Matthew Barrow
@matthewbarrow.bsky.social
Quaker, Writer and Librarian. Author of The Price, a science fiction novel about inequality and revolution (not as heavy as it sounds). Available from all good bookshops!
https://troubador.co.uk/bookshop/sci-fi/the-price
https://troubador.co.uk/bookshop/sci-fi/the-price
Pinned
Matthew Barrow
@matthewbarrow.bsky.social
· Nov 21
My first novel, The Price, came out in 2024. Details below and reviews on Goodreads and Netgalley!
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
A Quaker who recently completed a 700-mile climate pilgrimage has said that continued commitment to “No New Oil" is all that matters in the face of a 26-month sentence.
Quaker’s stand for “No New Oil” continues despite harsh JSO sentence
A Quaker who recently completed a 700-mile climate pilgrimage has said that continued commitment to “No New Oil” is all that matters in the face of a 26-month sentence.
www.quaker.org.uk
December 9, 2025 at 3:49 PM
A Quaker who recently completed a 700-mile climate pilgrimage has said that continued commitment to “No New Oil" is all that matters in the face of a 26-month sentence.
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
Solidarity with @pcsunion.bsky.social workers at the British Library.
300 workers on strike. Some of them having to take second jobs or taking out loans just to be able to survive.
A Pay "award" below inflation is a pay cut. Unacceptable.
Solidarity - and keep organising! ✊🏼
300 workers on strike. Some of them having to take second jobs or taking out loans just to be able to survive.
A Pay "award" below inflation is a pay cut. Unacceptable.
Solidarity - and keep organising! ✊🏼
November 7, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Solidarity with @pcsunion.bsky.social workers at the British Library.
300 workers on strike. Some of them having to take second jobs or taking out loans just to be able to survive.
A Pay "award" below inflation is a pay cut. Unacceptable.
Solidarity - and keep organising! ✊🏼
300 workers on strike. Some of them having to take second jobs or taking out loans just to be able to survive.
A Pay "award" below inflation is a pay cut. Unacceptable.
Solidarity - and keep organising! ✊🏼
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
We are supporting our Member Churches and partner organisations in the call to prayer for peace in the Middle East on Sunday, 21 September 2025
@churchesengland.bsky.social General Secretary Bishop @mikearoyal.bsky.social explains...
More info at: cte.org.uk/middle-east-peace/
#PrayTogether
@churchesengland.bsky.social General Secretary Bishop @mikearoyal.bsky.social explains...
More info at: cte.org.uk/middle-east-peace/
#PrayTogether
September 2, 2025 at 4:13 PM
We are supporting our Member Churches and partner organisations in the call to prayer for peace in the Middle East on Sunday, 21 September 2025
@churchesengland.bsky.social General Secretary Bishop @mikearoyal.bsky.social explains...
More info at: cte.org.uk/middle-east-peace/
#PrayTogether
@churchesengland.bsky.social General Secretary Bishop @mikearoyal.bsky.social explains...
More info at: cte.org.uk/middle-east-peace/
#PrayTogether
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
Yuri stared up at the second floor window, watching as a shadow passed behind it. Would Katya know him anymore? He'd been away ten years. He remained frozen. "You getting out?" asked the driver. Pulled from his reverie, Yuri settled into his seat. "Take me to the hotel," he said.
July 12, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Yuri stared up at the second floor window, watching as a shadow passed behind it. Would Katya know him anymore? He'd been away ten years. He remained frozen. "You getting out?" asked the driver. Pulled from his reverie, Yuri settled into his seat. "Take me to the hotel," he said.
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
Out now
Mid-faith Crisis 336: Cynicism and how to avoid it
We talk cynics, sceptics and assorted doubters. What is it that pushes us towards cynicism? How can we remain open to the possibilities of prayer? How does still play... https://nickpage.net/2025/07/12/out-now-midfaith-crisis-cynicism.html
Mid-faith Crisis 336: Cynicism and how to avoid it
We talk cynics, sceptics and assorted doubters. What is it that pushes us towards cynicism? How can we remain open to the possibilities of prayer? How does still play... https://nickpage.net/2025/07/12/out-now-midfaith-crisis-cynicism.html
July 12, 2025 at 5:31 AM
Out now
Mid-faith Crisis 336: Cynicism and how to avoid it
We talk cynics, sceptics and assorted doubters. What is it that pushes us towards cynicism? How can we remain open to the possibilities of prayer? How does still play... https://nickpage.net/2025/07/12/out-now-midfaith-crisis-cynicism.html
Mid-faith Crisis 336: Cynicism and how to avoid it
We talk cynics, sceptics and assorted doubters. What is it that pushes us towards cynicism? How can we remain open to the possibilities of prayer? How does still play... https://nickpage.net/2025/07/12/out-now-midfaith-crisis-cynicism.html
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
“I see the problem.”
