Courses

All residential course prices inclusive of Full Board, limited en-suite accommodation is available for a supplementary charge. We have a policy of not asking people to share. See tariffs for daily and special rates.
Courses normally run from about 3.30pm on the first day (tea at 4pm) to lunch on the last day.
Bursary help is available - enquire on-line or phone for details.

April 18-20 GENTLE YOGA TO BOOST HEALTH AND STAMINA
During the weekend Tim will be encouraging alignment, balance & concentration through gentle yoga postures, meditation and mantra (sound), also a little philosophy. The focus will be on physical and emotional balance to boost energy and stamina. Suitable for all ages & abilities especially for those with ME or other health problems.
Tim Frances trained and subsequently taught at Ickwell Bury Currently teaching at Bedford & Cambridge hospitals. Tim has been teaching yoga for 15 years.
Cost: £160

April 21-25 (midweek) HAPPINESS
Now a subject to be taught in schools! Millions are spent on antidepressants and happiness is equated with material things. This workshop takes a different view and you will write about and explore real and not synthetic ways leading to happiness. There will be a DVD shown.
Lily Seibold is an experienced tutor and counsellor.
Cost: £245 (Short midweek course with 2 days tuition in a 4 night stay)

April 25-27 HEALING RETREAT
An informal retreat on a healing theme involving talks, discussion, meditation, personal and group healing. There will also be quiet and free time for personal reflection.
Jim Pym is a spiritual healer and meditation teacher with over 40 years experience, author of Listening to the Light.
Cost: £160

April 28-May 2 FREEING THE BREATH - an introduction to Buteyko
Buteyko is a simple method of self-healing, through getting to know our own breath, and using breath to enhance our well-being. A practical course where we will learn some simple exercises and begin to make small conscious changes which improve health, specially effective for anxiety, asthma and other breathing disorders. Wear loose comfortable clothing.
Linda Shampan is an experienced UKCP registered therapist and counsellor and qualified Buteyko teacher who first learnt to treat her own long term asthma. www.buteykobreathing.org
Cost: £275
back to top
May 2-9 LATE SPRING BREAK - Craftmaker in Residence
A relaxing stay with opportunities for craft activities midweek, including card and jewellery making, with Alison Brice. There will be a small charge for materials.
Cost: 4 night midweek stay £200, daily rate £57

May 9-11 AWAKENING CHAKRA ENERGIES THROUGH SOUND
The key to sound health lies in the perfect spin of the chakras. This workshop offers pathways to achieving this through the directed use of the voice. No previous experience necessary, only a deep intent.
James D'Angelo, author of The Healing Power of the Human Voice.
Cost: £170

May 12-16 (midweek) CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING
This week we shall paint summer flowers in the vibrant free style typical of Chinese Painting. We shall paint traditional subjects and also draw inspiration from the beautiful grounds of Claridge House. A Chinese painting is not complete without a bird or an insect. Suitable for beginners or improvers.
Maggie Cross learnt the art of Chinese Painting in Hong Kong, where she grew up.
Cost: £290

May 16-18 TAI CHI / CHI KUNG
Experience relaxation of mind and body and the rejuvenation of attitude by practising movements from the Tai Chi form. Arouse the chi energy with Chi Kung. Find the peace of meditation.
Barbara Gordon, an experienced teacher and facilitator who has been teaching these exercise forms since 1988.
Cost: £170

May 16-18 LIVING WITH LOSS - an introduction
A gentle, nurturing weekend for anyone who has lost a loved one, not necessarily by death. We will look at ways to cope with grief and explore the paradox of letting go while staying connected and forging continuing bonds.
Frances Crampton and Elizabeth Brown are both trained counsellors and healers and members of Quaker Retreat Group.
Cost: £170

