16 January 2009 £1.70 the DISCOVER THE CONTEMPORARYFriend QUAKER WAY

Our work abroad Theist and nontheist The heartache of change Language needs care

Encounter with art Shaming? Bolton’s outreach Does it work? the Friend INDEPENDENT QUAKER JOURNALISM SINCE 1843

CONTENTS VOL 167 NO 3 3-5 News 3 Child soldiers campaigners look to 2009 4 Junior Yearly Meeting in print 5 European Quakers seek way forward on climate change 6 What is a Local Ecumenical Partnership? Michael Langford 7 Comment Jackie Fowler and Barbara Forbes 8-9 Letters 10-11 Is this really what you meant to happen? Judith Baker 12-13 Arts 12 Quaker art work project Nick Tyldesley 13 When astronomers and poets meet… Bob Ward Two ways towards truth Fred Watson 14 ‘Gently move’ John Lampen and David Boulton 15 Originality and religion Michael Oppenheim 16 q-eye: a wry look at the Quaker world Cover image: The new art work at Bolton Local Meeting. Photo: Nick Tydlesley. See 17 Friends & Meetings page 12.

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2 the Friend, 16 January 2009 News Child soldiers campaigners look to 2009 Campaigners against child soldiers Soldiers Coalition. consideration of the government’s are beginning the year with a push Ralf Willinger of child rights education proposals. to end their use. organisation Terre des Hommes Michael Bartlet, parliamentary The Coalition to Stop the Use of said: ‘We want the international liaison secretary for Britain Yearly Child Soldiers is aiming to collect community and the public to look Meeting, called on Quakers to a million ‘red hands’ to present to at the topic and realise… we have a ask their MPs to sign the EDM, the United Nations on 12 February, good protocol [treaty] but it has to which currently has only thirteen while in Britain Quakers are be enforced’. signatures. ‘Although sixteen- backing a drive to prevent under- Meanwhile, Early Day Motion year-olds cannot generally have eighteens being recruited into the (EDM) 50 in the UK Parliament is contracts enforced against them, armed forces. calling for the military recruitment are too young to drive a car, drink The ‘Red Hand Day’ initiative age to rise in line with the school in a pub or marry without their seeks to present statements against leaving age. By 2015, children will parents’ consent, on joining the the use of child soldiers to the UN have to remain in education or army they commit themselves for secretary general Ban Ki Moon on training until eighteen, but can still a period of four years beyond their the anniversary of the international join the armed forces aged sixteen eighteenth birthday’, he said. ‘By treaty on child soldiers coming into (the lowest age in Europe) as they delaying enlistment until the age of force. Those involved, young and are deemed to provide training. eighteen, the UK would conform old, have been encouraged to send The issue of under-eighteen to the spirit of the Convention a message to the UN together with involvement in the military was on the Rights of the Child and its a red print of their hand; the red due to be debated in Parliament Optional Protocol.’ hand is the symbol of the Child on 15 January, as part of a wider Oliver Robertson Quaker peace activist freed early Yorkshire Quaker and peace activist Sylvia Boyes has do these small things’. been released from prison. During her sentence, which included Christmas and Sylvia, who was given a three-month jail sentence new year, Sylvia received ‘a ridiculous amount’ of cards on 18 December 2008 for refusing to carry out a and letters from well-wishers in Britain and abroad. community service order relating to a criminal ‘I always get a lot’, she said. ‘This time there has been damage conviction at RAF Fylingdales, was freed on more’, possibly because of the length of the sentence Monday 12 January. Speaking to the Friend on the or the time of year. However, she encouraged people day of her release, Sylvia was unrepentant about her to be involved in the issues themselves: ‘There’s no actions: ‘My responsibility is my action that I took’, she good them sending cards to me in prison if they’re not said. ‘I don’t do it in order to get sent to prison. I do it doing anything themselves. Not necessarily what I do, to draw awareness to the issues.’ but something.’ During her imprisonment, where she felt the only noticeable difference from previous times in jail was the lack of strip searching, Sylvia was sustained by Friends and her faith. John Cope, clerk of Sylvia’s Guantánamo tour Local Meeting in Keighley, visited her in early January, A national tour by Guantánamo Bay inmates and while other Quakers corresponded with her. Alison a former guard at the notorious detention camp Tyas, assistant clerk of Craven & Keighley Area began in Friends House last Sunday. Meeting, said that she had received a note from Sylvia The tour, by Cageprisoners, features former and that the envelope contained a small origami crane, detainees Moazzam Begg and Sami al Haj a sign of peace. Sylvia explained that she made the together with Christopher Arendt, who worked cranes for something to do, tearing up bits of paper at the facility. The tour began on 11 January, and coloured envelopes for materials: ‘When you’re exactly seven years after the first detainees were being locked in for quite a long time… you do have to transferred to Guantánamo.

the Friend, 16 January 2009 3 News

Junior Yearly Meeting receives recognition Junior Yearly Meeting (JYM) has been featured in a that volunteers acquire, as well as government publication about successful youth-led increased self-awareness and personal projects. The annual gathering of Quakers aged fifteen development. to eighteen, which will take place in 2009 as part of The youth-led approach, explains Yearly Meeting Gathering, was included because of Howard Nurden, extends beyond the way the arrangements committee is made up of JYM. Other Young Quaker events, and nominated by participants themselves. It was one such as link weekends and summer of five case studies highlighted by the National Youth schools, operate in the same way. ‘I Agency and features across four pages, as well as on think it’s something about the ethos the cover of the magazine. of Quakerism that lends itself to ‘We’re dead chuffed with it’, said Howard Nurden, this approach, about people taking head of the Children and Young People’s Section of responsibility for themselves for these Britain Yearly Meeting. ‘I think it’s affirming to the events’, he said. young people who were involved.’ Being featured is an affirmation of the way Quakers As well as detailing what happens at JYM, the article do these events, feels Howard, adding that when he also analyses the outcomes of the Meeting and notes now attends meetings with other youth organisations, the benefits for those involved, particularly the young ‘my head is held a little bit higher’. people involved in the organisation. It highlights Visit http://tinyurl.com/7odox4 to download the the planning, management and facilitation skills magazine for free. Youth book deadline nears The worldwide Quaker Youth Book nine-strong editorial board, said: ‘I However, she continued, so far Project is beginning a final push see it as providing an opportunity she has received no submissions for submissions. for Young Friends to share their at all from British Quakers. ‘If The project, which aims to experiences of Quakerism, to be none of them show up I’ll be a collect the spiritual thoughts and given a chance to speak out about bit embarrassed really and a bit experiences of Young Friends their faith. It’s not just for young sad that British Friends have been across the globe into a single people to read.’ given this chance to be involved anthology, will finish accepting In recent months, Harriet has in an international Quaker project articles, essays, poems and artwork been promoting the Youth Book and in effect turned it down.’ at the end of February. The book Project in various ways: through itself is due to be completed by workshops, email lists, leaflets and Young Friends aged fifteen to spring 2010. in a youth edition of Journeys in the thirty-five may send contributions Harriet Hart, the only British Spirit, the regular publication for to Harriet (harrietdjhart@yahoo. Young Friend on the project’s use in Quaker Children’s Meetings. co.uk).

