Stafford

In the late 17^th century Quakers, were meeting in the Stafford area in private dwelling houses and later in a Meeting House that predated our present one, which was built in 1730. Apart from brief periods when the meetings were moved to other locations for convenience, Quakers have been worshipping at the Stafford Meeting House since its construction in 1730.

To read a touching story of how Quakers in Stafford and Uttoxeter were saved from a brutal gaoler click here.

Quakers share an approach to life, not a set of beliefs, and so do not seek to convert anyone. If you would like to see if the Quaker way may suit you, you are very welcome to attend one of our Meetings for Worship. You can find out more about the Quaker way and our Meetings for Worship on our Home Page and in About Quakers.

Every Sunday from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., followed by fair-trade tea / coffee.

Wednesdays (for 20mins starting with a 2 min introduction) on the following dates:

Children's Class. Provision is made for children every Sunday, and there is a specific Children's Meeting on the fourth Sunday of the month. Contact Joan Gripton (Tel..01543 322345) for details.

Special Events. Occasionally we organise outings when many of us go out together for the day for a walk in the country or to somewhere of special interest. Our most recent outing was to Dolgellau where we had a very enjoyable and enriching day exploring the history of early Quakers in Wales. See "Our Trip To Dolgellau" for further detail and photos.

Sometimes we organise talks and workshops that are of interest not only to Quakers but also members of the general public. Recently we were fortunate enough to have a very special guest speaker, Laura Shipler Chico from Kenya who lead a workshop on "Holding Leaders to Account: Sustainability and Nonviolent Social change in Kenya."

Enquiries. Contact Robert Horton (Tel..01889 881345), or write to: Stafford Quakers, Foregate Street, Stafford ST16 2PX

Bookings. To book the Meeting House please ring the booking clerk on 01785 255173

Location. The Meeting House (Friends MH on the map below) is on the right-hand side of Foregate Street (A34) when approaching from Stafford town centre. It is about 100 metres past the Gaol Square roundabout and just before the pelican crossing

Parking. Limited parking at the Meeting House, other parking nearby, but be aware that the free car park opposite the Meeting House (i.e. by Wickes DIY store) is limited to 2 hours maximum, after which cars are wheel clamped. Gaol Road long-stay car park (see map) is £4 up to 6pm and free thereafter and all day Sunday.

From the south or east take the Queensway to the Gaol Square roundabout (north of the town centre). Go two-thirds of the way around the roundabout and head north towards Stone on the A34. The Meeting House is about 100 metres on the right. If the MH car park is full proceed through the pedestrian traffic lights to the next set of lights (by Halfords) and turn left, then right at the roundabout. You should then be able to find an on-street parking spot. (NB. The car parks by Wickes and Lidl are short stay parks that use wheel clamps). If you cannot find a parking spot return to the Gaol Square roundabout and turn first left into Goal Road where you will find a long-stay car park on the left after about 100 metres.

From the west (A518), turn left at the traffic light just over the railway bridge. Go past the railway station, then turn right at the first mini-island and left at the next. Go straight across the next roundabout and in about 300 metres you get to the Gaol Square roundabout. Turn left onto the A34 heading north towards Stone and the Meeting House is 100 metres ahead on the right. (the directions from here are the same as above).

From the north (A34), the Meeting House is on the left about 100 metres after the traffic lights by Halfords.

From Stafford town centre head north along the pedestrianised main street (i.e. past M&S on your right) towards Gaol Square. Cross over the roundabout and into Foregate Street (A34 to Stone). The Meeting House is about another 100 metres on the right.