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Besom
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ususupon
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emulate because
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last
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rendering
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dependent
determination
to
make
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last
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structures
rendering
them
wholly
dependent
accepted: that there is no such thing as absolute truth. Truth accepted. It is an issue that I have with the New Atheists, who
profit
out
of
their
suppliers;
the
companies
upon
the
price
others
will
pay
for
their
Isuggested
suggested
in
the
last
newsletter
(Issue
47)
profit
out
of
their
suppliers;
the
companies
upon
the
price
others
will
pay
for
their
I is
in
the
last
newsletter
(Issue
47)
relative; it depends in large measure on one’s culture, on almost invariably have simply not put in the work to justify the
that makeprofits
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thesale
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armstoto
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cropsofofcocoa,
cocoa,their
their wheatororthat
that adiscussion
discussionononthe
thelimits
limitsofofprivate
privatecommodity
that
dismissive wheat
and often rudemake
language that
they use
to denigrate
the adifferent
moral standards
that have grown
up inside that
foreigncountries.
countries.The
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one,
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speak.£285bn
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today’s
word
I reminded
us,
from a a£285bn
which
are,
and
should
be,
equally
open
to
debate
and
challenge
that
I
am
right
and
you
are
wrong?
Relativism,
especially
builderinincash.
cash.ItItwas
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E.F.Schumacherwho
who
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wedemanded
demandedininthe
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athat
truth in itself, set in and some of which appear,
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forthe
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‘deprive’.has
Should
weagree
agreethat
wrote:
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we
directly
the
‘deprive’.
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be ever
less
likely
to circumstances
be
true.
stone.
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absolute
truth
that
now
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isweshould
circumstances
thepoor
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acrossthe
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globe?
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we
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should
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ought
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beyond
whichthose
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atatleast,
surely,
there
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second
strand to
consider
is the
increasingly
damaging
that
there
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absolute
truth.
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yet,
who state for
with
wouldcontend
contend
that
weare
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knowingly
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own,
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own,
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who
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oppressive
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form
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and
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possibly
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find form
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ususso’.
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you
acceptable
given
for morality
lies in
the
individual’s
conscience
truths
that
the foundations
another’s
culture, must
standing
one
that
will
take
several
years
to
circumstances?
Or
are
we
all
likely
to
standing
one
that
will
take
several
years
to
circumstances?
Or
are
we
all
likely
to
then deal with the practice of FGM, or of sati, or of throwing Spinoza’s view that nothing is inherently good or evil, Hume’s,
Only
oncehas
has
anation’s
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Rockefeller
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when
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is no
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of amorality.
is a strong
homosexuals
off buildings,
or ofdid
forced
marriage,
or
Russian
received
divine
endorsement
the
Jubilee
injustices
that
can
rightly
be
laid
at
our
door,
asked
for
a
definition
of
what
constituted
a
received
divine
endorsement
the
Jubilee
injustices
that
can
rightly
be
laid
at
our
door,
asked
for
a
definition
of
what
constituted
a
imperialism or a thousand practices that they would declare view today that if I feel that something is right, it is right, and
ruleshanded
downtotoMoses
theBook
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andtotomake
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richman,
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you have no
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asinthe
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is a paradox,
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Leviticusininthe
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some
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havehad
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there,for
forinstance,
instance,ever
evercountries
than
a
subjective
choice
to
be
made
by
each
of
us.
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course,
this
is
here?
Is
it
not
far
better
to
start
from
the
philosophical
premise
timelessprinciples
principlesthat
thatcan
canbebefound
foundhere,
here,
thesehave
havebeen
beenestablished
establishedatata atime
timewhen
whentimeless
absolutelimit?
limit?And
Andhow
howshould
shouldititbebethese
bebeananabsolute
fed
by relativism
as well
asamongst
by the views
ofisthose
who
believe
that
there
truth,
cultures
have
failedout
to
chief
amongst
which
isthis:
this:
almost
like
theyare
arecoming
coming
outofof
periods
internal
enforced
all,other
other
thanthat
amoral
moral
chief
which
almost
like
they
periods
ofofinternal
enforced
ififis
atatabsolute
all,
than
bybyamost
that our
very
existence
is purely aaccidental
that
there isevery
thus
find
it, but that it remains to be found and,conflict
that
by or
comparison
restarting
a game
game ofand
of Monopoly,
Monopoly,
every
conflict
ordictatorial
dictatorialregimes
regimes
andthere
there
arerestarting
consensus?
- -and
are
consensus?
no external
arbiter
ofgeneration
truth claims
greater
than
the
conscience
to all else, it is as bright and as blinding as many
the
noonday
onblocks.
generation
was
have
opportunity
many
moreonsun
onthe
the
blocks.
Ukraine
looks
was
totohave
anan
opportunity
toto
more
Ukraine
looks
of eachasperson.
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this
isafresh
called
I guess
itconcerned
does at
fresh
snow?
These
arguments
have
raged
at
least
since
Plato
startafresh
farasaswealth
wealth
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ripe
foranother
another
suchapproach
approach
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Orcould
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Or
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every
years.
Noone
one
wassacred
live
goes
press.
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concept
has
already
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toagree
agreeon?
on?
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thatThaetetus,
theneeds
needsin
thefifth
leasthas
reflect
something
very
good:
an
acceptance
of was
the
Protagoras
in
century
BC,
for
every
5050
years.
No
totolive
goes
totopress.
The
concept
already
been
tocriticized
Given
the
ofofthe
the
underthe
the
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theirparents’
economic
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include reparations
reparations for
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pastperson
richestperson
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earth
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greater
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past
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greater
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ifparents’
a person
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declaring
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man
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previoushis
generation’s
corrupt
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Canada
andAustralia
Australia
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and
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and
Itthan
isthe
now
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topoorest,
be old-fashioned
atinjustices
best,
dangerous
at
practices).
No
one
was
to
live
in
the
sliptowards
their
indigenous
peoples.
Such
modest
proposal:
that
no
one
should
have
practices).
No
one
was
to
live
in
the
sliptowards
their
indigenous
peoples.
