South Dornaford Farm - Holistic Workshops and Events

PREVOUS WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS

CLICK HERE FOR WORKSHOPS & EVENTS 2011

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.

August 2010 Events

Wednesday 11th to Sunday 15th August 2010

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 2010 Events

Monday 13th September 2010

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.

Saturday 19th September 2010

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 2010

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 2010 Events

Sunday 10th October 2010

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

Saturday 16th October 2010

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 2010 Events

Sunday 7th November 2010

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 2010

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.

December 2010

Sunday 5th December 2010

5 Rhythms Dance

Do you want to dance? Do you want to explore movement and how it makes you feel? The Five Rhythms are a therapeutic dance practice that was discovered and developed by Gabrielle Roth. The Five Rhythms are called flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness. Together they gently release tension and unexpressed emotions held in the body. It is a simple and profound exploration of different ways of moving, different qualities of energy. It is a personal journey, which can facilitate change, not just on the physical level, but emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Dilys Morgan Scott creates a safe space where it is possible for everyone to explore their inner worlds, their attitudes, their patterns, their inhibitions and their own unique beauty and talents.

These 3 autumn events are focused 5 Rhythms dance days – using dance and movement to stir us. 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.

Event runs from 10am - 5pm. Price £43*/ £45 for this event including good vegetarian lunch. *Early bird discount for booking one calendar month before event. Or treat yourself to a regular opportunity to develop your dance practise and book three days for *£115/£120

January 2011 Events

Sunday 23rd January 2011

Drum for Fun

The beginning of what we hope will be our regular drumming group led by Felicity Scott.
Have you done a couple of beginner jembe drumming workshops and are looking to move on? Do you like the idea of a regular drumming group where you can just Drum for Fun, learn new rhythms, get together with other drummers? You don’t have to be a professional or have perfect timing but you do need a desire to play.

Not played before but want to learn ? We’ll be offering you the opportunity to learn. Details soon.

Event runs from 10 - 5pm. Cost : £12 a session. Either bring your own lunches or book one of our good veggie meals £6.
Also : Sunday 20 Feb and to be confirmed Sun 27 March

Monday 24th January 2011

Unleashing the Creative Energy

Creative writing workshop.

Event runs from 10 - 4pm. Cost : £39/£45 inc 2 course veggie lunch.

February 2011 Events

Sunday 6th February 2011

5 Rhythms Dance Workshop

Event runs from 10 - 5pm. Cost : £37/£43 inc 2 course veggie lunch

7th to 14th February 2011

Mates Muck In

Put on your old clothes, grab your wellies and a pair of tough gloves and join us here on a maintenance week. The Mates Muck In Weeks are about coming together as a group to achieve a project that benefits future course participants.

We work quite hard, for about 6 hours a day of mostly physical work requiring effort and then we balance that with good hot food, mugs of tea, cakes & biscuits. The evenings are about making new friends and catching up with those you’ve met before, Backgammon, Marjong, camp fire stories, singing, and drumming. Some play badminton, go for walks, read books, meditate by the river or even swim in it!

The work can be building, gardening, woodland or farm projects. We all share the cooking and cleaning up. If you are looking for a working holiday or just want to support the growth of South Dornaford’s activities then please book a place. It’s FREE. Booking Essential.

For more info and booking see attached PDF

Sunday 20th February 2011

Drum for Fun

Our regular drumming group led by Felicity Scott.
Have you done a couple of beginner jembe drumming workshops and are looking to move on? Do you like the idea of a regular drumming group where you can just Drum for Fun, learn new rhythms, get together with other drummers? You don’t have to be a professional or have perfect timing but you do need a desire to play.

Event runs from10 - 5pm. Cost : £12. Either bring your own lunches or book one of our good veggie meals £6.
Also to be confirmed Sun 27 March

March Events

Thursday 3rd March 2011

Movement and Stillness

A half day workshop devoted to reconnecting with your body and spirit. Movement, Mediation & Massage all help our bodies to work and play more readily, so the day combines all three techniques to give you an introduction to healing your own body and cultivating a lighter state of mind. We’ll use breath, body and mind to shift our awareness. We will exploring different ways of releasing those aches and pains we all get from time to time. Learn simple techniques that you can start using straightaway to carry less tension and stress and to move more easily.

The day is led by Pippa Cherrington, experienced tai chi instructor and massage therapist. 10am-1pm £25 per place.

