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October 2016
Using Humour and Story-telling to share our Christian Faith with Canon John Sinclair
Why not join us for an inspiring couple of days with Canon John Sincliar, as he explores how we can share our faith using humour and story-telling? The course begins at 5pm on Monday 3rd October and ends after lunch on Weds 5th October and includes all meals, coffee, tea and our celebrated cakes and biscuits! The price is £149 (and we can offer a hardship bursary - please contact the warden, Jane Easterbyto discuss this further). John is Redidentiary…
Find out more »Coming Home to Ourselves: the challenge of Christian Meditation in a confusing world
Bridget Hewitt leads this day, which will focus on Christian meditation: we will think about the context of our lives in today's world and how the prayer of silence may help to restore a sense of harmony in life that often feels out of control. Christian meditation has been the backdrop of Bridget's life for the past 25 years and she is particularly interested in the contemplative tradition within Christianity. No previous experience of silent prayer is necessary - we are…
Find out more »November 2016
Christmas Study Day a
A day aimed at those working with young children. Ruth has spent many years exploring and sharing meaningful ways of celebrating Christmas.
Find out more »Light in the Shadow of Bereavement – Sharing the Journey
Time and space to remember, reflect and share; time for YOU and time to relax - an opportunity to meet other bereaved people in a beautiful and peaceful setting. There will be optional opportunities to be creative and to join in worship. Suitable for those who have been bereaved for six months or longer. Revd Janet Jackson is an Anglican priest and retired hospice Chaplain; Irene Mothersill is a retired hospice bereavement services coordinator and practitioner.
Find out more »December 2016
Regional Gathering for Retired Clergy
An opportunity to meet with our Bishop and Archdeacon, to listen, discuss, question, worship and eat together. If you can't make one date, book in with your diary for another. A formal invitation will be sent as the date approaches. Tues 29 Nov 11.00am - 2.00pm Alnwick: St Michael's Hall Tues 6 Dec 11.00am - 2.00pm Shepherds Dene Thurs 15 Dec 11.00am - 2.00pm at Church House in Percy Main
Find out more »February 2017
Following the Green Heart of the Snowdrop
{title:linked} In this retreat, we will look at what is green and growing in our hearts as the earth re-awakens. We will spend silent time with earth air wind and fire, using the elemental outside spaces and the warmth of the house. You may bring your own creative materials eg paints, writing etc. There will be time in the Chapel which will be Celtic, contemplative and embodied. Tess is an Anglican priest and writer of prayers and liturgies, including her…
Find out more »Felt Labyrinth-Making day
Explore the spirituality of the Labyrinth by walking the Shepherds Dene Labyrinth with Miranda and make your own felt labyrinth. Materials provided Miranda is Area Dean and Vicar of St Mary Magdelene, Belmont and St Laurence, Pittington.
Find out more »Clergy reading week
A week to catch up with your reading and preparation, to take time in a quiet space to become refreshed, revitalised and renewed. This week is aimed at working and retired clergy.
Find out more »March 2017
Quiet Fridays in Lent
Revd Lesley Chapman Adviser for Spirituality, Newcastle Diocese £20 day or £95 for all 6
Find out more »‘Lent through Hymns and their Authors’ – Silent Lent Retreat
John Packer has been an honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Newcastle since retiring as Bishop of Ripon and Leeds in 2014. He writes, ‘Hymns are an underrated spiritual resource in the church. We sing them frequently and have our favourites, but rarely pay close attention to their origin and what they are saying. In this week we will explore, sing and pray through hymns often sung in Lent, to renew our own spirituality through their message and the…
Find out more »Quiet Fridays in Lent
Revd Canon Vince Fenton Area Dean, Stanhope Deanery £20 day or £95 for all 6
Find out more »Refreshing Preaching Day
Stuck in a preaching rut? Lost for words? Feeling stale? This is your solution: a day designed to refresh, inspire and renew your preaching. Revd Dr Kate Bruce is Deputy Warden of Cranmer Hall, Durham University.
