(Forwarded from Nicholas Spencer)

Hi guys,

I have some updated info for your flyers.

The Hebden Bridge venue has ceased trading so the Easter event has
moved to Whaley Bridge.

There's no alteration to the scale of charges but the new venue
details are:

Whaley Hall, Whaley Bridge, between Manchester & Buxton. SK23 7BL

  And the new enquiry email address is:

eccwhaley2009@...

Otherwise the essential info remains the same.

Cheers and hugs

N

I just want to make people aware that the list of events for 2009 I
posted was only 'passed on' by me. The long hard work of collating that
information was done by our ECC newletter Editor Nicholas.
Thank you Nicholas for all your hard work. It is MUCH appreciated.
Dave.

The email for the following event was WRONG, please use this correction:

Laurieston (the Dance Between Power and Intimacy)
September 12–19
Essentials
When: Saturday September 12 to Saturday September 19
Where: Laurieston Hall, near Castle Douglas, SW Scotland.
Number of places: ??
Breakeven figure: £270
Bookings to: Marco Whiting (Ref ECC) Flat 2,306 South Lambeth
Road,London SW8 1UQ
Email: Marco dancepowerintimacy@...

Hebden Bridge
April 10–12
Essentials
When: Friday April 10 to  Sunday April 12
Where: Hebden House, The Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge, between
Leeds and Manchester, West Yorkshire, northern England
Number of places: 30
Breakeven figure: £135
Bookings to:   Adrian Rodgers,  637A Burnage Lane, Manchester M19 1TF.
Tel 07748 634 764.
Email: ecchebden2009@ yahoo.co.uk

Laurieston
June 6–13
Essentials
When: Saturday June 6 to Saturday June 13
Where: Laurieston Hall,  near Castle Douglas,  southwest Scotland
Number of places: 55
Breakeven figure: £260
Initial enquiries and bookings to:   David Shackleton,  367 Blue Bell
Hill Road, Nottingham NG3 3DS.
Tel: 0115 950 2489 or 07961 161 801
Email: polyglot@...

Laurieston
August 13–20
Essentials
When: Thursday August 13 to Thursday August 20
Where: Laurieston Hall,  near Castle Douglas,  southwest Scotland
Number of places: ??
Breakeven figure: £260
Bookings to:   David Axten 8 Central Avenue South, Arnold,
Nottingham  NG5 6NG
Tel: 07533 838 757
Email: david.axten@ gmail.com

Grasmere August 22–29
Essentials
When: Saturday August 22 to Saturday August 29
Where: Grasmere Butharlyp Howe Youth Hostel, near Ambleside,  The
Lake District,  northern England
Number of places: 50
Breakeven figure: £290
Bookings to:   David Williams, 38 Arlington Road, London W13 8PE.
Tel 020 8997 0476
Email: david_williams 382003@...

Laurieston
September 12–19
Essentials
When:  Saturday September 12 to Saturday September 19
Where: Laurieston Hall,  near Castle Douglas,  SW Scotland.
Number of places: ??
Breakeven figure: £270
Bookings to:   Marco Whiting  (Ref ECC) Flat 2,306 South Lambeth
Road,London SW8 1UQ
Email: Marco <mark@...>

Hebden Bridge
April 10–12
Essentials
When: Friday April 10 to  Sunday April 12
Where: Hebden House, The Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge, between
Leeds and Manchester, West Yorkshire, northern England
Number of places: 30
Breakeven figure: £135
Bookings to:   Adrian Rodgers,  637A Burnage Lane, Manchester M19 1TF.
Tel 07748 634 764.
Email: ecchebden2009@ yahoo.co.uk

Laurieston
June 6–13
Essentials
When: Saturday June 6 to Saturday June 13
Where: Laurieston Hall,  near Castle Douglas,  southwest Scotland
Number of places: 55
Breakeven figure: £260
Initial enquiries and bookings to:   David Shackleton,  367 Blue Bell
Hill Road, Nottingham NG3 3DS.
Tel: 0115 950 2489 or 07961 161 801
Email: polyglot@...