London Gaza protest: one Quaker’s experience At the end of last Saturday’s protest embassy and there were people through the barrier at the side but march (against the Israeli invasion trying to come back because they they kept shouting at us to move on of Gaza), which had been extremely couldn’t get through. Then the down into the bottleneck. good-natured throughout, we came crowd started to panic and the Somehow the barrier was tipped to the Israeli embassy where the crush got really bad. My friend who over and I handed my friend out police had narrowed the route and is not very tall was being crushed to somebody. In the crush her feet blocked off the side roads. The so that she couldn’t breathe – her weren’t touching the ground. I police didn’t control the crowds ribs were being compressed that knew I could keep her up if I kept coming into the bottleneck; when much. The man next to me saw my footing but it was very hard to we requested to get on the other what was happening and said: ‘I avoid stepping on other people. side of the barrier and leave we am trying to hold them back’. I was It was pretty terrifying. That were told we had to continue down very aware of breathing deeply with was a very very badly marshalled the route of the march. each breath because I didn’t know march. It really was by the grace of We got to within one person when I would get the next one. I God that we got out. of the barrier furthest from the was shouting to the police to let us Name withheld

4 the Friend, 16 January 2009 [email protected] European Quakers seek way forward on climate change

Gerald Conyngham shares his thoughts on the recent European Quaker conference on environmental issues

‘The Society of Friends has had also need to deal with our feelings a long time from a perception more influence on how people treat of powerlessness and find ways of that it is all about what you each other than any government taking action. Disputes over access mustn’t do, so we urgently need ever had.’ So said Theodore Zeldin to resources are already leading to to promote a new vision, based in his book An Intimate History of conflicts and adopting a simpler on low energy consumption, local Humanity, this insight is relevant to lifestyle must be a key part of our food production and building local the Quaker Council for European response. resilience. Affairs (QCEA) conference held A key issue for me during the Within the Society of Friends last month. conference was equality, since so there are a great deal of initiatives The conference, which brought far the effects of climate change taking place in relation to climate together Friends from around have been affecting countries in change. One issue we discussed was Europe, focused on the theme ‘not very different ways. Many people a lack of coordination or coming privation but appropriate living’, in the UK look at the recent cool together to produce a common looking at energy security, climate summer and argue that there isn’t strategy. Quaker Peace & Social and conflict. Can we, it asked, a problem. However, people in Witness have a number of projects, now use our past experience, our Bangladesh have been seeing their including a joint conference grounding in Quaker testimonies homes and crops washed away with Woodbrooke later on this and our ability to dissent from by floods from the melting of year. QCEA have organised this popular culture to produce a glaciers. The speakers introduced conference. The Living Witness united approach to the biggest the idea of restorative justice as a Project has links with many single challenge the world faces way of dealing with this inequality. Meetings and individual Quakers – climate change and global We have produced and still are are involved in many different warming? producing far more carbon dioxide activities including taking part How can we combine head and than third world countries and yet in climate camps. Later this year heart in our response as Quakers they are the ones already suffering the world’s governments meet to the challenge of climate change? the effects. We have a worldwide in Copenhagen to finalise a new The diversity of workshops on community of Quakers and this climate treaty, which may be the offer, some discussion-based and could be an area that we can unite last opportunity for the world some utilising music and the arts, around. to take action to avoid possible reflected this need. Participants At a local level we discussed nightmare scenarios in terms of were reminded that songs can the Transition Town movement, global warming. Reflecting on often be more powerful than which many of us are involved the conference, some of us posed words and help to bring about in and which aims to promote the question of whether Quakers change, such as in the civil rights a positive view about the way round the world can rise to the movement in the USA. We need forward. This includes looking at challenge of presenting a united to be aware of science and what how we can create a new kind of vision, based on our testimonies it tells us about climatic changes community with different values and reflecting our commitment taking place as well as making to the consumerist ones which to seeing all of life as sacred, and use of new technologies, said one are prevalent in our society. The present this at Copenhagen. speaker, but that is not enough. We green movement has suffered for Gerald is a member of Devon AM.

the Friend, 16 January 2009 5 Analysis What is a Local Ecumenical Partnership? Michael Langford describes his Meeting’s experience of interchurch covenanting

A great deal depends on local Together also has a Sponsoring council meeting. The Anglicans conditions and history. Quakers Committee that consults with all have had well-attended courses on have a relatively high profile those involved when the covenant Islam and Sikhism and the new in Birmingham and when the needs to be renewed. It must be year will see another round of ecumenical movement started clearly understood that in an discussions and lectures on Asian gathering strength local feeling ecumenical context the churches faiths provided by a neighbouring was that the Quakers had to be are the people. The attitude of the Anglican parish. The URC runs part of it. In Hall Green we were local clergy is is obviously very well-attended interfaith events at not even asked to agree with any important but they do not control its centre in Birmingham. Another verbal statement as a basis of the business arrangements and issue of common concern is caring Christian unity. Back in the 1960s decisions. These are conducted in for the needs of sanctuary seekers: our Quaker Meeting was drawn a very Quakerly way and although the Home Office asylum screening into the Northern Ireland Project, some of the ‘ministers’ are of unit is situated in Solihull, by which Hall Green Christians outstanding worth they know how adjoining Hall Green, and Quakers gave hospitality to Catholic and to take a back seat. there work with the partner Protestant children from a deprived We soon gave up attempts to churches in another Covenant. We district in Belfast and arranged have an agreed pattern of regular are well aware that some Meetings outings and a camping holiday, joint worship or agreed forms have difficulties about entering in a way that simply ignored of sacrament. Each church does into commitments of this kind and denominational differences. This things in its own way. Nevertheless, question the need for any formal ceased some years ago but it did a when there is an occasional united agreement. We think, however, lot to bring us all together. worship service it is fully supported that our experience in Hall Green Meanwhile one of the three by all. When it was our turn to is fully in line with these words Anglican parishes had become a host the annual general meeting of Meeting for Sufferings in 1988. joint Anglican/Methodist church the Meeting House was packed ‘The ecumenical movement is not and the Anglicans, Catholics, to overflowing to hear about the about some contrived technical or Methodists, Baptists, United work of Quaker Peace & Social theological alignment of doctrine Reformed Church (URC) and Witness. There is a scheme of inter- and practice between churches, Quakers formed what is now called visitation between the different carried out by some group of a ‘Churches Together’. However we churches and an annual round of remote ecclesiastical managers; went a step further than that and in Lent discussion groups in private it must have an experiential, 1991 signed a Covenant. It means houses. personal, even emotional side to it. that although each congregation There is an active Bible Society. Ecumenism is about relationships keeps its separate identity and way The credit union is run by the and that must be experienced, and of worship we belong to each other Catholics on behalf of us all. One expressed, and have consequences. in a new way that involves a kind of of our members has started social It is therefore recognised that talk joint membership. Because of this and educational get-togethers for of unity of spirit and practical a local church cannot be part of a families from the local primary cooperation is ultimately Covenant without the permission school; many of them are Muslim meaningless unless this is reflected and support of the higher church and there are other faiths as well. at a local neighbourhood level.’ authority, in our case of the Area This Quaker initiative will be on Michael attends Hall Green Local Meeting. Birmingham Churches the agenda of the next churches Meeting.