Find out more »Quiet Fridays in Lent
Revd Canon Clare Maclaren Canon for Music and Liturgy, Newcastle Cathedral £20 day or £95 for all 6
Find out more »Quiet Fridays in Lent
Revd Canon Judy Hirst Local Church Growth and Development Adviser, Durham Diocese £20 day or £95 for all 6
Find out more »The Pilgrimage of the Suffering Soul
On the feast of the Annunciation and at the heart of Lent you are invited to join Peter and Anne for this day of prayerful and poetic reflections. Peter will reflect on the journey of Mary to the cross of her Son. Anne will present personal and poetic reflections from her recent book ‘Bread and Stones: Genesis of a soul’. There will be opportunities for silence, journalling and contemplative conversations around the theme of the suffering soul. At the heart…
Find out more »Relax with Colour
A relaxing weekend with Fiona and Barbara, reflecting on how colour and essential oils can be used for any problem whether, physical, mental, emotional or spiritual and for relaxation therapy. Holistic therapies will also available at an additional cost, to be booked in advance.
Find out more »Quiet Fridays in Lent
The Venerable Peter Robinson Archdeacon of Lindisfarne £20 day or £95 for all 6
Find out more »April 2017
Northern Saints Pilgrimage
Follow in the footsteps of the Northern Saints, visiting Heavenfield, near Hexham (the site of Oswald’s battle), Lindisfarne (Holy Island), Bamburgh to see the castle of St Oswald and the shrine of St Aidan and Durham Cathedral, the shrine of St Cuthbert. Join Jane Easterby, Warden of Shepherds Dene and local experts, on this fascinating exploration of our Christian heritage.
Find out more »Quiet Fridays in Lent
Revd Rupert Kalus Adviser for Spirituality, Durham Diocese£20 day or £95 for all 6
Find out more »Spring Ramble
A 6-8 mile country walk, led by Jeremy, starting and finishing at Shepherds Dene and with prayerful reflections along the way. Breakfast, packed lunch and afternoon tea included. Sturdy footwear is advisable! Jeremy Chadd is Vicar of St. Chad’s, Sunderland.
Find out more »May 2017
‘Reclaiming the Bible’
John Bell reflects on how to enable lay people to feel comfortable with the Bible. He will explore and develop strategies of reading and sharing the Bible, which are different from more ‘cerebral’ approaches. John Bell is a member of the Wild Goose Resource Group. He is a renowned hymn-writer and broadcaster, working for the renewal of congregational worship at grass-roots level.
Find out more »Knitting, Crochet and Felting Retreat
Come along for chat and crafting, times of quiet and worship. There will be a swap-shop, rummage bin and informal skills-sharing. Early booking advised. For an application form and to book, please contact Revd Elizabeth Brown directly (lizzieegg@hotmail.co.uk or on 01670 515556). Revd Elizabeth Brown serves as an NSM priest in the United Benefice of Bedlington, Cambois & Sleekburn in Newcastle Diocese. She is an experienced workshop and retreat leader and this will be her third crafting retreat at Shepherds…
Find out more »July 2017
Cross stitch week
The 22nd year for this popular creative cross stitch course. Suitable for both beginners and the more experienced, this is a great opportunity to develop your cross stitch skills in a supportive and relaxing atmosphere. Barbara is a long-established cross stitch designer and teacher based in Riding Mill. For bookings, e-mail barbatwoodlands@hotmail.com
Find out more »Individually Guided
Our team of experienced spiritual directors will accompany you on a silent, guided retreat, meeting with you daily in a one-to-one session. This individually guided retreat is tailored to provide personal direction: each day your retreat director meets with you to help reflect on and examine the ways in which God is working in your life. There will be time for quiet reflection in the peaceful surroundings of Shepherds Dene. Revd Stephen Herbert is Vicar of Byker, Newcastle and Co-ordinator…
Find out more »Art and Photography week
Another opportunity to relax, with time to explore drawing, painting and photography at any level. Expert help available should you need it. Paul Judson is former Director of Communications for Durham Diocese and is an accomplished artist and photographer. Mary Judson is a retired vicar from Durham Diocese and will be chaplain for the week.
Find out more »August 2017
Friends weekend
A weekend of volunteering in the house and grounds. Free of charge.
Find out more »Week in the Country
A chance to chill and relax or explore Hadrian’s Wall country. We will spend time walking a section of Hadrian’s Wall and will travel through the scenic Tyne Valley to the city of Carlisle, established by the Romans, primarily to serve the forts on Hadrian’s Wall. In the 12th century, King Henry I allowed the founding of a religious establishment, later making the town a diocese, and thus making the Priory into a Cathedral. Audrey is House-for-duty priest at St…
Find out more »September 2017
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 »Autumn Ramble
A 6-8 mile country walk, led by Jeremy, starting and finishing at Shepherds Dene and with prayerful reflections along the way. Breakfast, packed lunch and afternoon tea included. Sturdy footwear is advisable! Jeremy Chadd is Vicar of St. Chad’s, Sunderland.
