A free exhibition which commemorates humanitarian service given by The Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers is coming to Holy Trinity Church Hall in Ayr this Saturday.

The Exhibition records the history of humanitarian relief and peace work undertaken by the Quakers, from the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840’s, their role in both the First and Second World Wars, through to modern day working with local partners in supporting peace and reconciliation initiatives at home and across the world.

Kate Gulliver from Ayrshire Quakers explained that as a result of their beliefs many Quakers were conscientious objectors during the war years. Others provided humanitarian relief and it was as a result of their efforts, Quakers were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

“An important element of Quaker Faith is the Peace Declaration of 1661 which led to a tradition of large scale humanitarian relief work dating as far back as Ireland's Great Famine in the 1840s and the Franco-Prussian War of1870-71. Many Quakers were amongst those who registered as conscientious objectors during the two world wars. This resulted in imprisonment and harsh custodial sentences for some during WW1, whilst others formed the Friends Ambulance Unit (FAU) which provided medical support to troops in the battlefields and hospital ships in France and Belgium.” “During the Second World War, over 1300 members, including many women, served with FAU across Europe. The Friends Relief Overseas Service also worked in Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp at the point of liberation in 1945.” “Immediately following the end of the war, Quakers also provided support to Displaced Persons at threat of being returned to Iron Curtain countries against their will, as well as assisting displaced persons in Palestine and Africa. It was as a result of this relief work during the Second World War that the Quakers received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947. ” The exhibition, hosted by Ayrshire Quakers, is open to the public this Saturday (11 October) in Holy Trinity Church Hall, Fullarton Street, Ayr between 2:00 and 4:00 pm and free cup of tea or coffee will be available to all visitors.

Ayrshire Quakers hold regular meetings for worship. Further information is available at www.quakerscotland.org