Sunday 13th March

5 Rhythms Dance Workshop

Event runs from 10 - 5pm. Cost : £39/£45 inc 2 course veggie lunch

Monday 14th March 2011

The Use of Imagery and Myth in Creative Writing

Event runs from 10 - 4pm. Cost : £43/£49 inc lunch

18th - 21st March 2011

College of Elemental Chi Kung - Spring Detox Chi Kung Retreat

This 4-day retreat will focus on the transition of moving from Winter to Spring. Utilizing the Chi Kung forms of Metal and Wood we will support evacuation and clearing of the body. We will also be transforming stagnation or reduced flow in the body which occurs in the Winter. In conjunction with the work we will be offering a healthy detoxifying diet as well as starting participants off with a herbal detox supplement kit. The herbal detox supplement kit will be provided at the start of the retreat.

The retreat will be led by Thalbert Allen and Dan Brierley and is designed for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

The College of Elemental Chi Kung has several years experience in producing very successful detox retreats. We have designed the course to work as a whole body system - renewing and refreshing Mind, Body and Spirit. Please note that participants need to make their own way to and from the retreat centre.

Friday 18th to Monday 21st March 2011 - the retreat will start at 12noon on Friday 18th March with a light lunch and an introduction to the practice. The retreat will end at 3pm on Monday 21st March 2011

Price: £340 - includes Chi Kung tuition, shared accommodation, food & herbal detox supplement kit

Bookings: via http://www.elementalchikung.com or email info2@elementalchikung.com

April Events

Thursday 7th April 2011

Movement and Stillness

The day is led by Pippa Cherrington, experienced tai chi instructor and massage therapist. 10am - 1pm £25 per place.

Sunday 10th April 2011

5 Rhythms Dance Workshop

“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…”

These regular 5 Rhythms Dance workshops are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge where you are in your life what sits well with you, what doesn’t and to gently move on from this place by moving your body thereby shifting emotions and patterns. Dilys Morgan Scott leads the events and does so with laughter, tenderness and professionalism. A wonderful way of communicating with your soul.

10 - 5pm £39/£45 including a good homemade vegetarian lunch to boost your energy and keep you dancing.

Monday 11th April 2011

Creative Writing

Are longing to try your hand at some creative writing? Not sure how to get started? Build on your writing skills by coming along to any of this series of workshops led by published author Karen Hayes. Each session is designed to prompt your creativity and help you understand the necessary tools of the craft such as character, plot, dialogue and landscape. Tuition is given through discussion, writing exercises and one-to one feedback.

Part of today's event will focus on the use of imagery and myth in creative writing. 10 - 4pm £43/£49 inc lunch.

Tuesday 12th to Monday 18th April 2011

Mates Muck In

For more info and booking see attached PDF

May Events

Friday 6th and Saturday 7th May 2011

Driftwood Art

Have you ever looked at a piece of driftwood on the beach and thought that’s just beautiful, I’d like to take it home and make something with it? Have you thought of combining the natural art you’ve just found with your own creative talents to produce a finished item?

Well here at South Dornaford we don’t have the sea but we do have a river which brings us many drifting gifts. Some very ugly like plastic bags and others more intriguing, misshapen bits of metal, glass, crockery and bleached wood. So these two days, of which you can come to just one or both, are about you exploring the river’s edge, finding items that talk to you and then setting to and turning your ideas into actions to create a personal piece of art.

We’ll guide you around the land first and chat about using what you find, then you’ll have time to go and collect, or rummage through the existing stash of drift objects, work out your ideas and start constructing, painting, bark removing, twisting, tying, knotting or varnishing your art.

We’ll have pictures on display and information on well known artists to inspire you. You can work out your ideas on paper or a blackboard or just get stuck in. If you need help working out how to bring your idea together Basil, artist and woodsman, will be on hand to guide you. We’ll provide accessories to help you make your artwork so you just need to bring your imagination.

Places cost £25 per day. Bring your own sandwiches for lunch. Hot soup and teas/ coffees will be available for you to buy. The event runs from 10 - 5pm on both days.

Sunday 8th May 2011

5 Rhythms Dance Workshop

Let yourself move to the changing rhythms – let them change you. The Five Rhythms are a therapeutic dance practice That was discovered and developed by Gabrielle Roth. The Five Rhythms are called flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness. Together they gently release tension and unexpressed emotions held in the body. It is a simple and profound exploration of different ways of moving and being. It is a personal journey which can facilitate change, not just on a physical level but emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Dilys Morgan Scott creates a safe space where it is possible for everyone to notice their patterns, their attitudes, their inhibitions, and their own unique beauty and talent.

10am - 5pm cost £39/£45 to include a good 2 course vegetarian lunch. For information on Dilys why not look at our tutors page.

