ammerdown

Calligraphy for Beginners and Improvers

Led by: Josie Brown

This very popular course is led by expert tutor Josie Brown whose teaching abilities have been described as “beyond the excellent!” by one of our guests. Josie has been a professional...

Understanding Islam 2017

Led by: Dr Chris Hewer

 Dr Chris Hewer has been leading courses on Understanding Islam at Ammerdown since 2011.  His courses have, until now, always taken place over three intensive days of teaching to help those...

Hand Embroidery - Landscapes

Led by: Clare Clensy

Clare Clensy trained on a three year apprenticeship at the Royal School of Needlework and has been teaching hand embroidery for more than fifteen years, gaining valuable experience and a wealth of...

Making Your Own Stained Glass Window

Led by: Sarah Finch

Teaching people of all abilities, including complete beginners, how to make a stained glass window and ensuring that everyone leaves with a hand-made masterpiece of their own design is undoubtedly a...

Life Coaching - How to live life to the full

Led by: Sue Glanville

Life-Coaching is a process of transformation. It is about choosing to live life positively, to live life to the full – which in turn means being prepared to envision and embrace change. To get...

Making Friends with the Bible

Led by: John Bell

How does one introduce John Bell? A spiritual leader, a preacher, a music-maker, a broadcaster? Yes, he is all this, but he is also so much more, as those who have taken part in one of John’s...

Enneagram - 2017

Led by: Karen Webb

The Enneagram is an ancient, extraordinarily accurate, model of human personality and spirit. Describing nine personality types and their interactions, it enables us to look deeply into our own...

Advent Retreat with Daniel O'Leary 2017

Led by: Fr Daniel O'Leary

Fr Daniel O’Leary is one of our best loved and most enlightened retreat leaders. Those who have had the privilege to hear him at Ammerdown have used words such as “Simply...

Ammerdown Christmas Houseparty 2017

Led by: Ammerdown Team

“Thank you once again for a magical Christmas.” “Christmas at Ammerdown was as wonderful as ever, thanks to the love and dedication of all who helped make it happen – plus the...

Deeper: The good, the bad and the hopeful

Led by: Andy Parnham

Andy Parnham’s previous courses at Ammerdown invited people to take the ‘Happiness Journey’. “Andy delivered the course in an interesting, informative, and meaningful way...

Being Baptised- What difference does it make?

Led by: Dr Gemma Simmonds CJ

The ritual of baptism announces that we now share in Christ’s threefold ministry as Prophet, Priest, and King. What does this actually mean in ordinary daily life? How can we incorporate these...

Meditation Mindfulness 2018

Led by: Hilary Armstrong

A perfect introduction to the formal practice of Mindfulness aimed at anyone dealing with difficulty, change, stress - or simply curious. We will have short periods of silent practice, with different...

Soulmaking for Women

Led by: Liz Christie and Sue Glanville

In a world where our busy lives leave little room to stop and think and wonder, we offer you the opportunity to spend four days being a "human being" not a "human doing",...

Finding Fulfilment

Led by: Jacqueline Evans, Jill & Antonio Benet

Centering Prayer, the Law of Three and Alexander Technique                 ...

Enneagram 2018

Led by: Karen Webb

The Enneagram is an ancient, dynamic, and extraordinarily accurate model of human personality and spirit.  Describing nine personality types and their spiritual gifts, it enables us to look...

Easter Retreat with Fr Daniel O'Leary

Led by: Daniel O'Leary

An opportunity to meditate on, and participate in, chosen themes and ceremonies from the Holy Week liturgy. A silent retreat with special reference to our own suffering, dying, healing and...

Ammerdown Spring & Autumn Break

Led by: Gwyneth Evans & Revd Anna Garvie

Make Your Own Silver Jewellery

Led by: Pauline Payne

Pauline Payne is a freelance jewellery designer. She studied at Portsmouth College of Art and Design and has gained a number of prestigious awards for her work. She has also been a popular tutor for...

Make Your Own Silver Jewellery

Led by: Pauline Payne

Pauline Payne is a freelance jewellery designer. She studied at Portsmouth College of Art and Design and has gained a number of prestigious awards for her work. She has also been a popular tutor for...

Understanding Islam 2018

Led by: Dr Chris Hewer

The Understanding Islam course offered by Ammerdown as part of its commitment to inter-faith relations has been developed over decades by Chris Hewer and delivered at Ammerdown for several years....