Laurieston
August 13–20
Essentials
When: Thursday August 13 to Thursday August 20
Where: Laurieston Hall,  near Castle Douglas,  southwest Scotland
Number of places: ??
Breakeven figure: £260
Bookings to:   David Axten 8 Central Avenue South, Arnold,
Nottingham  NG5 6NG
Tel: 07533 838 757
Email: david.axten@ gmail.com

Grasmere August 22–29
Essentials
When: Saturday August 22 to Saturday August 29
Where: Grasmere Butharlyp Howe Youth Hostel, near Ambleside,  The
Lake District,  northern England
Number of places: 50
Breakeven figure: £290
Bookings to:   David Williams, 38 Arlington Road, London W13 8PE.
Tel 020 8997 0476
Email: david_williams 382003@...

Laurieston
September 12–19
Essentials
When:  Saturday September 12 to Saturday September 19
Where: Laurieston Hall,  near Castle Douglas,  SW Scotland.
Number of places: ??
Breakeven figure: £270
Bookings to:   Marco Whiting  (Ref ECC) Flat 2,306 South Lambeth
Road,London SW8 1UQ
Email: Marco <mark@...>

Incoming mail, bug free.
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(AlbionFaeries have many links with ECC)

AlbionFaeries present

The Winter Gathering

at Featherstone Castle

5 – 13 February 2009

YOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO

Come gather round the Hearth of the Faeries at Featherstone Castle to dance, play and create a celebration of Imbolc – Festival of Awakening Light, Healing and Renewal

The deep inner dreaming of Winter comes to an end. Candles sparkle, poetry is spoken and we look to the new growth of the months ahead

This gathering is open to adult Faeries of all genders

The Faeries started with the vision of a space where queer people could come and create our own culture.  In these turbulent times of great change on our planet this gathering is an opportunity to connect with community and with our deeper selves, to share our visions & passions and strengthen ourselves to meet the challenges we all face.  And love, laugh and play.

The gathering will feature:

heart circles, log fires, love temple, meditation space, rituals of light, nature walks, faerie feasts, bodywork, drumming and singing as well as whatever you bring to it

To read the full call please visit http://uk.geocities.com/albionfaeries/ and to make a booking  contact albionfaeries@hotmail.co.uk

" Book Launch

Shelia Rowbotham on Edward Carpenter: A life of liberty and love

Event Info

Host:	The Bookmarks Appreciation Society
Type:	Music/Arts - Opening
Network:	Global

Time and Place

Date:	Thursday, October 9, 2008
Time:	6:30pm - 8:00pm
Location:	Bookmarks Bookshop
Street:	1 Bloomsbury Street
City/Town:	London, United Kingdom
	View Map Google MapQuest Microsoft Yahoo

Contact Info

Phone:	02076371848
Email:	events@...

Description

Edward Carpenter, socialist and gay rights activist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is bought back to life in this extensive new biography by Shelia Rowbotham.
Join us to celebrate this new publication. The event is free and refreshments provided but please do reply if you want to come so that we have an idea of numbers

"

 Cheers...

 

Dave.

 

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FULL DETAILS (including contacts and booking info) FOR THE FIRST 3 EVENTS
LISTED BELOW ARE ON THE WEBSITE

www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk

Autumn Sustenance & Halloween Weekend,
The Wetherdown Hostel, Hampshire,
31 Oct 2008 to 2 Nov 2008, 2 nights

Escape Christmas Gay Men's Week,
Manorbier Youth Hostel, Pembrokeshire,
20 Dec 2008 to 27 Dec 2008, 7 nights

New Year Gay Men's Week,
Wasdale Youth Hostel, Wastwater,
27 Dec 2008 to 3 Jan 2009, 7 nights

Having the Time of Our Lives (to be finalised),
The Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge,
10 Apr 2009 to 12 Apr 2009, 2 nights

SOME OF THE DETAILS ARE BELOW

**Autumn Sustenance & Halloween Weekend**

What better way to celebrate Halloween than to enjoy a sustaining weekend in
the South Downs. Ted Vidler, Ian Williams are organising a weekend at The
Sustainability Centre near Petersfield, in Hampshire. Squirrel away some
enjoyable memories of autumn leaves in the Centre's 60 acres of woodlands.
You'd be nuts not to join us to learn a few tips on saving those winter fuel
bills (not to mention the planet). You can even find your woodland burial
spot here. Ramble in the beautiful surrounding countryside, including the
nearby South Downs Way. Meanwhile, you can help us try out this venue which
is new to ECC. Camping and Croquet are both possible here.