Such
modest
proposal:
that
no
one
should
have
worst, to hold to this view. Those who stand upon the belief the truth, he will subordinate all choice, including the rational
stream
of
their
parents’
economic
successes
transitional
justice
measures,
as
they
are
more
than,
say,
ten
times
what
they
stream
of
their
parents’
economic
successes
transitional
justice
measures,
as
they
are
more
than,
say,
ten
times
what
they
that they have stumbled upon truth itself, especially in the choices of others, to his feelings, and will swiftly disappear
(orononthe
theproceeds
proceedsofoftheir
theircorruption).
corruption).And
And
called,have
haveoften
oftenbeen
beenvery
successfulinin(or
(reasonably) need
need until
until everyone
everyone has
has asascalled,
(reasonably)
intovery
a successful
mire
of confusion
- and
conflict with
others
following
realm of morality,
are increasingly
shunned. ‘The
danger
everyonewas
wastotododowhatever
whateverwas
wasnecessary
necessary
rebuilding a a sense
sense ofof national
national pride
pride and
andeveryone
muchasasthey
they(reasonably)
(reasonably)need?
need?Would
Wouldthat
thatrebuilding
much
their own,
similarly mistaken
paths. This
is the swiftest
tono
[students]
have
been taught
to fear
from we
absolutism
notand
errorindeed
themeantime
meantime
ensure
thatthere
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that
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identity
– – and
indeed inin ameliorating
not
humanity
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social
and
personal
breakdown
that
I
can
imagine.
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are
the
but
intolerance
[…]
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point
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to
correct
the
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John Paul
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and
be right;(well,
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to think
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all’have
reason
those
whohad
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prosperedand
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evenififat
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muchby
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are destitute
destitute
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half
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reason
- -those
ininmy
they
usually
who
are
the
Benedict
XVI
when he
warned of
a ‘dictatorship
ofout
relativism’.
(Allan
generation
had
duty,arising
arising
outofofananoftoftless good
good atat leading
leading
worthwhile
world’sBloom).
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theless
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a aduty,
toto worthwhile
world’s
population
The
outcome
is love
alove
moral
nihilism
that must
lead
tome
So
where
do
we
start
to reappraise
whatofhas
gone, as I believe,
stated
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enablesthose
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crime
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computers/laptops, water
water supply
supply
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items, teaching
teaching equipment,
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vehicles, washing
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and
items,
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person
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exactly
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William’s mother died when he was little and when he was 14 he ran away
theirmoney
moneyhas
hasgone
goneand
andhow
how ithas
hasmade
madea adifference.
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their
to join
the circus.
Really, he
did; or itthe
fair, at least,
with the travellers,
riding
round
the
Midlands.
By
the
late
1980s,
he
was
a roadie
on the
SinceThe
TheBesom
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servicewhich
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caterstotoitsitsgivers’
givers’
interests,
Since
interests,
we
have
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able
to
specify
exactly
where
we
have
wanted
our
we
have
been
able
to
specify
exactly
where
we
have
wanted
our
illegal party circuit, staging raves in fields and warehouses.
moneytotogogoto.
to.Looking
Lookingback
backover
overthe
theyears,
years,we
wecan
cantrace
tracehow
howour
our
money
money-giving journey
journey has
has shifted
shifted and
and changed
changed toto reflect
reflect our
our
money-giving
He interests
has
a nomadic
Four children
by
four different
mothers:
a year or
interests
and spirit.
experiences.
For example,
example,
we have
have
particular
and
experiences.
For
we
a a particular
interest
Ghana,
which
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visited
andwhere
where
welike
now
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Ghana,
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now
twointerest
at home,
he which
was
off.we
Hehave
never
left forand
good;
he was
a have
sailor
a
close
connection
to
a
small
charity.
a
close
connection
to
a
small
charity.
in the old days, with a family in each port who had to get used to the
and
Wehave
havehad
hadthe
theopportunity
opportunitytotofund
fundwonderful
wonderfulrandom
projectsarrivals
theresuch
such
We
projects
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provision ofof
absences, the love
asas the
o op ph ht th ha al lmmi ic c
and
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equipment for
for the
the
equipment
coming and going.
national eye
eye care
care
national
programmeininGhana
Ghana
programme
which
provides
which
provides
He is hard-working,
students
with
students
with
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thorough training
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thorough
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treat those
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vv i i s s uu a a l l l l yy
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educate
blind,
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them inin how
how toto
them
prevent
blindness
and
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blindness
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A sight to warm the heart, as ex-offender and policeman chat
eyehealth
healthproblems.
problems.
eye
people;
and he
Later
on,
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Later
on,
we
flourishes
in
the
bounded
universe
of
the
ship,
or,
in
his
case,
prison.
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deep JoyJoyFoundation,
developed
Foundation,
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school
mini-bus
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America
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during
long
and
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inin
power.
William
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years inthere,
and out
ofexpressed
prison. Burglary,
violence
supportingprojects
projectsononthat
thatcontinent.
continent.It’s
It’samazing
amazingtotolook
lookatatthe
the
supporting
- his
record of
isofas
long aswe
one
of
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muscular
sayslaptops
that hefor
did
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projects
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have
supportedarms.
sinceHe
then:
laptops
for
breadth
projects
since
then:
medical
ships
Peru,safe
safewater
watertechnology
technologyfor
forrural
ruralvillages
villages
what
he hadships
to
to survive:
medical
ininPeru,
there,equipment
equipmentfor
forcarpentry
carpentryand
andcooking
cookingworkshops
workshopsfor
fora aschool
school
there,
Chile, two
two computers
computers for
for vulnerable
vulnerable women
women supported
supported inin
inin Chile,
“It used to be that people would go into prison
as a rite
passage.and
When
education
Colombia
anda a
education
ininof
Colombia
they came out, it was easier to get jobs invehicle
security
debt acollecting
if
vehicle and
for
a street
street
for
children’s
project
inBrazil.
Brazil.
children’s
you had a prison record. It was a badge of
honour. project
Most
ofinthe
people
that I did time with in the seventies and Again,
eighties
would
come out
and
Again,after
aftervisiting
visiting
South
South
work hard to not go back in again.
Africa,
we
asked
that
Africa, we asked that a a
proportion ofof our
our funding
funding
proportion
should
be
made
available
for
should
be
made
available
for
“Let me tell you a bit about what hard time projects
was
like for there.
me
in the seventies
projects
there.
