28 October 2011 £1.70 the discover the contemporaryFriend quaker way

The Spirit of Peace the Friend Independent Quaker Journalism Since 1843

Contents VOL 169 NO 43 3 Thought for the Week: Peace as a way of life Franco Perna 4 News 5 Quakers and the cuts Stuart White 6-7 Nuclear power: The only option? Chris Gwyntopher 8 Letters 9 Poem: Quo vadis Libya Sylvia Edwards 10-11 Transforming conflict Judy Kirby 12-13 Experiment with Light: Waiting in the Light Anne Banks 14-15 Remembering Jordans Janet Hyland A view of participants in the 2011 Perugia-Assisi peace march in front of the basilica in Assisi 16 q-eye: a wry look at the Quaker world Photo: Franco Perna 17 Friends & Meetings

The Life Scientific, Radio 4 Cover image: Quaker and astronomer Jocelyn Bell-Burnell talked Basilica of St Francis of Assisi to Jim Al-Khalili on Tuesday 25 October. Photo: Randy OHC / flickr CC The interview is available to listen to on BBC iplayer. See page 3

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2 the Friend, 28 October 2011 Thought for the Week Peace as a way of life

he Perugia-Assisi peace march last month aimed at improving social conditions within society, attracted more than 200,000 people. Many of provided that such actions were grassroots based. them were young. In 1961 I took part in the first Perhaps my strong feelings about social justice as the Tmarch and have, over the years, attended about one basis for real peace are grounded in my own situation in every three. I marched again this year, despite my as a child. I was deprived of a regular education age. I am 74. There have been other marches outside beyond primary school for economic reasons and, at Umbria, such as one in Calabria and two in Israel- the age of ten, I started working with my uncle. He Palestine, which have been just as meaningful and was a shoemaker. Five years later I was able to resume inspiring. my studies, albeit combined with work, including None of these peace events, including the one in international voluntary service projects in various October 2001, which was attended by some 350,000 countries (Italy – my birthplace – Ireland, Palestine and participants, resulted in acts of violence. Was this thanks Poland). to the good planning and preparation beforehand by It was natural, with such a background, for me to get the organisers, including the first one, Aldo Capitini, involved in peace actions. I took part, from the early the Gandhian writer from Perugia (1899-1968)? Was it 1960s, in many of them, including Easter marches in because of the historical, peaceful, figure of Francis of and Germany. I was then based in London as Assisi? I cannot say; but, for me, these protest marches the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) are peacemaking events, in that they aim to engender European Youth Secretary. It was during that period positive thinking in all people while, in the process, that I started travelling widely throughout Europe. asking governments to cut their military spending. It is I also became involved in East/West projects, partly only through disarmament that justice and peace can inspired by people like Paul Oestreicher. be achieved. With a weak academic/intellectual basis, I have The Perugia-Assisi peace marches have become always preferred actions to words. This, probably, was symbolic of grassroots actions which, through the also the main motivation for spending a good third positive reporting of some media, are gradually affecting of my working life with Service Civil International the general thinking and culture of our society, both in (SCI), which is based on ‘deeds rather than words,’ and Italy and beyond. On 15 October the ‘indignados’ filled the Quakers – ‘let your life speak!’ Hence, practical the squares and streets of major cities across the globe. involvement in peace work, especially at the grassroots They were protesting against those who, in their view, level, for me, is a way of life. When the opportunity bear responsibility for the present economic crisis. comes I cannot just stand by, even at the risk of being Well, there was plenty of violence in Rome, but for once ridiculed. the media clearly distinguished between the peaceful My involvement in nonviolent peace activism comes nonviolent masses (some journalists even referred to from a deep inner energy and I will continue to do it Perugia-Assisi as a positive example) and those few while that energy lasts: I cannot do otherwise! people who had infiltrated the demonstration to carry out violent actions – for political reasons? Franco Perna In the 1950s I worked with Danilo Dolci in Sicily. He is an isolated Quaker in Italy on the Since then I have been interested in alternative initiatives international membership list of FWCC

the Friend, 28 October 2011 3 News [email protected] Quaker action at St Paul’s

Protesters camped near St Paul’s expression of support for the occupation. A multifaith Cathedral were given an experience of Quaker event is planned for Saturday. The Friend understands activism last week, when Friends provided a workshop that Quaker activists are hoping to hold a Meeting for to help them think through their aims. Worship at the camp. Turning the Tide, a scheme run by Quaker Peace The protesters’ nine-point statement of principles & Social Witness (QPSW), sent two staff to facilitate includes a description of the current economic system a session held outdoors between the protesters’ tents. as ‘undemocratic and unjust.’ They insist: ‘The world’s Around thirty people turned up to consider the ‘big resources must go towards caring for people and the picture’ behind the protest. planet, not the military, corporate profits or the rich.’ The camp, run by the ‘Occupy London’ movement, was set up outside the cathedral after police prevented campaigners from protesting any closer to the London Stock Exchange. It was inspired by the ‘Occupy Wall Street’ protests in New York and began on the same day as similar nonviolent occupations around the world, many of them in financial districts. ‘Turning the Tide works with people who are wanting to make the world more just and peaceful and this seems to be exactly that,’ explained QPSW’s Steve Whiting. He found that ‘a really broad spectrum of people’ were attracted to the protest camp. Turning the Tide was asked to run the workshop by one of the protesters who had heard about Friends and was keen to know more, particularly about the business method and the peace testimony. The facilitators found an interest in Quakerism among several participants. ‘There’s a commitment to nonviolence [at the camp],’ explained Steve, ‘We didn’t even have to talk about that.’ Several left-wing Christian organisations have endorsed a ‘statement of Christian solidarity’ with the occupation. A number of religious groups are

