A play evoking the life of the first woman Quaker preacher will be performed in Skipton as part of a week of events in which Quakers share their convictions, beliefs and practices with the public.

Elizabeth Hooton joined Quakers in her middle years but still had time in her life to confront Cromwell and Charles II and to cross the Atlantic several times. In common with many non-conformists of the time she also spent a lot of time in prison and was persecuted for her beliefs.

In the play “Lover of Souls”, Lyn Morris brings this remarkable, radical woman to life and a performance will be gioven in the town’s 17th century Meeting House - off Newmarket Street - on Tuesday at 7.30pm.

Admittance is free but donations are invited for Medical Aid to Palestine.

Other events include a coffee morning on Saturday from 10am and noon where Quakers will offer hospitality and home made cakes and there will be displays on the work of three members of Skipton Quakers who are currently involved in humanitarian work overseas.

“You can find out what makes Quakers tick,” said organiser Tony Tate. “But don't worry that we will try to convert you. Quakers believe that every person has their own individual path to truth.”

The final event is a poetry evening called “Only Connect”, which takes place next Thursday, October 6, at 7.30pm. People are invited to bring along and read a poem that has moved them and changed their view of the world.

“Quakers have a wide range of ways of interpreting their experience and we want to look at the many kinds of things that could be interpreted as being spiritual,” said Mr Tate. “We are advised to be open to new light, wherever it may come from.”

Meanwhile Settle Quakers are inviting everyone to two anniversary events in their Meeting House on Kirkgate.

The 50th anniversary of Amnesty International will be marked on Sunday with a freedom talk and walk from 2pm to 4.45pm. It will follow a detailed map left by a young Quaker, John Coakley Lettsom, who worked in Settle in the 1760s and went on to play a key part in the abolition of the slave trade.

Then, on Tuesday, at 7.30pm, the 400th anniversary of the King James’ Bible will be celebrated with a talk by David Olver on “George Fox and the Bible”.