10 January 2014 £1.70 the discover the contemporaryFriend quaker way

Seeds of inspiration the Friend Independent Quaker Journalism Since 1843

Contents VOL 172 NO 2

3 Thought for the Week: A philosopher looks at science Reg Naulty

4-5 News I ask for daily bread, but not for wealth, 6 Prayer and presence lest I forget the poor. Lesley Morris I ask for strength, but not for power, lest I despise the meek. 7 The power of Quaker values I ask for wisdom, but not for learning, Mark Frankel lest I scorn the simple. I ask for a clean name, but not for fame, 8-9 Letters lest I contemn the lowly. 10-11 Seeds of inspiration I ask for peace of mind, but not for idle hours, lest I fail to hearken to the call of duty. Tim Firth 12-13 A Quaker of the people Inazo Nitobe, 1909 Graham Taylor Quaker faith & practice 20.01 14 and healing Hugh Maw 16 q-eye: a look at the Quaker world 17 Friends & Meetings

Cover image: View from the garden at Caux. Photo courtesy of Tim Firth See pages 10-11.

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2 the Friend, 10 January 2014 Thought for the Week

A philosopher looks at science

hat would they know about it? Quite a bit, actually. Scientists have replaced philosophers as gatekeepers of the real and, as a result, philosophers study science and scientists with the punctilious chagrin of the unemployed Wwatching other people doing their job. Scientists, for their part, are usually unaware that philosophers exist, and when they are, they are surprised, a response which turns into fierce indignation when they discover that philosophers compete with them for research grants. Do their paths ever cross? They do, when scientists step out of their field to make a statement such as ‘only science provides reliable information about the world’, since that is a version of positivism, the ideology that grows out of science. That statement, as philosophers point out with some satisfaction, is false. No thanks to science, we know that the battle of Hastings took place in 1066, that Henry VIII died in 1547, that world war one started in 1914, that Japan formally surrendered on the 15 August 1945, and so on ad infinitum. There is an important sub-class of historical information, viz. legal precedent, which is taken very seriously indeed. It is useful to reflect on these facts. Being human means that we live in few places for a relatively short time. To find out what happened in other places at other times we have no option but to rely on the reports of witnesses. Scientists have to rely on witnesses for their data, and to ascertain whether their experiments are corroborated by other scientists. As a result, we gain skills in assessing witnesses. How credible are they? How careful are they? Do they seem duplicitous? If they pass these tests we give them more or less credibility. As it happens, some who pass these tests well report that there are experiences of a nonsensory nature which open a window onto another reality. George Fox, for example, said: ‘When I came into the jail where those prisoners were, a great power of darkness struck at me, and I sat still having my spirit gathered into the love of G o d .’ John Woolman said: ‘The true felicity of man in this life, and in that which is to come, is in being inwardly united to the fountain of universal love and bliss.’ There are plenty of witnesses who corroborate these experiences in the Orthodox tradition, the Islamic tradition and the Hindu tradition. What is more, they are well spread over time. Shouldn’t the question now become: ‘Is there something we can do to prepare ourselves for experiences such as these?’

Reg Naulty Canberra Meeting, Australia

the Friend, 10 January 2014 3 News New £2 coin under fire A new £2 coin launched by the asking what we can learn from this Royal Mint to commemorate the futile war.’ hundredth anniversary of the start The coin, he pointed out, does of the first world war has provoked nothing to commemorate the criticism from leading peace groups millions of people who died in the and individuals. war, or the millions more who were The coin depicts Horatio wounded, traumatised, displaced, Kitchener and his slogan ‘Your impoverished, imprisoned or country needs you’. Kitchener was bereaved. He added: ‘Just over ‘In this, our centenary year, secretary of state for war in 1914 2,500 people have so far signed that need is as pressing as ever, and responsible for recruitment. the petition, including a number and we want to challenge the The Fellowship of Reconciliation of Quakers. Signatories include many world war one centenary (FoR), one of Britain’s oldest Andrew Feinstein, a former MP in commemorations which appear to peace-making groups, has called South Africa. It is available at glorify the “great war”.’ on the public to make ‘Coins bit.ly/KitchenerCoin.’ The Royal Mint said, in into Ploughshares’ by turning the Millius Palayiwa, director correspondence with the Friend, new coins into an investment in of the FoR, said: ‘We are very that it had produced coins for over a peaceful future. They suggest concerned that the launch of the 1,000 years that have recorded the donating them to one of the many new £2 coin design is in danger of passing of history, documenting organisations working to build a glorifying war and drawing public changes of monarchs, customs and just and peaceful world. attention away from the horrors national themes. A petition has also been of the trenches and the continuing It stressed that the coin is part launched urging the Royal Mint to need for peace, healing and of a five-year commemoration of withdraw the design and produce reconciliation in the world.’ ‘the emotive wartime journey from a coin that truly commemorates Richard Bickle, chair of the outbreak to armistice’. the dead. Symon Hill, who initiated FoR, added: ‘The Fellowship of There will be additional non- the petition in a personal capacity, Reconciliation began, literally, circulating coin designs ‘which explained: ‘I have nothing against on the eve of the first world war portray events and themes of the a coin to mark this important with a group of Christians from first world war.’ Every coin goes anniversary. Indeed, I think it’s across Europe meeting to explore through a ‘rigorous planning and appropriate that we mark it. Like alternatives to armed conflict, and design selection process by an many others, I will be mourning to assert their belief in Jesus’ call to independent panel known as The the millions of lives wasted and build a world order based on love. Royal Mint Advisory Committee’. Salter statues campaign The Salter Statues Campaign has now broken The new statue of , when completed and in the £35,000 barrier in a fundraising campaign aimed at place, will make it one of only fifteen public (open-air) raising £50,000. statues of women in London (three are of monarchs). In November 2011 the bronze statue of It will be the only public statue of an elected female was stolen from its location just east of Tower Bridge in politician in London and the only public statue of a London. A campaign was immediately started to raise Quaker woman. A private (indoor) statue of Margaret £50,000 to replace it. Thatcher is in the Guildhall. A new art work, created by artist Diane Gorvin, Graham Taylor, of Westminister Meeting, is involved will celebrate the enormous personal contributions in the campaign. He said: ‘We are delighted that Judi made by Alfred and Ada Salter in the early part of the Dench has donated £1,000 to the campaign. We also twentieth century to alleviate poverty and deprivation received a contribution of £500 from the Quaker in . The proposed artwork replaces the Socialist Society. It is great to have got to £35,000. stolen statue of Alfred Salter and adds a new statue of Quakers have contributed about £2,000 so far. Ada. It will re-install the statue of their daughter Joyce, ‘Donations can be made through the campaign who died of scarlet fever, with cat, and include security website at www.salterstatues.co.uk.’ features so that the statue is never stolen again. (See story pages 12-13).