holding acts of worship on the cathedral steps, in an Photo: Wright Louisa Quaker campaigner Bootham old boy makes ‘Pink List’ new cabinet secretary JEREMY JOHN HEYWOOD, due to take over the Quaker activist Clare Dimyon is one of the post of cabinet secretary when Gus O’Donnell retires most inspiring gay people in Britain – according to this at the end of the year, was educated at Bootham School year’s ‘Pink List.’ in York. He was head boy at the school, which has a The list, published annually by the Independent on Quaker background and ethos. Sunday, names the 101 individuals considered to have In January 2008, Jeremy became the first permanent done most to make life better for lesbian, gay, bisexual secretary at Number 10, a role which he retained after and transgender (LGBT) people in the UK. David Cameron became prime minister in May 2010. Clare came in at number 27. She has successfully A keen windsurfer and golfer, clearly Jeremy knows urged UK embassies to support LGBT rights in central which way the wind is blowing. and eastern Europe. She was described by the judges as a ‘seemingly inexhaustible Quaker campaigner’. Raymond Mgadzah

4 the Friend, 28 October 2011 Opinion Quakers and the cuts

Stuart White questions the Quaker statement on government cuts.

n 4 October the Religious Society of Friends a distinction between fair and unfair cuts. It says, issued a news release titled ‘Quakers specifically, that cuts should not be made at the oppose unfair government cuts.’ Following expense of those ‘unable to work’. Most examples of Odiscussions with Friends in Oxford, I have been unfair cuts it gives are in this category. But the issue of encouraged to share my concerns about this how the cuts affect fairness is a broader one. Research statement. I think there are at least two weaknesses on the impact of the cuts (from the Institute for Fiscal with its substance. I am also unclear about the Studies and the Trades Union Congress) suggests that process behind it. the cuts are regressive across almost the whole income First, why are no alternatives to spending cuts distribution. In work, out of work, the lower your recognised? It is crucial to distinguish, as the income then the higher the burden of austerity as a 4 October statement does not, between cutting the proportion of your income (across most of the income deficit and cutting spending. There is a vigorous distribution). This is to say nothing of the impact of debate over the relative contribution that can/should the cuts by gender. be made by fairer taxation, economic growth and Finally, how did this statement emerge and what spending cuts, to bring down the deficit. is its point? In Oxford Meeting, when we decided Yet, remarkably for a Quaker statement, there to make a public statement on the cuts, we started is no mention at all in the 4 October statement of by laying out initial ideas and then went through exploring fairer taxation as an alternative to spending a threshing process and brought a resulting draft cuts as a way of addressing the deficit. All we are statement on the cuts back to the monthly Business told is that ‘Quakers acknowledge that cuts in local Meeting for discussion. We took time to talk, to test and national government spending are inevitable…’ our knowledge and understanding, and to refine our Because this claim is not qualified by the distinction sense of what it is important to say. between cutting the deficit and cutting spending, or By what process was the 4 October statement by any reference to alternatives in the form of fairer produced? What did its composers see as its purpose? taxes, it makes it sound as if all Quakers have to Is this intended to be ‘the’ statement on the cuts say about reducing the deficit is that there must be by Quakers at the national level? As it stands, the spending cuts. This is not the view of many members statement has significant weaknesses, and represents and attenders. The minute of the discussion at an important opportunity missed. Meetings for Sufferings on 1 October acknowledges that Friends may have to lobby for a greater Stuart is an attender at Oxford Meeting. contribution from the wealthy (i.e. fairer taxes). Second, why is it that only those who are unable To read the 4 October statement, ‘Quakers oppose to work are recognised as being unfairly treated? unfair government cuts,’ please visit www.quaker.org. The 4 October statement seems to be trying to make uk/news/quakers-oppose-unfair-government-cuts

the Friend, 28 October 2011 5 Talking point Nuclear power: The only option?

Chris Gwyntopher argues that nuclear power is unsustainable and a seed of war – not a viable alternative to oil

he people living near Fukushima in Japan have Nuclear power is not carbon neutral. Considerable suffered disastrously from the false assumption CO2 emissions are produced by the mining of that nuclear power stations are safe, as did the uranium, by the transport of nuclear materials, in Tpeople living near Chernobyl. the construction and dismantling of nuclear power stations, the processing of nuclear waste and the extra People have had to be evacuated from a twenty security needed to prevent theft of nuclear materials kilometre exclusion zone around the plant. France’s or terrorist attack. Energy Policy, the international Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear journal, reported an analysis of over a hundred studies Safety recommended that a further 70,000 people and concluded that the CO2 equivalent from nuclear outside the zone should be evacuated. The land is power is about sixty-five grams per kilowatt hour. contaminated. Children’s school dinners have been found to contain dangerous levels of radioactive Raw materials and toxic waste contamination. The world’s supply of uranium, necessary for nuclear Sustainability power, is limited. It is costly to mine, particularly to the mostly indigenous people on whose land it I believe that the use of, and investment in, nuclear is mined. If the world becomes more dependent power as a way of avoiding the consequences of on nuclear power the point of ‘peak uranium’ climate chaos and peak oil offers a ‘Faustian bargain’! will be reached. This will have similar disastrous I hope Friends will not support it. Nuclear power consequences to ‘peak oil.’ Some analysts consider we is not a sustainable alternative source of energy. We have already passed peak uranium. Others put the cannot, safely, rely on it to avoid radically reducing point at which it becomes too expensive to mine and our energy consumption, switching to really renewable process at around 2035. sources and effectively improving energy efficiency and conservation. We will contribute to the risk of No safe way has been found to store the growing terrorist attack and of war if we do so. bulk of very toxic nuclear waste. It remains toxic

