The Foxtrot Quaker Pilgrimage

The Foxtrot is back! After a three-year absence the Southern Schools Quaker Pilgrimage returned over Long Leave; a journey to Lancashire and Cumbria to explore the significant places and ideas in the story of George Fox and the early Quakers. The communal event can be traced as far back to the 1930s.

Students from five Quaker schools, Leighton Park, Sibford, Sidcot, Friends School Lisbon and Brumanna High School, Lebanon gathered at Sibford School on the morning of Friday 4^thNovember to journey to Clitheroe Meeting House and from there to walk up Pendle Hill. The top of Pendle Hill was the site of George Fox’s famous vision of 1652. He climbed the hill ‘with much ado, it was so steep’ and had a ‘vision of a people to be gathered’.

Over the weekend, students explored the mid-seventeenth century climate that led citizens to look for alternatives to the established church. Helen Taylor, Head of Sixth Form, reflected “We enjoyed the hospitality of several groups of Quakers at various beautiful and historical meeting houses and loved looking at the Quaker tapestry in Kendal, especially when we found Peckover Hall pictured in it!

Helen continued, “Educationally it was all about Quakerism – no map reading required! But also, why people wanted something different; only priests, educated at Oxford or Cambridge could pray. George Fox taught that everyone could have a direct relationship with God. It explained why they were so very radical in their thinking, and have continued to be so.”

“The students were mixed up at every opportunity so they got to know the one another. They bonded rapidly, thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company and were wonderful ambassadors for a Quaker education. They were all responsible for cooking, washing up and cleaning tasks and organised themselves to complete these jobs effectively. The Quakerly aspect was clear in every part of the trip, the full hour-long silence during the meeting for worship at Swarthmoor Meeting House was particularly powerful.”

Harriet in the Lower Sixth, commented “I really do feel like I have gained an understanding of Quakerism. I was previously confused surrounding my faith but this trip has really helped me to gain an insight and understand that I can be a Quaker without believing traditionally Christian things.”

Harriet continued, “I loved that there were a few people from lots of different schools there because it meant that we quickly formed a close-knit group. As there were only 16 of us, I have made some friends for life. I also really enjoyed going to an actual meeting as it was a full hour! I would say to students considering this trip ‘go for it, it is amazing! You will meet really special people and discover things within yourself.’”