Eye - 27 October 2023

Paving a path to peace

by Elinor Smallman 27th October 2023

Friends in Hitchin Meeting have been hard at work fundraising for a new addition to their Peace Garden.

Local Friend Chris Kell set the scene: ‘It has taken several years to convert our Quaker burial ground into a Peace Garden for use by the people of Hitchin. Our Meeting house stands in the centre of a one-way system in the town, built on stilts to protect old burial stones.

‘In response to the world war one centenary events (2014-18) our Meeting began to work on creating a Peace Garden in the grounds. We started with a conscientious objectors seat, dove-shaped pond, interfaith picnic table, peace pole… and have finished with a “Unity” sculpture, sundial and mosaic.’