South Dornaford Farm - Holistic Workshops and Events

Our workshops are about enabling individuals to free their creative energy, something that often gets trampled on during our lives. Liberating this energy allows people to reconnect to their inner spirit and feel revived, re-energized and centred. This means that even a day course can give you that mini retreat you need.

All the course facilitators and therapists are hand picked not only for their skills as tutors but for the people they are and the gifts they bring to enrich our lives.

In the calm of this private, rural retreat setting, you will truly find nourishment for mind, body and soul.

January Events

Monday 25th January

Creative Writing

This workshop is for those who want to write stories, memoirs, poetry or novels but who are not sure how to begin. It is also for anyone who has done some writing but now needs the inspiration and practical advice to go further with their work. This day is part of an ongoing series attended by a fluid group of new writers and as such always welcomes beginner writers. Writing exercises will be given to trigger the imagination and to practice the basic tools of the craft. The afternoon session will include a chance for each participant to talk individually to the tutor. Writing tutor Karen Hayes has published nine novels, children books and poetry. She has taught writing at Exeter University and the Arvon centres for creative writing.

£39 per person plus £6 for delicious vegetarian lunch. 10 - 4.00pm

February Events

Thursday 25th February

Creative Parenting Day 1

Delayed start due to the weather. Please note change of dates. Now starts on Thursday 25 February and continues on Thursdays as follows: 11 March, 25 March, 22 April, 6 May and 20 May.

Creative Parenting is a series of six, fortnightly workshops for parents who would like to raise their children’s self-esteem and create better relationships and communication within the family. You will get support from other parents and from coach and group facilitator, Sonia Duggan, as you share the joys, challenges and difficulties of being parents, in a confidential and supportive environment. There will be time for discussion of the everyday situations we meet as parents, with chances to try out constructive ways of handling them, giving you some practical ways to cope better with the normal ups and downs of family life. Each fortnight, we will build on the ideas and skills we have practised since the previous session and for this reason, as well as for the integrity of the group itself and the trust and support that develops between parents, we ask participants to commit to the whole course. In this session, we start by looking at the ground rules for the group, introducing key components of self-esteem and communication, and move on to using language that is effective as well as caring.

£26 each fortnight. Light vegetarian lunch available for just £4. Discounts available for block payment. 9.30 - 3.00pm.

Saturday 27th February

Da Lu with Angus Clark

Tai Chi offers us a way that is ‘soft power’. Soft Power is an approach to interacting that is based on principles of listening, surrender and joining – listening to what’s happening, surrendering to the situation and joining with the other person for a good outcome. All of these principles stem from the martial aspect of tai chi and can be applied to how we relate day to day: when to speak, when to listen; when to act, when to be still; when to lead, when to follow. The Da Lu is a great opportunity to experience and put into practice these brilliant principles of interactive tai chi. You learn a short choreographed piece solo and then have the challenge of putting it together with a partner. A lot of fun and very rewarding.

10am - 5pm £37 for tuition and just £6 for a good vegetarian lunch.

Sunday 28th February

5 Rhythms Dance with Dilys Morgan Scott

Feel the joy of moving and expressing yourself through dance. Release your inhibitions! Gabrielle Roth’s 5Rhythms Dance is a moving meditation, a way of connecting to the inner you. We move through the five different tempos or rhythms: flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness, sometimes called the wave and explore being. No previous dance experience necessary, all over 14 are welcome.

10am - 5pm £37 for tuition and its just £6 for a good vegetarian lunch.

March Events

Thursday 11th March

Creative Parenting Day 2

Saturday 13th March

Drumming Workshop with Felicity Scott

‘It’s not about the drum’-I believe in the depths of my heart that we all have rhythm. Even when we think we don’t. Life as we know it could not exist without it. And I believe that, as human beings, we have a basic need to be with others. And a basic desire for music. The drum, almost as basic to us as laughing, provides an extra-ordinary medium for both. We will use mostly African djembe drums, and other percussion. Come and join us if you love to drum. Come and join us if you think you can’t, or if you think you aren’t a drummer. Just come. You will be welcome. And be prepared to have a great time!