6 the Friend, 28 October 2011 Photo: tobo / flickr CC Photo: tobo / flickr

The use of, and investment in, nuclear power as a way of avoiding the consequences of climate chaos and peak oil offers a ‘Faustian bargain’

for thousands of years: in the UK it is mostly stored The seeds of war above ground at Sellafield. There have been several accidents there and it is a particularly vulnerable target Britain’s nuclear power industry was initially subsidised for terrorist attack. The trains carrying the waste from to provide plutonium and a respectable cover for the power stations are also vulnerable to terrorist attack nuclear weapons programme. There continues to be or hijack. The ones carrying waste from Sizewell a close relationship between nuclear power capability to Sellafield go through the Olympic site, close to and nuclear weapons proliferation. This link is a Wanstead Meeting house. Just before a Nuclear Trains particularly dangerous threat to peace in the Middle Action Groups demonstration along the line on 23 July, East. Iran’s nuclear power programme and Israel’s after several years of lobbying and demonstrations, we nuclear weapons, built using their nuclear power finally got official assurance that nuclear trains would knowledge and materials, are a flash point. be suspended during the two weeks of the Games. Similar threats to peace are North Korea’s nuclear Climate chaos weapons armoury and those of India and Pakistan. The Cold War is long over but economic rivalry between The UK’s nuclear power stations are located near the the NATO countries and China could revive the threat sea because water is needed for cooling. Rising sea of global nuclear war. levels and stronger storms, due to climate chaos, mean the risk of flooding is growing. Shoals of jellyfish, Reliance on nuclear power means jeopardising the another consequence of climate change, have already lives of present and future generations to preserve an caused Torness nuclear power station in Scotland to unsustainable level of energy consumption. It involves be closed down for two weeks. Following the incident us helping to sow the seeds of war. We can live more at Fukushima, Germany, Switzerland and Japan, all simply and sustainably without it. advanced industrial economies, decided to phase out reliance on nuclear power. In a referendum in Italy in June ninety-five percent voted against nuclear power. Chris is a member of North East Thames Area Meeting.

the Friend, 28 October 2011 7 Letters All views expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Friend

Political engagement within, whether process or social space, marked off by Janet Quilley’s article (23 September) is correct in the boundary sign ‘spiritual’? Inviting others to join in emphasising the Quaker statements in the past and in our commitment as searchers for truth for our times the present, and also the need for ‘advocacy plus.’ is poorly served by language that implies escape from, Overemphasising the role of politicians is very rather than growth within, the world we are part of; prevalent, albeit understandable. Any political especially if what it seems to add is both mysterious development is very complex. It involves a myriad and misunderstood. Well-rooted and shared lives of internal and external pressures which are not in and spaces are, I agree, all necessary in the search we the control of even the most powerful politician. It share and the challenges that flow inevitably from the is unlikely that it can be predicted by any politician. attempt to live adventurously and let our lives speak. Cases in point are the fall of the Berlin Wall; the David Bartlett explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear reactor; and the Hampshire and Islands Area Meeting tsunami in Japan. Politicians invariably deal with events retrospectively. A case in point is the Charter My copy of the 1960 volume Christian Faith and of the UN that was negotiated in 1945. Had it been Practice in the experience of the Society of Friends in existence before the Second World War, one begins by noting that Quakerism ‘arose from a might have avoided the upheaval. Also, at present, personal experience of direct encounter with God as the secretary of education is simply trying to remedy revealed in Jesus Christ.’ Its final chapter is indexed the large number of failing schools, which came into as ‘The world family of Friends – Our common existence over many years. These are examples where service for Christ.’ How has it come about that for the politicians are subject to great uncertainties that are first time in some 350 years we now have ‘nontheist not in their control. Friends’? This dissent from our tenet ‘there is that of Does this all mean that we should avoid any political God in everyone’ is disturbing! It seems dangerous engagement? Certainly not. However, perhaps we to scorn the traditional Christian language which has should re-emphasise our quest to improve the political served Friends for 350 years and has stood the test of climate by questioning the status quo that only allows time over two millennia as a consensus of experiential a particular way of dealing with problems that arise. interpretation. Examples include the stance in trying to deal with God, accordingly, is not only an immanent Inner the financial turmoil by applying the remedies that Light but is also transcendent, dwelling in ‘the high brought us to the present mess in the first place and and holy places’ (Isaiah 57.15). The way of love is no the military interventions that invariably turn out to ‘cakewalk’ but involves spiritual conflicts; for there is be a disaster for everyone involved. a danger from evil spirits masquerading as benign, Stephen J. Cheleda and we are prone to over-facile confidence in our [email protected] being Spirit-Led. This can be expressed in ‘modern’ psychological language; but what matters is its reality, Idling buses so we are well advised to pray for divine protection I wrote to one of our Green Party members of the ‘against all Satan’s snares and wiles,’ heeding the stern Greater London Authority, Jenny Jones, and sent a New Testament warning that the devil goes around copy of Noel’s article. I had an email in reply to say like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour! that they will be asking a question at Mayor’s Question (1 Peter 5.8). Time about how much time buses spend idling. Frank McManus Anne Adams 97 Longfield Road, Todmorden, OL14 6ND The Folley, Luston, Herefordshire, HR6 OBX ‘Spiritual’ life The Friend welcomes your views. Please keep letters What does that adjective with noun leanings, the word short and include your full postal address, even ‘spiritual,’ add to our Quaker communications? The when sending emails. Please specify whether you question was posed for me – yet again – by Alistair wish for your postal or email address or Meeting Fuller’s use of it four times in his article Holding open name to be used with your name, otherwise we will the door in the Outreach Issue. It comes in between: print your post address or email address. Letters ‘our’ and ‘lives’; ‘well-rooted’ and ‘life’; ‘shared’ and are published at the editor’s discretion and may ‘life’; and ‘a’ and ‘space’. Why? be edited. Write to: the Friend, 173 Euston Road, For a people with foundations in the courageous London NW1 2BJ or email [email protected] conviction that all life is sacred, why would we want to Remember if you are online that you can also comment on all articles at www.thefriend.org invent something separate from the humanity we are

8 the Friend, 28 October 2011 Poetry

Quo vadis Libya? (written in September 2011)

No matter how much things change they remain the same, in Libya this is true. Tribe fights against tribe brutality is returned by more brutality.

