ECC Event details for Summer 2007 now available on website; and advance
notice for New Year 07/08.

http://www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk/

9-16 June 07, Gay Men's Week, Laurieston Hall, Scotland
4-11 Aug 07, Gay Men's Week, High Close, Lake District
16-23 Aug 07, Gay Men's Week, Laurieston Hall, Scotland
8-15 Sept 07, Thriving, Not Just Surviving, Laurieston Hall, Scotland
28 Dec 07 - 4 Jan 08, New Year Gay Men's Week, Wasdale, Lake District

Descriptions are shown below. Full details for summer events, including
booking details, are on the website.

9 - 16 JUNE 2007, GAY MEN'S WEEK, LAURIESTON HALL, SCOTLAND

This will be a traditional Gay Men’s Week at Laurieston Hall with up to 55
places available, and as any early summer week’s weather may prove too
inclement for many outdoor activities, the organisers intend to include an
additional component as a prototype activity with a view to it becoming the
subject of a themed week in the future, if successful.
Expect all the features you know and love, and as well as the workshops
traditionally offered and organised by members after arrival, we would like
to hold ‘Skills Sharing’ workshops. Here, members would
teach/demonstrate/share a variety of skills which they possess but others
don’t, in an entertaining/fun/communal activity-based way. In fact, this is
not essentially different from the usual singing, circle dancing, T-shirt
painting, aromatherapy etc. workshops regularly offered.

The difference is the subject matter. Examples of skills that the writer
would like to learn: (a) successfully to iron a shirt without dropping the
thing or losing my temper, (b) the art of successful short-crust pastry
making (without ditto), (c) juggling with more than one ball, (d) bicycle
puncture mending without tears, (e) enhanced massage skills. There are many
more.

What the writer could offer: (a) bread making, (b) hedge laying, (c) the
fast route to foreign language learning (what your teacher never told you
but I can), (d) map reading for the nervous, (e) a new approach to Sudoku
(with maths and colours!).

These are examples to get you thinking, as most of us have myriad skills
that firstly we do not consider as skills, and secondly do not realise
others want.

Obviously, some will need prior organising and also prior consultation with
Laurieston Hall residents (for example, if a workshop needs a kitchen, that
may have logistical implications if the small one off ‘flight deck’ isn’t
big enough, and if there is to be hedge-laying, we first need to be sure
there is an unkempt hedge to lay – and tools to lay it with). So the
organisers request prior notice of intention to run a Skills Sharing
workshop – at least where the above consultation needs apply.

Other than the above, come expecting a traditional GMW with all the familiar
features - and more. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

4 - 11 AUGUST 2007, HIGH SUMMER AT HIGH CLOSE, LAKE DISTRICT

Come and enjoy a traditional summer Gay Men's Week with us at High Close,
where we have exclusive use of the hostel in this fabulous part of the Lake
District.

Activities on a High Close week are organized by participants themselves. In
previous years they have taken advantage of the stunning scenery and the
hostel grounds to organise leisurely strolls, challenging hikes, swimming in
the tarn, meditation, games on the lawn and much more. We will be
encouraging you to bring your talents and energy to lead, or just to
participate in, lots of other workshops; and if people are keen hopefully
this year somebody will reinstate the boat trip.

All food is vegetarian, prepared by the hostel staff and self-service;
feedback about previous years’ cuisine has been very positive. Base groups
and/or heart circles will meet daily before the evening meal, and provide an
opportunity to get to know 5 or 6 gay men really well which can be
beneficial when living as part of a community.

Sleeping arrangements are in dormitories accommodating between 4 and 14
people; but with the week limited to a maximum of 55 places, plenty of space
will be available as the hostel usually sleeps over 100.

16 - 23 AUGUST 2007, GAY MEN'S WEEK AT LAURIESTON HALL, SCOTLAND

Another opportunity for first timers, and regulars to enjoy building a
community of gay men who subscribe to our ‘principles and intentions’.

The week aims to be laid back, open, relaxing, supportive and above all fun.
We will be sticking to a tried and tested, simple structure for the week,
including an opening gathering at the start of the week and a closing
gathering towards the end, where all participants will have the opportunity
to speak. There will also be the option of `base group' meetings, where a
smaller number of people meet each day to check in with each other in
confidence and offer mutual support. Beyond this, what happens on the week
depends largely upon what the participants bring to it.

The organisers aim to kick-start the process and maintain the week on an
organisational level with minimal intervention. Participants are encouraged
to take responsibility for events within the week and choose their own level
of activity and involvement. This could range from sitting quietly by the
fire or enjoying a sing song round the piano, to organising an activity such
as a workshop, lighting the sauna, volunteering to help co ordinate the
cabaret team from an early stage, facilitating a base group, overseeing
smooth running of the timetable or duty rota, helping first timers to settle
in etc. Any number of responsibilities can be adopted by participants,
giving the organisers more time to enjoy the space, and just as importantly,
giving participants the opportunity to develop their organisational skills
and take responsibility and credit for achievements and events throughout
the week. Hopefully for some, this will lead to the confidence or additional
skills required for them to consider participation in organising a future
event.

Activities and workshops in the past have included meditation, circle
dancing, drama, storytelling, singing, poetry, Tai Chi, circus skills, jelly
fights, creative arts, psychodrama, massage, guided fantasy, music therapy,
5 rhythms dancing, Sufi dancing, Yoga, shamanic rituals, healing ... the
list goes on. This time round, who knows? But you can bet your life that
someone will organise a cabaret.

