A retreat to discover the beauty of failure in an age of success. Finding the magic, beauty and grace in and through the flaws and cracks of life. How to slow down, stop climbing the ladder and dig underneath the gloss and perfectionism of religion.

The retreat will be mostly in silence, with the exception of half an hour before supper each day in the Loose Box for those who wish to have the opportunity for social contact. Simple daily worship. Experiential activites.

"I am an Anglican Priest who now works in a freelance capacity as an author, magician (illusionist) and retreat leader. Though I never attended church as a child I was always interested in spirituality. Finally, at sixteen I underwent a dramatic conversion experience and joined a Pentecostal Church. This was the beginning of my religious quest. At eighteen I travelled to Israel to work on a kibbutz and, on my return to the UK, moved to the more open-minded Church of England to continue my faith explorations – eventually leading to ministerial training.
            It was while studying at Theological College that my interest in magic, first sparked by my uncle at the age of ten, was reignited. To prevent my life being dominated by ‘churchiness’ I joined a local magic club and quickly became quite accomplished. However magic did not remain a mere hobby but became a unique part of my ministry. I use it as a took bring back wonder into people’s lives, for I believe that magic (the ability to be enchanted) exists within everyone, yet we’ve forgotten how to experience it.
            In June 2007 I resigned from ten year’s ministry as a priest and, although leaving the church’s official ministry left me and my family with no money or home, the world has now become re-enchanted. The quest for authenticity always hurts - always costs – but, in the end, the prize of a true and real life is worth more than anything one lost in the process. I have undergone a deeply transformative and magical awakening and am now free to use my gifts in ways not possible as a vicar. I have explored ideas that were once out of bounds and have found a deep inner pull towards nature-based spirituality.
            My first book emerged after a friend asked me to lead a retreat which made use of magical imagery - The Gospel of Falling Down – the beauty of failure in an age of success. I consider this book to be a reflection on my own life. I seem to be very good at falling down, yet for every fall a little light comes through. The central intention of this retreat is that people will find not answers, or a new religion, but themselves – their cracked yet shiningly beautiful true selves. We live in a success culture, in a world teaching perfection and the need for achievement. It’s falling and hurting that we learn from, so get back on that ladder every day."

A retreat exploring the meaning of place and landscape, especially borders and thresholds, in our religious experience. Pausing to reflect and read the land with its buildings, cultivation and buried history. Making connections in the liminal spaces of our interior landscape.

Esther de Waal is rooted in the Welsh Borders whose landscape, along with many monastic traditions, has shaped her own spirituality.

Walks form the core of this retreat, around 5 - 8 miles and mainly in silence. The focus is on walking mindfully and developing an awareness of God within and around. Each day includes a reflective gathering of the inner and outer experiences of the day.

Ian Sim and Peter Hayes are both ministers with experience of local pastorates and a shared love of Sheldon and the great outdoors.

In the beginning was sound ...
An acoustic tapestry weaving threads of chant and jazz into the fabric of Celtic prayer, liturgy and theology of work. How might we discern the sound of God as we seek to listen and hear more deeply?
... through sound into silence.

Brendan O’Malley is a one-time Cistercian monk and recently retired university chaplain and lecturer. He is a canon of St David’s Cathedral and author of several books focusing on Celtic spirituality and liturgy.

A retreat offering space to enjoy and explore imagination – the divine creativity in us all. Worship, reading poetry, making photographs and reflecting on our pictures are structured to open up layers of vision in the landscape around us and within ourselves. No formal knowledge of photography or poetry is required.

Robert Cooper is a photographer and priest in Durham. Barbara Vellacott creates opportunities for people to discover the life and music that is in poetry.

When better than the season of Advent to ponder the divine name and respond to the divine call? A visit to Mount Sinai has honed Angela’s reflections on the holy mountain. As Moses takes off his sandals, so we explore what it means to stand on holy ground.

Writer and broadcaster Angela Tilby is vicar of St Bene’t’s Cambridge and former Vice-Principal of Westcott House Cambridge.

All Quiet Days are from 10.15am to 3.45pm, in silence with 4 addresses (10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm).
Lunch is served at 12.30pm, and final prayers are said at 3.30pm.
Coffee is served before the Quiet Day begins, and tea after it finishes.
Retreatants are free to walk the grounds or visit the chapel between addresses.

Cost £16 including lunch (2010/11).

• Canon Gordon Jeff, 7th October 2010
• Prebendary Sue Roberts, 1st November 2010
• Bishop Martin Shaw, 9th March 2011
• Francis and Gail Ballinger, 24th March 2011
• Venerable Richard Gilpin, 3rd October 2011
• Bishop Richard Hawkins, 17th November 2011