The Wetherdown Hostel

www.earthworks-trust.com/html/wetherdown_hostel.html

is part of The Sustainability Centre. Built on a former country estate there
are some beautiful trees in the grounds. Nearby views extend to the Solent,
and there are excellent walks in all directions. The eco-friendly
accommodation is basic but meets our needs, offers very good value for money
and two to a room. It is also suitable for people with most disabilities. On
the downside, the buildings offer all the architectural delight that one
might expect from a building formerly part of HMS Mercury, an RAF signals
station and training school.

The breakeven cost for the week is £86. We propose to offer three-tier
payment scale - £66, £86 and £106.

This includes meals (self-catered - help with cooking appreciated) from
Friday night until Sunday tea time. The weekend will include a few walks on
the Downs, some workshops, an opportunity to learn more about making your
own life more sustainable with some experts from the centre, some good food,
good company, and of course, if Ted has anything to do with it, croquet.

**Escape Christmas Gay Men's Week**

There have been ECC events at this time but not for some years, and this is
in answer to many requests for another.

We do not intend a religious content but leave that to men's own discretion.
There will be services locally for those who wish to attend them.

As any winter week's weather might prove too cold for many outdoor
activities, the organisers hope that there will be many things on offer from
the membership, and then there's always eating, dreaming and perhaps
reading!

As you might expect, we would encourage you to consider what you could offer
to the community in a 'cabaret' and in other workshops or events.

In case you were worried, Lionel is very keen not to appear as Santa but,
there you are, he is the spitting image.

Martin, the former warden at Wasdale, will again be catering for us.

Already we have men who have 'earmarked' a place, so don't be too long in
deciding to book. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Breakeven: £265. At Manorbier Youth Hostel in Pembrokeshire, Wales, with up
to 36 places available. It is for men who do not enjoy the commercialisation
of this period in the year and who would enjoy spending the time with others
in a traditional-style week.

Organised by Graham and Lionel.

Scale of Charges

Annual Income : Charge for the week

Up to £6,999 : £180
£7,000 - £10,999 : £230
£11,000 - £14,999 : £280
£15,000 - £18,999 : £320
£19,000 - £22,999 : £340
£23,000 or more : £370

**New Year Gay Men's Week**

Come and celebrate the New Year in community! Edwin Henshaw, Norman
Mackenzie and George Pearce invite you to apply to join this popular gay men's
week. Our job is to enable the week to happen, welcome you and keep things
ticking along. To do so we'll keep the familiar structure for an ECC week -
two big meetings, one to say hello and one to say goodbye, and base groups
that meet every day (heart circle possible). The rest of what happens will
be up to those attending to organise - so we invite you to contribute your
energy, creativity and ideas to help make the journey into 2009 memorable
and gay! There will be scope to run and attend activities and workshops - in
past years these have included dancing, singing, meditation, massage,
story-reading, early-morning jogging, a cabaret soirée, and of course the
New Year celebration.

The surrounding area offers many fantastic walks at both low and high
level - bring decent boots, warm clothing and waterproofs if you'd like to
get out on the fells.

But you don't have to be energetic. You might just want to relax by the fire
with a book, play games, sit up late gossiping, make new friends, talk
seriously, don coats and hats for a short winter stroll, share hugs and
laughter and most of all have fun with other gay men.
We have 33 places available and sleeping will be in shared bunk bedroom
accommodation of between four and 14 beds.

We will reserve 10 spaces for first-time attendees at an ECC event until
November 1, 2008, after which all places will become available to anyone on
the waiting list. In previous years the bookings filled up very quickly and
people are already asking for places.

The building can present some physical challenges. If you have concerns or
queries about this please contact Norman Mackenzie before booking [contact
details on website].

We have sole use of Wastwater Youth Hostel, a lovely old National Trust
building in the Lake District with its lawns running down to the shores of
the lake, in one of the less-visited parts of Cumbria.

