Never underestimate a valuation official. They can have a spiritual dimension too, as Ralph Hill of Bexhill Meeting points out. He has sent us a remarkable 'Quakerly' leaflet produced around the beginning of WWII, by staff members of London County Council Valuation, Estates and Housing Department for their tenants on council estates.

'It deals with love, truth and the leadings of God and seems straight from the first Advice', says Ralph. In mid-1940 the German army had overwhelmed France and there was a fear of invasion. The leaflet was headed Morale – How to Play Your Part.
Forget yourself in helping your neighbours, it advised, don't spread rumours, keep the moral standards of the nation high, and then – 'the secret of steadiness and inner strength is to listen to God and do what He says. God speaks to the heart of every man and woman prepared to listen and obey. Write down the thoughts He gives you. His voice can be heard wherever you are – in the home, in the factory, in the air-raid shelter, in the first-aid post.'

It quoted a British general: 'telephone wires may be cut, wireless stations be destroyed, but no bombardment can stop messages from God coming through if we are willing to receive them.'

Ralph wonders who these scribes were and if any readers know? 'I think that some of those valiant members of the LCC staff who composed this leaflet must have been Quakers.'