14 April 2017 £1.90 thediscover the contemporaryFriend quaker way the Friend Independent Quaker Journalism Since 1843

Contents VOL 175 NO 15

3 Thought for the Week: People and principles Ian Kirk-Smith 4 News 5 Meeting for Sufferings 6 We all have a part to play Hazel Shellens 7 Effective altruism Martin Hartog 8-9 Letters 10-12 People Power: Fighting for Peace Ian Kirk-Smith 13 Reflections on the ‘Red Book’: Easter: the inside story Bernard Coote 14-15 Being a pacifist Graham Spinks and Martin Aitken 16 Friends & Meetings CND badges appearing in ‘People Power: Fighting for Peace’. Photos: Campaign Peace’. Fighting for Power: CND badges appearing in ‘People Nuclear Disarmament. See pages 10-12. for

Cover image: Anti-war protest. Photo: Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. See pages 10-12.

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2 the Friend, 14 April 2017 Thought for the Week

People and principles

or centuries Quakers did not celebrate any religious holidays because of a deeply held belief that all days are ‘holy days’. Public fasts and feasts were ‘devised in man’s will’ and, therefore, not ‘in God’s will.’ The same emphasis on inner spiritual life Fover outward ceremony was behind the early Quaker rejection of baptism. The recent controversy over Easter eggs that became a lead story on many media outlets has little to do with Quakerism, Jesus Christ or a religious festival. It has everything to do with marketing, materialism and a conception of capitalism. John Cadbury, the founder of Cadbury’s, had a very different conception of capitalism. He was an inspiring Friend with a profoundly Christian vision. We are told that he would be ‘spinning in his grave’ at the recent news story. I suspect he might be angry, not about eggs and names, but about people and principles. When Kraft took over Cadbury’s in 2010 most Friends in Britain and Ireland were left with a rather sour aftertaste – a bit like eating, for some, its processed cheese. Promises made to workers had been broken. People were betrayed. Thousands lost jobs. The actions of those responsible did not reflect the values of John Cadbury. A Sunday Times investigation later revealed that ‘legal’ arrangements enabled Mondelez, which currently owns Cadbury, to pay no UK corporation tax in 2014 despite accounts showing that Cadbury UK, its subsidiary, made profits of £96.5 million in 2014 and £83.6 million in 2013. John Cadbury would, perhaps, be more concerned about this and also be rather bemused to discover that Theresa May was being questioned on a recent visit to Saudi Arabia about the vital world issue of Easter eggs. He might have asked, as someone whose family refused to profit from war, a different question to the head of the British government: why is Britain arming an authoritarian regime that has repressed some of its population and acted aggressively towards its neighbours? Is this not a compelling ‘Christian story’ to put on front pages? Britain sells more arms to Saudi Arabia than any other country in the world. The kingdom presently leads a coalition of Middle Eastern nations in trying to put down a Houthi insurgency in Yemen. More than £3.3 billion worth of exports have been licensed since the Yemen offensive started in March 2015 – sales that included drones, helicopters, aircraft, bombs, missiles, grenades, armoured vehicles and tanks. The Saudis are accused of bombing multiple international hospitals in Yemen run by the charity Médecins Sans Frontières, as well as schools, wedding parties and food factories. UK weapons, it is alleged, have been used to crush democratic protests in Bahrain. John Cadbury, with his ethical and principled approach to making money and supporting a community, might also find another fact interesting. Analysis of HM Revenue and Customs figures by Greenpeace show that in 2015 83 per cent of UK arms exports – almost £900m – went to Saudi Arabia. Over the same period, the UK imported £900m of oil from the kingdom.

Ian Kirk-Smith Editor of the Friend

the Friend, 14 April 2017 3 News [email protected] Quaker writers sign up for Hay Three leading Quaker authors, Philip Gross, with the Hay Festival Sheila Hancock and Tracy Chevalier, have been on what promises to be confirmed to speak at the Hay Festival in May. a thought-provoking, They will talk on the subject of how their faith spiritually-refreshing and influences their creativity and will take the stage on enlightening event.’ Sunday 28 May. Sheila Hancock’s books The festival, which is now in its thirtieth year, runs include the memoir Just from Thursday 25 May until Sunday 4 June. Me and the novel Miss Award-winning poet Philip Gross said: ‘Where do Carter’s War. my poetry and the Quaker way connect? In an attitude Philip Gross’s of spacious, vivid listening… being ready and willing to collections include The resonate with what you find in that deep place.’ Water Table, Deep Field Sheila Hancock, the actress and author, is looking and the forthcoming A forward to exchanging ideas with fellow panellists. Bright Acoustic. Novelist Tracy Chevalier reflected: ‘I found writing Tracy Chevalier’s novels about Quakers and our practice in my novel The include Girl With a Pearl Last Runaway made me think much more about how Earring, At the Edge of the silence helps me in my own life to become grounded.’ Orchard and New Boy, to Paul Parker, recording clerk of Britain Yearly be published next month. Meeting, said: ‘I’m really looking forward to hearing The discussion is run in these three amazing writers talking about how their partnership with Quakers

Quaker faith infuses their work. It’s good to be working in Britain. Wikimedia Commoms / Tim Donovan Photo: Chevalier. Tracy Friends take on 400-mile cycling challenge Two Tavistock Friends are on a 400-mile cycle Friends and friends as we go and we are using a website across Cornwall and Devon to raise funds for a leading – JustGiving – to raise funds. charity working for freedom from torture. ‘We’ve been privileged to live and work in peaceful Carolyn Burch and Richard Ragget started just before surroundings for years, and when our Freedom from Easter, on 12 April, and hope to complete their journey Torture guests come to stay for just one week of – which takes them along the coast to Penzance, then tranquillity and relaxation away from London, it makes inland to Truro, before returning north to Newquay us re-appreciate how lucky we are to be within reach of and across to Exeter – by 14 May to raise money for the sea and green scenes.’ charity Freedom from Torture. Carolyn Burch added: ‘The individuals we have come ‘We live on the border of Devon and Cornwall and to know – from a range of places from rural Sri Lanka are both Quakers,’ said Carolyn. ‘Our route is designed to the cities of the Democratic Republic of Congo – to visit all the Quaker groups, and the two cathedrals, have loved the chance to walk by the sea, have a picnic in the two counties, raising awareness and funds among on Dartmoor, or get a glimpse of farming life here.’ Australian Quakers launch new website Universalist Group Australia Yearly Meeting has launched a new website to The Quaker Universalist Group will help inquirers from around the world find out information about be holding its annual conference in the Australian Friends. Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre this The Yearly Meeting has released a statement explaining the year from 5–7 May. initiative and giving some background information: ‘The new site, The title of the conference is www.quakersaustralia.org.au, is designed as an introduction to ‘Exploring the mystery of mysticism’ Australian Quakers, simply explained, and includes images of and the speakers are Rex Ambler, Chris Friends’ activities and Meeting life.’ Cook, Jan Arriens, Alinda Damsma The statement adds: ‘The site links to the current Australia Yearly and Sharada Sugirtharajah. There are Meeting website for further information, which is now located at presently seventy delegates booked to www.quakersaustralia.info.’ attend the event.