8 - 15 SEPTEMBER 2007, THRIVING, NOT JUST SURVIVING, LAURIESTON HALL,
SCOTLAND

Creativity, motivation and self-esteem - how do we as gay men keep ourselves
inspired and moving forward in life? How can we balance discipline and
delight, planning and play?

This week will be for up to 35 men who identify as gay. We will seek to
dare, to dream and to do, using the unique community that we create on the
week as inspiration and a springboard for fulfilling our potential. The
intention is that we will look at where we have come from in our life
stories and, through workshops and simply the experience of being together,
re-evaluate what changes we might make to enable our lives to be more
fulfilled. Expressing ourselves, whether through art, music, the voice, the
body, or our technical and intellectual skills, we'll work towards a shared
group 'event' involving performance, multi-media and whatever participants
bring in terms of their own talents and interests.

We hope the relationships we form on the week will extend into our lives
beyond to give long-term support & inspiration in pursuing our heart’s
desires.

There is no guarantee that this week will change your life for the better,
but that is what we hope for.

Granted, it might sound like an ambitious ‘heavy’ week, but we intend to
have lots of fun, relaxation & play.

28 DEC 07 - 4 JAN 08, NEW YEAR GAY MEN'S WEEK, WASDALE, LAKE DISTRICT

Description and details to come.





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Here are brief details of ECC events for 2007.

Further details will be available early 2007.

2 day event:

- Spring Vision Gathering, Nightingale Centre, Great Hucklow, Derbyshire,
13 - 15 Apr 2007

7 day events:

- Gay Men's Week, Laurieston Hall, 9 - 16 Jun 2007

- Gay Men's Week, High Close Youth Hostel, South Lakeland, 4 - 11 Aug 2007

- Gay Men's Week, Laurieston Hall, 16 - 23 Aug 2007

- Thriving, Not Just Surviving, Laurieston Hall, 8 - 15 Sep 2007

- New Year Gay Men's Week, Wasdale Youth Hostel, Wastwater, 28 Dec 2007 - 4
Jan 2008

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Hi All

Eurofaeries are planning a UK gathering from 22-29 December at Featherstone
Castle, Haltwhistle,
Northumberland.

Details have not yet been published.

You can watch the Events page at www.eurofaerie.org for more information.

Eurofaeries and ECC have some members in common.

Please note that there are significant differences between Eurofaerie and
ECC events: the Eurofaerie website may give the flavour of Eurofaerie
events.

Frank



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Hi All

Wasdale (Lake District) New Year event - 28 December 2006 to 4 January
2007 - has filled up very quickly, but there are still a few places being
reserved for newcomers to ECC.

Event and contact details are on the website.

Note that the postal address on the website might have an error in it - best
to check by the phone or email address given on the website.

http://www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk

Extract from description:

--
A traditional style week in Wasdale, the Lake District
Come and help to make the journey into 2007 memorable and gay

We’ll keep the traditional structure for the week - two big meetings, one to
say hello and one to say goodbye; base groups that meet every day (heart
circle possible); a big timetable where times for workshops and meals are
written; sharing out any chores which we all have to do around the house;
and some evening events like dancing; the New Year celebration and
traditionally a cabaret.

Apart from keeping warm in good company, you can attend or run workshops
(such as massage, dance, singing or whatever else you feel able to do). You
don’t have to be at all energetic: you may play games, sit up late
gossiping, get up early to jog or meditate together, make new friends, talk
seriously (or silly), don coats and hats for winter walks, share hugs and
most of all laugh and have fun with other gay men. There are plenty of low
and high level walks available, but bear in mind the winter conditions; you
may simply prefer to sit by the fire and curl up with a book.

What actually happens in this week depends as much on you as it does on
those who are making sure the event runs and ends well, including those who
might opt to facilitate workshops and base groups. Perhaps there will be a
ceremony outside to welcome the new and release the old? It’s up to someone
attending to offer to lead. There is always help with such things from
within our community if you’d like to do so

The accommodation is in Wastwater Youth Hostel. Sleeping is in shared bunk
bedrooms of between four and fourteen beds. There will be 33 of us. We have
the hall to ourselves.

The prices for events are full board and no hidden extras (there is a
special New Year dinner). For people on very low income or with additional
costs (e.g. because of disability or child-care costs) there will be a
limited number of bursaries available. If you wish to apply for a bursary,
including for transport costs, please send a letter with your completed
booking form explaining how much you can afford to pay. Applications will be
referred to the ECC Treasurer to ensure funds are available. We cannot
guarantee a bursary to all who apply.

The Hall layout can present some physical challenges, please raise any
concerns when booking.

--

Frank




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Places still available for High Close, Lake District 3rd - 10th July 2006.

For details see www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk


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Take a look at the newly updated and re-designed website

www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk


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(Apologies for not having the actual date on the earlier version - and also
if you had a problems with the booking form as an attachment: it is now in
the body of the email.)

Edward Carpenter Community – Thursday 13 April to Sunday 16 April 2006
Creative Arts Weekend (also known as Arts Activities Weekend) Booking Form

       Personal details
       Name:
       Phone Number:
       Full Address:



       E-mail Address:

       I would like a lift if possible YES / NO

       I can offer a lift YES / NO

       If Yes, for how many?