Good
Good
and eighties, and what I know it’s like now.
Back then,include
you
were up
at
examples
include
the
examples
the
provision
of
educational
provision
of
educational
6.30, washed and dressed and then you went to your jobs all day. Jobs
equipment
(ranging
from
equipment
from
were things like cleaning, but most people
didn’t have(ranging
mops
so it
was
woodwork toto science
science kits)
kits)
woodwork
THE BESOM
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ourpast’
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AntonChekhov
Chekhov
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Daughters
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Schools.Another
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forunemployed
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thetownships
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workshops
around
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We would sew
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most prisons were
whichisissomething
somethingwe
wevalue
valuevery
verymuch.
much.
which
self-sufficient,
we would grow
most memorable
memorable projects
projects are
are ofof the
the ‘weird
‘weird and
and
Some ofof the
the most
Some
our
own
food.
wonderful’variety,
variety,like
likethe
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twoall
yak
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wonderful’
yak
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for
You could learn
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nomadtribe
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livinginin
a anomad
skills: I got my
Pakistan. Others
Others have
have
Pakistan.
Performers at one of OC’s Big Wednesdays soak up the applause
painters
and
been much
much closer
closer toto
been
decorators
inside. When
home. skills
There
home.
There
isis you went back to your cells, you just had to
staggering
need
in doing each other’s heads in. Every time I
need
sit staggering
there
with four
otherinbods,
developing countries,
countries,
developing
engaged
inwe
crime,
I knew
what I was facing and it always made me think
but we
are
also
but
are
also
twice.”
conscious
of
the
conscious
of
the
struggles inin UK
UK
struggles
communitiesand
andhave
have
communities
Only
Connect
working with William almost a decade ago.
been
happystarted
support
been
happy
totosupport
He’s
an
older
statesman
here. He’s first to sign up to any training and
different projects
projects all
all
different
over
the
country.
The
over
the
country.
The
development opportunities and he now has a stable job with us as our
Besom
channels
Besom
channels
Learn
to
Earn,
Cape
Townwomen
learning
tailoring
skills
Learn
toto
Earn,
Cape
Townwomen
learning
tailoring
skills
facilities
coordinator,
using his talents
keep
the
place
clean,
to
patch
us
money
towards
money
towards
up,rehabilitation
paint
us
and
keep
us
shipshape.
He
defines
our
positive
community
–
rehabilitation houses
houses
for the
theexperience
homeless,
sanctuaries
for
vulnerable
women,
youth
homeless,
for
vulnerable
women,
youth
hefor
uses
his
ofsanctuaries
going
straight
to keep
the younger
lads in
order
community
centres,
vocational
training
workshops,
specialised
community
centres,
and
is first to calm
down vocational
any
tensionstraining
over
the workshops,
dinner
table. specialised
health-carehomes
homesand
andfacilities
facilitiesfor
forthe
thedisabled,
disabled,and
andmany
manymore
more
health-care
projects.
projects.
William’s story is one
InAugust
August
2001,
partofofa asabbatical
sabbaticalfrom
fromwork,
work,we
wewent
wenttotoCape
Cape
asaspart
of In
so
many 2001,
that
Only
Townfor
fora afew
fewdays
daystotovisit
visitsome
some
Town
Connect has helped
existingand
andpotential
potentialprojects
projectsfor
for
existing
to
shape.
Theirs
The Besom.
Besom. We
We visited
visited five
five
The
projects, two
two ofof which
which had
had
projects,
is a difficult, often
previously been
been funded
funded through
through
previously
thankless task, working
The Besom
Besom and
and three
three ofof which
which
The
with people whose
werepotential
potentialbeneficiaries.
beneficiaries.The
The
were
highlight
of
our
trip
was
visiting
highlight
of
our
trip
was
visiting
aa
lives have been broken
care
home
for
children
in
Hout
care
home
for
children
in
Hout
over and over again.
Bayand
andtotosee
seethe
thebeds
bedsthat
thatThe
The
Bay
But then, that is what
Besom had
had funded.
funded. These
These beds
beds
Besom
had been
been delivered
delivered the
the week
week
had
makes their work so
Spitalfields
Crypt
Trust,
East
Londonlearning
woodwork
Spitalfields
Crypt
Trust,
East
Londonlearning
woodwork
before
our
trip
and
their
arrival
Members
at a popup supper
club
before
our
trip
and
their
arrival
special
skills - when lives are
skills
had caused
caused much
much excitement
excitement
had
transformed and their impact achieves
real change,
they can
safely say,
amongst
the home’s
home’s
volunteers
amongst
the
volunteers
and the
thehighs
children
themselves.
Embarrassingly
(and despite
despite our
our
and
children
Embarrassingly
despite
the
and themselves.
lows,
that it was
all worth it. (and
protestsand
andattempted
attemptedexplanations)
explanations)most
mostpeople
peopleseemed
seemedtotothink
think
protests
treatedwith
witheven
even
thatwe
wehad
hadpaid
paidfor
forthe
thebeds
bedsand
andthus
thuswe
wewere
weretreated
that
Recently,
money
given
through
The Besom
has
gone
towardshave
ahave
new
café
otherwise
been
morekindness
kindness
andgood
goodhumour
humour
thanwould
would
more
and
than
otherwise
been
the
case! initiative at Only Connect. The food-based social enterprise
and
restaurant
the
case!
hosts pop-up supper clubs for a paying audience that is organised, run,
Anotherhighlight
highlightwas
wasa avisit
visittotoa acommunity
communitychurch,
church,and
andagain
againwe
we
Another
and catered by those whom Onlywere
Connect
helped.
Throughout
were
ablehave
see first-hand
first-hand
the
able
toto see
the
the
project,
they
are
fruitsofofBesom
Besom
funding.We
Wemet
met
fruits
funding.
aa
groupofofsupported
peopleininthe
the
Khayelitsha
group
people
Khayelitsha
and
mentored
townshipwho
whoproudly
proudlyshowed
showedusus
township
chefs
and
hadbeen
beenpaid
paid
thenew
newby
vanprofessional
whichhad
the
van
which
are
encouraged
to
create
forthrough
throughThe
TheBesom.