4 the Friend, 14 April 2017 Meetings for Sufferings Linking Friends worldwide

Working collaboratively is at the heart of bear in mind actual and opportunity costs, and to the mission of the Quaker World Relations Committee consider the carbon footprint any intervisitation might (QWRC), Friends attending Meeting for Sufferings involve. It was, she said, a ‘matter of judgement’ and were told when they gathered in the William Penn she described how a decision was made to send the Room on Saturday 1 April. younger members of the committee to Peru for the Barbara Windle, the QWRC representative to world gathering in 2016. Meeting for Sufferings, presented a paper on the work She highlighted the benefits and increasing use of of the group in the afternoon session. She described ‘virtual visiting’ and gave some examples. some of the many ways in which the committee was ‘We are very mindful’, the report states, ‘of our enriching understanding between Friends worldwide purpose of enriching understanding between Friends and helping Quakers in Britain take an interest in worldwide and engaging Quakers in Britain in Quaker issues around the globe. issues and concerns around the globe.’ The committee membership of eight includes six The World Relations Network was created, she representatives from Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) explained, ‘to encourage and develop a sense of a to the Friends World Committee on Consultation world beyond these shores.’ (FWCC) and two co-clerks of the QWRC Forum and The committee will have a residential meeting in Network. York over the final weekend in September. There will The reconstituted committee, Barbara Windle also be an internationally focussed meeting as part of explained, now has two years’ experience. She told the event with York Friends. It is hoped that this will Sufferings that the specific tasks required of it had be a model for an annual event with BYM Friends in been undertaken. These included deepening relations different parts of the country each year. between Friends in Britain and other Yearly Meetings, Barbara Windle said that the committee would be holding an annual consultative Forum, furthering delighted to received interest from Friends who might Quaker witness through collaboration with FWCC and like to offer hospitality to world Friends when they intervisitation, working on building community, and were visiting Britain. responding to the concerns of other Yearly Meetings. A Friend supported the use of international Skype. The report, she said, looked back at key activities She described how an Experiment with Light group of in the past year and looked forward to plans for the nine had linked up via the Internet across continents: coming year. It also included the consideration of ‘it works beautifully. I commend that way of meeting queries for Sufferings. between Friends.’ Barbara Windle said that one of the key Another Friend thanked Friends for their work responsibilities of the committee is to encourage with the committee and also endorsed the use of the intervisitation, when Quakers from different parts Internet to aid communication between Friends across of the world meet face to face. It was important to the globe.

Quaker recognised bodies

A Quaker Recognised Body December 2016 four groups of three other groups that staff (QRB) is an independent group were registered by Meeting for at Friends House considered had where concerned Friends explore a Sufferings following a pilot met ‘the criteria for listing them common interest, seek affirmation, coordinated by staff at Friends as Quaker Recognised Bodies’ and or carry out witness. House: Living Witness; Quaker were ‘happy to recommend that It wishes to be recognised as a Disability Equality Group; Meeting for Sufferings registers Quaker organisation because its Quaker Values in Education; and t h e m’. Quaker roots are an important Quaker Action on Alcohol and The groups concerned were the part of its identity. Drugs. Nontheist Friends Network, the Sufferings was told, at the In the session on Saturday Quakers and Business Group, and meeting on 1 April, that in afternoon Sufferings was informed Quaker Concern for Animals.

the Friend, 14 April 2017 5 Comment

We all have a part to play

The Society of Friends might be thought of as a prism through which the Divine Light passes, to become visible in a spectrum of many colours

Quaker faith & practice 18.20

Hazel Shellens writes about visiting isolated Friends

ow is the time of year when many Friends are Friend or group in the longer term, for example by planning summer holidays and for some the providing reading material on Quakerism, exchanging availability of a Quaker Meeting, where they news and sending newsletters, or occasionally Ncan worship on a Sunday morning, is a consideration providing for a virtual presence using Skype or social that will be factored in. media. Maybe members of the Meeting in Britain Although in many parts of the world there are and the small worship group or isolated Friend with vibrant Meetings that meet every Sunday (and whom there is a connection, could together join the often on other days of the week too), in other areas, Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre online Meeting including some very close to home, the Quaker for Worship, provided any time difference permits. It presence is tiny – a worship group of two or three, or must be remembered that although some international maybe just one isolated Friend. In Europe there are members are experienced Quakers who have moved to small worship groups in Bologna, Barcelona, Budapest, an area where there is no Meeting, many are very new Tallin and Prague, as well as in Portugal, Georgia, to Quakerism and appreciate the ongoing nurture that Malta, Iceland and Latvia; but only single Friends, Friends who have visited them can provide. without even the support of a worship group, in Even in those European countries where there are Turkey, Greece and Ukraine. The same is true in other sufficient Friends to form a Yearly Meeting (such as, parts of the world, especially in Asia. Belgium and Luxembourg, France, Germany and the Whether as individuals or in small groups, these Scandinavian countries) there are some very small Friends are part of the Friends World Committee for Quaker communities that welcome visits. Consultation’s (FWCC’s) International Membership Isolated Friends and small worship groups welcome Programme, which does its best to act as a support for visits from Quakers but it is important to make them and to nurture individuals. Visiting Friends can contact before travelling. A group that does not meet play an important role in this work. FWCC encourages often may be able to arrange a meeting during a visit. those who are travelling to seek out opportunities to So, Friends… it’s down to you! Travel well and enjoy meet with isolated Friends and small groups, who exploring the prism and making new connections. have little opportunity to worship with others and who really welcome visitors. This form of travelling in the ministry can be very rewarding, both for the visitors Hazel is a member of Cambridgeshire Area Meeting and and the visited. It can lead to a lasting connection, not currently serving on FWCC’s International Membership only with the Friend who visited, but on occasion with Applications Committee. the whole of their Meeting back home. Once a connection is established the visitor and their Further information: Meeting may wish to explore supporting an isolated http://bit.ly/FWCCInternationalMembership