       I have the following particular needs (eg diet, medical, quiet or
ground floor bedroom )

       I would be interested in organising the following workshop(s):

       I would be interested in facilitating a base group:  YES / NO

       I would be interested in attending a workshop on:

       Drawing / Painting / Music / Dance / Writing / Drama / Singing / Other
(please specify)

       Money
       The break even amount per person is just under £200. Please send a
deposit cheque, being 25% of what you will be paying (less or more,
according to your income).  You agree to send the remaining amount by 23rd
March 2006.

       I intend to arrive on the Thursday evening / Friday morning / Friday
after lunch.

       Cheques should be made payable to Edward Carpenter Community Ltd.
(full words please)

       Conditions
       Please note that whilst the organisers of this event take all
reasonable care to provide a safe environment for you, the circumstances of
the event and the nature of some activities is such that people will often
try out new activities or take risks which the organisers cannot foresee.
As a participant I will assume responsibility for my own safety and exercise
due care, and I hereby agree to accept this condition.  I have read and
agree to the principles and intentions.

      Signed

       Date

Please send your booking form to Ian Williams, 8 Glendale Drive, Wimbledon,
London, SW19 7BG, enclosing a cheque and a stamped self-addressed envelope.

Further details of the Edward Carpenter Community (and details of the
principles and intentions) can be found on the web at:
http://www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk/

Description is repeated below:

ECC - CREATIVE ARTS WEEKEND

Graham Dickerson, Ian Williams and Lionel Reed will be facilitating
another creative arts weekend at Hebden Bridge along the lines of the
successful events run in 2003 and 2004 by John Casson, David Mooney
and John Miller.

  The event will aim for 25 participants.  The event is aimed very much
as those who think they do not have an artistic bone in their body as
well as those for whom art comes more naturally – the emphasis will be
on the process of creating, not on the finished product.  Art is a
little like sex – quite fun to watch but much better to participate in
- and needs no previous experience!  Workshops are likely to include
creative writing, drama, paint, singing or whatever you bring to the
event – and of course it would not be complete without a cabaret.

  Hebden House is set in woodland with breathtaking views
www.hebden-house.co.uk .  The house is 15 minutes walk (or a short
taxi ride) from the railway station in Hebden Bridge .  Accommodation
is in shared ensuite bunk rooms – max 4 to a room.  Catering is
vegetarian.  Vegan and gluten-free diets can also be accommodated.
The venue is partly disabled-accessible with stair lifts available as
well as a specially adapted bedroom and bathroom – more info on
request.

The break even amount per person is just under £200 and you are
invited to pay less or more, according to your income.  Booking form
attached.

For any questions please ring Ian Williams on 020 8947 9053 w i m b l e d o
A T g m a i l . c o m (for email address, remove spaces and replace AT with
suitable symbol)






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ECC - CREATIVE ARTS WEEKEND

Graham Dickerson, Ian Williams and Lionel Reed will be facilitating
another creative arts weekend at Hebden Bridge along the lines of the
successful events run in 2003 and 2004 by John Casson, David Mooney
and John Miller.

  The event will aim for 25 participants.  The event is aimed very much
as those who think they do not have an artistic bone in their body as
well as those for whom art comes more naturally – the emphasis will be
on the process of creating, not on the finished product.  Art is a
little like sex – quite fun to watch but much better to participate in
- and needs no previous experience!  Workshops are likely to include
creative writing, drama, paint, singing or whatever you bring to the
event – and of course it would not be complete without a cabaret.

  Hebden House is set in woodland with breathtaking views
www.hebden-house.co.uk .  The house is 15 minutes walk (or a short
taxi ride) from the railway station in Hebden Bridge .  Accommodation
is in shared ensuite bunk rooms – max 4 to a room.  Catering is
vegetarian.  Vegan and gluten-free diets can also be accommodated.
The venue is partly disabled-accessible with stair lifts available as
well as a specially adapted bedroom and bathroom – more info on
request.

The break even amount per person is just under £200 and you are
invited to pay less or more, according to your income.  Booking form
attached.

For any questions please ring Ian Williams on 020 8947 9053 w i m b l e d o
A T g m a i l . c o m (for email address, remove spaces and replace AT with
suitable symbol)

A traditional style week in the Lake District

Come and help to make the journey into 2006 memorable and gay.

You are invited to apply to join this popular GMW over the New Year (29th
Dec 2005 to 5th Jan 2006).  Our job is to enable the week to happen, welcome
guests and keep it ticking along.  We are also the link between ECC and the
Wasdale Hall warden and his staff.

Apart from keeping warm in good company, you can run workshops or share
skills (such as massage, dance, singing or whatever else you feel able to
do).  You don’t have to be at all energetic: you may play games, sit up late
gossiping, get up early to jog or meditate together, make new friends, talk
seriously, don coats and hats for winter walks, share hugs and most of all
laugh and have fun.  There are plenty of low and high level walks available,
but bear in mind the winter conditions; you may simply prefer to sit by the
fire and curl up with a book.

We’ll keep the traditional structure for the week - two big meetings, one to
say hello and one to say goodbye; base groups that meet every day; a big
timetable where times for workshops and meals are written; sharing out any
chores which we all have to do around the house; and some evening events
like dancing; the New Year celebration and traditionally a cabaret.

