The 3 North London Area Meetings Gathering Group are planning a one day event in May/June 2026 to continue the theme of 'Building Quaker Communities of hope, inclusivity and resilience' and are booking an April 2027 event at High Leigh with the surplus funds from the 2025 gathering. This is to keep some essential community building work going with our known and loved neighbours whilst new structures are forming.
Forty two North East Thames and North London Friends gathered at the High Leigh Conference Centre from 1st to 3rd March 2024. The theme of the event was “What should our response, as Quakers, be to the Climate Crisis?”
Quaker climate activists Rajan Naidu and Arne Springorum helped us think through our personal and collective responses to the emergency.
An annual weekend at High Leigh began in the early 1960’s as an opportunity for the adults within Ratcliff and Barking Monthly Meeting to enjoy a stimulating weekend led by a prominent Friend as a Speaker.
High Leigh has strong Quaker roots as the main house and gardens were once owned by Robert Barclay, a member of one of the Quaker families who helped to establish Barclays Bank.
It has proved an enjoyable place to stay over the years with the grounds in particular providing a lot of pleasure, especially for the children who all enjoy exploring the nooks and crannies and climbing the many trees.