Retreats
The places of retreat given in this section are known to the Sybils committee, and will welcome members who wish to visit or stay individually, or in groups.
Community House
A Community House is available in North Wales for small groups or individual Sibyls. Jenny-Anne Bishop and her partner Elen run the community house for trans people in Rhyl, North Wales. The Community House can accommodate up to 7 people overnight, there are two double rooms, a double put-u-up in the lounge and a small single room.
If you are interested, contact Jenny-Anne Bishop [email protected] or phone 01745 033 7144 & 07500-741955
The Sisters of St Andrew, Lewisham
The Sisters were founded in the Middle Ages to welcome pilgrims ‘en route’ across Europe to Compostella in Spain. About the year 1231 a small group of women decided to consecrate their lives to the service of those in need and opened a hostel in Tournai (Belgium). This first Fraternity lived according to the Rule of St Augustine, received alms and gave hospitality to the poor who came to them for help.
In 2013 two community houses in Tooting, and Edenbridge closed, after 70 years of fruitful ministry in education, care for the elderly and as a Retreat Centre, to make way for a foundation in Lewisham in January 2014. In this peaceful oasis, close to the heart of London and its multicultural population that the community continues to welcome pilgrims for a retreat, or a time of rest and silence.
For details see: http://www.sisters-of-st-andrew.com/
St Katharine’s, Limehouse, East London
The Royal Foundation of St Katharine’s is a retreat centre where many have found its sense of calm transforms the way they feel. As well as individual stays, many charities and organisations use St Katharine’s for events. Our regular programme of Christian Retreats is appreciated by many looking for renewed stillness in their lives. Located in East London’s Limehouse area, St Katharine’s has great transport links to the City and major London attractions.
Go to the website for more. https://www.rfsk.org.uk/
Holy Rood House, N Yorks
Holy Rood House in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is a charity with a gentle Christian ethos, providing safer space for those of us who are finding life unsafe. Since 1993 Holy Rood has been pleased to welcome all kinds of people, of all ages, for all kinds of reasons from across Britain. It offers apace – for the possibility of seeing things from a different perspective.
Please see http://www.holyroodhouse.org.uk/
Purley Chase Centre
Purley Chase Centre is a retreat centre and event venue set in the beautiful North Warwickshire countryside. Purley offers a range of short courses including prayer retreats, Bible study, arts and crafts, sacred dance, and singing within a relaxed environment. Purley is owned by The General Conference of the New Church whose faith is rooted in an enlightened and balanced approach to Christ-centred spirituality, aided by insights found in the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg. Purley validates all faiths and welcome people of all religions and none.
In addition to an open spiritual approach, Purley’s hospitality, delicious home-cooked food, comfortable en suite and dormitory accommodation and a warm welcome is at the heart of what Purley is about.
https://www.purleychasecentre.org.uk/
Hilfield Friary, Dorset
Hilfield Friary in Dorset welcomes people to come and stay – for prayer and retreat, for study, for a break away from their usual routine and to share something of Franciscan life together. Hilfield can offer either full-board accommodation in Leo House, the Friary Guest House, eating with us in the refectory, or self-catering accommodation in Bernard or Juniper Houses. All guests are welcome to services in the chapel but no-one should feel under pressure to do so. Guests that wish are invited to join in some of the basic tasks around the Friary e.g. helping with the washing up! A member of the community is often available to talk to if you are seeking advice or friendship. Hilfield is not run as a hotel business and makes no fixed charge for staying, but suggest the level of donation needed to cover costs for your stay. Have a look at the website for more.