What actually happens in this week depends as much on you as it does on
those who are making sure the event runs and ends well, including those who
might opt to facilitate workshops and base groups.  Perhaps there will be a
ceremony outside to welcome the new and release the old? It’s up to someone
attending to offer to lead. There is always help with such things from
within our community if you’d like to do so

The accommodation is in Wastwater Youth Hostel.  Sleeping is in shared bunk
bedrooms of between four and fourteen beds.  There will be around 32 of us.
We have the hall to ourselves. The Hall layout can present some physical
challenges, please raise concerns when booking.

The prices for events include full board and there are no hidden extras (we’ve
accounted for a special New Year dinner).  For people on very low income or
with additional costs (eg because of disability or child-care costs) there
will be a limited number of bursaries available.  If you wish to apply for a
bursary, please send a letter with your completed booking form explaining
how much you can afford to pay.  We can also provide bursaries for transport
costs: again please ask in writing.  Applications will be referred to the
ECC Treasurer to ensure funds are available.  We cannot guarantee a bursary
to all who apply.

Please send bookings on the form below to

R i c h a r d   C h a n d l e r ,   5   G r e n f e l l   A v e n u e ,   M
a i d e n h e a d ,   S L 6 1 H Q

and please telephone on 0 7 9 7 0   0 2 3   4 4 3  to confirm receipt if you
hear nothing within a week.

Last year a waiting list for places was introduced at the end of October.

Some places for people new to ECC are being kept until 14th November (before
being released to existing ECC members).

E-mail:  w a s d a l e 2 0 0 5  A T  r i c h a r d c h a n d l e r . n e t
(replace AT with the correct symbol @ and remove the spaces to get the
proper email address)

SLIDING SCALE OF CHARGES (£)   [Break even cost is £200]
Income per year              Income per week        Contribution
Up to £4,999                  Up to £96                   £130
£5,000–7,999                 £97–153                     £170
£8,000–10,999               £154–211                   £210
£11,000–13,999             £212–268                   £250
£14,000–16,999             £269–326                   £280
£17,000–19,999             £327–384                   £310
£20,000–22,999             £385–442                   £325
Over £23,000                 Over £443                  £335


BOOKING FORM FOR WASDALE 29th Dec 2005 to 5th Jan 2006

Name:

Phone Number:

Full Address:


E-mail Address:

I have been to a GMW before YES/NO
If yes, where and when was the last one?

I heard about ECC from .... website / friend / other
If other, please specify

I would like a lift if possible YES / NO
I can offer a lift YES / NO
If yes, for how many

I am interested in facilitating a base group YES/NO

I may be interested in organising the following workshop(s)


The total amount I will pay for the event is £......... and I enclose a
deposit of £.........
which is 25% of the total amount. I understand that the balance is due 1st
December 2005. (see the sliding scale above)

Cheques should be made payable to Edward Carpenter Community (full words
please) Ltd.

Conditions
Please note that whilst the organisers of this event take all reasonable
care to provide a safe environment for you, the circumstances of the event
and the nature of some activities is such that people will often try out new
activities or take risks which the organisers cannot foresee. As a
participant I will assume responsibility for my own safety and exercise due
care, and I hereby agree to accept this condition. I have read and agree to
the principles and intentions.


Signed

Date


Please send your booking form to the contact person above, enclosing your
cheque and a stamped self-addressed envelope.





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A couple of vacancies come up for 'Wounded Healer', the ECC week at
Laurieston in 3-10 September 2005.

See website http://www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk for booking and
other details.

ECC EVENTS 2005

Some details are shown below. Further details, and booking
forms, are on the website www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk . Some details
of costs are given below; further details on website.

-------

LA GOMERA, 13-20 May 2005 (one space left)
Cost: see website.

-------

SPIRITUALITY AND INTIMACY

Laurieston Hall, Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway
1 week, 4th - 11th June 2005

This Gay Men’s Week encourages us to explore the way in which our inner
spiritual identity is fully reflected in our everyday behaviour through
sexual expression, relationships with others, and living in the world. To
what extent are the different layers of our lives integrated and congruent
with our deeper sense of "who we are in the world".

The programme will include a range of workshops that balance (a) practical
and active workshops, such as dance, touch and intimacy, ritual, breathwork,
and massage, and (b) more reflective and passive workshops involving
discussion, exploration, life histories, thinking and sharing, etc. One day
will be spent in silence to deepen our non-verbal communication with others.
There will be a sacred space for consciousness activities, and several
structures for supporting men to create the sense of safety and trust
necessary to engage in activities that might be perceived as risky. We
anticipate that no more than half to two-thirds of the week will be
programmed at the start, leaving plenty of space for men to offer their own
related workshops.

Cost: see website, summary below.

-------

'TRADITIONAL' GAY MEN'S WEEK

Laurieston Hall, Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway
1 week, 17th - 24th August

for about 60 men.

What do we mean by a 'traditional' week? Well, we anticipate having an
opening gathering for everyone to meet at the start of the week and another
to round the week off at the end.

We also expect to offer small groups of 6 or so to meet daily, where we can
feed back and support each other in confidence, known as base groups, and
daily meetings, held by the organisers, open to all to attend and take part;
a well tested formula for personal growth, exploration and enjoyment as a
community.

The traditional week is laid back, open, relaxing, with swimming,
meditation, circle and highland dancing; and a cabaret. Workshops are
presented on diverse topics from poetry and life drawing to gay films. You
can pick what you want or run a workshop yourself on whatever topic you
choose to offer.

The organisers will get the week started, but it is then up to everyone to
make of it what they will, and continue this tradition of personal growth,
art, expression and enjoyment.

Cost: break even cost is £200; please pay what you think is appropriate for
you.

