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This page is where we report on annual
gatherings that we hold. We usually hold two a
year, in Spring and Autumn: one a residential weekend; the other a day
conference. |
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QLGF Spring Gathering 2009 Report I never thought of myself as an activist (activism was the theme of the gathering) though a few weeks ago, in a local protest about a useless, ugly and dangerous building , I was asked if I would lie in front of a bulldozer ‘because they would never run over a distinguished guy like you in a suit and tie’. Actually I can’t get into the trousers because I’ve put on weight and I don’t own a tie so I trotted out my usual excuse ‘I’m sorry - I’m having my bikini line waxed today’ which usually shuts them up. Anyway, for me, there were two spiritual highlights at the gathering – the 1st was the cake served with tea on Saturday afternoon (it was manna from heaven) and the 2nd – which actually preceded it, was Helen’s account of her activist journey. I found it profound and what she said has stopped me in my tracks; I know it is a bit of a life changer. There were four things that affected me. Simplicity of purpose “we intend to get rid of Trident“ – the fact that protesting is creative, fun and sociable; that three quarters of the way through there is a “pit of despair’’ and that seeds sown may take a very long time to mature – the fruit may not even appear in one’s lifetime. My pit of despair occurred on Sunday morning when I could not find the new car I was expecting. The social event on Saturday night had been was the sort of thing I dread, singing. Of course I loved it, and one of the songs, which I sang with gusto, was “God send me a Mercedes-Benz“, which is the sort of Quakerism to which I relate. I now realize that to manifest one has to be very clear about what one wants; simplicity of purpose; and that I should have asked God for a red SL 500 with white leather seats. I had a wonderful week-end. Woodbrooke wove its usual magic - I thought I had been there for ever and had no other life; friendships were renewed and deepened and new ones formed; I was truly amongst like minded Friends. I was spiritually refreshed. Most importantly, I left with a different understanding of what it is to be an activist; it’s not always about the huge things - small projects can and will make a difference - and that is activism too. Not all of us try to stop Trident with a canoe but we can all push ahead and try to put our beliefs into action. I’m home now. I’m going through some of my projects, ranging from an ebay shop for adults with learning difficulties; making footballs in West Africa and a web site for people in recovery from mental health problems. I’m going to find some file covers with balloons on the front to keep stuff in order and to remind me that these projects will be light and fun. No po-faces allowed. And I’m going to share my plans with my 7 yr old grandson so he knows how I hope they will turn out. David P |
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QLGF Autumn Gathering 2009 - Saturday 24 October This will take place at Sale Meeting House, Manchester. David Blamires will speak at this Gathering. QLGF Spring Gathering 2010 - 12 14 March This will take place at the Nightingale Centre - the
gathering will address the theme of Quaker Values & Sexual Behaviour |
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