Join European Quakers in Paris at the International Arms Trade Exhibition on June 11-15, 2012

Europes Largest Defence and Security Industry Trade Show

Europe’s largest Defence & Security industry trade show “Eurosatory” takes place in Paris every two years.  In protest of this event, for many years Quakers have maintained a vigil.

The Quaker Vigil

Simon M. (16 year of age) writes: “The 2010 vigil was awesome. We came together from Germany Switzerland, France, and England.  During the day of the opening of the exhibition, we stood in front of the Metro stop completely dressed in white to greet the visitors, most of whom were wearing black or were in uniform.  We had prepared banners with slogans such as ‘If war is the answer, we need a new question.‘ and signs of weapons crossed through, and postcards to hand out. Quakers from Paris prepared meals for us. And there was plenty of time for sightseeing.”

Photos of the 2010 vigil are on the FWCCEMES website.

Information about the Eurosatory Arms Fair can be found on their website.

How Can I Join the Quaker Vigil?

Participants must be over 18 (younger participants must be accompanied by adults who are legal guardians).

Accommodation: €30-50 triple/double/single room.

Programme :

Saturday, June 9th 2012 – Travel by train to Paris

Sunday, June 10th 2012 – Sightseeing in Paris

Monday, June 11th 2012 – International Quaker Vigil at the Eurosatory Arms Fair

Tuesday, June 12th 2012 –   Return home by train.

Anyone wishing to stay longer is more than welcome to do so.

For more information contact:

 Email: b.klinghammer@gmx.de

The mission of Quaker Service in Ulster is to play a practical role in reducing violence, suffering and disadvantage by providing services which support, value and empower people.  Their beautifully illustrated annual report 2010-2011 (pdf, 3.1 mb) gives an inspiring outline of their current work. (Please note that this is a large document so takes a little while to open up).

A Conversation on Experiences in the Magdelene Laundries

This public meeting will be held in the Quaker Meeting House, Limerick at 8pm on Wednesday 9th November 2011.

Speakers include

Pauline Goggin who has recently been speaking to survivors of institutional abuse, including some survivors of the Magdalene Laundries living in London

Evelyn McGlynn who has completed her degree and master’s theses in Limerick College of Art and Design on the Magdelene Laundries.

A former resident of the Good Shepherd Laundry now living in England

This meeting is open to the public and everyone is welcome.

Further Information: Magdalene Conversations Information Leaflet.

The Religious Service on RTÉ Long Wave 252 on Sunday 30th October 2011 at 10.45am will be conducted by Quakers and will feature a discussion by Friends at Ballitore Meeting House, County Kildare.

The silence of a Quaker meeting for worship is not appropriate for radio.  But an essential part is vocal ministry and on this occasion the voices of Friends rather than silence will take over.

The service will be available on RTÉ Radio long wave 252 in Ireland and Europe.  The programme will also be available worldwide through the internet via Radio 1 Extra Stream and on Radio 1 Extra on DAB digital radio in the greater Dublin area, Cork and Limerick.

We will provide details of the downloadable podcast as soon as these are available.

Leinster Quarterly Meeting will be held at Churchtown Meeting House on Sunday 20th November 2011.

The discussion at this Leinster Quarterly Meeting will be ‘Learning from Young Friends’.  The speakers are Carolyn McMullan (Youth Coordinator), Orla Reaper-Reynolds (Youth Committee), Ciara Harrison (Youth Committee).

Families are encouraged to attend.  There will be activities for children, both in the morning and afternoon.  Please email the clerk of Leinster Quarterly Meeting Catriona Phelan  if your children hope to attend.

Those not in membership and wishing to attend the business session please notify the clerk on the day.

The programme for the day is as follows:

11.00am Meeting for Worship

12.00pm Leinster Quarterly Business Meeting

1.30pm  Lunch (Bring a packed lunch – Tea/Coffee provided)

2.30pm  ‘Learning from Young Friends’

4.30pm Tea (by kind invitation of Churchtown Friends)

The Quakers In Ireland website is pleased to announce a new monthly eNewsletter for Friends in Ireland.  Each month, the newsletter will contain a digest of news, announcements, events and articles from the News and Events Section of the Quakers in Ireland Website.

The October 2011 Quakers In Ireland eNewsletter is now available on the website. You can also  sign up to get the email sent directly to your email once a month.