Besom.We
Wesaw
sawitit
for
operation,
ferrying
people
inin operation,
ferrying
foods that
hold people
cultural
aroundand
andalso
alsotaking
taking
delivery
around
a adelivery
significance
for each
person.
bread
local
community
ofof bread
toto a a local
community
The
final
Wednesday
each
Another visit
visit was
wasoftoto
centre. Another
centre.
aa
shelter
in
central
Cape
Town.
The
shelter in
centralis Cape
Town. The
month
‘Big Wednesday’,
centreoffers
offersa athey
practical
response
practical
response
James
House,
Hout
Bay,
South
Africachildren
from centre
James
House,
Hout
Bay,
South
Africachildren
from
where
showcase
the
theneed
needtotododosomething
somethingabout
about
totothe
local
community
thethe
local
community
music,
film,
and
other
arts
streetchildren.
children.We
We
theplight
plightofofstreet
the
The chefs,
ex-offenders,
cooking
for eating
one of OC’sfacilities
dinners
sawonce
the
cooking
and
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centre
and
alsoworking
goods
have and
been
saw
the
cooking
and
eating
facilities
ininthey
the
also
goods
(bracelets
etc.)
made
thelocal
localpeople.
people.
bybycommunity,
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on.(bracelets
The ideaetc.)
is tomade
foster
develop the new skills of the
members,
and toall
increase
confidence,
as well
as widening
their
Experiencing
all these
thesetheir
places
for ourselves
ourselves
gave
greater
Experiencing
places
for
gave
usus a a greater
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Wemet
metmany
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insightinto
intofor
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incan
themake.
arts We
and
hospitality
insight
the
real
that
wonderful
peopleand
andthe
thetrip
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made
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impression
us.
wonderful
made
a alasting
impression
onon
sectors.
Giverspeople
through
The
Besom
have
funded
the starting-up
costs
ofus.
the
Giving through
through The
The Besom
Besom has
has had
had quite
quite anan impact
impact onon us,
us,
Giving
pop-up
dinners,
crockery,
cutlery,
linen, atables
and uniforms.
especially
forevery
every
project
wereceive
receive
adetailed
detailed
reportofof
especially
asasincluding
for
project
we
report
ourmoney
moneyhas
hasgone,
gone,accounting
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forevery
everypenny
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we
exactlywhere
whereour
exactly
give.These
Thesereports
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areoften
oftenvery
verymoving
movingand
andthought-provoking
thought-provoking
give.
theyprovide
providebackground
backgroundinformation
informationabout
aboutthe
thehardships
hardshipsand
and
asasthey
strugglesofofsosomany
manycommunities
communitiesaround
aroundthe
theworld,
world,and
andthe
thework
work
struggles
Angus
Boobbyer
charities
andgroups
groupswho
whoare
arededicated
dedicatedtotowalking
walkingthe
thelong
longroad
road
ofofcharities
and
alongside
them.
alongside
Besom Internthem.
WithJim
special
thanks
andTessa
Tessa to Niall Blake-Knox and the team at Only Connect
Jim and
I have been involved in a number of
Besom group time-giving projects
Salvation and the Silkworm: Feedback
over the pastMadagascar
six years, where I have
had
the privilege
of meeting so many
While one silk thread is strong, many woven
together
are stronger
(Malagasy Proverb)lovely people.I have enjoyed being part of a
Though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold
is not time-givers
quickly broken.and
team ofcord
fellow
(Ecclesiastes 4:12)
establishing close friendships
The invention of silk farming by the
Malagasy
amongst
us. people.
the best for many years,
puttin
freely.
In conversations
recipients
helping as team mem2008/2009.
one has the means
to get
them done. Onbetween
one job we
helped aand
ladythose
suffering
hidden deep within farms
this stunnin
oneher
cangarden,
begin to
comprehend
what it is like to be in their shoes. This
chicken
from a disabilitybers,
to clear
which
was very overgrown.
helps to dispel prejudices and misconceptions we may often hold. I have
primary sch
Coming
Together:
Regional
enjoyed getting to know
our recipients
whom weBesom
have helped,
some of Conferences
Bulawayo.
Over
the past
year,still
localinBesoms
across the UK have been meeting together difference to people in their city, made by professional support workers. Similarly
whom
I am
touchfrom
with.
Sam Hatfiel
to encourage and support one another towards their goal: helping members of their at Bedford, we had some testimonies from professionals explaining how Besom
this
local churches to get out into their communities amongst those in need. A number had helped their clients and the long-lasting and life-changing difference
2012/2013
a
of those who attended the regional conferences have shared their experiences: timely assistance had made. The Besom is, of course, all about helping people
I am also delighted that this response is from within
theandchurch
Ezra
to give
to give well, but it’s so good to hear the next bit of the story too
and and Ma
how
these
gifts
of
time,
money,
skills
and
things
genuinely
make
a
difference.’
‘The
Besoms
in
the
South
West
have
met
for
a
Regional
Conference
each
community. If our faith is to be real, it has to be practical.
year for the last 4 years’, reports Nesta of the Taunton Besom. ‘They consist
of The Besom in Taunton, The Besom in Bristol, The Besom in Purbeck, and Ian of The Besom in York informs us that, ‘around thirty delegates from The
mythical Empress Leizu is considered
Feedback Madagascar (FBM) has been working
Sheffield,
Ryedale
andthe
YorkZimbabwean
gathered in a meeting
The Besom in St Austell and we were pleased to meet again in Taunton last Wirral, Manchester, It
by many to represent the beginning of
in Madagascar since 1991. They seek to work with
isChurch
midday
and
sun
isroom
beating do
belonging
to
St
Chad’s
Sheffield
for
the
Northern
regional
conference.
October.