An Arab warrior held his people in chains for 40 years martyr to loyalists monster to the broken and tortured, yet someday tribesmen may sing of his defence of the citadel.

Everything changes yet so much remains the same.

Sylvia Edwards, Rugby Meeting

the Friend, 28 October 2011 9 Peace Transforming conflict

Conflict resolution is coming of age. Judy Kirby discovered a movement blossoming in the north

hat settles disputes, deflates violence, erases The women of Walker ill-feeling and promotes understanding? Quakers have been pursuing this for Walker is a tough area of Newcastle. It has had high Wgenerations. But a quiet revolution has been happening rates of teenage pregnancy and the highest rate of right under their noses – from foundations they laid. police call-outs that involve domestic violence in the In the north of England, conflict resolution is city. More than thirty per cent of residents have long- beginning to look like a movement in transition – term ill health. Yet there was something in the gritty from early isolated and underfunded local efforts to a character of Walker people which made them perfect confident collaboration of many voices working for the for the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP). The same goal. way into this community was through the women. Transforming conflict: Northern experiences brought When the Walker community staged its own these voices together, and they made an impressive ‘Engage for Change’ initiative, NCRN offered intensive sound. The Newcastle Conflict Resolution Network weekend workshops run by AVP facilitators on (NCRN), which is funded by Newcastle Quakers ‘handling conflict.’ and the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, felt that ‘This was the first time that AVP Britain – outside after three years of hard work it had a story to tell prisons – has run a series of workshops focused in of the region’s successes in actively promoting good such a sustained way on one particular community’ community relations. It staged a day-long event in says Rosemary Hartill, who co-facilitated many of Newcastle Friends’ spacious new Meeting house in the Walker sessions. Workshops were open to all but Gosforth. mostly attracted women. ‘AVP started in male prisons Extraordinary stories emerged of how grievances of but in Walker it’s much more difficult to recruit men.’ every kind, from racism to shopkeepers selling alcohol The problems in Walker are balanced by a history to under age young people, have been tackled by of strong community feeling and voluntary groups brave and ingenious mediators – often at street level. working to improve life for local people. ‘People live Even if issues weren’t always resolved, those involved with many stresses and strains within their families on both sides were able to walk away with their self- and communities but there is loads to celebrate – esteem intact. These northern peacemakers now need for example, the day-to-day conflicts already being to bring their skills to a wider audience. ‘We need to handled or coped with and the huge commitment of connect the civic to the political,’ Phil Champain of the some women in their part of the city.’ mediation group International Alert told them. ‘How ‘There are conflicts between partners, parents and can we be more politically savvy?’ children. There are community problems of noise, Patterns emerged: of a growing loss of faith in local fights, not being well heard by officials and clashes of decision making, in some places a diminishing trust race and culture. But the same themes came through in the police, a dangerous weakening of previously in the workshops – respect for self and expect the best.’ orderly gang structures in Manchester, the impact One surprising result of the residential weekends on local communities of what is happening in was the reaction from the women’s children, who Pakistan, and divisive press coverage. Cuts are making were cared for outside the workshop sessions. When collaboration vital between peacemakers. behaviour was disruptive, causing problems for carers,

10 the Friend, 28 October 2011 Taxi!

In Burnley, taxi drivers had a decades-long dispute with the licensing group of the local council. Relationships between drivers and council officials deteriorated sharply until a civic mediation group stepped in. The Centre for Good Relations is a small Photo: Rosemary Hartill independent Community Interest Company based in the north-west since 2005 and has strong links with Mediation Northern Ireland, which was invited to the area after the 2001 riots. The Burnley taxi drivers were ninety percent Asian and the council members mainly white. Protests about licensing decisions increased two years ago and Good Relations practitioners were invited by both sides to mediate the escalating dispute. One of the practitioners, Sam Tedcastle, told the NCRN audience that the first meeting was ‘fiery.’ She admitted that a lot of hurt was generated by the meeting. ‘The taxi drivers were angry, the councillors were angry – some of them said to us “what have you led us into?” but the power shifted at that meeting.’ Later, the centre brought some of those involved into training so that they might understand their own behaviour. Now, two years later, there is regular dialogue between the two parties. Getting certificates at the end of an AVP workshop Pro-disagreement some let it be known they felt excluded – ‘we want to A recurring theme was the importance of engaging do some of the work Mum is doing,’ they protested. with those who one’s own group has disparaged. Some of the women have begun to try out ‘handling When Anjum Anwar was appointed three years ago conflict’ exercises with young people in their as a Dialogue Development Officer at Blackburn community centre’s youth club. ‘I’ve noticed that the Cathedral, it was the first time that a Muslim had been older kids are getting the message more than the appointed to the staff of an English cathedral. At one younger ones,’ says Suki Bell of Walker. ‘We now have open session in the cathedral, she was asked: ‘why do other teenagers who have been on the adult conflict you and your friends keep on driving your aeroplanes courses and they have become volunteers in our into buildings?’ But as police moved in, she insisted community centre.’ the questioner stay: hers was the alternative and non- Suki found that the young people’s experience violent approach – acknowledging disagreement and mirrored her own. ‘Everyone has problems with talking. conflict. After these workshops we’ve come to decide that getting into arguments, losing tempers, just What is a resilient community? doesn’t work.’ Kay, who lives in Byker, Newcastle, suffers from a The Churches Regional Commission in the north- classic neighbourhood spat. She has neighbours who east has been finding out. It’s one that can withstand sleep all day and come alive at night, playing loud natural or man-made threats and one that can enhance music and socialising in the garden. ‘I would lose my the ability of its citizens to influence change. David temper all the time,’ she says, ‘my neighbour thought I Penn, a north-east Quaker, and Jim Robertson, have was being unreasonable.’ The AVP workshops changed been working on the Commission’s project in two her approach. ‘I don’t lose my temper now, I just say deprived north-east areas, Jarrow and Walker. They to her “come on, hinny, I’ve got to go to work in the underlined the importance of a sense of belonging and morning.”’ The conflict isn’t entirely resolved, but their inclusion in the making of resilient communities, a relationship is better than their prior confrontational theme that reverberated throughout the day. one. Perhaps the neighbour can be persuaded on to an AVP course? ‘Not a bad idea,’ says Kay. Judy is a member of Alnwick Meeting.