Monday 9th May 2011

Elements of Fiction, Memoir and Poetry

Perhaps you’ve just started your creative writing and would like some help and guidance? Or perhaps you have an idea yet are stuck on how to begin. You may already have some writing on the go, but its begun to be an uphill struggle or you’ve got bogged down in one aspect and are not sure how to wrestle it back into form. This workshop is here to help you find the answers you need to create perspective and shift your writing forward. Tuition is given through discussion, writing exercises and private one-to one feedback. You will have the opportunity to send some work to Karen Hayes, the tutor, in advance of the event so that she can give specific feedback to you , when you have your individual session together. All of our writers have found this most useful. As a local author with currently eleven published books to her name Karen Hayes is a valuable asset to your toolbox of writing support.

10 - 4pm £43/£49 including a delicious 2 course vegetarian lunch.

June Events

Thursdays starting 2nd June - 21st July 2011

Zen Meditation

An 8 week course in meditation and mindfulness based in the Zen tradition, with a focus on wellbeing.

This course is being offered to those who wish to start their journey with meditation. Maybe sitting quietly and contemplating is difficult in your busy life? Perhaps you’ve been longing to try and need some guidance to get started. This is a great supporting course that will really get you on your way. Each session would include a meditation as well as some background information, discussion and feedback.

The commitment would be to practice a 30 minute meditation a day at home and keep a meditation diary (for your own record no one will be giving points!) for the full 8 weeks to get the most benefit.

Nadia has been practising Zen meditation for about 30 years, mediating daily to strengthen her mindfulness, after being inspired by a book on the subject. She recently decided to formalize her understanding of meditation by undertaking a teaching qualification, which Nadia is due to complete shortly.

What to bring: Warm, comfortable clothing and a favourite cushion or stool, although chairs are available.
Dates & Times: Every Thursday for 8 weeks starting 2 June - 21 July 6.30 - 8.00pm
Cost: Payment by donation only. Suggested £3 - £5 per session

Thursday 9th June 2011

Poetry Day

This workshop is suitable for anyone who would like to write – or who has already written – poetry. Whether you are a fledging poet or one who has been writing reams for ages, you’ll find something here to suit your aspirations. During the course of the day we’ll be both writing and discussing poetry, as well as having a look at one or two published poems to see how they might relate to our own work. We’ll do a number of exercises specifically designed to free the imagination and to get us started writing our poems. We’ll have a go at various poetic forms, to see which might suit us best; we’ll also work on how to polish and perfect any poems you might already have written. The tutor is Karen Hayes who is a published poet as well as novelist. She has taught poetry workshops at numerous places including the University of Exeter.

10am - 4pm cost £43/£49 to include a good 2 course vegetarian lunch.

Sunday 12th June 2011

5 Rhythms Dance Workshop

Do you like to dance and express yourself through movement? Or are you inhibited about dancing and would like to have the courage and guidance to connect to this aspect of yourself? Well this is the workshop to come to as Dilys Morgan Scott is an experienced leader who, with lightness and laughter encourages us all to come out of our shells and acknowledge all that we are. These dance workshops are always popular so you get the chance to make new friends as well. Sometimes the day includes collage and poetry all exploring and expressing the variety of the 5 Rhythms Dance. Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical and Stillness are visible in nature and fun to express through these secondary mediums. Its wonderful to see how creative who say “ I can’t do that” become!

Sometimes we have a theme to play with and this workshop will explore the duality of Visible/ Invisible. How does this relate to who were are in any given moment? How does this manifest in your dance and your life? Perhaps you have a high profile job where you are always visible and you’d like to connect to a more invisible aspect of your personality? Or perhaps you are a shy person longing to come out of your shell? Come and join us and notice how moving through the wave of the 5 Rhythms changes your life patterns.

So why not join us from 10am - 5pm cost £39 or £45 if you’d like to book a good vegetarian lunch as well.

Sunday 19th June 2011

Create the Life You Want Alison Theaker

A unique 2 day workshop enabling you to make a positive change. You may be dealing with major life changes and need some simple techniques to help you create the life you want. By creating a positive mind set, you can become open to take advantage of opportunities that are available to you. Some simple techniques and visualisations can be used on an everyday basis to manifest the kind of life that you want.

This 2 day workshop will help you make immediate improvements to your life, using proven techniques from a range of sources. Working with a small group, you will create a support network to help you succeed.

During the workshop you will:

- Explore what kind of life you want to create
- Set out your most important life goals
- Build a vision board
- Create your own Circle of Excellence
- Make an Action Plan with achievable first steps
- Create a positive Anchor to increase your confidence

£110 for 2 days, including vegetarian lunch and refreshments £99.
Special early bird rate before 6 June. Book via phone, email or downloadable form, see top of workshops page.
For more information about the course content call 01548 857187 or email alison_theaker@hotmail.com

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