10am - 5pm £37 for the day with vegetarian lunch available for only £6.

Monday 15th March

Creative Writing

This day is part of an ongoing series attended by a fluid group of new writers and as such always welcomes beginner writers. Each event is designed as single workshop and you can come along to just one day, or any number of workshops, when it suits. Just remember to book your place! Be emboldened by the guidance and teaching of Karen Hayes, established author and writing tutor. Basic tools of the craft will be studied such as character, plot, dialogue and landscape through discussion and writing exercises. Karen will also individually appraise your writing with you.

£39 per person plus £6 for delicious vegetarian lunch 10am - 4pm.

Saturday 20th March

Dance Into Balance

At this time of the Spring Equinox, we will honour the inherent balance of the moment - the end of the dark months now behind us - and look towards the light into which we can grow. Join hands, hearts and voices and allow your spirit to be moved by the Dances of Universal Peace. These simple, powerful dances are inspired by, celebrate and honour all spiritual paths and focus on what truly unties us all. They are both easily accessible and profound, and are part of the timeless tradition of dance which has been enjoyed by humankind throughout history. The Dances are suitable for all ages and abilities. No previous singing or dancing experience required.

£22 per person. Light vegetarian lunch available for just £4.00. 10.30am - 4.30pm.

Thursday 25th March

Creative Parenting Day 3

Creative Parenting is a series of six, fortnightly workshops for parents who would like to raise their children’s self-esteem and create better relationships and communication within the family. In this session we look at balancing our needs with our children’s, and deeper listening and move on to challenging unacceptable behaviour.

Sunday 28th March

Meet your inner being through life drawing

Life drawing workshop based on Cecil Collin’s methods. “The artist is always seeking the invisible, the formless, the undefinable… he must strive to forget himself, his own self-image, self considering. Only then will the true forms emerge from his being. This is the act of creativity.” You don’t have to be able to draw or paint. Just come along and experience Cecil Collin’s amazing teaching method. This workshop is not about making representational images – the camera can do that - it is about meeting yourself through your creativity. We experience the world through our bodies and it is by making images of the body that we experience ourselves. Cecil Collins believed that ‘controlled’, precise art is a product of the strict left brain and it is the right, intuitive side of the brain that produces art that is alive and vibrant and speaks to the viewer.This workshop will help access your intuition and will, in the process, produce some amazing pictures. Be prepared for a ‘different’ experience. Wear loose, comfy clothing.

£28 for the day with veggie lunch £6. 10.00am - 4.00pm

“…in searching for knowledge or beauty outside, we are wasting our life, for we have that within us which knows all, it all, the Person, the God in us” - Cecil Collins.

April Events

Saturday 10th April

Saboteur or hero(ine) - who's running your life?

Using a unique blend of creative writing exercises and coaching techniques, writer and life coach Sonia Duggan will help you to identify the ‘Saboteur’ in your own life story and learn how to deal with it so that you’re free to be your own hero or heroine for the rest of your life. This approach to self-development offers participants the opportunity of working privately on paper as well as sharing ideas in the confidential and supportive group environment.

10am - 5pm £37 for tuition and its just £6 for a good vegetarian lunch.

Sunday 11 April

Art in the Environment

This workshop is a ‘hands on’ introduction to the concept of art in the environment. You will discover how to create beautiful images from natural creations as a development of your awareness of self and the natural world. It’s also an opportunity to discover the history of this art form culminating in examples of various environmental artists such as Richard Long and Andy Goldsworthy. We will collect some of the natural materials to hand and then learn to use simple techniques and tools to ‘build’ or create forms and patterns. This is done with great care to the environment and eco systems within it. The idea is to engage with the natural environment lightly, leaving the creations to meld back into the environment when the workshop ends. Projects can be photographed so that you have a record of your creativity, so bring your digital camera if you have one. Imogen Hallam will help us to raise our awareness of natural shapes and form, repetitive pattern and texture. We will also receive guidance developing ideas re site, forms, myth, ideas, and problem solving around creating images. All ages welcome. A great family event.