-------

WOUNDED HEALER

Laurieston Hall, Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway
1 week, 3rd - 10th September

The week has three interwoven strands of narrative, creativity and spiritual
practice offering the possibility of transformation and growth. It will aim
to embrace the spirituality of each man, and through the creation of
community make a safe space in which to explore our vulnerabilities and
fears.

This event is for between 25 and 30 men - and you do not need to be in any
sense a therapist to take art. We not only accept that we are all wounded,
but that we all have the ability to heal. During the week, we expect to find
wounds that are both unique to ourselves and collective to our queer
community.

Central to the week is the sharing of our personal stories - being witnessed
and honoured for the divinity inherent in our humanity. We intend to accept
and affirm those hidden parts of us that are essential to healing and
wholeness, including our sacred sexuality. Through connection in community
we shall reveal some of the magic, power and joy that is released when we
find permission to be our full selves.

Most mornings will be based around meditation, movement and healing touch.
Workshops may include energy healing, dream-sharing, painting, mask-making,
creative writing and rebirthing (conscious breathwork). There will be space
for participants to offer additional workshops, plus unstructured time in
the afternoon to enjoy Laurieston.

Cost: see website, summary below.

-------

GAY MEN'S WEEK

High Close, Langdale, Cumbria
1 week, 17th - 24th September

As in the past, we return to High Close for this regular and now well
established event in the ECC calendar.

High Close Youth Hostel is set in a quiet hillside in the beautiful Langdale
Valley, yet within easy reach of Ambleside and Grasmere, where Wordsworth
lived for many years at Dove Cottage. The area offers excellent walking in
stunning scenery, from easy afternoon strolls to energetic all-day mountain
hikes, and nearby Loughrigg Tarn offers exhilarating outdoor swimming.

We take over the Hostel for the week and it becomes our space. We have
exclusive use of the large rambling building with its large dining room, and
workshop spaces, secluded garden and veranda with wide views towards Lake
Windermere. Sleeping accommodation is in bunk beds in rooms ranging in size
from four beds to twelve, and with many more beds than people there is
plenty of room to spread out. All meals are prepared for us by the Hostel
staff, with whom we have built up an excellent working relationship over the
years - they always look forward to our visit!

What will happen at High Close? We normally organise a boat trip on one of
the Lakes. There will almost definitely be a cabaret on the Thursday night,
and there will be support groups to help us share the challenges and joys of
being a community of fifty gay men. Someone usually organises a mountain
hike, so bring your gear if you fancy that. Otherwise the time is ours to
relax, meditate, attend (or even run) a workshop or two, sing, dance, walk,
swim or just take in the beautiful scenery. Above all, we hope the week will
be relaxed, informal, friendly and fun.

Cost: see website, summary below.

-------

LIVING IN COMMUNITY

Four Winds Centre, Dockenfield, Surrey
9 days, 11th - 20th November

An experimental Event at Four Winds Centre from Friday 11th to Sunday 20th
November 2005

Would you like to try living in community for a week with other guys from
the ECC? Here is your opportunity to try it out.

We will live together, going off to work during the week (for those who wish
to do so) and returning in the evenings. For those working in London, Four
Winds is about 1hr 15 mins from Waterloo. You can find the location of Four
Winds using Multimap and the postcode GU10 4HE

Cost: break even cost is £350; please pay what you think is appropriate for
you.

-------

NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Wasdale, Wastwater, Cumbria
1 week, 29th December 2005 - 5th January 2006

It is intended to celebrate the New Year in Wasdale from the 29th December
to the 5th January, similar to last year, but the details are not yet
available, and will be published later.

-----

SLIDING SCALE COSTS SUMMARY for "Spirituality & Intimacy" and "Wounded
Healer" events at Laurieston Hall (LH) and High Close (HC):

Income per year before tax : Cost LH : Cost HC

up to £4,999 : £110 : £130
£5,000-£7,999 : £150 : £170
£8,000-£10,999 : £185 : £210
£11,000-£13,999 : £220 : £250
£14,000-£16,999 : £250 : £280
£17,000-£19,999 : £275 : £310
£20,000-£22,999 : £290 : £325
£23,000 or more : £300 : £335



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To save you looking it up on the website, the contact details for
Ted Vidler who is taking bookings for the ECC January 2005 event are:

01252 727323
07 773 773 772
f o u r w i n d s j a n 0 5  A T  t e d v  D O T  c o  D O T  u k
(this last bit is an email address in disguised form to reduce
chance of it being picked up and spam being sent to it)

Space left on ECC Event 21-23 January 2005

"Sparkle in the Darkness"

Weekend at Four Winds

21 - 23 January 2005

You are invited to the `Manoir Aux Quat Vents' (aka the Four Winds
Centre)
for a weekend of community amidst the darkness of January. From Friday
evening to Sunday dinner the Four Winds Centre will become the Faery
Palace - beacon of light, energy and creativity within the dark
forest in
the bleak stillness of winter……….

The idea behind the weekend is to revel in the contrast between the
dark
days of January when, outdoors, Mother Nature sleeps, the daylight
hours are
few and the natural world recedes into quiet regeneration, preparing
for
Spring, and the world we can create when we gather together - a world
with
the energy and excitement of light and colour and the nourishing,
regenerating power of community.