6 the Friend, 16 January 2009 Comment Membership: what does it mean? What does it mean to be a for their spiritual and pastoral says that he/she recently found out member of the Religious Society needs. about the financial implications of of Friends? There are no rules or Some Meetings argue that membership from another Friend. subscriptions defining the rights a member who contributes Was this not discussed when he/she or responsibilities of members financially should remain in applied for membership? but we all know that there are membership even though there is He/she asks us how to respond things to be done which use both apparently no other involvement to the treasurer’s letter. I know human and financial resources. We with the Society. nothing of the circumstances cannot all contribute in the same Why do some members surrounding this member and his/ way or to the same degree but steadfastly refuse to transfer her Meeting and I am reluctant to when a Meeting accepts someone their membership many years offer advice. It may help to think into membership, both sides after moving to another area and about what membership means to should acknowledge that there are becoming actively involved in the him/her and what it means to the responsibilities. new Meeting? Meeting he/she belongs to. (I find For many of us involvement in Technically, Area Meetings can Advices & queries helpful, perhaps the local community of Quakers is terminate or transfer membership numbers 8, 10, 15, 18, 20 and 21 on an important part of membership. without the consent of the this occasion. Possibly also Quaker Some members choose not to individual. But we are generally faith & practice 12.11.) Perhaps this attend Local Meeting and do not reluctant to take this type of will help him/her to decide what respond to correspondence. This action, preferring to come to an to do. makes it virtually impossible for agreement. Jackie Fowler local overseers and elders to care The letter writer (2 January) Telford Meeting Non-capitalist economics

Congratulations to the Friend in the USA there are numerous Movement), Scott Bader gave rise for publishing the issue on non- examples of cooperative enterprises to a new wave of non-capitalist capitalist commerce, industry in many sections of the economy. businesses which grew and and business. This has been the Capitalism has always been at continue to grow, now under Co- primary concern of the Quaker the mercy of the rich and powerful, operatives UK. Socialist Society (QSS) since its who take out far more than they The mutual building societies, inception in 1975. At a meeting of give. Today, those companies which the Co-operative bank, Co-op the QSS committee on 10 January take up optional philanthropy Insurance Society and John Lewis it was agreed that our comments often do so as a token, or as a Partnership provide examples of on the ‘Time for a Change?’ issue decoy. Our Quaker testimony to the viability of business, commerce (2 January) should include the equality should be the challenge to and industry without shares listed hope that the Religious Society which our response is positive. It is on the stock exchange. There are of Friends, through Meeting for desperately needed. alternative sources of capital such Sufferings and Yearly Meeting, The Scott Bader family tried as the Co-operative Bank and Co- will pick up the concern that vainly for many years to interest operative Community and Finance. democracy, in a developed society, fellow Quaker industrialists in Friends may be interested to must spread into economic as well economic democracy under know of a forthcoming QSS as political life. trusteeships. Their success was meeting in March when a panel Not only in Britain, but across greater outside the Society of will discuss, in an open forum, the world, democratic control of Friends. By forming DEMINTRY ‘The Collapse of Capitalism industry and commerce has taken (Democratic Integration of – Democratic Alternatives’. root. Britain has recently enjoyed a Industry, later ICOM, the Barbara Forbes, clerk revival in the social economy, and Industrial Common Ownership Quaker Socialist Society

the Friend, 16 January 2009 7 Letters All views expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Friend

Time for a change? Membership Thank you for all the articles on fairer, more ethical A Friend asking for feedback from other and more sustainable ways of running commercial Friends (2 January) joins us on the right and financial affairs (2 January). It is a pity that many course. What does membership mean to us? Friends still keep their own and their Meetings’ funds Have we read Chapter 11 of Quaker faith & in non-ethical, commercial banks, rather than in practice (Qf&p) recently to see whether our the Co-op, the Triodos or a mutual building society. understanding is compatible with the very clear Changing over is easy. Similarly, it is easy to change to expectations contained there? In what sense the Phone Co-op or Greennet for telecommunications does our membership affirm what our Meeting rather than sticking with BT and the commercial cable (and the Society) stands for and contribute to companies. its life (Qf&p 11.01)? Friends gave a lead in the creation of many How many of us discuss our view with other cooperative and mutual businesses; why are so many members of our Meeting, especially those with of us so reluctant to use them? responsibility for membership – elder, overseer, Tim Brown or membership secretary? Membership is Cambridgeshire Area Meeting always envisaged as an active engagement with a worshipping community, although that involvement may change as our circumstances change. In what sense are those who deny Cooperatives in Argentina themselves and us their fellowship members? Thank you to the authors of the inspiring articles And how many of us only get to think about on cooperatives (2 January). My daughter, recently it when our feathers have been ruffled? returned from a year’s work and travel in South Melvyn Freake America, told me about her own encounter with a North East Thames Area Meeting cooperative movement born out of economic crisis. Argentina suffered a catastrophic currency collapse Quaker faith & practice offers very clear in 2001, accompanied by widespread bankruptcies. guidance on membership: it is not to be ‘Occupy, Resist, Produce’ became the slogan of the retained on ‘sentimental grounds’. A person many new worker cooperatives that were built on may consider himself to be a Quaker (9 the ruins of capitalism. Over two hundred have January), and perhaps he is if he thinks so, but survived to the present day, employing thousands of he is simply not a member in Britain Yearly workers in sectors ranging from metal manufacture to Meeting if he has nothing to do with Friends’ hotel management, gradually achieving government activities locally, regionally or nationally and recognition and full legal status. The social ideals no intention of doing so in the future. This of cooperation have been tried and tested in firms is certainly the case if he refuses to be visited such as the Buenos Aires publisher, Chilavert, by local Friends. Overseers (not treasurers) where workers receive equal salaries and share in should take the necessary steps to terminate the decisions both large and small. My daughter made membership, tenderly but firmly. her own small contribution to book production Mary Jo Clogg during a couple of visits, as well as sharing in the Muswell Hill Local Meeting workers’ democratically determined orange juice break. Chilavert was successfully established through practical support from its local community and Do we need a Quaker Universalist Group? nowadays reciprocates with an established cultural My outlook is strongly universalist but I would programme and sponsorship of an artist in residence. never wish to join a Quaker Universalist Group A wider community of national and international (9 January). Faith-based sub-groups within visitors is welcomed through its doors so as to Quaker Meetings are a bad thing: the QUG spread the word about the collective social benefits inevitably antagonises those Friends who wish to obtainable from alternative economic management. emphasise the Christian basis of Quakerism. In the The new wave of Argentine cooperatives was a Meetings that I know, I greatly value the Friendly response to financial disaster. They are now trying co-existence of universalist and Christocentric to persuade others to follow their example without attitudes and I regret anything that detracts from waiting for disaster to happen first. this. Walls are a bad thing in Quaker Meetings. Julia Bush G Gordon Steel Northampton Local Meeting Sutton Local Meeting

8 the Friend, 16 January 2009 [email protected]

