- wardenship - lists.quaker.eu.org

Sunday Groups
by Jane Keay July 13, 2023

July 13, 2023

Dear Wardens/Managers and Resident Friends, At Watford Quaker Meeting House we have groups hiring our rooms and the garden throughout the week, also Saturdays. I have been asked by a local Romanian Christian group whether they could book once a month on a Sunday afternoon. (A couple of rooms including the Children’s Room.) For years we given space to the local Unitarian Fellowship on a Sunday, once a month. This seems to work fine. I live directly upstairs from the Meeting House and can hear furniture being moved and the extractor fans in the toilets etc ! I would love to take on the Romanian Christian Group who are eager for the space but my dilemma is that Sundays afternoons are a time to stop and rest. My question is: Do other Meeting Houses book groups on Sunday afternoons? Is there an expectation to do this from your Meeting ? Would this work if this was passed on to another person to clear away afterwards? Or can the Meeting House building just have a quiet afternoon ? (After the occasional shared lunch and talks of course.) Thank you for any comments or shared experiences, Jane K. Warden

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Meeting House Matters notes from 14 June
by Oliver Waterhouse June 23, 2023

June 23, 2023

Oliver Waterhouse Quaker Life Hello everyone, Sorry for the delay with the notes from last week's meeting. Last week's session was an opportunity to hear about accessibility issues that affect Quaker premises. The session has been directed at venues rather than those with accessibility needs to try to identify ways to be inclusive. The next online session will be on Tuesday, 15 August at 2pm. The joining details are below and will also be shared again by email nearer the time. * Join Zoom Meeting: https://quaker.zoom.us/j/81586087624?pwd=VHk3MW9sTHJUVDdsMFlTMUN3WEpmUT09 * Meeting ID: 815 8608 7624 * Passcode: WT-online The next in-person session is going to be on Tuesday, 18 July and will be in Leeds at Carlton Hill Meeting House. You can register to attend using this online form, https://forms.quaker.org.uk/mhm-23/. Part of this session will be held blended enabling online and in-person participation. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU REGISTER IN ADVANCE OF COMING IN PERSON SO WE KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE THERE WILL BE! Notes The first part of the session was help in breakout rooms to identify what is currently in place in our meeting houses and what we would like to put into place in the future. Feedback from the breakout groups Current position for those present * Lots of places with step-free access. * High contrast painting or taping on steps where they have not been able to be replaced. * Many accessible toilets but an example of the wheelchair space to one side of the toilet being used as storage space. * Flashing lights linked to alarms for people with hearing impairments. * Hearing loop. * Blended equipment in many Quaker premises. Challenges * Listed buildings, trying not to be held back by planning restrictions. * Meeting room doors not wide enough to meet British standards. Solutions * Alarms not loud enough in toilet so additional sounders added. * Frame put into a restricted toilet space to enable people to get up more easily. * Bringing a disability group or people with disabilities to make