Each
regional
gathering
has
been
valued
by
all
as
a
means
of
getting
Chinese civilization. In the heat of the day,
the people at grass-roots level to alleviate poverty
Ezra’s
Mazda
pick-up may
truck
of thick
mud. The r
children
or grandchildren
wellout
be aware
of a series
to know each other and building a close relationship together while sharing Those with pre-school
I likesoThe
Besom
because
is very
the story
goes, Leizu
would it
wander
through income-generating activities, improving
challenges, testimonies, and concerns. Among the reports
from each Besom, we of children’s books titled ‘That’s not my… [dog, cat, dinosaur etc]’, where the
AFTER
BEFORE
about her
search ofwho
shade. have
Her
local stewardship of natural resources, advancing
impassable after a month of heavy rainfall. Alrea
practical;
it garden
puts inpeople
a
were
delighted
to
hear
news
of
Purbeck’s
proposed
warehouse,
which is nearing child is encouraged page by page to identify the toy through touch, sight, and
is hard
for of
some
husband,Life
the Yellow
Emperor
China,people, and the
the provision of education and promoting primary
Sheffield’s coordinator
Steve have
introduced
day’s as well
This large facility is the result of much prayer and the generous smell. As such, The Besom
chicken feed
gotthestuck,
trucksincarrying
need had
in aplanted
particular
area intrees
touch
many mulberry
therewith
health care. In 1997, a women’s community
We spent six completion.
hours
pruning,
weeding,
digging
borders,
laying
a
path
and
assistance
that
the
state
can
offer
is
provision of one of their regular time-givers. Taunton reported a growth in agenda, titled ‘That’s Not My Besom’. The meeting encouraged the delegates to
the would
Empress would
seek
the leafiest
group approached FBM to ask for assistance in
them out. Whilst the rains have brought chaos to th
thoseand
who
like to
help
out.
power-spraying
deckingand
andmembers
paths.ofThe
recipient
was amazed
time-givers
more
churches coming
on boardby
as what
well ashad
a big share, both individually and in groups, their experiences and begin to recognise
to sit beneath.
One day,
discoveredis a response to
re-establishing a home industry in silk weaving.
The growing silk industry is bringing hope to many otherwise
limited.
ThesheBesom
in farm
meetinglands
the objectives
Besom. Matopos
Each local Hills. T
in financial
support, enabling
them toshould
fund Starter
the newly
destitute families
life to the
of the ofremote
that her favourite tree provided hardly
Silk weaving, while traditional to the area,been
was allachievedincrease
and was
overwhelmed
that people
givePacks
theirfortime
so their strengths and weaknesses
our
hurting
world,
a
desire
to
do
Besom
is
managed
differently,
but
they
all
strive
to
meet
the
Besom
challenge
housed
(all
contents
being
bought
as
new).
Bristol
has
a
very
faithful
core-team
any shade at all, the leaves being full of holes. Walking a little further, she chose another
but destroyed during the Marxist regime between
the
best
for
many
years,
putting
an
end
to the dro
freely.
In
conversations
between
recipients
and
those
helping
as
team
memgive effectively
toup
thosethe
in need’.
and hopes to expand that. St Austell reported seeing growth in areas of giving of ‘equipping members of the local church to Ezra
tree; yet, on returning to it the following day, she found those
leaves had been
eaten too. OnThere are many
1973 and 1992 and it was this precious tradition
heads
chicken
something
practical.
Besom
teamwithin
were asked
complete a landscape,
questionnaire are relie
their to
collections
and growing
relationships
withbe
their
hidden
deep
thistostunning
begin
comprehend
what
it is like to
in local
theirreferral
shoes.agencies.
This In group sessions, each
bers,
the third day, Leizu took a cup of her favourite tea with her. It was harder still to find a tree
that the alliance sought to rebuild. Now,
theone can in
who
will
offer
and then Steve invited all to participate in a period
of open answers.
It became
experience
he gained
at Stream
with enough leaves to cast a little shade. On finally reaching
one,
she sat
downadvice,
and raisedbut not so many
women work in groups at the silk workshop
and to dispel prejudices and misconceptions we may often hold. I have
helps
ing
even
clearer
from
this
how
much
each
group
varied
in
meeting
their
objectives:
‘For
me’,
says
Gilly
of
The
Besom
in
Witney,
‘the
most
memorable
thing
about
her cup towards her lips, whereupon something fell fromwho
above into
tea. up
It looked
likesleeves and lend
are trained in all stages of the silk farming industry.
willherroll
their
Dick
region
–
mostly
women
–
who
getting
know our
recipients
whom
we these
havetouch
helped,
of - it was evident that measuring ‘success’ by comparison was not the way ahead,
the to
conference
is always
James’ talks
and how
peoplesome
so deeply
Ebe
a hard white nut but, as she watched, the outside, warmed by the tea, softened and yielded
Profit from sales of silk is re-invested enjoyed
into the
hence
‘That’s
Not
My
Besom’.
‘We
may
not
always
grow
in
the
way
we
expect’,
genuinely
breaking
hearts
for
the
poor
and
isolated
in
our
local
communities.*
It
a
hand.
The
Besom
in
Taunton
a strange yellow thread. Leizu put her finger in the cup and wound the thread around it. Tana has 7 children, none of whom can attend groups to enable the training of more women.
The I am still in touch with.
whom
Trai
also doesn’t matter how many times I hear a talk of that same theme - it speaks adds Becky, an intern with the York Besom, ‘but we are always growing’.
As she pulled, the thread got longer and longer, eventually stretching across the garden. school. Homeless and landless, she lives in programmes include informal training in primary
I
have
being
part
of
a
someone else’s
house.
Her enjoyed
father recently gave
to me once again and I hear something new every time. I remember from the
Looking back at the tree, Leizu saw that it was full of the hard white nuts – caterpillars her some land so she could participate in FBM’s health care, family planning, nutrition, vegetable
2007
conference held in York that there was a film shown about how Besom had made a *If you would like a recording of James’ talk, please email: [email protected]’
team of fellow time-givers
and
that, as the weeks went by, grew and began to spin the thread they produced. Leizu asked farming project
gardening, and
household financial management.
I am also delighted that this response is from within the church
the
FACE toand
Face:Hove
Funding the Future
An anchor to the soul - Emmaus in Brighton
her husband to plant some more mulberry trees so that she could domesticate the worms The opportunity for informal exchange at the training sessions and during production is
establishing close friendships
community. If our faith is to be real, it has to be practical.
that made these cocoons. By watching and learning from the silkworms, Leizu invented also valuable, as relationships are built within the community.
equi
the silk reel, which joins fine filaments into a thread strong enough for weaving, and a It was thisamongst
industry thatus.
first connected FBM and The Besom in 2004, when those who
“Since joining FACE to Face in September of last year, the training, support and space available have enabled me to develop my passion for food into a part-time
sma
loom for weaving fine garments, whose popularity spread throughout China and the world. gave purchased four spinning bowls and two milling machines that enabled the women
business.