The average (and breakeven) cost per head of running the week is £290. This
price includes full board and great vegetarian food, with no hidden extras.
There will be a special celebration on New Year's Eve. For people on very
low income or with additional costs there will be a limited number of
bursaries available. If you wish to apply for a bursary (which could include
help with travel costs) please send a letter with your booking form
explaining how much you can afford to pay. Applications will be referred to
the ECC treasurer to ensure funds are available.

Scale of Charges

Annual Income : Charge for the week

Up to £4,999 : £165
£5,000 - £7,999 : £220
£8,000 - £10,999 : £265
£11,000 - £13,999 : £310
£14,000 - £17,999 : £355
£18,000 - £21,999 : £390
£22,000 - £25,999 : £410
£26,000 and over : £425

AUTUMN SUSTENANCE AND HALLOWEEN WEEKEND 31 OCTOBER TO 2 NOVEMBER

What better way to celebrate Halloween than to enjoy a sustaining
weekend in the South Downs.   Ted Vidler,  Ian Williams are organising
a weekend at The Sustainability Centre  near Petersfield, in
Hampshire.   Squirrel away some enjoyable memories of autumn leaves in
the Centre's 60 acres of woodlands.   You'd be nuts not to join us to
learn a few tips on saving those winter fuel bills (not to mention the
planet).   You can even find your woodland burial spot here.   Ramble
in the beautiful surrounding countryside,  including the nearby South
Downs Way.   Meanwhile,  you can help us try out this venue which is
new to ECC.   Camping and Croquet are both possible here.

The Wetherdown Hostel

  http://www.earthworks-trust.com/html/wetherdown_hostel.html

is part of The Sustainability Centre.   Built on a former country
estate there are some beautiful trees in the grounds.   Nearby views
extend to the Solent,  and there are excellent walks in all
directions.   The eco-friendly accommodation is basic but meets our
needs,  offers very good value for money and two to a room.   It is
also suitable for people with most disabilities.   On the downside,
the buildings offer all the architectural delight that one might
expect from a building formerly part of HMS Mercury,  an RAF signals
station and training school.

The breakeven cost for the week is £86.   We propose to offer
three-tier payment scale  -  £66,   £86  and  £106.

This includes meals  (self-catered - help with cooking appreciated)
from Friday night until Sunday tea time.   The weekend will include a
few walks on the Downs,  some workshops,  an opportunity to learn more
about making your own life more sustainable with some experts from the
centre,  some good food,  good company,  and of course,  if Ted has
anything to do with it,  croquet.


Details and application form from Ian wimbledonianATgmail.com (PUT @
SIGN INSTEAD OF 'AT'

ECC EVENTS 2008

**Gay Men's Week, Laurieston Hall, 31 May 08 - 7 Jun 08, 7 nights

**Gay Men's Week, High Close Youth Hostel, South Lakeland, 2 Aug 08 - 9 Aug
08, 7 nights

**Gay Men's Week, Laurieston Hall, 14 Aug 08 - 21 Aug 08, 7 nights

**Nourishing Body & Soul, Laurieston Hall, 30 Aug 08 - 6 Sep 08, 7 nights

**Escape Christmas Gay Men's Week, Manorbier Youth Hostel, Pembrokeshire, 20
Dec 08 - 27 Dec 08, 7 nights

**New Year Gay Men's Week, Wasdale Youth Hostel, Wastwater, 27 Dec 08 - 3
Jan 09, 7 nights

DETAILS (for the first 4) INCLUDING COSTS AND BOOKING ARE ON:

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

DESCRIPTIONS:

**Gay Men's Week, Laurieston Hall, 31 May 08 - 7 Jun 08, 7 nights**

South West Scotland

This will be a traditional week with up to 55 places available.

Expect all the features you know and love. The organisers intend to include
an additional component activity, as last year, with a view to it becoming
the subject of a themed week in the future. We would like to hold Skills
Sharing workshops. Here, members would teach/ demonstrate/share a variety of
skills in an entertaining/fun/communal activity-based way.

Examples of skills the writer requires to learn: (a) to iron a shirt without
dropping it or losing my temper, (b) the art of short-crust pastry making
(without ditto), (c) juggling with more than one ball, (d) bicycle puncture
mending without tears (or 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, which proved fun and educational
last June, (d) map reading for the nervous, (e) approaching Sudoku with
colours (and maths)!