suggestions about improvements. * Not giving up at the first hurdle, especially where planning restrictions are in place. * Disability access audit at area meeting level. * Stick a photo of each cupboard (full) and stick it to the cupboard so people know what is in the cupboard. * Whole building is flat on one level and many groups use the building. * Provide a safe haven for lots of groups who feel the building is 'theirs'. * Need to respond to requests for things to be changed, this is great for customer satisfaction and will bring a wider range of people into our premises. * Disability awareness training to get better informed about the types of access needs, attitudes, language etc. * Adjustable surfaces in kitchens and other areas. Think about this at the time refurbishment is being planned, not when it is being installed. * Holistic approach to accessibility which benefit everyone overall rather than having them as add-ons. Support Quaker Disability Equality Group (QDEG) has advice and guidance on their website: * Sample access audit: https://quakerdisabilitygroup.org.uk/sample-basic-access-audit-form/ * Template LM accessibility statement: https://quakerdisabilitygroup.org.uk/sample-access-statement/ Grants There are a couple of places that offer specific grants for upgrading premises to be more accessible or to help with feasibility assessment for carrying out improvement work on buildings. * BYM Meeting Houses Funds: www.quaker.org.uk/our-work/grant-making/meeting-houses-fund<http://www.quaker.org.uk/our-work/grant-making/meeting-houses-fund> * BYM Sawell Family Fund: www.quaker.org.uk/our-work/grant-making/sawell-family-fund-grants-for-meeti…<http://www.quaker.org.uk/our-work/grant-making/sawell-family-fund-grants-fo…> * National Churches Trust: www.nationalchurchestrust.org/get-support/buildings-maintenance/major-grant…<http://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/get-support/buildings-maintenance/majo…> * Through the Roof (collection of grant providers) specific grants for accessibility improvements: https://throughtheroof.org/forchurches/obtaining-funding-to-make-disability… In friendship, Oliver Oliver Waterhouse (he/him) Quaker Life Team Leader, Local and Area Governance Quakers in Britain 020 7663 1007 (Direct) oliverw(a)quaker.org.uk<mailto:oliverw@quaker.org.uk> | www.quaker.org.uk<http://www.quaker.org.uk/> Follow Quakers in Britain on Twitter<http://twitter.com/BritishQuakers>, Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/BritishQuakers>, YouTube<https://www.youtube.com/quakersinbritain>, and Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/britishquakers/>. CLERKS OF TRUSTEES: Please send TARA documents to supportmeetings(a)quaker.org.uk<mailto:supportmeetings@quaker.org.uk> All Quakers in Britain staff can be contacted using their usual email addresses or phone numbers. They may be working from home, in Friends House (London), in the Yorkshire Centre (Leeds) or at a base local to them. The Quaker Centre Bookshop and Café<https://www.friendshouse.co.uk/quaker-centre/> (Friends House, London) are open to the public. If you would like to support our work, you can give online at www.quaker.org.uk/donate. Britain Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Registered charity number 1127633 | Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ ________________________________ Quakers say: Religion is about the whole of life.

