Hilfield Programme
A message from our Guardian, Brother John:
"We are delighted to offer a rich and varied programme at Hilfield for the coming year.
It’s a mixture of old favourites and new opportunities, particularly in an artistic vein or to improve your sense of well-being.
No experience or expertise necessary. Come and enjoy something life-enhancing in beautiful surroundings and good company!"
Please contact Suzi to check availability for any courses you are interested in:
Phone: 01300 341741
Email: hilfieldssf@franciscans.org.uk
Trees of Life with Reverend Dr Romela Parish
Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October
A creative workshop exploring the symbolism of trees in the Bible and what it means to be rooted in Christ.
Taking inspiration from the glorious setting of Hilfield and some of the Romola’s own work, the retreat will use a variety of media for creative expression and exploration of faith. The emphasis is on a contemplative approach to creativity, and on the process of making rather than a finished product. Do not be put off if you don’t consider yourself to be a ‘creative’ person! All that is needed is openheartedness and a willingness to experiment a little! Basic materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own to use, swap or share! Rev.
Dr Romela Parish is a former academic specialising in environmental change in mountains and deserts, and a former environmental lawyer. She trained in traditional hand embroidery at the Royal School of Needlework and studied poetry at Oxford and Cardiff. She is now a non-stipendiary priest in the Church in Wales and holds exhibitions and runs creative retreats and workshops all over the UK. She is also a spiritual director in the Diocese of St Davids. Suggested donation £160.
Please contact Suzi to check availability and avoid disappointment before registering for the weekend.
Click here to download the individual leaflet and booking form
Folk Weekend with Gill and Alan McIntosh
Friday 30th October to Sunday 1st November
Songs about occupations and or ways of life.
Bring your instruments, your enthusiasm and your voices to join this ever-popular weekend.
Suggested donation £160 to include all food and accommodation.
Please contact Suzi to check availability and avoid disappointment before registering for the weekend.
Click here to download the individual leaflet and booking form
Craft Week with Suzi Herbert
Wednesday 25th to Sunday 29th November
Come along and enjoy the week with like-minded crafters.
Bring old projects to finish and try new ones with friends, drink lots of tea and laugh a lot!
If you would like to arrive on Tuesday 20th June to relax before you start crafting, please contact Suzi.
Suggested donation of £260 to include all food and accommodation.
There would be a suggested extra donation of £60.
Please contact Suzi to check availability and avoid disappointment before registering for the week.
Click here to download the individual leaflet and booking form
Play With Words: Creative Writing for Wellbeing
Thursday 19th November
A day retreat for women survivors of trauma and abuse.
Join Penny Johnson and Br John for a time of listening to the self, through creative writing within a safe and confidential environment.
Experience in writing is not necessary, neither is there any need to share your words, although you may find it helpful to do so.
Come and enjoy the peace of the Friary, and meet others on a healing journey.
- Brother John is the Guardian of Hilfield Friary
- Penny Johnson is a qualified counsellor and Franciscan Tertiary
Refreshments and a simple lunch of soup and bread will be provided. To book a place please contact Suzi:
Phone: 01300 341741
Email: hilfieldssf@franciscans.org.uk
Advent Quiet Day with Reverend Hilary Bond
Saturday 21st November
Join us for our annual Advent Quiet Day.
A chance to retreat from secular society as we prepare for the birth of the Christ Child, the Light of the World.
Hilary is a priest in the Wareham Parish and a longtime friend and contributor to Hilfield Friary.
Suggested donation £25 to include soup and a roll.
Please contact Suzi to check availability and avoid disappointment before registering for the day.
Click here to download the individual leaflet and booking form
Christmas at the Friary with the Hilfield Community
Tuesday 22nd to Sunday 27th December
Join our Friary Family where we await the birth of the Christ Child.
Our celebrations begin on Christmas Eve as we come together to decorate the Friary and celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Please contact Suzi to check availability and avoid disappointment before registering for the week.
Click here to download the individual leaflet and booking form.
The Friary, Hilfield, Dorchester, Dorset, UK
Phone: 01300 341345
Email: hilfieldssf@franciscans.org.uk