Charney A Quaker retreat and conference centre in theM heart of the Oxfordshireanor countryside Programme 2018
Charney Bassett • Wantage • Oxfordshire • OX12 0EJ Telephone: 01235 868206 • Email: [email protected]
www.charneymanor.com1 2018 Programme at a glance
February 9–11 From plain song to plain singing: a weekend of plain singing 6 Lottie Greenhow March 2–4 Up the Holy Mountain: deep nonviolence and sustainability 6 Laurie Michaelis April 13–15 Finding out about Quakers: a weekend for enquirers 7 Members of the Quaker Quest team May 14–18 Experiencing Shakespeare 7 John Lampen and Jane Lapotaire May 30–June 1 Experiment with Light 8 Angela Greenwood with Peter Estall and Jenny Chantler June 22–24 Experience the joy of circle dancing 8 Sue Mellish July 16–20 Experiencing Oxford 10 Gillian Peaston August 20–24 Experiencing the Cotswolds 10 Gillian Peaston August 24–26 Support and relaxation for people working with refugees 11 Sanctuary Everywhere Programme September 3–5 Prophets or mystics: founding stories of Quakerism 11 Peggy Heeks September 26–28 Finding out about Quakers: a retreat for enquirers 12 Members of the Quaker Quest team October 26–28 Finding out about Quakers: membership weekend 12 Members of the Quaker Quest team With its rural setting, spacious grounds and sense of history – November 19–21 The peace and hope to end war 13 parts of the Manor date back to the 13th Century – Charney Manor Philip Austin offers a supportive setting for relaxation, reflection, and renewal. November 23–25 We offer a warm welcome to all our guests, tempting home- “The truest end of life...” 13 cooked meals, and a unique atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. Barney Rosedale and Barbara Pensom 2 3 Facilities Programme at Charney Manor useful information
Conference rooms Garden and walks The Charney Manor programme the Cotswolds’ or ‘Experiencing Oxford’. To Charney Manor has two large conference As well as the three acres of garden, there This programme seeks to nourish the secure a place, we ask for a nonrefundable rooms, both upstairs: the Solar in the are good walks locally and many places of spirit through silence, discussion, listening deposit and completed booking form. The Manor and the main meeting room in The interest nearby, including the Uffington deeply, and exploring chosen themes form is available by phoning 01235 868206, Barn (accessible by lift). Also available in White Horse, Wayland’s Smithy and the with both mind and heart. All are open or can be downloaded from our website. the Manor are a library and a sitting room. Ridgeway, and Kelmscott Manor, the to everyone, including those of other Payment country home of William Morris. denominations and faiths or with no Please make cheques payable to ‘Charney Accommodation religious affiliation. Charney Manor can accommodate 43 The village pub Manor’. We accept credit and debit residential guests, 35 in one double, The friendly, family-run Chequers is a short Booking cards. Contact the office in order to make eleven twin and eleven single bedrooms. walk from us. For a provisional booking, please contact a payment. All the rooms are ensuite, except two the office: the booking will be confirmed on Bursaries which have dedicated bathrooms. Nine Wednesday worship receipt of your deposit and booking form. A Quaker meeting for worship is held in Bursaries of up to 50% are available (one rooms are in the Manor house itself, ten the library from 8.00pm to 8.30pm each Please telephone first to check availability bursary per person per year); please apply are in the Vokins building, and four are in Wednesday evening (except in August). and to reques t the specific booking forms for when booking. Regrettably no bursaries the Barn. One single room and one twin All are welcome. ‘Experiencing Shakespeare’, ‘Experiencing are available for the ‘Experiencing’ events. room in the Barn, both on the ground floor, are adapted for wheelchair users. The Gilletts, a cottage in the grounds, provides self-catering accommodation for groups of eight in five bedrooms, or additional accommodation for conferences. Catering Residential groups are fully catered for, with arrangements made for guests with special diets. Every bedroom has facilities for making hot drinks. Library We have a small well-stocked library mainly focused on Quakerism and contemporary spirituality. Guests are welcome to borrow books during their stay. Computer and internet access A computer and printer are available in the library for guests’ use. Wi-fi internet access is available throughout.
