In the old stories, people from the edges of things brought ideas and understandings from the forest back into the kingdom which the kingdom could not generate itself
Paul Kingsnorth
A Unique Invitation
After a two-year break, we are delighted to invite you to Postcards from the Edge, our Autumn Gathering at Hawkwood College, 8-9 October 2018
As the mainstream stumbles from crisis to crisis so we look to the margins for new stories to sustain us. This is an opportunity to come together as a community of people who work with story in all kinds of ways, to inspire and be inspired. Be it economics, activism, writing, law, therapy, gender and sexuality, science and shamanism, the stories are as diverse as the people who tell them.
It’s going to be a terrific event during which we hope you will get the chance to:
- Meet and expand your edges experientially and intellectually
- Build and enjoy a community that welcomes difference
- Share and learn across perceived intergenerational ‘divides’
- Be inspired by possibilities of greater inclusion and diversity
The gathering will be co-hosted by regulars Geoff Mead, Pelin Turgut, and Robert Holtom. There will be some special guests including Polly Higgins, International Lawyer and Eco-Activist; Belinda Hopkins, UK pioneer of restorative justice; Norwegian Lisbeth Rådstoga who has explored stories of women escaping from domestic violence in Moldova; Moula Mokhobo-Amegashie who has collected powerful stories of whistle-blowers speaking out against corruption in South Africa, her home country; and Hannah McDowall, London-based storyteller and researcher working with life transitions.
We are keen to maintain our tradition of meeting as peers in a community of inquiry, so bring your questions, creativity and curiosity, and be willing to share your current and emerging practice. We are limiting attendance to around 36 people to maintain an intimate atmosphere in which all voices are heard.
Who is this event for?
Storyteller, coach, change agent, consultant, teacher, parent, carer, researcher, writer, citizen, social activist, therapist, business or organisational leader: you could be any, all, or none of these things. Whatever your background, if you are interested in the power of stories to shape our lives and the world in which we live, then this event is for you.
Booking and fees
The gathering is offered at cost price £180 residential, £150 residential (shared), £120 non-residential (all inclusive of VAT) to both regular and new attendees. Click here for Booking Form (Word Document) and here for Booking Form (pdf file). Save the date and make sure you book early as there are limited places available. Also, do circulate the invitation to anyone else you think would be interested in attending this event.
How you can help
Please justify our shared hopes and ambition for this event by making an early commitment to attend. You can also help by inviting other people who you believe would be interested in, benefit from, contribute to and enjoy Postcards from the Edge. You can also come forward with offers to facilitate sessions, bring case studies, run workshops, share stories, initiate projects, and whatever else you would like to see at the gathering.
The Venue
Hawkwood College is set in 42 acres of beautiful gardens, woods and fields, with its own spring water and wonderful views of Cotswold hills and valleys. It is easily accessible from Heathrow and London by train (direct service between Paddington and Stroud) and by road (M4/A46).
Administration and Further Information
Click here for further information. For administrative and booking queries please contact Geoff Mead. If you would like to talk to someone to see if this event is for you then you can also contact Robert Holtom or Pelin Turgut.
Centre for Narrative Leadership 