6 April 2012 £1.70 the discover the contemporaryFriend quaker way

Quakers and advocacy the Friend Independent Quaker Journalism Since 1843

Contents VOL 170 NO 14

3 Thought for the Week: Easter Michael Wright 4-6 Meetings for Sufferings 7 Dear prime minister Malcolm Elliott 8-9 Letters 10-11 Adventurous gardening Dori Miller 12-14 in the World: Europe Growing in the Spirit Ian Kirk-Smith The group of Friends who visited Buckingham Palace on 27 March to deliver Quakers’ loyal address to the monarch 15 Poem: outside Friends House, setting off following Meeting for Worship. From left to right. Back row: Andrew Williams, Policeman, Stoke Newington Siobhan Haire, Jeffrey Dean. Middle row: Michael Hutchinson, Peter Daniels Joy Croft, Keith Walton, Jasmine Perinpanayagam. Front row: Ingrid Greenhow, Julia Aspden, Anne van Staveren, Joycelin 16 q-eye: a look at the Quaker world Dawes, Chris Skidmore. 17 Friends & Meetings Photo: Paul Parker.

In Our Time Melvyn Bragg and his guests will be discussing ‘ and the Quakers’ on 5 April on BBC Cover image: Radio 4 at 9am. The programme, In Our Time, will Meeting for Sufferings discussed advocacy and be repeated at 9.30pm and will be available on ‘speaking truth to power’ at their meeting on 31 March. iPlayer. For further details visit: www.bbc.co.uk/ Photo: Averain / flickr CC programmes/b01f67y4 See pages 4-5 and 7.

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2 the Friend, 6 April 2012 Thought for the Week Easter

mong the astonishing stories of leaders of the former bishop of Durham and now honorary assistant world’s great religions, none is more astonishing bishop in the diocese of Ripon and Leeds, who once than that of Jesus. More than two thousand famously said it ‘was not a conjuring trick with bones’. Ayears ago, a peasant from the northern outback of The explanation that has made most sense to me in Jewish lands became a noted teacher, preacher and recent years is that given in great detail by John Shelby healer. Within a short time he so upset the religious Spong, the retired bishop of Newark, in his book authorities that they planned his arrest and trial and Resurrection: Myth or Reality? The gospel writers, he arranged for his execution by the horrific Roman says, expressed their experience not in the language practice of crucifixion. After his death he was laid in a of history but in the language of the Hebrew Midrash rock chamber sealed by an enormous stone. tradition. You’ll have to read his book to get the full Gospel accounts vary about what happened next – picture of this. but the general conclusion is that on the third day after However, what remains for me is the conviction that his death he was raised to life by a divine act, that he my own and other people’s lives have been changed appeared, conversed or ate with his friends on several by encountering either Jesus the Galilean teacher and occasions before disappearing from view each time. healer in the accounts of his life and ministry in Was he a ghost, an apparition like a mirage, or was this the gospels, or by encountering the Christ of faith the only recorded instance of human resurrection? and of the resurrection narratives. Jesus of Nazareth Who moved the stone? was the title of a book, first challenges, inspires, encourages and sustains my sense published in 1930, which remained popular for many of myself and my sense of the importance of love in years, by Frank Morison. Originally sceptical of the human relationships. claims of Christians about Jesus’ resurrection, he sought I can rejoice with others in celebrating Easter without to prove the flaws in the story and became convinced it taking the gospel readings literally. The sense of new was true. All the major Christian churches declare it to growth, new life, new beginnings is powerful and be true. The shining happy faces of so many singers on enriching. The Midrash tradition encourages us to find Songs of Praise declare it to be true. whatever is valuable and new for us for today in the I find myself out of step with them on this. As a ancient scriptures that are so familiar. young man, I passionately believed it to be true – and All of us who try who try to walk in the footsteps of now I wonder why I did. Nothing in any other part of either Jesus of Nazareth or the post-Easter Christ are life’s experience confirms that such a thing can happen. brought up short by the mirror that Gandhi presents Those who believe it did have to depend on trust in to us. When he was asked why he refused to become a the authority of the church, or scripture, or their own follower of Christ, Gandhi replied: ‘I don’t reject Christ. religious experience to assure them that they encounter I love Christ. It’s just that so many of you Christians the risen Christ in prayer and sacrament. are so unlike Christ. If Christians would really live I do not doubt that something happened and that we according to the teachings of Christ, as found in the cannot now know exactly what it was. His friends were Bible, all of India would be Christian today’. Would that left with the impact of a striking ecstatic experience that that were true the world over. changed their lives. When Christians try to explain it, some believe a physical transformation took place and Michael Wright others offer various explanations, such as David Jenkins, Teesdale and Cleveland Area Meeting