Adults £12, children £5, Family (2 ad & 2 ch) £28 10 - 1pm

Thursday 22nd April

Creative Parenting Day 4

Sunday 25th April

5 Rhythms Dance

With Dilys Morgan Scott

May Events

Thursday 6th May

Parenting Course Day 5

Monday 10 May

Creative Writing

Usual price: £49 (which includes the opportunity of written feedback on up to 20 pages of work). Discounts available for block booking. Event runs 10 - 4.00pm

Thursday 20th May

Parenting Course Day 6

Creative Parenting is a series of six, fortnightly workshops for parents who would like to raise their children’s self-esteem and create better relationships and communication within the family. In this final session we look at emotional literacy and then discipline including changing behaviour and gainintion.g co-opera

Saturday 29th May

Move For Your Life - Tai Chi Essence with Angus Clark

This is suitable for everyone, newcomers to tai chi and experienced players alike. Although it’s a fun and easy approach to keeping well, happy and vital, you’ll touch on some detailed practice that empowers you with an understanding of the very essence of the art of tai chi.

The workshop includes Angus’s 21 Tai Chi + Qigong exercises for vitality, an exploration of the 5 Living Movement Core Principles (with solo and partner work) and a thorough look at some tai chi postures.

10 - 5pm. £39 for tuition and just £6 for a good vegetarian lunch

Sunday 30th May

5 Rhythms Dance

This heart-felt moving meditation is a dance practice to help us be present in the body, to still the mind, to hear the heart and to express it, lightly and spontaneously. The 5 Rhythms are Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical and Stillness and together they form The Wave. Waves catalyze change and gently stir us, to reveal what needs to be revealed. It is available to everyone, no matter what age, shape, size or experience. Come prepared to be moved!

10 - 5pm. £37 for tuition and just £6 for a good vegetarian lunch.

June

Saturday 12th June

Creative Expression with a Camera

Join local photographer Pam Kemp for this opportunity to explore your inner creativeness through your camera. Whether it be a straight-forward point and shoot or a more advanced digital camera, this day will take a different look at photography.

F-stops, speeds and other technical aspects of photography are readily available through books, and in contrast today we will be exploring the full range of senses and freedom of expression available through your camera.

10.30am - 4pm @ £37 plus £6 for a good vegetarian lunch.

Sunday 13 June

Drawing People: helping your hand to draw what you see.

The human form, beautiful isn’t it? Would you like improve on your drawing of people? Discover how at this workshop. We will start with left and right brain exercises to free up our creativity and then learn about observational skills, measuring, composition and creating three dimensional effects to lift your drawing out of the paper. Our model will hold both short and long poses during the day and the final part of the workshop will be to create a freer more expressive image using a combination of imagination and elements from the studies made earlier in the day.

“Imogen Hallam’s relaxed teaching style certainly had me letting go of inhibitions about getting it wrong and I found my confidence building as we tried different techniques and poses. It was really good to reconnect to a long lost hobby.”

P.R. Places limited to twelve. Price: £43 per person including good vegetarian lunch or pay £37 and bring your own food. Bring a friend and claim a 10% discount. 10 - 4pm

Saturday 19th June

Movement, Mediation and Massage- with Pippa Cherrington

A day devoted to reconnecting with your body. These three techniques all help our body to work and play more readily so the day combines movement, meditation and massage to give you an introduction to healing your own body. Using the mind, body and breath to shift our awareness we’ll be exploring different ways of releasing those aches and pains we all get from time to time. You’ll learn simple techniques that you can start using straightaway to carry less tension and stress and to move more easily. All welcome.

10 - 4pm. £37 for tuition and just £6 for a good vegetarian lunch.

Monday 28th June

Creative Writing

This day is part of an ongoing series attended by a fluid group of new writers and as such always welcomes new beginner writers. So if you want to write stories, memoirs or novels but are not sure how to begin then this is the perfect opportunity. Or perhaps you have made a start and have lost your way a little and just want some guidance to fire you enthusiasm to keep writing? Each event is designed as a single workshop so you can come along to just one day or any number of workshops, when it suits and get the inspiration and practical advice you are seeking. Established author and writing tutor Karen Hayes will teach you the necessary tools of the craft such as character, plot, dialogue and landscape. You will be building your creative writing skills through discussion and writing exercises. The afternoon session will include time for each participant to talk individually to the tutor.

