By Pip, Year 12
I had the pleasure of being asked to participate in the Southern Quaker Schools' George Fox Pilgrimage, also commonly known as the Foxtrot. At first, I was both intrigued and apprehensive as to what I had signed up for, but it ended up being one of the most enjoyable and informative weekend escapades of my life.
The Foxtrot itself is a pilgrimage, that is to say, less of a boring walk to and fro, but a walk across the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside and the Lake District in the steps of George Fox, with the aim of seeing many sights relevant to the early 'Seekers' (Quakers) who sought the 'inner light'.
The day commenced early with Mr. Ruddle, Elinor, and myself prepared for a 6:00am departure from Sidcot School on a journey north. We first met up with the Quaker schools that had flown over from Ireland (Friends School Lisburn in Northern Ireland and Newton School Waterford from the Republic of Ireland) and soon made friends. As we shopped for the coming few days, both sensations of excitement and tiredness started to creep in as we imagined what the following adventure ahead would hold. After Sibford and Leighton Park Schools arrived to pick us up, we soon became equated with our fellow pilgrims, all of whom were lovely people and amazing friends to walk such a momentous yet humbling event with. Our first stop that afternoon found us in the town of Clitheroe, more specifically, the Friends Meeting House, where we were briefed on the history of Quakerism before heading off towards our first spiritual destination, Pendle Hill. It was up this hill George Fox had his first revolutionary vision of what he describes as 'Seekers' dressed in white (a Vision which would end up to be true) and remarked on how he could see all the way to the Irish sea, although for us, our tremendous view was only a few feet in front of our noses due to the thick cloud that had perched itself on top of the 600 meter high hill. Nevertheless, we powered up and reached the top, victorious, and had another discussion followed by a small moment of silence and reflection. The climb and following evening activities were a great way to get to know each other, along with a very memorable song about George Fox, which all of us found ourselves singing for the rest of the trip and beyond!
Our second day started with a drive to Briggflatts Meeting house - one of the oldest in the world constructed just a few years after the Quaker movement began, built near the site of the first Quaker burial ground. It was a beautiful building to explore and very calming to be in the middle of the countryside with nothing around for miles bar the sheep and dry-stone walling. Following this, we drove to Firbank Fell, where we visited the very aptly named Fox's Pulpit. Here, George Fox gave his first ministry to a crowd of over 1000, where he noticed his foreseen people in white - the shepherds. "Let your life speak", a very profound motto that was first said at the Rocky Pulpit, which Sidcot School and many other Quaker schools proudly take in their stride. We then travelled to the town of Kendall, where we were fortunate enough to see the Quaker tapestry. The tapestry is a great example of important events and pieces of knowledge being passed down visually over an incredible piece of embroidery, and even the unique 'Quaker Stitch', which appeared here for the first time. We were able to explore the town of Kendal, where Elinor and I discovered the now-ruined Kendal Castle, positioned proudly on the neighbouring hilltop. After a very full day, another evening of fun and Quaker learning followed.
Our final morning did not start on a sombre note; we were all excited to round up what had been a marvellous pilgrimage. First on our agenda was the Swarthmore Meeting House, the only Meeting House funded and briefly owned by George Fox himself! There we had an hour-long Meeting for Worship, which ended up being incredibly peaceful and relaxing. Many of us were tired from previous days' travel, so it acted as both a spiritual break and an opportunity for some to recharge their batteries, while others shared their valuable insights throughout. After the Meeting for Worship had ended, we explored the burial ground and amazingly green and biodiverse gardens before hugging our newly made friends goodbye as the Quaker Schools from Ireland and those in the south of England departed home, unfortunately missing our visit to Swarthmore Hall. It was a long journey home, but made shorter by the newly-made lifelong friends around us, singing, exchanging photographs and conversing about the action-packed pilgrimage we had all just enjoyed.
I would definitely recommend the Foxtrot to anyone; all of us who went from Sidcot and the other schools loved it. Whether you want to learn more about Quakerism, want to meet some of the nicest people or enjoy the beautiful Cumbrian Countryside. Thank you so much to Mr Ruddle for taking Elinor and myself from Sidcot, and also to Barley and Zoë for running the Pilgrimage!