Alive- Living Fully, Living Happily, Living Fearlessly

Led by: Isabelle Gauthier

“Can you imagine a life that flows, a life filled with meaning, energy and purpose…?” Isabelle Gauthier Too often we go about our lives trying to achieve, acquire, and cope. We...

Spirituality of Jane Austen

Led by: Rev Paula Hollingsworth

We will use the lens of spirituality to explore the life of Jane Austen, as well as some of the plots and characters of her novels – and we will find some interesting overlaps! As well as talks...

Embroidered Pincushions

Led by: Annette Bolton

Annette Bolton is a gifted Textile and Bead artist who loves to share her art with others.  Annette says: “Regardless of the type of sewing project, pincushions are always very...

Chinese Brush Painting 2018

Led by: Maggie Cross

You will learn about the symbolism attached to this fascinating subject and you will be able to mount your work, ready for display. Suitable for all levels of ability. “Plenty of course...

Mindfulness Amongst the Christian Desert Mothers and Fathers

Led by: Liz Watson

We are pleased to welcome Liz Watson, (a friend and colleague of Kim Nataraja, who previously led retreats at Ammerdown). The mindfulness practices now popular in a secular context can be the...

The Loving Kindness of Your Youth

Led by: Rabbi Rachel Montagu

What do Jeremiah and Huldah teach us about truth and conveying God’s words to those who listen and those who don’t? During the weekend we will study Jeremiah and Huldah and see what their...

Bind Your Own Journal

Led by: Josie Brown

Whether for writing your memoirs, recording a journey or a year in your garden, or as an artisit’s sketchbook – this three-day course will provide the materials and practical...

Playing in the Presence of God

Led by: Revd Anna Garvie

In the busyness of life where time is often spent serving others, it is all too easy to forget the childlike delight and wonder essential to appreciating the gift of the Kingdom of God. Stepping away...

The Poetry of the Psalms

Led by: Rabbi Howard Cooper

Do the Biblical poems we call the ‘Psalms of David’ still speak to us? Can we use them as part of our spiritual life? We welcome back to Ammerdown, Rabbi Howard Cooper who will lead...

Silk Shading

Led by: Clare Clensy

Clare Clensy trained on a three-year apprenticeship at the Royal School of Needlework, and has been teaching hand embroidery for more than 15 years, gaining much experience and a wealth of stitching...

Soft Pastels with Dawn Oliver

Led by: Dawn Oliver

Artist and Tutor Dawn Oliver has already led four Art courses at Ammerdown and received superb feedback each time. “Openness, kindness, flexibility, the knowledge and experience of the subject,...

Breathe Deep

Led by: Ian and Gail Adams

It’s a demanding thing to be a human being in these times. This weekend will be an opportunity to pause and breathe deep - to imagine the divine breath Yahweh breathing life in us, and through...

Retreats with Margaret Silf 2018

Led by: Margaret Silf

Reasons for hope can be hard to find when so much that is happening in our world feels hopeless. During this weekend we will reflect on some of the many seeds of authentic hope waiting to be planted...

Retreats with Margaret Silf 2018

Led by: Margaret Silf

Reasons for hope can be hard to find when so much that is happening in our world feels hopeless. During this weekend we will reflect on some of the many seeds of authentic hope waiting to be planted...

The Way Of Compassion - Jewish Christian Study Workshop

Led by: Sr Margaret Shepherd NDS & Johnathan Gorsky

The Catholic Jewish rapprochement which emerged from Vatican II is part of a profound process of transformation. It continues to inspire the radicalism of Pope Francis and is a challenge for all our...

Individually Guided Retreat 2018

Led by: Sr Felicity Youn LSU

This Individually Guided Retreat offers the opportunity for up to five people to spend several days in silence with Sr Felicity Young, an experienced Spiritual Director who will guide them in their...

The Healing Power of Sound

Led by: James D'Angelo

Our essential nature is vibration, pulsation of consciousness. When we are in the flow, the vibrations of our subtle and physical bodies are in tune, sounding their true notes through the energy...

Wild Weaving - A craft in nature weekend retreat

Led by: Jess Tanner

During this course, participants will learn the basic principles of hand-weaving whilst working with a variety of looms, from simple back-strap style looms, miniature card looms and your own hand...

Moses, Prophet and Leader

Led by: Sr Maureena Fritz NDS

The most beloved person in the Hebrew Scriptures is Moses who became a prophet, a leader, and a friend of God. Of him it is said, “Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face” (Ex....