4 the Friend, 10 January 2014 reported by Ian Kirk-Smith [email protected]

Philippines appeal Devastation after Typhoon Haiyan. More than $20,000 has been raised by Friends worldwide to help victims of the earthquake and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) appeal was launched last year in the wake of the natural disasters. The money raised has gone to both unprogrammed and Evangelical Quakers in the country and is being given to Friends in need. Gretchen Castle, FWCC general secretary, said: ‘We

are delighted at the response of Friends worldwide. It Aid and Civil Photo: EU Humanitarian Protection. is good the world office can play a positive role. The epicentre of the earthquake was on the island of ‘It is all about Friends giving to Friends. I am very Bohol where there is a small group of unprogrammed pleased that both programmed and unprogrammed Quakers. Many members of the Friends Evangelical Friends are being helped. Friends who would like to Yearly Meeting, which is affiliated with Evangelical contribute can do so through the FWCC website – Friends Church Eastern Region, live in the direct path www.fwccworld.org.’ of Typhoon Haiyan. Digital Voices in Wales Friends throughout Wales Arts to make a collection of three- As well as the DVDs, the stories are responding to a concern that minute digital stories for a DVD. will also be uploaded to YouTube the Quaker voice should be clearly It will be sent to every school and for access by the general public. heard among the many activities to college in Wales with notes to The project is being supported commemorate the centenary of the assist teachers in the use of the by every Area Meeting in Wales, first world war. materials. In each story a Friend Meeting of Friends in Wales, the South Wales Area Meeting’s tells their personal experience of a Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, Digital Voices project is working conscientious objector, illustrated Cynefin y Werin and individual with Breaking Barriers Community with old photographs. Friends. YM Gathering bookings open Appeal for school governors Bookings for Yearly Meeting Gathering, to be held Up to one in four school governor positions is in Bath in August 2014, are now open. vacant in some schools in rural and deprived areas of Friends House have provided information on their England. website that gives background and guidance for SGOSS – Governors for Schools, the educational those Friends who wish to attend the largest Quaker charity, has revealed that one in ten of the 300,000 gathering of 2014. It states that ‘online bookings can be governor positions across the country is not filled. made at bit.ly/YMG2014Booking’. At a recent Meeting for Sufferings held at Friends While it is recommended that booking is done online House in London a lively session was devoted to to save paper and postage, paper application forms are the concern felt by many Quakers about the state of also available. They were sent to Local Meetings just education in Britain today. Friends were urged, at the after Christmas and further copies are available. Meeting, to become actively involved in education at The website urges Friends to make use of online a local level as governors of their local schools. It was, bookings and states that they are ‘simpler as you will a Friend said, ‘a leadership role’. only see questions related to your booking choices… A Populus survey, for SGOSS, of 1,781 people in you will have access to revisit (and at times amend) Britain found that nearly two-thirds did not realise your booking… and, when allocations of space are it was school governors’ responsibility to appoint a confirmed, you can pay online’. It also saves processing head teacher. Three-quarters did not know governors time as information will not need to be re-inputted and were responsible for deciding a school’s admission fewer errors should arise. No booking deposit is being policy and eighty-five per cent of respondents were requested. However, if bookings are cancelled after the not aware that signing off a school budget was the end of June a cancellation fee may be due. governing body’s responsibility.

the Friend, 10 January 2014 5 Spirituality

Prayer and presence

Lesley Morris writes about her inner silence and the meaning of God

often moan to myself that Friends don’t talk Here is my Holy Trinity: Allah, Aphrodite and the enough, for me, that is, about what we feel God to Holy Spirit. I will pray to God in whatever church be – how we experience it/him/her; but I also know I find myself, in any place or on any mountain top. II don’t talk about it much either. It may be that I feel prayer rush up inside me. Most times I must wait, but that feeling of presence – when I’m quite gregarious, certainly capable of opening the air thickens and silence becomes like the wind – the conversation, but… it is a tender, sensitive topic; this, this can happen anywhere. God is not choosy. because it is so subjective, so experiential, it defies ordinary language and we cannot all be poetic. It The ‘God of a thousand names’ seems to me clean, demands that we go ‘inside’ ourselves, and that is not and wild, and wide, and wonderful. I do not, cannot, a comfortable place from which to have an articulate, understand why there is so much unhappiness and clear, ‘outside’ conversation. strife about how, why, when and where we worship. Each individual has their own way and their own We also know some people may not ‘tread softly’ language. Our task, I am sure, is to help each other and we may feel deeply wounded as a result. find that way and accept the way that fits that individual best. I grew up with an interesting background. My formative years were spent between England, Cyprus My ‘neighbour’ once exclaimed to me, in horror, and Egypt. My parents were ‘very loose’ Anglicans. ‘you can’t pick and mix’ like that! Well, I can. I do. I When in England, I went to a Catholic school, for seek the language, the actions, the music, the moments academic reasons. When in Egypt, I went to a non- of God that ‘speak to me’, and I treasure them, ponder faith or, rather, a multi-faith school. When in Cyprus, I them – and I keep listening, looking, singing, giving was on school holidays. up, trying again, failing, flying and praying.

In England, I woke to the sounds of the nuns I am a musician/singer and love chanting. I run a chanting matins. In Egypt, I woke with the muezzin small chanting group, which is open to anyone. Several calling from the mosque. In Cyprus, I woke to the Friends come. We chant North American Indian sound of the sea. In all three countries I felt called and chants, Taizé, Buddhist, Koptic, Hindu and Tibetan bonded by whatever it is that breathes our world. overtone chant. We do not limit ourselves to a specific religious culture or language. Why should we? All These three became my spiritual foundation – my these traditions agree that God is without limit, too. ground – where my inner silence sits comfortably in a nest of prayer and presence. Lesley is a member of Oxford & Swindon Area Meeting.

6 the Friend, 10 January 2014 Opinion The power of Quaker values

Mark Frankel believes Quakerism is a religious and moral commitment

rom time to time there is the suggestion in the Indeed, Quakers are at their most effective in giving pages of the Friend that Quaker values are not practical examples of how to live the testimonies. I the same as the values of society as a whole and am thrilled and humbled by the examples of service, Fthat we have special messages for those who are not through quiet processes, by Quakers past and present of us, if only they would pay attention. Do we, by this in many ways and walks of life. Probably the crowning attitude, rather marginalise ourselves? glory of Quaker service has been in the field of peace Our values are embodied in the testimonies of and reconciliation. We do Quaker peaceworkers peace, equality, simplicity and truth. These values are an injustice if we fail to recognise their enormous rooted in the Golden Rule: that it is good and wise influence. It is because of the influence of those who to do as you would be done by. The Golden Rule is have struggled for peace and human dignity that beautifully expressed in the Beatitudes and is found in most governments pay at least lip service to policies all religions, but Quakers have succeeded in stripping that promote peace and human rights. They are away sectarian and doctrinal encumbrances and made commonplace now but are rooted in Quaker action the testimonies a simple statement of what it is to lead against war and injustice from the outset. the good and holy life, a statement of true secular and I would encourage Friends to examine for religious values – for the two are at root one and the themselves what governments are doing by paying same. attention to their pronouncements and take a balanced Let us humbly acknowledge that the principles in view of their activities. The Iraq war and the renewal the testimonies were not invented by the Quakers. of Trident are stupid and deplorable but there are Thinkers since ancient times have dwelt on the other stories that put the UK government in a better virtues and vices. The so-called cardinal virtues light and show the power of Quakers’ message of peace are prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance, to and reconciliation. which the Christian theologians added the religious If we fail to recognise the influence that we have, virtues of faith, hope and charity. These values we are in danger of talking to ourselves. Quakers have are not inconsistent with the testimonies of peace, been great visionaries, and others have come to share equality, simplicity and truth. How they might fit those visions, however falteringly and incompletely. together in theory and practice is the hard part and Quakers are not oppositionists and anarchists, who challenges all of us every day. Similarly, there is condemn governments whatever they do, for their sins traditional condemnation of the vices of wrath, greed, of commission and omission alike, nor are Quakers sloth, pride, lust, envy and gluttony, and this is not Marxists, for whom class conflict is the engine of inconsistent with Quaker condemnation of violence, progress. including sexual violence, gross inequality and In fact, Quakerism is not a political position at all material self-indulgence. but a personal moral and religious commitment that Quaker values, far from being at variance with those we share in worship with others. The testimony of of the rest of society, express in a pure form those truth requires us to see the good in others, particularly values shared by all people of good will, whether or politicians, unfashionable though that may be. not they are Quakers or of any faith at all. After all, Speaking truth to power is not a matter of there are few who will say outright they are against demonising politicians, or of preaching to the peace, equality, simplicity and truth and in favour of unconverted or unconvertible, but of patiently unjust wars, oppression, unrestrained extravagance influencing, through quiet processes and example, so and lies. that our message is heard and understood. George Fox told us to be patterns and examples, but the patterns need to be recognisable by others. Mark is a member of Kingston upon Thames Meeting.