the Friend, 28 October 2011 11 Experiment with Light Waiting in the Light

Ann Banks describes a personal experience of the practice of Experiment with Light

couldn’t make out what it was. It looked a bit like creating the unity I’ve always said I was so enthusiastic one of those sand dollars or a smooth shell of some about, it’s actually destroyed it – in my head down, kind – or maybe it was just a step on the way to an goggles on way of going about things I’ve excluded Iimage that would mean something. Just wait – ‘mind others, not included them. Oh…oh dear…oh no, the Light’. really that’s not what I’ve meant. Oh, I’m so sorry. I looked again and there it was again, only this time, In ‘submitting’ to this view of myself, and seeing its something black was trying to escape from the top of truth, I’m agreeing that I must change. No blame, no it. No thanks – I don’t want to look at that – it might judgment, no sense of not being loved, just a different be a spider or something frightening. OK, you’ve sense of myself, how I behave and that I need to be asked for this information about yourself – are you much more conscious of the power of those bees in going to chicken out of looking at what you’re offered? my bonnet to occupy all my attention, to the exclusion No, I suppose not – ‘open your heart to the truth’ – if of other people and their concerns. Phew! That was this is the truth then I’d better see what it is that I’m interesting! And, while it was a serious piece of work, running away from. it left me with a fantastic sense of the humour of the At that point, as I brought my inner sight back to image and how perfectly it fitted what I needed to the image, the ‘shell’ fell open and to my surprise and understand. They are brilliant – these Experiments amusement there was an image of myself, in black with Light! leathers, astride a black world war two motorbike. My head is down, a scarf is fluttering behind me and I’m The wider world obviously driving at great speed, making the hard, revving, explosive noise that only bikes of that era We had arranged a day at Meeting House could make. Oblivious to my surroundings, I sense for our local Light Group. This was the first of two that I’m driving myself hard, that my awareness is meditations we had planned: the one in the morning closed down and that nothing matters except me and for ourselves as individuals and the second, after a the speed and whatever it is that I’m driving towards. delicious shared lunch, for the world. In the sharing before the second meditation began, we talked about Finding the meaning the things that concerned us about the world situation and what worried us most. In my usual way of not So, what is it I’m seeing here? As I inwardly ask the seeing the relationships between things I said I was question, I see myself in various situations, driving most worried about extremism. forwards. Now, I’d always thought that my enthusiasm We settled to the meditation and, immediately, was quite an endearing characteristic, but no, I’m there is the same image of me roaring away on my seeing it quite differently in this meditation. motorbike – head down, scarf streaming out behind, Opening further and ‘waiting in the Light’ I begin making a lot of noise. As the image expanded, I saw to see that it’s not the cuddly thing I thought it was: it’s there was a huge circle of light and all around it were been focused to the point where it’s not swept people people JUST LIKE MYSELF – on their motorbikes; but along with me, it’s pushed them away; instead of what shocks me, and brings the tears, is that we are

12 the Friend, 28 October 2011 all driving away from the love and light at the centre, out doing our own thing, not conscious of what we’re leaving behind, who’s in the way, what’s around us, just heads down tunnelling into the narrowness of our own perceptions. It was shocking to think that all the while I’ve been worrying or, dare I say, condemning the extremism which causes so much damage, pain and loss, that this ‘enthusiasm’ of mine, the energy of

it sorely missed during a long period of illness only a CC / flickr Pears Alex Photo: few years ago, is actually the same energy! Cranked up a bit certainly, but the message here, loud and clear, is that it needs awareness to go with it in order for it to truly be the God within that the word means. Oh dear, double whammy! But what a valuable insight – what a fantastic illustration that the things that most wind us up are, in truth, aspects of ourselves, otherwise there would not be the emotional resonance with them.

Life-changing

On another occasion, I’d arrived at the Light Group feeling angry with someone I’d thought was a good friend and who wasn’t behaving as I thought a good friend should. As I settle down, ‘minding the Light’, I see my friend standing in my cupped hands. As I watch this image, I can see my hands are getting feathery, protective, and I’m feeling very sad. ‘Opening my heart to the truth,’ the hands turn into wings, attaching themselves to her shoulders whereupon, without a by your leave, I’m picked up in the hooked beak of what has turned into a bird of prey and find myself lifted up into the sky, dangling helplessly before being dropped, quite literally, from a great height! ‘Waiting in the Light’ for further insight, I see that this is a pattern of dependence and inappropriate attachment I’ve run all my life – and it’s always ended in the same way. I can certainly submit to that! It needed to be changed and it has been, over the ensuing months, with wonderful benefits in all my relationships. These meditations have been truly life-changing experiences for me. They are always different: sometimes it feels as if nothing has happened, then a few days later a dream or insight reminds me that in opening to the Light I am putting my hand up, saying ‘yes please’ to change, whatever that might mean; at other times it’s dramatic, ‘in your face’ stuff; or, again, I might be presented with something very funny, but in a way that makes me wonder why I hadn’t been able to see myself or a situation in that way before. So, before I get off my motorbike, I suggest you try it for yourself!

