Rookhow - ‘for the scattered people of God’
Local Development Worker Ellie McCarthy recently took over as the Local Development Worker for Cumbria and the North East. She's already beavering away on a myriad of projects but last week, was able to take a break to attend a very special anniversary.
n 1725, when Robert Walpole was Prime Minister and George I was on the throne, Quakers in Cumbria were putting the finishing touches to Rookhow, a large meeting house in Rusland near to Ulverston. They built it, they said, 'for the scattered people of God' in Westmorland and Lancashire 'north of the sands'.
Last week Quakers again gathered together at Rookhow to celebrate its 300th anniversary. Ellie went along to share the day with Rookhow Development Manager Sue Nicholls, staff, volunteers and Friends from across the region.
“Rookhow was one of the first meeting houses I visited when I when I started as the Local Development Worker for Cumbria and the North East," said Ellie. “I attended a volunteer day here in March. Every Friday volunteers turn up to plant hedges, chop kindling, brush leaves off the yurt, and I was struck by the community that has grown up in this space. Everyone was very open and welcoming. Some people had connections to Quakers but others have been brought in by Sue Nicholls' networking and publicity in the local area. I'm sure that those Quakers of 300 years ago would be delighted that this place continues to be wanted and needed."
Rookhow (a Grade II* listed site and a registered charity) is nestled in 12 acres of ancient oak woodland. As well as the meeting house, there's a 16 bed self-catering bunkbarn (converted from the original stables) with log fires and a sitting room. There's a campfire, outdoor seating area, and in the middle of the woods, a yurt with it's own woodburner.
No wonder then that more than 100 Friends gathered for the anniversary, to celebrate Rookhow's past, but also it's future.
“Rookhow puts 5% of every booking fee into a fund to support groups, who may not be able to cover the cost themselves, to stay at Rookhow," said Ellie. “So far they've helped over 1,000 individuals from 65 community groups, including refugees, women living with domestic abuse, people dealing with trauma and addictions and LGBTQ+ youth groups. It's yet another wonderful example of Quaker faith in action."
Image: Rookhow has helped over 1,000 individuals from 65 community groups, including refugees, women living with domestic abuse, people dealing with trauma and addictions.