NATIONAL Quaker Week takes place between September 29 and October 5 and Tavistock's Quakers are holding an open viewing morning at their meeting house between 10am to noon on Friday, October 5.

Quakers are determinedly non-evangelical so you can be sure no-one will try to convert you or persuade you but members of the local Tavistock meeting will do their best to answer any questions.

A spokesman for Tavistock Quakers said: 'If you go along you'll find them a mixed bunch. They have no creeds, so each Quaker you talk to will have slightly different beliefs. There are Christian Quakers, Buddhist Quakers, Jewish Quakers, agnostic Quakers and even a few who claim to be atheist Quakers. However, Quakerism has its roots firmly in Christianity, having broken away from what they saw as a corrupt church in the 16th century.

'This historical rebellion against church structure, along with a commitment to equality, has led them to having no ministers or other form of hierarchy, with the belief that ordinary people don't need paid professionals to act as go betweens linking them and God.

'The Quakers' Sunday meetings are held in simple surroundings and are mainly silent, with Quaker prayer being more about listening to God rather than talking or singing.'

He said Quakers had a strong commitment to social reform which has led them to campaign vigorously on issues such as peace, economic and social justice and sustainability.

Tavistock's Quakers have a diversity of reasons as to why they are drawn to this particular faith group.

Alan said: 'I'm a Quaker because I believe in the Light within and that God (whatever each of us means by that) can speak to us in the silence.'

Wendy said: 'I'm a Quaker because I feel accepted for who I am,' and Di said: "I'm a Quaker because in the stillness silence speaks to me.'

The Quaker's meeting house is in Canal Road — all welcome to come along on October 5.