Volunteers needed Language Yearly Meeting Gathering (YMG) will be held from 25 When I was young my mind rejected all the July to 1 August 2009. We have a vision of it as an all-age Christianity stuff and thought itself liberated. and inclusive event and expect it to be a focal point for Years later I realised that this liberated mind Quakers in Britain in 2009. was making a pig’s ear of important things and Children and young people are a key part of the life of furthermore didn’t have a clue how to put them Britain Yearly Meeting and have an important part to play right. in creating the community we are hoping for at YMG. We Only then did I begin to discover and hope to provide enough places for up to 110 fifteen- to appreciate another dimension, able to sustain eighteen-year-olds to attend Junior Yearly Meeting (JYM), and guide me. Then many of the words including representatives from all Area Meetings, and a attributed to Jesus began to make sense (and further 150 aged zero to fifteen to come with their families increasingly so, as I found modern Christian to the Gathering. scholars like Marcus Borg, Bible translations To do this we need a large team of committed and made directly from Aramaic by Neil Douglas- hard-working volunteers to give service at the event by Klotz and the added perspective of The Gospel of facilitating the programmes for children and young people Thomas). In this new light, Christian language during the week. Volunteers are also asked to attend acquired a fresh meaning, some of it speaking a planning and preparation meeting in the run-up to directly to my condition and the rest providing YMG. All travel, accommodation and food expenses for more or less useful signposts. the planning weekend and Yearly Meeting Gathering are Although it looks as though the ‘traditional’ covered. church has used words to try to tie us down, We are currently in need of more volunteers to run the and I understand why people want to escape programme for zero- to fifteen-yea- olds as planned. If you from such language and thinking, it isn’t worth are interested in volunteering and would like to find out turning into a battleground. Could we approach more information about how to offer your service for this such language in the spirit in which it was please visit www.quaker.org.uk/cyp and click on ‘Volunteers written (as Quaker faith & practice suggests), for Children and Young People’s Events in 2009’ or contact rather than with the rational mind, which is the Simon Best on 020 7663 1160, email [email protected] wrong tool for this job? Paul Parker and Lizz Roe, co-clerks Geof Kinns Yearly Meeting Gathering Forest of Dean Local Meeting Travel expenses While I wholeheartedly agree with Graham Davey (9 January)that we should encourage Friends to use public transport on Quaker (or any other!) business, The Friend welcomes your views. Please keep as his letter comes soon after Meeting of Friends in Wales (MFW) deciding to letters short and include increase the mileage rate paid from 20p to 40p a mile, I do feel there are points your full postal address, to be made in defence of the higher rate. As MFW’s treasurer, I’m in a position even when sending to point out that a major problem with only paying a low mileage rate is getting emails. Please specify Friends to claim at all. In passing, I’ll make the usual Welsh point that we are in a whether you wish for widely scattered, largely rural area with poor public transport links so it can be at your postal or email best a very time-consuming alternative. Friends give up a fair amount of time on address or Meeting name Quaker business and we should also be wary of discouraging Friends unable to to be used with your use public transport from serving on Quaker business if they find they will be out name, otherwise we will of pocket. print your post address or email address. Letters are Having said that, I do agree the high mileage rate does seem to encourage published at the editor’s car use. Maybe we should consider freezing the mileage rate until it matches a discretion and may be fair cost for the use of a small economical car and investigate the feasibility of edited. Write to: the more positive encouragement to use public transport. One possibility might Friend, 173 Euston Road, be to pay an appropriate recompense for the time spent travelling as well as London NW1 2BJ or reimbursing the cost of any fares, though this might lead to difficulties with such email editorial@thefriend. compensation being taxable income. org These views are my own and not to be taken as representative of Meeting of Remember if you are Friends in Wales. online that you can also Jon Bell comment on all articles at www.thefriend.org Aberystwyth Local Meeting

the Friend, 16 January 2009 9 Peace work Is this really what you meant to happen? ‘Do I understand this correctly? publicly to express my concern Committee. We had expected the You’ve had your budget decimated in answer to the question at the new staff person to be in post and you’ve lost or are about to lose top posed by a visitor to my last months ago so that the precious most of your staff and you’re going OPG meeting: Yes, we are very relationships with our partners are to sit here writing polite minutes? upset, disbelieving and, I admit it, not lost. For complicated reasons Aren’t you angry?’ angry. Until recently OPG oversaw this has not happened. After twenty A framework for action from the work of ten people. In a few years of war, trust is hard to find September 2008 tells us that months we may be down to one. It in northern Uganda. If broken, Meeting for Sufferings ‘endorse was my privilege to clerk OPG for we will not be able to pick up wholeheartedly the work that four years, during which time I got relationships at a later date. We, Quaker Peace & Social Witness to know the extraordinary work Quakers, need to give this new has done… in pre- and post- being done on our behalf in war- programme the financial resources conflict situations. We would like torn communities and other areas required to be effective. the same resource to continue to of violent conflict, of which I knew In the post-Yugoslav countries be devoted to peace work.’ Yet, very little before I was nominated after years of patient, slow, here we are at the beginning of to OPG. By its nature much of this meticulous nurturing of 2009 and find that the budget for work is confidential, it is quiet and relationships and bridge-building overseas peacebuilding work to it is phenomenal. QPSW works between former enemies, the QPSW be undertaken by Quaker Peace alongside local peacebuilders, programme has produced some & Social Witness (QPSW) this rather than telling them how to remarkable ongoing reconciliation year has been drastically cut. I am ‘do peace’. You can find out about processes. Salary payments to the not privy to exact figures, which this wonderful work by visiting QPSW representative and associates have not been finalised. However, the BYM website and in particular (long story) cease, as planned for the Overseas Peacebuilding reading the journal letters there, some time, at the end of February. Group (OPG) was told that the also available by post. For a full OPG had envisaged continuing provisional cuts are in the order explanation of the approach read the relationship with these three of £76,000 less than requested for Endeavours to Mend, edited by remarkable people in their new the Uganda work and £53,000 less Brian Phillips. organisations, independent of our than requested to support Dealing With much heartache, OPG policy or reporting requirements with the Past work continued by had decided to close the QPSW but still maintaining Quaker links Quaker-inspired peace activists in office in Gulu, as explained by and interest, as well as possible the post-Yugoslav countries. There Marigold Bentley in Quaker financial contributions for is also a budget of £50,000 within News last September. It was not a particular regional events such as QPSW for unspecified ‘new peace decision to end the programme, retreats for peace activists from projects’, which could include to stop working for peace in across the whole region. However, overseas peacebuilding work. northern Uganda or to break the budget for any work runs to the Trust is a precious commodity in commitments made to vulnerable end of February: then nothing. I communities that have experienced local peacebuilders. OPG had fear in ending in this way Quakers years of war and this work is all spent considerable time discerning may put at risk the peace work that about trust. December 2008 was the way forward, designing a is finally flowering after all the years the end of my time as a member networking and peacebuilding of patient seed sowing. of OPG, the policy group for work programme in consultation In Asia QPSW has supported in Uganda, the post-Yugoslav with partners in Gulu, agreed the birth of the South Asian Peace countries and Asia. I now feel free in principle by QPSW Central Alliance (SAPA). This work has A young peace activist and a seminar veteran on compare war notes: veterans as post-Yugoslav peacebuilders, Groznjan, Croatia, September 2008. Photo: Alan Pleydell.

