QUIP Enjoys Fellowhip in Britain in 2003
Participants at the Quakers Uniting in Publications (QUIP) annual sessions,April 24–27, 2003,Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre, Birmingham, England.
Quakers Uniting in Publications (QUIP) annual sessions were held April 24–27, 2003 at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre in Birmingham, England. Twenty-eight people were registered and enjoyed the riches of the location, the fellowship of peers, intellectual stimulation and spiritual refreshment.
Highlights of the program included Doug Gwyn, Quaker author and researcher, talking on “When Worlds Collide: Scholars and Publishers Finding Their Way Together.” He raised some important questions about whether Quakers are reading as voraciously as they have in the past and what QUIP members can do to encourage reading and discussion about Quaker materials. John Punshon, another Quaker author and scholar, concluded that there is growing interest in studying early Quaker writings and publishers can feel encouraged to continue producing these materials. Tina Helfrich narrated her discoveries among the writings of Quaker women through the centuries reporting that some periods of history are well represented and others under represented.
Following up from the 2002 annual sessions (focused on young Friends) we heard survey results, presented by Barbara Mays, that show an enthusiastic response for an anthology of writing by young Friends. Two young Friends from Britain Yearly Meeting, Rachael Davis and Hana Turner Uaandja, gave a face to this enthusiasm by reporting on and reading from the responses of young Friends from Junior Yearly Meeting who attended a workshop and wrote on themes such as “Why I Am a Quaker” and “Quaker Testimonies.” QUIP members in the United States and Britain will continue working toward making this anthology a reality. Canadian, Australian and young Friends in other parts of the world will be encouraged to participate.
QUIP isn’t all spent in meetings. For our field trip, guided by Michael Darby, 23 Friends journeyed to Coalbrookdale, home of the Darby family for several generations. A tour of the graveyard and two homes gave much insight into Quaker life in the 18th century England. Also, we visited the forge that made the first iron bridge ever built, saw “The Iron Bridge” that is sometimes credited with starting the Industrial Revolution, an impressive structure even today.
Placing advertisements in Quaker publications has brought new members to QUIP and we will continue to promote the organization by expanding this outreach. A newsletter editor, Martin Kelley, has been appointed and we expect to have two issues per year. Mid year sessions will be held in Upper Darby, PA on October 18th and 2004 annual sessions will be held 22-25 April at Quaker Hill in Richmond, IN. The theme of the sessions will be “New Ways of Reaching Our Markets in a Changing World.” If you are a Quaker author, publisher, bookseller, scholar or involved in Quaker publications in any way we encourage you to join QUIP! Membership information and much else can be found at www.quaker.org/quip
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