the Friend, 10 January 2014 7 Letters All views expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Friend

Writing of the gospels How refreshing to read an article in a faith-based Alec Davison has written a good story (20 & 27 magazine that acknowledges that the two versions of December 2013). But is it ‘true’? Of course, we can’t go the Christmas story in the New Testament are literary back 2,000 years, but we have got scholars and we can creations, not factual, historical accounts. It saddens only trust them – or not. me that many in the mainstream churches continue to Only Matthew and Luke tell the birth stories of Christ. talk about the two very different accounts in Matthew Mark comes straight in with the energetic figure of Jesus and Luke as though they were one story and that the at thirty years and John, with great insight, brings his mythical elements – virgin birth, angels, moving star – vision of Light and Life coming into the world (John are historical. In the twenty-first century, I’m sure that 1:4). Luke writes his gospel and Acts to his friend, all this does is to encourage the notion that Jesus can Theophilus, from eye-witnesses such as Mary, Herod be discarded like Father Christmas when people leave the king and Zechariah, a priest. Matthew, the Jew, childhood behind. gives Jesus’ genealogy – that can be checked historically. Michael Hennessey Papias, an early church historian says, ‘Matthew East Cheshire Area Meeting collected the sayings of Jesus in the Hebrew tongue.’ Luke sets the registration for taxes before the one when First world war commemorations Quirinius was governor of Syria (taxes and Syria – We write to assure Shirley Heathcote (13 December what’s new?) (Luke 2:2) These gospels went through 2013) that she is not alone in having no interest in rigorous examination before they were accepted into the participating in next year’s commemoration of the canon of scripture in 325CE (Council of Nicea). start of the first world war. Our thoughts on the matter In the end, it is up to us to take them at their word are similar to Shirley’s and we have told our Meetings or to disbelieve. ‘I believe, help thou my unbelief’ (Wadebridge and St Austell) that we do not feel able (Mark 9:24). to take part in whatever they plan to do in connection Jill Allum with this event. Norfolk & Waveney Area Meeting Arlo and Polly Tatum Wadebridge and St Austell Meetings, Cornwall Our Friend Alec Davison shares with us his image of the writer of Matthew’s gospel sitting at his desk Titles with an empty scroll and making up stories about the Anne Wade bemoans (letter, 6 December 2013) conception and birth of Jesus, to give his role as prophet that websites insist on requiring a title when one some convincing divine backing. I think this is unlikely. registers. When the choice offered is wide I am It is widely recognised by scholars that the first sometimes tempted to choose ‘archbishop’ or ‘the right three gospels (at least) are the outcome of a process honourable’ just to be perverse. Some give an ‘other’ that began with oral eyewitness accounts of particular alternative, but none of those I have come across allow episodes in the life of Jesus, and of his teaching; that a blank or tiny full stop. My option in those cases is to written versions were made later on to allow them to be addressed as: be made known more widely and to safeguard against Friend Roger Sawkins their being lost through the death of the bearers of the Australia Yearly Meeting oral memory; and that these were later pulled together, leading eventually to the gospels as we know them. Large Meeting House It is a reasonable presumption that Mary, the mother I have not yet seen the new roof of the Large Meeting of Jesus, being the central – and to an extent the only House. I am happy to trust that the architect was – eyewitness to the events surrounding his conception, inspired, and one does not look at the ceiling during birth and childhood, would be the source of the Meeting for Worship. accounts that eventually appear in Luke and Matthew. But the new name, no, definitely not. How can In relation to the shepherds’ experience in their a room be a light, even with a capital ‘L’? Friends’ grazings, and their visit to the stable, Luke records that reputation is for straight talk. Mary ‘treasured up all these things and pondered them Elaine Miles in her heart’. It can be presumed that, when she felt it North Wales Area Meeting right to speak about them and the other events in his childhood, she would have spoken the truth, and that Quakers and the arts her accounts were then the basis for what is recorded Sibyl Ruth’s article (3 January) prompts this thought. in those two gospels. On New Year’s Day I watched on television first the Michael Otter traditional Vienna Philharmonic concert from the Kinlochbervie & Stoer Meeting, Sutherland gilded and flower-bedecked Musikverein and then a

8 the Friend, 10 January 2014 [email protected]

