Here is the final installment of the short 2-part video series produced by Humanists UK. Speakers discuss the role of Humanism in public debate and the importance of secularism in creating a fairer society for all.
Includes interviews with Richard Dawkins, A C Grayling, Tim Minchin, Andrew Copson, Polly Toynbee, Rumi Hassan, Philip Pullman, and Zoe Margolis.
An article by Tony Akkermans
November 2020
Last month I turned 80. Other milestones have made an impact before but this one was different. When hitting the 60 or 70 count it is possible to pretend that you are still in late middle age but the 80 mark puts a stop to all that. Now the hard fact is staring you in the face; you are old. And with the sobriquet ‘old’, thoughts inevitably turn to the dark at the end of the tunnel. My son wrote an amusing poem for the occasion, highlighting aspects of my life but it also contained the line: “So eight decades down and still ticking but enduring ever more humour about bucket kicking”.
Continue reading “Reflections in old age”Here is part 1 of a short 2-part video series produced by Humanists UK where a series of engaging speakers explore different aspects of Humanism. We’ll post part 2 in a week or so…
Includes interviews with Richard Dawkins, A C Grayling, Tim Minchin, Andrew Copson, Polly Toynbee, Rumi Hassan, Philip Pullman, and Zoe Margolis.
An article by David Flory
October 2020
I grew up in a loving, safe and privileged family. I have very fond memories of my childhood and I am very grateful to my parents and siblings for the environment that they, we, created at home.
I feel it important to stress this at the start and also to stress that I still have an excellent relationship with all members of my family and that I value those relationships and do all I can to keep them close and positive.
I should also state that I am a humanist – factually I am an atheist although that somehow feels a little more radical as a term and so I prefer Humanist.
Continue reading “Growing up in a Vicarage”Joan and Tony Mason, founding members of the Ludlow and Marches Humanists group, have kindly donated a copy of the book Last Rights: The Case for Assisted Dying, which seeks to spark a grown-up conversation about dying in the UK. Learn more about the book in this profile from the Dignity in Dying website.
Written by Sarah Wootton and Lloyd Riley, this book has become part of the library for Ludlow and Marches Humanists. Sarah is Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying and daughter of our member Seonaid Wootton. Sarah was due to be our speaker in April but sadly Covid-19 intervened. Hopefully Sarah will be able to come to Ludlow at some future date.
The Little Book of Humanism by Humanists UK President, Alice Roberts and Chief Executive, Andrew Copson has topped the book sales charts in its first week to become a Sunday Times bestseller. Learn more about the book in this profile from the Humanists UK website.
Dear Fellow Humanists,
Your committee met on Saturday 5th September to discuss our future in this world of Covid-19. You may recall that our last meeting was on 18th February 2020 and the ensuing lockdown has prevented further meetings, including our AGM which was scheduled for May.
We had hoped to resume meetings with an AGM and speaker in September. The rules, as we understand them, mean that there is a limit of 30 people allowed with two metre social distancing and face masks to be warn. This means that the maximum number allowed in the Quaker Meeting House is nine. Clearly this is a nonstarter and members of the committee will investigate possible alternative venues. Therefore there will be no meeting in September and unless an alternative suitable venue can be found, or the regulations are relaxed, we will plan on resuming our meetings in March 2021.
The present committee of David Trotter – Chairman, Malcolm Rochefort – Vice Chairman, David Flory – Secretary, Juliet Trotter – Treasurer, Jano Rochefort – Membership and Frances Lloyd – Newsletter, are willing to carry on until we are able to hold an AGM. Mike Radford resigned earlier this year. If any member wishes to volunteer to replace Mike please tell me. Secondly if any member objects to the committee continuing please tell me.
Our finances are quite sound and we have not banked the cheques received for 2020 subscriptions which will be destroyed, and direct donations for this year refunded.
Sadly I have to report the death of two valued members, Chris Neal, the wildlife lover with the raptor sanctuary on Clee Hill; and Pam Cusack’s companion, blues/jazz music fan and engineer Maurice Arnold. They will both be missed.
If there is anything further to report I will let you know. In the meantime I wish you all health and happiness in these difficult times. If any member needs any help or assistance please tell me.
Best wishes
David Trotter 10th September 2020
PS. As you will know the new government law limiting meeting numbers to six means there is now no prospect of us resuming meetings for the foreseeable future. DT.
