Friends Southern Summer Events

To All Friends Everywhere,

Between Saturday 18th and Saturday 25th August a group of young people, between 11 to 14 years, and staff gathered at Saffron Walden Friends School to explore the theme of ‘Quakers around the World.’

Throughout the week all the theme sessions were enjoyed, in particular Jenny Rosenburg’s talk about the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) and the UN simulation which stemmed from her presentation (not particularly realistic when picking up Matty was involved). We also had talks from Jez Smith about Turning the Tide and his experience at the World Conference in Kenya, Marisa Johnson who spoke to us about EAPPI and FWCC, and Chris Nickolay who explored the theme of our ‘Fragile World’ through a Godly Play. The whole of summer school said that they wanted to thank all the speakers for making the week amazing!

Every day we took part in an activity, such as swimming, sword dancing, face painting, big Quaker discussion, puppetry, totem poles and shelter making. During the week, we went on several outings including to the maze in Saffron Walden, a day out to the market, and also a day in Cambridge.

As well as getting the physical aspect of ourselves involved, we also gave our spiritual sides a good work out. We had meeting for worship every morning for half an hour and epilogue before bed for half an hour. There were some deep and meaningful speaker sessions and ministry in morning worship. We experienced many different types of worship from all over the world in our morning meetings, like a programmed Meeting which was interesting because it explored new areas of Quakerism. One morning we were also given plasticine to create a symbol out of the silence of the meeting.

During the week, the fire alarm went off two times as usual but then there was a third unscheduled fire alarm and left everyone on edge because the alarm would not stop for an hour and a half! There was also some amazing banter during the week.

During the evenings, we had activities with the whole of Summer School together. Lifelines were very revealing and spiritually fulfilling; the Quiz was amusing; the Olympic Challenge and Barn Dance were lively.

People said that one of their favourite parts of the week was how inclusive and friendly it felt. Secret Friends helped to make everyone feel involved and special.

At the business meeting it was agreed that the theme for Summer School 2013 will be ‘Activism around the world.’

Signed in and on behalf of Summer School,
Ed Craig-Wood and Freya Harding, Clerks
Elliot Hills and Romi Carbis, Elders

Yoga, Phil and Jo’s trousers…… whilst in the middle of one of Katie’s enjoyable Yoga sessions a loud tearing sound broke the peace. An expectant Phil found a hole in his trousers even though they weren’t even his he had borrowed jo’s…….uh oh.  They were right in the crotch and it totally threw the concentration! Everyone was laughing and Phil went bright red! Oops…

It’s all hotting up at summer school this year with all the staff gossip rising out of control! A chart was written out and it turns out Boop has been out with at least 3 different staff members and also so has Ollie!

Also, a few days ago, it has been claimed that a group of people saw Sarah in a car with a man. This mystery man could be George? But surely that doesn’t work because neither of them have a car! Either the claim is wrong and their eyes deceived them, or it could be true! Although gossip and tales may be spread, they might not always be true.

George said “I can neither confirm nor deny the rumours, but I am happy to find that I have somehow gained a car…” Sarah could not be reached for comment apart from when we heard her say to George ‘I love you’. This is now a hot talking point in the newspaper department.

Did you know that once in a staff meeting, Steffan Aquarone fell asleep and snored? All the staff got angry, especially Boop! She felt so disappointed in him because she has trained him to do everything she wanted him to do, including buying her chocolate and doing her chores! Matty thought it was hilarious! Also, he admits to fancying Boop, Sarah and Lailah

Margaret is summer school’s most famous show girl. But how much do we really know about her mysterious past…

Margaret was born in 2009 in the South of France and within a few months she’d already started stage dancing. It all started with the can-can. She could kick her legs higher than any other girl and had men falling at her feet. She would accept love from the occasional stranger but mostly kept her modesty to herself. Soon she was winning many an award! But by 2011 she had retired and is now living a peaceful Quaker life.

Matty has been a big part of summer school but he too has had a very adventurous life…

Matty was born in 1672, prehistoric ages. He soon learnt to scream. He killed many a dinosaur. He killed them with his bare hands and they provided food for the Quaker community. But Matty knew nothing about how special he would be. Soon he was the first flying ape. But Matty chose a ‘quieter life’ as summer school’s only talking ape.

Imran seems quiet, cheerful and sweet but few know his past as an assassin…

Imran killed many chickens. He was ruthless. He spared no mercy. He slaughtered many and that is why we love him!