Summer Gathering – 22/23 June 2020
CANCELLED
We came to lose our leaves like the trees,
The trees that are broken
And start again, drawing up on great roots
We are very sorry to announce that because of delays and uncertainties caused by the Coronavirus pandemic we have had to cancel this event. We are considering the possibility of some kind of virtual event and will notify you personally of any developments if you are on our mailing list.
A Unique Invitation
After a two-year break, we are delighted to invite you to Stories that Heal our Autumn Gathering at Hawkwood College, 22-23 June 2020
As cracks and divisions in our politics and society seem to widen and we plunge headlong into the climate crisis, we need to ask ourselves what types of story can contribute to healing, bring people together, help people face the realities of our divided and damaged world and still find beauty, community and hope.
- Engage with the most important issues of our time
- Build and enjoy a community that welcomes difference
- Be inspired by possibilities of finding stories that heal
- Explore the power and potential of ancient myth
We are already planning a number of sessions so you will be in good company if you do step forward. These include sessions based on the work of Professor Jem Bendell, author of influential paper Deep Adaptation, one of the inspirational voices behind Extinction Rebellion; Nicola Le Breton, Australian Story Weaver and sustainable community facilitator, who will introduce Nora Bateson’s Warm Data Lab methodology, Geoff Mead on Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes; Steve Creffield on how to create your own healing story; Michèle Dabaghian on redemptive women’s stories in Saudi Arabia; and others yet to be arranged (perhaps you).
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. As always, we will be entertaining ourselves on the Monday evening with a homespun ceilidh: stories, songs, poems and other contributions welcome on the day.
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 £195 residential, £165 residential (shared), £135 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 Stories that Heal. 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
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 Diana Reynolds.
Centre for Narrative Leadership 