10 the Friend, 16 January 2009 Is this really what you meant to happen?

shown that foreign support for conciliation, outlined by Jan thrilled with it. I cannot believe peace organisations using email Arriens in the Friend (19 September that The framework for action and phone calls and occasional 2008); a supreme example of how was meant to be interpreted as visits can not only build and peace may be advanced if local cutting the funding for overseas strengthen associations between peacemakers are supported from peacebuilding work so as to make peace groups in a region but lead outside with listening, patience and it ineffective and betray trust. We to an effective network. SAPA is a skill over a long, slow process for are not building a school or other success story, although still a little several years. physical structure which can be shaky, so its member organisations OPG and the conciliation group returned to at a later date after have written to ask for QPSW consist of ‘local Friends’ appointed a fallow period. We are working support and guidance for a few by the nominations committee with some of the poorest and most more years. Again, we, Quakers, of QPSW to serve the Society of disadvantaged people in the world need to be careful not to betray Friends in Britain for a few years and it is morally unacceptable to trust and to continue the funding then leave. This and other central let them down. even though it may extend beyond work is part of our Society; it is Judith Baker the original plans. The second not separate from it or done by Judith is a member of Oxford & OPG programme in Asia is Naga ‘them’, it is ‘us’ and we should be Swindon Area Meeting. A reply

When Meeting for Sufferings programme). We felt it right to budget for this is still there. consulted on A framework for give this priority even in a tight I am sorry that there are action, Friends were clear they budget year. The budget will misunderstandings and wanted to give priority to the go up in 2009 from £173,000 frustrations as the work changes peace work done by the Yearly to £281,000 and in 2010 to but want to reassure Friends Meeting. The overall budget £289,000. And more resource that where they have donated for peace work has been has been given for our work time and money to our peace maintained to reflect that clear in Nagaland – from £30,000 in projects their energy and trust wish. In 2008 it was £841,000. In 2008 to £37,000 by 2010. in us have been respected and 2009 it is £974,000. In 2010 it will QPSW Central Committee appreciated. All donations for be £1,009,000. decided in February 2006 to particular projects have been While some work is coming hand over work being done in carefully allocated according to to an end, other projects are the former Yugoslavia, hence donors’ wishes. growing. Earlier this year the budget for that work has Friends’ support is vital to Central Committee said they reduced. In Uganda, aware our peace work and I hope that hoped we could expand the of the need to maintain our Friends will continue to uphold work Quaker Peace & Social commitment to our partner, we our staff and committees as they Witness (QPSW) does on have extended the contract of plan for a lively future. behalf of the World Council of a local staff member while we Gillian Ashmore, Churches in Israel/Palestine re-think the best way forward recording clerk, on behalf of (the Ecumenical Accompanient longer term for the post. The Management Meeting Coo Internally Pe Displaced camp Persons near Gulu where the women of Hands Empowering do some of the peer support group work. Photo: Judith Baker

the Friend, 16 January 2009 11 arts Quaker art work project

Nick Tyldesley describes Bolton’s new means of outreach

Quakers are often perceived to It was agreed that a commission the idea of friendship. be ambivalent towards fine art. would be offered to second year The process of arriving at the Simplicity is actively encouraged in design students. A presentation right choice was fascinating to Advices & queries. So it may seem was made to this group explaining observe and thoroughly vindicates surprising that Bolton Quakers Quaker views, criteria regarding the Quaker way of doing business. have commissioned artwork for the costs and sustainability and the Bolton University were happy to outside wall of our Meeting house. brand images Quakers currently be patient while the design was The idea of making a plain use in their publicity. The project commissioned. Quakers have raised brick wall more visually appealing connected with a teaching module their profile, connecting with the emerged slowly out of discussions on public art. Student assignments Bolton community. It was good among Friends. Various bequests and models were brought to the that the Pendle Hill Area Meeting had been made and it was decided Meeting house and a shortlist of held in Bolton coincided with to spend some of these monies three was chosen. A collective view the installation of the work. The on refurbishment of the building. emerged by listening sensitively to sculpture was taken into the care of The Meeting house is let out to comments over time. There were the Meeting with the cutting of a many organisations during the models on display, a Post-It wall ribbon and a cake. week. Quakers therefore have to for comments and, most valuably Next steps: We need to just engage in marketing the facilities of all, the students were invited to enjoy and contemplate our of an attractive venue. Friends talk with Friends. The commissions artwork. It may be that more felt that commissioning artwork were all very different in terms of temporary exhibitions could be from Bolton University would materials and interpretation. It is part of outreach; we might want offer a practical project for accepted that Quakers have diverse to create a sculpture park in the students and an opportunity to views and no one choice of art will Meeting house garden to join a enhance the urban environment be universally approved. There Fair Trade installation already in of the town, while extending some is always a debate about whether place, but these are thoughts to understanding of Quakers. funds should be spent on charity mull over. Bolton Friends are now The proposal was discussed in or decoration. more confident about venturing Meetings and our regular ‘Study on The project has generated a buzz into aesthetic fields. So far, the Tuesdays’ discussion group explored of interest amongst Friends, those reaction has been overwhelmingly in some detail theories of aesthetics. who use the Meeting house and positive. While some Friends We found that Quakers are not the university. The chosen design don’t particularly resonate with quite so anti-art as first appears: symbolises the unity of people the installation, there is a general the wonder of the natural world, linked together and is a powerful acceptance that this project was the recurring theme of ‘light’ and reminder of the Quaker belief in a most effective example of long- the architectural appeal of historic respect for all and ‘that of God in term outreach work. Meeting houses in east Lancashire everyone’. The stylised figures can Nick is a member of Bolton Local

Bolton Bolton Meeting Tyldesley with its new artwork. Photo: Nick all helped to raise awareness. also be seen as candles illuminating Meeting.

12 the Friend, 16 January 2009 books When astronomers and poets meet… anthology where poetry acts as a I was particularly drawn to a darkmatter: poems of space, mediator for the human experience long poem by Antjie Krog, ‘I Am, edited by Maurice Riordan and of becoming aware of the strange Because You Are’ ,which started Jocelyn Bell Burnell. Calouste cosmos in which we find ourselves. out written in Afrikaans. At the Gulbenkian Foundation. £8.50. A special feature of the book, end of the book the commissioned City lights diminish the stars. the third in a series where poets poets write about meeting their This autumn I was both surprised are let loose upon science, is counterparts. and gratified to come across a that the Gulbenkian Foundation This makes for a satisfying book, crowd camped out on a Norfolk commissioned some leading deeply drawn from the past, the heath who turned out to be poets to write on the strength present and with a promise of so amateur astronomers in pursuit of encounters with working much to come. of a darkness allowing clear views astronomers. The off-beat Bob Ward into space. But there is also a collaboration was appreciated by Dark Matter: The poetry of space metaphorical ‘darkness’ that we all both sides, not least by the poet Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, carry within. Jocelyn Bell Burnell, and scientist acting as co-editors. Thursday 5 February, 7–8 pm. Free. the Quaker astrophysicist, is well So in addition to the continuing What happens when poets and aware of this and when as a covert interest among poets in the stars, astronomers meet? Astronomers side-line some twenty years ago she with examples gathered here from Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Paul Murdin started accumulating poems about the sixteenth century onwards, in conversation with James Fenton space, both aspects were given due John Davies to R S Thomas, there and Maurice Riordan, with readings weight. is a clutch of new work from from darkmatter. Visit www.ast.cam. The outcome was this absorbing different parts of the world. ac.uk for information. Two ways towards truth Quakers and Buddhism: the cutting edge by Anne without a god whereas Fox’s experience was revealed Bancroft. Quaker Universalist Group. £3.00. in the religious context and imagery of his times. I wish that Anne had used her own understanding of Anne Bancroft has produced a thoughtful, George Fox and the Quakers to explain Quakerism’s knowledgeable pamphlet on the similarities and roots in the same manner she dealt with Buddhism. differences of Buddhism and Quakerism. She Understandably she uses the words of Fox to explain uses the initial experiences of the Buddha and himself, but the cadences of seventeenth century George Fox to show similarities that led both men English do not fall so easily to a modern ear, nor does to a direct subjective encounter of the Truth. She the biblical language and imagery help. From a purely also demonstrates how their different cultural personal point of view I find Christian language environments produced very different ways of carries too much baggage with it and I would have depicting this Truth to the wider world. I would preferred it if she had used her own words and given recommend her account of the enlightenment of the her own understanding of Fox’s experience. Doubtless Buddha to anyone who knows little of Buddhism but I am in a minority among Quakers here and those would like to know more. Her deep understanding steeped in the historical roots of Quakerism will of the philosophical insights of the Buddha give her probably prefer the format Anne has chosen. I found the ability to put this across with a clarity that much the pamphlet to be informative and stimulating and larger works on the Buddha often fail to do. Out of recommend it as a worthwhile read. his direct experience the Buddha founded a religion Fred Watson