documentary about the 1960s film Cleopatra, which ‘supreme being or entity’, but permits the substitution showed the magnificent spectacle of Cleopatra (Elizabeth of ‘spiritual principle’. This recognition of a ‘spiritual Taylor) entering Rome. I enjoyed both programmes, but principle’ sits well, I believe, with our spiritual practice asked myself what would be the fate of such enormous of collective waiting in stillness for inspiration from and amazing pieces of multimedia art in ‘Minute-36 whatever source, and our desire to live our lives in the World’ (I refer to our Yearly Meeting 2011 commitment spirit of our testimonies. Surely, this will suffice for us to become a sustainable low-carbon community). to continue to be accepted as a religious community Do we have to do as the early Quakers did and by the Charity Commission, irrespective of any cultivate distaste for such extravagances – denying the changes made to Quaker faith & practice. inhabitants of our desired world some opportunities Brian Wardrop for wonder and delight? Chelmsford Meeting, Essex Sheila Peacock Hampshire & Islands Area Meeting Lethargy Paul Oestreicher’s reflection (20 & 27 December 2013) Being a Quaker on the general lethargy of Friends towards the peace I wanted to thank Michael Wright for his article ‘Being movement is timely: our ‘traditional’ peace concerns a Quaker’ (3 January). I thought he summed up very have, to some extent, been overtaken by others, which succinctly the numerous reasons why many of us are are equally urgent and equally important. Quakers. He helped to inspire me with the confidence to Here in Central England, we see the lethargy but answer others who might think to ask me why I am one. also the hope – witness the enthusiasm for Friends I have hitherto avoided wearing the badge ‘I’m a in our Area Meeting to get together and knit metres Quaker – ask me why’ for fear that I would be lost and metres of pink scarf! Our Peace Committee has for words, as is often the case when I am put on the been working with ForcesWatch to submit Freedom spot. However, I love Michael’s simple, but clever way of Information requests about school visits by the of broaching this problem, by very sensibly making a armed forces, and some of us are already talking about list of reasons for himself first. I am extremely wary of organising a conference about the militarisation of evangelising, but whenever I meet non-Quakers they are society, perhaps halfway through the first world war often very interested to hear more about the Religious commemoration. Society of Friends, and it’s always good to be prepared! Our Peace Committee agenda is long, and our first Nancy Thompson task in the New Year will have to be setting priorities Marazion Meeting, Cornwall – there is so much to do, and so few Friends willing to do it. The fact that we struggle to find Friends to serve Precious words on Peace Committee supports Paul’s rather pessimistic In Talking Point (3 January) Jill Allum explores the analysis. implications of being a registered religious charity, Barbara Forbes and links this to a belief in a god or supreme being. 141 Heathfield Road, Birmingham B19 1HL Bearing in mind the broad spectrum of Quaker theological beliefs, both theist and nontheist, some of our members may find this of concern. It is worth In essentials unity, noting, however, that section 2(3) of the Charities Act in non-essentials liberty, 2006 states that: ‘religion includes a religion which does not involve a belief in a god’. in all things charity. On the Charity Commission website, there is a very comprehensive section giving guidance on the The Friend welcomes your views. Please keep letters advancement of religion for the public benefit. In this, short (about 250 words) and include your full four of the characteristics identified by the courts as postal address, even when sending emails. Please describing a religious belief are given. The first is: specify whether you wish for your postal or email ‘belief in a god (or gods) or goddess (or goddesses), address or Meeting name to be used with your or supreme being, or divine or transcendental being name, otherwise we will print your post address or or entity or spiritual principle, which is the object email address. Letters are published at the editor’s or focus of the religion (referred to throughout discretion and may be edited. Write to: the Friend, this guidance as “supreme being or entity”)’. The 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ or email acceptance of a ‘spiritual principle’ as a focus of a [email protected] religion thus accommodates nontheism. Remember if you are online that you can also comment on all articles at www.thefriend.org The second characteristic listed then uses the term

the Friend, 10 January 2014 9 Reconciliation Seeds of inspiration

Tim Firth writes about a centre for peace and reconciliation in the Swiss Alps

hree thousand feet above Lake Geneva is a such as ‘Trust and Integrity in the Global Economy’. It spectacular building with turrets and spires, has hosted community and peace workers and training some four hundred rooms and stunning views courses for young people in conflict resolution – as well Tover the lake and the surrounding Alpine peaks. as Renewal Arts Forums for those who believe the arts Built in 1902 as the Caux Palace Hotel, it was the most can be catalysts for spiritual change and a powerful force expensive hotel in Europe and attracted the rich and for transforming society. famous – including Walt Disney, whose fanciful castles A unique feature of Caux is that everyone shares in were inspired by this building. The hotel went bankrupt the work of the house, such as helping to prepare and during the Great Depression of the twenties and, during serve meals. There are not many places where a bishop the second world war, it housed British and American or an eminent parliamentarian and a student or former prisoners of war and Jewish refugees. political prisoner can get to know each other when In 1946 the then redundant building was due for peeling potatoes. demolition but a group of Swiss businessmen bought it. They felt that Switzerland, which had been spared the Creating a space horrors of the war, could make a real contribution to healing the past and forging the future by opening Caux In August 2013 a ‘Seeds of Inspiration’ gathering was as an international centre for peace and reconciliation. held at Caux. It was organised by a group of volunteers This far-sighted group were involved in the international who knew Caux or had links with Initiatives of Change. fellowship of Moral Re-Armament – now renamed The idea was inspired by the words of Henri Nouwen Initiatives of Change – which was started in the 1930s ‘to create a space where strangers could enter and by the American Lutheran pastor Frank Buchman. become friends – a space where change can take place His vision was to build trust across the world’s divides, and an environment where you can be free to sing your starting with oneself, by living according to the standards own song, speak your own language, dance your own of love, honesty, purity and unselfishness. dance and follow your own vocation’. This was not a conference but a gathering, where Crossing boundaries everyone could share what inspires them to work for a better world – be it art, faith, science, another person, For the past sixty-five years thousands of people from a world event. It was ‘homegrown’. There were no different nations, cultures, races and faiths have come outside speakers but all the hundred plus participants to Caux and have been inspired by its trusting and ‘safe’ from sixteen countries – aged from five to ninety-three atmosphere and its beauty. They have met as people – could contribute. Six community groups served as in a place where lasting friendships, which cross all one’s ‘home base’, which made sharing easier and each boundaries, have been formed. community was responsible for some of the work of the It was at Caux that German and French people first met house. after the second world war – where Konrad Adenauer and Before breakfast there was the chance to experience Robert Schuman laid the foundations for the Schuman a walking Buddhist, a Muslim, a Christian, or a silent Plan and in the 1950s senior Japanese politicians came meditation or a time to walk a labyrinth. After doing together with leading Western politicians. And so it has our housework we were all called together by a group continued. Caux has attracted politicians with different of clowns and the theme of each day’s assembly was viewpoints from all continents, business leaders and engagingly introduced by ‘The Seedlings’ – the children trade unionists. There have been conferences on subjects present under the guidance of a drama teacher.

10 the Friend, 10 January 2014 Photo courtesy of Tim Firth. Photo courtesy of

We heard from four participants about what inspired group of young people at risk in inner city London is them: the British journalist and author Graham Turner an inspiring success story). Another evening saw a one- spoke about his latest book The Power of Silence; man show of The Legend of the Fourth King. It was based American interfaith minister Jack Lynch talked about on a Russian legend about a young Russian prince who The Charter for Compassion, originated by the British sets out to Bethlehem and what happens on the way. theologian Karen Armstrong; a group from Sweden On a third evening there was a ‘homegrown’ concert related, movingly, how the ‘twelve steps’ of Alcoholics – pulled together by professional musician William Anonymous inspires and supports them; and a party of Leigh Knight, almost without rehearsal! It consisted of Japanese ladies told how they are working with victims music, dancing, comedians and much more. On our of the 2011 tsunami. last evening each community shared, in whatever way Afternoons were free to chat, be silent, go for a walk in they wanted, what had inspired them during these very the woods or mountains, play sports or have a snooze! special few days together. To finish the day there were After tea, anyone who wanted to could offer their own Taizé chants in the nearby Catholic chapel. interests. There were more than twenty offerings of an amazing and rich variety to choose from: some were Working its magic artistic, including painting, singing, drama and ‘theatre for fun’ workshops, as well as origami and mask and My lasting impressions of this ‘Seeds’ event are of the puppet making. Others were activities such as a Cosmic literally wonder-ful creativity that is in everyone and Walk and circle dancing. how that creativity can be released and nourished in an atmosphere of trust and acceptance. I was privileged Reconciling religious difference and enriched to be caught up in that atmosphere. While it was a full programme, there was space and time for Discussion groups included reflections after a showing reflection. For me it was summed up by one of the young of Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s powerful film One Word people in the Intermission Youth Theatre group who of Truth, the story of the Forgiveness Project and the said on the last night: ‘at home I am often rejected and struggle of women in Liberia. I explored reconciling misunderstood. But here I have been accepted just as I religious difference, based on my recent book on the am. Thank you all.’ subject: God’s favourite colour is tartan – reconciling religious difference. Tim is a retired theology lecturer and human resources In the theatre, after supper one evening, the manager. He is actively involved in interfaith work and Intermission Youth Theatre presented two short plays has close links with the Horsham Friends Meeting House. based on Shakespeare in very contemporary form, which they take to schools in the UK. (This theatre For more information about Caux: www.caux.ch

the Friend, 10 January 2014 11 History A Quaker of

the people Library outhwark

Graham Taylor writes about the Photo courtesy of the S Photo courtesy inspiring life and work of Ada Salter and Archive.