May 19-30 EARLY SUMMER BREAK - Writer in Residence
Midweek during the break Ted Walter will be the Writer in Residence. There will be opportunities during the residency for writers with work in progress, to discuss it in one to one sessions. For those who can’t write, don’t write, won’t write there will be a daily encouragement session with a chance to share discoveries.
Cost: 4 night midweek stay £210, Daily rate £57
back to top
June 2-8 (midweek and/or weekend) YOGA TO BEAT FATIGUE
Gentle yoga courses suitable for all abilities and which will include fatigue-busting methods such as special breathing techniques, meditation and health boosting yoga postures. Also suitable for those with moderate ME/CFS. Participants will require a non-slip yoga mat.
Fiona Agombar, author of Endless Energy, qualified as an instructor with the Yoga for Health Foundation in 2002.
Cost: June 2-6 midweek course £290
        June 6-8 weekend course £170
Courses can be combined for an additional £11 for Friday lunch.

June 9-13 (midweek) SELF HEALING WITH REIKI I for people with ME/CFS
Reiki, a Japanese system of healing, offers a gentle balanced approach to support the already depleted systems of those living with M.E./Chronic fatigue. Each participant will learn how to use Reiki on a daily basis at home in order to help them move towards healing. The course is suitable for those with mild/moderate M.E.
Emma Saunders LeBlanc, a former lecturer, lived with ME for more than 10 years. She found Reiki instrumental in her healing and now runs her own practice. She is a Reiki master/teacher and a member of the UK Reiki Federation.
Cost: £290

June 13-15 THE HEALING POWER OF HERBS
Learn how herbs work with the body on a physical, emotional and spiritual level to bring a person back to, or to maintain, good health. You will learn how to identify some powerful healers in the garden and countryside; sample and learn how to make simple remedies. There will also be opportunities to explore personal health issues in a confidential and healing setting.
Sarah Furey, an experienced herbalist who works in Sussex, has a degree in Herbal Medicine and a diploma in Nutrition.
Cost: £170

June 16-20 (midweek) MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS
A meditation retreat with an emphasis on the Buddhist practice of Mindfulness. Exercises cover physical, sensory, intellectual and emotional levels as well as meditation practices and techniques. Open to all levels of meditators. The Mindfulness practice will include periods of silence.
Anne Simpson is a meditation facilitator, homoeopath and healer with a clinical practice in Meopham and Gravesend. See her website for healing and meditation.
Cost: £290

June 20-22 A COURSE IN MIRACLES© - an introduction
A Course in Miracles gives us a vivid new creation myth to heal our personal and collective sense of loss, to give our lives meaning, and reconnect us with each other and our true Self.
Anna Powell is an experienced therapist, writer and facilitator who has been teaching A Course in Miracles© for over twenty years. For more information see www.unlearningschool.com
Cost: £170

June 27-29 SACRED DRUMMING
Deep and lasting is the power of the drum in sacred work. When you experience shamanic journeys, clear energy, meditate into the realm of Spirit, pray to the angels, ancestors and guides, the drum holds you firmly on the earth so that you pass through the veils between the worlds in safety.
Steven Ash is a teacher, shaman and healer. He grew up on Wikwemikong reservation in Canada. He is the adopted grandson of Wallace Black Elk and author of bestselling “Sacred Drumming” Godsfield Press
Cost: £170
back to top
June 30-July 4 (midweek) TAI CHI / CHI KUNG
Experience relaxation of mind and body and the rejuvenation of attitude by practising movements from the Tai Chi form. Arouse the chi energy with Chi Kung. Find the peace of meditation.
Barbara Gordon, an experienced teacher and facilitator who has been teaching these exercise forms since 1988.
Cost: £290

July 4-6 THE QUAKER WAY - enquirers and newcomers
A weekend to explore Quaker spirituality: worship, conviction and way of life. The course will be directed to people new to Quaker meetings, those thinking of joining, and those who have recently joined and are considering: what now? It will include input from facilitators, but also plenty of time for questions and puzzlement!
Harvey Gillman, writer and poet, who was Outreach secretary for QHS, Swarthmore Lecturer and Joseph Rowntree Fellow.
Cost: £170

