BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Launde Abbey - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH 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:20261106T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261106T160000 DTSTAMP:20261002T083245Z CREATED:20260930T092111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261002T083245Z UID:10000311-1793973600-1793980800@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Soul-Filled Meanderings DESCRIPTION:Take a couple of hours\, put on your coat and boots and explore and experience God’s creation. This is an opportunity to stop\, look and listen. Using all your senses to know and understand more about our Everlasting Father and Creator God.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis guided walk will be led by Jo de Graaf. \n\n\n\nJo lives in Harby in the beautiful Vale of Belvoir with her husband\, Cor. They have five children and Jo is a very proud Oma to 10 grandchildren\, who bring the family such joy. A few years ago she felt God prompting and calling her to some form of ministry. Jo believes her ministry is to bring people into God’s Kingdom through love; using contemplative spirituality\, hospitality and service of all kinds to help people feel a sense of wholeness within the love of God. Not only is Jo one of our volunteer chaplains\, but is now the Associate Minister in the Parish of Old Dalby\, and also Lay Chair of Framland Deanery. \n\n\n\nThis walk is planned to begin at 2pm. Meet at the front of the main house. Why not start with lunch at Launde Abbey café? \n\n\n\nSuitable for all abilities. Alternative activities are available if the weather is wet. \n\n\n\nPrice: £5 per person. Places are limited to groups of 10\, so please book in advance.  \n\n\n\nThis price includes refreshments and a lovely homemade slice of cake from Launde Abbey. \n\n\n\nFor more information or to book your place call 01572 717254 or email info@launde.org.uk. URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/soul-filled-meanderings-18/ CATEGORIES:Soul-Filled Meanderings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Autumn-Soul-Filled-Meanderings.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261106T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261108T160000 DTSTAMP:20260914T142727Z CREATED:20260105T142817Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T142727Z UID:10000191-1793980800-1794153600@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Resting in God: A Weekend Meditation Retreat ***FULLY BOOKED*** DESCRIPTION:In 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\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:20261108T130000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261108T143000 DTSTAMP:20260907T154026Z CREATED:20260903T095030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260907T154026Z UID:10000288-1794142800-1794148200@www.laundeabbey.org.uk SUMMARY:Sunday Carvery DESCRIPTION:Our delicious two-course Sunday carvery is priced at just £20.00 per person (£16.25 main course only). \n\n\n\nEnjoy a selection from our two-roast carvery (with vegetarian option)\, an array of mixed (homegrown when in season) vegetables\, a generous portion of cauliflower cheese and a large homemade Yorkshire pudding. All topped with Chef’s rich meat gravy (a vegetarian alternative 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 \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 Submit URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/sunday-carvery-19/ CATEGORIES:Sunday Lunches/Carvery ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Launde-Programme-Thumbnails-74-scaled.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?\n Submit 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