Midsummer Community Gathering

Take some time out from everyday life with a small group of people with shared values, spending time in nature and connection. You can come for a day, a night or for the whole week, or anything in between. There’s space to camp in your tent or vehicle (on request), or there is a cosy pod (2 single beds) and shepherd’s hut (double bed) to hire if you prefer. Or come as a day visitor for however many days you wish! Flexible options, see below for prices. There will be a daily structure starting with breakfast then a community circle to connect and plan the day. Cooking together, time to relax and unwind. Choice of activities ranging from heart-felt talks and a chance to build your skills and knowledge, to time in nature, art and craft or movement. Inclusive solstice ceremony on Saturday 21st June. Large communal indoor sitting room with full kitchen. Woodland, organic orchard, beautiful and peaceful permaculture environment to enjoy. Come on your own or with friends or family – children welcome (no formal childcare provided). Delicious veggie / vegan food. Hot showers, loos, phone charging available. Children’s play area.

What we may explore
What does nonviolence mean to you?
Nonviolent Communication- introductory and advanced – improve your empathy and listening skills, support your own self-awareness and growth
Compassion in our food choices
Daily empathy groups
Nonviolent living in today’s world – responding to global and local challenges
Nonviolence and spirituality
Gentle Qi Gong practice
Movement and song session with Sarah McCaskey, local yoga and music practitioner yourspace-online.co.uk
Parenting and nonviolence
Music, art, yoga, any gentle practices that participants can offer

Led by Clare Palmer, certified trainer in Nonviolent Communication. Clare has hosted dozens of gatherings and been offering training in NVC for more than 2 decades. She has a particular interest in integrating nonviolence with our lives and in living with grief and loss. She loves being in touch with the changing seasons and being with other people in warmth and friendship. See nvc-uk.com for Clare’s profile.
Hosted by Ian Warder, owner of Peach and Pippin organic fruit farm and experienced Qi Gong teacher. See peachandpippin.com for more on our venue.

Who is this gathering for?
All are welcome with or without previous experience of Nonviolent Communication or similar approaches.  We intend to offer a space where people of all backgrounds and life experiences are accepted, have a voice and take part.

Main meals will be vegan with vegetarian and some gluten-free options. Hot and cold drinks, fruit and snacks are included and will be available throughout the day. Participants will be asked to contribute to supporting our physical needs during the week, whether by sharing cooking (recipes and ingredients provided), making coffee and breakfast, washing up, taking care of fires or tidying up. For the comfort of all, we ask you not to bring alcohol for consumption on site or to smoke where other people may be affected.

We intend the gathering to be a place where people can explore and reflect on their own feelings and needs and practice connecting with others on that basis. However, the camp is not a therapeutic space and support is not unlimited. We would like all who attend to be able to balance their own personal needs with those of the whole community. So the gathering might not be suitable for you if for whatever reason you need more support than our resources can offer. In the unlikely case that a participant’s behaviour becomes harmful or disruptive to others beyond what we or the site owners feel able and willing to cope with, we may require them to leave the site.

Ticket prices – attendance

Including all food, hot drinks and snacks, workshops and activities, firewood  (accommodation charged separately)

For the whole week (7 nights) – £180 per adult
Daily price – £30 per adult

Ticket prices – accommodation

Camping – £10 per night per tent / vehicle
Glamping – pod, sleeps 2, 2 single beds – £40 per night
Glamping – shepherd’s hut, sleeps 2, double bed – £40 per night
Children aged 0 – 17 years – no charge

Prices aim to cover costs only and have been kept as low as possible.

Struggling to afford attendance? Send me a message clareconnecttolife@gmail.com