hough renowned for her social work in the class teenagers few others could handle. She was not slums and for her , Ada Salter’s life was only able to win the attention, but the affection, of her also a spiritual journey. In the 1920s she and her charges. Ada was long remembered, said the Friend of Thusband, Alfred, created not just a model of municipal 1942, ‘for the clubs she ran for girls of the rougher type’. socialism but also a Quaker republic. What was her secret? Quaker MP, James Hudson, was The Salters’ socialism was not Marxist or Labourite, to reveal in High Road and Country Lane: Ada Salter of driven by central planners or party machines, but was Bermondsey that Ada’s secret was a Quaker one. I found ‘’, based on cooperatives, workers’ ‘God in them all’, she told Hudson. To her, the girls representatives and care for the environment. They ‘looked and were as good as duchesses’. merely translated, they said, the words of Christ into social and political practice. Alfred Salter

Social Christianity In 1898 Ada fatefully encountered Alfred Salter, a brilliant doctor at Guy’s Hospital. He was also a militant atheist Ada was born in 1866 to a Methodist family in Northamp- and quasi-Marxist. For six months they battled with each tonshire but she never fitted the mould. Though her other, before deciding to get married. Alfred abandoned family were pillars of the church, she never liked the his atheism and joined Ada’s Liberal Party but in religion ritual of church services. Though they were strong they found only Quakerism was acceptable to them both. Gladstone Liberals, she always preferred the pacifism of As she could not yet break her Methodist links, given the Quaker radical MP, John Bright. her work and family, she became an attender, and he a One strand of , however, she could whole- member, of Deptford Quaker Meeting. heartedly support. This was the ‘Social Christianity’ Scott Lidgett wanted Alfred to be a future Liberal of , who had dedicated himself to MP but Ada found herself in difficulties. She could not helping the poor of the cities. His wife, Katherine, had support the Boer war, could not support the Liberal organised ‘Sisters of the People’ to enter the London prevarication about welfare (for example, free school slums and help working-class women on the edges of meals) and in 1906 could not accept it when the Liberals, despair. after promising women’s suffrage before the election, Ada was, at first, tied by conventional restrictions on went back on their word once in power. For Ada, since middle-class women but in 1896 she made her break. there was ‘God in everybody’, it must be morally wrong She left home for London and enlisted as a Sister of to kill other human beings in war or to treat others as the People in the grim and stinking slums of Soho and less than equal. What you do to them, said Christ, you King’s Cross. There she braved diseases, criminals, do to me. For Ada this was the heart of the Quaker ethic. pimps and drunken husbands to visit half-starved She left the Liberals and joined the pacifist, egalitarian women and children in vermin-infested tenements. (ILP) of Keir Hardie. It was not Katherine Hughes, however, but Scott Lidgett who brought out the best in Ada. Lidgett had Equality for working women organised Sisters of the People at his settlement in Bermondsey and Ada soon transferred there. She had a In 1909, standing as an ILP candidate, Ada was elected genius for running social clubs, especially for working- the first woman councillor in Bermondsey and the first

12 the Friend, 10 January 2014 Labour woman councillor in London. As there were Ada announced she would not be wearing the mayoral very few women councillors elected anywhere else, this chain or robes; the customary prayers before council result was sensational. At the same time Ada pursued meetings, led by an Anglican chaplain, were abolished; equality for working women in the local factories by and, in future, before every council meeting, a ten- trying to recruit them to unions. In 1911 this, too, had a minute Quaker silence would be held in the mayor’s sensational consequence. Fifteen thousand Bermondsey parlour. Royal jubilees and birthdays were not to be women came out on strike. Ada organised relief for the celebrated. Money saved was distributed to the needy. penniless families all along the river. Ada also took down the union jack from the town hall The Friends Quarterly Examiner later wrote that Ada and flew instead a red flag with local symbols, the badge had: ‘pioneered the first women’s membership of trade of municipal socialism. unions among the biscuit makers of Bermondsey.’ Ada was honoured by the labour movement for this work Health and slum clearance and in 1914 was elected president of the Women’s Labour League. In 1910 the Salters’ only child, Joyce, had died of a At this point Ada became a Quaker member. When virulent scarlet fever, one of the diseases that flourished the Liberals decided in 1914 to take Britain into world in the slums. Health and slum clearance became their top war, Methodists supported the war. The report on Ada’s priorities. Alfred transformed health in Bermondsey, admission to Quaker membership is still extant. Ada with innovative technology supplied free to the poor, told her interviewer, Ellen Crawshaw, she was prefiguring the National Health Service. strongly pacifist and so, because of the war, ‘could no Ada, a garden-city expert, transformed housing longer remain a member of any other religious body and the environment. Her ‘Beautification Committee’ except the Quakers’. became famous all over Europe. This committee aimed at trees lining every street, window-boxes for every Opposing conscription house, playgrounds in every ward and sport or music in every open space or park. She planted 9,000 trees in During the war Ada was a leader of the pacifist the slums. Ada believed those who lived in her model Women’s International League (WIL). They sought a council houses (cottages with gardens) or walked along negotiated truce and opposed conscription. She joined tree-lined streets had more chance of moral betterment the No-Conscription Fellowship and was in charge of than those living in tenements or high-rise flats. supplying maintenance to conscientious objectors (COs) When, in 1934, Labour took control of London, Ada and their families. A consortium of wealthy Quakers could transfer her housing and beautification ideas bought an estate in Kent, Fairby Grange, where Ada could to the whole of the city. When elected president of nurse back to health COs broken by mistreatment and the National Gardens Guild, she was able to promote torture. With foresight Ada secured Quaker agreement beautification all over Britain. Her final victory was in that, after the war, Fairby would be used to care for sick 1937 when the ‘Green Belt’ round London, for which children and the maternity care of women. she had advocated for two decades, received legislative The Quaker ethic was well illustrated by the delegation backing. the WIL sent to Versailles in 1919. This urged the Ada died in Balham in 1942. Her funeral was at politicians to be non-punitive against Germany in the Peckham Meeting, where she was an elder. Was she an peace treaty, in order to prevent a second world war, and ‘ethical socialist’ or a ‘social Quaker’? She herself saw no to include in the treaty a Women’s Charter containing difference. Hudson put it like this: ‘Her socialism was no the four demands of the women’s movement (equal mere body of doctrine, but translated itself into loving votes, equal pay, equal opportunities and financial acts of solicitude for the people with whom she lived.’ support for mothers). A statue of Ada has now been sculpted (see story page 4). In London there are only fourteen public statues of First Labour woman mayor women, so Ada’s will be the fifteenth. Since Elizabeth Fry’s stands inside the Old Bailey, Ada’s will be the only In 1922 the ILP won power in Bermondsey. Alfred was outdoor public statue of a Quaker woman in London. elected MP and Ada the first woman mayor of any party in London. She was the first Labour woman mayor to be Graham is an attender at Westminster Meeting. He is elected in Britain. In the famed ‘Bermondsey Revolution’, the author of the forthcoming book, Ada Salter and the the Salters now put their Quakerism into practice. The Sisters of the People, which will be published in summer Friend of 1922 was as amazed as the rest of the press 2014, close to the time the statues are unveiled. by Ada’s first decisions, though all were based on the Quaker commitment to simplicity, equality and peace. For further information: www.salterstatues.co.uk

