4th October 2025 – Peace Vigil, Ross-on-Wye
Quakers in Ross celebrated Quaker Week by holding a peace vigil at the Market House in the centre of Ross. On the day, there was also a display of grass-roots projects in Herefordshire, promoting the cause of peace in schools and the community. Friends in Ross feel that it is important that local people hear about this positive work for peace, as a contrast to all the negative news in the media.
10th November 2024 – Remembrance Sunday, Ross-on-Wye
Two wreaths, one of red and one of white poppies, were laid on the chancel steps at St.Mary’s Church on Sunday 10th November.
Quakers in Ross presented the white poppy wreath, the symbolic white poppies were established in 1933 by the Co-operative Women’s Guild sustaining their key message of “Never Again” when considering their family losses in the First World War. White poppies encourage us to question the way war is normalised and justified, and remind us of the need to resist war and its causes today.
21st September 2024 – Peace Vigil, Ross-on-Wye
On the 21st of September, International Peace Day, eight Friends gathered by the Market House in the centre of Ross-on-Wye for a peace vigil. The event served as a visible reminder of our commitment to peace. Passersby responded warmly, with many offering thumbs-up signs or waves of support. It was encouraging to be part of this important day, spreading the message of peace and goodwill within our community.
6th July 2024 – George Fox 400th Anniversary Open Day, Ross-on-Wye
On Saturday 6 July an estimated 100 or so visitors joined us to commemorate George Fox’s 400th centenary. This was quite an event. It began with an idea to combine centenary celebrations with clearing the burial ground to remind the people of Ross of Quakers who contributed to the life of Ross and who are buried here. The garden is still, after 350 years, a place of memory and tranquility, open to everyone.
f/Friends put an enormous amount of effort into planning, preparing and publicising the event. As the day drew near we had no idea what the response would be. The day began grey and damp but from the moment our door opened at 10am, people began arriving. There were f/Friends from other Meetings, those whose relations are buried here, and local people visiting to explore and find out more. Many interesting conversations and memories were shared, and many cups of coffee consumed.
At midday the weather was still undecided and the Peace gathering was held inside.
The Meeting House was almost full and, as we reflected together on peace in our hearts and in the wider world, there was palpable warmth of shared feeling. Later the sun came out providing the opportunity to enjoy the garden. Apart from the wild flower seeds we have broadcast there, seeds of thoughts and ideas were planted in those who were there. Who knows what will grow from this venture? At the Sunday 7th July Meeting we expressed our pleasure in this greatly enjoyable day and the way in which all f/Friends rose to the occasion. Ross f/Friends signed a card for Andy Mardle who lives next door, to thank him for all his help with the open day.
Isabel.
24th June 2024 – Pity of War Unveiling
On Monday 24th June 13 of us left Ludlow in a minibus for the National Memorial Arboretum where we were to witness the unveiling of The Pity of War sculpture. It was a lovely day, if not rather hot. There were 11 friends from Ludlow Meeting , Jeff Beatty and Sarah Davey from Almeley Meeting and Sandra Evans from Ludlow Methodists. The Mawley Minibus was very comfortable, the traffic not too bad and the scenery beautiful.
The sculpture is tucked amongst the trees in a tranquil area in front on a small, and growing, oak tree. Joyce Gee had thought about an oak tree when she first drew Friends attention to the fact that there were no memorials specifically for the civilians suffering in war and conflict. The Pity of War statue stood covered in a velvet blue cloth awaiting the ceremony.
10th November 2019 – Friends from Brecon Meeting laid a white poppy wreath at the Peace Pole in the Brecon Peace Garden.
2018/2019 – A collection of Photos from events in Ludlow Meeting.
Ludlow were involved with the ‘Peace Train’ which was an ordinary rail service to London on 24th October, but members of Peace groups travelled from Hope to London collecting letters and petitions along the way. These are some photos from Ludlow station with a banner we made at Meeting.
Ludlow’s Elders and Overseers shared meals.
Our white poppy wreath which was laid on the morning of 11th November with the laying of the wreaths ceremony in Castle Square, Ludlow
17th November 2018 – Our Friend Jan Arriens (Clun Valley LM) dressed in Naga regalia after giving his excellent talk.
November 2018 – Almeley Wootton Meeting have produced a display of white poppies which is mounted outside the Meeting House. 
11th November 2018 – Brecon Local Meeting in the Brecon Peace Garden.
