BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Launde Abbey - ECPv6.17.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Launde Abbey X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Launde Abbey REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260718T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260718T160000 DTSTAMP:20260704T135922Z CREATED:20251104T144243Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260704T135922Z UID:10000182-1784368800-1784390400@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:July Saturday Quiet Day: ‘Give us today our daily bread’ ***FULLY BOOKED*** DESCRIPTION:A quiet day to meditate afresh on the phrases of the Lord’s Prayer. Through short talks and quiet reflection\, there will be an opportunity to engage with prayer stations to express our response creatively as we pray through the core themes of the prayer. \n\n\n\nThere will be times for quiet reflection alongside plenty to engage with. If you are new to Quiet Days\, this could be a day for you. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLed by Revd. Debbie Smith\, Resident Chaplain.As a new member of the team at Launde Abbey\, Debbie brings experience as a psychotherapist\, of teaching pastoral care and counselling and of leading retreats.  She has worked in parish ministry and as a healthcare chaplain\, both in the UK and in New Zealand. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nQuiet Day price: £46 includes lunch and coffee and tea throughout the day.Why not think about extending your time at Launde by staying overnight after the event?  Check for availability and a quote when you contact us. \n\n\n\nYes – I’d like to take part in this Quiet Day!  (Please complete this form to request a place.)  \n\n\n\n\n \n \n Quiet Day Registration Form\n \n \n Contact DetailsName(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n PhoneAddress \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n Postcode\n \n \n Country\n AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands \n \n \n DetailsDate of Quiet Day(Required)How did you hear about this event?Social MediaGoogleWord of MouthRefer a FriendPast ParticipantOtherAnything else we need to know? URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/july-saturday-quiet-day-1/ CATEGORIES:Quiet Days ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-70-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260719T124500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260719T144500 DTSTAMP:20260630T075801Z CREATED:20260603T140253Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T075801Z UID:10000259-1784465100-1784472300@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Summer Sunday Buffet Lunch DESCRIPTION:This summer\, we are serving our two-course Seasonal Sunday Lunch buffet priced at just £17.95 per person (£14.20 main course only). \n\n\n\nEnjoy a selection from a range of fresh seasonal salads and cold meats combined with a filling serving of hot buttered new potatoes (vegetarian option is available). \n\n\n\nFor dessert\, select from a table of Chef’s choice desserts and fresh fruit salad.  \n\n\n\nWe also have a licensed bar\, plenty of parking and some lovely walks on the doorstep\, so why not come and make a day of it? \n\n\n\nPre-booking is essential. \n\n\n\n \n \n Summer Sunday Buffet Lunch – Booking Request\n \n \n Contact DetailsName(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n Phone(Required)DetailsSummer Sunday Buffet Lunch Date(Required)Number of Adults(Required)Number of Children (below 11 years)Dietary RequirementsAnything else we need to know?How did you hear about this event?Social MediaGoogleWord of MouthRefer a FriendPast ParticipantOther\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nPlease email info@launde.org.uk\, or call 01572 717254. URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/summer-sunday-buffet-lunch-4/ CATEGORIES:Sunday Lunches/Carvery ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-96-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260720T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260724T150000 DTSTAMP:20260519T143136Z CREATED:20260105T140748Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T143136Z UID:10000190-1784556000-1784905200@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Into the Silent Land: Five-Day Meditation Retreat **FULLY BOOKED** DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDue to high demand\, we are delighted to announce that we will be running this retreat again… \n\n\n\nInto The Silent Land: A Five-Day Meditation Retreat – 20th – 24th July 2026 \n\n\n\n“We are built for contemplation… Communion with God in the silence of the heart is a God-given capacity\, like the rhododendron’s capacity to flower\, the fledglings for flight\, and the child’s for self-forgetful abandon and joy.” \n\n\n\nWith these words\, Martin Laird begins his classic book Into the Silent Land: The Practice of Contemplation\, widely recognised as one of the best introductions to meditation in the Christian tradition written in generations. He brings together an engaging introduction to the Christian contemplative tradition for people inside or on the margins of the churches who feel drawn to the world of silent prayer. \n\n\n\nMartin Laird shows how silence and meditation can offer a remedy to many contemporary dilemmas and emotional struggles. Writing with great clarity\, poetic depth and authority\, Laird examines central meditative methods and traditions found within contemplative prayer. Exploring the role of breath in the spiritual life and the nature of awareness – so often associated in the minds of many with other spiritual traditions – he shows that this is also an ancient concern of Christian thinkers. \n\n\n\nHow do we enter the “Silent Land” of Divine presence? “By the silence of surrender\,” says Laird: “The contemplative discipline of meditation…is not a technique but a surrendering of deeply held resistances that allows the sacred within to gradually reveal itself as a simple\, fundamental fact.” \n\n\n\n“The more we realise we are one with God the more we become ourselves\, just as we are\, just as we were created to be. The Creator is outpouring love\, the creation\, the love outpoured.” \n\n\n\nIn this experiential retreat\, we will explore the essential skills and wisdom of the art of meditation as set out in ‘Into the Silent Land’\, including: \n\n\n\n\nCultivating gentle concentration (attentiveness) and the opening of awareness\n\n\n\nThe subtle challenges of stilling the mind and the interior skills to meet them\n\n\n\nHow our deepening silence reveals “the overflowing vastness” of our deepest identity in God\n\n\n\nBecoming windows of light and places of peace for the world\n\n\n\n\nWho is this for? \n\n\n\nInto the Silent Land offers profound insights for the student of silent prayer but is especially intended for the non-specialist who feels drawn to discover the deep wisdom of the Christian contemplative tradition. It has been carefully crafted to be relevant and accessible to anyone searching for truth and peace\, regardless of their faith\, beliefs or previous experience of meditation. \n\n\n\nWhat to expect \n\n\n\nThe focus of the retreat is silent meditation practice and we will practice bringing loving-awareness to all our daily activities – while sitting\, while walking or eating\, when we are simply enjoying a glass of water. We will practice living each moment deeply. \n\n\n\nAs this is a largely silent retreat\, the practice of silence will commence when the retreat begins and continue until just before lunchtime on the Friday\, except during whole group and small group structured conversation times. \n\n\n\nAlthough the practice of silence may be new to some\, most people find stepping back from conversation and distraction\, a powerful experience. Maintaining a peaceful environment – walking\, moving\, and doing things quietly – is important for our practice and a gift we can offer to each other. \n\n\n\nThe retreat timetable includes periods of private practice time for sitting and walking meditation. Some people find it helpful to bring a craft activity to accompany times of private sitting meditation. \n\n\n\nPractical information \n\n\n\nThe retreat will start at 14:00 on the Monday and finish at 15:00 on the Friday\, and will involve extended periods of meditation practice and silence. Each full day of the retreat will include: \n\n\n\n\n06:30 Sitting meditation & walking meditation\n\n\n\n08:00 Breakfast in silence\n\n\n\n09:00 Talk and group sitting meditation\n\n\n\n10:30 Private practice time / small group conversation\n\n\n\n12:30 Group sitting meditation\n\n\n\n13:00 Lunch in silence\n\n\n\n14:00 Private practice time / small group conversation\n\n\n\n17:00 Group sitting meditation\n\n\n\n18:00 Dinner in silence\n\n\n\n19:00 Talk\n\n\n\n20:00 Group conversation\n\n\n\n21:00 Retire in silence\n\n\n\n\nEarly morning practice is a wonderful way to greet the day together. While we very much encourage everyone to attend the 06:30 am practice session\, if this is difficult for you for any reason please don’t worry. It is always enough to do what we can – or what our life allows. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWords of support from Martin Laird \n\n\n\n“The School of Contemplative Life will surely rate among the most significant responses to the spiritual longings of the people of this nation and abroad [and] directly nourish and cultivate the depth-dimension of life through its well thought out programme of retreats\, guidance and other opportunities\, to the wellspring of silence and compassion flowing within.” \n\n\n\nAttending a silent retreat \n\n\n\nBeing on retreat is a precious opportunity to be still\, to be silent\, to practice living simply and peacefully and cultivate the gift of loving-awareness as we devote ourselves to the depth-dimension of faith and life. \n\n\n\nThe focus of the retreat is silent meditation practice and we will practice bringing loving-awareness to all our daily activities – while sitting\, while walking or eating\, when we are simply enjoying a glass of water. We will practice living each moment deeply. \n\n\n\nThe practice of silence will commence when the retreat begins at 14:00 on the Monday and continue until lunchtime on the Friday. Although the practice of silence may be new to some\, most people find this a powerful and wonderful experience. Maintaining a quiet and peaceful environment – walking\, moving\, and doing things quietly – is important for our practice and a gift we can offer to each other. \n\n\n\nThe retreat timetable includes periods of private practice time for sitting and walking meditation. Some people find it helpful to bring a craft activity to accompany times of private sitting meditation. If you decide to do this\, the craft should be very simple and not likely to stimulate thoughts. The Desert Fathers and Mothers were famous for weaving baskets! \n\n\n\nYou may wish to bring warm\, comfy clothes and a waterproof jacket/umbrella for walking meditation in the event of inclement weather. A notepad and pen will also be useful. \n\n\n\nRetreat Leader \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChris Whittington is the Founder of The School of Contemplative Life. He was introduced to contemplative practice during several years of formation when he lived at the Benedictine monastery of Prinknash Abbey. Chris’ monastic teachers\, including Sylvester Houedard OSB\, taught meditation as a universal wisdom found within all the great spiritual traditions\, a pathway to peace and solidarity with people of all faiths and none. Following an introduction by the Abbot of the Prinknash community\, Chris subsequently studied at the Dalai Lama’s monastery in Dharamshala\, India. Chris regularly delivers talks\, workshops and retreats and has introduced the practice of meditation in the Christian tradition to thousands of people in the UK and abroad. \n\n\n\nFor information about the School of Contemplative Life\, please visit: www.schoolofcontemplativelife.com or https://www.youtube.com/@schoolofcontemplativelife  \n\n\n\nRetreat price: £644 (standard room) or £704 (character room)EARLY BIRD RATE: £604 (standard room) or £664 (character room) if booked by 11th May 2026!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. \n\n\n\nClick here to book your place on this retreat now: \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/intothesilentland2026/ CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Silent Retreats,Spiritual Practices ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/School-of-Contemplative-Life_-Into-the-Silent-Land-3-scaled-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260726T124500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260726T144500 DTSTAMP:20260630T075852Z CREATED:20260603T140316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T075852Z UID:10000260-1785069900-1785077100@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Summer Sunday Buffet Lunch DESCRIPTION:This summer\, we are serving our two-course Seasonal Sunday Lunch buffet priced at just £17.95 per person (£14.20 main course only). \n\n\n\nEnjoy a selection from a range of fresh seasonal salads and cold meats combined with a filling serving of hot buttered new potatoes (vegetarian option is available). \n\n\n\nFor dessert\, select from a table of Chef’s choice desserts and fresh fruit salad.  \n\n\n\nWe also have a licensed bar\, plenty of parking and some lovely walks on the doorstep\, so why not come and make a day of it? \n\n\n\nPre-booking is essential. \n\n\n\n \n \n Summer Sunday Buffet Lunch – Booking Request\n \n \n Contact DetailsName(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n Phone(Required)DetailsSummer Sunday Buffet Lunch Date(Required)Number of Adults(Required)Number of Children (below 11 years)Dietary RequirementsAnything else we need to know?How did you hear about this event?Social MediaGoogleWord of MouthRefer a FriendPast ParticipantOther\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nPlease email info@launde.org.uk\, or call 01572 717254. URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/summer-sunday-buffet-lunch-5/ CATEGORIES:Sunday Lunches/Carvery ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-96-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260727T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260729T140000 DTSTAMP:20260309T131306Z CREATED:20251204T225749Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T131306Z UID:10000186-1785168000-1785333600@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Unmaking Mary: Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor 2\,000 years\, the Virgin Mary has been depicted throughout art\, literature and culture as symbolising the perfect mother: chaste\, beautiful\, meek\, mild and white. These supposed virtues and symbols have shaped not just Christianity but wider popular culture; and have contributed to harmful views about motherhood and what it is to be a woman. This retreat will offer a time for reflection on the impacts of these tropes on us\, and attempt to create a space to exhale; freeing ourselves from the burden of perfection\, and an opportunity to gain new insight into the person of Mary\, her humanity\, motherhood and what we learn about God through her.  \n\n\n\nChine McDonald \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChine McDonald is Director of Theos\, the religion and society think tank. She was previously Head of Public Engagement at Christian Aid. She has two decades of experience in journalism\, media and communications across faith\, media and international development organisations. She also speaks and writes regularly on issues of race\, faith and gender\, and is the author of ‘God is not a white man: and other revelations’ (Hodder & Stoughton\, May 2021) which was runner-up for the Michael Ramsey Prize for theological writing\, and Unmaking Mary: Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood (Hodder & Stoughton\, March 2025). Chine is a regular writer\, broadcaster\, panel host and media commentator and has written for the Financial Times\, the Guardian\, The Independent\, The Big Issue\, Prospect\, The Mirror and contributes to TV and radio programmes such as regularly presenting the BBC’s Thought for the Day on Radio 4’s Today programme and appearing on BBC Sunday Morning Live. She regularly speaks in and hosts panels including previously at Cheltenham Festivals and How the Light Gets In. She is vice–chair of Greenbelt Festival and a trustee of Christian Aid and Demos. She is on the Advisory board for Cambridge University Library. Chine studied Theology and Religious Studies at Cambridge University\, and is a Canon Theologian at Chester Cathedral.  \n\n\n\nwww.chinemcdonald.com  \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £336 (standard room) or £366 (character room) if booked by 18th May 2026! Retreat price: £356 (standard room) or £386 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice 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. \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/unmaking-mary-shattering-the-myth-of-perfect-motherhood/ CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Spiritual Practices,Wellbeing Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-88-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260802T124500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260802T144500 DTSTAMP:20260630T080106Z CREATED:20260609T091005Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T080106Z UID:10000261-1785674700-1785681900@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Summer Sunday Buffet Lunch DESCRIPTION:This summer\, we are serving our two-course Seasonal Sunday Lunch buffet priced at just £17.95 per person (£14.20 main course only). \n\n\n\nEnjoy a selection from a range of fresh seasonal salads and cold meats combined with a filling serving of hot buttered new potatoes (vegetarian option is available). \n\n\n\nFor dessert\, select from a table of Chef’s choice desserts and fresh fruit salad.  \n\n\n\nWe also have a licensed bar\, plenty of parking and some lovely walks on the doorstep\, so why not come and make a day of it? \n\n\n\nPre-booking is essential. \n\n\n\n \n \n Summer Sunday Buffet Lunch – Booking Request\n \n \n Contact DetailsName(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n Phone(Required)DetailsSummer Sunday Buffet Lunch Date(Required)Number of Adults(Required)Number of Children (below 11 years)Dietary RequirementsAnything else we need to know?How did you hear about this event?Social MediaGoogleWord of MouthRefer a FriendPast ParticipantOther\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nPlease email info@launde.org.uk\, or call 01572 717254. URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/summer-sunday-buffet-lunch-6/ CATEGORIES:Sunday Lunches/Carvery ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-96-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260804T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260807T140000 DTSTAMP:20260707T130851Z CREATED:20250924T124817Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T130851Z UID:10000159-1785859200-1786111200@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Unlocking the Fountains ***FULLY BOOKED*** DESCRIPTION:In this retreat (based on the book by the same title)\, we receive challenge and inspiration from the biblical rivers and wells\, revisiting ancient stories and exploring their resonances\, spiritual and ecological. We draw refreshment from ancient springs which renew us for daily living. Some meals will be eaten in silence. \n\n\n\nAndrew was formerly a Spirituality Adviser to both the Diocese of Chichester and the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf\, living several years in Jerusalem. He is the author of 20 spirituality books (Unlocking the Fountains\, the basis for the retreat\, will be available at £15). He is a Franciscan and Anglican priest and an experienced retreat leader. \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £474 (standard room) or £519 (character room) if booked by 26th May 2026Retreat price: £504 (standard room) or £549 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice 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. \n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk  URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/unlocking-the-fountains/ CATEGORIES:Biblical Theme,Launde Abbey Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-50-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260809T124500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260809T144500 DTSTAMP:20260630T080159Z CREATED:20260609T091230Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T080159Z UID:10000262-1786279500-1786286700@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Summer Sunday Buffet Lunch DESCRIPTION:This summer\, we are serving our two-course Seasonal Sunday Lunch buffet priced at just £17.95 per person (£14.20 main course only). \n\n\n\nEnjoy a selection from a range of fresh seasonal salads and cold meats combined with a filling serving of hot buttered new potatoes (vegetarian option is available). \n\n\n\nFor dessert\, select from a table of Chef’s choice desserts and fresh fruit salad.  \n\n\n\nWe also have a licensed bar\, plenty of parking and some lovely walks on the doorstep\, so why not come and make a day of it? \n\n\n\nPre-booking is essential. \n\n\n\n \n \n Sunday Lunch/Carvery – Booking Request\n \n \n Contact DetailsName(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n Phone(Required)DetailsSunday Lunch/Carvery Date(Required)Number of Adults(Required)Number of Children (below 11 years)Dietary RequirementsAnything else we need to know?How did you hear about this event?Social MediaGoogleWord of MouthRefer a FriendPast ParticipantOther\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nPlease email info@launde.org.uk\, or call 01572 717254. URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/summer-sunday-buffet-lunch-7/ CATEGORIES:Sunday Lunches/Carvery ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-96-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260816T124500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260816T144500 DTSTAMP:20260630T080250Z CREATED:20260609T092123Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T080250Z UID:10000264-1786884300-1786891500@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Summer Sunday Buffet Lunch DESCRIPTION:This summer\, we are serving our two-course Seasonal Sunday Lunch buffet priced at just £17.95 per person (£14.20 main course only). \n\n\n\nEnjoy a selection from a range of fresh seasonal salads and cold meats combined with a filling serving of hot buttered new potatoes (vegetarian option is available). \n\n\n\nFor dessert\, select from a table of Chef’s choice desserts and fresh fruit salad.  \n\n\n\nWe also have a licensed bar\, plenty of parking and some lovely walks on the doorstep\, so why not come and make a day of it? \n\n\n\nPre-booking is essential. \n\n\n\n \n \n Summer Sunday Buffet Lunch – Booking Request\n \n \n Contact DetailsName(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n Phone(Required)DetailsSummer Sunday Buffet Lunch Date(Required)Number of Adults(Required)Number of Children (below 11 years)Dietary RequirementsAnything else we need to know?How did you hear about this event?Social MediaGoogleWord of MouthRefer a FriendPast ParticipantOther\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nPlease email info@launde.org.uk\, or call 01572 717254. URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/summer-sunday-buffet-lunch-8/ CATEGORIES:Sunday Lunches/Carvery ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-96-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260817T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260817T160000 DTSTAMP:20260525T141702Z CREATED:20251104T144337Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260525T141702Z UID:10000183-1786960800-1786982400@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:August Quiet Day: On the Side of Angels and Dirt – Reflecting through the Art of Stanley Spencer DESCRIPTION:During this quiet day\, we will look together at two of Spencer’s paintings: Christ Carrying the Cross and The Dustman (or The Lovers). Spencer lived during a turbulent period in world history\, yet attuned his eye to spotting holiness within the very ordinary and domestic acts of life. Using his art as a lens through which to view our own worlds\, we will reflect on how we\, too\, might learn to see the angels amidst the dirt. \n\n\n\nThis day will include a gentle invitation to share in collective reflection on the pictures we will look at\, as well as guided exploration of Spencer’s work and our own spiritual lives. There will be plenty of space for quiet time within the grounds or the Abbey. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLed by Susannah Underwood. \n\n\n\nSusannah Underwood is a parish priest in St Albans Diocese. She has a particular interest in the connections between spirituality\, art\, and poetry. She regularly leads quiet days and retreats and enjoys writing her own poetry\, as well as the privilege of accompanying others on their spiritual journeys. \n\n\n\nQuiet Day price: £46 includes lunch and coffee and tea throughout the day.Why not think about extending your time at Launde by staying overnight after the event.  Check for availability and a quote when you contact us. \n\n\n\nYes – I’d like to take part in this Quiet Day!  (Please complete this form to request a place.)  \n\n\n\n \n \n Quiet Day Registration Form\n \n \n Contact DetailsName(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n PhoneAddress \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n Postcode\n \n \n Country\n AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands \n \n \n DetailsDate of Quiet Day(Required)How did you hear about this event?Social MediaGoogleWord of MouthRefer a FriendPast ParticipantOtherAnything else we need to know? URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/augustquietday-2/ CATEGORIES:Quiet Days ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-70-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260817T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260821T140000 DTSTAMP:20260626T202530Z CREATED:20250925T100511Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260626T202530Z UID:10000160-1786982400-1787320800@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Textiles Retreat: WELCOME AND HOSPITALITY ***FULLY BOOKED*** DESCRIPTION:Christ welcomes us all.  Using the sculpture of “The Welcoming Christ” in the Launde Abbey garden\, we will explore what we understand by welcome\, feeling welcomed and welcoming others.  Guests may wish to use or take their own photos of the statue as an inspiration for stitching. \n\n\n\nAll are welcome\, whatever your sewing skill level. You are also welcome to bring your own project to work on. (Please note: sewing machines should have been PAT tested within the last three years.) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClaire is an experienced parish priest and retreat leader who has been leading retreats at Launde Abbey for many years. Claire was also one of the team offering Spiritual Direction (Spiritual Accompaniment) and Mentoring in Southwell & Nottingham Diocese. She has been sewing ever since she can remember – she had her first sewing machine age 9 years and has recently studied for a City and Guilds Patchwork and Quilting Certificate. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £592 (standard room) or £652 (character room) if booked by 8th June 2026Retreat price: £632 (standard room) or £692 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice 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. \n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk  \n\n\n\n  URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/textiles-retreat-christ-welcomes-us-all/ CATEGORIES:Creative Retreats,Launde Abbey Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/52-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260823T124500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260823T144500 DTSTAMP:20260630T080336Z CREATED:20260609T092231Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T080336Z UID:10000265-1787489100-1787496300@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Summer Sunday Buffet Lunch DESCRIPTION:This summer\, we are serving our two-course Seasonal Sunday Lunch buffet priced at just £17.95 per person (£14.20 main course only). \n\n\n\nEnjoy a selection from a range of fresh seasonal salads and cold meats combined with a filling serving of hot buttered new potatoes (vegetarian option is available). \n\n\n\nFor dessert\, select from a table of Chef’s choice desserts and fresh fruit salad.  \n\n\n\nWe also have a licensed bar\, plenty of parking and some lovely walks on the doorstep\, so why not come and make a day of it? \n\n\n\nPre-booking is essential. \n\n\n\n \n \n Summer Sunday Buffet Lunch – Booking Request\n \n \n Contact DetailsName(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n Phone(Required)DetailsSummer Sunday Buffet Lunch Date(Required)Number of Adults(Required)Number of Children (below 11 years)Dietary RequirementsAnything else we need to know?How did you hear about this event?Social MediaGoogleWord of MouthRefer a FriendPast ParticipantOther\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nPlease email info@launde.org.uk\, or call 01572 717254. URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/summer-sunday-buffet-lunch-9/ CATEGORIES:Sunday Lunches/Carvery ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-96-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260823T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260830T100000 DTSTAMP:20260709T102816Z CREATED:20260114T140301Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T102816Z UID:10000197-1787500800-1788084000@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Individually Guided Retreat DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis silent individually guided retreat\, over the course of 7 nights\, is for those who want to come away and spend a week in silence with God. It is designed for those who regularly seek time away in silence with God and for those who have experienced shorter silent retreats and wish to spend a little longer. As well as being able to join with the Launde community in prayer you will have the opportunity to meet with a spiritual accompanier each day. The retreat will be led by Rhona Knight and a team of experienced spiritual accompaniers. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRhona is a theological educator\, pastoral supervisor and spiritual director and is a regular retreat leader at Launde Abbey. She is the author of a number of books on discipleship and spirituality. Rhona is also a member of the College of Chaplains at Launde Abbey. \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £1\,036 (standard room) or £1\,141 (character room) if booked by 14th June 2026Retreat price: £1\,106 (standard room) or £1\,211 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice 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. \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlease complete and return the pre-arrival information sheet as soon as possible to the retreat leader after you have booked your place:\n\n\n\n\npre-arrival information sheet download\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSend your completed form to: retreats@launde.org.uk. Thank you. \n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk. URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/individually-guided-retreat-2/ CATEGORIES:Individually Guided Retreats,Launde Abbey Retreats,Silent Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/IGR-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260830T124500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260830T144500 DTSTAMP:20260630T080420Z CREATED:20260609T093544Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T080420Z UID:10000266-1788093900-1788101100@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Summer Sunday Buffet Lunch DESCRIPTION:This summer\, we are serving our two-course Seasonal Sunday Lunch buffet priced at just £17.95 per person (£14.20 main course only). \n\n\n\nEnjoy a selection from a range of fresh seasonal salads and cold meats combined with a filling serving of hot buttered new potatoes (vegetarian option is available). \n\n\n\nFor dessert\, select from a table of Chef’s choice desserts and fresh fruit salad.  \n\n\n\nWe also have a licensed bar\, plenty of parking and some lovely walks on the doorstep\, so why not come and make a day of it? \n\n\n\nPre-booking is essential. \n\n\n\n \n \n Summer Sunday Buffet Lunch – Booking Request\n \n \n Contact DetailsName(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n Phone(Required)DetailsSummer Sunday Buffet Lunch Date(Required)Number of Adults(Required)Number of Children (below 11 years)Dietary RequirementsAnything else we need to know?How did you hear about this event?Social MediaGoogleWord of MouthRefer a FriendPast ParticipantOther\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nPlease email info@launde.org.uk\, or call 01572 717254. URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/summer-sunday-buffet-lunch-10/ CATEGORIES:Sunday Lunches/Carvery ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-96-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260907T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260909T140000 DTSTAMP:20260309T132111Z CREATED:20250929T145513Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T132111Z UID:10000163-1788796800-1788962400@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Praying With Icons DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhether you use icons regularly in your prayer practice or have simply seen an icon and wondered what they are all about\, this retreat welcomes everyone into the quiet simplicity of praying with icons. In this retreat\, we will learn about how the iconographic tradition has developed over centuries and what that means for us as we seek to be united with the spiritual realms through the icon in prayer. Sharing uncluttered time in God’s presence\, the retreat will provide us with opportunities to experience varied approaches to using icons in prayer\, so we each might encounter God afresh in our own way. \n\n\n\nNo creative skill is required for this retreat – just a willingness to be open in prayer. This retreat does not specifically involve painting or drawing an icon. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCatherine Lomas was\, until 2023\, a parish priest and pioneer in the Diocese of Peterborough. She is now based in Wiltshire\, exploring a calling as a full-time iconographer and sacred artist. Her particular interest is in the use of visual means to explore theology and spirituality\, seeing our search for the Divine as sharing much in common with humanity’s innate longing for beauty. Her interest in icons began in 2007\, she painted her first icon in 2016 and now exercises her priestly ministry through leading and speaking about icons\, art and spirituality\, as well as accepting commissions for new icons and sacred art (more details at www.catherinemaryicons.uk). \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £336 (standard room) or £366 (character room) if booked by 29th June 2026! Retreat price: £356 (standard room) or £386 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice 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. \n\n\n\nClick below to book your place now on this retreat: \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk  URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/praying-with-icons-2026/ CATEGORIES:Creative Retreats,Launde Abbey Retreats,Spiritual Practices,Spiritual Tradition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Unknown.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260914T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260917T140000 DTSTAMP:20260526T092503Z CREATED:20260420T221716Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T092503Z UID:10000227-1789401600-1789653600@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:God In Our Struggles DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn human life\, we aspire to keep ourselves healthy in body\, mind and spirit.  But sometimes we struggle\, and sometimes we ask ‘where is God in this?’  In this retreat we will take a prayerful approach to understanding the relationships between Christian spirituality and mental health. We will explore the connections between “head and heart”\, “mind and spirit”\, focusing on the questions that often arise in relation to God and prayer amidst mental health challenges.   \n\n\n\nIf you have experienced mental health challenges in your own life\, or have walked alongside others who do as a friend\, family member or in ministry\, then this retreat is designed to help you reflect prayerfully on those experiences.  \n\n\n\nThe retreat will not be completely silent\, but there will be periods of silence within each day. The programme will involve exercises of lectio divina (meditating prayerfully on chosen passages of scripture) and you will be invited to join Launde Abbey’s praying community in the daily office and the Eucharist.  Retreatants are encouraged to bring a Bible (which can be a hard copy\, or on an electronic device) and a journal or notebook. \n\n\n\nIt is important to emphasise that this retreat is not a therapeutic intervention. Therapy or counselling and individualised professional advice cannot be offered in relation to illness or concerns experienced by retreatants or those they know and care for.  Neither is it a seminar that teaches skills on how best to minister to others struggling with their mental health.   If you are currently suffering from poor mental health\, we encourage you to seek appropriate medical and therapeutic support. \n\n\n\nThe retreat will draw on the themes of mental health and Christian spirituality explored in the book\, Struggling with God\, by Chris Cook\, Isabelle Hamley and John Swinton (SPCK\, 2023). \n\n\n\nLed by Christopher C.H. Cook \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChris Cook is an Anglican priest and retired consultant psychiatrist who has worked over many years to engage with challenges of mental health in the Church and the importance of spirituality in clinical practice in psychiatry. He has written extensively on spirituality\, psychiatry and mental health and in 2020 was awarded the Canterbury Cross by the Archbishop of Canterbury for his work on theology and psychiatry. He is Emeritus Professor in Spirituality\, Theology and Health in the Institute for Medical Humanities at Durham University\, and Honorary Chaplain for Tees\, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. He has served two terms as Chair of the Spirituality & Psychiatry Special Interest Group at the Royal College of Psychiatrists and was Co-Chair of the Section on Religion & Spirituality at the World Psychiatric Association from 2022-2023. His book publications include: Hearing Voices\, Demonic and Divine (2018)\, and (together with Isabelle Hamley and John Swinton) Struggling with God (2023). Together with Isabelle Hamley\, he edited The Bible and Mental Health (2020) and\, with Andrew Powell\, Spirituality and Psychiatry\, second edition (2023). \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £474 (standard room) or £519 (character room) if booked by 6th July 2026.Retreat price: £504 (standard room) or £549 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice 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. \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk \n\n\n\n  URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/god-in-our-struggles/ CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Silent Retreats,Wellbeing Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-92.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260917T093000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260917T160000 DTSTAMP:20260309T133323Z CREATED:20251020T123453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T133323Z UID:10000170-1789637400-1789660800@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Rural Mission Hub at Launde Abbey DESCRIPTION:We’re building a community of rural pioneers in the East Midlands. Come and join our regular gatherings for some much-needed prayer\, support and encouragement!