the Friend, 6 April 2012 3 Meeting for Sufferings Advocacy strengthened Ministers and MPs can expect to hear more added that whatever was abandoned, ‘some Friends from Quakers in coming years. At their meeting on will see [it] as really important’. 31 March, Meeting for Sufferings (MfS), the national By the time they reached the minute, the Meeting committee of British Friends, resolved that greater was in unity on giving greater resources to advocacy resources should be devoted to advocating Quaker even if this affected money for other areas. The minute views to decision-makers. recognised ‘that where we ask for greater priority in one MfS asked the trustees of Britain area of work, we must accept lesser priority in others’. (BYM) – the organisation of Friends in England, A few Friends spoke of the need for advocacy to Scotland and Wales – to give ‘greater priority’ to be based on work that Quakers are already doing. advocacy when allocating resources. This is likely to One referred to Quakers working in prisons and affect how BYM uses its money and staff. with homeless people. She said that Quakers should The minute declared: ‘Advocacy is an unseen ‘increase the flow of information from that very low process, involving building up relationships with grassroots level’ to other Friends engaged in advocacy. appropriate public servants, ministers and elected Discussion of the need for advocacy arose in part representatives, representing our values as well as the from an offer last year by Southern East Anglia voices of those who are losing power in society.’ Area Meeting. They wanted to fund an extra post The discussion saw several Friends speak of the in Friends’ House, for someone to work with the need for resources to be allocated well if advocacy is parliamentary liaison secretary. to be effective. The minute stated: ‘When we select an BYM trustees said they could not accept the offer issue as our target for change, we need to increase our without guidance from MfS about priorities in knowledge on it’. allocating money. There was a suggestion that it was The minute added: ‘Effective well-timed advocacy inappropriate for Friends in one area to determine springs from our experience and knowledge and the allocation of central resources. Several Quakers cannot happen in isolation but needs to reach across in East Anglia have told the Friend that there is the many areas of concern Friends are engaged in, considerable resentment over what is perceived as both centrally and locally.’ trustees’ unwill-ingness to engage with the Area The discussion arose after BYM trustees asked MfS Meeting’s suggestion. for guidance as to whether they wished to see more The MfS clerk, Christine Cannon, emphasised that resources allocated to advocacy. One Friend said that decisions on detailed expenditure were a matter for MfS should ‘spell it out that we do want higher priority trustees, not MfS. Reference to the Southern East given to advocacy’ in a way that trustees ‘can’t possibly Anglia offer was not included in the minute. m i s t a k e’. Discussion of advocacy had been deferred from There was a warning on money from another MfS’ meeting in February, when it followed on from Friend. He said: ‘With resources that are not limitless, a discussion on radical resistance and the state. On there will be something that has to give in order for that occasion, consideration had been given to direct us to make this a priority.’ He asked: ‘What is going to action and civil disobedience, although these topics drop off the bottom in order that this can stay on?’ He were not mentioned on Saturday. Public statement on economic equality YM 2012 clerks A statement on economic are unable to work. We reject nominated equality has been received from judgemental labels and affirm The Committee on Clerks Quaker Peace & Social Witness. our testimony to equality, and will bring forward the following This is in response to Meeting for ask that an equality statement be names to be nominated to Britain Sufferings (MfS), which minutes, issued to the media’. Yearly Meeting from 25 to 28 May in part: ‘We are distressed that Representatives at MfS in 2012. the United Kingdom has now a March were asked to publicise • Clerk: Lis Burch, Oxford Area greater disparity in incomes than the statement and to circulate it Meeting (AM); at any time since the 1930s. We to their Meetings. • First assistant clerk, Chris know the government intends The statement can be found Skidmore, Reading AM; to make cuts, but we object to it at: www.quaker.org.uk/sufferings- • Second assistant clerk, Deborah being at the expense of those who minutes. Rowlands, South Wales AM.

4 the Friend, 6 April 2012 reported by Symon Hill and Trish Carn

Indefinite detention of migrants and asylum seekers

Meeting for Sufferings indefinite detention. Area Meeting and Oxford and (MfS) ‘expressed its outrage at this Our parliamentary liaison Swindon Area Meeting. disgraceful practice’. Quaker Peace secretary, Michael Bartlet, advises While awaiting the QPSW & Social Witness (QPSW) is asked that one sentence in the QARN statement, MfS asks Local and to produce a statement of behalf statement referring to the training Area Meetings to write to their of MfS based on the statement of immigration judges may not be MPs using the background produced by the Quaker Asylum completely accurate. information in the QARN and Refugee Network (QARN) The QARN statement was statement, which can be found and reflecting the feelings of MfS supported by minutes from at: www.qarn.org.uk/homepage/ asking for the immediate end of Leicester Area Meeting, Leeds category/indefinite-detention/ Public statements Public statements on behalf of Quakers with things that are eternal.’ look set to be issued more speedily in future. Meeting Another insisted: ‘We need to carefully consider for Sufferings (MfS), the national committee of the way that we have always considered.’ He said that British Quakers, have resolved to review procedures statements would be more forceful if rarely made. He for issuing statements to ensure they are ‘relevant to added: ‘Even the big organisations, the Anglicans, the public events and timely’. bishops, their statements are only headline statements. Their decision followed a discussion on Saturday They are forgotten the next day.’ about the tension between making statements In contrast, others spoke of the cumulative effect of speedily and seeking God’s guidance through Quaker Quakers speaking out in the world. A Friend who was discernment. MfS agreed to ask the recording clerk ‘to heavily involved in Quaker Quest said that enquirers bring proposals for reviewing our current policies’. sometimes mention Friends’ public statements. He Their minute emphasised: ‘We want the words said that the last time that media coverage of Quakers we speak to reflect the way our lives speak’. Several had triggered a large number of comments was contributors had emphasised the need for integrity, following the decision in 2009 to celebrate same sex with statements reflecting the way that Quakers live marriages. out testimonies in an everyday way. Paul Parker said that today ‘the world moves much The recording clerk, Paul Parker, explained that faster’ than when statements were delivered ‘in person he sometimes finds it hard to know what he can and on horseback’. He said: ‘We are making statements all cannot say on behalf of Quakers. the time’ through BYM’s Twitter and Facebook feeds. He defended his decision to comment on the A few Friends mentioned the work that could be ‘Occupy’ movement without going through the usual done by Local and Area Meetings in engaging with channels. He considered that his statement was about media and public debate locally. One Friend appealed economic justice and was in accordance with Yearly to Quakers nationally to give attention to ways of Meeting’s agreed position on that subject. giving Meetings more confidence to do this. The agreed minute stated: ‘We put our trust in our Some expressed the fear that at times Quakers issue recording clerk and staff to make public statements on statements ‘to make themselves feel better’ rather than our behalf where longer processes are not appropriate, for their public impact. Others countered that the knowing that these will be based on and reflect our process of making statements can help Friends clarify testimonies and our tested thinking. The accepted their thinking on an issue. practice in this will include conferring with the The minute recognised three ways in which clerks of MfS, Yearly Meeting, trustees and central statements could be helpful: reaching the public via committees.’ the media; guidance to Friends for discussion; and Friends differed widely on the importance they information to seekers who want to know where attached to social media. One criticised the influence Friends stand. of ‘modern means of communication and technology, The minute also insisted: ‘Our weightiest statements which may be ephemeral’. He added: ‘We are dealing will be effective when rare’.