the Friend, 10 January 2014 13 Reflection

Quakers and healing

Hugh Maw reflects on healing ministry Photo: Photosteve101 / flickr CC. / flickr Photo: Photosteve101

he fact that all references to George Fox’s Pentecostal laying on of hands, touch or even prayer. healing ministry had been ‘edited out’ of his There are many examples of healing in the Old Journal was highlighted recently in the Friend Testament and many more in the gospels – of Jesus T(21 June and 30 August 2013). Some years ago, while casting out devils or evil spirits, of him healing sick studying at Woodbrooke, I was directed to a small people who were lunatic or who had palsy, lepers, the tract or booklet, first published in 1964, by Edmund disabled and the elderly, by touching them, such as in Goerke, which gives several examples of this ministry. John 12 where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, and As a Young Friend I was brought up on the 1959 Peter’s wife’s mother, and made them whole. version of Christian faith & practice in the experience George Fox must have been aware of these, but of the Religious Society of Friends. In paragraph 471 also of the command of Jesus to Peter and the other two authentic examples of George Fox healing others disciples to go out and heal the sick and raise the dead are mentioned and also of him healing himself, for of all they met, whether they be Jew or Gentile; also, in example, when his arm was struck and wounded. the letters of Paul, after his Damascus road experience. In the modern Quaker faith & practice, however, Jim Pym gives an account of several more modern the only mention of healing in the index is from the and contemporary examples of individual and collective quotes of Jocelyn Burnell, Damaris Parker-Rhodes, prayer healing, and the Society has available the Friends Joolz Saunders, Jack Dobbs and Jim Pym. The latter’s Fellowship of Healing and a residential consultancy – booklet, What Kind of God? What Kind of Healing, Claridge House in . There are also Quaker healers published by the Friends Fellowship of Healing in in our own Central England Area Meeting. 1990, is a classic. ‘Each one of us’, he writes, ‘must Jim also states: ‘In addition to its many religious make our own journey knowing we are never alone’. forms, healing also includes many arts and sciences. My father, Geoffrey Maw, was a Quaker Christian These are the art of listening, the art of smiling, the art medical missionary in India for thirty years. He had of empathy, of knowing just what people need and not the gift of healing others and I discovered in 1980, on rushing in to offer help that is not suitable. Then there a UN Relief and Water Agency (UNWRA) visit to the is the healing that comes through prayer in its other Nablus or Shechem Palestinian refugee camp, that I, forms, through music and dance, painting and colour, also, had been given the gift. Personally, I believe that through communion – an understanding of the world everyone has been given the gift (as well as the power and through Friendship’. to put down, smash or destroy). To some this may be thought of as spiritual, while to others it may be a Hugh is a member of Stourbridge Meeting.

14 the Friend, 10 January 2014 Ad pages 10 Jan 8/1/14 10:24 Page 2

Hexham Debates 2014 Series 7 All at St Mary's Centre Hencotes, Hexham NE46 2EB Saturdays, 11am–12.30pm 25 January - Mike Berners-Lee The Burning Question 8 February - Andrew Feinstein The shadow world inside the global arms trade 22 March - Helen Fenwick Counter-terrorism law & policy post 9/11 and the future of the Human Rights Act. 5 April - Paul Rogers Security by Remote Control - Can It Work? 17 May - Valerie Flessati and Bruce Kent Courage and Conscience in Response to an Avoidable War 7 June - Jocelyn Cockburn Why are human rights so divisive when they are for everyone?

ALL WELCOME

Notices on page 17 Personal entries (births, marriages, deaths, anniversaries, changes of address, etc.) charged at £20 incl. vat for up to 35 words and includes a copy of the magazine containing the notice. Meeting and charity notices (changes of clerk, new wardens, alterations to Quaker United Nations meeting, diary, etc.) £16.67 zero rated for vat. Max. 35 words. 3 Diary or Meeting up entries £40 Summer School (£33.33 zero rated); 6 entries £72 (£60 zero rated). Notices should 6 – 18 July 2014, Geneva preferably be prepaid. Cheques For people with an active interest in international affairs made out to ‘The Friend.’ Dead- line usually Monday morning. • Would you like to study the UN at first hand? Entries are accepted at the editor’s • Do you want to meet people from all over the world? discretion in a standard house style. A gentle discipline will be • Are you aged 20 to 26? exerted to maintain a simplicity of The Summer School aims to provide an introduction to the work style and wording that excludes terms of endearment and words of the United Nations. of tribute. Guidelines on request. Application packs available at www.quaker.org.uk/jobs or from The Friend, 54a Main Street, Helen Bradford (QUNSS), QPSW, Friends House, 173 Euston Rd, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL London, NW1 2BJ. Email: [email protected] T: 01535 630230 E: [email protected] Deadline for applications – 3 February 2014

the Friend, 10 January 2014 15 a look at the Quaker world [email protected]

Cracker packers Quaker spotting

From chocolate to Tottenham cake traybakes, Quakers have Friends appeared on two other had quite an impact on the nation’s sweet tooth. BBC programmes during the festive Biscuit fans who tuned in to Nigel Slater’s Great British Biscuit on season. BBC4 will have spied Friends popping up in this culinary sphere, On Sunday 29 December Jumoke too – though in a less sugary capacity. After all, ‘no discussion Fashola’s programme, Inspirit, on BBC of biscuits could be complete without discussion of the savoury Radio London, picked up Christmas biscuit, the cracker’. messages from the pope and the The programme goes on to explain: ‘Most of the leading biscuit archbishop of Canterbury and asked firms in Britain were run by Quakers. It therefore seems right that ‘Can there ever be peace on earth?’ the most ardent Quaker firms were making the more abstemious She interviewed Quaker Martin biscuits. One such company was Carr’s of Carlisle.’ Wilkinson. He suggested conflict is Hunter Davies, who is writing a book about the company, added: inevitable while there is unjustified ‘Jonathan Dodgson Carr was a Quaker. He was tough but he was inequality: ‘We need nonviolent very benevolent – he tried to look after the workers.’ responses and to face unfairness in Hunter flagged up one group of workers in particular, the cracker our homes, schools and workplaces.’ packers. This group of women, who packed crackers into the Then on Sunday 5 January BBC1’s wrapping machines, had their own magazine – The Topper Off – Songs of Praise focused on Epiphany, which featured one of the earliest first-hand accounts of The Beatles as moments of revelation. Two Friends on tour. were interviewed: Stuart Masters, at As well as probing the historical roots of well-known ‘biccie’ Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre, brands, the programme features biscuit anoraks, as avid as any who spoke about the experience of trainspotter; scientists measuring dunkability; and Nigel Slater George Fox on Pendle Hill; and Ray resorting to breaking the original nautical biscuit with a cannon ball Lovegrove, who writes a blog called in order to have a nibble. Hay Quaker, about being a Quaker. Nestled in nature Photo courtesy of Christine Hayes. of Christine courtesy Photo

