Working together in the southwest

Friends from Area Meetings in Bristol, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall gathered together on a sunny day in March in Taunton Meeting House. Some Friends also joined online for the day which was hosted by Ollie Waterhouse (Quaker Life Team Leader) and Jac Blacker (Local Development Worker).

red chairs arranged in a circle on a wooden floor
Where Quakers in the southwest gathered at Taunton meeting house. Photo credit: PWCR

The purpose of the day was to explore how we might work together across the region. We had a brilliant presentation by Lesley Richards in the morning who explained what is happening in other parts of the UK, where area meetings are linking up to simplify their structures.

In the afternoon we played the Area Meeting Bus game, which was both creative and challenging. We then looked at 4 questions that were raised. Here is a flavour of the discussions and questions which emerged:

  • What do Trustees need to consult Area Meeting about?
  • What will happen if we don't do anything at all?
  • Other Quakers around the world see our plight and send missionaries to help us…?
  • Reflection that the area meeting needs to be strong to sustain the inner circle, and need to do things to nurture area meeting.

Find our more about Quakers in Wales