AS DOZENS of places in Winchester open up their doors - or gates - to mark the national Heritage Open Day event, Andrew Rutter, former Winchester Conservation Officer and Quaker, remembers the early days of Quakers at 16 Colebrook Street.
He writes: "I was the father of two boys in the 1970s, when Winchester Quakers had to move out of hired rooms at the old YMCA, demolished when St George’s Street was created.
"A decision was made to purchase the house at Colebrook Street. We wanted a place that would be used all the time, not just somewhere to go on Sundays. When we asked social services what was really needed in Winchester, the answer came: ‘short-term accommodation’. It was a place where we could have a Quaker Meeting and also put people up.
"Quite a lot of changes had to be made to 16 Colebrook Street. The fine Georgian entrance door surround, crushed by wisteria, was remade, and leaky mathematical tiles on the south elevation replaced, along with roof guttering. Internally, the original staircase was repaired, and fire doors, new toilets and bathrooms were installed.
"Because it is a listed building certain features had to remain intact including sash windows, dado rails, cornice and fireplaces. These distinguish the property as an eighteenth century building and my handout drawings at the Open Day highlight the difference between earlier and later house styles.
"Heritage Open Day is a rare opportunity for the public to visit. The City of Winchester is full of beautiful historical buildings, and I look forward to the day when more of these can be open all year round.
"Fifty years on, 16 Colebrook Street still provides accommodation for people at risk of homelessness, a valued home for many community groups, a space for counselling and, of course, a place for Quaker Meetings. Many visitors tell us they like the sense of peace they find here."
MAKING A HOME
Three current Friends, all present when Quakers bought 16 Colebrook Street, have shared their recollections.
A Meeting House that is also a home; a novel idea for many Quakers and, for some, a controversial one. Special meetings were called to resolve disagreements about the purchase and use of a such a building.
Elizabeth Pill, then new to Quakers, was surprised.
She said: “I considered Friends peaceful people and was surprised how deeply they disagreed with each other.”
But the vision to create a home for Quakers and a shelter for people at risk, persisted.
Ann Titman, then mother to five small children, said: “The previous Quaker Meeting was not child-friendly or particularly accessible. Dorothy Richardson, a Quaker and local magistrate, befriended me and explained the reason for buying the House.
"It made absolute sense to me, if you have a faith, if you have a belief, you put it into practice.”
She added: “Once Quakers had bought it, Friends started to have their own visions.”
Vicky Darling, who later became a Warden, set up a nursery group, so small children’s furniture and Wendy Houses began to pop up everywhere.
The building chosen had been the Rectory of St Lawrence from the early 1900s, but in 1973 the Church of England decided to sell it and build a new Rectory next door, in what had been part of the more extensive garden of 16 Colebrook Street.
After much negotiation - and fundraising - Quakers bought 16 Colebrook Street at auction. The Rector, Reverend Trevor Nash, and his wife Wanda, became friendly neighbours. Dorothy Richardson became the first resident Friend, and decided to install an oil-fired Aga stove which became the heart of the house, a place where a cup of tea or hearty soup would be easily available for any in need.
Over the years a succession of caring Friends, including Laurie Wilson, John and Shari Whatley, and Myfanwy Piggot helped create a welcoming place, and communities of painters, sculptors, poets, and musicians emerged from time to time. Rescued hens were introduced to provide eggs for the residents and a swing was hung from the old mulberry tree.
The Children’s Room, an extension to the original potting shed, was built in the garden by Quakers themselves, in the early 1980s.
Andrew recalled: “I organised a group of elderly ladies to carry the tiles off the potting shed and stack them. The children put a time capsule in the foundations.”
In the 1980s Churches Together embraced the issue of homelessness and set up the Night Shelter, on Jewry Street. Today, the Beacon and Trinity provide front line services for homeless people.
Changes in legislation and culture since 1974 can be seen in the way the Meeting House is managed. But Elizabeth said “The feeling of a Quaker family continues. We still come together, bring the best of ourselves, and are united.”
TEXTILE WORKSHOPS A SUCCESS
The Meeting House buzzed with creativity as crafty friends and neighbours gathered for textile workshops with the theme of protecting the natural world last Saturday, September 7.
The workshops were part of the Loving Earth Project (lovingearth-project.uk) which aims to celebrate some of the wonderful things threatened by growing environmental breakdown: people, places, creatures, and other things we love.
Pendella Buchanan began each session with a guided reflection, which involved asking tough questions, including "How will climate change affect something you love? What action is needed to reduce the risk of harm? What can you do to help?"
The participants then began creating textile panels of all sorts, with just their size in common – 30cm x 30cm. With various methods to choose from, including embroidery, paints, and decorative collage, by at the end of the workshops, participants were able to take their thought-provoking artwork home.
Around 30 Loving Earth panels will be on display at the Meeting House on September 14 and 15 during the Heritage Open Days, when there will be another chance to create your own.
FREE FAMILY FUN
This year’s Meeting House Heritage Open Days are Saturday, September 14 between 11am and 5pm, and Sunday, September 15, between 1-5pm.
Whatever the weather, as well as the usual guided tour, there will be singing by the Barton Stacey Choir, classical guitar with Nina Rideout, and activities for all ages.
These include an exhibition of Loving Earth panels; a QR-code trail about Quaker George Fox; jumbo-sized Jenga; hoopla, ethical board games and an under-5s play area with ball-pool, sand-box, and toys.
Cream teas – with scones, jam, and clotted cream – will help to make any visit complete.
To find out more contact 01962 864184 or email: welcome@winchesterquakers.org.uk
OPEN GATE INVITATION
Winchester Quakers invite the public to enjoy some quiet reflection in the peaceful garden, to walk the grass labyrinth, or browse the Quaker Library.
The last opportunity for this kind of 'drop-in stillness' this year will be 2.30pm until 4.30pm on Saturday, September 21.
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