Poetic and Prayerful Journey

Led by: Malcolm Guite

Poet-Priest Malcolm Guite focuses on the beautiful and mysterious ‘I AM’ sayings in St John’s Gospel, exploring new and refreshing ways to re-encounter these familiar texts. Malcolm...

Enneagram 2018

Led by: Karen Webb

The Enneagram is an ancient, dynamic, and extraordinarily accurate model of human personality and spirit.  Describing nine personality types and their spiritual gifts, it enables us to look...

Ammerdown Spring & Autumn Break

Led by: Gwyneth Evans & Revd Anna Garvie

Understanding Islam 2018

Led by: Dr Chris Hewer

The Understanding Islam course offered by Ammerdown as part of its commitment to inter-faith relations has been developed over decades by Chris Hewer and delivered at Ammerdown for several years....

Stained Glass Window Workshop

Led by: Sarah Finch

Teaching people of all abilities, including complete beginners, how to make a stained glass window and ensuring that everyone leaves with a hand-made masterpiece of their own design is undoubtedly a...

Living in Fulness

Led by: Libby Dobson and Sarah Chabowska

"I(Jesus) came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance, to the full, until it overflows." (John: 10 v 10) This weekend will be a chance to reflect on ways in which we...

Make Your Own Silver Jewellery

Led by: Pauline Payne

Pauline Payne is a freelance jewellery designer. She studied at Portsmouth College of Art and Design and has gained a number of prestigious awards for her work. She has also been a popular tutor for...

Poetry, Prayer and Silence

Led by: Sue Glanville

Does poetry make your heart sing? Do you feel more and more drawn towards silence? Do you long to pray and meditate more creatively? This course is led by experienced teacher, retreat leader, life...

Watercolour and Drawing

Led by: Jos Blake

This will be a friendly and informal course, aimed at complete beginners and those with some experience. Among other starting points, you will use the beautiful environment of Ammerdown as an...

Calligraphy for All Levels

Led by: Josie Brown

This very popular course is led by expert tutor Josie Brown whose teaching abilities have been described as “beyond the excellent!” by one of our guests. Josie has been a professional...

Just Passing Through

Led by: Sue Brayne

This weekend workshop provides an opportunity to take time out from our hectic world so we can explore the challenges of growing older, the major themes that often unconsciously run our lives, and...

Bobbin Lace Making Autumn Workshop

Led by: Pompi Parry

Pompi says. “Bobbin lacemaking is fun, creative, and stimulating. Especially when like-minded students come together to extend their knowledge and learn new skills in a relaxed atmosphere. This...

The Art of Memoir Writing

Led by: Rosie Jackson

Following on from a very successful weekend in 2017, Rosie Jackson is back to lead a longer course in 2018. Rosie says: “Writing your own story is a wonderfully healing and fulfilling process....

More or Less About Jesus

Led by: John Bell

If we want to be more like Jesus, we have to do more than sing praise songs or concentrate on his birth and his death, which are separated by thirty three years of life. In this retreat, we will look...

Stumpwork Autumn Workshop

Led by: Annette Bolton

Annette Bolton says, “Stumpwork, or raised embroidery, is a lovely subject for this time of year.” Inspiration could be taken from the beautiful grounds of Ammerdown or from a variety of...

Is Christianity Wild?

Led by: Mary Colwell

A short course on the relationship between Christianity and the natural world. Many see Christianity as an urban faith, rooted in communities, carried out in buildings, focused on people. It can seem...

Praying with Handel's Messiah- Unto us a child is born

Led by: Euan Tait

Euan Tait returns to Ammerdown, as part of our Advent time of praying and preparation for Christmas, to explore the joyful transformation of heart and spirit that Handel’s Messiah’s Part...

Come and Sing for a Weekend with Pat Dowling

Led by: Pat Dowling

 ‘Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.’ Plato So come to Ammerdown and be part of a weekend filled with joyous and...

Advent Retreat with Fr Daniel O'Leary

Led by: Daniel O'Leary

‘AN ASTONISHING SECRET: The Love-story of Creation - the Wonder of You’ (Daniel O’Leary) Reflections on the beauty, challenges and pain of all life, and of our own in particular. An...

Ammerdown Christmas Houseparty

This is what came back to us:- “Christmas at Ammerdown was as wonderful as ever, thanks to the love and dedication of all who helped make it happen – plus the food was better than...