The Quaker community in Tavistock is inviting anyone who lives in the area to pop in for an informal coffee and chat.

The invitation comes during the national Quakers Week from Tuesday, September 29, where residents are warmly welcome to find out more about who the Quakers are, what they do and what they believe.

A group spokesman said: “Quakerism is more than just turning up on a Sunday or Wednesday, it is how one lives one’s life. Seeking to be kind, thoughtful and living your best life in as many ways a possible. We are not pious, strict or dour. We enjoy ourselves, laugh and happily meet up in the pub. We also re-think our book of advice and guidance every 30 years or so as we learn more, so as to continue our efforts to be inclusive.

“Anyone who wants to know more can speak to a Quaker you know or they will be warmly welcomed if they pop in to the Meeting house on Canal Road on Sundays at 10am, or Wednesdays at midday, where a mid-week meeting is only 30 minutes, and give us a try. We always socialise with tea, coffee and biscuits at the end of worship. We don’t evangelise so you won’t be expected to ‘convert’.

“Quakers are always striving for equality. Women were always considered equal to men. Although initially involved in the slave trade, they were active in the abolition movement. They were the first religious organisation to allow same sex marriage and, today, accept members from all faiths and none. We believe there is something of God or the Light in everyone. We go along with the view of loving the person not the behaviour. “

Quakers have been around for about 400 years. Quakerism was based on Christianity, which at the time was the only religion in Britain, but Quakers were seen as heretics because they believed people had direct access to God and did not need priests or set dogma. Many were imprisoned for their beliefs, the most famous of whom was George Fox, one of the founders. He travelled around the Country and spent time imprisoned in the Doomsdale at Launceston Castle.

Quakers are famous for their Peace Testimony, but are also active economically with many companies created by Quakers, such as chocolate makers Fry, Cadbury, Rountree and Terry’s, and shoe makers Clarks. The companies were ahead of their time in treating workers well and providing homes and education.

Prison reformer, Elizabeth Fry, was a Quaker who travelled worldwide preaching and reforming. Quakers continue working for nature, the environment and supporting struggling people. Many charities, such as Oxfam, were initiated by Quakers.

Members other aims are to live simply promote equality, justice and truth. Quakers come from all faiths and no faiths.

Interesting facts about the movement include the Quaker Oats company not being funded by Quakers, the charity Save the Children was not founded by Quakers (as assumed) and the country which is home to the most Quakers is Kenya, with 32% of all Quakers worldwide.