Find out more »Refugees Welcome?
A day of reflection and discussion that focuses on the reality of the refugee crisis and the church’s and society’s response. The Rt Revd Paul Butler is Bishop of Durham and co-chair of the National Refugee Welcome Board.
Find out more »October 2017
Creating the Freehand Celtic Knot and using it in prayer
Learn how to create the Freehand Celtic Knot, using a technique developed over 20 years by Mary. Learn also how to use it in prayer and meditation. No experience necessary; all materials provided, but bring along favourite pencils, pens and papers if you wish. Mary Fleeson is a Christian and well-known visual artist. Her workshop, the Lindisfarne Scriptorium, is on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Mary’s creative expressions show the influence of early manuscripts and ancient calligraphy; her exuberant, bright…
Find out more »Knitting, Crochet and Felting Retreat
Come along for chat and crafting, times of quiet and worship. There will be a swap-shop, rummage bin and informal skills-sharing. Early booking advised. For an application form and to book, please contact Revd Elizabeth Brown directly (lizzieegg@hotmail.co.uk or on 01670 515556). Revd Elizabeth Brown serves as an NSM priest in the United Benefice of Bedlington, Cambois & Sleekburn in Newcastle Diocese. She is an experienced workshop and retreat leader and this will be her third crafting retreat at Shepherds…
Find out more »Footsteps
Follow in the footsteps of Jesus during this Autumn retreat, looking afresh at the Gospel stories in the Scriptures, in art, and in their setting in the Holy Land. There will be plenty of time to pray, to walk, to write, and to make your own art too (bring your own materials). David has been Bishop of Huntingdon since 2008, and has written on the Gospels and art and guided tours in the Holy Land.
Find out more »November 2017
Advent Preparation Time
A chance to spend a few days at Shepherds Dene, with time for personal reflection and study at your own pace. This retreat is aimed at working and retired clergy.
Find out more »Light in the Shadow of Bereavement – Sharing the Journey
Time and space to remember, reflect and share; time for YOU and time to relax - an opportunity to meet other bereaved people in a beautiful and peaceful setting. There will be optional opportunities to be creative and to join in worship. Suitable for those who have been bereaved for six months or longer. Revd Janet Jackson is an Anglican priest and retired hospice Chaplain; Irene Mothersill is a retired hospice bereavement services coordinator and practitioner.
Find out more »December 2017
Eucharist
On Tuesday 5th December at 9.15 am, in the chapel at Shepherds Dene and is followed by coffee and biscuits. The celebrant in December is Revd Lesley Chapman, Area Dean and Priest-in-charge of St. James, Riding Mill. All are welcome to attend.
Find out more »January 2018
Refreshing Preaching Day
Stuck in a preaching rut? Lost for words? Feeling stale? This is your solution: a day designed to refresh, inspire and renew your preaching. Revd Dr Kate Bruce is Deputy Warden of Cranmer Hall, St John’s College, Durham University.
Find out more »February 2018
Clergy Reading Week
A week to catch up with your reading and preparation, to take time in a quiet space, become refreshed, revitalised and renewed. This week is aimed at working and retired clergy.
Find out more »Lent Quiet Day
Revd Canon Vince Fenton, Area Dean, Stanhope Deanery£20 day or £95 for all 6
Find out more »Silent Lent Retreat: Lent with the Psalms
The Psalms are a centuries-old travelling companion, showing how people of faith have longed and trusted, wondered and lamented, hoped and prayed. This retreat is designed to get to know them better and to discover how they can inspire us today. Michael was a parish priest and theological educator before spending nearly 30 years in cathedral ministry. He retired as Dean of Durham Cathedral in 2015 and is now Dean Emeritus of Durham.
Find out more »Lent Quiet Day
Revd Canon Dagmar Winter, Rector of Hexham Abbey.£20 day or £95 for all 6
Find out more »March 2018
Relax with Colour
You will reflect on how colour and essential oils can benefit you physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. Individual treatments are available at additional cost. Barbara is an experienced practitioner in health and wellbeing treatments; Fiona is a well-regarded practitioner in colour therapy.