July 7-11 (midweek) YOGA RETREAT
A week of Yoga postures, breath work, deep relaxation and meditation, with particular emphasis on the chakras, mandala and colour. An opportunity to go deeper into your Yoga to release stress and rejuvenate.
Lina Newstead, a Diploma Course Tutor for the British Wheel of Yoga, runs private classes, retreat weekends and longer Yoga courses.
Cost: £290

July 14-18 (midweek) TRAVELLING SILENTLY
A writing course that weaves in and out of silence. Whatever your life holds, discovering how to flow with words onto the page offers a rich source of creativity. We will explore themes arising out of our time together; this process will give you more of your inner self.
Monica Suswin is a published writer in the field of therapeutic writing, with an MA in creative writing (Sussex University 2002). In her working life she has been a BBC producer, journalist and psychotherapist.
Cost: £290

July 18-20 REIKI III
Reiki III is for those Reiki II practitioners who wish to have their Reiki energy raised to level III. Those who wish to be further attuned as a Reiki teacher will be able to attend a course on 25-27 July.
Jill Cooper is a Usui and Karuna Reiki master and EFT practitioner.
Cost: £170

July 18-20 TOOLS FOR TRANSFORMATION
The weekend explores the problems experienced on the Journey of Inner Transformation and the tools needed to become aware of, and overcome, these problems. The Journey will be explored using a new slant on the Quaker Method. You will learn about new problem-solving tools that will equip you for further inner work.
Brian Ackroyd is a Buddhist and Healer, experienced professional therapist and counsellor.
Cost: £170

July 21-25 (midweek) PLACES OF WORSHIP VISITS
What is Worship? How is it worked out and experienced? Over our four days together we will visit and learn about four places of worship: a Synagogue, a Church/Cathedral, a Mosque and a Quaker Meeting House. For more details please contact Keith.
Keith Marsden, the Deputy Manager at Claridge House, will be leading these visits.
Cost: £330 to include cost of visits

July 25-27 SPIRITUALITY & SELF-ESTEEM - a workshop for women
An opportunity to share spiritual stories, to explore self-doubt and to affirm our worth. A time to celebrate women’s sacred wisdom.
Deb Steele is an experienced counsellor and facilitator and an ordained interfaith minister.
Cost: £170
back to top
August 1-3 CIRCLE DANCING
We will dance a rich mix of delightful dances from many cultures. The glorious ethnic music; serene; yearning; playful; uplifting; will kindle our innate expansiveness and open our hearts. We will intersperse the dancing with meditation and Chi Kung, to help us relax into the dance. Some circle dancing experience would be useful.
Eve Corrin, an experienced teacher of Circle Dance, Alexander Technique & languages with extensive involvement in meditation and Chi Kung.
Cost: £170

August 4-10 (midweek and/or weekend) YOGA TO BEAT FATIGUE
Gentle yoga courses suitable for all abilities and which will include fatigue-busting methods such as special breathing techniques, meditation and health boosting yoga postures. Also suitable for those with moderate ME/CFS. Participants will require a non-slip yoga mat.
Fiona Agombar, author of Endless Energy, qualified as an instructor with the Yoga for Health Foundation in 2002.
Cost: August 4-8 midweek course £290
        August 8-10 weekend course £170
Courses can be combined for an additional £11 for Friday lunch.