Ann is a member of Hebden Bridge Meeting.

the Friend, 28 October 2011 13 Reflection Remembering Jordans

Janet Hyland looks back on an adventure that introduced her to a world of endless possibilities

y first experience of Quakers was in the ‘Live adventurously…Let your life speak… 1970s when I was about seventeen. A girl Every stage of our lives offers fresh opportunities invited me to a village bonfire party, at a …Attend to what Love requires of you, Mplace called Jordans in Buckinghamshire, but I had no which may not be great busyness.’ idea she was a Quaker and that this had been a Quaker community since 1688 and the burial place of William Eventually, the woods opened out onto a green Penn, who had founded Pennsylvania. It felt like a with a ring of red-bricked connected cottages, a little great adventure: shabby, unassuming, quaint. Figures were moving about in the smoke-filled bonfire light. In the cottage ‘There is inspiration to be found all around us, I met white pet rats and a man who was an inventor, in the natural world, in the sciences and arts, rooms that were dimly lit by an open fire and cosy, in our work and friendships, in our sorrows not fancy, artisans and artists, a man in an armchair as well as in our joys. Are you open to new light, animated in discussion: from whatever source it may come? Do you approach new ideas with discernment?’ ‘Try to live simply. A simple lifestyle freely chosen is a source of strength. We arrived at a toy-like railway station in the middle Do not be persuaded into buying what of nowhere, like stepping into an Enid Blyton story you do not need or cannot afford… (and she did live close by, in Beaconsfield). We were Do not let the desire to be sociable or fear surrounded by beech woods and darkness, a single of seeming peculiar determine your decisions.’ light glowing over the nameplate: ‘Seer Green and Jordans.’ I had never experienced danger like this We walked from cottage to cottage, where we were before, having had quite a narrow upbringing. My served sausages or soup, baked potatoes or tea. We friend’s confidence amazed me as she led us over the were fed conversation too, such as I had never heard obstacle course of tangled roots and rotting leaves, before, straight as an arrow and without small talk or the air moist and musty. She seemed so daring and loops, looking you in the eye, enquiring, informing, fearless, cloven footed as she picked the path out not argument or opinion or assertion, but the through the woods. I followed, alive with fear and collecting of ideas, real food for thought, sustenance. anticipation, soaking up the moment, making a These conversations in small cottages spoke to me in a memory: language I understood. It was like coming home after

14 the Friend, 28 October 2011 residing in a foreign country. I don’t remember the In sharing their lives they included mine: subject matter, only the means of them saying it. As a child I had often wondered how it is that conversations ‘How can we make…a community in which are held saying nothing, when the real conversation each person is accepted and nurtured, and strangers remains unsaid inside. These people spoke their minds are welcome?…Respect the wide diversity among us and the inside was outside for all to know, genuine in our lives and relationships. Seek to know conversation, qualitatively different. They made the one another in the things that are eternal.’ words mean something and they listened in the gaps. This was such a liberation. It took my breath away: I owe these people an extraordinary memory; the man grasping the armchair with his thoughts, the ‘Listen patiently and seek the truth which woman cooking sausages on the stove, the talking other people’s opinions may contain for you. faces flickering in firelight, the glance back through Avoid hurtful criticism and provocative language. the car rear window at an empty motorway as we Do not allow the strength of your convictions hurtled towards the unknown, the girl tracking to betray you into making statements or through the woods, all simple and profound. I went allegations that are unfair or untrue. on to university and other things but I often revisit Think it possible you may be mistaken.’ that village to remember that it started here! That night they showed me courage, straight speech, and Later someone said, ‘Let’s go up the motorway and curiosity. They showed me another way, and I took it: see where it ends,’ and off we went in old cars up an empty motorway, across the Vale of Oxford to ascend ‘Be patterns, be examples in all countries, the Cotswolds. Hours later we stopped, got out and places, islands, nations, wherever you come, looked back over the journey taken before driving that your carriage and life may preach among home. There was no reason for this journey. We did it all sorts of people, and to them; then you will come because we could. We were just alive to the moment. to walk cheerfully over the world, answering In hindsight I realise the motorway had just been that of God in everyone…Let your life speak.’ opened and that we were embracing the technological advances of the day. It was both exhilarating and Janet Hyland is a member of Limerick Meeting. exhausting. That night I stepped out of my safe sheltered world into the endless vistas of possibility. Quotes are from Advices & Queries. Photo: © Religious Society of Friends in Britain Society Photo: © Religious of Friends

Jordans Meeting House circa 1970

the Friend, 28 October 2011 15 a wry look at the Quaker world [email protected]

Testing principles in

LEEDS, HOME OF THE ROYAL ARMOURIES and once site of a large tank factory, recently played host to the Quaker Theatre Company’s performance of Photo: Alan Avery ‘George Fox and Margaret Fell Get Stuck in a Lift’ by Alan Avery. Martin Schweiger, of Roundhay Meeting in Leeds, tells Eye that the company, in putting on the play, had presented Friends with ‘a valuable gift.’ The play, performed by Alan Avery and Martina McClement (see photo), begins with the arrival at 10 Downing Street of a new prime minister. She is a Alan Avery and Martina McClement Quaker, representing a minority party, and had not anticipated a surprise victory at the polls. strong theme in the play, he says, and the relationships Martin writes: ‘Nor had she anticipated the speed between the personal, the party political and the with which her principles would be tested. What we public can all become blurred and Quaker principles recommend to others as policy can be difficult to sorely tested. After the performance, Martin adds, implement when time is short and there has been no some of those who saw the play discussed it and time to listen to a wider circle of advice.’ This was a shared insights into their own decision making.

