Once again Bull Street Quaker Meeting House is taking part in Heritage Open Days on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September from 1.00-5.00pm. The perfect opportunity for the public to learn more about Quaker convictions, beliefs and practices past and present!

The current Quaker Meeting House was built in 1933 on a city centre site occupied by Quakers since 1703 with many of the old gravestones retained. Throughout the two days volunteers from the Bull Street Quaker Community will provide informative show-rounds, illustrate Quaker history, introduce modern practices, share their memories of the building and answer any questions.

Light refreshments will be available in the Atrium; a bright, modern addition to the building which leads to the purpose-built meeting and conference rooms. Weather permitting, there is seating in the beautiful courtyard to be enjoyed. Children are welcome although there are no specific activities arranged.

On Sunday 14th September at 2.00pm Plain Quakers, an informal theatrical partnership, will be performing a short play entitled “Nine parts a Quaker…unfinished business” which looks at the work of Thomas Clarkson (1760-1846) on anti-slavery and at slavery today. There is no charge for this but donations to Anti-Slavery International are welcome.

Heritage Open Days was established by the now defunct Civic Trust in 1994 as England’s contribution to the European Heritage Days. It began with 700 sites, that are not normally open for the public, being opened free of charge in September for four consecutive days. The event is now managed by Heritage Open Days National Partnership, participation has now doubled and the list of sites being opened more wonderful and varied each year. It celebrates the historical venues and attractions within local districts that make these areas unique and participants aim to encourage discovery and a sense of pride to bring communities together.

If you are unable to make the Heritage Open Days take a moment during your next meeting or conference at The Priory Rooms to visit the information table in reception, with flyers and booklets offering an insight into the religion.

Information about Bull Street Quaker Meeting House is available on the website www.thepioryrooms.co.uk
To learn more about Central England Quakers visit the website www.centralenglandquakers.org.uk/web/
For other venues taking part visit the Heritage Open Days website www.heritageopendays.org.uk/