Kirsty Philbrick writes to reflect on Young Friends activities in 2019 and look forward to more in 2020.

I just want to look back and say thank you all for making the events so brilliant – from loads of fun at Young Friends Fridays, to some deep discussions about how Quakers have interacted with politics over the years and what we might do today (and many more besides), to going to London to hear Greta Thunberg and camping in the Cotswolds – it has been a full and varied year!

Here are the dates for January 2020 events:

10 Jan1830-2100 at Bedminster – an exciting evening hosted by local Quaker climate activists – please come if you can to explore the climate crisis together and build solidarity and hope. Please email me to let me know if you want to come so I can make sure we have enough food etc.

24 Jan  – Cookery workshop at the Community Kitchen in Easton. World food cooking workshop run by a refugee and professional chef trained by Migrateful. This workshop is sure to turn up your cookery skills, tempt your taste buds and tune in your brain as we think about migration issues. Limited spaces – please let me know if you want to come.

Future dates for the diary:

7 Feb – 1830-2100 at Redland

28 Feb – 6.30-9pm at Horfield

20 Mar – 1830-2100 at Central (nb earlier finish to get out in time for the night shelter to use the meeting room)

24 Apr 1830-2100 at Bedminster

15 May 1830-2100 at Bedminster

A residential weekend away for young Quakers (13-17) across the UK

6-8 Mar 2020 Vision: Finding hope in hard times

A fun welcoming a thought provoking weekend away in Herefordshire for teenagers.

Whether you’re new to Quakerism or have been a Quaker all your life, this event will give you the opportunity to meet new people, make friends, engage with spiritual practices & have deep conversations.

More details on the BYM website: https://www.quaker.org.uk/events/vision-2020

It would be brilliant to use this as an opportunity to go away together – so please book up now! Cost is £125 + transport, but no one should be prevented from attended for lack of funds. Please get in touch if you would like me to assist you getting financial support from your Local or Area Meeting.

I will be helping to coordinate transport from Bristol nearer the time.