the Friend, 16 January 2009 13 Theology ‘Gently move’

‘There is a danger in our religious society of an intolerance and over-zealousness regarding words and definitions that perhaps is not consonant with our ancient tradition of holding and living by a faith that is non-credal.’ Robin Hawes, in the Friend 12 December 2008

David Boulton and John Lampen examine this statement looking for ways forward

Sadly, there is a fair amount of Scientists use hypotheses in speak personally from their own anecdotal evidence that this is true, trying to make sense of what they experience they must be free to most often in connection with observe; and these hypotheses can express themselves in language theist or nontheist language. This always be revised or discarded. appropriate to their conviction. For is surprising, given that British Friends too form their own some that will mean traditional Friends are generally so relaxed hypotheses, or adopt traditional Christian or Quaker language: about the wide range of Quaker ones, in trying to understand a ‘God’, ‘the Spirit’, ‘the divine’. For views. But Friends on both sides host of things such as the roots others who cannot use these words of this divide are being hurt by of morality, the bonds we feel with integrity the language will intolerant responses, even at with one another, the stories that be different. Others again find times from elders, when they have we find meaningful and the peak they can use ‘God language’ as expressed their deeply-held beliefs experiences that give us a sense of expressive poetry in which the in ministry or Quaker discussion. transcendence. ancient words and phrases bear We should acknowledge first For most of its history, members the ring of metaphorical rather that if there is hurting it is not of our Society shared a common than literal truth. These differences intentional and often not perceived (Christian) language in which to in personal language, especially by the Friend who causes it. We speak of these things, even when when used in ministry, should know too that hurting others they disagreed about them. Now not merely be accepted by Friends often comes from our own buried that we no longer have a generally but cherished as a mark of the hurts – in this case perhaps having accepted language, it is easy to searching and free-thinking spirit been bullied, intellectually or feel unheard or misunderstood. of modern Quakerism. emotionally, in the name of some How can we get past this difficulty That’s personal language. When belief. Many Friends can readily in a Society whose religious it comes to the public language of accept this explanation and forgive. consciousness embraces nontheists the Society, the language we use Those who become distressed when as well as theists, post-Christians as to explain ourselves to the world, their deepest beliefs are challenged well as Christians? we need to take scrupulous care may be feeling some threat to their Perhaps we can begin by to seek forms of words that are as own sense of identity, because of distinguishing between personal inclusive as we can make them. the way our convictions are linked and public language. We surely This might be seen as ‘work in to our sense of who we are. recognise that when Friends progress’, which will take time to

14 the Friend, 16 January 2009 complete, but from the start we We all have a responsibility to can pose, we shall find the risk of should be clear and open about ‘mind our language’ and take care hurting and being hurt is much our diversity, affirming it as our not to inflict unnecessary hurt in diminished. In the words of George strength, not our weakness. Where the way we express our deeply held Herbert: traditional religious language and most cherished convictions. ‘Be calm in arguing: for is appropriate in our public (Some are better blest with this fierceness makes statements, we should seek ways gift than others!) We also have a Error a fault, and truth of making it clear that we embrace responsibility to speak our truth discourtesy. our religious heritage and find with integrity. That may not …Anger is not love ourselves enriched by different always be an easy balance to hold. Nor wisdom neither: therefore understandings and interpretations But if we genuinely value our gently move.’ of it. Quakers don’t stand still. We differences, facing, learning from are always on the move. None of us and even enjoying the intellectual David Boulton (Brigflatts AM) and has a monopoly on truth. and emotional challenges they John Lampen (Central England AM) Originality and religion ‘Lishmo’ is a Hebrew word meaning ‘for its own sake’. karma yoga, ‘that is, action without attachment to The term lishmoism is proposed for an approach to the fruits of action. This is one of the main points of doing things. The lishmoist undertakes a project for its the Bhagavad Gita. In it, the god Krishna teaches the own sake, rather than with an eye on possible profit or warrior Arjuna that it is not actions themselves that other material advantage. produce karmic consequences, binding the self to the It is not claimed that one ought to embrace eternal cycle of rebirth, but the intentions with which lishmoism as a lifestyle! For a person whose project is actions are performed.’ his business, his source of livelihood, such an approach Here is another example of a religious innovation. would obviously be very inappropriate. But there are This concerns the concept that every man should be many circumstances in life in which, it is suggested, free to worship God in his own way, free of clerical lishmoism can prove a very rewarding outlook; the authority. The idea was presented by, and generally term ‘rewarding’ being used with reference to inner attributed to, one George Fox in the seventeenth satisfaction, not financial gain. century. Hands up should you already know this. Success for the lishmoist is measured by the degree However, something very similar had been taught to which his efforts are seen to bring some benefit within the Jewish community of Babylon by Anan to somebody, somewhere. Every person who gives of ben David in the eighth century AD! Ben David his time to some ‘worthwhile’ cause will immediately refuted the right of the rabbis to make religious identify himself as a lishmoist. A person who makes interpretations which, by rabbinical authority, became some craft object, with the objective of giving it away binding within Judaism. The new sect became known as a present, is practising lishmoism. as Karaites; they claimed that only a literal reading An alternative approach to the same concept might of the Old Testament should be followed. Judaism be the use of a phrase such as ‘playing not to win’. split, accordingly, between the followers of ben David, Whereas one need not hope to lose, the actual winning the Karaites and the traditional Rabbanites. But the of the game is subordinate to the satisfaction of having Karaites never achieved a large following. played it heartily, for its own sake. There still exist at least two pockets of Karaites in Having supposedly ‘invented’ this concept, I turned modern Israel. There is a fascinating story to be told; to my friend James Miller (professor of religious but it is not relevant here. studies at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario) to Michael Oppenheim ask whether the concept had perhaps been defined earlier. James referred me to the Hindu concept of Michael is an attender at Lancaster Local Meeting.

the Friend, 16 January 2009 15 a wry look at the Quaker world [email protected]

