It seems that Quakers have already been partying in readiness for National Quaker Week.
In Chelmsford they started early to celebrate their fiftieth anniversary with a garden party. Friends and guests enjoyed circle dancing, story-telling and games, but the piece de resistance was a monster bouncy castle which brought out the spirit of challenge in the older Friends. Wendy Trump, at eighty possibly the oldest 'bouncer' in the county of Essex, found it an exhilarating experience and was heard to say afterwards 'if only I had one of those in my garden.'
After this, Chelmsford Friends felt ready to take on Quaker Week. They have an Open Day on 15 September when the mayor will plant a commemorative tree, a public talk on 26 September and an exhibition of Quaker history in Chelmsford planned for October in the County Hall. And a talk on the Tapestry for 11 October.
Brian Wardrop tells Eye the Meeting has coped with considerable administration, a familiar tale with outreach activity. 'The number of flyers, posters, press releases and invitations that have been generated has stretched our computer artwork to the limits - not to mention our inkjet printers - we have got to know our local cartridge re-filler very well!' he says. Eye wonders about all the recycling that is going to be needed after Quaker Week - have any of you environmentally-aware Friends any suggestions for what can be done with all those leaflets, flyers and posters?
The Chelmsford Meeting House is a popular venue for local groups and the Meeting has cleverly woven their activities into the Open Day, so that group members will visit and learn something about Quakers.
Chelmsford Friends also set up a new web site, set up for National Quaker Week, at www.QuakersMidEssex.plus.com