the Friend, 6 April 2012 5 Meeting for Sufferings reported by Trish Carn

BYM trustees report Minutes received Fourteen minutes were received Jonathan Fox, clerk of for BYM. He saw the benefit of from Area Meetings (AMs), some in (BYM) the smaller decision-making the week immediately preceding MfS. trustees, reported on their work. body of trustees being more Minutes were received from He mentioned four topics: the able to seek outside advice. No Pendle Hill AM, Worcestershire and refurbishment of the Large decision on acceptance has been Shropshire AM and Nottinghamshire Meeting House; the priority made. and Derbyshire AM regarding to strengthen advocacy; the Mention was made of a advocacy and the proposed donation relationship between trustees and recent meeting held jointly from Southern East Anglia AM. Meeting for Sufferings (MfS); with trustees and Management South East London AM requested and the close work of trustees Meeting that brought the whole guidance for trustees on the need for with Management Meeting. team together to form a closer an equality policy at both local and The trustees produced a paper working relationship. national levels. This was referred to responding to the minute from A question was raised about for guidance. The AM Hampshire and the Islands Area the trustees minute referring to also sent a minute of feedback on Meeting on the relationship the work on vibrancy in Meetings radical resistance and the state. and responsibilities of trustees that is being done cooperatively Northamptonshire AM sent a minute and MfS. ‘Trustees are clear between Woodbrooke and BYM. suggesting training regional registering that they have acted, in the case Paul Parker responded on this officers rather than by Area Meeting of the Large Meeting House point as he and Sandra Berry, to reduce the expense of training. The development, within their director of Woodbrooke, have recording clerk was asked for advice on terms of reference’, but they also begun work on finding out what the legal and practical implications. ‘recognise the need to make clear makes some Meetings more South East Scotland AM seeks when they are seeking guidance vibrant than others. The work is support for the concern of Anne from MfS and when consultation to develop a project to help Area Miller and the Citizen’s Income Trust. is indirect or informal’. Meetings to become ‘vibrant, This was forwarded to QPSW Central Many views on the develop- dynamic places, responsive to Committee (CC) for testing and advice. ment of the Large Meeting the promptings of the Spirit’. The Central England AM sent a minute House were expressed. One research phase of this project on the role of MfS and Area Meetings. representative said that points is now beginning. One Friend This was forwarded to Arrangements about the Skyspace, designed said that she was excited about Group. by James Turrell, had been this undertaking and hoped it Kingston and Wandsworth AM sent mentioned at the trustees’ would find a way to encourage a minute of concern regarding threats surgeries before MfS and that new attenders to attend Business to Iran. Advice had been received from there would be cost implications Meetings. QPSW staff and QPSWCC asking Meetings to write to their MPs seeking ‘assurance that the UK government will BYM annual financial use its influence to oppose vigorously statements any attack on Iran and uphold peaceful means of resolving conflict’. Meeting for Sufferings down, and gaps in our income Banbury and Evesham AM wrote received Ron Barden’s last report are met from the hospitality regarding the undertaking of ‘Dialogue as Yearly Meeting treasurer. company. Investment income is with big business’. This was referred to The report for Quaker Finance holding.’ QPSWCC. and Property and Quaker However, contributions from Devon AM had written regarding Communications spoke of the individuals and Meetings only the Ekta Parishad March for Justice in Society’s recurring costs, such met twenty-eight per cent of India. QPSW had responded saying as £5 million in staff costs. BYM’s outgoings – down from that it was a grassroots movement and Ron commented that although thirty-two per cent last year. This should have a grassroots response. we have reserves to cover our is a worrying trend. The concern was forwarded to Area liabilities, they are not excessive. BYM is fortunate to have no Meetings. Concern was also expressed The minute reads: ‘individual debts thanks to legacies but they that other work in India might be contributions continue to go can not be relied upon. jeopardised by a corporate response.

6 the Friend, 6 April 2012 Opinion Dear prime minister

Malcolm Elliott and members of Leicester Meeting urge Friends not to forget old-fashioned methods of advocacy

riends are concerned about advocacy and how The Quaker Peace Group in Leicester Meeting, best to ‘speak truth to power.’ There are many deeply worried about deteriorating relations between ways in which we can do this. The internet and the West and Iran, has sent a letter to the prime F‘new media’ have introduced revolutionary forms of minister and the local paper. We hope other Meetings communication – but some old-fashioned ones still will voice their fears about the situation and invite have their place. them to make use of our letter:

The last Labour government attempted to defend the invasion of Iraq on the grounds that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, capable of being launched against us in forty-five minutes. As we know, these grounds proved to be untrue but resulted in enormous suffering for the people of Iraq and the death, injury and trauma continue to this day. Their economy and society were substantially ruined.

There is an ominous similarity between the claims made about Saddam’s weapons of mass destruction and the unsubstantiated assertion that Iran is about to produce atomic weapons. Even if this were so, there would be no reason for us or the Americans, both atomic powers, to threaten military action against Iran. Other states, including Israel, possess atomic weapons but we do not threaten hostile action in consequence. It is reported in our press that a large number of people in Iran do not support the government of Ahmadinejad and would welcome a change in their country’s regime. However, threats against their country will only strengthen the president’s standing among his own people.

Military intervention would risk a repetition of the humanitarian, economic and social disaster that resulted from the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and it might well ignite the whole powder keg of the middle-east.

We therefore urge you to make plain that her majesty’s government has no intention of using military action against the people of Iran. We implore you not to countenance any such course of action but to seek a worldwide implementation of the UN Non-Proliferation Treaty, thus reducing fear and contributing to a safer and saner world.

Signed: Malcolm Elliott and forty-five members of Leicester Meeting

the Friend, 6 April 2012 7 Letters All views expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Friend