Events runs from10 - 4pm Cost : £39 to newcomers for tuition and £6 for a good veggie lunch. Usual price £49( which includes the opportunity of written feedback on up to 20 pages of work). Discounts available for block booking.

July

Saturday 10th July

Japanese and African Drumming with Jason Davis

This is an opportunity to explore two very different styles of drumming. In the morning we will learn the energetic, dynamic and choreographed art form of Taiko, big sticks, big drums and enormous fun. In the afternoon we will be playing hand drums and percussion, developing the glorious poly rhythms of West Africa, we will end the day in a joining of cultures bringing both styles together in a facilitated jam (Drum Circle). This workshop is about connecting to the spirit of the drum and releasing energy through sound, celebrating common unity and personal expression.

10 a.m. – 5p.m. £37 for tuition and vegetarian lunch £6 or bring your own.

Sunday 11th July

5 Rhythms Dance

Do you want to dance? Do you want to express yourself through movement? Have you heard of Gabrielle Roth and her Five Rhythms Dance? Exploring the 5 Rhythms id fun, wonderfully creative and nurturing to self. We dance in a group, each of us dancing our own dance. The day is led by Dilys Morgan Scott; with her warm and generous style even the most inhibited can feel at ease. Dilys explains: ”This heart-felt moving meditation is a dance practice to help us be present in the body, to still the mind, to hear the heart and to express it, lightly and spontaneously. The 5 Rhythms are Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical and Stillness and together they form The Wave. Waves catalyze change and gently stir us, to reveal what needs to be revealed. It is available to everyone, no matter what age, shape, size or experience. Come prepared to be moved!"

Event runs from 10-5pm £37 for tuition and you can either bring your own food or book a delicious veggie lunch for just £6.

Friday 9th to Sunday 11th July

Drumming and Dance Weekend

Thinking of booking one of the two workshops listed above? Japanese and African Drumming led by Jason Davis or Sundays workshop of 5 Rhythms Dance led by Dilys Morgan Scott? Why not give yourselves a treat and turn a day into a weekend of fun. Both tutors are seasoned professionals so you can be sure of a great weekend. Details of their workshops are just above this. All meals are included and they are vegetarian, freshly prepared for you with as much harvested from our own vegetable garden as possible . You can choose to stay in one of our shared guest bedrooms or bring your tent and camp by the river. Arrive Friday afternoon from 4pm, tune into the peaceful environment of South Dornaford Farm, sit down to a good supper, be with the other guests and ready yourselves for two days of body, mind and soul connections. The camp fire will be lit on the Saturday evening so if you play an instrument bring it along and share your music with us.

Departures Sunday before 6pm. Prices are £150 all inclusive or £124 if camping.

August Events

Wednesday 11th to Sunday 15th August

Angus Clark’s Living Movement Tai Chi and Qigong Summer Camp

Now in it’s 5th year at South Dornaford Farm, the Summer Camp is a place where people come from all over the country to enjoy, share, play, learn, feast, chat and generally have a great time. The tai chi + qigong front the bill and there are always one or two other highlights such as drumming, music or singing to make a very full and fun experience.

You can come for the whole event, part or even by the day and you are welcome as a complete novice to tai chi or as a seasoned enthusiast. There’s always a good mix of people and one of the joys is people sharing their own interests and talents.

South Dornaford offers the perfect place for a camp - the sessions are fun with venues ranging from woodland to riverside meadow to marquee to converted barn dojo/studio. There is plenty of feasting and the camp fire burns from start to finish.

For further info visit www.livingmovement.com or contact Angus: 01647 433846 or angus@livingmovement.com

September Events

Sunday 12th September

Themed 5 Rhythms Dance Days

These days are focused 5 Rhythms dance days – using dance and movement to stir us, we look inside and express what is there. Using the dance we will move our attention to the body, the breath and the feet, embodying the themes of the day, and exploring them through our own creativity. The theme for all three days will be colours. Throughout the series we will be making small, card-sized collages, to begin forming our own, personal Tarot packs - drawing on our intuition and our creative unconscious.

