QHA volunteer Colin Rendall enjoyed the best Christmas dinner he has had since he dined aboard a collier as it loaded in Sunderland on 25 December 1953. His 2007 experience was shared by the guests and volunteers who helped to make Quaker Open Christmas 2007 (QOC) at the Union Chapel, Islington, the most peaceful on record. Last month's QOC was 'dry', bed space (on folding beds) was booked by daily referral, and the Friends and friends of Friends who served as willing volunteers included an invaluable half dozen who work throughout the year on the Union Chapel's several schemes aimed at addressing homelessness in Islington and beyond. One possible consequence of the new-style QOC may be that QHA and its extraordinarily generous donors (and eager volunteers) can link directly into year-round programmes. Providing guests with good food, warm beds, fresh clothes and good fellowship are the aims of QOC. This year, the peace and good order that reigned throughout, made space for much recreation and good fellowship. The snap of jigsaw pieces was the defining sound of QOC 2007 and, also, the defining 'snap' when Barbara Smith, Islington’s mayor, joined guests and volunteers on a most memorable Christmas Day.

Labels: barbara smith, qoc, quaker