6 the Friend, 14 April 2017 Reflection

Effective altruism

Martin Hartog reflects on ‘how to do the most good’ he term ‘effective altruism’, coined by the is easy to underestimate just how well off most of us organisations Giving What We Can and 80,000 in rich countries are, compared to those in developing Hours in November 2011, means trying to ones. A donation of even a modest amount, by our Tensure that any efforts we make to help those less standards, can have a profound effect. fortunate than ourselves are as successful as possible. The second part of the book discusses ‘Effective William MacAskill, in the first part of his altruism in action’, focussing on specific charities remarkable book Doing Good Better: How Effective with another five questions: What does this charity Altruism Can Help You Make A Difference, explores do? How cost effective is each programme area? How five key questions of effective altruism. How many robust is the evidence behind each programme? How people benefit, and by how much? Is this the most well is each programme implemented? Does the effective thing you can do? Is this area neglected? charity need additional funds? What would happen otherwise? What are the chances This part includes an examination of sweatshop of success, and how good would success be? goods and concludes that in poor countries, even if These questions can be applied to a range of the conditions in which those making these goods are activities, such as what career to pursue and where atrocious, such work is better than being unemployed. to volunteer, as well as deciding which charities to The response should be to try to end the extreme support. He illustrates the relevance of these questions poverty that underlies these activities. In discussing with two examples that are particularly striking. choice of careers, he cautions against ‘following a First, a number of different teaching methods, such passion’, but mentions five factors that are predictive as providing additional textbooks or increasing the of job satisfaction: independence, sense of completion, number of teachers, were tested in attempts to improve variety, feedback from the job, and contribution. the education of children in Kenya. This had little He concludes by giving four ideas as to how any effect. Subsequently, however, the results of a different of us can pursue effective altruism: establish a habit study, of deworming, were rather more striking. The of regular giving; write down how you’re going to general health of the children was improved. incorporate effective altruism in your life; join the The other example concerned a young man who effective altruism community; and tell others all about decided to become a doctor ‘because of a desire I it. There is a Centre for Effective Altruism based in have to help others’. Later, he examined different Oxford and a number of charities based upon the options of how to use his skills as a doctor most principles of effective altruism. Interestingly, the effectively. After meticulous consideration, he opted most highly rated by GiveWell, the nonprofit charity for practising medicine in a well-paid speciality in the evaluator, are: the Against Malaria Foundation and the UK, eventually donating fifty per cent of his salary Malaria Consortium; charities supporting deworming to carefully chosen charities, thereby having a much programmes; GiveDirectly; and the Schistosomiasis higher impact on health in the developing world than Control Initiative. he would have had by working there. Perhaps this grading of charities, three of which are William MacAskill questions a number of widely focused on health in poor countries, is to some extent held beliefs. For instance, the law of diminishing because it is easier to obtain robust evidence of their returns indicates that disaster relief funds should benefits, as compared with many other charities, which be directed towards poorer countries, rather than may include a range of projects where the evidence of responding to all that have been highly publicised, effectiveness may not be so accessible. as they may involve relatively wealthy nations. He Effective altruism is clearly a concept of the greatest concludes that ‘in general, it makes less sense to importance. We are fortunate that there are charities, donate to disaster relief than it does to donate to the and an organisation, that can help us achieve this aim. best charities that fight poverty’. Because we are used to judging ourselves in comparison with our peers, it Martin is from Thornbury Meeting.

the Friend, 14 April 2017 7 Letters All views expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Friend

Holding in the Light any scenery and only hears the drone of the engine Jane Taylor’s ‘Thought for the Week’ (7 April) and road noise, which adds to his stress. concerned ‘Holding in the Light’. QCA Friends, I am not saying you are wrong, I am I have found Marcelle Martin’s Pendle Hill asking if we have our priorities in the right place. Pamphlet 382 Holding one another in the Light A Friend helpful, especially such extracts as: Norfolk and Waveney Area Meeting

…joining with God’s constant love for the person. Why are we here? …at such moments it is as though I am drawn George Macpherson’s answer to ‘Why are we here?’ to join with divine loving intentions already (31 March) is ‘to conserve our genes… so humanity irradiating that person. can survive’. As the wartime song in Oh! What a Lovely War goes – ‘we’re here, because we’re here, …one does not request anything specific but simply because we’re here…’ offers oneself as a vehicle for God’s love for the The Zen-like idea within this does appeal to me. other. Certainly, survival depends on how we relate to one another. However, I can’t agree that we should relate They help guide my prayer life, as does a Celtic to other species solely to serve our wants and needs. prayer that I use daily as a visualisation: My hope is that we can grow to respect all beings in their own right; that none, including human animals May the light of God surround you. have more entitlement to be on this Earth than May the love of God enfold you. others. May the power of God flow through you. Imagine if, by mistreating our fellow creatures Wherever you are God is, and all is well. solely as utilities and entertainment, the reciprocal workings of the Golden Rule ‘do as you would be Mary Stone done by’ kicked in. This could lead to really unhappy Yealand Meeting, Lancashire consequences for humans. Julie Hinman Littlehampton Meeting, West Sussex Farm animals As a former smallholder and pigfarmer, I am unsure of what the Quaker Concern for Animals’ (QCA) Kindness aims were during their witness at a slaughterhouse I think I can help Ernest Hall with the source of the (17 March). quotation in the ‘Thought for the Week’ (31 March). Farm animals bred for meat in this country are It comes from a poem ‘The World’s Need’ by Ella governed by some of the most stringent regulations Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919) where it is quoted as: in the world. If we did not farm these animals for their produce So many gods, so many creeds, they could become endangered and extinct; there So many paths that wind and wind would be no need to care for them. We would no While just the art of being kind longer see cattle, pigs and sheep in our fields, and Is all the sad world needs. that would be a huge loss. The quality farming of these creations provide us I usually manage to misquote it by reversing the with meat, dairy produce and other products; they last two lines apart from the first word but that sense have a life worth living and a death that is giving. remains the same! The transportation of farm animals is also well Donald S Gill governed. The lorries have slatted sides allowing Reading Meeting, Berkshire fresh air to pass through the vehicle; they get access to fresh water to drink and they have to rest. Many of the animals get to look out at the scenery around Eileen Kemp’s letter on kindness (7 April) prompted them. me to find the following in John Julian’s Dictionary of If I want to transport my cat I can put him in a Hymnology: box, stick him on the car seat, or floor. I do not have ‘The Reverend Henry Burton, who wrote this to feed or water him and I can drive all across the hymn, was born at Swannington, Leicestershire, in country without stopping. The cat doesn’t get to see 1840. His parents having emigrated to America, he