August 11-15 (midweek) ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE - for beginners and refreshers
The Alexander Technique is a skill for life, which improves health, balance and co-ordination in everyday activities and can enhance your performance in the arts and sport. Using guided activities, hands-on work and discussion we explore the simple principles involved. Please bring comfortable clothing.
Jill Payne teaches the Alexander Technique in Beckenham.
Cost: £290

August 15-17 REIKI I
Reiki has become known around the world for its ability to channel healing energy, both to those who practise it and those who are recipients. An introductory weekend course to one of our most popular forms of healing.
Jill Cooper is a Usui and Karuna Reiki master and EFT practitioner.
Cost: £170

August 18-22 (midweek) EYE HEALING RETREAT
This workshop will give us tools to rediscover ourselves and to move us along a healing journey towards improving the health of our eyes. We will use sound, movement, stillness, relaxation and meditation, as well as specific Bates exercises to make our eyes stronger and to increase our inner power of self-healing.
Paula Luís, an experienced Sound Therapist, Reiki Master, Circle Dance Facilitator, Shamanic and Awareness Healer.
Cost: £290

August 22-29 LATE SUMMER BREAK - Circle Dancer in Residence
With circle dance teacher Brenda Kelly in residence from the 22-25, there will be the chance to dance to a variety of traditional music: Israeli, Russian, Balkan and Greek. No previous experience required. Brenda is a very experienced teacher with a passion for dance.
Cost: 4 night midweek stay £210, Daily rate £57

August 29-31 YOGA AND AYURVEDA
An opportunity to explore the wisdom & healing benefits of Yoga and its sister science Ayurveda. Sessions will include physical Yoga working with the breath, relaxation, pranayama and meditation plus talks on the basic principles of Ayurveda, establishing your constitution and an appropriate lifestyle routine. A non-slip yoga mat is required.
Bill and Gill Feeney are experienced Yoga teachers (ex Yoga for Health Foundation). Bill has been a student of Ayurvedic Practioner and teacher Dr. Vasant Lad for over 18 years.
Cost: £170
back to top
September 1-5 THE SOUL OF SOUND AND THE SOUNDS OF THE SOUL
Self-discovery journeys through sacred sounds. The healing sounds and vibrations of the Tibetan Singing Bowls, Drum and Gongs will guide us through our inner world, to lead us to the answers we need to achieve a more fulfilling life. Cleansing and balancing the chakras is also included in this work.

Paula Luís, an experienced Sound Therapist, Reiki Master,Circle Dance Facilitator, Shamanic and Awareness Healer.
Cost: £290

September 5-7 IN PRAISE OF SLOW
The “cult of speed” dominates much of our lives. Carl Honoré’s work, however, documents the many challenges to this. We will look at and experience ways of finding balance and peace in our fast-paced and changing world.
Georgia Sumner, experienced meditator and qualified teacher of adults.
Cost: £170

September 5-7 TAI CHI / CHI KUNG
Experience relaxation of mind and body and the rejuvenation of attitude by practising movements from the Tai Chi form. Arouse the chi energy with Chi Kung. Find the peace of meditation.
Barbara Gordon, an experienced teacher and facilitator who has been teaching these exercise forms for many years.
Cost: £170

September 12-14 Support Weekend for QUAKER SPIRITUAL HEALERS
A weekend gathering for full or probationary members of Quaker Spiritual Healers, offering an opportunity to develop understanding of spiritual healing with others on the same path.
Anne Simpson is a meditation facilitator, homoeopath and healer.
Cost: £120

September 15-19 (midweek) BUDDHISM an introduction
Buddhism is becoming increasingly well known in the west today. This introductory workshop covers the key Buddhist concepts. During the weekend we explore the origin of Buddhism, its ethical foundation and enlightenment – the goal of the Buddhist path. The course will include an opportunity to experience a variety of simple meditative exercises.
John Preston, previously ordained Buddhist monk .
Cost: £290

September 19-21 MEDITATION to quieten the mind
Meditation is an effective way of counteracting stress and increasing the sense of personal well being. Using primarily Buddhist approaches, the course is designed for those who have not meditated before or who have only limited experience. Sessions include periods of seated practice using ordinary chairs. No special postures are used.
John Preston, previously ordained Buddhist monk
Cost: £170

September 22-26 Self healing with REIKI iI for people with ME/CFS
For those with mild to moderate M.E./C.F.S., who are already attuned to Reiki at Level 1. Attunement at Level 2 will increase your connection to the Reiki energy. With the emphasis on self-healing, you will learn about specific symbols and techniques to broaden and enhance your Reiki practice and further support you on your healing journey.
Emma Saunders LeBlanc, a former lecturer who has had ME, is a Reiki master/teacher.
Cost: £290

September 26-28 EXPLORING THE INTERIOR CASTLE
Although written in 16 Century, St. Teresa of Avila’s book the INTERIOR CASTLE can still help us to understand our deepest selves and our relationship with the Divine. This weekend we will explore how the insights in this religious classic can help us on our spiritual journeys today.
Cherry Simpkin is Clerk of the Friends Fellowship of Healing and a healer and trainer with Quaker Spiritual Healers.
Cost: £170
back to top
September 29-October 3 AND THE WORDS BEGIN TO FLOW
The making of poetry has been likened to the upsurging of words in a Quaker meeting. Under the guidance of Quaker poet Gerard Benson, we will read, wait and write together. Bring your insights, concerns, pen and notebook. The community we form will embrace both experienced and inexperienced writers.
Gerard Benson, Quaker poet & editor, is the experienced and gentle facilitator for this short midweek course.
Cost: £260

October 3-5 LIVING MORE FULLY BY FACING OUR DEATH
This workshop is for people of any age, any state of health, who hope to have a few years ahead of them. We will come face to face with the ending of our lives, then turn back to see how this helps us to live more fully.
Frances Crampton, Quaker, transpersonal counsellor, Myers Briggs practitioner and a QSH healer.
Cost: £170

October 3-5 THE HOLISTIC ARTIST WITHIN
We will take small steps towards the discovery of the true, inner creator in us by using watercolour on wet paper. The elements of colour, light and darkness can be all that we need to create a vibrant and beautiful mood of the Soul in all its quietness and simplicity. Previous painting experience not necessary.
Katriina Grant trained at the Tobias School of Art where she now teaches.
Cost: £170

October 6-12 (midweek and/or weekend) YOGA TO BEAT FATIGUE
Gentle yoga courses suitable for all abilities. We will include fatigue-busting methods such as special breathing techniques, meditation and health boosting yoga postures. Also suitable for those with moderate ME/CFS.
Fiona Agombar, author of Endless Energy, qualified as an instructor with the Yoga for Health Foundation.
October 6-10 £290
October 10-12 £170
(Combine the courses for an additional £11 for Friday lunch)

October 13-17 (midweek) Training Week for QUAKER SPIRITUAL HEALERS
A training week in practical healing that gives those who are interested in becoming members of Quaker Spiritual Healers the opportunity to explore their own potential in a safe and supportive atmosphere. No experience necessary, only a desire to help. Applicants should be sympathetic to Quaker values and have been attending a Quaker meeting for at least a year. This course does not necessarily lead to full membership of the QSH.
QSH tutors.
Cost: £255

October (midweek) 20-24 HEALING RETREAT
An informal retreat on a healing theme involving talks, discussion, meditation, personal and group healing. There will also be quiet and free time for personal reflection.
Jim Pym, author of Listening to the Light, is a spiritual healer and meditation teacher with over 40 years experience.
Cost: £290

October 24-26 Spiralling in CIRCLE DANCING
As the year draws in, we celebrate gathering, gratitude and grounding. Dances of gathering, harvesting all the experiences of our year. Dances of gratitude for sun father, earth mother, our life and our journey. Rhythmic and contemplative dances in spiral form, taking us into the deep inner peace of the centre.
June Watts, international Circle Dance teacher for many years, author of 'Circle Dancing - Celebrating the Sacred in Dance'.
Cost: £170