Monarchy or so who were present at the ceremony, as well as I have had a lifelong antipathy to flummery and the reporters, also know it. I am delighted that we grandeur. For as long as I can remember I have accepted the invitation to take part. considered myself a republican. The testimony to Margaret Peacock equality only reinforced this when I became a regular West Scotland Area Meeting attender and then a member of the Society of Friends. I told myself it was nothing personal about the queen. Police protected, justice denied Rather, I reasoned that the monarchy represents a Incredulity permeates community spokespeople in malaise of privilege and rank that runs through the Tottenham. Sadness permeates the family of Mark whole of our society. We ought to cut off the head of Duggan who will not know why their son, the father of the viper. Elect Alan Bennett or some other national four children, was killed by a police marksman, trained treasure to do the ‘head of state’ bit. to shoot only as a last resort – but clearly not in this Now I’ve changed my mind. I still think we ought case. When is a member of the CO19 police firearm to do without the circus even if it does bring in tourist squad allowed to take the life of a citizen and who gives money. Let’s have a modest monarchy. Why? them the permission to do so? What secret knowledge Continuity is the thing. It takes a while to reach did they have that justified the taking of a life? These national treasure status. No elected president is going are simple questions that will not now be answered to celebrate a diamond jubilee. It’s not the celebrations, by the police or the Independent Police Complaints of course, but the disinterested experience built up by Commission (IPCC). a constitutional monarch over the years. If that can be No proper public scrutiny via an inquest can be cultivated in one family, the ‘firm’, all well and good. held, because insufficient evidence could be presented It is, in fact, something personal to the queen that to make it worthwhile. IPCC deputy chairwoman she has provided stability and, by all accounts, wisdom Deborah Glass said that it is a ‘breach of the law’ even in trying circumstances and with difficult individuals to explain why some of the information cannot be over a long reign. Let’s hope her family can follow disclosed. The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act through. Hold them in the Light! prohibits ‘intercept’ evidence, such as police phone Michael Golby hacking, from being disclosed at any legal proceedings, Exeter Meeting, Devon including inquests, thereby preventing it from giving any meaningful information to grieving families. The Diamond jubilee and privileged bodies complete lack of transparency means that no lessons A few Friends have expressed reluctance to be can be learned from this tragedy and only adds to the described as a privileged body. public perception of a cover-up of yet another death The lord chamberlain’s introduction to the similar at the hands of the police. We are implored to speak proceedings for the golden jubilee may help to explain truth to power, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if just the designation. His speech was printed verbatim in once power spoke truth to the people? Quaker News, and the following extract is from the Nigel Norie middle. Tottenham Meeting, London ‘The right of presenting addresses to the sovereign in person and receiving their reply was unquestionably a Equal marriage valuable and important privilege. These presentations What is the core of the Quaker way? On 23 March, were developed when parliament was elected on a Rosemary O’Dea wrote: ‘Civil partnerships give very restricted franchise and the use of the media and virtually all the legal rights that married people have public meetings for expressing popular feeling were save for the sanctifying of the union in a religious imperfectly developed. Addresses given by a number setting and calling it “marriage’”. On what grounds can of like-minded corporations or bodies was an effective a minority demand that marriage be redefined by the means of letting the authorities know what people state and thus overturn centuries of practice, tradition at large, or at any rate an organised section of them, and Christian teaching?’ thought and felt about current political questions, or Quakers in the seventeenth century were such a the conduct of government.’ minority, believing that marriage was sanctified by My suggestion about the initial involvement of God, irrespective of legal and church tradition. It Friends is that then, as now, they were a pushy lot and is precisely the public sanctifying of a deep union somehow they succeeded in securing an invitation to that supporters of same sex religious marriage are make their views known in the highest places. Now, advocating. Moreover, for Quakers, equality is not a as then, the sovereign needs to know the mind of the secular value. It is surely a testimony to ‘that of God in populace. Our bonus in 2012 is that the two hundred everyone’.

8 the Friend, 6 April 2012 [email protected]

Similarly I worry over Tim Jerram’s comments are happy to offer a ceremony to all who wish their (30 March). He writes of: ‘those who (think they) union to be celebrated in such a way. have had such an experience’, (a personal experience Therefore, we should follow the practice of France, of God). That aside – ‘who (think they) have’ – is Germany and other countries. patronising. In his letter, he defines God in a way Paul Honigmann that many of us also reject and then casts doubt Jordans Meeting, Buckinghamshire on the experience of those who may describe their experience, however tentatively, as an encounter I would like to thank Roger Hill for his letter on with the divine. By what right does anyone judge marriage equality. I fully agree with him and was the deepest experiences of others, if they express it so dismayed at the Yearly Meeting 2009 decision, I in a different sort of language? Surely, the Quaker resigned membership. way is one of respecting and trusting the diverse and What pushed me over the edge was the decision to creative ways in which people make sense of their lobby government and other churches. experiences. In my limited experience of Quakers, they treat Harvey Gillman marriage and same sex unions with the utmost Brighton Meeting, East Sussex respect. There is scant regard these days in society, in general, for marriage and I think that decision should I was pleased to see the letter from Roger Hill (9 have been kept within Quakerism. March), and agree with his conclusion. It seems to Mary Cozens me that the various protagonists, from all stances, are Norwich Meeting, Norfolk missing a fundamental point, viz ‘the facts of life’. These dictate that creation of new life, future Drone warfare humanity, needs the conjunction of female and male. Further to the recent correspondence on drones, we To me, it is the pursuit of ‘equality’ that confuses the thought that Friends would be interested to know issue. All loving relationships are good news. the work Quaker Peace & Social Witness (QPSW) But if ‘equal’ means ‘the same’, how can there be have been doing against armed drones. In 2010, a ‘equality’ between a relationship that has the potential QPSW peaceworker researched and wrote Convenient for new life and one that does not have such potential? Killing: Armed Drones and the Playstation Mentality, ‘Unequal’ does not mean less good, just different. which was the first major report about the impact Vive la différence! of drones. Copies were sent to all Local Meetings in Can’t our Quaker Life Central Committee see this? 2011. QPSW is also a founder member of the Drone John Arnold Campaign Network and hosts most of the meetings of [email protected] the Network in Friends House as part of the support Quakers offer to it, and in recognition of the barbarity There is a simple solution to the ‘problem’ of same sex of this modern form of warfare. Northern Friends marriages. In many countries there has to be a civil Peace Board have also been active and, on 26 March, marriage ceremony, which is recognised by the state. wrote to the secretary of state for defence about drones. I assume that the Roman Catholic church and other Caroline Kibblewhite and Ann Bettys, clerks churches in such countries accept this division of Peace, Education, Campaigning & Networking Sub- responsibility. The parties can choose whether or not Committee of QPSW to have a religious service recognised by the faith, if any, to which they belong. That is one facet of religious liberty. I welcome David Cameron’s proposal that civil The Friend welcomes your views. Please keep letters marriages should be available to all citizens. However, short (about 250 words) and include your full I hope that he will go one step further and require postal address, even when sending emails. Please that all persons who wish to be united in marriage specify whether you wish for your postal or email must have a civil ceremony, thus establishing equality. address or Meeting name to be used with your Whether or not the event is then celebrated in the name, otherwise we will print your post address or manner of the religion to which they belong becomes email address. Letters are published at the editor’s a matter of choice, not of semantics. discretion and may be edited. Write to: the Friend, Whether to offer a wedding ceremony to particular 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ or email people is a matter between the religious bodies and [email protected] their congregations. They too are entitled to religious Remember if you are online that you can also comment on all articles at www.thefriend.org liberty. There are already many places of worship that

the Friend, 6 April 2012 9 Feature Adventurous gardening

Dori Miller’s passion for horticulture has inspired unusual show gardens for Oxfam and Q-CAT 3D design of ‘World without torture’ garden for Q-CAT. Image courtesy of Howard Miller. Image courtesy of Howard Q-CAT. garden for without torture’ 3D design of ‘World

