When,
a couple of years ago, NFPB members began to think about the centenary
of NFPB they were clearly excited by the opportunity it seemed to
present for celebrating the work that has been done and raising our
profile. Since then, a small group has met every few months to sift
through the ideas and put together a coherent programme of activities
and resources.There is still some way to go before all of these come to fruition, but this year - the centenary year itself - we were pleased to be able to put on a celebratory afternoon and to present our booklet and 10 panel display that summarises, in words and pictures, the spread of work and witness Friends have undertaken in our name.
The event was also an opportunity to bring together past and present NFPB members and workers, supporters and interested enquirers. For me, having worked as Co-ordinator for 22 years and already knowing all my immediate predecessors, it was something akin to a grand family reunion.
Below this, is a short news article I wrote about the piece for our website. A page of information about our plans for the year can be found at http://nfpb.org.uk/projects/centenary/nfpb-centenary-related-activities-during-2013
Perhaps the turning point for me in preparing for this year was the day I and a colleague spent in Leeds, going through and making notes from as many annual reports we could. Whilst some of the text is inevitably prosaic and descriptive, there are more personal / spiritual reflections throughout. Cumulatively, the work is inspiring and impressive in its scope. Some of the more reflective text is profoundly moving, giving a good feel for the passions, challenges, insights and vision that has driven Friends’ collective and individual passions for this particular piece of peace work.
Cake, memories, friendships and looking forward
The gathering in Manchester was reminded of the early challenges of the first world war and of supporting conscientious objectors through to the cold war and more recent conflict. The 70 Friends present also heard how the Board’s work had encompassed broader aspects of peace, recognising the roots of conflict in injustice, for example. Past staff and members joined with those involved now and invited guests. The first Secretary of NFPB, Robert Long (serving from 1913 to 1942) was represented by three of his grandchildren.
A pack of materials relating to the centenary is being prepared for Meetings, which will include a booklet launched on the day of our celebration. An accompanying exhibition was also on show and will be available in a variety of formats for Friends to use.
NFPB members present at the gathering spoke of their appreciation for all the service that Friends have given to the Board over the years, of getting a better sense of the significance of its work and an eagerness to engage with Friends in discerning priorities for future work and witness.
Information about activities and resources relating to the centenary is being regularly updated on NFPB’s website at http://nfpb.org.uk/projects/centenary
