Early on the morning of 11th October, a group of Lower Sixth students set off with Claire Gulliver (Assistant Head of Sixth Form and Head of Psychology) and Stephen Taynton (Head of PRV) for ‘Foxtrot’, the annual Southern Quaker schools pilgrimage following in George Fox’s footsteps.
They first collected students from Sibford School before embarking on the long drive to Clitheroe to meet friends from Sidcot School in Somerset and Friends School in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. The first stop on their pilgrimage was Clitheroe Meeting House, where Wendy Hampton provided an insightful introduction to the early stages of George Fox’s journey and the vision he had. The group then climbed Pendle Hill, aided partway by a minibus, and enjoyed clear skies and stunning views. The day concluded with a meal at YHA Ingleton, where they stayed for the weekend, followed by a session on George Fox’s story led by expert guide Zoe Sims. The evening also featured learning a traditional Quaker Sunday school song.
Saturday took the group to Brigflatts Meeting House, where they learned about George Fox’s vision and the establishment of the meeting house from a local Friend. A short drive brought them to ‘Fox’s Pulpit’, the location where Fox preached to the ‘people in white raiment’ he had seen in his vision. Some students took the opportunity to speak from the pulpit about personal passions before the group continued to Kendal Meeting House. There, another Quaker expert introduced them to the history of the Quaker Tapestry, and the group had the chance to view many panels on display. The day ended with some free time in Kendal and an enjoyable evening back at the hostel, complete with a lively game of ‘spicy Uno’.
On Sunday, the group visited Swarthmore Hall, the birthplace of early Quakerism and where George Fox met Margaret Fell. After participating in an hour-long meeting for worship at Swarthmore Meeting House, the ‘Green Man’ led a tour of the meeting house, explaining its history and the current sustainability efforts. After bidding farewell to their new friends, the group made the long journey home via Sibford School, preparing for the upcoming assessment week.
Click here to find out more about our Values-led approach to Education or here to see more photographs from this trip.
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