y passion for gardening comes from my many experts and volunteers who make up the team. parents, who ran a nursery and market garden We have had sponsorship of: plants; bespoke plus an extensive vegetable and flower garden. sculpture, ironwork and woodwork; hard landscaping; MAlthough not Quakers, their life was a model of contracting and expert advice. simplicity and reverence for the natural world. The choir I belong to, ‘A Handbag of Harmonies’, has The Quaker testimonies, particularly simplicity, played a huge role in both gardens and has continued to underpin every garden I make. support Oxfam’s Grow campaign after the show. In heading up my ‘dream team’, I used the template Teamwork of Meeting for Worship for Business – I tried to discern the feeling of the Meeting when decisions were to be Community was important in my two previous made. With so many experts on the job (all very bright show gardens, involving a large team of experts and young people!) there could have been major differences volunteers – the Quaker Concern for the Abolition of opinion, but it all went amazingly smoothly. of Torture (Q-CAT) garden will be no exception. In short, making show gardens has surprised me into For instance, my family is heavily involved: Howard ‘living adventurously’. (elder son) is an architect who, apart from having brilliant design ideas, can draw up the picture and plan ‘When the waters rise’ needed for the application. So can Hugh (younger son) who, as a designer/carpenter, made all the bespoke In 2010, my first Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) woodwork and was co-designer for our first garden. Tatton Show garden (a small garden called a ‘back to Tom, my husband, grew show-quality vegetables and back’) was to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the coordinated the Chester Growers for the Oxfam garden. inspirational Chester choir mentioned above. During Our daughter, Liz, has a great idea for next year… Show week, I was asked by Oxfam to design a garden I absolutely love working with them and with the for exhibiting in 2011.

10 the Friend, 6 April 2012 I was delighted to accept, as I loved doing the imposed principles within it. Handbags garden, and helping women combat climate Visitors to RHS shows come to see gardens and not change, as part of Oxfam’s Grow campaign, appealed to be weighed down by distressing issues. With this strongly. Oxfam’s purpose, to reduce poverty and in mind, we wanted to make it possible for them to suffering, is at one with the Quaker testimonies of experience slightly the feelings of being a victim of equality and justice. torture (claustrophobia, discomfort, feeling unsafe), Inspired by Oxfam’s work in parts of the world prone and thereby sympathise with Q-CAT’s concern to end to flooding, we decided to show adaptations to flooding. torture and complicity in torture. However, we didn’t We used British materials, in line with Oxfam’s (and want to ram it down their throats. They must be able our own) desire for a low carbon footprint. ‘When the to enjoy the open, safe, beautiful aspects of the garden waters rise’ was born. even if they chose not to enter into the ‘dark side’. Mindful of ‘walk cheerfully’, the experience has to be Quaker testimonies, predominantly a positive and optimistic one. particularly simplicity, ‘World without torture’ underpin every garden I make. So, the visitor may enter the garden via a walkway bounded by high security fencing and land devastated It was important that most of the garden should be by bombing. They skirt the back of a cell and enter it flooded, with wetland plants to give context. To be through a prison gate. They can, if they choose, listen included in the garden were: a shelter on stilts, with to stories of victims of torture on quiet speakers, but are a green roof growing crops; crops on rafts and in free to walk past these if they prefer. portable baskets; recycled containers used as planters; The visitor exits the cell through a second prison gate, and a mound terraced with continuous hazel hurdling, into a cultivated garden planted with white varieties to create level areas for crops to be grown on sloping of plants introduced by Quakers. This underlines ground. Every available space was to be ingeniously the desire of Q-CAT to end torture, as well as the planted, showing how, even in adverse conditions, it is therapeutic benefit of a beautiful, peaceful garden. A possible to grow edible plants. sculpture of a figure releasing a dove sits outside the With a dream team in place, the garden went together cell and further doves, made of ‘Lace Fence’, take off in almost without a hitch and was awarded an RHS Gold flight across the chain link, providing a visual metaphor medal. Of the judges’ feedback, the phrases I treasure are for Q-CAT’s hopes for a world without torture. Now the that the garden had soul and that it was a magical space. concrete security posts become hard landscaping that The garden received maximum BBC coverage, being is trodden underfoot, which suggests the possibility of featured on my favourite TV programme, Gardener’s overcoming torture. World. Oxfam were delighted with the publicity for Around the cell is an ecological succession. The their Grow campaign. bombed area is quickly colonised by willowherbs and After the Oxfam garden, Howard and I formulated Buddleia, followed by more varieties of annual weeds, four principles that we would adhere to in designing then slower growing species such as dock and clovers, subsequent show gardens. They had to be: for important together with saplings of birch, sycamore, hazel and causes; architecturally adventurous (Howard); horti- oak, until it becomes a stand of oak woodland, showing culturally adventurous (me); and allow visitor access. how, in time, badly damaged land can heal itself.

The Q-CAT garden Supporting the project

I am a member of Heswall Meeting, which, as part of The RHS Tatton Show managers have approved the Wirral and Chester Area Meeting, upholds Q-CAT design, but considerable sponsorship from donations (together with North Wales and Bristol Area Meetings). or in kind will be needed in order to realise it and raise Q-CAT is today’s acronym for a concern that was awareness for Q-CAT. espoused by the Yearly Meeting in 1974. We can update Friends on the project’s progress, Howard co-designed the Oxfam garden with me and, and welcome interest, support and suggestions, from as he has come up with the best ideas for the Q-CAT individual Friends and Meetings via Hannah Chambers, garden, I decided he should be the main designer for a Heswall Friend who is coordinating the Q-CAT this one, with me as co-designer. garden mailing list: [email protected] We felt that, although it would be a difficult subject for a show garden, we could incorporate our four self- Dori is a member of Heswall Meeting.

