Sarah Lasenby. Photo: Photo: Andrew Walmsley.
Eye - 11 October 2013
From knitting to seven decades wed
Knitting against nukes
Pink wool, knitting needles and a vision of a peaceful future. These are the ingredients of an unusual protest against nuclear weapons.
Wool Against Weapons is the brain-child of Jaine Rose, along with Angie Zelter from Action AWE, who aims to knit (with the help of fellow yarn-enthusiasts around the country) a seven-mile long pink peace scarf. In sections, of course!
The scarf will be used in a direct action protest on 16 August 2014 and unrolled between the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) sites of Aldermaston and Burghfield in Berkshire. ‘It will be one big old woolly protest against the UK’s ongoing involvement with nuclear weapons, and the money our government is intending to spend in 2016,’ Jaine says.
The Oxford Quaker Knitters have risen to the challenge! Sarah Lasenby, a knitter of Oxford Meeting, told the Oxford Mail: ‘I have worked for a long time to lobby against nuclear weapons and this seems a good a way to raise the issue.’
Sarah, who is also a member of Action AWE, explained to the Friend: ‘One of the main aims of www.actionAWE.org is to let all MPs know that we do not want them to vote for Trident renewal in 2016. One way of doing this is to make placards saying what you think about nuclear weapons and/or what you would prefer the money spent on.
‘Then, whether you are taking part in a direct action or knitting shawls or just passionate about getting rid of all nukes, please write an email with a photo of you or your placards, explaining your views and send to as many of your contacts as possible asking these people that if they, too, are against nuclear weapons, especially Trident renewal… please will they write to their MPs.’
She added: ‘I believe this is a real chance for Quakers to get their views out far and wide and they can even send emails without photos!’
Peace posies
Friends found flowers and leaves the perfect way to represent peace at Exeter Meeting recently.
Mic Morgan said: ‘In the midst of gloom and doom about Syria, Quaker children at Exeter Meeting say “give peace a chance” through talk, not war, and made this large CND symbol out of flowers.’
Seventy years wed
Christabelle Davey, of Adel Meeting, got in touch to share these snaps of Martin and Mary Rowntree, who celebrated seventy years of marriage on 14 August. She writes: ‘They were married at Carlton Hill Meeting, Leeds, and are now members of Gildersome Meeting, Leeds. They were two of the early residents of the JRHT Care Home in Horsforth (Bedford Court).’ She added: ‘A magnificent party was held to celebrate this momentous occasion with family and friends attending.’ Congratulations Martin and Mary!
Comments
Yes this article made me feel happy.
By Milo Creative on 22nd July 2009 - 12:56
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By Milo Creative on 22nd July 2009 - 12:56
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By Milo Creative on 22nd July 2009 - 12:57
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