In 1959 sculptor Josefina de Vasconcellos was lived in the stone house below us, “The Bield”. We commissioned by the vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields became good friends and kept in touch for many years.’ church in London to create a Nativity scene featuring ‘Josefina was born to an English Quaker mother life-sized figures. These became a regular sighting in and an atheist Brazilian diplomat father’ and ‘was a Christmas displays. figurative sculptor with a strong religious faith, to Christine Hayes, of Wokingham Meeting, got whom other people mattered deeply.’ in touch to share some memories and a precious ‘On our wonderful honeymoon, sitting outside the snapshot. It began in 1965, with her honeymoon… cottage for our meals in heatwave weather, we looked ‘John had booked a cottage called “High Bield” in at Josefina’s stone sculptures of Joseph, Mary and Little Langdale, which he had seen advertised in the the baby, randomly placed among the grass and the Guardian. We arrived to be greeted by Josefina de flowers in their garden, against the backdrop of the Vasconcellos and her husband, Delmar Banner, who Langdale Peaks and Catbells (see above) .’

16 the Friend, 10 January 2014 Ad pages 10 Jan 8/1/14 10:25 Page 3

For details of how to place a notice on this page, please see page 15. Friends&Meetings HEXHAM LM Co-clerks from Births Memorial meetings 1 January: Sarah Greaves and Lorna Boyd. Correspondence to: Sarah Isabelle Chloe McDERMOTT Audrey LANGFORD A memorial Greaves, Garden Cottage, Ingoe, 17 December. A daughter for Ben and meeting to give thanks for the grace Northumberland NE20 0SP. Gemma, granddaughter for Kate of God in Audrey’s life will be held Tel 01661 855111. Email: Dowling and great-granddaughter to 2.30pm Saturday 25 January at Hall [email protected] Pamela Gould. Green Quaker Meeting House, Birmingham. Further details LONG SUTTON LM Clerk from Deaths Michael Langford 0121 744 1056. 1 January: Pamela Gould, 26 Mow Barton, Martock, Somerset TA12 Ann STRAUSS A memorial meeting 6DZ. Tel. 01935 823608. Michael FARR 23 December. to celebrate Ann’s life will be held at Email: [email protected] Peacefully in Pilgrims Hospice, 2.30pm on Saturday 8 February at Ashford. Husband of Eileen, father the Folk Hall, New Earswick, York of Jane, Susanne and Sarah, grand- YORK AM Clerks from January: YO32 4AQ. Enquiries and RSVP to Alison Clarke and John Guest. father. Member of Folkestone [email protected] Meeting. Aged 87. Further details Correspondence to Alison Clarke, Eileen: 01303 873396. 15 Winton Road, Northallerton Changes of clerk DL6 1QQ. [email protected] Tel. 01609 776501. Mary FURLONG 28 December. COVENTRY LM Co-clerks: Peacefully.Member of Portsmouth SINGLE? WANTING TO MEET Barbara Clarke and Pete Meeting. Aged 88. Funeral 1.30pm THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE? Duckworth. Correspondence to Thursday 23 January at Porchester Use the Meeting up column! [email protected] or Crematorium followed by refresh- One entry £20 incl. vat for 35 words. Pete Duckworth, 99 Dillotford Ave, ments at Portsmouth Meeting 3 entries £40, 6 entries £72. Box reply Coventry CV3 5DT. House. For further information ring service included. Send all entries to: 02392 793529. The Friend, 54a Main Street, Put your events in the Diary! Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL. Alan GILDERDALE 12 December. Husband of Betty, father of Lisa (Anne), Peter and James. Member of Auckland Meeting, New Zealand, formerly of Dorking Meeting. Ackworth Old Scholar. Aged 89. Enquiries: [email protected] Concerned about the growing divide between the well- John Claude SPEIRS 26 December. housed and those unable to find and afford the housing Peacefully. Husband of Moira and they need? Looking for a way to put your money into the late Jessie. Member of Angus practical local solutions to the current housing crisis? Meeting, formerly Birkenhead. Ackworth Old Scholar and former Bursar there. Aged 102. Memorial Quaker Housing Trust turns your donations, legacies, and Meeting tba. Details: Moira Speirs interest free loans into grants and interest free loans to 01241 898982. social housing projects throughout Britain. Anthea WEBB (née Beamish) 13 December, peacefully. Cremation Quakers in Britain’s own housing charity is making a followed by memorial meeting in positive difference... but the need is growing faster Woodbridge was held on Wednesday than QHT’s resources. 8 January. Enquiries Dinah Beamish: [email protected] To find out more about QHT's work and contribute to meeting the need, please contact: QHT, Friends House, Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ W: www.qht.org.uk Make time for T: 020 7663 1036 E: [email protected]

the Friend! Quaker Housing Trust is a registered charity, no. 254704.

the Friend, 10 January 2014 17 Ad pages 10 Jan 8/1/14 10:25 Page 4

Classified advertisements George Penaluna, Advertisement Manager, 54a Main Street, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL. T&F: 01535 630230 E: [email protected] jobs STUDY TOURS Classified ads QUAKER BOLIVIA SERVICE AND STUDY JANUARY SALE: Standard linage Trip/FWCC option, March-April, 2014. 54p a word, semi-display 82p a EDINBURGH AT FESTIVAL TIME! Visit QBL.org development projects, word. Rates incl. vat. Min. 12 words. Enthusiastic Social Media Volunteer historic sites, Lake Titicaca. Volunteer teaching English to BQEF.org students. UNTIL 31 JANUARY series sought for Venue 40 the Edinburgh discounts: 10% on 5 insertions, Quaker Meeting House. Could include FWCC regional meeting in La Paz. Optional Machu Picchu. 15% on 10 or more. Cheques This year round appointment is to www.TreasuresoftheAndes.com made payable to The Friend. promote the venue and the companies 00 1 707 823 6034 (California). that perform here during 2014. Advertisement Dept, 54a Main St Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL Accommodation and all meals provided during the festival. Please mention the Friend Tel. 01535 630230 Email: [email protected] Application forms and further when replying to advertisements. information: www.venue40.org.uk before 31 January. jobs wanted

