Quakers often talk about living adventurously, and from 28 – 30 August 2024, a group of five intrepid cyclists from Friends’ will undertake a pilgrimage on two wheels of 250 miles, a mile for each year the school has been in existence.
Principal Stephen Moore will be joined by Ralph Mercer, Mark Gillespie, Rob Lewis and James Sinton, all parents of pupils currently at school. Indeed, James and Mark have long-standing connections with school as they are also Old Scholars of Friends’.
The team will embark on a journey which will pay homage to the school’s first headmaster, John Gough, and which will embrace the school’s Quaker heritage and the values and principles that have shaped it for two and a half centuries. As well as marking 250 years of Friends’ School, 2024 is the 400th anniversary of the birth of George Fox, the founder of the Quaker movement. On the day before they set off, the team will take time to visit some of the well-known sites associated with Fox, including Brigflatts Meeting House and the site known as Fox’s pulpit at Firbank Fell.
The Route
On day one of the cycle, the group will leave from Kendal, the town of John Gough’s birth. They will depart from Kendal Meeting House, where the Gough family were members, and will head south before crossing the Irish Sea. Day two of the cycle will begin in Dublin where John Gough spent 24 years as master of the Friends’ School, before heading north on a route which would have been used by Quaker travellers in the 18th century, stopping off at Bessbrook and ending in Moyallon. Day three will take in the Meeting Houses at Lurgan and Hillsborough before returning to Lisburn, with teachers and pupils joining the team along the way on a final procession back to school.
Renowned Artist Aly Harte Commissioned for Exclusive Limited Edition Print Celebrating Friends’ School’s 250th Year
Celebrated local artist and Friends’ School Lisburn Old Scholar, Aly Harte, has been selected to create a special limited-edition print capturing the school’s picturesque grounds. This exclusive print release commemorates the school’s significant 250th-year anniversary, with only 250 prints available, making it a truly unique and collectible piece.
To secure your copy of this extraordinary artwork, you can now pre-order through the sign-up form provided below. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of Friends’ School’s history, beautifully captured through the artistic lens of Aly Harte.
Explore our history through the pages of a new coffee table book.
Friends’ School Lisburn is proud to present a comprehensive historical book that traces the school’s remarkable 250-year journey. This publication, written by Philip Orr, a former teacher at Friends’, places the school’s story within a broader historical context while paying tribute to the individuals who have played a significant role in shaping its legacy.
The book provides a unique opportunity to delve into the evolution of Friends’ School and its steadfast commitment to Quaker values. Readers will gain insights into the school’s foundational principles, its growth and development, and the countless lives it has touched throughout its rich history.
For those interested in securing a copy of this landmark publication, you can make a purchase by visiting the online shop or clicking here.
On Thursday 18th April we hosted “An Afternoon with Friends” and welcomed over 50 former colleagues back to school.
The atmosphere at the event was nothing short of electric, filled with an overwhelming sense of warmth and nostalgia as we came together to reminisce about the countless cherished memories that have woven the intricate tapestry of our school’s history.
For those of you eager to dive deeper into our plans for the anniversary year, we encourage you to explore the option of subscribing to our commemorative coffee table book or marking your connection to Friends’ by purchasing a brick for the Old Scholars walk.
Commemorative coffee table book – purchase here
Buy a Brick – purchase here
In a remarkable display of community spirit and generosity, the “Buy a Brick” campaign has successfully raised £55,750, with 228 bricks sponsored for the Old Scholars’ Walk. Phase one of this initiative officially concluded on 1st June 2024, marking a significant milestone in the FSL250 campaign.
The “Buy a Brick” campaign invited parents, Old Scholars, staff and the wider Lisburn community to contribute towards our FSL250 Legacy projects by purchasing a brick to be laid in the Old Scholars’ Walk. Each brick represents a vital step towards achieving our long-term goals, ensuring that future generations benefit from our collective efforts.
“We are delighted with the response to our campaign and the incredible support we have received from the Friends’ community.” said Principal Stephen Moore. “The funds raised will go a long way towards helping us deliver our legacy projects, which I know will enhance the experience of our pupils and help them to enjoy our outdoor spaces. I would like to pass on my thanks to everyone who participated.”
The FSL250 Legacy projects encompass two initiatives: The Legacy Trail and the Performance Space, both of which will enable pupils to enjoy our school grounds and which will promote their physical and mental wellbeing.
We invite everyone to the Friends’ Family Festival on Saturday, 7 September 2024, an event which will include the official opening of the legacy projects and will provide an opportunity for supporters to see their bricks on the Old Scholars’ Walk.
Tickets for the festival can be purchased here.
Thank you once again to all of those who supported the Buy a Brick initiative!