10th March 2010

DORCHESTER: Quaker meeting house renovation complete

By Anita Harries

MEMBERS of the Dorchester Quakers welcomed friends, neighbours, and representatives from churches across the county town to their celebration of the completion of Project Infill.

At one time a well known local pub, the Quaker Meeting House has seen a few changes over the years, but nothing as ambitious as their latest undertaking.

It is also a measure of the thought and care that went into the planning of the project that the feel of the Meeting House has been very much preserved whilst reflecting the wider purpose the building has in the community.

The celebration began with half an hour of silent worship.

This was followed by a shared lunch, where everyone brings food to share with everyone else.

The newly refurbished Meeting House now has a large, well equipped kitchen, an office and a children’s room, all surrounding the central meeting place. There is even an outside area for sunny days. It is available to hire should anyone be looking for a good sized venue with some excellent facilities.

No such occasion is complete without the cutting of a cake, this one the creation of Sue Theobald.

The ceremony was performed by former wardens of the building Loraine and Phillip Brown, and present warden David Horsfall. Thanks were offered by Tess James to everyone involved in the project and its successful outcome.

Particular thanks were given to the Infill Project team of Anthony Garvey, Margaret Barker and Roger Grey.

PICTURE: Loraine and Phillip Brown cut the cake, helped by David Horsfall