Price £43*/ £45 per day including sumptuous lunch. Be assured of a place by booking the series- all three days for £115*/£120
*Early bird discount for booking by 29 August

Monday 13th September

Creative Writing with Karen Hayes

Events runs from10-4pm Cost : £39 to newcomers for tuition and £6 for a good veggie lunch. Usual price £49 (which includes the opportunity of written feedback on up to 20 pages of work). Discounts available for block booking.

Saturday 19th September

Art in the Environment with Imogen Hallam

Explore the beautiful environment of our woodland, river banks and green fields. Choose items to create your art work. Learn about the development of art in the environment as well as famous artists like Richard Long and Andy Goldsworthy. Learn how to use the world around us to create beautiful installations without harming the environment. Discover man’s connection to the landscape and the inter connectedness of our spiritual lives. Above all have fun, experiment, enjoy what you create! Receive guidance, knowledge and help from Imogen as you allow your own creativity to expand and express itself.

10-4pm £37 for tuition and £6 for a vegetarian lunch.

Thursday 24th - Saturday 26th September

Woodland Skills Weekend

Join us for a weekend of woodland skills here on our organic farm. We will be learning how to assess the management needs of a small area of neglected mixed broadleaf trees. We will be shown how to use and care for all the hand tools that are needed to manage your own piece of woodland. With the care and loving attention of an experienced craftsman, Basil will help us understand the needs of the land. By working alongside Basil you might discover a deeper connection within yourself to the trees and natural environment. We’ll be brewing our teas and coffees over the open fire and will enjoy an outdoor meal or two. All meals are included and they are vegetarian, freshly prepared for you with as much harvested from our own vegetable garden as possible . You can choose to stay in one of our shared guest bedrooms or bring your tent and camp by the river.

Arrive from 4pm on Friday afternoon, depart by 6pm on Sunday. Prices are £150 all inclusive or £124 if camping.

October Events

Sunday 10th October

Themed 5 Rhythms Dance Days

Price £43*/ £45 per day including sumptuous lunch. Be assured of a place by booking the series- all three days for £115*/£120
*Early bird discount for booking by 29 August

Saturday 16th October

Clutter - Why It Accumulates and How to Clear It
with Sorrel Scott and Tracey Franklin.

So, our homes gradually accumulate clutter , items of one sort or another. Why is that? This course is much bigger than thinking okay so I just have to get a rubbish bag out and bin everything I don’t need. Sorrel and Tracey gently guide us through the reasons we keep hold of items and ask us to look at our relationship to items. They help us to make decisions about the why’s and hows of moving on and enable us to let go of things that we no longer need but might be filling every available surface in our houses. With dignity and understanding of the inner being these tutors will help set you on the road to a clearer spirit and home.

10 - 4pm £37 for tuition and £6 for a vegetarian lunch.

November Events

Sunday 7th November

Themed 5 Rhythms Dance Days

Price £43*/ £45 per day including sumptuous lunch. Be assured of a place by booking the series- all three days for £115*/£120
*Early bird discount for booking by 29 August

Monday 8th November

Creative Writing with Karen Hayes

This day is part of an ongoing series attended by a fluid group of new writers and as such always welcomes new beginner writers. So if you want to write stories, memoirs or novels but are not sure how to begin then this is the perfect opportunity. Or perhaps you have made a start and have lost your way a little and just want some guidance to fire you enthusiasm to keep writing?
Each event is designed as a single workshop so you can come along to just one day or any number of workshops, when it suits and get the inspiration and practical advice you are seeking. Established author and writing tutor Karen Hayes will teach you the necessary tools of the craft such as character, plot, dialogue and landscape. You will be building your creative writing skills through discussion and writing exercises. The afternoon session will include time for each participant to talk individually to the tutor.

Events runs from10-4pm Cost : £39 to newcomers for tuition and £6 for a good veggie lunch. Usual price £49 (which includes the opportunity of written feedback on up to 20 pages of work). Discounts available for block booking.

December

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