Were you there? Well, we don’t expect you were in university, writing in the journal decidedly lukewarm. 1859 when Charles Darwin’s Origin Osiris, says that at that time We asked our esteemed historian of Species (the full title needs Quakers were very preoccupied Ted Milligan if he could shine more space than we have) was with how to revitalise their any light. As usual, Ted was in published, but you just might be community and it rather passed mischievous mood. ‘1859 was an knowledgeable about the reaction them by. These preoccupations, extraordinary year for publishing’, this scientific bombshell may have he says, ‘go some way to explain he told us. ‘John Stuart Mill went had on the Quaker mind of the the lack of immediate response to into print on liberty, Samuel time. Darwin’s theory in both the Friend Smiles’ self-help manual came out Darwin is having something of and the British Friend’. and then there was Mrs Beeton!’ So an anniversary year (he was born Eye has a theory too – that Quakers had plenty to read. 200 years ago) and so you will hear human beings never fully grasp If any reader has been involved and read a lot about him in the momentous events when they in researching the post-Origin coming weeks. The editor is keen happen and spend years after period and whether Quakers to discover what Quakers thought trying to recall the significant embraced or rejected evolutionary about survival of the fittest and so period. Something like this appears theory, we’d be pleased to hear we are hunting through back copies to have happened at the Linnean from you. of the Friend to find if any of our Society in July 1858 when papers nineteenth century contributors from Darwin and Alfred Russel expressed an opinion. Wallace (who almost pipped *Who coined the phrase ‘the survival Geoffrey Cantor, a professor Darwin to evolutionary theory) of the fittest’? See bottom of page of the history of science at Leeds were read. The response was (and don’t jump to conclusions).

We rather liked this poem-prayer, More on anniversaries which appeared in Redland We might be averse to anniversaries, but others aren’t. This week’s Meeting’s newsletter, contributed by Church Times (9 January) has brought the anniversary of George Marta Lombard. Fox’s death (13 January) to readers’ attention with a charming Dear Lord piece about the founder by Adrian Leak, a clergyman in the So far today I’m doing all right. diocese of Chichester. I haven’t gossiped, lost my Adrian details one of Fox’s explosive encounters with pulpit temper, priests in 1652, ending with a severe beating with fists and books Been greedy, grumpy, nasty, (Bibles?) from the congregation. You can all picture the scene: Selfish Fox cutting across the sermon to urge the worshippers to ‘come Or self-indulgent. out of their outward ordinances and traditions of men…’. ‘It was I have not whined, his usual way’, Adrian points out. ‘Was he driven by an unhealthy Complained, desire to make an exhibition of himself, or was he right? Opinion Cursed or eaten any was divided.’ Chocolate. Adrian gives a potted version of how Quakers progressed from I have not charged anything to fairly notorious prayer meetings to those characterised by silent my waiting. ‘During Fox’s lifetime and since his death, followers have Credit card. continued to be an effective presence in English society’, says Adrian. We liked the heading on this piece: ‘Causing uproar… But I will be getting out of Quakers aren’t always silent’. No, indeed. Bed in a Minute, and I think that I Will really And we will end on a humorous note, with a little joke contributed by Michael Need your help then. Stroud which somehow missed going in our fun page of the Christmas issue. Why did the adventurous Quaker refuse an injection at the dentist? He wanted to transcend dental medication.

* Herbert Spencer, a philosopher. Darwin seemed to prefer Spencer’s phrase to his own ‘natural selection.’

16 the Friend, 16 January 2009 Ad pages 16 Jan 13/1/09 10:48 Page 3

Friends&Meetings INVERNESS LM From Sunday 25 Deaths Changes of address January, MfW will be at the Royal Northern Infirmary Chapel, Ness Margaret BAYES (formerly Chris and Karen COFFIN (returned Walk, Inverness. 11am except the Wolstencroft) 21 December.aged from New Zealand) now back at first Sunday of each month and Member of Central Manchester LM 3 Holly Walk, Andover, Hants 29 March and 12 April when it is at and Manchester & Warrington AM. SP10 3PJ. New tel. 01264 392947. 3pm. Information: 01463 242659, Aged 94. A Memorial Meeting will Emails: [email protected] and 01349 864086. be held 2pm Saturday 31 January at [email protected] Central Manchester FMH. SETTLE LM From 25 January, Nell JARVIS has moved to during restoration work, MfW at Barbara Helen GUNN Sloe Hill Care Home, Mill Lane, 10.30 each Sunday in St. John's 24 December. Peacefully in hospital. St. Ippolyts, nr Hitchin SG4 7NN. Methodist Church Hall, off Church Daughter of Ernest E Taylor. Widow Street, Settle. Please use rear to John Duncan. Mother, grand- Janet PASCOE has moved to entrance. Mid-week meeting, mother and friend. Member of Aranmore Care Home, Tuesday, 12.15, in the small meeting Malton Meeting. Aged 89. 64-66 Hallowell Road, Northwood, room, Settle FMH. Middx HA6 1DS. Beryl JONES 4 November. UCKFIELD Friends are now Peacefully in hospital. Wife of holding Meeting for Worship in Donald. Member of Crawshawbooth Changes of clerk Uckfield at 10.30am on the second Meeting (Pendle Hill AM). Aged 79. Sunday of each month. All are ALNWICK LM Rosemary Hartill's welcome. For details ring Terry period of service is now ended. Baker 01825 712553 or Peris Jennifer Avis RUTTER 9 January, Coventry 01825 732258. peacefully at home. Wife of Peter. Until a new clerk is appointed, all Member of Shaftesbury Meeting. correspondence should be sent c/o Aged 81. Celebration of Jenny’s life Alex Melville-Mason, 3 Bridge View, Notices St Peter’s Church, Shaftesbury Warkworth, Northumberland NE65 11.30am, Wednesday 21 January, 0SL. Tel. 01665 711950. burial at Ashgrove 1pm. Enquiries Sylvia BOYES released Monday Merefield & Henstridge 01747 DORCHESTER & WEYMOUTH LM 12 January on an end of custody 853532. From 1 January, clerk: Tess James, licence, wishes to thank all Friends c/o The Meeting House, 8 Holloway for their cards, care and support Road, Dorchester DT1 1LF. whilst in HMP New Hall. Notices on this page Home tel. 01305 262359. Diary Births, marriages, deaths, anniver- KELSO LM From 4 January, saries, changes of clerk, new wardens, changes of address, diary items, co-clerks: Margaret Paterson and Jane Pearn. All correspondence to AGED 18-30 (ish)? Then come to etc., should preferably be prepaid. the Young Friends General Meeting Personal entries £15.40 incl. vat, Margaret Paterson, 19 Queen Street, Jedburgh TD8 6DN. 01835 864445. special Enquirers sessions for Meeting and charity entries £13.40 first-timers at our 13-15 February (zero rated for vat). Max. 35 words. meeting weekend in Manchester. 3 Diary entries £35 (£30.63). Add KINGSTON & WANDSWORTH AM £1.70 to receive a copy of the issue Info: www.yfgm.quaker.org.uk From 1 January, clerk: Les Hereward Tel. 0121 472 1998. with your notice. 20 Webster Close, Oxshott, Surrey Entries are accepted at the editor’s KT22 OSF. Tel: 01372 800822. Email: [email protected] OUTDOOR MEETING FOR discretion in a standard house style. WORSHIP Speakers Corner, Marble A gentle discipline will be exerted to maintain a simplicity of style and Arch,London. Sunday 25 January, wording which excludes terms of Changes to meeting 2-2.45pm, and on the last Sunday endearment and words of tribute. of each month in 2009. Come and Please include a daytime telephone join Westminster Quakers! Details BARNT GREEN LM & REDDITCH from: Jez Smith, 0798 007 2003. number. Deadline usually Monday am. LM: From 1 January these meetings Cheques payable to The Friend. will combine to become Barnt Green The Friend, 54a Main Street, & Redditch LM, meeting at Barnt Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL. Green FMH, 6 Sandhills Rd, Barnt Stay in touch Tel. 01535 630230. Green, Birmingham B45 8NR. Sunday Put your family notices in Email: [email protected] at 10.30am. Contact: 01527 873484 . the Friend!

