It beats us how Friends chose from all the myriad of activities at Summer Gathering.

We watched that lethal game, croquet, being learned and played on the grass by a lake.

Our news editor, who appears to have played this game in the past, explained a little of it to us - 'it's like bridge, full of plotting and naughty strategies. The entire aim is to drive your opponents out of the game.'

So much for Quakerliness!

But there were many other more meditative pursuits for gatherers, including a continuous worship space on the campus, in a gazebo near the main marquee.

The purpose here, we understand, was to experience Meeting as early Quakers did, with no time limit. Another aid to meditation was a labyrinth mown into the grass. There was yoga and Pilates, dance, poetry reading, screenwriting, storytelling - and even a reflection on the George Cadbury story, so entertainingly told in George and the Chocolate Factory (which was staged at the Gathering).

As Eye drove off campus, feeling less guilty thanks to Roy and his trike, we reflected that the planning committee's hoped-for inclusive community at Stirling had certainly flowered.

Labels: summergathering