A timely winter break would seem to have been very much welcomed by the group. During this time I had surgery on my eyelid to help correct some of the effects of bell's palsy. I am very grateful to the John Radcliffe Hospital for their pioneering treatment, besides the patience of family and friends who have supported me. If at times my social networking comments seem a little self-indulgent I hope you will be patient. This is because there would seem a need generally to raise awareness of what it is like to have a sudden facial disfigurement (practical, psychological and with communication) whilst encouraging those affected not to feel ashamed of their disability or tempted to hide away.
The theme for our next event has been chosen in response to Holocaust commemorations taking place at this time. Our challenge of "How to work for peace?", is not just based on the painful memories of an older generation. For refugees, some living in our own community whose families are still torn apart by conflict, those motives behind the Holocaust are an all too present reality. In the work place, among faith groups, when friends and family fall out, for those marginalised by fear, ignorance, and discrimination there will always be a need for those capable of making a stand for peace.
Those familiar with this web page will already know about my grandfather who was a pacifist and conscientious objector. When the First World War broke out, he volunteered for the Army Medical Corps to serve on the Western Front as a stretcher bearer. After the war he regularly attended meetings organised by the League of Nations. These local branches of an international organisation discussed current events whilst their resolutions were passed on to political leaders. Shocked by the trauma of the First World War its members actively promoted collective disarmament and peace through negotiations.
Prompted in part by my grand-parents enthusiasm for peace, it was arranged that my father should spend some time living with my grandmother's German friend and her family. For several months my father was very well cared for and happy. This nine year old boy probably enjoyed the adventure, to experience a different culture and learn a new language. As part of this hospitality my father went to school with German children and almost certainly encountered social activities provided by the Hitler Youth Movement.
At the time it was thought
better to concentrate on a more positive portrayal of Nazism as being an
understandable response to defeat, economic hardship and
expression of national identity. Any violence was considered incidental
and that a problem ignored would eventually go aware.
On my father's return to England, his suitcase was discovered to be full of leaflets. No body knew how they got there but they were immediately destroyed. Confronted by the Nazi propaganda machine in a child's luggage, my shocked grandparents may have regretted a missed opportunity to educate the German people by sending some leaflets of their own. Within a few months the government's policy for appeasing Nazi Germany and its allies was in tatters, the cruelty and deceit of Hitler had become fully evident, and my grandfather's beloved League of Nations was in tatters.
The day war broke out my grandma took a half cooked chicken from the oven of their Croyden home and drove to Reading. Having survived the risk of food poisoning and to avoid the risk of living next to an aerodrome, they rented a vacant missionary's house in Eastern Avenue. My father and his brother attended school at Leighton Park where the pacifism of his parents could be respected and understood. Such sensitivities were not reflected by all his relatives. Adults can at times be a little embarrassing. When a visiting uncle arrived in uniform and parked his armoured car on the Leighton Park playing fields it caused a bit of a sensation!
During school holidays my father helped out on a farm near Newbury. Since pilots stationed at the Greenham Common air base were regularly invited to join them for Sunday dinner, there was much sadness whenever one of their former guests went missing. It was evident then as it is now that those prepared to make huge sacrifices to protect their values, country and those that they love will always be deserving of support. Those who decided to be a conscientious objectors also showed considerable courage. Some worked in a medical capacity, organised humanitarian relief or diffused bombs because a value is not the same as apathy or cowardice. This can never be justified as an excuse to do nothing.
From time spent in Germany before the war my father also knew that war affects both sides. Other individuals, families and communities were also suffering loss. Through understanding of a shared tragedy, the friendship between my Grandmother and her German friend continued to survive the war.
As a regular attender at Reading Quaker Meeting, my grandma almost certainly knew Phoebe Cusden. In 1947 this Quaker mayor of Reading witnessed first hand the suffering in Germany and organised charitable collections. The Reading Dusseldorf Association was established through humanitarian concern and a renewed commitment for peace. It remains one of the oldest partnerships between towns in the world. Thanks to the commitment and support of volunteers, the Reading Dusseldorf Association continues to hold meetings to inform people about Düsseldorf, raise funds, and provide social educational and cultural opportunities. On February 10th there will be an opportunity to find out more about the work of this organisation set up by a former Reading mayor, which brings communities together.
Thanks to generosity of time and considerable expertise, Reading Interfaith Group also continues to work for peace. Our leaflets advertising events of education, reconciliation and support for others are now ready for distribution. Poster illustrating this process of reaching out are based on the arches of Reading Abbey ruins. They have been designed by a kind volunteer networking through the Facebook site.
Initially our literature will be sent to libraries community and arts centres through the support of Reading Borough Council.Through the kindness of our membership and perhaps a little postage, we also hope posters can be displayed by faith groups and at other appropriate venues. Do please get in touch with us if you would be able to help. As with all our activities, this challenge of reaching out to promote peace through knowledge and understanding is a responsibility to share.
Those elements for goodness and reconciliation have to be pro-active or else the message and the opportunity will be lost. Peace continues as a work in progress. as we in turn build a world fit for our own children and grandchildren of justice, safety, opportunity and peace.
