'We are trusting in the peace, wisdom and compassion of that which is in all things and that which all things are in.' Photo: courtesy of Claridge House.
‘Many guests are in need of succour and a gentle holding.’
Less known than some Quaker venues, Claridge House still has an important role says Lesley Evans
Unlike Woodbrooke or Swarthmoor Hall, Claridge House is not so well known among Friends. The house was bought by the Friends Fellowship of Healing in 1954 to be a place of healing, rest and renewal for those in need of physical, emotional and spiritual recovery – peaceful, accepting and nurturing. I had only vaguely heard of it, through adverts in the Friend, before I moved to nearby Lingfield and was offered the role of Friend in Residence. I stayed four months. From that time I have learned about the many people who have benefitted from it, from those on retreats, attending courses (on such themes as Chinese brush painting, yoga for wellbeing/peace, meditation, the healing power of sound, singing, tai chi and harp workshops), or staying for B&B.
Claridge House has also been involved in retreats for refugees and asylum seekers for the past two years and offers an overnight full board stay, in conjunction with Crossroads carers, for carers needing a break. Before Covid a Happiness Café for local mental health outreach was about to start. These cafés are led by facilitators to encourage people to meet over a drink and consider aspects of their own and other people’s happiness and fulfilment.
Many guests are in need of succour and a gentle holding while they recover from life’s difficulties. There are no televisions nor alcohol, helping to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Many guests return regularly, and a good proportion of those have done so for many years. The fifteen-minute quiet time held twice daily was attended by guests of many religious persuasions and none. Guests often felt moved by the stillness of these times, which could lead to much-needed release and comfort.
Of course no one pleases all the people all the time, and the feedback forms are helpful in showing up unmet need. One review mentioned the ‘Quacker’ in residence, which, combined with the fact I had a bat fly in my window one night, resulted in my calling myself ‘The Batty Quacker’.
The house had to close from the end of March 2020, and as we reopen in September trustees and staff are reassessing many of the working practices to accommodate safe working along government guidelines. New courses are being developed around areas of renewed interest since the lockdown, such as reconnecting to the natural world, which continues the practice of being open to new ideas while keeping much-valued tried and tested retreats and courses on offer. Please hold the staff, guests and trustees in the Light, while we go forward into a new and uncertain future. We are trusting in the peace, wisdom and compassion of that which is in all things and that which all things are in.
Lesley is a Claridge House trustee.
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