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27 JUNE 2024 - Post Atomic Glossaries: Poetry launch
27 JUNE 2024 - Post Atomic Glossaries: Poetry launch
Peace poet Antony Owen joins us in the Friends House Library for the launch of his latest compilation, Post Atomic Glossaries. We will hear from Antony and explore the intersections between poetry and peace and education work.
1 JUNE 2024 - Children's Day at Friends House
1 JUNE 2024 - Children's Day at Friends House

Children's Day at Friends House

On International Children's Day, 1st of June, the event at Friends House was really amazing. Hosted by Quaker Bookshop in collaboration with CYP and Quaker Life, the event marked the opening of the new Children's Reading Corner at the bookshop — a colourful, cozy place designed to inspire young readers.

Julia Stacey did a delightful reading, captivating the children with two stories: first, the story of a giraffe that couldn't dance but was determined enough to learn and be happy doing it, and then, a story about inclusion and kindness, which is actually the theme of our reading corner. Afterwards, children were invited to participate in discussions and thoughtful book reviews, writing down their ideas about the stories. It was heartwarming to see the kids so enthusiastic about sharing their insights and opinions.    

   

 

Blessed by the day's sunny weather, the outdoor activities were a hit. Children participated in various games that encouraged teamwork and creativity. They laughed, sang, and ran around, having fun while parents joined in too, creating a wonderful sense of community and shared fun.

 

 

At the end, there was time for a few minutes of relaxation, lying down on the floor and experiencing peace and recovering the energy spent over the previous hours.

Throughout the event, the Seed Café was open, offering a setting for families to relax and enjoy their treats. Every child received a special snack surprise, adding an extra layer of excitement to the celebration.

Parents and children left with smiles on their faces and with memories to cherish.

 

A Day to Remember and Repeat

The Children's Reading Corner now stands at the Quaker Bookshop, open to be used by the young minds, and we are planning the next children's day very soon, and you won't want to miss it.

 

Wait for more information and updates on future events on our social media and website or contact us at quakercentre@quaker.org.uk .

5 JUNE 2024 - Warheads to Windmills: Preventing Climate Catastrophe and Nuclear War
5 JUNE 2024 - Warheads to Windmills: Preventing Climate Catastrophe and Nuclear War

We are very proud of receiving Tim Wallis at Friends House for the launch of his newest book, "Warheads to Windmills: Preventing Climate Catastrophe and Nuclear War."

 

'To survive the climate crisis, we need money, brainpower and infrastructure for the most effective climate solutions. Those resources are currently being squandered by the nuclear weapons industry. We'll also need the world's biggest greenhouse gas emitters to stop pointing nuclear missiles at each other and start building unprecedented global cooperation. Can we “feed two birds with one scone" by converting assets from nuclear weapons of mass extinction to evidence-based climate solutions?

There are already excellent pathways to global nuclear disarmament. There are already excellent alternatives to burning fossil fuels. The obstacles are misinformation, propaganda, and politicians corrupted by profiteering corporations. This book is a tool kit for campaigners on both issues to work together on treaties, divestment, boycotts, lobbying, legislation, education, conversion and more. It debunks myths, frauds, and distractions. It's full of well-documented facts and figures, tools and strategies, personal and political inspiration for swift, decisive action.'

 

Program:

  • Friends House café (the Seed Café) will be open until 5.30 pm for refreshments.
  • The book talk will take place from 5.30-6.30 pm in the Library.
  • From 6.30 there will be a book signing in the Bookshop.

 

Event Details:

Date: 5th June 2024

Time: 17:30 - 19:30 GMT

Venue: Friends House, 173-177 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ

2 MAY 2024 - Race and Responsibility in South Africa
2 MAY 2024 - Race and Responsibility in South Africa

Join Cato Pedder, author of Moederland, and Edwina Peart of Quakers in Britain as they discuss racial justice and the legacies of apartheid.

Join Cato Pedder, author of Moederland: Nine Daughters of South Africa and media officer for Quakers in Britain, and Edwina Peart, inclusion and diversity co-ordinator for Quakers in Britain, as they discuss racial justice and the charged legacies of apartheid in Friends House Library.

Published on 25 April 2024, Moederland is an exploration of the roots and legacies of apartheid seen through the deeply personal lens of a great-granddaughter of South African Prime Minister Jan Smuts, the world statesman who wrote legislation which enabled apartheid.

Following a short reading from Moederland, Cato Pedder and Edwina Peart will discuss themes including empire, colonialism, racism, guilt and culpability as explored in the book, which weaves together the stories of nine of Pedder’s female ancestors in an unusual history of South Africa.

These ancestors begin in 1652 with Krotoa, a Khoikhoi girl who becomes a translator to the newly arrived Dutch East India Company at the Cape.

