Extra chairs were needed for the Quaker Family History Society’s spring meeting in Leominster, Herefordshire recently.  Many people travelled from afar to attend the day’s activities.

After a welcome cup of coffee, Anne Adams kicked off proceedings with a fascinating talk about local Quakers. This was followed by Peter Holliday with slides to illustrate his research on the Southall and Newman families and their influence on Leominster life.

The Boss, Helen Bowden then talked at length about the extraordinary origins and history of Orphans Press from Henry Stanley Newman’s initial orphanage in the 1870’s to the present day.  Orphans had created a wonderful display of old photographs and early published booklets and some of the illustrations were fabulous and worth a book of their own.

The printing side of Orphans flourished at the expense of the publishing side until last year when While It Is Yet Day so impressed the Boss that she and her team decided to return to publishing.

Okay so she over-ran her slot somewhat but I still managed to get five minutes to talk about – you guessed it – Elizabeth Fry before the lunchtime break. As everyone knows, once I start on EF I cannot stop but the stomach rumblings forced me to cut it short.

In the afternoon, it was time for a walk around Quaker-related sites in Leominster, guided by Dennis Downey of WalkHerefordshire.  Those who felt less energetic visited Leominster  Museum with Deborah Jarman or just stayed put and enjoyed a chat and time to admire the various displays.

Maggie Waldman then discussed the Leominster Quakers adult schools before Deborah told the stories of the 5 Leominster conscientious objectors. Finally it was time for a roundup of the day and a cup of tea with some delicious cakes.

Well done to Margaret Page of the QFHS, Deborah Jarman of Leominster Museum, the Boss and all the organisers who made the day a great success.  

Tagged with: Elizabeth Fry • historical figures • History • orphans press • publishing • Quaker