Brief sanctuary
Francis Standish on creating a new place of refuge at Claridge House
I was a stranger and you took me in…
- Matthew 25:35
In early October 2018, as autumn’s gentle welcome attended us, we enjoyed the privilege of hosting seven refugees and asylum seekers at Claridge House, a Quaker-run retreat centre in Surrey, for two days and nights, as a pilot retreat project. Six of these guests were originally from different African countries, one from Bangladesh.
I was inspired when Charlotte, my wife, told me after a visit to the Glenthorne Quaker Centre in the Lake Distict about its regular hosting of refugee families from northern cities, which Glenthorne has been running for some time. As a trustee of Claridge House, I thought: ‘Why don’t we also try something like this in the south-east? We have this lovely place, which needs more occupancy, and we can also broaden our usual range of guests with a humanitarian initiative.’ (I also reflected on the times I’ve sought refuge in my own life.) The ‘hostile environment’ had become a national concern, especially because of the Windrush saga. Could we, in a very small way, alleviate this hostile attitude by providing, albeit briefly, a hospitable environment?
It was necessary to raise the funds to pay for the cost of accommodation, food and travel, so that we could invite our prospective guests without charge to refugee organisations. On hearing my proposal, Claridge House Meeting, small in number, was immediately responsive and incredibly generous with support – both financially and with offers of voluntary help. Indeed, the project was largely funded by Meeting members, along with donations by one or two other Local Meetings and various Friends. Within a few weeks, by word of mouth alone, enough money came in. By the time we ran the retreat, more than sufficient funds had been raised.
Four of the refugees came via a local charity, Refugees Welcome – Crawley, and three from the fairly new Cotton Tree Trust in London, with whom I was put in touch by Tatiana Garavito, Britain Yearly Meeting’s Sanctuary Everywhere programme manager.
The ‘Brief sanctuary’ we offered was very worthwhile, beginning with a period of silence and ending with a moving and appreciative closing circle. Our guests valued the morning and afternoon quiet times, and participated in activities led by members of our Meeting and a Claridge House tutor. These included rural walks, art sessions, yoga, crochet and boules on the lawn. This made the retreat seem very much a Claridge House community effort.
My impression was that, overall, our guests experienced a kind of contrasting abundance of opportunity – both in activities and food. Two or three of our visitors were unable to consume three meals a day, remarking they ate only a little once a day (due to lack of money). One was homeless. Another, now in her mid-thirties, commented: ‘This is the first holiday I’ve had in my life.’
We made no attempt to encourage them to tell their troubled stories, although I observed that this happened incidentally now and then, on their own terms and with their fellow guests. Our intention for the retreat was for them to enjoy time alone and with others by providing space and activities of their own choosing in a pleasant, peaceful atmosphere. The staff of Claridge House were very cooperative and supportive, as they have been since the project began, even providing guests with snacks for the return ‘home’.
Since we have some money left over, and having established the very worthwhile nature of this pilot retreat, another ‘Brief sanctuary’ is planned for the spring. If we can raise enough funds, we might even be able to increase the number of our guests.
I’ve been grateful for this opportunity of ‘Brief sanctuary’ – to share the wellbeing of Claridge House with those who would otherwise not experience its warm hospitality. Perhaps, in some way, my inner sanctuary – that personal haven of quietude – has been nourished by this rewarding experience.
Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place.
- Henri Nouwen
Francis is a trustee of Claridge House. He writes here on behalf of the board of trustees.
