Henley Quakers Meeting

SEPTEMBER 21 is United Nations International Day of Peace.

From their early beginnings in the 17th century, Quakers (the nickname of the Religious Society of Friends) have born witness to war and have promoted peace.

Fundamentally, Quakers believe that war does not resolve animosities and after every conflict the various parties have to talk to each other and reach agreement.

Therefore for a culture of peace the sensible and right thing to do is to talk and mediate before any conflict.

Quakers believe everyone is equal and we all have the capacity to use the good within us to make the world a better place.

September 21 is a day designated by the United Nations to recognise the importance of peace, so Henley Quakers will mark the day by doing two things.

We will be placing a wreath at the Peace Tree in Mill Meadows, which is the rowan in front of the River & Rowing Museum.

We will also be handing out free white poppies in Market Place in the morning to anyone who would like one. White poppies are worn in memory of all those across the world who suffered and are suffering now as a result of war, wherever they may be.

White poppies honour them by supporting work for peace through education and mediation.

White poppies were first worn in 1933 by the mothers, sisters, wives and friends of men who had died in the First World War.

Their message was “Never Again” should people give their lives in war. Yet more than 100 years after the “war to end all wars”, millions are still dying in war.

A white poppy is a way to say: “Let’s work for peace”.

Diana Barnett