Find out more »Lent Quiet Day
Revd Rupert Kalus, Advisor for Spirituality, Durham Diocese.£20 day or £95 for all 6
Find out more »Lent Quiet Day
Revd Sue Wilson, Associate Tutor with Lindisfarne RTP.£20 day or £95 for all 6
Find out more »Lent Quiet Day
Revd Mark Wroe, Vicar of Holy Trinity, Jesmond.£20 day or £95 for all 6
Find out more »April 2018
In the Footsteps of the Northern Saints
A fascinating week, enjoying the beauty and spirituality of the North-East’s most sacred sites. We will spend a day at Romano-British sites on Hadrian’s Wall and also explore the rich heritage of the Northern Saints (Aidan, Cuthbert, Oswald and Hilda), visiting Lindisfarne, Bamburgh, Whitby and Durham Cathedral. Includes all transport. Please bring your National Trust/English Heritage cards with you, if you are a member. John, a retired Anglican priest, has led many tours to sacred sites in Northumberland and Scotland with his wife, Gina. He is the author of ‘Cuthbert and the animals’.
Find out more »Spring Ramble
A chance to ramble through country lanes and vales surrounding Shepherds Dene. Usually a 6 - 8 mile ramble, we start the day with a bacon butty, and stop for a short Eucharist before our packed lunch. Prayerful reflections along the way. Sturdy footwear is advisable! Jeremy Chadd is Vicar of St Chad’s, Sunderland.
Find out more »May 2018
‘Look at the Birds’ 3 day retreat organised by Even Sparrows
2 spaces left
10% discount for last minute bookings for this retreat
Jesus told his followersto‘look at the birds’ and learn about God’s love by seeing how they are provided for. This retreat is unusual in combining quiet Christian worship, biblical reflections about birds and gently paced guided walks around Shepherd’s Dene. It is ideal for complete beginners and will be a great opportunity
to identify singing birds at the best time of year for enjoying birdsong.
Mark has been watching birds in Northumberland for more than 30 years, has over 20 years local 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 »The Strange Silence of Biblical Women
Despite God making men and women in the divine image, a common presumption of many believers is that it's really just the men that matter. Hence we know or hear a fair amount regarding Abraham, Moses, David, Pet Abraham, Moses, David, Peter and Paul, but not quite so much about the women in the Old and New Testaments. Their stories, in many cases, are much better but often untold. We'll correct the imbalance in this retreat. John Bell is a…
Find out more »Knitting and Crochet Retreat
Come along for chat and crafting, times of quiet and worship. There will be a swap-shop, rummage bin and informal skills-sharing. Early booking advised. Revd Elizabeth Brown serves as an NSM priest in the United Benefice of Bedlington, Cambois & Sleekburn in Newcastle Diocese. She is an experienced workshop and retreat leader and this will be her fourth crafting retreat at Shepherds Dene.
Find out more »June 2018
Look at the Birds
This retreat is unusual in combining quiet Christian worship, biblical reflections about birds and gently paced guided walks around Shepherd's Dene. It is ideal for complete beginners and will be a great opportunity to enjoy and identify song birds. Mark has been watching birds in Northumberland for more than 30 years, with over 20 years local experience as a bird guide and 15 years running birdwatching retreats. He is currently writing a book about birds in the Bible.
Find out more »Quiet Day in June – Discover the Invitation
We live in a world which attaches great value to achievement. But those who love us, including God, love us for who we are, not what we do. This quiet day provides time to be with the One who loves us and brought us to life. It might be a time to do absolutely nothing. Or to sleep. Or to play. Perhaps it could be a time to discover the invitation? Come and see! 1:1 discussion time with Jonathan will…
Find out more »Silent Retreat for Clergy Spouses
A chance for spouses of clergy to rest, reflect, worship and pray together on this silent retreat.
Find out more »July 2018
Cross Stitch Week
The 23rd year for this popular creative cross stitch course. Suitable for both beginners and the more experienced, this is a great opportunity to develop your cross stitch skills in a supportive and relaxing atmosphere. Barbara is a long-established cross stitch designer and teacher based in Riding Mill. For bookings, e-mail barbatwoodlands@hotmail.com
Find out more »Art & Photography week
Another opportunity to relax, with time to explore drawing, painting and photography at any level. Expert help available should you need it. Paul is a retired Anglican priest, accomplished artist and photographer. Mary is a retired vicar and will be chaplain for the week.
Find out more »August 2018
A Week in the Country
‘Castles in the Kingdom’: this year, the focus of our week will be castles across the ancient kingdom of Northumbria. We will visit Carlisle, Alnwick, Lindisfarne and Bamburgh and, closer to home, Aydon Castle at Corbridge. Sue is a theological educator and retired priest. Jane is Warden of Shepherds Dene.