“Yeah?”
“This is Maple Street.”
“Isn’t that what it says?”
“You want Maple AVENUE.”
“Sorry, I’m covering for Dan.”
“Is Dan okay?”
“Shingles.”
“That’s a shame.”
“I’m Jill, by the way.”
“Where are my manners, I’m Ted.”
“Nice to meet you, Ted.”
“You too, Jill.”
“Yeah?”
“This is Maple Street.”
“Isn’t that what it says?”
“You want Maple AVENUE.”
“Sorry, I’m covering for Dan.”
“Is Dan okay?”
“Shingles.”
“That’s a shame.”
“I’m Jill, by the way.”
“Where are my manners, I’m Ted.”
“Nice to meet you, Ted.”
“You too, Jill.”
July 7, 2025 at 3:03 PM
“I see the problem.”
“Yeah?”
“This is Maple Street.”
“Isn’t that what it says?”
“You want Maple AVENUE.”
“Sorry, I’m covering for Dan.”
“Is Dan okay?”
“Shingles.”
“That’s a shame.”
“I’m Jill, by the way.”
“Where are my manners, I’m Ted.”
“Nice to meet you, Ted.”
“You too, Jill.”
“Yeah?”
“This is Maple Street.”
“Isn’t that what it says?”
“You want Maple AVENUE.”
“Sorry, I’m covering for Dan.”
“Is Dan okay?”
“Shingles.”
“That’s a shame.”
“I’m Jill, by the way.”
“Where are my manners, I’m Ted.”
“Nice to meet you, Ted.”
“You too, Jill.”
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
As we watch with horror the latest escalation in the Middle East between Israel and Iran, we call upon all parties to remember that war is not inevitable.
We urge the UK government to honour its commitment to work towards de-escalation and peace in the region.
www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
We urge the UK government to honour its commitment to work towards de-escalation and peace in the region.
www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
Quaker statement on the escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran
As we watch with horror the latest escalation of conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran, we call upon all parties to remember that war is not inevitable. At every stage there is opportuni...
www.quaker.org.uk
June 17, 2025 at 3:30 PM
As we watch with horror the latest escalation in the Middle East between Israel and Iran, we call upon all parties to remember that war is not inevitable.
We urge the UK government to honour its commitment to work towards de-escalation and peace in the region.
www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
We urge the UK government to honour its commitment to work towards de-escalation and peace in the region.
www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
“It centres me for the week.”
Ann shares what Quaker meetings for worship mean to her.
Ann shares what Quaker meetings for worship mean to her.
May 9, 2025 at 3:42 PM
“It centres me for the week.”
Ann shares what Quaker meetings for worship mean to her.
Ann shares what Quaker meetings for worship mean to her.
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
We need bold leadership. Now.
That's why I'm running to be the next leader of the Green Party.
Join our campaign: backzack.com
#BackZack
That's why I'm running to be the next leader of the Green Party.
Join our campaign: backzack.com
#BackZack
May 5, 2025 at 5:50 AM
We need bold leadership. Now.
That's why I'm running to be the next leader of the Green Party.
Join our campaign: backzack.com
#BackZack
That's why I'm running to be the next leader of the Green Party.
Join our campaign: backzack.com
#BackZack
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
Yearly Meeting, the annual gathering of Quakers in Britain, is coming up soon. We'll be coming together and discerning the way ahead for our faith community in Britain.
Here's what it's all about youtu.be/kL9rugx31ho
Here's what it's all about youtu.be/kL9rugx31ho
Yearly Meeting Explained
YouTube video by Quakers in Britain
youtu.be
May 2, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Yearly Meeting, the annual gathering of Quakers in Britain, is coming up soon. We'll be coming together and discerning the way ahead for our faith community in Britain.
