EXETER Quakers will celebrate a very special 400th birthday on Saturday, June 1.

This one is free and for everyone, with 400 flags, free lunch, birthday cake and cream teas, in the Quaker Peace Garden and Meeting House, Wynard’s Lane, EX2 4HU.

“It is for all ages” says Laura Conyngham, local organiser, “to find out about us, the way we have fun, worship and work in the world.  

“There will be parachute games for children at 12 noon, followed by lunch at 12.30pm and a bug hunt in the Peace garden at 1pm.

Adults can try out a 15-minute Meeting for Worship upstairs at 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm or 3pm or downstairs at 4pm.”

“A talk and workshop, ‘Quakers and Mental Health, past, present and future’ will be at 2pm, singing at 3.30pm and circle dancing at 4.30pm.”

“Follow the bunting to find us.”  

George Fox, the founder of Quakers, was born in 1624 in Fenny Drayton, Leicestershire.

During the Civil War he walked around the country challenging the established church and proclaiming that each of us can find God/the Light within ourselves, if we listen. 

He came to Exeter in 1656 and held a Meeting for Worship here.

There are now 13 Quaker Meetings throughout Devon. Members and guests will be invited to sing “Happy Birthday, dear George,” for his 400th birthday.