Beginners Retreat with the Launde Abbey Community

£336

Are you someone who has perhaps been to a quiet day or a church weekend away but has never experienced a residential retreat? Are you unsure how you might cope for the whole retreat, what you might do with your time, or whether you will like silence? Do you like the thought of stepping away from the busyness of life to have time with God and catch up with yourself? Then this is the retreat for you! The aim of this semi-silent retreat weekend is to help you enter the world of retreats gently and with plenty of guidance and support.

This retreat will be led by members of the Launde Abbey Community.

Revd Anna Walker

The Revd Anna Walker is the new Deputy Warden of Launde Abbey and a spiritual director. She grew up in the Finnish Lutheran Church and trained for ministry in Helsinki, later moving to the UK with her husband, whom she met while spending time at the Taizé community in France. They have two children together and have shared a longstanding commitment to community life and retreat ministry. Anna trained for ordination at Lancaster Priory, served her curacy in Preston, and was previously Director of Whalley Abbey. She has a deep passion for spiritual direction and is drawn to seek God in silence, simplicity and creation. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, reading, journaling, and spending time outdoors.

Revd Alison Long

Alison is a spiritual director and curate who has been part of the Launde College of Chaplains and ministry team since last July. 

Jo De Graaf

Jo lives in Harby in the beautiful Vale of Belvoir with her husband, Cor. They have five children and Jo is a very proud Oma to 10 grandchildren, who bring the family such joy. A few years ago she felt God prompting and calling her to some form of ministry. Jo believes her ministry is to bring people into God’s Kingdom through love; using contemplative spirituality, hospitality and service of all kinds to help people feel a sense of wholeness within the love of God. Not only is Jo one of our volunteer chaplains, but is now the Associate Minister in the Parish of Old Dalby, and also Lay Chair of Framland Deanery.

EARLY BIRD RATE: £336 (standard room) or £366 (character room) if booked by 5th June 2026! 
Retreat price: £356 (standard room) or £386 (character room) 

Price includes en-suite accommodation, all meals, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay.

For any questions, or queries or if you’d like to know more, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: [email protected]