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March 2019
Calming Relaxation Weekend
A weekend of deep relaxation using meditation, Reiki or reflexology, yoga and massage to improve your wellbeing.
Find out more »April 2019
Godly Play Weekend
Time and space to reflect and explore, through the media of story, wondering, creative resources and silence. Trained spiritual direction available. Mary and Rachel are both trainers for Godly Play UK. For further details, contact Mary on cooper.mary@blueyonder.co.uk
Find out more »May 2019
Pray with the birds
Jesus told his followers to 'look at the birds' and learn about God's love by seeing how they are provided for. This retreat combines quiet Christian worship and biblical reflections about birds with gentle walks around Shepherds Dene to spot and identify singing birds. Mark has over 20 yearsÕ experience as a bird guide and 15 years of running birdwatching retreats. He is currently writing a book about birds in the Bible.
Find out more »Knitting and Crochet retreat
Come along for a chat and crafting, times of quiet and worship. There will be a swap-shop, rummage bin and informal skills-sharing. Early booking advised. Elizabeth is a popular and experienced workshop and retreat leader and her current ministry is as a hospital chaplain.
Find out more »June 2019
Exploring the second half of life: Tools, Tasks and Stories.
The second half of life is rich with potential for discovery, growth and integration. In this weekend workshop, we will explore the experience of living in the second half of life, drawing on tools, tasks and stories which will help us to open up this area to deeper reflection and possibly lead to action and change. There will be opportunities for reflection, conversation, journalling and the sharing of stories and experiences. A favourite quotation of Peter’s is from Jung: ‘All…
Find out more »In the Steps of St Cuthbert
This retreat will focus on Cuthbert and how his example helps when we are living “on the edge” or seeking to journey with God. There will be opportunities to use art and photography to ‘see the light’. Please bring your cameras along if you wish. Includes trips to Holy Island and Durham. David was Bishop of Huntingdon until Autumn 2018 and Steve is an experienced priest-photographer who has used photography extensively in retreats.
Find out more »Clergy Spouses silent retreat
A chance for spouses of clergy to rest, reflect, worship and pray together on this silent retreat.
Find out more »Cross stitch
The 24th year for this popular creative cross stitch course. Suitable for beginners and the more experienced, this is a great opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive and relaxing atmosphere. To book, please e-mail Barbara: barbatwoodlands@hotmail.co.uk
Find out more »July 2019
Revisiting the Miracles
Some people believe them, some avoid them and some say they don't matter. But the miracles featured prominently in Jesus life. In discerning the differences between them, we may be able to see how they nurture rather than confuse our faith. Time TBC
Find out more »Art Week with Alan Reed
A chance to spend a relaxing week painting and drawing in and around the grounds of Shepherds Dene. This year, professional local artist Alan Reed and his wife, Susan, will be in residence to give helpful advice and to support the week through prayer for those who wish to attend.
Find out more »August 2019
A Week in the Country: Houses and Gardens of the North East.
Join us on a relaxing week exploring houses and gardens in the North East of England. Visit Wallington House, Bowes Museum and the magnificent garden and water feature at the Alnwick Garden. Revd Dr. Sue Wilson will act as chaplain for the group.
Find out more »Rest and Relax
Another opportunity to join this popular weekend. Indulge yourself in a range of activities designed to take away the strain and stress, in the beautiful surroundings of Shepherds Dene.
Find out more »September 2019
Autumn Ramble
A chance to join a 6-8 mile gentle ramble around the countryside immediately surrounding Shepherds Dene. Starting with a bacon butty at 9am, we will stop for a short eucharist before a packed lunch, and finish back at Shepherds Dene for afternoon tea.
Find out more »October 2019
Time Wisdom – Quiet Day
"Time management" is big business. This day is for those who want to gain a theological and spiritual perspective on time. We will look at what it means to be "busy" and how to prioritise amid the contested demands of ministry. Michael served as Dean in Sheffield and Durham Cathedrals before retiring in 2015. He has been a theological educator, a canon residentiary, and a parish priest in the Diocese of Newcastle. He lives with his wife in Northumberland and…
Find out more »Knitting and Crochet retreat
Come along for a chat and crafting, times of quiet and worship. There will be a swap-shop, rummage bin and informal skills-sharing. Early booking advised. Elizabeth is a popular and experienced workshop and retreat leader and her current ministry is as a hospital chaplain.
Find out more »Autumn Retreat – ‘Let the Rivers Flow – finding ways to thrive when things feel dry.’
We all experience arid patches in our life. These are not just moments of crisis but times when everyday life can feel hard, the going tough and our faith all too perfunctory. Looking back at these can sometimes be moments of real growth, even though at the time they were not easy to experience. It would be crass to suggest there are simple solutions or easy escape routes but maybe some reflections are worth having in our personal survival toolkits. This retreat will…
Find out more »Our Events Programme can be downloaded here but you can also request a brochure and we will send it to you by post.