.com whether academic or non-academic, with their expenses in [email protected] researching Quaker history, or in attending and delivering a paper at a conference or similar event. Up to four grants may be awarded for 2019. They may be used to supplement funding A QUAKER BASE IN from other sources. CENTRAL LONDON Applications are welcome from all researchers of Quaker history; Central, quiet location, there is no requirement to be a member of FHS, or a member or convenient for Friends House, British Museum and transport. attender of the Religious Society of Friends. Comfortable rooms tastefully furnished, many en-suite. For further details and to request an information sheet, email Full English breakfast. [email protected] or send a stamped self-addressed Discount for Sufferings and envelope marked ‘FHS Hodgett Grants’ to: Club members. 21 Bedford Place Friends Historical Society, c/o The Library, Friends House, London WC1B 5JJ 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ. Tel. 020 7636 4718 [email protected] The closing date for completed applications is 31 August 2019. The Penn Club www.pennclub.co.uk