Restoring the Centre
France Yearly Meeting undertook the project because it is keen to continue the important historical and Quaker heritage of the area.
In 2003 we were able to purchase the property thanks to a very generous private loan. A regular Quaker Meeting for Worship was established at this time.
By the summer of 2004 sufficient funds were collected for a major refurbishment and re-conversion from a private dwelling to a Meeting House fit for the 21st century. The main structure was sound but considerable work was still needed.
It proceeded in three stages:
Stage 1
Services needed
renovation. Additionally a large airy Meeting Room was constructed downstairs and a new internal staircase that complies with
modern building regulations. The
kitchen was refurbished with the help of a team of volunteers.
Stage 2
In 2007 a warden/resident Friend’s flatlet, guest
rooms and new sanitary facilities have been completed upstairs. As
well as extra bedrooms to generate an income there is relaxing space for
small group discussions.
Stage 3
An outside summer kitchen and shower complex is being established. This will
enable the garden to be used for camping and effectively give an outside
extra room – not a problem given the very mild climate in the south of
France!
Richard Thompson has written to many BYM meetings, and he can visit meetings in the UK to talk about Maison Quaker. If you would like him to come give a talk at your meeting . A Powerpoint presentation about the Maison Quaker can be downloaded here.