4 5 Programme Programme in detail in detail
February 9–11 April 13–15 From plain song to plain singing: Finding out about Quakers: a weekend of plain singing a weekend for enquirers Lottie Greenhow Members of the Quaker Quest team Lottie will lead a weekend of choral singing for singers A basic introduction for those interested in finding out of all ages and abilities. Join us to learn more about more about Quakers, who may or may not have attended singing technique, breathing and posture in a relaxed and a Quaker Meeting for Worship. Come and learn about informal atmosphere. Explore a wide range of repertoire the Quaker way, about Quaker beliefs and the values by from Gregorian chants to modern-day choral music. which Quakers live their lives. This is an opportunity to ask any questions you have about Friends whilst enjoying Cost: £195 (deposit £95) fellowship with others in the delightful setting of the Lottie Greenhow is a professional soprano, conductor and Manor and its grounds. vocal coach based in Bedford. She holds an MA in Music Cost: £195 (deposit £95) from Cambridge University and performs, conducts and teaches all over the UK and beyond. May 14–18 Experiencing Shakespeare March 2–4 John Lampen and Jane Lapotaire Up the Holy Mountain: deep nonviolence and sustainability An opportunity to experience summer days at Charney Laurie Michaelis and Stratford-upon-Avon and enjoy seeing plays in the dramatically refurbished Swan and Royal Shakespeare In the prophet Isaiah’s vision of the holy mountain, none theatres. At Charney there will be opportunities for shall hurt or destroy and even the lions are vegan. This worship and to explore the themes of the plays we shall course will explore some essential Quaker disciplines see, celebrating how Shakespeare explores the human for holy mountain climbing, including being open to condition; also a workshop given by Jane Lapotaire, RSC transformation, answering that of God in everyone, and Associate Artist (subject to professional engagements). seeking unity in a way forward. Includes theatre tickets and coach fares. Cost: £195 (deposit £95) Plays: Tues May 15, 1.15pm: Romeo and Juliet at the RST; Laurie Michaelis is co-ordinator of Living Witness, which Wed May 16, 1.15pm: Macbeth at the RST; and 7.30pm: supports Quakers in Britain in developing spirit-led Mrs Rich at the Swan. approaches to sustainable living. He has over 30 years’ Cost: £500 (deposit £250) experience of action and inquiry for sustainability in his own life, in community, and as a policy analyst. John Lampen teaches the creative handling of conflict in Britain and overseas. His books include ‘Mending Hurts’ and ‘Findings: poets and the crisis of faith’.
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May 30–June 1 Experiment with Light Angela Greenwood with Peter Estall and Jenny Chantler ‘Experiment with Light’ is an attempt to rediscover what early Friends did when they ‘waited in the Light’. This is a very practical discipline, opening up the truth about ourselves and the world and potentially transforming our feelings and relationships. This can be challenging but may lead to new growth and clarity. Come and experience it in a supportive setting. Cost: £195 (deposit £95) Angela Greenwood has been closely involved with Experiment with Light for many years. She is involved with two Light groups in her local Meeting, one of them being for non-Quakers, and has co-facilitated many EwL workshops.
June 22–24 Experience the joy of circle dancing Sue Mellish A weekend of circle dancing to restore and regenerate body and mind. There will be time to walk, explore or simply relax in beautiful surroundings. The dances will be suitable for beginners as well as the more experienced dancer and we will explore the many varieties of dances from the gentle/contemplative to the livelier fun and joyful! Together we will share the transformational joy of circle dancing. Cost: £195 (deposit £95) Sue Mellish has been dancing in a circle for sixteen years, and leads regular groups in Richmond and Wensleydale, North Yorkshire. She is also a yoga instructor and professional massage therapist, and draws from her wide experience of working with individuals and groups when leading dance.