We plan to start the weekend with a walk (weather permitting) in the
darkness on Friday evening after an initial meal and introductory go-
round.
The central feature will be a celebratory meal on Saturday evening
followed
by cabaret/soiree/dancing. This meal will be prepared by participants
but
the rest of the catering for the weekend will be done by the staff of
the
centre.

Beyond these plans, the weekend is available for whatever workshops
people
care to offer – meditation, massage, reading, walks etc.

Practicalities:

The weekend will begin with the evening meal at 7pm on Friday evening
(although the venue is available to us from 5pm) and close with the
evening
meal on Sunday, likely to finish about 7pm. If you would like to stay
on at
the Centre for Sunday night, this option is available at an extra
cost of
£7. Please indicate this on your booking form.

The Four Winds Centre offers simple accommodation with beds in a
mixture of
dormitories and smaller rooms.

Bentley station is 1hr from Waterloo and then 5 minutes by car to Four
Winds.

The event will cost £90 per person to run. Please indicate on your
booking
form how much you will pay. Your full payment is needed by Friday 7
January
2005.

Twenty places are available. Six of these will be reserved until
Friday 31
December 2004 for men who have not previously attended an ECC event.

BOOKING AND CONTACT: TED VIDLER - for booking details and more
details of venue see ECC website
www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk



(There will also be a weekend at Four Winds 25 – 27 February. Further
details on website.)

Sparkle in the Darkness

Weekend at Four Winds

21 - 23 January 2005

You are invited to the ‘Manoir Aux Quat Vents’ (aka the Four Winds Centre)
for a weekend of community amidst the darkness of January. From Friday
evening to Sunday dinner the Four Winds Centre will become the Faery
Palace - beacon of light, energy and creativity within the dark forest in
the bleak stillness of winter……….

The idea behind the weekend is to revel in the contrast between the dark
days of January when, outdoors, Mother Nature sleeps, the daylight hours are
few and the natural world recedes into quiet regeneration, preparing for
Spring, and the world we can create when we gather together - a world with
the energy and excitement of light and colour and the nourishing,
regenerating power of community.

We plan to start the weekend with a walk (weather permitting) in the
darkness on Friday evening after an initial meal and introductory go-round.
The central feature will be a celebratory meal on Saturday evening followed
by cabaret/soiree/dancing. This meal will be prepared by participants but
the rest of the catering for the weekend will be done by the staff of the
centre.

Beyond these plans, the weekend is available for whatever workshops people
care to offer – meditation, massage, reading, walks etc.

Practicalities:

The weekend will begin with the evening meal at 7pm on Friday evening
(although the venue is available to us from 5pm) and close with the evening
meal on Sunday, likely to finish about 7pm. If you would like to stay on at
the Centre for Sunday night, this option is available at an extra cost of
£7. Please indicate this on your booking form.

The Four Winds Centre offers simple accommodation with beds in a mixture of
dormitories and smaller rooms.

Bentley station is 1hr from Waterloo and then 5 minutes by car to Four
Winds.

The event will cost £90 per person to run. Please indicate on your booking
form how much you will pay. Your full payment is needed by Friday 7 January
2005.

Twenty places are available. Six of these will be reserved until Friday 31
December 2004 for men who have not previously attended an ECC event.

Booking details and more details of venue on ECC website
www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk

(There will also be a weekend at Four Winds 25 – 27 February. Further
details to come.)

ECC Event: Wasdale (Lake District) New Year 29 December, 2004 – 5 January,
2005

See website for details.

Song and Dance, 1 - 3 October 2004

Monkton Wyld, Dorset

Two ECC members are delighted to offer another weekend of song and dance at
Monkton Wyld; these events have become part of the gay calendar over the
last 8 years, an opportunity for a group of 20 - 25 men to come together to
sing, dance and enjoy the Dorset countryside, coast, and cream teas, with a
warm welcome for old hands and newcomers alike.

Please note that this year's event will be earlier than usual, from October
1st to 3rd; the cost will range from £95 to £120.

For further event and booking details, see the website
http://www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk

ECC Event:

FOUR WINDS AUTUMN WEEKEND
Friday 15 - Sunday 17 October 2004

Four Winds Centre near Farnham in Surrey

We are delighted once again to be able to offer the chance to spend a
weekend with ECC friends old and new at the Four Winds Centre near Farnham
in Surrey (about 1hr by train from London to Waterloo).

The Centre is a charming countryside venue, set in 9 acres of secluded
gardens, away from busy roads and towns, surrounded by gently rolling
farmland, woodland and attractive rural villages.

We will have the use of a large, attractive, converted barn as our main
building. The accommodation includes a large dormitory sleeping 12 and
smaller ones sleeping 10. There are comfortable spaces available for
workshops as well as a small conservatory.

The weekend will be a traditional 'ECC style' weekend with opportunities for
participants to join base groups or heart circles, to run workshops,
discussion groups, lead woodland walks, dance, chat and so forth.

We will be catered for by the resident community - vegetarian food only.

The average cost per person the weekend (including all meals) is £110 per
person. Please pay the amount you wish to contribute towards costs bearing
in mind the break-even cost is £110.

Contact details and booking form on website
http://www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk

Walk for Life ECC team

ECC has entered a team in the 'walk for life' AIDS/HIV fund-raising event.
Please have a look at the following site.
www.walkforlife.co.uk/ecc

Best wishes

Frank

ECC RESIDENTIAL WEEKS SUMMER 2004

Descriptions below.

