On the nail: Huw Meredydd Owen of Crynwyr Cymru

‘The emphasis is on liberating new energy for Friends in Wales.’

Crynwyr Cymru is the new name for Meeting of Friends in Wales. We met online and heard that this change has been minuted formally.

We also heard of the recent passing of some prominent Friends – hoelion wyth we call them, literally ‘eight-inch nails’, reflecting strength and their value to the structure. These included Dafydd Jones (pictured), of Blaenau Ffestiniog (of Siop Lyfrau’r Hen Bost, the old Post Bookshop) who was able to bring tense discussions to a calm place for discernment. Then Lynn Moseley, a lively figure, who was an architect and upholder of campaigns, including the Quaker Housing Trust and the use of Welsh by Quakers. She has left a legacy aimed at continuing these works, and a group will explore how to use these funds. Jennifer Gibson was one of the hoelion wyth of North Wales Quakers.

Using the word Crynwyr (Quakers) rather than Cyfeillion (Friends) signifies our wish to face outwards – to offer spiritual hospitality and make an effort to be companions to those with whom we share our journey. We reserve ‘Friends’ for discussing funds, property, policies and administration.

Two of the reports we heard were evidence of this move to service the next generation. Firstly, the Symud Ymlaen Group, set up by the four Area Meetings that cover Wales and the Southern Marches, reported. Symud ymlaen means ‘moving forward’, and aims at simplifying our processes. The group has been busy for three years, and has completed detailed work on a proposed shared structure. Now in its final stage, it is considering its impact on the activities of its associated Meetings. This work should be completed by the end of 2023. The emphasis is on liberating new energy for Friends in Wales. We are developing an ‘energy map’, which will relate the activities of our different groups as we evolve.

One consequence of putting more emphasis on action is a greater need to coordinate outreach and share information. This strategy is called Gyda’n Gilydd (‘Together’), and is being established post-Covid to bring together existing outreach groups, facilitating their work and inviting new ideas. It will act as a hub, and will shortly hold an open meeting for all interested in learning more. It will also promote the use of the relaunched website.

In Wales. Laura Karadog is our Quaker coordinator, and Helen Oldridge is our development worker. She facilitates action at local level, sharing resources, providing information and encouragement, and making introductions. We heard a report from the Umbrella Group set up last year to improve liaison and understanding.

The afternoon session was led by Ameerah Mai, coordinator of Academi Heddwch, whose home is at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff (how many countries have a Temple of Peace?). She told us about promoting peace education, creeping militarisation, and misinformation as a tool of war, but also of the Women’s Peace Appeal of 1923, whose thousands of signatures were recently rediscovered in the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, USA. Its centenary will be celebrated next year.

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