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July 16–20 August 24–26 Experiencing Oxford* Support and relaxation for people working Gillian Peaston with refugees Sanctuary Everywhere Programme Enjoy the hospitality of Charney Manor while exploring Oxford. As well as an open-top bus tour of the city, it is Charney Manor is hosting a weekend exclusively for planned to offer visits to well-known attractions such as people who work with refugees, in partnership with the Christ Church, the Ashmolean Museum, the Radcliffe Quakers in Britain Sanctuary Everywhere Programme. Camera, the Bodleian Library, Oxford Castle and Prison, The retreat will try to find ways in which we can support and the Botanic Garden. A theatre matinée will also be each other in our work. We will incorporate mindfulness available (details when available), and there will be free exercises, meditation, and Quaker Meeting for Worship. time both in Oxford and at Charney. NB: For further retreat details, costs and bookings, please Cost: £480 (deposit £240) email [email protected], or contact Tim Gee Gillian Peaston is Manager at Charney Manor. through Friends House on 0207 663 1000. Charney Manor cannot take bookings for this retreat. The Sanctuary Everywhere Programme is Britain Yearly August 20–24 Meeting’s response to forced migration, and supports local Experiencing the Cotswolds* Meetings in alliance with others to welcome newcomers to Gillian Peaston Britain, challenge racism in all its forms and change laws Enjoy the hospitality of Charney and explore some of the that sanction violence. The facilitators of this retreat are wonderful buildings and countryside in the Cotswolds Diana Lampen and Georgeanne Lamont. Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visits are planned to Bourton-on-the-Water; Burford – where the annual Levellers’ Day commemorates the three Levellers’ leaders September 3–5 imprisoned in the church and executed by Cromwell’s Prophets or mystics: troops; Kelmscott Manor – the country home of William founding stories of Quakerism Morris, which contains original Arts and Crafts furniture, Peggy Heeks sketches by Morris and portraits by Dante Gabriel Rosetti; George Fox was known as a mystic, but, right from the Chedworth Roman villa; and Sudeley Castle and gardens beginning, there was a prophetic stream in Quakerism, – where Katherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII’s six wives, is a concern to change and improve the world. We can see buried in the 15th-Century chapel. both these influences today. This will be a full and varied week highlighting some of the This course will explore these two approaches, with stories gems that the Cotswolds has to offer. from the past and insights from the present. Our time Cost: £480 (deposit £240) together will be underpinned with worship. Gillian Peaston is Manager at Charney Manor. Cost: £195 (deposit £95) Peggy Heeks is an Associate Tutor at Woodbrooke, and *The Experiencing Oxford and Experiencing the Cotswolds has led courses at Charney in the past. She is a regular retreats both involve a certain amount of walking. If you are unsure as to your ability to participate, please contact Charney contributor to Quaker periodicals. Currently Peggy serves Manor at [email protected], or phone 01235 868206 as one of the Pastoral Care Group at Oxford Meeting.
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September 26–28 November 19–21 Finding out about Quakers: The peace and hope to end war a retreat for enquirers Philip Austin Members of the Quaker Quest team A time for reflection on the shadow of the first world war, A basic introduction for those interested in finding out in its challenges to peace and to conscience. The peace more about Quakers, who may or may not have attended testimony continues to test us and to provide openings for a Quaker Meeting for Worship. Come and learn about positive action. We shall reflect, share stories, dilemmas the Quaker way, about Quaker beliefs and the values by and visions, and support one another in building hope which Quakers live their lives. This is an opportunity to and nourishing action. ask any questions you have about Friends whilst enjoying Cost: £195 (deposit £95) fellowship with others in the delightful setting of the Manor and its grounds. Philip Austin has worked for Friends at national and local levels, and for Northern Friends Peace Board, for whom Cost: £195 (deposit £95) he has been the coordinator since the 1990s. With Quaker roots in Somerset, he is now a Member of Bolton Meeting, and active in the town on interfaith concerns, amongst October 26–28 other activities. Finding out about Quakers: membership weekend Members of the Quaker Quest team November 23–25 This weekend is for people who have been around Quakers “The truest end of life...” for a while and want to explore further. Barney Rosedale and Barbara Pensom Is there any difference between being an attender at Quaker This course will consider the quality of life before death. Meetings and becoming a member? Would membership We shall look at ways of offering comfort to the dying and of the Religious Society of Friends change anything? to the bereaved through the experiences of participants. (N.B. It will not be possible to offer individual counselling This is an opportunity to explore what Quakerism means to but no-one will be left unsupported) you, whilst enjoying fellowship with others in the delightful setting of the Manor and its grounds. Cost: £195 (deposit £95) Cost: £195 (deposit £95) Barney Rosedale worked as a GP in the NHS, and before that in Nigeria and Nepal. He is a member of Marlborough Meeting. Barbara Pensom’s work encompassed support for those facing death and counselling the bereaved, including after violent deaths. She is a member of Charlbury Meeting.