the Friend, 6 April 2012 11 Quakers in the World Growing in the Spirit

Ian Kirk-Smith considers some of the challenges and concerns of Friends in mainland Europe in the third article of our series

avel and his wife and two children get on a struggling to raise their family in a Quaker way it is very train at about 6am on Sunday morning. He inspiring – and to see the hunger some people have to usually has his accordion with him. The train be connected to the Quaker family.’ ‘Pjourney to Prague takes three and a half hours.’ The more established Quaker communities in Europe Arne Springorum, clerk of Prague Meeting, speaks in can be found in places such as the , Germany a very matter of fact way. and Scandinavia. and continue to be Pavel is a committed Quaker. Attending Meeting for important centres of work and witness. Elsewhere tiny Worship is important to him – important enough to get groups of people are meeting to worship in the Quaker a train every second Sunday at the break of day. way. Some have emerged quite recently. ‘We have Meeting in Prague twice a month’, Arne Prague has four Quakers in membership and a explains. ‘We start our Meeting for Worship at 10am number of attenders and enquirers. Czech Quakers are a with singing and music. Pavel plays the accordion. At very small and diverse community and their situation is 10.30am we have silent worship. We can have up to quite similar to that of some other Friends on mainland fourteen people. We then have a shared lunch together. Europe, as Marisa Johnson, executive secretary for Sometimes we have discussions. We are discussing the FWCC-EMES, explains: ‘Most Quakers are isolated gospel of John at the moment’. and meet in very small groups. There are often great ‘Later in the day, about six o’clock, Pavel and his geographical distances between Friends. Different ways family take the train home. It is another three and a half have to be found to do things. In Sweden, for example, hour train journey. Pavel doesn’t believe in having a car. where there are one hundred Friends, three elders serve He takes Quaker testimonies seriously.’ all the Meetings in the country’. An interesting development in recent years has been Quakerism in mainland Europe the work done to connect these Friends to the Quaker world and to communicate Quaker ways of faith and Being a Quaker in mainland Europe can be challenging. practice. Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre and the Julia Ryberg, ministry and outreach coordinator for FWCC-EMES have been at the heart of it. the Europe and Middle East section of Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC-EMES), says: ‘I Use of the internet feel inspired by the commitment of isolated individuals and groups. I was brought up in a Quaker family This work, which has enabled new Friends and enquirers and take a lot for granted – going to my Meeting and to grow in the Spirit, has made creative use of the learning about the Quaker way. When I see people internet. Marisa says: ‘An online ‘Quakers in Europe’

12 the Friend, 6 April 2012 Europe project has been very successful. It provides a ten-week introductory course in which participants can learn about Quaker faith and practice. It is now available in about ten European languages. The Czech course has just finished.’ Julia also believes the internet is an invaluable tool: ‘It is very exciting. The online medium enables Quakers to interact easily and it can complement face-to-face work. In one course, for example, a participant was in Russia, another in and the tutor, a fluent Russian speaker, was in America’. ‘These new initiatives have also provided a way for established Friends to contribute. The new “companion programme”, for example, involved a first pairing of a British Friend and an enquirer in Portugal’.

Residential gatherings

Residential gatherings continue to be very important. They tend to include teaching about Quaker traditions and practices, worship sharing, spiritual deepening and building fellowship. ‘Woodbrooke on the Road’ is also being developed to go further afield. In May, Stuart Masters of Woodbrooke is going as a tutor to the Central European Friends’ Gathering in Poland. He will be leading a number of sessions under the heading ‘Celebrating the Quaker Way’. Quakerhuis (The Hague), The Netherlands. Stuart says: ‘We need to offer these isolated www.fwccemes.org Photo from FWCC-EMES website individuals and small groups a way of connecting with the tradition. There is a danger that, when you are not Quaker has been very important. It is familiar with Quaker practice, you end up knowing something we can bring to the table and we are respected a little and making a lot up for yourself. It is about for this.’ discipline and getting a good, rounded understanding Kees, who has become a significant figure on a and establishing strong roots. The internet has opened world-ecumenical stage, has been encouraged by recent up creative opportunities and possibilities to help us events. He adds: ‘A hugely important development at address these concerns.’ the World Council of Churches is the “paradigm shift”, which, I believe, is currently happening in relation to a Wider family of Friends position on war. There is a move towards a position that there is no theological justification for a “Just War” in Quakers in different parts of Europe benefit from the Christian tradition. This is radical.’ being connected with the wider family of Friends. Many, also, have a very clear and definite sense of their Similar concerns own identity and are proud of it. Arne Springorum says: ‘We are Czech Quakers. We are a five-year-old Friends in Europe share similar concerns with those in group. The reality is that we are not an addition to Britain – from economic justice and prison reform to someone else.’ sustainability and equality. Peace is ever present. Quakerism, elsewhere, is deep rooted. George Fox The theme of the next Netherlands Yearly Meeting, and made several visits, for example, to for example, is ‘Just War’. Kees explains: ‘Friends will the Netherlands and Germany and had contact with be considering how we as Quakers can contribute. We . Quakers maintain a close contact with will also be considering what might be the Quaker role Mennonites and have cooperated very closely with in Europe. The people in the southern hemisphere them on some projects. Friends in the Netherlands have focus mainly on the word “justice”. In the northern a strong ecumenical tradition. hemisphere you find that the emphasis is on “peace” Kees Nieuwerth, of Netherlands Yearly Meeting, says: – but it is often linked to “security”. “Peace and ‘In ecumenical work and gatherings I feel that our security” really means, for some, energy security. I