Moving through slaves, settlers, and nascent Afrikaners, they feature Cato Smuts, who leaves South Africa to marry into the Quaker Clark family, and Petronella Clark, who marries across the colour line and is forced to live in exile in Lesotho, her mixed-race children both illegal and illegitimate under apartheid law.

The conversation will include a question-and-answer session, after which you will be welcome to join us for refreshments in the Quaker bookshop where copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/race-and-responsibility-in-south-africa-tickets-872646879307 

Date and time

Thursday, May 2 · 6 - 7:30 pm

Location

Friends House 173-177 Euston Road London NW1 2BJ

25 JANUARY 2024 - Milk and Human Kindness. Quaker aid in the Spanish Civil War
25 JANUARY 2024 - Milk and Human Kindness. Quaker aid in the Spanish Civil War

We are delighted to welcome, on the 25th of January, the Dr Maggie Brookes and the Professor Farah Mendlesohn for a talk at Friends House library about the extraordinary story of untrained volunteers who saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of children.

 

Novelist Dr Maggie Brookes and historian Professor Farah Mendlesohn will discuss the astonishing bravery of men and women who set off into a dangerous war zone to save the lives of children on both sides of the brutal Spanish Civil War. Their actions contributed to the Quakers being given the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1947 and set precedents for many humanitarian aid missions since.

 

Maggie's novel 'Acts of Love and War' was inspired by Farah's PhD. They will discuss the methods of research for academic work and fiction, and the roles of each in disseminating this groundbreaking and important humanitarian work.

 

As a special treat, Dr. Maggie Brookes and Professor Farah Mendlesohn will be open to questions and signing session.

 

Event Details:

Date: 25th January 2024

Time: 18:00 - 19:00 GMT

Venue: Friends House, 173-177 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ

 

This is a rare opportunity to witness the convergence of history and fiction, offering a rich tapestry of knowledge, inspiration, and admiration for the unsung heroes who shaped the course of history.

Reserve HERE your free spot now for an evening that promises to be both enlightening and unforgettable.

2 DECEMBER 2023 - A Call to Action: Professor Paul Ekins Unveils Blueprint for a Zero-Carbon Future
2 DECEMBER 2023 - A Call to Action: Professor Paul Ekins Unveils Blueprint for a Zero-Carbon Future
Last 23rd of November it was a gathering that brought together minds passionate about environmental sustainability, led by the esteemed Professor Paul Ekins, as he launched his book, "Stopping Climate Change: Policies for Real Zero."
16 NOVEMBER 2023 - A Journey Through Love and Intrigue: The Grand Unveiling of 'All Shall Be Well'
16 NOVEMBER 2023 - A Journey Through Love and Intrigue: The Grand Unveiling of 'All Shall Be Well'
Last 16th November at 12 noon, became a moment frozen in time, with a celebration of literature and the power of storytelling at our Quaker Bookshop. Richard Essberger's latest creation stands as a testament to the enduring allure of storytelling, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, love has the power to illuminate our path the “All Shall Be Well." The crowd eagerly awaited an immersive experience into a bygone era, where love and peril coexisted against the backdrop of pre-World War II Europe.
5 OCTOBER 2023 - Exhibition Out of Excuses
5 OCTOBER 2023 - Exhibition Out of Excuses
With gratitude and simplicity in our hearts, we are honoured to announce an event that honours the wonders of our precious planet. Friends House is delighted to extend an invitation to the "Out of Excuses: Loving Earth Poetry Book & Exhibition Launch" as part of The Loving Earth Project. This extraordinary initiative is a testament to our commitment to cherishing and safeguarding the beauty of our world, which faces unprecedented environmental challenges.
The Quaker Bookshop at Friends House
The Quaker Bookshop at Friends House
In the heart of London, across from Euston Station, lies a place that quietly holds wisdom and tranquillity - Quaker Bookshop. Born in 1926 as a humble Quaker Library and later transformed into the Quaker Centre Bookshop, this cherished institution finds its home at Friends House, a Grade II listed heritage site. Join us as we journey through the humble history, cherished values, and offerings of this sacred space.
24 JULY 2023 - Book Launch "And This Shall Be My Dancing Day"
24 JULY 2023 - Book Launch "And This Shall Be My Dancing Day"
With hearts full of gratitude and simplicity, we humbly reflect upon the blessed gathering that took place on the 24th of July, commencing at 6 PM, within the tranquil embrace of Quaker Bookshop at Friends House's Library. This evening was a gentle celebration of Jennifer Kavanagh's latest literary offering, graced by an insightful interview led by Jo Jones from The Friend, and a cherished Q&A session. We extend our profound thanks to all who joined us.