\n\n\n\nRural Mission Hub: 17th September 2026\n\n\n\nAre you engaged in pioneering ministry in a rural context? Looking for some quality time with colleagues to share and pray together? Launde Abbey and Rural Ministries are holding a Rural Mission Hub event at the Abbey to create space for engagement and reflection. \n\n\n\nThis rural mission hub day includes led reflection\, time for personal prayer\, mutual learning\, shared wisdom and companionship with others in rural pioneering ministry.  It will be run jointly by members of the Launde Abbey Community and the Rural Ministries team. \n\n\n\nEach Rural Mission Hub gathering is at a special price of £12\, which includes lunch and refreshments throughout the day.  The special price for this event is made possible by financial support from Rural Ministries.  \n\n\n\nThe Rural Mission Hub at Launde Abbey is a partnership between Launde Abbey and Rural Ministries. \n\n\n\nFor any questions\, queries or if you’d like to book\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk. URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/rural-mission-hub-at-launde-abbey-3/ CATEGORIES:Rural Mission Hub ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-60-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260919T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260919T160000 DTSTAMP:20260709T114850Z CREATED:20260708T101731Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T114850Z UID:10000269-1789812000-1789833600@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:September Saturday Quiet Day DESCRIPTION:Led by Revd Ali Walton. \n\n\n\nAli Walton has recently retired as Associate Rector at Emmanuel Loughborough where she was responsible for discipleship and pastoral care in the church. She really values the peace of Launde Abbey and prays you will too. \n\n\n\nMore information coming soon… \n\n\n\nQuiet Day price: £46 includes lunch and coffee and tea throughout the day.Why not think about extending your time at Launde by staying overnight after the event.  Check for availability and a quote when you contact us. \n\n\n\nYes – I’d like to take part in this Quiet Day!  (Please complete this form to request a place.)  \n\n\n\n \n \n Quiet Day Registration Form\n \n \n Contact DetailsName(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n PhoneAddress \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n Postcode\n \n \n Country\n AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands \n \n \n DetailsDate of Quiet Day(Required)How did you hear about this event?Social MediaGoogleWord of MouthRefer a FriendPast ParticipantOtherAnything else we need to know? URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/september-saturday-quiet-day/ CATEGORIES:Quiet Days ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-70-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260920T150000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260920T170000 DTSTAMP:20260702T092708Z CREATED:20260420T082656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T092708Z UID:10000232-1789916400-1789923600@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Classical Concert and Cream Tea: Uppingham School Performance DESCRIPTION:Join us for the perfect Sunday afternoon out…  \n\n\n\nWe look forward to continuing our Launde Abbey Concert Series throughout 2026\, bringing you intimate classical performances from the finest musicians. Join us for an hour of enchanting classical music in our medieval chapel\, followed by the famous Launde Abbey Cream Tea. \n\n\n\nUppingham School’s Invitation Concert – Music Scholars and Faculty \n\n\n\nThe leading young music scholars of Uppingham School are invited to collaborate with their teachers for an afternoon of chamber music. They will be led by professors of the Royal College of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama\, violinist Michał Ćwiżewicz and clarinettist Andy Webster.  \n\n\n\nAndrew Webster studied the clarinet at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama under the guidance of Antony Pay and Thea King. Following his studies\, he embarked on a distinguished freelance career\, giving regular solo performances at prestigious venues including The Wigmore Hall. From 1997 to 2004\, Andrew was a member of the Orchestra of English National Opera\, and between 2002 and 2012 he served as Principal Clari net with the Glyndebourne Touring Opera Orchestra. Alongside these positions\, he has continued to work extensively with many of the UK’s leading orchestras\, most notably The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra\, The Philharmonia Orchestra\, The BBC Symphony Orchestra\, and The London Sinfonietta. In 1994\, Andrew was appointed Professor of Clarinet at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama\, where he taught for 31 years. From September 2025\, he takes up the role of Visiting Professor at Guildhall. Andrew has also made a significant contribution to music education at Uppingham School\, where he joined the staff in 2013 as Head of Wind\, Brass and Percussion. From September 2025\, he becomes the school’s Director of Music. \n\n\n\nBritish–Polish violinist Michał Ćwiżewicz has performed across Europe\, the Middle East and the USA\, with broadcasts on BBC Television and Radio and Polish national television. He appears regularly with the Cwizewicz Brothers violin duo and directs the Ognisko Chamber Ensemble. For ten years he was the violinist of the Minerva Piano Trio and their recent recording Dance! has brought much critical acclaim. Michał teaches at the Royal College of Music and is Head of Strings at Uppingham School. He holds postgraduate degrees from the Royal College of Music and Imperial College\, the latter a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering. Prizes enabled his studies at the Royal College of Music\, Guildhall School\, Paris Conservatoire and Escuela Superior in Madrid\, working with members of the Alban Berg\, Arpeggione and Ysaÿe quartets. He has performed for HM King Charles III and was presented to Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace’s Young Artists’ Reception. His other musical interests include the folk music of the Carpathian Mountains\, learnt from legendary violinists Eugenius Wilczek and Władysław Trebunia-Tutka\, and Javanese gamelan\, which he played in his youth with the Southbank Gamelan Players. \n\n\n\nLaunde Classical Concerts offer the chance to hear an hour-long live concert in the company of some of the country’s leading performers\, followed by a gorgeous Launde cream tea. \n\n\n\nA Launde Abbey Fundraising Event. \n\n\n\nTickets £22 (or £17 for concert only). Call 01572 717254 or email info@launde.org.uk.Tickets £22 (or £17 for concert only). Call 01572 717254 or email info@launde.org.uk. \n\n\n\n \n \n Concert Booking Form\n \n \n Contact DetailsName(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n Phone(Required)DetailsConcert Date(Required)How many tickets would you like?(Required)How did you hear about this event?Social MediaGoogleWord of MouthRefer a FriendPast ParticipantOtherAnything else we need to know? URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/classical-concert-and-cream-tea-uppingham-school-performance/ CATEGORIES:Classical Concerts,Fundraising Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-9-scaled-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T160000 DTSTAMP:20260709T115953Z CREATED:20260422T114255Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T115953Z UID:10000241-1789984800-1790006400@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:September Quiet Day: ‘Listening with the heart: some insights from the way of St Benedict’ DESCRIPTION:‘Listening with the heart: some insights from the way of St Benedict’ \n\n\n\nMany people around the world find in the readings of St Benedict a guide for their lives in the midst of a chaotic and challenging world. Rooted in scripture and ever practical\, it deals with some of the same issues that face us now – living in community\, finding balance in our lives and the nature of work and prayer. We will be exploring these themes in our time together and there will also be plenty of quiet space for your own prayer and exploration through the day. \n\n\n\nThis Quiet Day will be led by Revd Catherine Wright. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore coming to work at Launde Abbey in 2023\, Catherine previously served as Director of Ministerial Formation at Ridley Hall and taught Christian History and Spirituality in the Cambridge Federation. Prior to that\, she spent twelve years in the Diocese of Bath and Wells as Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Dean of Women Clergy. Her passion is to help disciples of Christ deepen their spiritual life and engage in worship\, work\, and mission. She is one of our College of Chaplains at Launde Abbey. \n\n\n\nCatherine is married to Geoff Boucher\, who is also ordained. Together\, they enjoy long-distance walking\, particularly along the South West Coastal Path and in the Derbyshire Peak District. \n\n\n\nQuiet Day price: £46 includes lunch and coffee and tea throughout the day.Why not think about extending your time at Launde by staying overnight after the event.  Check for availability and a quote when you contact us. \n\n\n\nYes – I’d like to take part in this Quiet Day!  (Please complete this form to request a place.)  \n\n\n\n \n \n Quiet Day Registration Form\n \n \n Contact DetailsName(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n PhoneAddress \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n Postcode\n \n \n Country\n AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands \n \n \n DetailsDate of Quiet Day(Required)How did you hear about this event?Social MediaGoogleWord of MouthRefer a FriendPast ParticipantOtherAnything else we need to know? URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/september-quiet-day-2/ CATEGORIES:Quiet Days ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-70-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260924T140000 DTSTAMP:20260708T160848Z CREATED:20260209T112813Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T160848Z UID:10000223-1790006400-1790258400@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Holiness and Social Justice: A Rooted and Grounded Retreat DESCRIPTION:BOOK NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHoliness and Social Justice: A Rooted and Grounded Retreat \n\n\n\nA retreat hosted jointly by Renovaré Britain & Ireland (renovare.org.uk) and the Launde Abbey community (laundeabbey.org.uk)  \n\n\n\nThe spirituality of the holiness tradition emphasises purity of the heart as the source of outward behaviour\, whereas the spirituality of social justice is driven by responding to the needs around us. How do these two spiritual traditions complement and enrich one another\, or do they\, in fact\, pull in different directions? Come and explore in-depth how the wisdom of these two of the six ‘life streams’ of our Rooted & Grounded retreats can nourish your life & work. \n\n\n\nAs always\, we’ll tap into the rich wisdom and experience of a wide variety of thinkers and practitioners\, past and present. We’ll take time to find rest and refreshment in prayer\, worship\, silence and rest. And we’ll explore a wide range of spiritual practices you can take away with you to deepen your life of faith. \n\n\n\nThis retreat is open to anyone who wishes to participate\, but it does assume you have a good understanding of the Renovaré teaching about spiritual formation — either through taking part in a previous Rooted and Grounded retreat\, or in a similar Renovaré event\, or from study of Richard Foster’s Streams of Living Water. If this material is new or unfamiliar\, why not consider coming to our next Rooted and Grounded retreat in November 2026? \n\n\n\nThe team for this retreat has not yet been confirmed\, but will include some or all of the following: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRoy is a Companion and former leader of Northumbria Community. He has served as the President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and one of its Pioneer Ambassadors. He is a founding member of Renovaré Britain and Ireland. A popular conference speaker\, writer\, retreat leader\, leadership mentor and spiritual accompanier. Roy is passionate about encouraging people to love God\, listen well\, think deeply\, live authentically and generously. He is an associate with the Northumbrian Collective and The Commons Cooperative. He is married to Shirley and lives in Newcastle. They have four children and eight grandchildren and when not with family and friends or working Roy is very keen sportsman. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlison came to Launde Abbey having been a Team Rector in rural ministry in Cambridgeshire.  She has crafted and led many reflective services and gatherings using spoken word\, music\, silence and creative prayer stations.  She is also an experienced workshop leader and mentor\, combining spirituality and theology with the practical challenges of leadership\, team-working and managing change\, informed by her working life before she was ordained as well as theological study and lifelong faith.  Alison loves praying outdoors\, a good cup of coffee\, noticing the cycle of the seasons and encouraging a wondering faith. She lives with her family on-site at Launde Abbey. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRachel Hudson has a background in teaching and youth work which led towards psychotherapy as a second career. She has worked in that field for 25 years\, specialising in work with church ministers of all denominations and in trauma practice. She has led retreats for over 20 years\, usually creative\, active and biblically based\, developing aspects of the spiritual formation Renovare is committed to. Ordained as an Anglican minister late in life ( a third career!) she served for 7 years before retirement and is now enjoying new developments in pastoral supervision and retreats. She still offers training\, and has written material for new books\, alongside being a contributor to Daily Bread Bible reading notes. Rachel is an adoptive parent to 2 adult children with 3 grandchildren living locally to her in Northumberland.  \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £483.00 (standard room) or £528.00 (character room) if booked by 13th July 2026! Retreat price: £498.00 (standard room) or £543.00 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice 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. \n\n\n\n\nBOOK NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk. URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/holiness-social-justice-a-rooted-and-grounded-retreat/ CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Rooted and Grounded ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hasj2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261012T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261015T140000 DTSTAMP:20260309T132424Z CREATED:20260113T125345Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T132424Z UID:10000194-1791820800-1792072800@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Look at the Birds: An Autumn Birdwatching Retreat DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJesus told his followers to “look at the birds of the air” and Mark Winter as a keen birdwatcher has spent a lifetime following that teaching. Since 2004 Mark has helped others to look at birds on his Even Sparrows retreats on Holy Island\, and he continues to marvel at how birds teach us about God’s love. \n\n\n\nWe welcome Mark back to Launde for the 6th year running to lead another birdwatching retreat. On each retreat people have discovered that we have so many birds locally to see\, hear and learn from; last year’s impressive total of 70 different species included Tawny Owl\, Nuthatch\, Goldcrest\, Treecreeper\, Egyptian Goose and Yellowhammer. Come and see these birds for yourself and enjoy a time of quiet Celtic Christian worship\, biblical reflections and guided birdwatching walks. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMark’s book\, Look at the Birds of the Air\, brings to life the role of birds in the Bible. He explores their importance to individuals like Noah\, Moses and Elijah and their frequent mention in prophecy\, wisdom literature and the Psalms. Above all\, Mark considers the significance of birds like the raven\, eagle and dove to Jesus himself\, as well as the lessons we can learn from birds as his followers today. \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £474 (standard room) or £519 (character room) if booked by 3rd August 2026.Retreat price: £504 (standard room) or £549 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice 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. \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk \n\n\n\n  URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/lookatthebirds-october2026/ CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Birdwatching-5-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261019T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261019T160000 DTSTAMP:20260709T120404Z CREATED:20260422T114436Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T120404Z UID:10000242-1792404000-1792425600@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:October Quiet Day: A quiet day using themes from the spiritual writer\, Thomas Merton’ DESCRIPTION:More information coming soon… \n\n\n\nThis Quiet Day will be led by James Shakespeare. \n\n\n\nJames\, a lay Franciscan and priest\, has recently been on sabbatical with both Franciscan & Benedictine communities\, in the UK and overseas\, and will be reflecting on the relevance of both St Benedict of Monte Cassino\, and St Francis of Assisi\, to living a deeper Christian life today\, in terms of prayer\, discipleship and mission.  \n\n\n\nQuiet Day price: £46 includes lunch and coffee and tea throughout the day.Why not think about extending your time at Launde by staying overnight after the event.  Check for availability and a quote when you contact us. \n\n\n\nYes – I’d like to take part in this Quiet Day!  (Please complete this form to request a place.)  \n\n\n\n \n \n Quiet Day Registration Form\n \n \n Contact DetailsName(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n PhoneAddress \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n Postcode\n \n \n Country\n AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands \n \n \n DetailsDate of Quiet Day(Required)How did you hear about this event?Social MediaGoogleWord of MouthRefer a FriendPast ParticipantOtherAnything else we need to know? URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/october-quiet-day-3/ CATEGORIES:Quiet Days ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-70-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261019T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261022T140000 DTSTAMP:20260226T125714Z CREATED:20260115T161640Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T125714Z UID:10000200-1792425600-1792677600@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Cry of the Broken - A 'Jesus Prayer' Retreat DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen we are broken\, prayer (and life) can be hard. In times of struggle or loss\, we’re aware that our concentration is scattered\, our energy is depleted\, and our resilience is stretched thin. Finding the time\, the words\, and the motivation for prayer can become extremely challenging. \n\n\n\nThe Jesus Prayer is an ancient Christian devotion perfectly fitted to our brokenness. It’s rooted in Jesus’ encounters with shattered and troubled people and their consistent cries for mercy. Simple but profound\, meditative but physical\, it’s the ideal prayer when the road is dark. \n\n\n\nDuring this retreat\, we’ll spend time exploring the Jesus Prayer and praying it together. There will be opportunities for silence\, reflection\, and prayer\, and also for friendship\, conversation\, and laughter. Held in the gracious and loving presence of Christ\, we’ll help one another rediscover the beauty and joy of prayer. \n\n\n\nAnd all this we’ll share enveloped in the sanctuary and hospitality of Launde Abbey. We’ll share in the prayer of the community\, be surrounded by the beauty of the gardens and countryside\, be held by the caring staff team\, and enjoy the superb food and accommodation for which the Abbey is so celebrated. \n\n\n\nCome and join us for this time of gentle rest\, prayer and retreat! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChris Webb\, our retreat leader\, is an Anglican priest\, author\, speaker and teacher dedicated to helping people experience a richer walk with God by growing in prayer and the spiritual life. \n\n\n\nChris is currently Priest in Charge of St Cuthbert’s Church\, Blyth\, in the Diocese of Newcastle. He has ministered in a wide variety of contexts: as Deputy Warden of Launde Abbey Retreat House; as president of Renovaré\, a spiritual formation ministry in the USA; as parish priest in Welsh farming communities and steelworking towns; and even in a church for the homeless. \n\n\n\nHe is the author of two books: The Fire of the Word (2011) and God-Soaked Life (2017). He lives in Northumberland with his wife\, Sally\, in a home with excellent views of an old lighthouse and a modern wind turbine. \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £474 (standard room) or £519 (character room) if booked by 10th August 2026.Retreat price: £504 (standard room) or £549 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice 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. \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk \n\n\n\n  URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/cryofthebroken-ajesusprayerretreat/ CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Spiritual Practices ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/5-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261023T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261025T140000 DTSTAMP:20260703T104008Z CREATED:20250925T123654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T104008Z UID:10000162-1792771200-1792936800@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Praying with Our Bodies and the Bible: Reconnecting Our Whole Selves to God **MORE SPACES ADDED** DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin Amy Boucher Pye and Kristen Rubow to explore\, through Scripture stories and passages\, how God has designed us to be fully integrated beings – soul\, spirit\, mind and body. We’ll encounter God with our embodied beings as we\, for example\, see God breathing life into us at creation while we expand our lungs and receive the Holy Spirit through breath prayers. Or how we can attach to God through stories in the Old Testament\, and receiving Jesus’ love through the gospels. All are welcome\, and we’ll work within the limitations of our individual bodies. Come and worship the Lord in spirit\, soul\, mind and body! \n\n\n\nAmy Boucher Pye and Kristen Rubow have been friends since they were toddlers. Amy is a London-based author\, spiritual director\, and retreat leader. The author of six books\, she also writes devotional thoughts for publications such as Our Daily Bread and New Daylight. Her MA in Christian spirituality comes from Heythrop College\, University of London. Find her at amyboucherpye.com. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKristen is a mind and movement coach based in Colorado. Her previous extensive music background as a professional harpist instilled in her an understanding of how God awakens our senses. She developed M3Kinections\, her studio\, with a movement curriculum on neuroplasticity 15 years ago and now encourages people to use movement to develop connection within themselves\, creating a stronger sense of self and wholeness. Find her at www.m3kinections.com. \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £336 (standard room) or £366 (character room) if booked by 14th August 2026! Retreat price: £356 (standard room) or £386 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice 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. \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/praying-with-our-bodies-and-the-bible-reconnecting-our-whole-selves-to-god/ CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Spiritual Practices,Wellbeing Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-53-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261026T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261029T140000 DTSTAMP:20260428T154418Z CREATED:20250917T163752Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T154418Z UID:10000156-1793030400-1793282400@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Bereavement Challenges: Living With Loss Follow On Retreat ***FULLY BOOKED*** DESCRIPTION:This event is a follow on\, and only for those who have already been to a Living with Loss retreat or workshop online or in person\, no matter when or where.  \n\n\n\nIn this retreat we build on the topics we began in Living with Loss Part 1 by delving deeper into what may be challenges in the onward journey following life-changing loss through bereavement. We will look at secondary losses that can be a consequence\, such as loss of companionship\, loss of dreams\, loss of purpose\, loss of identity\, and so on. We will also explore topics that could hold you back\, such as guilt and anger. We hope that each participant will leave this retreat with at least some answers of their own to the question\, “How do I live the best life I can in my current circumstances?” The retreat will include creative activities\, a time of remembrance and an opportunity to develop friendships. There are gentle Christian elements.  \n\n\n\nIf you are unsure whether this event will be suitable for you\, please contact Abi.  \n\n\n\n(Places are limited. For those attending a Part 1 course in 2025 or early 2026\, you may want to go ahead and reserve your place at this Part 2 course. It does not repeat but builds on the Part 1 course.) \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £474 (standard room) or £519 (character room) if booked byRetreat price: £504 (standard room) or £549 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice 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. \n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk  URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/bereavement-challenges-living-with-loss-follow-on-retreat/ CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Wellbeing Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/BC-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261026T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261029T140000 DTSTAMP:20260618T090656Z CREATED:20260210T091336Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T090656Z UID:10000220-1793030400-1793282400@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Patterns of Light and Truth: A Photography Retreat DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis retreat encourages a mindful approach to Photography that deepens our appreciation of God and Creation and our place in it. \n\n\n\nTruth and Light are at the heart of both Photography and Christian Faith. The word “Photography” literally means drawing with light (Greek phos light graphein to draw or write). The relationship of photography to Truth is under more strain than ever before with the emergence of “deep fake” and AI images.  \n\n\n\nTruth and Light are definitive expressions of the life of God in Jesus. We will use exercises in taking and examining photographs\, worship\, prayer and reflection on Biblical material to explore these themes and reflect on our experience and practice. As we attend slowly and deeply to the images we create\, so we can journey more deeply with God. \n\n\n\nThe retreat should work for any level of photographer. Whether you use your phone or more sophisticated equipment to create images\, this retreat should improve your craft and deepen your faith. Please also bring a Bible and a notebook. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLed by Revd Dale Hanson. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReverend Dale Hanson is a recently retired Anglican priest\, having served in ministry for nearly 40 years. His vocation has taken him across the UK and internationally\, including two periods in Hong Kong\, time in France\, and most recently to the Falkland Islands\, where he served as locum chaplain at Port Stanley Cathedral. Dale is well known in the North East from his time as vicar of St Nicholas Church in Durham – often called “the church in the marketplace.” He is passionate about his faith\, an experienced retreat leader and has been an enthusiastic bird watcher and wildlife photographer for most of his life. \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £474 (standard room) or £519 (character room) if booked by 17th August 2026.Retreat price: £504 (standard room) or £549 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice 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. \n\n\n\nClick here to book your place on this retreat now: \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\n For any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk. URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/patternsoflightandtruth-photographyretreat/ CATEGORIES:Biblical Theme,Launde Abbey Retreats,Nature ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Still-lens-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261031T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261031T160000 DTSTAMP:20260709T120343Z CREATED:20260422T114525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T120343Z UID:10000243-1793440800-1793462400@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:October Saturday Quiet Day DESCRIPTION:More information coming soon… \n\n\n\nThis Quiet Day will be led by Revd Adele Barker. \n\n\n\nQuiet Day price: £46 includes lunch and coffee and tea throughout the day.Why not think about extending your time at Launde by staying overnight after the event.  Check for availability and a quote when you contact us. \n\n\n\nYes – I’d like to take part in this Quiet Day!  (Please complete this form to request a place.)  \n\n\n\n \n \n Quiet Day Registration Form\n \n \n Contact DetailsName(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n PhoneAddress \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n Postcode\n \n \n Country\n AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands \n \n \n DetailsDate of Quiet Day(Required)How did you hear about this event?Social MediaGoogleWord of MouthRefer a FriendPast ParticipantOtherAnything else we need to know? URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/october-saturday-quiet-day-2/ CATEGORIES:Quiet Days ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-70-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261106T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261108T160000 DTSTAMP:20260330T094232Z CREATED:20260105T142817Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T094232Z UID:10000191-1793980800-1794153600@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Resting in God: A Weekend Meditation Retreat DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn returning and rest\, in quietness and trust\, God draws us to the silent depths of who we are in him (Isaiah 30:15) \n\n\n\nThe essence of prayer is radically simple. As prayer deepens\, it becomes less and less a matter of what we think about\, what we do\, and increasingly a matter of simply being\, of resting within what God is doing.  \n\n\n\nBut it can be difficult for us to release ourselves into its welcoming simplicity. \n\n\n\nWith help from the teachings of Julian of Norwich\, Martin Laird and others\, we will explore the path of interior surrender\, of releasing into and resting in God through our deepening stillness and shared silence.  \n\n\n\n“Prayer is not content to stay up in the branches of our minds with all the other things we think about\,” writes Martin Laird OSA\, “it works its way down through the branches and trunk\, into our roots where it is one with the Ground of all.”  \n\n\n\nThe central focus of this experiential retreat will be silent meditation practice. We will consider such things as the subtle challenges we meet in something so simple as being still\, the interior skills that develop as our practice develops\, and how silence and self-forgetfulness help us to become places of peace in the world.  \n\n\n\nSurrendering our resistances\, letting go of all that gives rise to the sense of separateness\, we come into the open pastures of belonging where we are one with each other and all creation in the oneness of God. “When it is truly seen\,” says Julian\, “no person can separate themselves from another.” \n\n\n\nIn the stillness of prayer\, we discover that the One we seek has never been elsewhere — only waiting to be known in the depth of our heart. \n\n\n\nWho is this for? \n\n\n\nThis retreat has been carefully crafted to be relevant and accessible to anyone searching for truth and peace\, regardless of their faith\, beliefs or previous experience of meditation. \n\n\n\nTimetable \n\n\n\nA detailed timetable for the retreat will be sent to everyone attending a week or two before it begins. The retreat starts on Friday at 4:30pm with an orientation talk\, followed by a period of silent meditation before dinner. Short talks across the weekend will be balanced with periods of sitting meditation\, walking meditation\, time for private reflection and enjoyment of the beautiful surroundings. The retreat will finish at 3pm after lunch and a closing conversation on Sunday. \n\n\n\nEarly morning practice \n\n\n\nSaturday and Sunday begin at 6:30am with meditation practice. Early morning meditation is a wonderful way to greet the day together. While we very much encourage everyone to attend this session\, if this is difficult for you for any reason please don’t worry. It is always enough to do what we can – or what our life allows. \n\n\n\nWhat to expect \n\n\n\nBeing on retreat is a precious opportunity to be still and to be silent — to step back from conversation and distraction\, and to practice living simply and peacefully.  It allows us to cultivate the gift of peaceful awareness as we devote ourselves more fully to the depth-dimension of faith and life. \n\n\n\nThe core focus of the retreat is silent meditation practice. \n\n\n\n\nWe will practice bringing peaceful awareness to all our daily activities – while sitting\, while walking or eating\, when we are simply enjoying a glass of water. We will practice living each moment deeply.\n\n\n\nThe practice of silence will commence when the retreat begins at 4:30pm on the Friday and continue until just before lunch on the Sunday\, with a few structured opportunities for conversation and shared reflection as described below.\n\n\n\nAlthough the practice of silence may be new to some\, most people find this a powerful experience. Maintaining a peaceful environment – walking\, moving\, and doing things quietly – is important for our practice and a gift we can offer to each other.\n\n\n\n\nWhen are there opportunities for conversation for people who’d like them? \n\n\n\nThere will be conversation during Sunday lunch. Also\, you’re warmly invited to arrive early for lunch on Friday or stay after the retreat to connect with fellow retreatants. \n\n\n\nSmall discussion groups interspersed throughout the weekend\, hosted by Chris\, provide an opportunity for up to seven people to meet and explore together a question or two about their meditation practice\, or how practice relates to what they have heard during a talk or to daily life. We can learn so much sharing with and listening to others. \n\n\n\nThe last session of each day will be an opportunity for conversation together – to reflect on the content of the talks and what we have experienced through the day. \n\n\n\nRetreat Leader \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChris Whittington is the Founder of The School of Contemplative Life. He was introduced to contemplative practice during several years of formation when he lived at the Benedictine monastery of Prinknash Abbey. Chris’ monastic teachers\, including Sylvester Houedard OSB\, taught meditation as a universal wisdom found within all the great spiritual traditions\, a pathway to peace and solidarity with people of all faiths and none. Following an introduction by the Abbot of the Prinknash community\, Chris subsequently studied at the Dalai Lama’s monastery in Dharamshala\, India. Chris regularly delivers talks\, workshops and retreats and has introduced the practice of meditation in the Christian tradition to thousands of people in the UK and abroad. \n\n\n\nFor information about the School of Contemplative Life\, please visit: www.schoolofcontemplativelife.com or https://www.youtube.com/@schoolofcontemplativelife  \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £350 (standard room) or £380 (character room) if booked by 28th August 2026! Retreat price: £370 (standard room) or £400 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice 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. \n\n\n\nClick here to book your place on this retreat now: \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/restingingod-weekendmeditation/ CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Silent Retreats,Spiritual Practices ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Resting-in-God-Weekend-Meditation-Retreat-scaled-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261108T150000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261108T170000 DTSTAMP:20260422T083120Z CREATED:20260421T101430Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T083120Z UID:10000239-1794150000-1794157200@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Classical Concert and Cream Tea: Eira Lynn Jones (Harpist) DESCRIPTION:Join us for the perfect Sunday afternoon out…  \n\n\n\nWe look forward to continuing our Launde Abbey Concert Series throughout 2026\, bringing you intimate classical performances from the finest musicians. Join us for an hour of enchanting classical music in our medieval chapel\, followed by the famous Launde Abbey Cream Tea. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEIRA LYNN JONES \n\n\n\nAcclaimed Welsh harpist Eira Lynn Jones combines the three strands of her illustrious career as performer\, teacher and composer. \n\n\n\nHer harp adventures have taken her all over the world: to the Hollywood Bowl; a Recital in Reykjavik\, Iceland for the Nordic Watercolour Society; playing for the then HRH Prince Charles in Spain and tours to Japan\, Hong Kong and USA. \n\n\n\nShe has regularly performed with the Hallé\, BBC Philharmonic and Opera North. More eclectic engagements include: recording with the Black Dyke Brass Band and the heavy metal band Venom; accompanying Aled Jones on Songs of Praise; directing 20 harps under Dippy the Dinosaur at London’s Natural History Museum; appearing as harpist Lucinda Jane Gray in two episodes of Coronation Street. \n\n\n\nCollaborating with composer Martin Ellerby has resulted in a series of recordings: Three Choral Psalms with Kantos Chamber Choir\, Concerto for Clarinet\, Harp and Strings with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and a new CD of harp music\, Voyages. \n\n\n\nWidely recognised as one of the UK’s leading harp teachers\, she was Head of Harp at the Royal Northern College of Music for nearly 30 years. She has given masterclasses in South Africa\, USA\, Iceland\, Denmark\, Sweden and Greece. \n\n\n\nAs a composer\, she is inspired by the stories around her\, from medieval tales to contemporary events. She was selected as composer for Illumine Theatre’s audio drama Tremolo. Working with the multi-award-winning dance company DanceSyndrome\, whose members have Down’s Syndrome\, resulted in a performance of her Sunken Forest Suite.  \n\n\n\n“A musician who grabs hold of your heart and holds it safely in her care when playing the harp.” \n\n\n\nwww.eiralynnjones.com \n\n\n\nLaunde Classical Concerts offer the chance to hear an hour-long live concert in the company of some of the country’s leading performers\, followed by a gorgeous Launde cream tea. \n\n\n\nA Launde Abbey Fundraising Event. \n\n\n\nTickets £22 (or £17 for concert only). Call 01572 717254 or email info@launde.org.uk. \n\n\n\n \n \n Concert Booking Form\n \n \n Contact DetailsName(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n Phone(Required)DetailsConcert Date(Required)How many tickets would you like?(Required)How did you hear about this event?Social MediaGoogleWord of MouthRefer a FriendPast ParticipantOtherAnything else we need to know? URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/classical-concert-and-cream-tea-eira-lynn-jones-harpist-2/ CATEGORIES:Classical Concerts,Fundraising Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-9-scaled-1.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR