Barnaby Waters reflects on the recent Quaker Families Weekend at Barnes Close.

A gaggle of Quaker children and their parents and carers gathered again at the Greenhouse on the slopes of the Waseley Hills for a weekend together.  The similarly soggy weather on Friday and Saturday reminded us of when we last met in February but the feel of the weekend was more settled.

Although we welcomed some new faces there were fewer Friends (22 adults and 20 children) this time and everyone got to sleep in a bed.  The big house felt calmer as there was more space for the adults to chat and the children to explore and play in child only spaces.  It was a younger gathering as most of the older young people who joined us last time were prevented by exams or other commitments.

The programme was therefore more child focused with crafts, films and drama.  These activities left some good spaces for the parents to have time to chat and share.  There was no pressure and I felt that everyone was just glad of an opportunity to get to know one another and deepen Friendships. These are bonds that will hold and friendship that can support us during wonderful but challenging family lives.

The performance of ‘Dinosaurs and All that Rubbish’ by Michael Foreman written by Carole with songs by James and facilitated by Lauren was an enjoyable triumph. There were rocket launches, stomping dinosaurs and an important message about sharing our wonderful world with Everyone.

Cathy and Paula worked their socks off in the kitchen preparing wonderful things to eat.  It was humbling to be at a Quaker event when the cake outlasted the participants.