‘We are so closely joined it feels as if we are holding hands.’

Worth the candle: Peter Blaker gives a portrait of a Meeting house in the pandemic

‘Things we do “because we have always done them” are set aside. There isn’t room.’ | Photo: by Ave Calvar on Unsplash.

As with everything else in the pandemic, our Meeting house shut down. Weeks went by in empty darkness with the doors closed and locked. The first sign of life reemerging was when a day care unit, for people with additional needs, asked if they could use our space. They provided vital support for users and their families under lockdown. We worked out a risk assessment and were glad to welcome them and to feel that we were offering a supportive hand. The building served them well, they said, wrapping itself around them just as it has embraced us in deep and close stillness.

You need to login to read subscriber-only content and/or comment on articles.