Island Retreats

H M Hamilton — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:15:00 +0000

Programme of events, 2008

The breaks normally start with tea on day 1 and conclude after breakfast on the final day. The residential charges covers full board and all events. For most of the breaks there is also the possibility of non-residential participation. A few bursaries are also available.

For further details, please contact Helen Hamilton, the Warden, at The College: telephone 01475 530353 or tccumbrae@argyll.anglican.org.

15-17 February £125 approx
Scottish country dancing (History and theory, and optional Ceilidh in Millport Town Hall on Saturday evening)

18-21 February £145
Art break (Catherine Drain) (watercolours and drawing)

22-24 February £150
Yoga (Danielle Arin). (Restricted numbers) Fully booked.

25-29 February £200
Retreat led by Alan Smithson (former Bishop of Jarrow) reflecting on the Daily office and the Canticles in the Prayer Book.

29 February-2 March £125
Gardening weekend. Slides and talks by Christine M’Culloch and Ralph Kirkwood about the flora on the Island. Also opportunities to work in the Cathedral gardens.

4 March £20
Patchwork (Nicky Smith) (All welcome, whatever your standard.) Nicky will demonstrate and help participants to use three different methods to make patchwork.

14-16 March £125
Mozart break (Jonathan Cohen). Day visitors may still book but all residential places have been taken.

16-24 March £50 per day, £300 for full week
Holy Week. A time of reflection on the Passion and the Resurrection with members of the Cathedral choir and the Bishop of Argyll and The Isles. Sung evensong Monday to Wednesday at 4pm and Eucharist at noon. 3pm on Monday +Martin will reflect on the Passion with the music of John Tavernier. Maundy Thursday Eucharist with the foot washing at 7pm. Visitors welcome for meals at the College. Good Friday Passion Play after the Procession of Witness followed by the Solemn Liturgy at 2pm. First Eucharist of Easter-Time to be announced.

8-10 April £125
At the keyboard: Jonathan Cohen and Alastair Chisholm explore the history and repertoire for keyboard duet including music by Bach, Schumann and Dvorak, on the Cathedral’s existing instruments together with the newly restored Erard upright.

18-20 April £150
Painting break (Michael Healey) (Oils, for intermediate/advanced.)

22-24 April £125
“Famous and infamous figures of the 20th Century”. Keith Pagan reflects on the lives of Stalin, Lenin and Hitler.

9-11 May £100
Pentecost. A series of talks (details to be announced) culminating in our Patronal Festival on Sunday.

8-13 June £200 or £50 per night)
Celtic retreat (The Warden) Music, calligraphy, poetry and artwork.

28-31 July £145
Art break (Catherine Drain) (watercolours and drawing) (Beginners and intermediate)

5-8 August £125
Prayer retreat. The prayers of Christ in St. John’s Gospel. An examination of the original texts and their meaning for us today. (The Warden).

18-21 September £145
Photography break (Craig Sneddon) This well known photographer will be advising us how to make the best use of our cameras and discussing lighting techniques.

26-29 September £150
Yoga (Danielle Arin). (Restricted numbers) Book now for individual tuition from this world famous teacher!!

29 September - 3 October £200 or £50 per night
Celtic retreat (The Warden). As above.

28-30 November £100
Advent Retreat (The Warden) and Advent Carol Service

24-29 December £250
Christmas House Party

Other retreats

The following retreats are also available as mid-week breaks led by the Warden, Helen Hamilton, M.A. Dates will be arranged with individual guests, subject to room availability. Cost is 3 nights for the price of 2 Bed and Breakfast. Evening meal at an additional cost.

Franciscan Experience
In this retreat we will study some of the writings of St. Francis and St. Clare while experiencing the beauty of the natural environment in which the Cathedral and College is set. There will be guided meditations, island walks and liturgical events with music, poetry and art.
Poetry Reading and Writing
We will spend time looking at a variety of poetry styles, including Hopkins, Elliot, R.S. Thomas and Gaelic writings. From these sources and others, participants will be encouraged to find their own poetic potential. We will use our poetry in informal meditation, outside in the grounds if the weather is suitable.
Meditation walks around the Island
In these breaks, guests will be led on guided walks around the island and the grounds, pausing at selected points for short meditations. They will be encouraged to develop their own meditation and prayer styles through personal counselling, if desired.
Learning about Prayer
In this retreat, participants will be guided through some of the writings of the saints on prayer, including Teresa, John of the Cross, St. Catherine of Siena and Thomas Merton. Retreatants will be encouraged to experience different forms of prayer both corporately and individually. Silence will play an important part in this break.
Flowers and Birds of Cumbrae
This mid-week break is designed for those who like fresh air and walking. There will be guided walks each day, followed by lectures and discussions in the evening about the natural history of the island.
Liturgical Dance
Liturgical dance is a form of worship which many people find helpful in their spiritual journey. It can also aid people in relaxation and relief of stress. In this retreat we will be using the Cathedral to develop both individual and corporate liturgical dances to devotional music. Beginners and those who have already experience in this field are invited to join us.
Historic Cumbrae
Anyone interested in the history of the island will enjoy being part of this group. We will be studying archive material, viewing various sites and looking at the particular place of the Cathedral and College in the history of Cumbrae.
Exploring the Architecture of the Cathedral in the light of the Oxford Movement
This retreat will be centred round the buildings that comprise the College and Cathedral. We will be studying various architectural features and looking at their role in the Anglo-Catholic Revival of the 1800s. Particularly we will focus on how Butterfield interpreted various aspects of Anglo-Catholic worship and included them in his building of this sacred place.
Three-day Study of St. John's Gospel
In this retreat we will be looking at the Greek text of various passages of John’s Gospel after a brief introductory session in which the Gospel will be put in its historical context. There will be a particular emphasis on our interpretation of the text for contemporary theologians and students.
The Wisdom of the Desert Fathers
In a relaxed atmosphere we will be discovering the wisdom of the Desert Fathers by considering their sayings and exploring their meaning for people today. We shall discuss their relevance for ordinary people and for post-modern Christianity.
Exploring Celtic Prayer
This retreat is designed for those who wish to experience Celtic prayer in the context of the Cathedral and the island. While we shall be studying some of the early texts, it is hoped that participants will find themselves enabled to write and pray in a Celtic style.

If you wish to book for any of these, please contact the Warden, Helen Hamilton on 01475 530353.

Cumbrae Retreats

Island Retreats

Programme of events, 2008

Other retreats