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Pop-up Quaker Campsite this August with views of Glastonbury Tor!
by Liz Smith June 18, 2023

June 18, 2023

Street Meeting is running a campsite this August in the grounds of our historic Meeting House. For more information see our website below: https://www.quakersatstreet.org.uk/orchard-campsite.html Please help us spread the word! In friendship, Liz Smith Street Quaker Meeting Warden 01458 446 360 www.quakersatstreet.org.uk

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Loving Earth Exhibitions in Somerset
by Liz Smith June 18, 2023

June 18, 2023

Dear All, We are hosting several exhibitions of 100 panels from the Loving Earth Project collection across Somerset. The first show in Taunton has just opened. If anyone is nearby or visiting Somerset this Summer, check out our dates and venues on the website below! https://lovingearthsomerset.co.uk/ In friendship, Liz Smith Street Quaker Meeting Warden 01458 446 360 www.quakersatstreet.org.uk

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FW: Meeting House Matters on 14 June at 2pm
by Oliver Waterhouse June 14, 2023

June 14, 2023

Hello Friends, A reminder that there will be a Meeting House Matters session this afternoon at 2pm. Details are below. In friendship, Oliver Oliver Waterhouse (he/him) Quaker Life Team Leader, Local and Area Governance Quakers in Britain 020 7663 1007 (Direct) oliverw(a)quaker.org.uk<mailto:oliverw@quaker.org.uk> | www.quaker.org.uk<http://www.quaker.org.uk/> ________________________________ Quakers say: Religion is about the whole of life. From: Oliver Waterhouse <oliverw(a)quaker.org.uk> Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 3:22 PM To: 'property-advice(a)lists.quaker.eu.org' <property-advice(a)lists.quaker.eu.org> Subject: [property-advice] Meeting House Matters on 14 June at 2pm Oliver Waterhouse Quaker Life Hello everyone, I hope that you are well. There is going to be a Meeting House Matters online discussion next week on Wednesday, 14 June at 2pm. The topic for the discussion will be accessibility and how meeting houses can respond to questions that the Swarthmore Lecturer raised. The joining details are below. * Join Zoom Meeting: https://quaker.zoom.us/j/81586087624?pwd=VHk3MW9sTHJUVDdsMFlTMUN3WEpmUT09 * Meeting ID: 815 8608 7624 * Passcode: WT-online You can still register for the next in-person session which will be in Leeds on 18 July, https://forms.quaker.org.uk/mhm-23/. Please ensure that you register in advance as we won't be able to cater for you adequately if you just turn up without letting us know. In friendship, Oliver Oliver Waterhouse (he/him) Quaker Life Team Leader, Local and Area Governance Quakers in Britain 020 7663 1007 (Direct) oliverw(a)quaker.org.uk<mailto:oliverw@quaker.org.uk> | www.quaker.org.uk<http://www.quaker.org.uk/> Follow Quakers in Britain on Twitter<http://twitter.com/BritishQuakers>, Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/BritishQuakers>, YouTube<https://www.youtube.com/quakersinbritain>, and Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/britishquakers/>. CLERKS OF TRUSTEES: Please send TARA documents to supportmeetings(a)quaker.org.uk<mailto:supportmeetings@quaker.org.uk> All Quakers in Britain staff can be contacted using their usual email addresses or phone numbers. They may be working from home, in Friends House (London), in the Yorkshire Centre (Leeds) or at a base local to them. The Quaker Centre Bookshop and Café<https://www.friendshouse.co.uk/quaker-centre/> (Friends House, London) are open to the public. If you would like to support our work, you can give online at www.quaker.org.uk/donate. Britain Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Registered charity number 1127633 | Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ ________________________________ Quakers say: Religion is about the whole of life.

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job advert
by Lancaster Quakers June 13, 2023

June 13, 2023

Hello Judi I've attached a copy of an advert that should appear in this and next week's Friend. I've also cut-and-pasted it below as that may be easier to distribute... Alistair Gault, Warden Lancaster Quaker Meeting House (starts) *Job Vacancy* *A Warden is required for Lancaster Quaker Meeting House, working from Sunday to Thursday for a total of 35 hours each week.* The postholder will work in the office and around the building on the days given, usually for seven hours each day. Duties include opening the building before 9am each morning (later on Sundays) and locking up between 9.30 and 10pm on weekdays (usually earlier on Sundays). Other staff cover these duties on Fridays and Saturdays. A three-bedroom Cottage is provided rent-free; it is a requirement that the postholder lives there full-time for the better performance of his/her duties. The postholder must be experienced in computer-based administration and in other areas of IT and web use such as Zoom. Other duties include; managing a small staff team; ensuring the cleanliness & maintenance of the building; liaising with contractors; dealing with building users; handling bookings, drawing up invoices and responding to in person, phone and email enquiries. As most of the working time will be spent on their own, the postholder must be able to work on their own initiative. Wage; £22,132 per annum. Closing date for completed application forms; 23rd June For further details contact the current Warden, Alistair Gault, by ‘phone - 01524 62971 - or by e-mail *lancasterquakers(a)gmail.com <lancasterquakers(a)gmail.com>* AG010623 (ends)

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Meeting House Matters on 14 June at 2pm
by Oliver Waterhouse June 9, 2023

