CHAIRS (A note from Ruth)

When not in use in the meeting room, chairs are stored on the landin.: Bob Ward very sensibly pointed out that during the summer while there are no lecture courses taking place we don't need to keep so many chairs upstairs, so I have put the plastic chairs away under the stairs and taken down most of the heavier blue ones to use downstairs. With two stacks in the big Meeting Room as usual, this leaves about 10 –15 on the landing which is much more manageable and we can get at the tables and cupboards more easily.

But please make sure you only stack like with like, and never more than five high, otherwise they get jammed.

FURNITURE ARRANGEMENT FOR MEETING

In recent times attendance at Meeting for Worship has varied between less than ten to almost thirty. We all welcome the fact that the Meeting can provide a spiritual home to so many, including long-standing members, attenders and occasional visitors. However, we need to consider how best to accommodate to fluctuations in numbers. After a discussion at Meeting on 13 Feb I was asked to put some ideas on the web site, hopefully reflecting the views expressed on that occasion. I must stress that this is not intended as a prescription, but only some thoughts to bear in mind.

It was suggested that we maintain the broad layout of a large oval of chairs, with a space at the door end of the room. This oval should be as close to the wall opposite the door as is convenient in order to make maximum use of the space around the door. The area outside the oval and around the door should have some additional chairs. Many members of the Meeting prefer to sit outside the oval occasionally, and it means that late comers and visitors can slip into the Meeting without feeling that they are disturbing those who have arrived earlier and are already partly ‘centred down'.

It was recognised that members of the Meeting often have personal preferences regarding where they sit and what kind of chair they use. With this in mind, try to distribute the different kinds of chair around the room so that people have a choice. Also, try to allow a reasonable space between chairs of about 18" so that members do not feel crowded.

I hope I have reflected the views expressed at the Meeting accurately, but if anyone has further thoughts on the subject, do let me know or bring it up at a Business Meeting.

Let us give thanks that the Meeting can provide a welcoming worship environment to so many.

Clive Ashwin