MORE THAN FIFTY PEOPLE Arboretum outing came from all parts of the Britain on 15 October to visit the site of the Quaker Service Memorial in the National Arboretum. Stan Holland, who was a member

Photo: Bill Lockwood of the Friends Ambulance Unit in the Second World War, was one of the visitors enjoying a ‘preview’ of the space where the memorial will be located (see photograph). In attendance, also, were relatives of members of the Friends Ambulance Unit and the Friends Stan Holland, a former member of the Relief Service, including sons, Friend’s Ambulance Unit, with Friends from daughters and a wife. The visit was Bournville, Sutton Coldfield, Hartshill and arranged by the Quaker Service Stone at the site Memorial Trust. Travelling man

PAUL PARKER, RECORDING CLERK of Britain Yearly Meeting, escaped from the solid walls of Friends House, opposite Euston Station, recently to enjoy the Hall Photo: John hospitality of Friends in Southern East Anglia Area Meeting. His visit was a little special, our Friend John Hall tells Eye, for it was the first time he ever remembers a recording clerk visiting an Area Meeting to discuss a particular item on the agenda. John says it was a very successful and enjoyable visit for all concerned. Maybe more invitations will follow for the travelling man. Paul Parker and John Lewis

16 the Friend, 28 October 2011 Ad pages 28 Oct 25/10/11 13:55 Page 3

Friends&Meetings Mary NELDER 12 October. Mother DAVID ZAREMBKA, AFRICA Deaths of Jan and Rosalind. Sidcot Old GREAT LAKES INITIATIVE Scholar. Member of Harpenden Speaking: November 6th, Bristol; Margaret Kathleen ATTWOOD Meeting. Aged 87. Funeral at 8th, Oswestry; 16th, Quaker Centre, (Peggy, née Brown) 19 October. Garston Crematorium, Watford, Friends House; 17th, Milton Keynes; Widow of Roy. Member of Chester 1.20pm, Friday 28 October. 18th, Doncaster; 20th, Sheffield; Meeting. Aged 87. Funeral at Enquiries Rosalind 07811 252608. 21st, Newcastle + more venues, Details: Chester Meeting House, 1.30pm Marian Liebmann 0117 942 3712 Friday 28 October. Donations: Memorial meetings Quaker Peace & Social Witness. EARLY QUAKERS AS MYSTICS 3: Early Quaker Women led by Elaine John CORNES 19 October. Peggy KOMLOSY A Memorial Hobby, with Lynn Morris performing Husband of Jean, father of Ruth, Meeting to celebrate Peggy’s life will the Elizabeth Hooton Play. Saturday Paul and Adrian, grandfather of be held at Esher FMH, 3 Claremont 12 November, 10 for 10.30am - 5pm. Lane, Esher at 2.30pm, Sunday Sam, Eve and Felicity. Member of Friends House, London. No booking, 19 November. All welcome. Redland Meeting, formerly £10, pay at door, a Kindlers Event, Westminster. Served with AFSC in www.londonquakers.org.uk Korea. Aged 85. Enquiries: 01626 Alison ELLISON (died 24 June). 774430, [email protected] A Quaker Memorial Meeting to cel- RAF FYLINGDALES MEETING ebrate Alison's life will be held in the FOR WORSHIP Saturday St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall, Orkney 5 September, 12 noon - 1pm under Notices on this page at 11.30am Saturday 12 November, the care of Pickering and Hull AM. followed by light refreshments. Followed by picnic at Pickering Friends & Meetings notices should Details Anne: 01856 771276. preferably be prepaid. Personal FMH. Contact 01751 432416 or entries (births, marriages, deaths, 01751 472827. All welcome. anniversaries, changes of address, Diary etc.): £17.60 incl. vat. Meeting and charity notices (changes of clerk, Organising an event? new wardens, alterations to meet- BUILDING RESPONSIBLE ing, diary, etc.) £14.66 zero rated BUSINESSES Applying Quaker Put a notice in the Friend! for vat. Max.35 words. 3 Diary or values of the past to today’s businesses. Meeting up entries £40 (£33.33 Speakers Mark Reckitt ‘Smiths zero rated); 6 entries £69 (£57.50). Group’ and Deborah Cadbury Add £1.70 for a copy of the issue ‘Chocolate Wars’. Quakers and with your notice. Cheques payable to The Friend. Business Group Day Conference, 16 November, Friends House. Prog- Entries are accepted at the editor’s ramme/booking: www.qandb.org discretion in a standard house style. A gentle discipline will be exerted to maintain a simplicity of style and CALLING ALL CIRCLE DANCERS Giving in memory wording that excludes terms of You are invited to explore circle endearment and words of tribute. dances in depth with their choreog- A gift to Quaker work can be Deadline usually Monday morning. raphers. Date: 5-7 June 2012. a wonderful way to celebrate The Friend, 54a Main Street, Venue: Holland House, Cropthorne, the life of a loved one. Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL Worcs. Contact Jenny Johnson: Tel. 01535 630230. [email protected] To create a giving web page, Email [email protected] or tel. 01395 271731. to give in memory, or to learn more, please visit: www.quaker.org.uk/inmemory Charney Manor Or contact Jez Smith in Quaker Communications: Guided Retreats Programme 2012 [email protected] We regret that a production error meant that some Friends received You can call him on a miss-cut copy of our Guided Retreats Programme with the 020 7663 1117. 30 September issue of the Friend. If you would like a correctly trimmed, full size A5 copy and a Booking Form please email a request with your name and address to [email protected] or call 01235 868206. Our apologies for any inconvenience.

