An enchanted life
The lovely review of Dis Gyrl: The Enchanted Life of Aunty Joyce Trotman (28 November) reminded me of two precious experiences of Joyce’s spiritual power.
The first was in a worship session of Yearly Meeting in Friends House, when Joyce ministered from the gallery of the Large Meeting House, singing strongly and clearly: ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ This took Yearly Meeting to a deep, gathered place.
The second was at the end of a weekend event at Woodbrooke. I was the Friend-in-residence on duty and volunteered to drive any Friends to New Street station. Two Friends accepted and, nearly ready to go, I was asked to add another friend to the New Street party, but he was a bit slow in joining us. By the time he was in the car, with dear Joyce one of my passengers, I realised I was running late to meet the train. So when we reached the dual carriageway I put my foot down, comfortably exceeding the forty miles per hour limit. I thought we might just make the train when a police motorcyclist flagged me down. I got out of the car, and stood meekly in front of him. He looked like Darth Vader in his full kit, and read the riot act to me. He asked if I had anything to say. I told him the whole story and he let me off without a summons, but saying: ‘If you ever have to do that again, keep looking in your mirror to make sure the police aren’t behind you.’
I returned to the car, and the first things Joyce said was: ‘We were praying for you David!’ An unforgettable lesson in the power of prayer. God bless you Joyce!
David L Saunders
On a diet
Further to Wendy Pattinson’s article ‘Turning our tables’ (5 December), we are pleased to say that there is at least one Quaker-run guest house where vegans are well catered for. At our events, food is primarily vegetarian, with plenty of vegan options. The default for cakes and biscuits is that they are vegan, often to the surprise of the omnivores. It’s not difficult or expensive, and we support Wendy’s plea that others follow suit.
Kevin & Elizabeth Rolph, The Dell House, Malvern
