So here I am, investigating the Quaker testimony of simplicity at the wonderful Woodbrooke study centre. I am deep in interviews and books and writing and research. I am also deep in peace and goodwill and greenery. So here is a quirky tour by photograph…

* The beautiful sculpture of a Quaker Meeting by Peter Peri. *

* On the first evening we held a Meeting for Worship and vigil to uphold those in parliament who were making the decision about the renewal of Trident. We sat in a circle and these candles formed a centre and focus. *

* The terrace alongside the garden lounge at night – there are wonderful words of wisdom etched on the windows and doors of the garden lounge. *

    

* I don’t have to worry about missing my cat too much… *

* The rose arch looks even better in the dark. *

* A Friend-in-Residence allowed me to photograph her emerging flower arrangement. *

* Wow! Looking back at the main building in thirty degrees of sunshine and flower meadow. *

* The anti-torture garden has a beautiful statue, and wirework… *

    

* …with flowers winding through. *

* The walled garden is full of vegetables, and fruit, and herbs, and… nasturtiums.  Three watering cans make an imaginative water cascade. *

    

* I met a member of the gardening team carefully clipping the Cloud Hedge.  There are so many beautiful trees – even a dead branch brings beauty. *

    

* Stepping stones across the stream – exploring the woodland beyond the lake. *

* Word Labyrinth in the Garden Lounge. There is a grass version you can walk outside. *

© Anne de Gruchy with thanks to Woodbrooke