Faith, Conscience & Action: Conscientious Objection Centenary

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION PAST & PRESENT
Friday 7 October 19:30
Admission free – a collection will be made to cover costs
Refreshments will be served

Speakers: Major Richard Beath and Local Quakers
As an Army Captain, Dick Beath was an operations officer in Ireland in the late 1970s. He was involved with supporting a younger officer friend through the process of applying (successfully) to leave the Army on conscientious grounds. When Dick Beath has spoken about modern-day conscientious objection, we will hear from three local Quakers about the experiences of family members who were COs in the first World War, the second World War and in the days of National Service.

I SAID NO by Clare Reddaway, Rapscallion Theatre Company
Commissioned by Bath Quaker Meeting to commemorate the centenary of conscription
I SAID NO explores the struggle of Arthur Ballard, as he follows his conscience and objects to killing his fellow man. Inspired by historical accounts, I SAID NO is theatrical, engaging, thought-provoking – and still topical.

Saturday 8 October 20:00 and Sunday 9 October 15:00
Tickets £10, children under 16 free, other concessions £8.00, available on the door. Reservations 07818 760042

EXHIBITION: PEACE WITNESS IN TIMES OF CONFLICT
Visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to tell us stories of conscientious objection and alternative service in their own families
The Peace Pledge Union exhibition 'The Men Who Said No' tells the story of some of the 20,000 conscientious objectors in the First World War. In addition, a display by a member of Bath Quaker Meeting will show how both of his grandfathers refused to be involved in fighting during the First World War. The Quaker Service Memorial Trust banners explain Quaker service in time of conflict and hardship from the Irish famine to the present day, particularly in the Friends Ambulance Unit and the Friends Relief Service.