Barbara Halls – “She wanted to say “Thank you” to Quakers”.

I had a German friend staying with me a few years ago. When I happened to mention that I was a Quaker she was very interested and, to my surprise, asked if she could come to Meeting with me. I was delighted, although anxious as her English was not fluent; however, I knew Friends would welcome her.

After we had centred down I was amazed to see Hanne stand up. She spoke so movingly in her broken English. She wanted to say "Thank you to Quakers," because, as a child, the Quakers brought hot dinners to her school and, on Fridays – a very happy, reminiscent smile lit up her face – all the children were given a bar of Cadbury's chocolate.

Concluding her ‘ministry’, Hanne said “All the children were happy to go to school because of the Quaker hot dinners.”

Later, I found a book called, "Quiet Helpers" by Achim von Borries, published by the American Friends Service Committee and Quaker Home Service which put Hanne's experience into context for me.

Barbara Halls
Bovey Tracey, Devon