I
never
imagined
that
I
would
be
where
I
am
today
and
so
soon
after
taking
those
first
steps.”
The story of Leizu ensured that the rearing of silkworms and silk weaving became important, to expand their rate of production. Since then, givers through The Besom and FBM
Stud
was founded in 1997 and
Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) wrote that ‘man without a purpose is like a ship with- The Emmaus at Brighton and Hove
even sacred, occupations for the women of China and these traditions have spread across have completed eight projects together, ranging from latrines for rural villages to the
FACE to Face runs a business training course and a sense of fear and powerlessness that threatens
as p
a rudder
– waif,
nothing,ofaa land
no registry
man.’office,
The charity Emmaus works with the offers a home to 47 men and
womenscheme,
for asaimed
long
as they
the globe, providing livelihoods for many. Nowhere is out
this precious
skill, passed
downa establishing
micro-finance
at enabling
Christian to overwhelm. Building the skills and courage to
the generations, more prized than in the remote villages of
Madagascar where,
despite and
the following
the recent not
National
who are eligible to
for benefits
or in40
low-paid face this painful process, therefore, is a crucial
tices
Britain
abroad, providing
only food and shelter, but a commu- require it. These companions women
are encouraged
commit
Life is hardhomeless
for
some in
people,
and
the
absence of electricity or running water, mothers and daughters are able to produce silk Land Tenure Reform Programme,
work to turn their skills and talents into a livelihood part of what goes on at FACE to Face. It’s a very
on
which
liveoffer
andthat
thrive,
meaningful
work. The Brighton and Hove hours of work each week in that
thecanvarious
social
assistance nity
that in
the
statetocan
is
products of extraordinary beauty.
issues alongside
private property
rights
support them
andenterprises
any family members rewarding part, too, for as stories are shared and
Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries, with
an externalisdebt
almost
through
individual or collective
land
dependent
them. FACE
to Face has
allow
Emmaus
of
24 3such
communities
in Britain.
Founded by the French MP and which help to maintain Emmaus.
Oneupon
of these
enterprises
is been things that were buried are brought into the light,
Besom isone
a ofresponse
to
limited. The
billion US dollars. 77% of the population are living on less than $1.25 a day and a US certificates. Alongside its partner
operating since 1999 and, over those sixteen years, the beginnings of belief that real change might be
monk,
Abbé
Pierre
Emmaus
began(lit.as‘Our
a means to alleviate the widespread the Café Revive, both a goodhaslocal
eaterie
and atakevaluable
learn
our hurting
world,
a desire
to1949,
do
Congress
report
places in
the
organisation,
NY Tanintsika
seen almost
1,000 women
the course. Many possible spread amongst the group, bringing with
infantThere
mortality
rate
at Land’),
working
to Abbé Pierre was approached by a
these have
gone vocation
on to take out
loan and start it excitement and hope.Ezra heads up the chicken farming side of Ebe
homelessness
and
despair
in FBM
Parisis currently
after the
war.
opportunity for companions tooflearn
a new
in acatersomethingcountry’s
practical.
are
many
over 5%. According to Natascha improve food security and nutrition
their own business; every one of those loans has “FACE to Face saved my life - literally. I was in
homeless
mannotnamed
Georges
aid. Instead, Abbé Pierre asked for ing and
hospitality.
There
is also
a substantial garden to be
Fun at
the beach on a FACE to Face
weekend away
who will offer
advice,acting
but
so many
experience
he gained
at Stream Farm). He has a ne
Paddison,
Deputy
amongst
800 asking
highly for
vulnerable
been successfully repaid and many of the resulting so much debt that I had
nothing left over
each
Representative
for
UNICEF,
‘the
households
within
twenty
rainforestand cared businesses
for and continue
a newtogreenhouse
which sells plants. The comthis day.
week after paying the region
interest on–themostly
outstanding
who will roll up their sleeves and lend Georges’ aid to build a new way of life for the poorDick
women – who produce chickens in
country’s health and education edge communities. As part of this
“It’s a place where you can receive encouragement in how to start a business (...) where amount. FACE to Face took up the matter with the
destitute.
heBesom
not an invisible refuge for the vulnerable but is firmmunity
a hand. systems are crumbling’, with programme,
The
inyouis
Taunton
200
they are Georges
committed tolater claimed, ‘Whatever else
can learn new skills and hear about other women’s experiences. It’s somewhere you bank and they froze the interest till I had repaid
The
Emmaus
flyer
few educated beyond primary supporting
beneficiaries’
access
to
might have given me – money, home, somewhere to ly situated
within
its locality.
The
new
renovations
to and
theyour
garcan bring
your children,
because the
course
is about
the whole of you
life, not what I owed. I got my life back.”
hom
rural land and land tenure and, as such,
school.
Madagascar’s
just
the
business
side
of
it.”
All of these
things
are assisted by the communitywork
–
I’d
have
still
tried
to
kill
myself
again.
What
I
den,
open
to
visitors,
should
help
to
further
this
solidarity
with
the
local
town.
Like
areas have suffered in particular they have recently partnered with
supp
Several courses take place each year, either as part of a residential weekend away (with driven nature of the course, coupling the many The Wheat Shop, displaying some of the fantastic
over the past half century. the NGO
with and
the aim
was‘Fiantso’
missing,
what he offered, was something to most other
Emmaus’s,
Brighton
and
Hove
has
a
long
tradition
in
the
upcycling
of
childcare provided onsite) or during weekly sessions in an easily-accessible community personal milestones with an atmosphere of products that were born at FACE to Face
chic
Between 1970 and 1995, a of establishing two land registry
space,crockery,
such as a school
or church.
Follow-up sessions
take place
at the
FACE to Faceis ongoing
mutual
support: “We support one another,
live
for’.
Georges
became
the
first
‘companion’
in
what
furniture,
toys
and
clothes.