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.

Some will need prior organising and also consultation with Laurieston Hall
residents. So the organisers request prior notice of intention to run a
Skills Sharing workshop.

**Gay Men's Week, High Close Youth Hostel, South Lakeland, 2 Aug 08 - 9 Aug
08, 7 nights**

Come and enjoy a fantastic summer Gay Men's Week with us at High Close. We
have exclusive use of the hostel in this beautiful part of the Lake District
where you can enjoy stunning views of the hills in the company of lovely
men.

Activities on a High Close week are organised by the participants on the
week. In previous years they have taken advantage of the surrounding
countryside and the hostel grounds to organise leisurely strolls,
challenging hikes, music and dancing, swimming in the tarn, games on the
lawn, meditation and much more. Last year we even tried archery. Do come and
join us, bringing your talents and energy to lead lots of such workshops or
just to join in the fun.

All food is vegetarian, prepared by the very friendly hostel staff and
self-service; in the last couple of years food has been really good.

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 and to
enhance the feeling of 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.

**Gay Men's Week, Laurieston Hall, 14 Aug 08 - 21 Aug 08, 7 nights**

South West 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 structure, 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 in confidence and
to 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 at the piano to organising an activity such as
a workshop, lighting the sauna, volunteering to help co-ordinate the
cabaret, 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 organisational skills and take
responsibility and credit for achievements.

Past activities and workshops have included meditation, storytelling,
singing, poetry, Tai Chi, circus skills, jelly fights, psychodrama, massage,
music therapy, dancing, Yoga, drama, shamanic rituals, healing ... the list
goes on. This time round, who knows? But you can bet your life someone will
organise a cabaret.

**Nourishing Body & Soul, Laurieston Hall, 30 Aug 08 - 6 Sep 08, 7 nights**

South West Scotland

This week invites us to focus on nourishing our physical and spiritual
selves. We will explore our theme through art, dance, movement, theatre and
cookery and, depending on who comes on the week, hopefully other mediums
too, such as massage, music and photography. We can be creative, expressive,
playful, serious and, most importantly, ourselves with each other. There
will also be opportunities, within a safe space, to focus on feelings we
have about our bodies, how others see us, ageing and sexuality. Our aim is
to satisfy our appetite for sharing and exploring aspects of ourselves that
so often go unseen and, as a result, un-enjoyed by the other gay men around
us.

Nobody taking part needs to be a prize winning musician, artist or chef. It
is enough to want to give it a go, experience the result as fully as
possible and relish the moment. Base groups will meet daily before the
evening meal for an opportunity to check in with a small group of people and
offer mutual support. The week will culminate in a sharing of a variety of
creative moments inspired by the week's workshops, events and encounters.
For up to 35 participants.

Laurieston Hall is the ideal setting for our week; surrounded by natural
beauty, close to an exhilarating loch and radiating warmth of every sort.

We really hope you will join us.

**Escape Christmas Gay Men's Week, Manorbier Youth Hostel, Pembrokeshire, 20
Dec 08 - 27 Dec 08, 7 nights**

Details still to come...

**New Year Gay Men's Week, Wasdale Youth Hostel, Wastwater, 27 Dec 08 - 3
Jan 09, 7 nights**

Details still to come...

Lots of places still available on the following:

Moving Words - Moving Music

February 8, 9, 10

at The Nightingale Centre.Great Hucklow, Derbyshire

The theme of this weekend is to create and have fun around words and music
(no experience or particular skills necessary!)

Cost: between £70 and £115

For further info see

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

Hi All

There are still places left on the

EURO / ALBION FAERIES 20-28 December FEATHERSTONE

event.

http://uk.geocities.com/albionfaeries/

Frank

Forthcoming events:

* Laurieston, 31 May - 7 June 2008

* High Close, 2 - 9 August 2008

* Laurieston, 14 - 21 August 2008

* Laurieston, 30 August - 5 September 2008

Further details to come.

ECC Event

** 8, 9 10/11 February 2008, Moving Words - Moving Music **

Nightingale Centre, Derbyshire

The theme of this weekend is empowering people to create and have fun: no
previous experience or musical/writing skills necessary but all talents
welcome. Please bring musical instruments and some favourite writing and
music to share.