June 9, 2023

Oliver Waterhouse Quaker Life Hello everyone, I hope that you are well. There is going to be a Meeting House Matters online discussion next week on Wednesday, 14 June at 2pm. The topic for the discussion will be accessibility and how meeting houses can respond to questions that the Swarthmore Lecturer raised. The joining details are below. * Join Zoom Meeting: https://quaker.zoom.us/j/81586087624?pwd=VHk3MW9sTHJUVDdsMFlTMUN3WEpmUT09 * Meeting ID: 815 8608 7624 * Passcode: WT-online You can still register for the next in-person session which will be in Leeds on 18 July, https://forms.quaker.org.uk/mhm-23/. Please ensure that you register in advance as we won't be able to cater for you adequately if you just turn up without letting us know. In friendship, Oliver Oliver Waterhouse (he/him) Quaker Life Team Leader, Local and Area Governance Quakers in Britain 020 7663 1007 (Direct) oliverw(a)quaker.org.uk<mailto:oliverw@quaker.org.uk> | www.quaker.org.uk<http://www.quaker.org.uk/> Follow Quakers in Britain on Twitter<http://twitter.com/BritishQuakers>, Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/BritishQuakers>, YouTube<https://www.youtube.com/quakersinbritain>, and Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/britishquakers/>. CLERKS OF TRUSTEES: Please send TARA documents to supportmeetings(a)quaker.org.uk<mailto:supportmeetings@quaker.org.uk> All Quakers in Britain staff can be contacted using their usual email addresses or phone numbers. They may be working from home, in Friends House (London), in the Yorkshire Centre (Leeds) or at a base local to them. The Quaker Centre Bookshop and Café<https://www.friendshouse.co.uk/quaker-centre/> (Friends House, London) are open to the public. If you would like to support our work, you can give online at www.quaker.org.uk/donate. Britain Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Registered charity number 1127633 | Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ ________________________________ Quakers say: Religion is about the whole of life.

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Hammersmith Buildings Manager
by Wendrie Heywood June 8, 2023

June 8, 2023

Hello Friends, Hammersmith LM are looking for a non-resident buildings manager: https://londonwestquakers.org.uk/ Do you care about reducing carbon emissions? Could you market Quakers newest and most energy efficient Meeting House? Hammersmith Quakers are looking for a Buildings Manager to take up an imaginative approach to increase the lettings of this unique, flagship building. You will be based in Hammersmith and be the face of Quakers in the building during the working week. We are open to flexible working, although occasional out of hours work may be required. *Closing date: *14th June 2023 *Contact: * Hammersmith Quaker Job <office(a)londonwestquakers.org.uk> *Download:* Recruitment Package <https://www.dropbox.com/s/eb68yghs2nr8ger/2023%2005%20Hammersmith%20Job%20D…> Please do circulate to anyone who might be interested. Yours in peace, Wendrie Heywood she/her MindfulBusinessServices.com Book a meeting with me <https://calendly.com/mindful-business-services>

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Electricity prices
by Saffron Walden Quaker Meeting Friends Meeting June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

I might be behind the curve on this one, so please excuse me if I am. My meeting has been with Good energy for a long while. My assumption was that we might well be paying a small premium for all the ethical niceties but when I looked at our charges I was shocked. Good Energy's billing has been a nightmare with bills coming at irregular intervals and often having refunds so it has become difficult to work with. My assumption was that their per-unit rate would be followed pretty universally but found that while Good Energy are charging 51.16p/kWh; Octopus on their Green Energy Tariff are charging 27.57p/kWh Their standing charge is cheaper too. (Our meeting house is entirely electric and so this should reduce our bills from somewhere just over £12k to around £7k. This is not a small premium and we are changing. It is also worth bearing in mind that the daily standing charge is so high because we have such high electricity use, it scales back depending on usage and can be as low as about 50p/day, but you should probably do the comparisons, I have pasted the chart to show where the break points are for the tariff bands. Our treasurer is going to be doing it because it involves setting up a DD but the process itself seems very easy by filling in an online form at octopus.energy/business though it would be good to know your annual consumption and you will need your bank details to complete the form. I hope this is of use to someone and that I am not just being the last meeting to do such an exercise. In Friendship, Karl Saffron Walden [image: image.png] [image: image.png][image: image.png]

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Use of Quaker Library
by Ann Turner May 22, 2023

May 22, 2023

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