However,
their
Emporium
also
a
treasure
mixture of poor governance, a offices in the Ikongo district to help Soarimanana and her husband were cheated out of their coffee
Eben
warehouse in Battersea. Those attending can then meet some of those already running whereas on many business courses you finish and go your own separate ways. The women
weak regulatory environment, vulnerable
smallholders
gain landofplantation
remains
the model
life at
anfieldsinvitation
to trove of
vintage
postcards,
unique
jewellery
and
old
records.
and Emmaus,
had to sell their rice
for fear of them being
businesses, try out the commercial kitchen, office and work spaces available and get a here nurture one another and come alongside each other.”
nece
stolen
too.
For a
them,
FBM’swithassistance with
land tenure
rights is a at Brighton and Hove was founded in 1997 and
The
Emmaus
Thomas Carlyle
wrote
without
a
purpose
is
like
ship
and the(1795-1881)
inaccessibility of
rural that
tenure‘man
certification.
sense of all that goes on there before they make the decision to go forward with taking Since September, there have been two courses – one residential and one local – out of
Zafirambe and her children outside their family house, completely made
a
community
of
people
on
the
road
to
live
as
part
of
matter of life and
death
communities
that per-a no
Likeman.’
the silkworm,
whose Chinese
inte
out of banana leaves, with no door or flooring
out a rudder
– waif, meant
a nothing,
The charity
Emmaus works with the offers a home to 47 out
men
and
long as they
a loan
and women
setting theirfor
first as
business
which have come two new groups that meet regularly at the warehouse to chat, pray,
capita income fell by 40%, while name is
a homonym for ‘twine’,
Feedback
Madagascar
is shown
to becommunity
founded upon an
transformation,
whilst
working
within
that
a
key
part
of
the
Creative
re-use
of
donated
goods
also
forms
goals. The courses
themselves are always
support one another, and repay their loans. The businesses themselves range from mobile
glea
homeless
Britain
providing
not proverb:
only food
and shelter,
but a commurequire
it. These companions
are encouraged
to commit 40
the population doubled. Despite vast recovery
since theinopening
up and
of the abroad,
governmental
old Malagasy
by standing
with the vulnerable
at the grass-roots,
their conviction
a lot of fun – fullmerchandise
of chat and laughter
child-care
to hummus,
hairdressing and beauty products to party-planning. A third course
to
make
it
self-supporting.
on
sale.
The
greenhouse
shop
includes
many
beauregime in 1991, the population remains
incredibly
poor. to
85%
of and
those thrive,
living below
is that, ‘while
one silk thread
strong,Brighton
many woven
together
Withwork
the each week in the various social enterprises
nity
in which
live
alongside
meaningful
work.is The
and
Hoveare stronger’.
hours of
Beso
and the beginnings of new friendships,
will have just kicked off by the time this prints, held at a church in Brixton – an easy
Abbe Pierre,
tiful
objects
made
by
companions
from
apparently
useless
and
the poverty line live in these rural areas, surviving on subsistence
farming.1912-2007
Half of the help of those who stand with her people, Madagascar may yet prove a land of complete
as Emmaus.
well as challenges,
teaching,
access point for mums from a number of nearby schools.
Emmaus
is oneareofyoung
24 such
in Britain. Founded by the French MP and which help to maintain
One of
thesestories
enterprises is
Face
population are under fifteen and among the
most vulnerable
womencommunities
and girls, transformation.
in
a
of encouragement broken
from those donated
who have items. This newfound creative expression
“I left school at 15
years
old, unable to read or write. A few years on, plagued by debt and
who have little opportunity to work andmonk,
so are forced
prostitution
and begging
to
Abbéinto
Pierre
in 1949,
Emmaus
began as a means to alleviate the widespread the Café Revive, bothgone
a before,
goodand
local
eaterie
and
a valuable
chic
much
discussion
as new
withto
no money
management,
I signed up to a FACE to Face course. Everything started to
Homelessness
is
common
safe
and
rehabilitative
environment
seems
almost
work
as
a
obtain enough money to feed themselves and their families. The recent political turmoil Ollyin
Peelthe UK. A casual walker down a city street does not
homelessness
and despair
in Paris
after the
war. Abbé Pierre was approached by a opportunity for companions
to learn
new
in caterattendees grapple
withathe
stepsvocation
ahead.
shift. I was challenged to cut back in several areas of life. My debts became manageable
Bula
has only served to perpetuate the vicious cycle of povertyneed
that is enslaving
sofar
manyto
of find
the Besom
Intern begging or sleeping rough. We live in a society
to
look
somebody
metaphor
for
the
transformation
found
at
Emmaus.
Lives
conThe
teaching
focuses
mainly
on
and
I
paid
off
a
credit
card
I’d
tried
to
pay
off
for
five
years.
One
day
my
business
started
homeless man named Georges asking for aid. Instead, Abbé Pierre asked for ing and hospitality. There is also a substantial garden to be
confidence-buildingsidered
and the
basic
to transform:
which has not changed
since
theway
days
Blake,
wandered
by so many are allowed to develop
intopeople
thatbegan calling and e-mailing me. I have had to make a waiting list
Georges’so
aidmuch
to build
a new
of of
lifeWilliam
for the poor
andwhocared
for and a new greenhouse
sellsworthless
plants.
principles forwhich
managing
finances, The comand even turn customers away due to high demand! If numbers continue to flourish, I’m
‘thro’ every chartered
street’,
and ‘mark
in every ‘Whatever
face I meetelse
marks
weakness,
ofthatcharacter
which circumstance can sometimes
destitute.
Georges
later claimed,
he ofmunity
refuge
for
the
vulnerable
but is firmis not an invisible
producing
skills
andfullness
frameworks
help
going to have deny.
to employ someone to help me with all the work.”
