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Faith, Hope, Resilience: a reflective day
The future outlook can look confusing and worrying: where can we anchor our faith, what hopes can we realistically draw on to inspire us? This group starts from a belief that the climate crisis and related issues are at root a spiritual crisis, a challenge to us to find new purpose and meaning amid the confusion.For this exploration, we will draw on prayer, meditation and short versions of two age-old ways to connect with spirit through the land: pilgrimage and vision quest. Add to this the fellowship and support of a small group, a cosy indoor space, and two experienced guides: Simon Lockett and Alan Heeks.
How can we find our steady centre in these uncertain times? Where do we place our faith and our hope? What would spiritual resilience look like, for us and our communities? This day of exploration and support will include times of prayer, meditation and sharing, with periods outside for walking contemplation as a micro pilgrimage, and for communing with Nature as a micro vision quest: recognising the power of space and silence.
Our venue is Garn Farm, a conservation smallholding and woodland near Longtown, in a beautiful valley overlooking the Black Mountains. We’ll have a warm indoor group room with woodburner and kitchen, and wonderful spaces outside. See more at www.warmthandwonder.co.uk.
Alan Heeks has many years’ experience exploring Nature and faith as sources of resilience, and is deeply interested in how communities can deepen to help us adapt to climate change.
Simon Lockett is a pioneer in re-introducing pilgrimage to Herefordshire, and has a long-standing love for contemplative prayer and spiritual connection with the natural world.
Practicalities
- Cost: £40, concessions £25. Bring lunch to share.
- Timing: Arrive 9.30am for 10am start. Finish 4.30pm.
- Venue: Garn Farm, near Clodock, Longtown, Herefordshire HR2 0PD.
- There is some overnight accommodation at Garn Farm: contact Alan about this.
- Bookings/enquiries: Contact Alan Heeks, alanheeks@gmail.com, 07494 203014. Group size limited to 12 people.
Date and time
About this event
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Garn Farm, near Clodock, Longtown, Herefordshire HR2 0PD
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The Avebury Pilgrimage was a joyful experience. Guy brought wonder and deep connection to the group experience. The other pilgrims were warm, fun and willing to surrender to this rich experience of movement, landscape, the past and the unseen world all around us. Thank you Guy!
Laura
My favourite part was walking in silence and being able to just concentrate on the purpose of my pilgrimage without the noise and baggage of life getting in the way. Abigail was a wonderful guide. She was thoughtful and brought a calm and sense of spiritual purpose to the day. I absolutely loved the walk.
Tamsin
Many good moments but two things stand out: Chalice Well and the impromptu singing of a wassail song on the way up Glastonbury Tor, by an apple orchard. It was cold yet rather lovely to do a pilgrimage in the frost. Informed and engaging guide. Friendly and supportive fellow pilgrims. Such a good ethos.
Susan
I loved walking through the countryside and the fascinating sights such as the church mill and barrow. The lanterns were lovely too and the Wassail singing and cake were a lovely touch. The arrival at Canterbury was spectacular. It was a lovely day and Dawn is a terrific guide.
Sally
Sally
Dawn was absolutely brilliant. Brought the group together and was so knowledgeable . Really warm individual and so caring. Just an amazing experience all round. Can't thank you enough for the experience.
Stuart
Pilgrim
My favourite part was Dawn singing to us by Kits Coty - sublime when the sun came out for us at the end of the song. Dawn has a lovely sincerity and her singing was wonderful. Also the Canon’s pilgrim’s blessing In Winchester Cathedral was an unexpected and perfect end to the day
Alexandra
I enjoyed listening to Guy's singing in the different settings - enhanced the experience and linked us to the past. The whole day was beautifully facilitated with a perfect balance of history overview, time for reflection and walking. It was very special - thank you so much!
Jo
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What our pilgrims say
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