SEEKING PEACE WORK Friend, recently completed master’s degree in peace studies (distinction), seeks work in the field. CV on request. Friends House Contact Tim Harman [email protected] Front of House Manager London Euston, £36,398 per annum, 35 hours per week where to stay COTTAGES & SELF-CATERING Would you like the opportunity to join an enthusiastic team and to use your skills to grow and develop our Front of House Team? 14TH CENTURY CORNISH COTTAGE Friends House conference and events venue is situated directly overlooking sea. £180-210 pw. Short opposite Euston Station in London and seeks a new Front of breaks. www.wix.com/beryldestone/ House Manager. cornishcottage 0117 951 4384. Reporting to the Head of Service Delivery, you will have respon- HIGHLANDS: NW SCOTLAND, Loch sibility for ensuring that our Front of House departments; Torridon. Rugged mountain views; comfort- able house; log fire; orchard garden. Reception, Cleaning and Audiovisual deliver a high customer Brochure: [email protected] service experience. 07818 082897. You will: OVERSEAS HOLIDAYS • Have excellent line management and team leadership skills • Have attention to detail in delivering service standards. HAUT-LANGUEDOC, FRANCE. • Good organisational skills, with an ability to take the initiative Peaceful country holiday cottage 20 miles east Albi; well equipped, sleeps 5-8; • Have demonstrable experience of working as a manager and Carcassonne/Toulouse airports 90 minutes. managing more than one service offer www.tarn-cottage.co.uk; 01653 658203; • Have experience of managing budgets [email protected] • Be flexible and be able to work some evenings and weekends MALTA: Spacious flat for holiday use in The selection process for this post will include a presentation centre of colourful fishing village. Sleeps 6. Details: [email protected] and exercises which is likely to be a whole day process. 01467 624483. Closing date: 17 January | Interview date: 27 January PERSONAL RETREATS, FRANCE. Make space to reflect and be still. Beautiful old Further details and an application pack are farmhouse in rural Auvergne offers available at: www.quaker.org.uk/jobs supportive, nurturing environment for individual retreats. Simple daily rhythm: For more information about Friends House meditation; silence; contemplative/artistic activities. Walking. Organic vegetarian go to: www.friendshouse.co.uk food. www.retreathouseauvergne.com

18 the Friend, 10 January 2014 Ad pages 10 Jan 8/1/14 10:25 Page 5

Manchester and Warrington Area Quaker Meeting Executive Officer at Manchester Mount Street £29,759-£33,536. Full-time (37.5 hrs/wk) We are looking for an Executive Officer to lead the management of our Central Manchester Meeting House, a place of Quaker worship as well as a centre for conferences and meetings. You will provide leadership, inspiration and support to our staff team, Quakers, visitors and users of our Meeting Houses. More info at: www.meetinghouse.org.uk or email: [email protected] Closing date 24th January 2014 for sale & to let

BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED 3 bedroom 'Eco-home' built using sustainably sourced materials. For sale or to let. Idyllic position, walking distance all amenities of small Somerset market town of Langport. Highly insulated, incorporating renewable energy sources/energy saving devices. Yearly Meeting Gathering 07779 535562. http://greatbowyard.co.uk Accessibility Officer accommodation Fixed Term Contract – 6 months WANTED Part-time (equivalent to half a post, variable hours) LONDON AREA, URGENT. Low-cost We are looking for an experienced and reliable person with a accommodation sought by two female strong knowledge of accessibility issues to work with our staff students, on work placement in Islington. End January - end July. Please contact events team and volunteers to ensure our event is inclusive for [email protected] people of all abilities. The Yearly Meeting Gathering is a triennial event for Quakers, events being held from 2-9 August 2014 at the University of Bath. There will be about 1,400 people of all abilities and ages staying in and NONTHEIST FRIENDS NETWORK around the University campus. conference and AGM, March 21-23 at Woodbrooke, open to all. Theme: 'Nontheism in Quakerism and Beyond'. The Accessibility Officer will liaise with participants and the Speakers Brian Mountford on 'Christian University before and during the event, to ensure that identified Atheism', David Boulton on the wider needs are well met. Applicants must be well organised, flexible and nontheist network. Guest presenters Paul friendly with a track record in accessibility, covering varied needs. Parker and Helen Rowlands on the Whoosh! epistle. Talks, discussion, worship-sharing, experience-sharing. Full The salary is £30,081 pro rata. The hours are not spread evenly details at www.nontheist-quakers.org.uk over the six months, with a stronger concentration around the or from Jean Wardrop, 105 Humber event itself. This is a 6 month fixed term contract starting in late Road, Chelmsford CM1 7PG. February. The Accessibility Officer will need to be able to under- take frequent travel to London and Bath. personal To find out more about the event please look at www.quaker.org.uk/ymg SHARE YOUR SPIRITUAL/PSYCHIC experiences with a Friendly group. Contact Further details and application pack are Quaker Fellowship for Afterlife Studies. available at www.quaker.org.uk/jobs Clerk: Angela Howard, Webb’s Cottage, Woolpits Road, Saling, Braintree CM7 Closing date for applications 5DZ. Email [email protected]. www.quakerfellowshipforafterlifestudies. 1pm Monday 20 January 2014. co.uk Free magazine “Reaching Out.” Interviews Tuesday 28 January 2014. Registered Charity No. 1127633 Read the small ads every week!

the Friend, 10 January 2014 19 Ad pages 10 Jan 8/1/14 10:25 Page 6 V ADVERTISEMENT DEPT EDITORIAL ol 54a Main Street 173 Euston Road 172 Cononley London NW1 2BJ Keighley BD20 8LL T 020 7663 1010 No

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Monthly Saturday workshops Laboratory of the Spirit EXPERIMENT & EXPERIENCE Led by The Kindlers’ Team Living the Life: daily spiritual practice Growing together: worship workshops 10am – 5pm Sat. 18th January Friends House, Euston, London Entry £10. All welcome. No booking. www.londonquakers.org.uk Experiment with Light The “Experiment with Quaker Life Light” is a process that helps people deepen Junior Yearly their spiritual lives by exploring what it means Meeting Support to “wait in the Light” as Worker early Quakers did. “Half time equivalent” post, Opportunities for this Quaker spiritual practice on from March to August 2014. residential weekends in 2014 Flexible availability For those new to the practice: Friday 17 - Sunday 19 October required - less hours initially, Glenthorne Quaker Centre, and more latterly. Friday 7 - Sunday 9 February Easedale Rd, Grasmere Salary: £24,639pa pro rata. Charney Manor, Charney Tel. +44 (0)15394 35389. Bassett, Wantage OX12 0EJ Margaret Bradshaw & Angela Quaker Life wishes to Tel. +44 (0)1235 868206. Greenwood appoint a temporary JYM Barbara Childs & Susie Tombs www.glenthorne.org Support Worker to be www.charneymanor.com/events involved in the planning, preparation for, and delivery Friday 30 May - Sunday 1 June of Junior Yearly Meeting at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Yearly Meeting Gathering Centre, Birmingham B29 6LJ Experiment with Light taking place in August. Tel. +44 (0)121 472 5171. Retreat Catherine King-Ambler & Susie Deepening the Practice For information and an Tombs application pack go to www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses Thursday 4 - Sunday www.quaker.org.uk/jobs 7 September Friday 4 - Sunday 6 July Swarthmoor Hall, Ulverston, Applications close Swarthmoor Hall, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 0JQ 27 January 2014. Cumbria LA12 0JQ Tel. +44 (0)1229 583204. Tel. +44 (0)1229 583204. Andrea Freeman, Helen Meads Andrea Freeman & Brenda Wall www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses Registered For more information visit www.experiment-with-light.org.uk Charity No. Email [email protected] 1127633 Or call Catherine King-Ambler +44 (0)1524 701287