12 13 Charney Manor Self catering a quiet place to stay The Gilletts
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside with a stay at Charney Manor. We offer comfortable en-suite accommodation with tea- and coffee-making facilities. Special dietary requirements can be catered for. The library can be used by guests, if it is available, as can the three acres of gardens. There are two options, both subject to availability: Full board This option includes three meals: a continental breakfast, a two-course lunch and a two-course supper, each with a choice of two desserts. Cost: £90 per person per night Bed and breakfast This option includes a continental breakfast. Single ensuite: £55 per room per night Double ensuite: £75 per room per night Twin ensuite: £85 per room per night Double Mobility: £100 per room per night Triple/Family room: £105 per room per night The Gilletts These are our standard room rates, however, there are This charming detached cottage in the grounds of Charney also reduced non refundable room rates available. To Manor provides a quiet space for rest and relaxation. It is check rates and availability, please visit our website: www. available for use on a self-catering basis by families and charneymanor.com, and click on the ‘book now’ button on groups of up to eight people. the home page. The cottage consists of five bedrooms (three twin and two single), a living room with TV and DVD player, games and Special offer for Quaker Meetings books. There is a separate dining room, fully equipped Quaker Meetings are invited to experience Charney kitchen with a dishwasher, a shower room, a bathroom and Manor’s excellent facilities. Groups of at least 20 adults downstairs toilet. A lovely outdoor seating area overlooks (aged 14+) can enjoy a two-night weekend or mid-week our meadow garden. stay, including all meals, at a reduced price and with no charge for children aged up to 14 who share a room All bookings for The Gilletts are handled by Wyndham with their parents. Vacation Rentals, 0845 268 1874. Cost: £150 per person for a minimum of 20 adults For prices and availability, please visit their website: (aged 14+). Additional guests at £75 per person. Offer www.cottages4you.co.uk available January–March and October–December. (property ref: 28097) Terms and conditions apply.
14 15 Charney Manor Charney Manor is used by a wide variety of organisations such as businesses, educators, charities and faith groups, who meet for conferences and training; by musicians, artists and writers, who seek a peaceful and inspiring place to work together; and by people involved in conflict resolution and international affairs, who need a quiet and private venue in which to talk.
To check rates and availability, please telephone or email Charney Bassett • Wantage • Oxfordshire • OX12 0EJ Telephone: 01235 868206 • Email: [email protected] www.charneymanor.com
Burford Witney A40 M40 OXFORD
Lechlade-on- Southmoor Thames Abingdon Faringdon Charney Bassett Drayton Cricklade A420 Stanford-in- the-Vale Didcot Grove Shrivenham Wallingford SWINDON CHARNEY Wantage MANOR A34 M4 Lambourn
Charney Manor is easily accessible by car from the M40 and the M4. It is 12 miles from Oxford and from Didcot railway stations. There are bus services from Oxford to Southmoor or Wantage. Taxis can be arranged to pick up from these destinations.
Charney Manor is a registered charity, owned by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), and managed by an independent committee of Trustees:
Ron Barden – Northampton Meeting Stewart Jeffrey – Headington Meeting Barney Rosedale – Marlborough Meeting Sue Douglas – Faringdon Meeting Tessa Brown – Lewes Meeting Hazel Townesend – Faringdon Meeting Philip Brown – Wellingbrough Meeting Ruth Whitehouse – Broad Campden Meeting Chris Chamberlain – Forest of Dean Meeting John Hayes – Wokingham Meeting
Registered charity 237267 • VAT registration 194265932