Lunchtime
for
the
kids
at
the
weekend
away
to
turn
the
goal
of
having
a
small
business
Givers
through
The Besom have supported several aspects of FACE to Face over the last
The
Emmaus
flyer
people
living
inhome,
hostels
or
housing;
howof woe’. About
000given
Therenovations
ethos at Emmaus,
then, is holistic and realistic.
might43,
have
me
– money,
somewhere
toassessing
ly situated
within its locality. The new
to the gardo are
work
in me and
through
me,sheltered
but also in
what
con‘We have 2 small groups, totalling 40 people,marks
studying
into an accessible and achievable process.
few years, including buying all the computer equipment being used by the women to
sumes
myto
thoughts
and
how
this
how Iopen
live. SLJ
Simplicity Love and Justice. One Sunday morning
a number
ever, this
does– not
include
people
who
unable
to overflows
find
work
I’d have
still
tried
kill are
myself
again.
Whataccommodation.
I inden,
to visitors, For
should
helpthetoyears,
further
this solidarity
the
town.
Likeand make their marketing materials and build their websites.
many over
the stand-out
feature of thewith
course
has local
been the
assistance
completely changed my understanding of the word “simplicimonth, we have been talking and groaning and wrestling
A creative
silk scarf
in The
Emporium,
Emmaus
encouragement
theydisplay
have
received
asathey
tackle
their personal
and household
finances.
Homelessness
can
bemissing,
caused and
by several
differing
factors,
including to
unemployment,
was
what
he
offered,
was
most other Emmaus’s,
Brighton
and
Hove
has
long
tradition
in the
upcycling
of Joanna Blake
ty”’. (Group
in South
Westsomething
London)
with the scriptures and thoughts in the book. Together
we
Unmanaged
debt
and
spending,
combined
with
uncertain
income,
so
often
bring
with
them
Besom Intern
have learned so much about each other and people have
An anchor to the soul - Emmaus in Brighton and Hove
Simplicity, Love & Justice
debt and mentallive
illness.
in Blake’s
day,the
‘thefirst
youthful
harlot’inand
‘the furniture,
hapless solfor’. As
Georges
became
‘companion’
what
crockery, toys and clothes. However, their Emporium is also a treasure
‘I think it is tackling very important themes and, although I
been far more honest and vulnerable than before. Some
givingunique
money
through
remains
the model
ofvictim
lifedreaded
attoEmmaus,
invitation
trove
ofliving
vintage
postcards,
jewellery
andThe
old Besom
records.have paid for the refurbishment of a
returning from
war can
also fall
homelessness.
For those
thea Those
rather
it in casean
it just
made
metofeel living
bad foron
of us have just started to meet together to sharedier’
what our
Western lifestyle,
it has helped
meroad
lookto
at aspects of my life halfway house in the Emmaus grounds. This small cottage will provide a home for
finances really look like. I never dreamt I could do this!’
ofapart
people
on the
of a community
street, each day live
can as
be part
a struggle
to
from
and
shelter,
it
thatsurvive;
need clearing
up.
It’s sofinding
easy to food
slip into
habits
of doing
(Group in Essex)
To commemorate
Besom’s
2012,
we produced
apart
compilation
companions
outside
of25th
thebirthday
main inEmmaus
house
still
transformation,
whilst
working
within
that
community
a keybut
of within
theof thethe community
re-use
of
donated
goods
also
forms
things
justfor
because
we do,
this course
has helped
me the
reas- twoCreative
is not uncommon
people
to and
freeze
to death
during
sess what’s important and what isn’t, I can see things clearer and merchandise
‘I’ve loved the Simplicity, Love & Justice course. My
articles
on Emmaus
theon
back
page
of thegreenhouse
newsletter,
James Odgers.
This
book
will
to makewinter,
it self-supporting.
sale.
The
shopbycompanions
includes
many
beaucare
that
provides.
Thesewritten
two
will
be encouraged
to renornow
is itasrare
fortoalive
homeless
person
toinface
physical
I strive
a simpler life’.
(Group
Hampshire)
homegroup has just finished the course and it has chalbe
updated
shortly,
to
include
all
recent
articles
up
to
the
current
issue.
Abbemore
Pierre,
1912-2007
tiful objects
made by
companions
apparently
uselesswith
and the idea of either
lenged and stretched us to be so much
purposeful
into society
outside
of the from
Emmaus
community,
violence. InMany
addition,
the homeless are subjected to an integrate
‘I know of no other publication where the right questions are consistently asked and
small groups and congregations have been using our
rather than living on autopilot.’ (Group in West London)
broken
donated
This newfound
creative expression
a
out ofitems.
the community,
or remaining
in a state ofinsemi-independence.
moving
almost dailybooklet
ostracism
from
the depth
rest of
society,
leading
to slowly
to discuss
in more
issues
of poverty
and comanswers offered concerning the salient issues facing humanity and society today.
munity.
Following
acity
thirdstreet
reprint
in March
year,isolation
copies are Some
‘SLJ has helped me to re-evaluate Homelessness
how I spend my time,
is common in the UK.
A casualand
walker
down a distress.
does
notthis
safe
and articles
rehabilitative
seems
to work
a
companions
mayasnever
able
movealmost
away
from
theasEmmaus
community.
Odgers’
serve
a environment
call tobe
arms,
an to
education
and
an enlightenment.
Talking
isolation
emotional
Loneliness
and
available.
Please
email:
[email protected]
both in slowing down and in creating
space
for
God
to
need to look far to find somebody begging or sleeping rough. We live in a society
metaphor for the transformation found at Emmaus. Lives con-
Talking Issues
can lead to depression, anger, a sense of worthlessness and
which has not changed so much since the days of William Blake, who wandered
resentment or simply a profound pessimism.
‘thro’ every chartered street’, and ‘mark in every face I meet marks of weakness,
Painting from Blake’s
marks of woe’. About 43, 000 people are living in hostels or sheltered housing; howpoem, ‘London’
ever, this number does not include people who are unable to find accommodation.
What matters
far more
onthose
thiswho
journey
is the sense
and purpose that
Issues is a ‘must
read’ for
have a conscience
aboutof
theself-esteem
life we are living.’
worthless
byPlease
so many
are
allowed
to develop
into that
Copiesregained.
are available.
email:
[email protected]
has sidered
been
Carlyle
continued,
‘having
a purpose
in life …, throw such
fullness
of
character
which
circumstance
can
sometimes
deny.
strength of mind and muscle into your work as God has given you’.
The ethos
Amanda
Bell at Emmaus, then, is holistic and realistic.
Other Resources Are Available
[email protected]