Find out more »Friends’ Volunteer Weekend
A chance for friends to stay for the weekend in return for help in the house and grounds. A popular and sociable weekend!
Find out more »Individually Guided Retreat
available for our Individually Guided Retreat from Monday 20th August to Friday 24th August. Limited places available at a price of £180 (full board), to those who would not necessarily be able to afford to pay the full price of £375. Retreat leaders will spend 30-40 minutes on a 1:1 with retreatants every morning and the retreat will take place in silence from mid-evening Monday until Friday morning. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend time on your relationship with God…
Find out more »Rest and Relax
Following last year’s success, we are holding another Rest and Relax weekend. Enjoy a variety of activities designed to help you relax and unwind in beautiful surroundings. Why not extend your stay until Monday afternoon for a total cost of £300? You’re worth it! Individual treatments also available at extra cost. Barbara is an experienced practitioner in health and wellbeing treatments; Fiona is a well-regarded practitioner in colour therapy.
Find out more »Northern Saints Pilgrimage
Have you ever wanted to explore the fascinating Christian heritage of the Northern Saints? Why not join experienced guide, writer and theologian, Revd. John McManners, and discover Oswald, Aidan, Cuthbert and Bede for yourself? Visit the beautiful holy island of Lindisfarne, Durham Cathedral, Oswald’s castle and Aidan’s shrine at Bamburgh and stay in the peaceful surroundings of Shepherds Dene, in the Northumbrian countryside, near Hexham. Transport will be provided for visits and there will be some quiet time to relax and refl ect at Shepherds Dene. Places are…
Find out more »September 2018
Autumn Ramble
A chance to ramble through country lanes and vales surrounding Shepherds Dene. Usually a 6 – 8 mile ramble, we start the day with a bacon butty, and stop for a short Eucharist before our packed lunch. Prayerful reflections along the way. Sturdy footwear is advisable! Jeremy Chadd is Vicar of St Chad’s, Sunderland.
Find out more »October 2018
Knitting and Crochet Retreat
Come along for chat and crafting, times of quiet and worship. There will be a swap-shop, rummage bin and informal skills-sharing. Early booking advised. Revd Elizabeth Brown serves as an NSM priest in the United Benefice of Bedlington, Cambois & Sleekburn in Newcastle Diocese. She is an experienced workshop and retreat leader and this will be her fourth crafting retreat at Shepherds Dene.
Find out more »November 2018
The Birth and Death of the Holy One
In this retreat we’ll explore the power and the vulnerability of the incarnation and the cross. We will consider how we live them out in our own faith through the Bible, spiritual reflection, art, poetry, music, story and prayer, to be renewed in our appreciation of the 'wideness of God's mercy'. Some periods of silence. John is a well-known author, formerly Bishop of Jarrow and Bishop of Oxford. He is now retired and is Assistant Bishop of Durham.
Find out more »Advent Preparation Time
A chance to spend time at Shepherds Dene for personal reflection and study at your own pace. This week is aimed at working and retired clergy.
Find out more »December 2018
Eucharist
Eucharist in the chapel at Shepherds Dene and is followed by coffee and biscuits. All are welcome to attend.
Find out more »January 2019
Individually guided retreat (silent)
A silent retreat with a 1:1 each morning with your spiritual guide for the week. An opportunity to reflect on how God is at work in your life.
Find out more »February 2019
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 »Clergy & Readers Reading week
FULLY BOOKED Quiet time for preparation and reflection. Email info@shepherdsdene.co.uk to be added to the waiting list.
Find out more »March 2019
Silent Lent Retreat: Journeying into the heart of God
This silent Lenten retreat will provide an opportunity for people to reflect on the often-challenging journey towards life in all of its fullness. The retreat will offer a number of practical and creative ways to engage with, and express, the 'inner' life of the heart and the 'outer' life in the world within a framework of worship and prayer.
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
Bishop David Thomson (recently retired Bishop of Huntingdon) is returning to Shepherds Dene from Monday 17th – Thursday 20th June to lead an interesting and reflective retreat using photography to follow in the footsteps of St. Cuthbert. He will be joined by Revd. Steve Radley (Priest/Photographer) and the retreat will include a visit to Lindisfarne (Holy Island), Alnmouth, where tradition has it that Cuthbert was consecrated as Bishop of Lindisfarne), and Durham Cathedral.
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 »Our Events Programme can be downloaded here but you can also request a brochure and we will send it to you by post.