Retreats
Retreats can be enjoyed at a number of places both near and far. Locally both guided and private retreats are held at
- Foxhill (Chester Diocesan Retreat Centre at Foxhill, see www.foxhillconferences.co.uk),
- Whalley Abbey (Blackburn Diocesan Retreat Centre, see www.whalleyabbey.co.uk) and
- Whirlow Grange (Sheffield Diocesan Retreat Centre, see www.whirlowgrange.co.uk).
For details of retreats available further afield please contact the National Association for Retreats at www.retreats.org.uk.
Clergy CME Allocation can be used towards retreat expenses and towards travel to and from the retreat centre.
Holiday/retreat cottage available to clergy only for low rent
Located directly overlooking the village green in the picturesque village of Bainbridge in the heart of Wensleydale, this two-bedroomed cottage is well positioned for refreshment and reflection. It is well appointed with a spacious lounge, wood burning stove, dining kitchen and stunning views across the Yorshire Dales. Contact Rev J Beaumont on 0161 282 2207 or email janebeaumont@live.co.uk for a brochure.
Free caravan holidays
Caravan breaks offered by the Eggbeer Trust near Exeter, Devon. Contact Andrew Herniman, mail@andrew-herniman.com.
The importance of going on retreat
The Bishop of Bolton, the Rt Revd Chris Edmondson, was former Warden of Lee Abbey Conference Centre. He talks of the importance of going on retreat:
"My experience over five and a half years at Lee Abbey was that in our stress-filled, hurry-sick world, it has never been more important that people have places where they can step back, and be refreshed in body mind and spirit, ready then to engage with the challenges of ‘post-modern’ living.
"This isn’t about escape, but rather the need we all have for a healthy rhythm in life, following the example of Christ himself, for whom life was a mix of intense engagement with life and people, balanced by intentional withdrawal."
