Luton and Leighton Area Meeting Link Group October 2008 Epistle
In October half term, seventeen young people and seven adult helpers spent four days in 1652 country visiting places of historical significance for Quakers and enjoying times of friendship, fun and good food together.
A crammed minibus of friends travelled up from Watford, fortified with homemade brownies and singing, arriving at Lancaster Meeting House at around midnight where they were joined the rest of the group (travelling in cars) for the first two nights. The remaining two nights were spent at Yealand Conyers Meeting House.
Our action packed pilgrimage began with a wet Saturday and a visit to Lancaster gaol where we had a brief insight into the suffering of early Quakers when we were momentarily locked in a cell. That afternoon we were reunited with old Luton and Leighton Friends Jane and Paddy, who warmly welcomed us and showed us the Quaker Tapestry. Many of us were excited to discover parts of the tapestry that friends from Camp had helped create.
We followed in George Fox's footsteps by climbing Firbank Fell on a glorious day, up to Fox's pulpit, where we had a moving time of quiet. We had started our journey earlier by visiting Brigflatts Meeting House. The warden Tess gave us an interesting talk on the history of the building before a Meeting for Worship where, for many of us, we felt transported back in time to the origins of our tradition.
On Saturday evening we were joined by young friends from Lancaster Link group. We enjoyed a meal together followed by games during which we made many new friends, some remaining with us for the rest of the trip. On Sunday morning we joined the community of Lancaster Friends for Meeting for Worship where a lively young people's meeting provided time to work together and socialise.
Laughter, music, time spent together with old friends and making new ones, and a birthday celebration, characterised this trip. We also had Meetings for Worship and Epilogues each evening when we shared deep and insightful ministry from young friends. For the group, exploring our Quaker roots and the inspiration of the early Quakers has been nourishing and will provide us with inspiration for the future.
Rachel Melly and Sue Doughty, for the Link 1652 group
October 2008