Here's what it's all about youtu.be/kL9rugx31ho
Here's what it's all about youtu.be/kL9rugx31ho
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
We know that there are many trans and non-binary Friends who may be feeling sad, angry or deeply worried following yesterday’s Supreme Court judgment.
Remember that each one of you is unique, precious and a child of God. 🏳️⚧️
Remember that each one of you is unique, precious and a child of God. 🏳️⚧️
April 17, 2025 at 1:36 PM
We know that there are many trans and non-binary Friends who may be feeling sad, angry or deeply worried following yesterday’s Supreme Court judgment.
Remember that each one of you is unique, precious and a child of God. 🏳️⚧️
Remember that each one of you is unique, precious and a child of God. 🏳️⚧️
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
This is the most important thing you will read/watch today - no, this year! Carole Cadwalladr reminding us, yet again, that the broligarchy are data rapists who must be resisted. Immense courage 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
Speaking truth to tech gods: I return to TED
Six years ago I was sued for libel. This time, I call Silicon Valley collaborators and data rapists. What could possibly go wrong?
open.substack.com
April 10, 2025 at 10:39 PM
This is the most important thing you will read/watch today - no, this year! Carole Cadwalladr reminding us, yet again, that the broligarchy are data rapists who must be resisted. Immense courage 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
amazing how the cyber attack on the British Library still means that all recently published work (and that's a definition that stretches back several years) is completely unavailable to researchers, since they only acquired ebooks and that system is still down
April 7, 2025 at 11:47 AM
amazing how the cyber attack on the British Library still means that all recently published work (and that's a definition that stretches back several years) is completely unavailable to researchers, since they only acquired ebooks and that system is still down
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
Over 350 people joined a meeting for worship outside Scotland Yard today, with 25 more meetings held nationwide and online.
"This is about the kind of country, the kind of world, we want to live in... We need laws that enable participation rather than suppress it." www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
"This is about the kind of country, the kind of world, we want to live in... We need laws that enable participation rather than suppress it." www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
Silent but not subdued: Quakers hold vigil at Scotland Yard
A silent Quaker Meeting was held outside New Scotland Yard on Thursday, to bear witness to the police raid on Westminster Meeting House last week.
www.quaker.org.uk
April 3, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Over 350 people joined a meeting for worship outside Scotland Yard today, with 25 more meetings held nationwide and online.
"This is about the kind of country, the kind of world, we want to live in... We need laws that enable participation rather than suppress it." www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
"This is about the kind of country, the kind of world, we want to live in... We need laws that enable participation rather than suppress it." www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
People talking and peacefully demonstrating is not a threat to society; but stopping them is. www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
Quakers call for rights to be restored after police raid on Westminster Meeting House
The police raid on Westminster Quaker meeting house last Thursday was a massively disproportionate response to the legitimate concerns of UK citizens.
www.quaker.org.uk
April 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM
People talking and peacefully demonstrating is not a threat to society; but stopping them is. www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
Join Quakers on Thursday at a meeting for worship outside New Scotland Yard, 12-1pm 🪧
Join us in responding to police aggression with love and peace 🙏🕊️
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scotland-y...
Join us in responding to police aggression with love and peace 🙏🕊️
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scotland-y...
April 1, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Join Quakers on Thursday at a meeting for worship outside New Scotland Yard, 12-1pm 🪧
Join us in responding to police aggression with love and peace 🙏🕊️
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scotland-y...
Join us in responding to police aggression with love and peace 🙏🕊️
Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scotland-y...
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
Tony Judt again (talking talking to @timothysnyder.bsky.social in 2009.
"Intellectuals don't ask if something is
right or wrong, but whether a policy is efficient or inefficient. They don't ask
if a measure is good or bad, but whether or not it improves productivity...
"Intellectuals don't ask if something is
right or wrong, but whether a policy is efficient or inefficient. They don't ask
if a measure is good or bad, but whether or not it improves productivity...
March 30, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Tony Judt again (talking talking to @timothysnyder.bsky.social in 2009.
"Intellectuals don't ask if something is
right or wrong, but whether a policy is efficient or inefficient. They don't ask
if a measure is good or bad, but whether or not it improves productivity...