8 the Friend, 14 April 2017 [email protected]

became a student at Beloit College, and graduated Quaker reading with honours. After labouring as a minister of the Margaret Worthington’s letter (3 March) resonated Methodist Episcopal Church for a time, he returned with me. I, too, am overwhelmed by the quantity of to England, entered the Wesleyan Ministry in 1865, reading I am frequently encouraged and invited to and… laboured chiefly in Lancashire and London.’ do. Of his hymn ‘Have you had a kindness shown? Pass I choose to read the Friend but struggle to keep up it on’ Burton wrote: ‘This is based on a little incident to date – hence only just reading Margaret’s letter. in the life of my brother-in-law, the Reverend Mark Unlike Margaret, I am not a new Quaker and Guy Pearse. When a boy returning home from a have benefited from absorbing Quakerism through Moravian school in Holland, the steward of the boat conversations and experience over decades. on which he sailed from Bristol to Hayle showed It is clear that many Friends find books a valued him marked attention and kindness, because Mr. source of inspiration. Few seem to understand when Pearse’s father, years before, had proved a great friend I say that reading is not my main means of learning. to his mother. And so he was simply passing on the Like Margaret, I am not good at retaining a lot of what kindness.’ I have read. Noël Staples I am pleased that this has been raised because of the Peterborough Meeting risk that some newcomers will be put off exploring Quakerism further if they just get recommendations to read this, that and the other (online or hard copies) Consciousness in response to questions they ask. On 4 April Daniel Dennett, a writer, philosopher and There will be some, like Margaret and me, for whom scientist in the field of cognition appeared on Jim reading just doesn’t work well. For others, reading Al-Khalili’s Radio 4 programme, The Life Scientific, presents a cognitive or physical difficulty. talking about the illusion of consciousness. Advices & queries 20 encourages us to take up He appears to describe people as no more than Margaret’s challenge: a collection of robots, bacteria or neurons, and consciousness as a bag of tricks, magic perhaps. He is Do you give sufficient time to sharing with others a disciple of the explanation of life offered by Richard in the meeting, both newcomers and long-time Dawkins’ selfish gene and memes, and a fervent members, your understanding of worship, of service, Darwinist. and of commitment to the Society’s witness? Do you Then Jane Taylor’s ‘Thought for the Week’ (7 April) give a right proportion of your money to support arrived with a spiritual view of consciousness in Quaker work? complete contrast to Dennett’s scientific view. We all have a different awareness, some guided by Jackie Fowler religion in a historic communal experience which Worcestershire and Shropshire Area Meeting Dennett recognises. For me, individual consciousness is a gift and a mystery: How do brain and mind connect? Do we all have the same perception? Do we live in a common In essentials unity, universe? Why am I here? How do I, so minuscule, in non-essentials liberty, relate to an unimaginable ‘God’? Why do I personally enjoy the gift of a conscious mind? in all things charity. There is much to speculate about. Worship provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect and channel our thoughts. The Friend welcomes your views. I was once a mathematician, which is neither a science nor an art – it lies between the two. Today Do keep letters short (maximum 250 words). number is helping to explain our created universe that some biological scientists see by analogy in terms Please include your full postal address, even of memes, bacteria, robots, DNA and selfish genes, when sending emails, and specify whether you whilst denying the spiritual. wish for your postal or email address or Meeting name to be used with your name. So, let us hold them in the Light, and hope it may shine on them too. Letters are published at the editor’s discretion Tommy Gee and may be edited. Abbey Cottage, Wingfield

the Friend, 14 April 2017 9 Peace

People Power: Fighting for Peace

Ian Kirk-Smith welcomes a powerful and moving exhibition A poster by the Peace Committee of the Society of Friends. of the Society of Friends. Committee the Peace A poster by in Britain. (Quakers) Society Photo: © Religious of Friends

n the past hundred years the world has experienced of voices from different eras (1930s, 1950s, 1980s). conflict, warfare, worldwide destruction and Several Quakers are included in these recordings. violent death. It has also seen the growth of a mass The anti-war movement has always been a ‘bottom- Imobilisation of people opposed to settling conflict by up’ rather than a ‘top-down’ one. It is not a story of violent means – a rejection of war. ‘lions led by donkeys’ but one of dissenting volunteers The Imperial War Museum (IWM) in London was set driven to action by promptings of conscience and faith. up in 1917 in the year of Passchendaele and the Russian Nobody conscripts a Quaker to witness at the gates of Revolution. It has chosen to commemorate its centenary an arms fair. with an exhibition on the anti-war movement. It is an The visitor is presented with insights into the unexpected subject to find in a building full of tanks, testimony of ‘ordinary’ individuals – through personal guns and fighter planes. letters, photographs and objects – and this method of The IYM, however, has a reputation for looking at ‘humanising’ a huge story is extremely effective. conflict from different perspectives and People Power: The principled stand against war taken by Quakers Fighting for Peace is a thoughtful, creative and well- features strongly in the first part of the exhibition. A presented contribution to this tradition. The exhibition poster issued by the Peace Committee of the Society of brings together some 300 items – letters, photographs, Friends, for example, emphasises calm and self-control paintings, extracts from literature, banners, posters, in contrast to the widespread patriotic fervor of the badges, music, archive film and news footage – in time. telling story of a century of protest against war. Personal items and letters reveal the harrowing There are four sections: the first world war and experiences of conscientious objectors who faced the 1920s; the 1930s and the second world war; the noncombatant service, forced labour, imprisonment ‘Cold War’; and the modern era. A ‘soundscape’, made and hostility from wider society. Archive documents up of chants and protests from different eras and from the witness of Friends such as Howard Maren and installations, offers a continuous audio backdrop and is Bert Brocklesby are included. a reminder that demonstrations, marches, camps and sit The story of the Friends Ambulance Unit (FAU) ins have been a preferred form of action. There are also is acknowledged. There are photographs, objects of headphone posts where visitors can listen to a selection clothing, and letters of Paul Cadbury and Rachel Wilson,

10 the Friend, 14 April 2017 Greenham Common banner designed and made by Museum. Peace The Campbell. Photo: Thalia Rachel Wilson, back, second from right, and VAD friends, 1917. friends, 1917. VAD second from right, and Wilson, back, Rachel in Britain. (Quakers) Society Photo: © Religious of Friends