October 27-31 (midweek) EXPLORING OUR INNER WORLD THROUGH WRITING & SHARING
This workshop aims to provide you with time and space in which to explore your inner responses to yourself, your life and the spiritual dimension. This will be done through a carefully structured mix of silence, stimulating exercises and optional empathetic sharing. Suitable for all writing abilities
Judy Clinton is a Quaker, facilitator and writer with much experience in the counselling, healing and social work fields.
Cost: £260 (Short midweek course with 2 days tuition in a 4 night stay)
back to top
October 31-November 2 CHEERFUL HELLOS ON HALLOWEEN
Bright words, light words – banish the darker places as the evenings draw in. Come to Claridge House and write what you will.
Ted Walter, a poet and creative writing tutor for over 25 years.
Cost: £170

November 7-9 THE WORK AND VISION OF J.M.H WHITEMAN
During the course of a long life, Whiteman built a philosophy largely out of his own spiritual and psychic experiences. His reflections on the next world, or worlds, form a significant part of his vision. On Saturday, John Poynton a friend of his, will explore both the philosophy in general and also its after-life aspects. This weekend gathering is organised by the Quaker special interest group the Fellowship of After Life Studies.
John Poynton is an emeritus professor of biology and a past president of the Society for Psychical Research.
Cost: £170

November 10-14 THE POWER OF NOW
Living in the present moment is a concept in the writings of Eckhart Tolle that has become very popular over the last few years. Exploring his material as well as that from various respected, older, sources, we shall use this time together to move further forward into understanding and dwelling in this ‘Now’
Rosalind Smith is a FFH/QSH healer, trained counsellor and facilitator.
Cost: £290

November 17-21 REIKI SHARING
This special short mid-week break, offered to those at any level of Reiki, is a wonderful opportunity to share the experiences of giving, receiving and sending Reiki in beautiful and peaceful surroundings.
Jill Cooper is a Usui & Karuna Reiki master.
Cost: £260

November 21-23 QUAKERS AND “THE LIFE THAT NEVER ENDS”
“Death cannot kill what never dies” said William Penn. His words have comforted Quakers and others in time of bereavement. This weekend we will attempt to move beyond doubt, and raise awareness that we live in more than just a physical world.
Cherry Simpkin is Clerk of the Friends Fellowship of Healing and a healer & trainer with Quaker Spiritual Healers.
Cost: £170

November 24-28 DRAWING: A COURSE IN HOW TO SEE
Those with no talent or previous experience, can now draw with skill and confidence. This structured, but straightforward, course shows you how to see and to draw as an artist does, by engaging the creative right side of the brain. Drawing becomes a relaxing discovery of the beauty and complexity of the world.
Dennis Massey is an experienced tutor who has been teaching people to “see” for more than 15 years.
Cost: £290

November 28-30 REIKI II
Being attuned to Reiki II increases your Reiki, enabling you, by using Reiki symbols and mantras, to treat yourself and others at a deeper level, to deal directly with mental/emotional aspects and to send out distant healing.
Jill Cooper is a Usui and Karuna Reiki master and EFT practitioner.
Cost: £170
back to top
December 8-14 (midweek and/or weekend) YOGA TO BEAT FATIGUE
Gentle yoga courses suitable for all abilities. We will include fatigue-busting methods such as special breathing techniques, meditation and health boosting yoga postures. Also suitable for those with moderate ME/CFS.
Fiona Agombar, author of Endless Energy, qualified as an instructor with the Yoga for Health Foundation
Decenber 8-12 £290
Decmber 12-14 £170
(Combine the courses for an additional £11 for Friday lunch)

December 19-21 WINTER SOLSTICE
As we witness the sun returning from the darkest, still point of winter, you are invited to engage in the healing power of imagination and metaphor, through painting, stories, movement, meditation and ritual - to explore how this turning point of Light may illuminate you and your path towards Spring.
Deborah Kelly is an Arts Psychotherapist.
Cost: £170

December 24-28 Christmas Break
Cost: £420

December 31-Jan 4 New Year Break
Cost: £320

back to top

Enquire On-Line
or phone +44(0)1342 832150 or +44(0)845 3457281 updated: 18 Apr 2008