The Joy of Encounter 2025

 This will be a gathering with a difference and our invitation is to you all.

Along with some of the most marginalised adults from Teesside including  Saltburn Recovery group and North East Opera, we will gather to learn from and listen to each other; sharing our stories, meditating and eating together.

We are very fortunate to have experienced practitioners to lead our workshops. These will include include:  

Music and singing with David and Emily, founders and music coordinators of North East Opera https://www.northeastopera.com/

Tai Chi with Terry Doyle

Capacitar training with Paul Golightly, Capacitar UK Coordinator  https://www.capacitaruk.org/

Art Psychotherapy with Dr Kelly Jayne Ph. D.  Art Psychotherapist/Academic/Clinical Supervisor

Five Rhythms dance with Liz Collier https://www.5rhythms.com/teachers/Liz+Collier

There will be a lot of opportunities to walk in the valley in which Ampleforth is set and , of course, to meditate.

We will be exploring what it means to become marginalised and how meditation can support us to find our common humanity.  

Starting at 11 am on Monday 2 June, the schedule of meals and workshops will be woven around the rhythm of the prayers at the Abbey. We will end at 5.00 pm on Wednesday 4 June. 

Our accommodation will be in the newly-renovated and wonderfully comfortable retreat rooms at the Abbey. 

We invite you to experience the Joy of Encounter and to learn, as John Main said, that Meditation creates community. 

We really look forward to spending this time together.  The cost of this retreat will be £220 per person.