who met in the FAU and went on to have six children. faith-based, witness for peace was increasingly The work of the Friends War Relief Committee is also complemented and overtaken in the 1930s by a strong represented by a selection of documents and images. secular movement. One of the most famour artists of the first world war, The thread of conscientious objectors (COs) is picked CRW Nevinson, served with the FAU from October up with the second world war, when there were some 1914 to January 1915. Two of his oil paintings are 62,000 COs compared to 16,000 in the first, and shown. One, The Doctor, is a Cubist style representation documentary material is again used to bring individual of men being patched up after a battle and the other, witness to life. One of the most unusual of many Paths of Glory, shows two dead soldiers face down in personal stories covered in the exhibition is that of the mud. Both evoke the suffering and futility of war John Bridge, a pacifist and teacher of physics who and are executed in a Futurist style. His war paintings volunteered to train as a bomb disposal expert. There are both powerful propaganda and achieved works of are fuses on display from bombs that he made safe. art. References to Quakers begin to disappear in the 1930s, A significant thread in the exhibition is the role that though the exhibition does feature a letter written in art and design have played in the anti-war movement. 1945 by Quaker and Yes, Minister actor Paul Eddington, Striking posters, banners, signs and badges, that who registered as a CO when he was called up. convey a message clearly and crisply, are everywhere The largest section of the exhibition explores the in evidence. forty-five-year standoff between the USA and the There are also many moving written expressions of USSR – the ‘Cold War’. It commemorates the mass conscience. One, a letter of resignation by a serving marches made from the centre of London to the Atomic officer in the first world war, suggests the deep personal Weapons Research Establishment at RAF Aldermaston anguish many soldiers must have faced: in Berkshire. The early designs by Gerald Holtom for ‘I am resigning my commission because, while I cannot comprehend a transient God, I believe that God is incarnate in every human being and that so long as life persists in the human body, soul and body are one and inseparable, God being the life of both. From which it follows that killing man is killing God.’ Pacifism and anti-war views became more widespread and socially acceptable in the 1930s. Diaries, letters and photographs illuminate the experience of anti-war campaigners in this section and there is fascinating

material on the Peace Pledge Union. The Christian, Nuclear Photos: Campaign for Disarmament.

the Friend, 14 April 2017 11 COs at Dyce Camp 1916, including the Richmond Sixteen. including the Richmond Camp 1916, COs at Dyce in Britain. (Quakers) Society Photo: © Religious of Friends 1958 poster. Photo: Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Photo: Campaign for poster. 1958

a logo for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, ex-servicemen, from Veterans for Peace, standing which was founded in 1958, are given well deserved outside Downing Street delivering heartfelt space. His iconic design was based on a combination speeches rejecting militarism. The ex-soldiers then of the semaphore signals for the letters ‘N’ and ‘D’ contemptuously throw their caps and medals to the (representing nuclear disarmament). ground – a symbolic, dramatic and thought-provoking When the government of Margaret Thatcher agreed act that is perhaps more compelling for being addressed to deploy cruise missiles at RAF Greenham in Berkshire not to an audience but to the anonymity of a building in it prompted a new generation of direct nonviolent which politicians have, on many occasions, committed action that grew into a cultural phenomenon – a a country to war and thousands to their deaths. permanent camp of women protesters who undertook The exhibition concludes with a film made up of a range of anti-nuclear protests. quotes from figures at the forefront of protest today. The Greenham camp began in September 1981 and They talk of the experience of taking part as liberating, continued for nineteen years until it was disbanded in empowering and inspiring. They also reflect on the 2000. The exhibition includes memorabilia from the enduring legacy of a tradition of anti-war protest in camp that conveys a sense of the passion, commitment which Quakers have played a significant part. and creativity of the women involved. The prominent The decision to organise the exhibition apparently role that women played in the anti-war movement is a caused some concern at the IWM. Would seasoned central theme throughout the exhibition. peace campaigners want to see their lives and personal The final section includes artefacts – particularly artefacts appear in a museum devoted to war? Would visual items – from the post-Communist era. Many servicemen and women wish to see the actions of protests were organised against Western interference in pacifists highlighted in a space normally dedicated to and invasions of Arab countries. soldiers? There has been no problem. A wall is filled with original ‘blood splat’ artwork and People Power: Fighting For Peace narrows the gulf posters created by designer David Gentleman for the between soldier and pacifist by honouring the workings Stop the War Coalition. His ‘No More Lies’ and ‘Bliar’ of the human spirit, respecting the authenticity of all images are powerful examples of a long tradition of promptings of conscience, and illuminating what it poster design in the anti-war cause. Quakers have made means to make a personal sacrifice. It is inspiring to a distinguished contribution to this story, as a small see the personal witness of ‘ordinary people’, including exhibition currently running in the Library at Friends so many Friends, in the cause of peace. The IWM is to House demonstrates. be commended for its creativity and its commitment to Archive film is used throughout the exhibition tell this story. to telling effect. One particularly effective sequence in the end section is of hand held footage of three Ian is editor of the Friend.

12 the Friend, 14 April 2017 Reflections on the ‘Red Book’

Easter: the inside story

The resurrection, however literally or otherwise we interpret it, demonstrates the power of God, to bring life out of brokenness; not just to take the hurt out of brokenness but to add something to the world. It helps us to sense the usefulness, the possible meaning in our suffering, and to turn it into a gift. The resurrection affirms me with my pain and my anger at what has happened. It does not take away my pain; it still hurts. But I sense that I am being transfigured; I am being enabled to begin again to love confidently and to remake the spirit of my world.

S Jocelyn Burnell, 1989 – Quaker faith & practice 26.56.

he tomb was empty. The body had gone. A Pilate gave them [scribes and Pharisees] Petronius the flogged, spear pierced, crucified man bursting centurion, with soldiers, to watch the sepulchre. And out of his grave is a story worth telling. It gave with them came elders and scribes to the sepulchre. And Tthe first witnesses a shock; they were afraid. It has all who were there rolled thither a great stone and laid it profoundly influenced 2,000 years of history and invites against the entrance and put on it seven seals, pitched a examination, for there is more to it than is generally tent and kept watch.’ assumed. This ‘Gospel’, once read at Christian worship, was It may be thought that the four gospel accounts add later banned. Some thought that the words ‘taken up’, up to give a complete whole. They don’t. One writer which were used of Jesus dying on the cross, suggested borrowed from another, Matthew from Mark. Then he that he didn’t actually die! What was going on? The story added extra from other sources. Where did these other within the story is important. stories come from? Who was telling them and how The men who for three years were close to Jesus tell many are there? Paul wrote to the people of Corinth of us something surprising (John 21). A few weeks after Jesus appearing to a crowd of more than 500. Who told finding the empty tomb some of them were hanging him that? Why did others like Luke ignore it? around the boats they had left to follow Jesus. They The records we have were written forty to eighty were discussing whether or not to go back fishing. Their years after the event. The writers were not eyewitnesses. lives seemed to have lost purpose. What had their leader There had been earlier writings by Paul but he did prepared them for? A strange beginning for a world- not mention an empty tomb. The ‘empty tomb’ stories transforming movement. No one knew what to do! were not used to produce an authorised case for the This is the ‘inside’ story. The resurrection story resurrection for all time. After all, the writers believed is not just a ‘happy ending’ story, or an event that that ‘history’ was soon coming to an end and Jesus puts everybody in his or her deserved place. It is far would return ‘in glory’. more. It is forever immediate and personal. It is about Early Christians mention a Gospel of Peter and that personal discovery at deep levels of experience and it was read in the church at Rhossos, near Antioch. understanding. Jocelyn Bell Burnell has written of it so In 1886 a copy was found in a monk’s grave in clearly. Upper Egypt. It seems to have been written between Resurrection is a life-transforming ‘inside’ story and, 150-170 AD and has some ‘extras’. ‘Peter’ writes: ‘And forever, an historical mystery.

Bernard Coote Blue Idol Meeting

the Friend, 14 April 2017 13 Quaker life

Being a pacifist Photo: Mike Linksvayer / flickr CC / flickr Linksvayer Photo: Mike

Graham Spinks and Martin Aitken engage in a dialogue on the Friends Ambulance Unit, conscientious objection and pacifism

Graham: A couple of weeks ago I gave a talk praising military only to the extent that they needed to in order the contribution of a group of Friends Ambulance Unit to save the lives of conscripts from both the German and (FAU) members who were awarded military honours allied (in this case French) forces? for their bravery in collecting casualties from the front during the Normandy campaign of the second world Martin: I am not sure about your application of the war. I sensed that you were troubled by this form of quotation from Penn. The military are only part of the witness? world. There is a lot that we can do as Quakers that is ‘of the world’ without working alongside the military Martin: I am not sure if ‘troubled’ is the right word. I in action. During the second world war, many joined just cannot identify with that expression of pacifism. I the Friends Relief Service, which was set up to relieve don’t doubt the courage or the sincerity of the group you civilian distress, first from bombing and evacuation in spoke about, and I wouldn’t want anything I say to be Britain, and after the war in Europe and further afield. thought a criticism of them. I think they were extremely Some members of the FAU did similar work. You are brave and committed men and women – who faced a of course right that if the members you spoke about situation I have never had to face. But for me, pacifism saw their duty being to save the lives of conscripts, and cooperation with the military in action don’t go they needed to cooperate with the military on the together. battlefield to be effective. But the military too have an interest in saving wounded conscripts, so that they can Graham: These were men and women who refused be recycled as soldiers again. Could it not be that, in to serve in the military or to bear arms. They had to doing this work, the FAU relieved the military of the job, go through the tribunal process to demonstrate their or of part of it, and so freed military personnel for sincerity and at this late stage of the war would have fighting? risked serious stigmatisation from the population at large. I’m strongly reminded of the William Penn quote Graham: I guess I see the Penn quote as reminding that ‘true Godliness does not turn men out of the world, us that religion can give people the courage to take but enables them to live better in it’. Wouldn’t you agree responsibility in contexts which are complex or morally that the members of the FAU cooperated with the murky and where the potential outcomes are unclear.

, 14 April 2017 14 the Friend Non-military examples might be politics, business or Graham: Expressed like that I find my admiration social work. People working in these areas can find for the FAU position only increases! Without wanting themselves having to make very tricky decisions which to trivialise the issue it reminds me a little of my will often involve making compromises in one area in attitude to vegetarianism. I am not prepared to eat meat order to achieve a greater good in another. Perhaps that myself, but I don’t waste energy or risk destroying my is where we differ. Do you recognise a difference between friendships by trying to impose my views on others. I making a compromise and being compromised? don’t think there’s any contradiction there. However, I’m concerned that you’ve set the bar for qualifying as a Martin: Yes, certainly, it’s an important difference. pacifist unrealistically high. I think I understand where But the case we are discussing seems to me to be you’re coming from, but to misquote Oscar Wilde, life one of the latter. It compromises the basic belief that is never pure and rarely simple – and less so than ever war is wrong. Saving the lives of wounded soldiers is in wartime. obviously a good thing to do, but it is not what pacifism is about – which is the rejection of war itself, and of Martin: I think the challenge for pacifists is different. violence as an instrument of politics. As the Peace They reject the dilemma, giving human life or the Testimony Declaration to Charles II makes clear: ‘All sanctity of human life the overriding priority, even bloody principles and practices we do utterly deny’. To though they may understand and identify with the cooperate with the military on the battlefield, to rescue values other people see themselves as fighting for. To that the wounded, is to talk to commanders and know what extent, I think it’s a simpler, less conflicted position. But they are planning without doing anything to stop it. It it doesn’t lead only to a rejection of the use of violence is implicitly to accept ‘bloody principles and practices’. for political ends. It means a commitment to the ways of This does not seem like a compromise to me – more like peace – and to urging them. It’s a commitment, as I see a contradiction. it, that is rooted in our human reality. In civilian life, we are all pacifists – to the core – except for an extremist Graham: In my talk I was discussing an FAU unit few. We treat the deliberate taking of life as murder, operating in the Normandy campaign from June 1943. and violence as criminal. Even the military are – back By this time there was clearly nothing anybody could home – civilian too. Pacifism honours that experience have done to stop the conflict, no matter how wrong with the insistence that politics be conducted in the they thought it. These guys were realists and pragmatists same spirit. searching deeply for the best course of action available; cooperating should not be mistaken for colluding. I am Graham: I can’t help feeling that you might be moved by the words of their leader Bill Spray in which redefining pacifism in an excessively purist way. And he says that he was ‘looking for a path which did not I have a difficulty with this, which you may find run away from evil or from the war to which it had a little paradoxical. In general, I’m a great advocate given rise but which came from a compelling personal for making things simpler and less conflicted, but commitment to Jesus’ love-in-action in the evil’. Later in the particular case we are discussing I can’t help in his life he reported that the decision to register as a feeling that somebody who rejects the dilemma in conscientious objector had not been easy and, indeed, every circumstance could be failing to engage with that it had continued to haunt him throughout his life. what’s interesting and challenging, indeed missing the moral issue, in the decisions young men and women Martin: I think what you say is very helpful. The second were forced to make at this time. Isn’t there a danger of world war must have presented many people with an oversimplification here? agonising dilemma: whether to join military action against a regime that was clearly evil, or to refuse to take Martin: A pacifist can fully understand the dilemma, part in an activity that was itself evil. The path chosen but reject it in the sense that he or she does not identify by those who joined the FAU, willing to serve with the with it. Part of that understanding is recognising that military, can perhaps be seen as an attempt to contain a case can sometimes be made for military action that that contradiction. If so, this would by no means have others find convincing. The key fact for the pacifist, been an easy choice: it does not resolve the dilemma however, is this: whatever the intention, military action and, as you indicate of Bill Spray, the threat of regret, if violates the most basic and universal of all values, that of not remorse, would always be there, on one side of the human life. If we do that, what limits are left? Pacifism choice or the other. I wouldn’t describe this path as a sets the limit at the start. pacifist one, but it is certainly conscientious objection: a refusal to fight, although with clear sympathy for those Graham and Martin are members of Cambridge Jesus who do. Lane Meeting.

, 14 April 2017 the Friend 15 14 Apr 10/4/17 16:46 Page 6

Friends&Meetings Labour Action for Peace Deaths Friends Housing AGM 2017 Bursary Trust Members and Supporters welcome Jim DIMOND 4 April. Father of A registered charity Colin, grandfather of Mark and Saturday 6th May Andrew. Member of Plymouth The Trust is able to pay modest regular bursaries or one-off 10.30am to 4pm Meeting. Aged 96. Meeting for grants to older Friends who Worship Quaker House, Plymouth Jubilee Room, Indian YMCA need financial assistance to 41 Fitzroy Sq, London W1 1pm, 18 April followed by Wood- help them to remain in their own land burial. Bright colour’s at Jim’s (Warren Street tube station) homes or where a contribution www.indianymca.org request. [email protected] might be made towards care or nursing home fees. Refreshments 10.30am; David JOBSON 3 April, peacefully For further details contact the Speakers 11am; Lunch 1.15pm in Pretoria, South Africa after a treasurer: 01494 873216 Kelvin Hopkins MP [email protected] short illness. Member of Milton and Chris Baugh Keynes Meeting, sojourning with Pretoria Meeting. Aged 75. For Asst. Gen. Sec, PCS Union QUAKER BUSINESS METHOD: AGM and Policy decisions 2.30pm further information, contact: A GIFT FROM QUAKERS TO [email protected] RSVP to Organising Secretary: CONTEMPORARY BUSINESS? [email protected] Come and explore the opportunities by Monday 1 May. for its wider use at the Quakers and Changes of clerk Never before has there been a Business Group Gathering/AGM greater need for PEACE! QUAKERS AND BUSINESS GROUP 2017, Saturday 6 May, 10am-5pm, Jesus Lane QMH, Cambridge. • Reversing the decision on Trident New details, co-clerks: Wendrie • Supporting UN debates on Details: qandb.org Heywood and Marius Jennings banning nuclear weapons ([email protected]); treasurer: • Offering safetyto Syrian refugees Lesley Bacon ([email protected]). QUAKER FAMILY HISTORY • Challenging xenophobia SOCIETY Exeter & Devon One Promoting the Labour Party Postal address: Quakers and as the Party for Peace Business Group, Unit 12272, Day Meeting at Exeter Friends PO Box 7169, Poole BH15 9EL. Meeting House, Wynards Lane, Exeter, EX2 4HU, on Saturday 6th May 10:30 am. Details on the QFHS Diary website at www.qfhs.co.uk under Events or email [email protected] BUNHILL FIELDS FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE Banner Street, THE KINDLERS DEEPENING London EC1, Wednesday 19 April WORSHIP WORKSHOP: and the 3rd Wednesday of every Requirements of Love. 10am-4.30 pm month, 12.45 - 1.15pm, Meeting for Saturday 13 May. Friends House, Worship followed by shared lunch. London. No booking. £10 at door.

For information on placing a notice on this page, or a copy of our guidelines, please email [email protected] or call 01535 630230.

A warm invitation To all who took part, as participants or audiences, in the projects of The Leaveners (1976 – 2016) ‘Endings and Beginnings’ 2pm – 5pm Saturday 14th October 2017 To celebrate 40 years of song, theatre & music-making, and to launch The Singing Quakers and Quaker Music Network Friends House, London, opposite Euston Station. Everyone welcome, free, encourage others to come! Confirm if coming by email: [email protected]

16 the Friend, 14 April 2017 14 Apr 10/4/17 16:46 Page 7

Book now! Quaker United Enquirers’ weekend Nations Office Geneva ‘Finding Out About Quakers’ TWO PROGRAMME in the beautiful Lake District setting of ASSISTANTS GLENTHORNE QUAKER CENTRE • Human Rights and Refugees Grasmere • Climate Change and Peace Friday 12th – Sunday 14th May 2017 SFr. 1,460pm with housing provided. 1 September 2017 to 31 August 2018. The ideal weekend for people who know little or nothing Open to Friends or those in close about Quakers, or those who have been coming to Meeting sympathy. Must be legally eligible a little while and now want to explore further. You will be for employment in Switzerland or the European Union. guided by experienced facilitators from the team at Quaker Quest in a friendly, relaxed environment. Opportunities for young professionals to learn about/contribute to Quaker Glenthorne offers a warm and welcoming venue in the work at the UN in our unique, integrated, friendly small team. While heart of the Lake District National Park. A few places are much of the work will build on still available, please tell any newcomers you know. your professional skills, willingness to assist with general office, cater- Book by Monday 24 April. Cost £200 including ing and domestic duties is essential. accommodation and all meals. Full job descriptions and appli- To book or enquire, visit www.glenthorne.org cation forms at www.quno.org email [email protected] or call 015394 35389. Closing date: Monday 1 May 2017.

Yearly Meeting Gathering 29 July – 5 August 2017 University of Warwick Living out our faith in the world Working with others to change the world Come and be part of a joyful, worshipping, working community. Book by 30 April to secure your place. Residents and day visitors should all book in advance. Book online at www.quaker.org.uk/ym All booking queries ring Warwick Conferences 024 7657 4999

Share the spiritual preparation for YMG - see www.quaker.org.uk/ym/spiritual-preparation

the Friend, 14 April 2017 17 14 Apr 10/4/17 16:46 Page 8

Classified advertisements 54a Main St, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL. T&F: 01535 630230 E: [email protected] TRANQUIL NORFOLK VILLAGE. Artist’s cottage, near Blakeney. Accommodates 5. Beamed sittingroom, three bedrooms. A WARM PEMBROKESHIRE WELCOME Sunny garden. Orchard. Sailing, fishing, volunteers awaits you in 2 cosy well equipped walking, great birdwatching. Available all cottages each sleeps 4. Woodburners, year. 07731 842259. www.thornage.com QUAKER TAPESTRY, KENDAL. Stay for sea views, coastal path 2 miles. 01348 one/two weeks in our cosy cottage flat 891286. [email protected] WEST CORNWALL. Studio, sleeps 2/3, on (sleeps 3) in the Lakes. Enjoy helping out www.stonescottages.co.uk small farm, lovely location close to coast, in a variety of roles. £50pw contribution garden, walks from door, dogs welcome. requested. Booking now for March - COUNTRY COTTAGES near Ludlow. [email protected] December 2017 and 2018. Walking, wildlife. Short breaks. Families. 01736 762491. [email protected] Pets. Green awards. Ffriends’ discount. 01547 540441. RETREATS www.mocktreeholidays.co.uk where to stay PERSONAL RETREATS, FRANCE. Make COTSWOLDS. Spacious barn conversion space to reflect and be still. Beautiful old GUESTHOUSES, HOTELS, B&BS in Charlbury near Woodstock. Sleeps 2+. farmhouse in rural Auvergne offers Woodburner. Lovely walking. 01608 supportive, nurturing environment for EDINBURGH. City centre accommodation 811558. [email protected]. individual retreats. Simple daily rhythm: at Emmaus House. Tel. 0131 228 1066. www.cotswoldsbarn.com meditation; silence; contemplative/artistic www.emmaushouse-edinburgh.co.uk activities. Walking. Organic vegetarian Email: [email protected] ORKNEY, WESTRAY. West Manse and food. www.retreathouseauvergne.com Scottish charity SC042957. Brotchie, plus warm refurbished shoreside St Clair Cottage having easy access, track and hoist, indoor seawater hot tub. for sale & to let COTTAGES & SELF-CATERING Dementia/disabled friendly. Sandy www.westmanse.co.uk THREE MILES FROM TENBY AND THE CLAVERHAM, NORTH SOMERSET beautiful Pembrokeshire coast. ‘Little Cottage adjoining historic Meeting House THE DELL HOUSE, MALVERN. Wedlock’ is a sixteenth century farmhouse in rural area close to coast. Ideal for short Self-catering apartments. Extensive wooded with a self-contained unit attached. In breaks or family holidays. Sleeps up to gardens. Dogs welcome. Ideal for couples, addition it has two holiday flats, a modern seven. Website: www.claverhamtrust.org.uk families and groups of 6-20. Also B&B. purpose-built art studio gallery and a Enquiries: Tom Leimdorfer, telephone www.thedellhouse.co.uk large barn workshop/garage. Solar water 01934 834663. [email protected] 01684 564448. heating and photovoltaic panels. One acre garden/paddock. Enquiries: [email protected] Research personal HOUSE/CAT SITTER AVAILABLE 5-31 AUGUST 2017 Fellowship Preferably near a coastal town with public transport anywhere in the UK. References available. Centre for Research in Quaker Studies Contact Joan King Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre, working 07717 193663 or 01246 913374. in partnership with Quaker Committee for WRITER SEEKS ILLUSTRATOR/Cartoonist for collaboration on humorous book. Christian and Interfaith Relations Please email [email protected] We are seeking a research fellow to research the appeals impact the changing face of faith expression in Britain is having on Quakers and seek out new groups STEPS and individuals with whom Quakers could work. Enabling Palestinian postgraduates to study at the University of St Andrews £8,325 (£28,970 pro rata). Full-time for 15 weeks. www.stepspalestine.org.uk Please donate payable to STEPS c/o St Andrews Meeting To apply, visit www.woodbrooke.org.uk or contact 2 Howard Place, St Andrews KY16 9HL [email protected] Bank transfer Clydesdale Bank Sortcode 82-67-30 Closing date: Friday 28 April 2017 (12 noon). Account 70035436 Scottish Charity SC042518.

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books A QUAKER BASE IN PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY CENTRAL LONDON &TAXATION SERVICE Quaker Accountant offers friendly Central, quiet location, GODLESS FOR GOD'S SAKE service countrywide. Nontheism in Contemporary Quakerism convenient for Friends House, Self-assessment & small businesses. British Museum and transport. Fifth reprint. Richard Platt, Grainger & Platt Comfortable rooms tastefully Available Quaker Centre Bookshop: Chartered Certified Accountants furnished, many en-suite. £9.50. 3 Fisher Street, Carlisle CA3 8RR Full English breakfast. Telephone 020 7663 1030. Telephone 01228 521286 Discount for Sufferings and [email protected] Club members. www.grainger-platt.co.uk ESCAPE TO REDEMPTION. “Only her 21 Bedford Place own forgiveness can set her free.” London WC1B 5JJ Paperback and eBook editions of Quaker QUAKER MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES, Tel. 020 7636 4718 writer Peter Parr’s hope-inspiring novel Partnerships, commitments, notices and [email protected]

are available from online booksellers or other calligraphy. Liz Barrow 01223 369776. The Penn Club www.pennclub.co.uk via www.thingstoremember.org.uk “An engrossing, realistic morality tale.” (Kirkus Reviews) Britain events Yearly

EXPLORING PRIESTHOOD Meeting (ORDAINED & OF ALL BELIEVERS) Learning from and offering to each other. A Quiet Day Head of Facilities and Westminster Meeting House 52 St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4EH 11am–4pm Saturday 22 April Property Services No charge. Retiring collection. Salary: £46,958 per annum. Contract: Full time, permanent Details: Hours: 35 per week. Location: Friends House, Euston Road, London NW1 [email protected] / 020 7790 9418. Would you like to use your considerable skills in an enthusiastic team? STAFFORDSHIRE AREA Britain Yearly Meeting (Quakers in Britain) needs someone to develop, QUAKER MEETING deliver and maintain its outstanding facilities and property services. Harvey Gillman will lead a session on: “Unconscious assumptions, Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will be accountable for the unconscious bias” strategic delivery of BYM facilities operations, including the day-to-day Saturday 13 May from 10.30am–1pm and financial management of all building and office-support services. (coffee 10am) Martin Heath Hall, Christchurch Lane, As the successful candidate, you will manage our regulatory compliance, Lichfield WS13 8AY with particular regard to health and safety legislation, ensuring wherever Friends from other Area Meetings are possible that we reduce our impact on the environment. very welcome to join us. (Bring and share lunch afterwards) You will be: For further details please contact • organised, with an outgoing style Rhoda Wharton 01543 480890. • able to plan strategically and give advice on facilities and property matters • experienced in proactive maintenance planning and lifecycle management miscellaneous • able to implement new systems and new ways of working • a strong leader, able to liaise directly with contractors, building ALL YOUR PIANO REQUIREMENTS professionals and property agents Restoration/nationwide removals/modern • flexible and able to deliver high-quality customer service. secondhand sales. [email protected] www.cambridgepianolacompany.co.uk You will also have proven experience of managing a diverse team, and Tom Poole 01223 861507. direct experience of facilities and property management at a senior level.

WRITING YOUR BOOK? Biography, Closing date: Thursday 11 May 2017. family history, novel or non-fiction, let me Interviews: Friday 26 May 2017. help with layout, typesetting, printing. Photographs/images can be included. For further details about Friends House go to www.friendshouse.co.uk Free quotes. Leaflets/brochures also and for information about how to apply visit www.quaker.org.uk/jobs prepared. Trish: 01223 363435, [email protected] Britain Yearly Meeting is committed to equality in all its employment practices. Registered charity no. 1127633 Remember to mention the Friend!

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