Sunday 6 April 2014

Schumacher North Weekend Retreat


Schumacher North weekend retreat for a group of 12-14 in Yorkshire, offers the opportunity to share where we are in our thinking about who we are and what we need to do to respond to the challenge of this moment in the story of humanity. Discussions and workshops will be lead by ourselves using whatever tools we have available: meditation, movement, song, poetry, walks, silence.

The weekend starts on Friday October 3 and ends Monday October 6th. Accommodation is in a 6 bedroom 16th century farmhouse set in 200 acres.
We will prepare meals and wash-up together.  Food is vegetarian, home cooked from fresh local organic ingredients where possible. Any home-made offerings will be welcome.

Cost is on a sliding scale of £50 - £90 for 3 nights including food, and sharing a bedroom.

Many of us are aware of the need for a radical change in the way of life we are currently pursuing on this planet, in our relationships to the earth, to each other and to ourselves. We are aware of fundamental inequalities of opportunity that divide us from each other, and we see the need for a more cooperative and intuitive way of life which expresses our humanity and allows for the full flowering of our childish delight and creativity, while not losing the amazing innovations of medicine and science. We have come a long way as humans from our cave dwelling ancestors but have we lost our way? Is this a dead end?

To book your place please send £10 deposit to:
 Anna Harris, 16 Elphin Court, Mytholmroyd, HX7 5ES.  Phone 07954345550

Trashed

A new award winning documentary film 'Trashed'  http://www.trashedfilm.com shows that our land and oceans are being severely polluted by plastic waste. Managing plastic waste is a major global challenge, and it is something we can begin to tackle locally. Plastic bags, packaging, drink bottles are obvious culprits. Biodegradable plastic does not help, because it breaks down into tiny fragments which produce a 'plastic soup' in lakes and seas.

A major campaign is being set up for Upper Calder Valley, and the film will be screened at several venues during the coming months, Trades Club April 1st, Salem Centre April 16th, Hope Baptist Chapel May 17th, for parents and children, and The Good Shepherd, Mytholmroyd May 28th. Incredible Edible Todmorden will screen the film on Easter Sunday. We hope to gather ideas and suggestions as to how to control the use and disposal of plastic, and form a core group to take this forward. The film can be watched online for a small fee.

There is a special version of the film for schools (57mins) plus other educational material available. Hebden Royd Town Council have agreed to approach schools to use the film to bring awareness to children. I have been invited by Calder High to work with the School Council's Eco sub group to see how students could be involved. My 5 year old grandson watched the film with his mother and really 'got it'.

There are no easy answers, but that does not mean we should just ignore what is happening to our environment, and leave it to future generations to deal with. Raising awareness about the toxicity of the plastic we use everyday, and how we dispose of it, is sorely needed.This is something everyone of all ages can play a part in. I would welcome your support.