Dear friends,
We want to wish you all a blessed and hopeful Advent as we look to the Return of the King! It is so easy to look at this season as a ‘count down’ to Christmas when in reality Advent speaks much more of the Christian hope and expectation of what is to come! May we seek to live in the light of the eternal hope of Christ’s return! Maybe this is easier said than done…but ‘let’s encourage one another with these words!’
It has been a joy to welcome so many new guests through our doors this Autumn….and we are certainly thankful for more community members as our guest numbers increase! There has also been a lot of activity ‘outside’ – not least putting new showers in the Grimston rooms. In addition, we’ve been fitting new windows, rendering walls, fitting a new roof for the Carriage Shed, completing essential tree maintenance and strengthening garden hand rails…so, the grass hasn’t had time to grow under our feet! There is lots more planned so watch this space!
We’ve already advertised a number of events for 2023 but we wanted to add a few additional ones at this point, particularly drawing your attention to the glass fusing week in February as it’s only a couple of months away! You’ll find the full listing of events here – https://stoswalds.community/whats-happening-2/
Mon 6th – Fri 10th February: Glass fusing with Michelle Gillam-Hull
Following the success of this event last year we are excited to announce that Michelle will be returning again in February. You’ll have opportunity to create some beautiful pieces of glass and you are able to keep anything you make. There are limited spaces on this event. The cost is £305 per person (the slightly higher price is to cover materials)
Mon 5th – Fri 9th June: Northern Saints Pilgrimage with Gavin & Fran Wakefield
Christians have always had to deal with people different to themselves, some of them fellow Christians, some not. We will explore what we can learn about how to live with difference from some of the Yorkshire saints – from Hild to David Watson. There will be short talks, some time for our own reflection, the opportunity for artwork and the option of local visits. More information about this retreat on the website. Cost £290 per person.
Fri 28th – Sun 30th July: Impressions of light – Cyanotype printing
Our very own Sally (who is also a talented artist!) will be teaching you how to create your own cyanotype prints. Google them – they’re amazing! There will be an element of reflection as well…but plenty of time for hands on creativity. There will be limited spaces on this event. Cost £145 per person.
Mon 16th – Fri 20th October: Art Retreat
Following the success of our art week this Autumn, Sarah Sharp will be leading another art retreat. There will be more details to following regarding the theme of the retreat but we can guarantee it’ll be a great week. Bookings are now open and places are limited! Cost £290 per person.
We’re also planning a singing weekend for later in the year so we’ll let you know when we’ve landed on a date for that!
As well as these events there are plenty of opportunities to come and just ‘be’ (in both catered and self catered accommodation). Drop us an email (office@stoswalds.community) or give us a call on 01947 810496 and we will happily check availability for you. We’d love to see you in 2023!
Wishing you all a hope-filled Advent
With much love from us all at St Oswald’s