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BEAUTIFUL, RUGGED PEMBROKESHIRE. MALTA: Spacious flat for holiday use in jobs Two eco-friendly, recently converted centre of colourful fishing village. Sleeps 6. barns on smallholding. Each sleeps 4. Further details: [email protected] or 01467 624483. THINKING OF RECRUITING A WARDEN Coastal path 2 miles. 01348 891286. or Resident Friend? Contact Quaker Life for [email protected] KILKENNY, IRELAND: B&B. friendly, helpful advice. Richard Summers www.stonescottages.co.uk Outskirts of Kilkenny City, peaceful and relaxed family 020 7663 1096. [email protected] home. Double €30 pppn. Single €35pppn. ENJOY RURAL SUFFOLK. Beamed 16th Child reductions. 00 353 56 776 1062. century cottage, sleeps 6/8. Interesting www.castlefieldbedandbreakfast.com Quaker history. Peaceful, cosy and where to stay well-equipped. Details from: GUESTHOUSES, HOTELS, B&BS www.cockettsholidaycottage.co.uk VIENNA Comfortable garden apartment. Great location. Sleeps 4. Short breaks or longer. Culture, cafés, Christmas Markets. EDINBURGH. City centre accommodation RICHMOND, NORTH 01904 416840. [email protected] at Emmaus House. Tel. 0131 228 1066. Characterful flat. Sleeps 2. Open fire, www.holidayapartmentinvienna.co.uk www.emmaushouse-edinburgh.co.uk close to river, woods,walking, town Email: [email protected] centre. Sorry no pets, smokers or children. £180-200pw. Short breaks considered. Gaynor 01748 829442, or for sale & to let COTTAGES & SELF-CATERING [email protected] CONONLEY, . SUFFOLK COAST, WALBERSWICK Self- Three bedroom stone cottage needing 14TH CENTURY CORNISH COTTAGE renovation to make perfect family home. overlooking sea. £140-£190 a week. contained annexe. Very close to beach. Beautiful, varied walks. Sleeps 2/3. £120– Gardens. Village centre. Excellent school. Short breaks. [email protected] Train station serving Leeds//Skipton. 0117 951 4384. £240 per week; £40 per night. Tel: 01502 723914. Email: [email protected] OIRO £149,950. 01535 631474..

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events

THE ENVIRONMENTAL REALITIES OF WAR Monday 7 November 7-9pm Speakers Ben Amunwa (Platform London) Martin Chulov (Guardian) Thomas Nash (formerly Cluster Munitions Coalition) Doug Weir (International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons) Rae Street (Chair Campaign Against Depleted Uranium). Small Meeting Room, Friends House, Euston Road, London. Contact Aneaka Kellay 0161 273 8293 email [email protected] miscellaneous

ACCOUNTING SERVICES Charity Accounts prepared. Independent Examinations carried out. Bookkeeping Services. QPSW Relief Grants Contact David Stephens FCCA on 07843 766685. Applications now being sought Email: [email protected] Applications are now being sought for these annual grants available CHARTERED ARCHITECT AND for projects in the UK and overseas. All projects/programmes CERTIFIED EUROPEAN requesting support should be for the relief of people who are suffering PASSIVHAUS DESIGNER as a result of natural disasters, climate change, war or conflict but Able to give consultancy advice not for immediate crisis relief. and/or take lead design role on your low energy building projects, Each project must have a Britain Yearly Meeting Quaker link (person refurbishment or new-build. or group) and the application should arise from the concern of Friends, See www.ctat.co.uk and supported at least by their local meetings. Projects need not be www.passivhaushomes.co.uk or email [email protected] Quaker led and existing as well as new projects may be supported. Annual grants will usually be for up to £4,000 per project with a DYSLEXIC? THINK YOU MIGHT BE? maximum of £6,000 and applications for single payments are Difficulties at work? Free information pack email: [email protected] encouraged. Grants for two or three years in appropriate circum- stances will also be considered with a maximum three-year total of FRIENDS FELLOWSHIP OF HEALING £15,000. Existing as well as new projects may be supported and Following in the footsteps of George these grants may cover only part of the total funding required. Fox, the FFH seeks to restore the Quaker tradition of healing. If a beneficiary has received a grant for 2 or 3 consecutive years, www.quaker-healing.org.uk there must be an interval of at least one year before they can be considered for another grant and a new project proposal for them would need to be substantially different from any previous one. PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY &TAXATION SERVICE Application packs and further details from Quaker Accountant offers friendly Debbie Taylor, Programme Manager Education and Grants, service countrywide. Self-assessment & small businesses. QPSW, Friends House, 173 Euston Road, Richard Platt, Grainger & Platt London NW1 2BJ. Chartered Certified Accountants Tel: 020 7663 1038. E-mail: [email protected] 3 Fisher Street, Carlisle CA3 8RR Telephone 01228 521286 The last date for requesting application packs is 31 December 2011 [email protected] and the closing date for completed applications is 31 January 2012. www.grainger-platt.co.uk

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Quaker Life Assistant Outreach Development Officer Permanent role. Full time, 35 hours per week. Starting salary £27,796, rising incrementally to £31,896. Location: Friends House, London This is an exciting new post that will include assisting in the implementation and development of the outreach strategy, giving direct support and advice to Friends and Meetings on issues around outreach, supporting our network of chaplains in further and higher education, coordinating the work of the Outreach Cluster and contributing to the development of outreach materials and resources. We are seeking an able and enthusiastic colleague with a thorough knowledge of and sympathy with the aims and values of the Religious Society of Friends. The successful applicant will be a good communicator with excellent facilitation, presentation and administrative skills who will make a creative and imaginative contribution to the work of the Outreach team. Closing date for applications: 5pm on 22 November 2011. Interviews: 7 December 2011. Further details and application pack are available at www.quaker.org.uk/jobs or from [email protected] If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role please contact Outreach Development Officer, Alistair Fuller on 020 7663 1016. Registered Charity No. 1127633.

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