Eye - 09 August 2024

Friends from Cornwall and Devon come together to remember George Fox near Doomsdale, where he was held prisoner, and the creative spirit thrives in George Fox celebrations in Sheffield and Cambridge!

Bringing Friends together

Friends from Meetings across two counties had the opportunity to gather together on 7 July to remember George Fox.

Terry Faull, of Bude Meeting, told Eye that Quakers from Cornwall and Devon ‘held a joint Meeting for Worship near Doomsdale, the underground prison cell where George Fox and many early Friends were held in dreadful conditions for many weeks in the 17th and 18th centuries’.

The event reached out beyond Friends as: ‘We were joined by the lady mayor and deputy mayor of Launceston and other people who were interested to learn more about us and Quaker work today. After the Meeting for Worship, we used a brief sunny spell to stand alongside Doomsdale [see above]. 

‘We then shared tea and cake in the town hall and had the chance to see a small display of information about the sufferings which local Quakers had endured for their beliefs. The seizure of goods, including cattle and sheep, in lieu of unpaid tithes was common; we also remembered one early Friend whose body was dug up from the village churchyard on orders of the local vicar and had to be re-interred in a nearby field.

‘During the day, Friends had several engaging conversations with those who came, and it was particularly rewarding to hear comments about how the stillness of the Meeting for Worship had moved those who had no previous awareness of Quaker worship. Two people who had only read about Quakers and their work said they might try attending a Meeting in their own town.’

Foxy celebrations

The creative spirit has been flowing throughout the Yearly Meeting, as Eye’s mailbag fills with more photos from ‘Fox 400’ celebrations!

Chrissie Hinde, from Sheffield Central Meeting, told Eye: ‘Inspired by the 5 July edition of the Friend and particularly the image of Frances Warns’ granddaughter’s doll dressed up as George Fox, we decided to follow suit.

‘We invited George to join our Children’s Meeting on Sunday 7 July, and were delighted he could join us. We sung him “Happy Birthday”, which I think he was non-plussed about. He did, however, seem delighted that we were so interested in talking about his extraordinary life and witness. He maintained a dignified silence throughout, modelling a still, cool and patient composure. Here he is [see below, left] being greeted by one of our elders.’

Meanwhile other Friends have been whipping up impressive sweet treats.

Celia Waterhouse shared with Eye: ‘Cambridgeshire Quakers celebrated GF400 on Saturday 14 July with a day of activities and food in Peterborough… here are the wonderful cakes we enjoyed [see below, right]!’

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