the Friend, 6 April 2012 13 Quakers in the World

believe Quakers in the north must be spokesmen and camp and met Friends in Prague who were working women for our brothers in the south.’ with Jewish orphans. He learnt about Quakerism from In Germany worship is mainly in the unprogrammed them.’ form. Christopher Hatton, of German Yearly Meeting, ‘Sixty per cent of the population in Czechoslovakia adds: ‘In the last couple of years, during worship at our are atheists,’ says Arne. ‘There is no other country in Yearly Meeting or regional gatherings, occasionally the world like this. They belong to no group. But that we have sung a song or two and semi-programmed, doesn’t mean that they are not spiritual. I think that all generation, worship options are also being offered unprogrammed worship would appeal to so many of alongside unprogrammed Meeting for Worship.’ them. The problem is that nobody hears about us. It is a Christopher talks of the importance of ‘holy anger’. “Catch 22” situation. Quakers are not good at outreach.’ He urges Quakers to ‘possess a holy anger that inspires Kees Nieuworth shares this belief: ‘One of our them to be salt and light and join those Friends weaknesses, as European Quakers, is that we feel already using their spiritual gifts getting their hands uncomfortable with outreach. It is a problem. A lot of really dirty in the dark places – such as prisons, drug people in the Netherlands are disillusioned by religion rehabilitation centres, amongst the financially and because, for them, the religion they know is hierarchical, socially disadvantaged, refugee centres and conflict dogmatic and inflexible. I met a disillusioned young zones.’ Protestant man and what he really liked about Quakers He adds: ‘It is, however, important for me that our was our flat decision-making structure. We do have a lot holy anger comes from our experience of the divine and to offer to seekers but we are not easily found.’ our concerns are tested by our worship communities. Our history of tested and supported, spirit-led, action Evangelical Friends is a source of strength.’ ‘For me Quakerism offers our wider society a vision There are Quakers, however, in Europe who have no of hope based on love. Our prayerful actions in the problem with outreach. small, daily, things in life should also let our lives speak An interesting phenomenon in Hungary, where there truth. I want to be part of a faithful, divinely inspired are a few Quakers who worship in the unprogrammed society active in bringing as many people as possible tradition, is the emergence of a vibrant evangelical to the table, where the voiceless gain a voice and the Quakerism. It is a result of church-planting activities hungry and thirsty are given enough food and drink. by the American-based Evangelical Friends Church I do not want to be part of a society of comfortable, International (EFCI). Rachel Bewley-Bateman is clerk intellectual Friends.’ of FWCC-EMES. She was recently invited, with two other Irish Quakers, to a conference in Budapest A new chapter organised by the EFCI for their church leaders. She says: ‘We couldn’t have had a warmer welcome. It Marisa Johnson highlights developments in the east as is a very different worship than in Britain and Ireland. an interesting new chapter in the story of Quakerism in I enjoyed the visit. At the conference we had prayers in Europe: ‘New worship groups and Monthly Meetings nine different languages. I was very impressed by the have been established, for example, in places such as faith of people there. I noticed a man with a Bible that Lithuania, Georgia and Poland. A new Meeting in was falling apart because it had been read so much. He Tbilisi was recognised in 2008.’ was one of the Roma people.’ ‘The representatives of the new groups are very Hungarian Evangelical Friends are a native open and passionately drawn to the Quaker way. They phenomenon with wide appeal. They are not affiliated want to consolidate their Quaker identity. They came to the FWCC. They now have some fourteen churches to Quakerism by diverse routes – some from other and other groups amounting to some two thousand churches and some from a secular background. Marina adherents with a wide constituency in Croatia, Serbia, at Friends House , for example, was drawn to Transylvania and Romania – including a large number Quakers after being involved with the Alternatives to of gypsy people who are frequently disregarded by Violence Project (AVP) and now runs AVP projects all society and who often live in extreme poverty. over the world.’ Rachel adds: ‘The experience in Budapest was very In mainland Europe people have been drawn to worthwhile. I believe it is important that we are as Quakerism from a variety of backgrounds and for inclusive as possible. If you believe that “there is that a variety of reasons. It is often due to an accidental of God in every person” then you should be building encounter. Eugen, who is eighty-two, was the first bridges and making connections between Friends who Quaker in Prague. Arne Springorum explains: ‘He had come from different theological positions. We can all been doing relief work in the Terezin concentration learn from each other.’

14 the Friend, 6 April 2012 Poetry Policeman, Stoke Newington

Standing close up to a policeman, I can get a free look at his uniform, its unrevealing midnight matt cloth and silvery buttons, its clever gussets, and places for his walkie talkie, yes, his walkie-talkie tucked under his tunic. Serious tailoring.

He glances at me sideways, the expressionless professional caught in this personal necessity here at the cash dispenser in the street, as if performing a secret habit: Don’t be ashamed, I could tell him, It’s a normal function, we all do it.

Satisfied, taking a single circumspect motion to finish his transaction and reinsert his wallet in its place, he walks on, a bobby in a helmet, upright in a naughty world: he’s a policeman with money, stowed in the safest pocket in the street.

Peter Daniels

From his new collection: Counting Eggs Mulfran Press, 2012. ISBN: 978 1907 32715 5. £9.

Bobbies on the beat. Photo: West Midlands Police / flickr CC

the Friend, 6 April 2012 15 a look at the Quaker world [email protected]

Creation studies The recent series by Stuart to ‘The Story of Creation’. David Kossoff – whose name will Masters on ‘Quakers and Creation’ It was excellent – full of great bring back many fond memories prompted a Friend to remind Eye images and illustrations, some for slightly older Friends. of the excellent February edition of stimulating writing and terrific The quote was taken from his Journeys in the Spirit. ideas to stimulate young minds. acclaimed book Bible Stories: The booklet, compiled by the Eye especially liked two ‘Mind you, before God started to Children and Young People’s team quotes. One was taken from the make the world, he gave it a lot of of Quaker Life at Friends House, introduction: ‘Creation is out there thought. Big job. Not much to go is published monthly and provides all around us but we can also look on. No previous experience in such resources and ideas to Quakers inwards and discover our own work. No really good materials engaging with five to twelve year creation’. either. Just a vast midnight, always olds in a Quaker setting. The other quote was from a dark, covering a great waste of The recent edition was devoted master story-teller for children – nothing but water.’ Sammelband In answer to a from Philip Jacob following ‘Going, going… sold’ in last week’s Eye, a ‘sammelband, or some-times nonce-volume, is a book comprising a number of separately printed works that are subsequently bound together’ according to Wikipedia. The Springett sammelband contained a number of leaflets.

The Penny Art Auction

A Quaker artist in Brighton has embarked on an unusual challenge. The Penny Art Auction is a month-long initiative by Lucianna Whittaker, who was inspired by the simplicity testimony to clear her house of possessions – ‘otherwise your things own you’. In the process she had to examine what to do with paintings she had made over the previous five years that were stored in her studio, and realised she had to let go of these too. So Lucianna set herself a challenge: to exhibit and auction off these works within a month. ‘It’s about the Lucianna with ‘I could have sworn I felt my spirit soar’, paintings finding their true value and homes where oil on canvas. Photo courtesy of Lucianna Whittaker. they’ll be loved.’ The collection of oil paintings range from abstract pieces, which are free expressions of what Lucianna the way for my painting practice to make a transition experiences when centring down, to later works into a new phase.’ She adds, ‘It’s been a massive featuring deer as figurative elements. The exhibition learning curve… Experiment with Light has helped will be running at the Friese-Greene Gallery in with the challenging process of letting things go after Brighton from 12 to 15 April. Paintings will be I’ve invested so much of myself in each painting.’ auctioned on eBay (starting from a penny each) Lucianna explains that Quakerism has been a between 5 and 15 April. profound influence on her art and life, ‘it’s everything Experiment with Light sessions prompted her on to me really, that’s how I can live most truly.’ this undertaking: ‘the sessions help you to find the To find out more you can visit the Penny Art truth within yourself and work out how to live in a Auction blog, where Lucianna is writing daily entries way closer to love and light.’ about the project and reflecting on the pieces being It is also a chance to let go of past baggage, ‘to clear auctioned: www.pennyartauction.blogspot.co.uk

