Sustainability Stories - Hope Valley LM

Bamford Quaker Retreat Centre Development

Recipient of QPSW Sustainability Grant 2011

Our stated aim was to help develop a retreat centre with a sustainability focus at the re-launched Quaker Community at Bamford, Derbyshire. This is worthy in itself. But more than this, we wished to test a model where any group of Friends can do things that bring us closer to a world that sustains life in its abundance. The model being tested was the ‘working retreat’ where a small group of Friends, old or young, fit or disabled, come together to do a practical piece of work and reflect on matters that are eternal.

In September we pursued these aims by drawing together a working group of ten folk and ‘setting to’ to help insulate buildings, paint and decorate and do work in the extensive grounds – stacking wood, scything and raking a meadow etc. We worshipped together and reflected on themes at the crossroads between the sustainability of our world and the spiritual life and were given new insight. We prepared meals and ate together, had a lot of fun and became a community. One of us had an accident and later, after the retreat, experienced recovery.

All this furthered Quaker witness on sustainability in several ways. First, it was clear at the end that the Quaker Community in Bamford was better able to host its ambitious retreats programme. Over thirty retreat events are planned to take place over sixteen months – many on sustainability issues. Secondly, and significantly, we found that we have a model of action – the working retreat – that works, and can be used by Friends anywhere to do sustainability projects. Quaker Voluntary Action is willing to help in getting new projects underway. (Contact Jasmine on 07910 434941). I feel that the spirit is moving in this.

By Martin Smith