Full details with costs, contact details and booking forms on website
http://www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk

----

HEALING SPIRIT at Laurieston Hall, SW Scotland

5 to 12 June 2004

HEALING SPIRIT 2004 will be a space to explore healing, growth and
wholeness.

We will build community by opening our hearts, speaking of our lives, our
wounds and wishes.

Sharing in body and spirit, calling on spirit to be with us and guide us, we
will open ourselves to healing, discovery and transformation.

This journey into energy and healing will culminate in a communal
celebration of everything we are.

The week is likely to include: element rituals, meditation, chanting, naked
rituals, dance, massage, energy healing, game, heart circles, dream sharing
and periods of silence.

The organisers wish to offer respect to all paths of Spirit, which for us is
the universal energy within all that is.

This week is about Who We Are, as spiritual gay men, and is intended as an
exploration of our relationship with the Universe, with life, love and each
other.

Please come to take part in a communal experience.

Bring your healing-massage-other skills to add to the pot, and expect a week
of opening, sharing and mending-transcending.

-----

AUGUST 'TRADITIONAL' WEEK at Laurieston Hall, SW Scotland

from 31 July to 7 August 2004

A 'traditional' gay men's week in early August for about 60 men.

What do we mean by a 'traditional' week?

Well, we anticipate having an opening gathering for everyone to meet at the
start of the week and another to round the week off at the end: 'Opening'
and 'Closing' Go-Rounds.

We also expect to offer small groups of 6 or so to meet daily, where we can
'feedback', and support each other in confidence, known as base groups.

A well tested formula for personal growth, exploration and enjoyment as a
community.

The 'traditional' week is laid back, open, and relaxing, depending upon what
the participants bring to it; this has included: swimming; meditation;
Tai-Chi; circle dancing; a cabaret; nude sunbathing; highland dancing and
'T' shirt painting; or just hanging-out chatting and playing music.

Workshops are presented on diverse topics from massage and aromatherapy to
poetry, life drawing, gay films, and afternoon tea at Kittys Café.

You can pick what you want or run a workshop yourself on whatever topic you
choose to offer.

The organisers will get the week started but then it is up to everyone to
make of it what they will, and choose their own level of activity and
involvement.

We intend to continue this tradition, of personal growth fun and games, art
expression and enjoyment.

In line with ECC's general policy, until 1st June 2004 we will reserve a
third of places for people who have not been on an ECC week before and a
third of places for people who have been on a GMW.

-----

GAY MEN'S WEEK IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

Saturday 21 to Saturday 28 August 2004

We return once again to High Close, for this regular and now
well-established event in the ECC calendar.

High Close Youth Hostel is set in a quiet hillside location in the beautiful
Langdale Valley, yet within easy reach of Ambleside and Grasmere, where
Wordsworth lived for many years at Dove Cottage.

The area offers excellent walking in stunning scenery, from easy afternoon
strolls to energetic all-day mountain hikes, and nearby Loughrigg Tarn
offers exhilarating outdoor swimming.

We take over the Hostel for the week, and it becomes our space. We have
exclusive use of the large rambling building with its large dining room,
workshop spaces, secluded garden and veranda with views towards Lake
Windermere.

Sleeping accommodation is in bunk beds in rooms ranging in size from four
beds to twelve, and with many more beds than people there is plenty of room
to spread out.

All meals are prepared for us by the Hostel Staff, with whom we have built
up an excellent working relationship over the years – they always look
forward to our visit!

What will happen at High Close? We normally organise a boat trip on one of
the lakes. There will almost definitely be a cabaret on the Thursday night,
and there will be support groups to help us share the challenges and joys of
being a community of over fifty gay men.

Someone usually organises a mountain hike, so bring your gear if you fancy
that.

Otherwise the time is ours to relax, meditate, attend (or even run) a
workshop or two, sing, dance, walk, swim, or just take in the beautiful
scenery.

Above all, we hope the week will be relaxed, informal, friendly and fun.

----

MOVEMENT, CREATIVITY AND TAI CHI at Laurieston Hall, SW Scotland

11 to 18 September 2004

After two highly successful weeks at Laurieston in the last couple of years,
we are delighted once again to be able to offer a week of Art, Dance, Music,
Meditation & T'ai Chi for 2004.

The week will be quite structured, with workshops on specific themes running
throughout the week, giving a strong cumulative effect and a sense of
momentum to what we do.

There will be a particular emphasis on movement as a means of freeing-up and
expressing our bodies.

We will have some exciting workshops using dance inspired by Five Rhythms,
as well as a daily practice of Qi Gong and T'ai Chi to help ground ourselves
and begin to rediscover some of our potential power.

There will also be great opportunities to explore our ability to create
sound and harmony with our voices and/or musical instruments, as well as a
chance to express ourselves in colourful and imaginative ways with paint,
crayons and other art materials without fear of being criticised or judged.

We hope to encourage plenty of listening and sharing of our experiences.

There will be a Heart Circle everyday, as well as an opportunity for people
to share their dreams each morning. There will also be a daily practice of
sitting meditation.

Despite the large number of workshops there will be ample free time for
people to relax and enjoy the usual delights that Laurieston has to offer -
such as walks in the woods; the sauna; and swimming in the loch if you are
feeling bold or brave.

There will no doubt be plenty of fun and laughter as well as times of quiet
and silence.

Although the week may be physically quite challenging for some people, it is
important to remember that you can take everything at an appropriate pace
for yourself, so everyone is welcome.