the Friend 16 January 2009 17 Ad pages 16 Jan 13/1/09 10:48 Page 4

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Easy www.springboardconsultancy.com access skiing. 01904 733545. Find out about the job by contacting 1652 COUNTRY, HOWGILL, SEDBERGH. www.holidayapartmentinvienna.co.uk Sue Turner, quoting ref 8717/INT, at Comfortable 4 star holiday cottages in Wheale Thomas Hodgins Yorkshire Dales National Park overlooking MALTA FAMILY FLAT, overlooking colour- Berkeley Square House Firbank Fell. Walks and Quaker trails from ful harbour. Sleeps 6. £63/adult/week. 13 Berkeley Square, Clifton the door. 30 minutes to Lake District. School children half price. Student rate Bristol BS8 1HB www.AshHiningFarm.co.uk available. Ann Millar 01467 624483. 0117 927 2311 Jim Mattinson 015396 20957. [email protected] email: [email protected] BEAUTIFUL, RUGGED PEMBROKESHIRE. POLAND. Mountain house for rent. THE QUAKER UNITED NATIONS OFFICE, Two eco-friendly, recently converted Amazing views. Sleeps 1-6. Mark 01223 New York invites applications for its barns on smallholding. Each sleeps 4. 423333. www.holidayhomeinpoland.co.uk 2009-10 internship program. The intern- Coastal path 2 miles. 01348 891286. ship provides an opportunity for candidates [email protected] with an interest in international affairs, www.stonescottages.co.uk SOUTH WEST FRANCE. 2 houses; 1 and a commitment to Friends’ principles, sleeps 4/5, the other 6/7, sharing large to work at the UN. Further information garden and swimming pool, in peaceful CROMER. First floor apartment over- rural setting. Beautiful views. Each and applications are available online looking sea. Sleeps 4. Ideal for exploring www.quno.org. Deadline for submission comfortably furnished and well equipped. the North Norfolk coast. Price? What you May be rented together or separately; of applications and references: 6 February can pay! Call 07867 955336 or email 2009. High season: (July-August) £500- [email protected] £600pw. Less in low season; longer lets welcomed. Contact: 01235 200537. SALE FIND YOUR HOLIDAY IN the Friend! [email protected] SALE Classified ads in SALE ISLE OF HARRIS (WESTERN ISLES) TUSCANY, CAMPIGLIA MARITTIMA. The Friend Coastal holiday cottage with spectacular Garden apartment, medieval village. Standard linage 47p a word, semi- views from picture window overlooking 15 min. Populonia, Etruscan Archaeological display 72p a word. Rates incl. vat. North Uist, Skye and numerous small Park. Near coast overlooking Elba. Min. 12 words. Series discounts islands. Open fire. Unwind and relax. 1 hour south Pisa. Sleeps 2-4. until 31/1/09: 10% on 5 insertions, Cosy for 2, max 8. 01445-781225. [email protected] 15% on 10 or more. Cheques [email protected] payable to The Friend. WEST ALGARVE (NATIONAL PARK). RUGGED SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS Loch Ad Dept, 54a Main Street Attractive country house. Unspoilt coastal Torridon. Comfortable house. Log fire. village. Accommodates 4-10. Pool, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL Panoramic mountain views. £275 (inclusive). gardens, bird watching, walking, secluded T&F: 01535 630230 Brochure: 07818 082897. beaches. Tel. 01832 275395. E: [email protected] [email protected] www.vilad.com

18 the Friend 16 January 2009 Ad pages 16 Jan 13/1/09 10:48 Page 5

study tours

AFRICAN SUMMER WORKCAMPS 2009. AGLI - The African Great Lakes Initiative of Friends Peace Teams is sponsoring intergenerational workcamps in Burundi, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda June 24 - July 25. Workcampers assist building or repairing clinics, schools, peace centers - no skills required. Open to all ages. Details at http://www.aglionline.org or contact [email protected].

QUAKER BOLIVIA TRIP 13-27 June 2009. Study Tour and Community Service. Visit projects of qbl.org and bqef.org. Work with villagers on Quaker funded projects. Meet leaders of civic reform. Hike Inca ruins, Lake Titicaca. Optional Peru-Machu FLY FROM STANSTED. Leave your car Picchu or volunteer service. Reserve early. JORDANS, BUCKS with a Friend. Free transport. Reasonable rates. 01279 870407. www.TreasuresoftheAndes.com House for sale in tranquil location on the (001) 707 823 6034 (California). edge of this Quaker village. Single-storey house with extensive glazing giving PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY wonderful views of large garden and &TAXATION SERVICE events adjacent fields. Currently used as 3 bed house but could easily be arranged as Quaker Accountant offers friendly LONDON QUAKERS & THE KINDLERS 5 bed. Very close to Jordans Quaker service countrywide. Six fortnightly Wednesday evenings ‘New Meeting House. A short walk from train Self-assessment & small businesses. Perspectives on the Quaker Way’ station with services into London in 30 mins. Richard Platt, Grainger & Platt 1. 21 January, Alec Davison. 6.30pm for Quick sale needed. Price £575,000. Chartered Certified Accountants 7-9.30pm. Friends House, London. Details Contact Albert Hill 3 Fisher Street, Carlisle CA3 8RR 020 7226 5448. [email protected] Telephone 01228 521286 07971 400615 [email protected] More information at www.grainger-platt.co.uk for sale & to let www.themodernhouse.net QUAKER MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES, ALLONBY, CUMBRIA. Former Quaker miscellaneous partnerships, commitments, notices and Meeting House for sale/rent. Original other calligraphy. Liz Barrow 01223 369776. features. Calm atmosphere. Coastal village location. Uninterrupted views over Solway ACCOUNTING SERVICES WALKING SALE BEATS A TRAIL to won- Firth to Scotland. Close to the English Charity Accounts prepared. derful bargains at James Taylor & Son, Lake District. 3 bedrooms (1 ensuite), and Independent Examinations carried out. Bespoke shoemakers, 4 Paddington Street, study. Ample storage space. Rear court- Personal taxation. (near Baker Street), London W1U 5QE. yard garden and stone outhouse. Parking Contact David Stephens FCCA Telephone. 020 7935 4149. for 2 cars at front. Guide price £145,000; on 07843 766685 www.taylormadeshoes.co.uk rental £450 pcm. Email [email protected] for Email: [email protected] further details. WRITING YOUR FAMILY’S HISTORY? ECO ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING and Books typeset for your family’s pleasure. CENTRAL KIRKBY STEPHEN. Spacious permaculture design. Sustainable, ecological Photos and other graphics can be included. 2 bedroom flat above Meeting House to designs and consultants. Website: Contact Trish on 020 8446 5772. let. Off-road parking. Small garden. www.eco-architectureandplanning.com [email protected] Details 017683 42278 or 41531. Telephone: Sophie 01235 529266. Other printed material also prepared.

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