16 the Friend, 6 April 2012 Ad pages 6 Apr 3/4/12 14:06 Page 3

Friends&Meetings Christopher Shield LITTLEBOY BLACKHEATH MEETING, Lawn Births 26 March, peacefully. Husband of Terrace, Blackheath, London SE3. Mary, father and grandfather. Midweek Meeting for Worship 2nd Rufus Thornton Gibson DALE Brother of Mel Nash. Aged 82. Tuesday of each Month, 1-1.30pm 28 March, to Erika (née Gibson) and Enquiries Mel: 01494 873295. followed by tea, coffee and biscuits. John Dale of Harrogate. Another Bring a packed lunch if you wish. grandchild for Julia and Robert Gibson of Ilkley and a first for Mary Changes to meeting and Keith Dale of Burley-in- BUNHILL FIELDS FRIENDS Wharfedale. MEETING Banner Street, London ILKLEY LM Ikley Meeting for EC1, Wednesday 18 April and the Worship will be held at the Clarke third Wednesday of every month, Bethan Mary ECCLES 27 March to Foley Centre, Cunliffe Road, Ilkley Heather Rowlands and Michael 12.45 - 1.15pm, meeting for worship on Sunday 8 April (10.30 am) due followed by a light shared lunch. Eccles. Sister for Rose, second to a new boiler being installed in granddaughter for Peter and the late the Meeting House. Pamela Eccles and Deborah and QUAKER FAMILY HISTORY Stephen Rowlands and second great- SOCIETY Meeting at Salisbury granddaughter for Mary Rowlands. Diary Meeting House, Wilton Road, Salisbury SP2 7EP, 10.30am – 4pm Saturday 28 April: Quakers in Deaths 17TH CENTURY ADDERBURY Wessex, with four speakers. Details MEETING HOUSE Hardly changed at www.qfhs.co.uk Daphne FRANCIS 28 March. since 1675. Meeting for Worship Member of Bridport Meeting and 2.30pm, third Sunday monthly. Dress warmly in winter. Banbury Friends SPIRITUALITY OF CLIMATE FSSW Old Scholar. Aged 95. CHANGE Quaker Community, Memorial Celebration at St John's offer warm welcome! OX17 3EU. Details/directions: Jane Burn: 01869 Bamford, 23-27 April. Explore how Church, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset our diverse spiritualities can provide at 2pm on Friday 13 April. Details: 277770. [email protected] Judith Mason 01295 720900. the foundation for action and sustain Nick Francis 01225 480782. us through difficult times. £160 including full board. 01433 650085, Betty HAYES 24 March. Widow of [email protected] John Hayes. Member of Frome www.quakercommunity.org.uk Meeting, formerly Crawshawbooth and Grimsby. Aged 88. Funeral held Olympics 3 April. Enquiries: [email protected] Outreach Notices We would like Friends House Notices on this page and the Quaker Centre to be a EXPERIMENT WITH LIGHT CD2 Friends & Meetings notices should hospitality centre for visitors to If your CD2 plays only one of the preferably be prepaid. Personal the Olympic Games (27 July to tracks, please contact Diana Lampen entries (births, marriages, deaths, 12 August) and Paralympic Games for a replacement, at lampen@ anniversaries, changes of address, (29 August to 9 September) as hopeproject.co.uk or 01384 377518, it is close to major transport hubs. etc.): £17.60 incl. vat. Meeting and with your postal address. No need charity notices (changes of clerk, This is an exciting opportunity for to return it. new wardens, alterations to meet- service and outreach and we ing, diary, etc.) £14.66 zero rated would need a number of volun- for vat. Max.35 words. 3 Diary or teers to help staff the centre. Meeting up entries £40 (£33.33 zero rated); 6 entries £69 (£57.50). Volunteers would offer practical QPSW Add £1.70 for a copy of the issue help such as information on the Sustainability with your notice. Cheques payable Games, travel and attractions in Grants to ‘The Friend’. London, as well as information on Friends. Visitors would also be Entries are accepted at the editor’s Is your meeting involved (or would discretion in a standard house style. able to get refreshment and rest. it like to be involved) in a sustain- A gentle discipline will be exerted to If you are able to help please maintain a simplicity of style and ability project? Grants of between wording that excludes terms of enter your details and the dates £100 and £2,000 are available. endearment and words of tribute. you would be available at: Application deadline: 1 July 2012. Deadline usually Monday. www.quaker.org.uk/ olympicsvolunteering by 30 April. Information/application forms are The Friend, 54a Main Street, available at www.quaker.org.uk/ Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL Crash pad accommodation may Tel. 01535 630230. be available. We look forward to sustainability-grants, or call Email [email protected] hearing from you. Sunniva Taylor on 020 7663 1047.

the Friend, 6 April 2012 17 Ad pages 6 Apr 3/4/12 14:06 Page 4

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Art studio (retreats, courses) See www.thehighburycentre.org or call and Quaker MfW monthly. Garden & COMFORTABLE SELF-CONTAINED FLAT 020 7226 2663. orchard. www.baldessinpress.com in Leyburn, delightful market town on (see Accommodation). edge of Yorkshire Dales, for a special, COTTAGES & SELF-CATERING caring person looking for a quiet space. Nominal rent. Must be able to offer some CONGENIES, MAISON QUAKER companionship to elderly Quaker neigh- 1652 COUNTRY, HOWGILL, SEDBERGH. awaits you from 1/3/2012 for springtime bour. Can be employed, studying or being Comfortable 4 star holiday cottages in in the south of France. creative. Email: [email protected] Yorkshire Dales National Park overlooking www.maison-quaker-congenies.org 01452 812304. Firbank Fell. Walks and Quaker trails from [email protected] the door. Bed & Breakfast also available. +33 4 66 771 46 41, +33 4 66 35 27 16. www.AshHiningFarm.co.uk RETIRED PSYCHOTHERAPIST, author Jim Mattinson 07774 281767. 'Using Love to Make things Better.’ With COTTAGE IN HEART OF UMBRIA. experience of spiritual counselling, offers Swimming pool. Sleeps 6+. Convenient free counselling by email (although hope- ALNWICK. Comfortable house neigh- Assisi, Perugia (Ryanair), Lake Trasimeno. fully meeting at some stage). Please bouring Castle, Gardens, Barter Books, From £350-£500pw. Vacancies April, contact [email protected] Centre. Excellent for Coast and Country. June, July. Telephone 020 8642 5785 or Flexible breaks. 01377 229075. 01225 723750. www.tabucca.co.uk [email protected] (security code Umbria). Classified ads continue overleaf.

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