Edward Carpenter Community

Creative Arts Weekend

for Gay Men

Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, 15/16 - 18 April 2004

* Art * Drama * Music * Song * Dance * Writing *

Come together to create, play and experiment. No skill or experience needed:
a chance to try things. Experienced creators will also have an opportunity
to work with others instead of alone and to develop their work. Whether you
are new to Edward Carpenter Community events or an experienced ECC-er, this
weekend will give you an opportunity to make some new friendships and
perhaps renew old ones, whilst at the same time experiencing the springtime
renewal of life and exploring your own creativity. If you would like to run
a workshop on art, writing, singing, dance, drama or anything else creative,
please contact John Casson to discuss how this might be incorporated in the
weekend. He would love to hear from you!

It will be a 3-day weekend starting on the Thursday night and will be held
in Hebden House, Hebden Bridge. Hebden House is set in two acres of woodland
with breathtaking views. The house is 15 minutes walk, up hill, (or a short
taxi ride) from the railway station in Hebden Bridge. Accommodation will be
in shared en-suite bunk rooms. Vegetarian meals will be provided by the
venue who will also take care of the washing up and cleaning after the
event.

Pricing - please pay what you can! We need to receive an average of £140 per
participant to break even. The middle rate has been priced to allow us to
make a small contribution to ECC central funds. If you cannot pay the lower
rate but would like to attend and feel you could contribute to the event
please contact David Mooney. We encourage attendees to join us for the
entire event – if you would like to attend but cannot be with us until
Friday, we may be able to offer a reduced price.

To book, please complete a booking form (see website)

Contacts:

Workshops: John Casson (01457 877161 joncassun at beeb dot net)

Bookings: David Mooney (020 7435 1890 artsweekend at yahoo dot co dot uk)

(The above email addresses have been disguised to make them more difficult
to be picked up by computer programs searching the web for email addresses
for spam/junk mail purposes. To use it, change it back into the form
something@...)

Event organised by ECC members

Song and dance weekend for gay and bisexual men

With Dave Pitt and Jon Homer

This has become an annual event at Monkton Wyld Court, an impressive
Victorian house, situated about 3 miles inland from Lyme Regis, on the
border of Devon and Dorset.

This year, the weekend will run from Friday October 24 to Sunday October 26.

There will be sessions of dance and singing on Friday evening, Saturday
morning, Sunday morning, and a combined ceilidh style evening on Saturday.
Saturday afternoon is traditionally the time for walks in the countryside or
on the coast, or cream teas.

Most dances will be in circles or lines, to music from various parts of the
world, particularly the Balkans, Armenia, Russia, Israel; the mood and pace
of the dances ranges from the fast and furious to the gentle and meditative,
and no previous experience is necessary.

The singing will include rounds simple harmony and songs from various
traditions – again no experience necessary.

The organisers aim to provide a safe, friendly and welcoming atmosphere,
where all the men can find and use their voices and feet!

Sleeping is mainly in shared rooms (with 2 or 3 others); the residents of
the community at Monkton Wyld provide us with a plentiful and tasty
vegetarian menu.

The cost of the weekend is between £90 and £110, according to income.

Please contact Jon for more information and booking form.

Jon will let you have travel information nearer the time, if you need it and
looks forward to hearing from you / seeing you at Monkton Wyld

Jon's contact details:

024 76670057

jonghomer@...

TWO ECC EVENTS to come:

- Wasdale New Year 2003 - 2004, 27 December 2003 - 3 January 2004

- La Gomera, Canary Islands - 14-21 May 2004 (? dates to be confirmed)

Details on the ECC website

Some places still available for Gay Spirituality 2003 at Laurieston Hall.
Book now to avoid disappointment.

__________________________________________________
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The FULL DETAILS for the following events are now on the ECC website:

31 May - 7 June 2003, Gay Spirituality, Laurieston Hall, SW Scotland

30 July - 6 August 2003, “Traditional” Gay Men’s Week, Laurieston Hall, SW
Scotland

16 - 23 August 2003, Gay Men’s Week, High Close Youth Hostel, Lake District

30 August - 6 September 2003, The Magic Mandala - Retreat for Gay Men,
Laurieston Hall,  SW Scotland

6 - 13 September 2003, The Great Outdoors, Wasdale Youth Hostel, Lake
District

http://www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Everything you'll ever need on one web page
from News and Sport to Email and Music Charts
http://uk.my.yahoo.com

Dear ecc-public-announce member

Full details of the summer 2003 events should be on the ECC website soon; in
the meanwhile here is some info about one of the events...

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave" <dave.a.edwards@...>
To: <ecc-public-announce-owner@...>
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2003 11:59 PM
Subject: 2003 Gay spirituality event at Laurieston!


> Only 19 weeks left to go before the 2003 Gay spirituality event at
> Laurieston!
> (Doesn't seem so long when you look at it like that!)
>
> This has been rapidly becoming one of ECC's most popular events, so book
> early to avoid disappointment.
> Tell your friends about it.
>
> Anyone wanting a booking form, just let me know.
> I can email a copy (if you have Microsoft word) or let me have your
details
> & I'll gladly post it to you.
>
> Hugs.
> Dave Edwards.
>
> dave.a.edwards@...
>

__________________________________________________
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The dates for High Close 2003 should read 16 - 23 August, (i.e. Saturday to
Saturday) (not 18 - 25 August) .

__________________________________________________
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Everything you'll ever need on one web page
from News and Sport to Email and Music Charts
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