Cost (Friday - Sunday)
Dormitory: £70.00 (11 beds only, ensuite)
Low income: £85.00 (shared 2 bed rooms)
Middle income: £99.00 (shared 2 bed rooms)
High income: £115.00 (shared 2 bed rooms)
Ensuite supplement: £15.00 per person (not the dormitory)
Sunday evening - Monday morning B&B supplement: £22.00 (no evening meal -
there's a pub nearby)
If you have special needs or circumstances please let us know and we will do
our best to support you.

Programme: (provisional)

Friday evening
Arrive from 3.00 p.m., base groups at 5pm supper at 7pm. Evening activity
opening circle 8 - 9pm; 9.30 till late welcome party

Saturday
Before breakfast: Tai Chi and gentle movement
Morning workshops: 10.00 -12.00 writing words, playing music
Afternoon workshops: 2.00 - 4.00 turning poems into songs, music
Base groups and heart circle: 5.00 - 6.00
Evening: 8.30 Cabaret Concert with poetry and music

Sunday
Before breakfast: Tai Chi and gentle movement
Morning workshops: 10.00 - 12.00 stories for a gay musical/opera libretto?
Afternoon: 1.30 - 2.30 closing heart circle, departure

This programme is subject to change as we develop the workshops on offer.

FOR CONTACT & BOOKING DETAILS SEE WEBSITE:
http://www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk/

See the ECC web site for more information about the community & what's
happening.
http://www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk/

Singing and dance weekend for gay and bisexual men in Dorset, near Lyme
Regis, 9-11 November 2007.

Cost £100-£140, (inclusive of accommodation, food, workshops) according to
income.

No experience necessary - all songs and dances taught.

More information and booking form from Jon on 024 76 670057, or email
jonghomer@...

This event organised by some members of ECC.

ECC New Year GMW

27 December 2007 - 3 January 2008, Wasdale Youth Hostel, Wastwater, The Lake
District

A gay men's week in the Lake District from 27th December to 3rd January.
Come and celebrate the New Year in community!

We have sole use of Wastwater Youth Hostel, a lovely old National Trust
building, with its lawns running down to the shores of the lake in one of
the less-visited parts of Cumbria.

Edwin Henshaw, Norman Mackenzie and George Pearce invite you to apply to
join this popular GMW. Our job is to enable the week to happen, welcome you
and keep things ticking along. To do so we'll keep the familiar structure
for an ECC week - two big meetings, one to say hello and one to say goodbye,
and base groups that meet every day (heart circle possible).

The rest of  what happens will be up to those attending to organise - so we
invite you to contribute your energy, creativity and ideas to help make the
journey into 2008 memorable and gay! There will be scope to run and attend
activities and workshops - in past years these have included dancing,
singing, meditation, massage, story-reading, early-morning jogging, a
cabaret soiree, and of course the New Year celebration.

The surrounding area offers many fantastic walks at both low and high
level - bring decent boots, warm clothing and waterproofs if you'd like to
get out on the fells.

But you don't have to be energetic. You may just want to relax by the fire
with a book, play games, sit up late gossiping, make new friends, talk
seriously, don coats and hats for a short winter stroll, share hugs and
laughter and most of all have fun with other gay men.

We have 32 places available, and sleeping will be in shared bunk bedroom
accommodation of between four and fourteen beds.

The cost to ECC of hiring the venue has increased by 21% this year, with a
breakeven average cost per head of £290. However the prices include full
board, great vegetarian food, with no hidden extras and there will be a
special New Year's Eve dinner. For people on very low income or with
additional costs there will be a limited number of bursaries available. If
you wish to apply for a bursary (which could include help with travel costs)
please send a letter with your booking form explaining how much you can
afford to pay. Applications will be referred to the ECC treasurer to ensure
funds are available.

We will also reserve 10 spaces for first time attendees at an ECC event
until 1st November, after which all places will become available to anyone
on the waiting list. In previous years the bookings filled up very quickly
and people are already asking for places.

The building can present some physical challenges. If you have concerns or
queries about this please contact Norman Mackenzie before booking.

Contact and booking details are on the website
www.edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk

There are still spaces on:

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

For booking details and costs see:

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

Description:

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.

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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