"Intellectuals don't ask if something is
right or wrong, but whether a policy is efficient or inefficient. They don't ask
if a measure is good or bad, but whether or not it improves productivity...
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
The Home Secretary downplays "heavy-handed policing," including Friday's Quaker Meeting House raid. But the government could end this by repealing Public Order Act 2023 and parts of Policing Act 2022. Time 45.30 👇https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0029k8y/sunday-with-laura-kuenssberg-30032025
March 30, 2025 at 9:55 AM
The Home Secretary downplays "heavy-handed policing," including Friday's Quaker Meeting House raid. But the government could end this by repealing Public Order Act 2023 and parts of Policing Act 2022. Time 45.30 👇https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0029k8y/sunday-with-laura-kuenssberg-30032025
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
You think the arbitrary arrest of political dissenters cannot happen in the UK? It already does. www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
Quakers condemn police raid on Westminster Meeting House
Police broke into a Quaker Meeting House last night (27 March) and arrested six young people holding a meeting over concerns for the climate and Gaza.
www.quaker.org.uk
March 29, 2025 at 7:39 AM
You think the arbitrary arrest of political dissenters cannot happen in the UK? It already does. www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
🚨 Outrage as 20 police officers break into Westminster Quaker Meeting House and arrest six. 🚨
This shocking violation of a place of worship is a direct result of crackdowns on protest and dissent - freedom of speech, assembly and democracy are at risk.🕊️
👉 www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
This shocking violation of a place of worship is a direct result of crackdowns on protest and dissent - freedom of speech, assembly and democracy are at risk.🕊️
👉 www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
Quakers condemn police raid on Westminster Meeting House
Police broke into a Quaker Meeting House last night (27 March) and arrested six young people holding a meeting over concerns for the climate and Gaza.
www.quaker.org.uk
March 28, 2025 at 4:50 PM
🚨 Outrage as 20 police officers break into Westminster Quaker Meeting House and arrest six. 🚨
This shocking violation of a place of worship is a direct result of crackdowns on protest and dissent - freedom of speech, assembly and democracy are at risk.🕊️
👉 www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
This shocking violation of a place of worship is a direct result of crackdowns on protest and dissent - freedom of speech, assembly and democracy are at risk.🕊️
👉 www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-eve...
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing badly. Beth Montague-Hellen, author of Practical Tips for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in Libraries @facetpublishing & argues the fine lines and red lines of EDI. www.cilip.org.uk/news/696519/...
If it’s worth doing, it’s worth
doing badly
There are no perfect ways to improve EDI. Beth Montague-Hellen, author of Practical Tips for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Libraries discusses the fine
lines and red lines.
www.cilip.org.uk
March 26, 2025 at 12:40 PM
If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing badly. Beth Montague-Hellen, author of Practical Tips for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in Libraries @facetpublishing & argues the fine lines and red lines of EDI. www.cilip.org.uk/news/696519/...
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
Recordings from the #RLUK25 Conference are now available to view at bit.ly/RLUKconf or on our Youtube Channel bit.ly/RLUK-YT
🧵
🧵
March 26, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Recordings from the #RLUK25 Conference are now available to view at bit.ly/RLUKconf or on our Youtube Channel bit.ly/RLUK-YT
🧵
🧵
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
President Trump's executive order to eliminate the Institute of Museum & Library Services would have disastrous effects for communities nationwide. We call on all Americans who value reading & learning to reach out to their elected leaders.
Read ALA's full response: www.ala.org/news/2025/03...
Read ALA's full response: www.ala.org/news/2025/03...
March 15, 2025 at 6:26 PM
President Trump's executive order to eliminate the Institute of Museum & Library Services would have disastrous effects for communities nationwide. We call on all Americans who value reading & learning to reach out to their elected leaders.
Read ALA's full response: www.ala.org/news/2025/03...
Read ALA's full response: www.ala.org/news/2025/03...
Reposted by Matthew Barrow
Midfaith Crisis 322: I would like to be your spiritual Stacey Solomon: https://nickpage.micro.blog/2025/03/09/midfaith-crisis-i-would-like.html
March 13, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Midfaith Crisis 322: I would like to be your spiritual Stacey Solomon: https://nickpage.micro.blog/2025/03/09/midfaith-crisis-i-would-like.html