During the year, various courses and retreats are held at Boarbank Hall near to Grange-over-Sands on the edge of the Lake District. Some of these events cater for specific groups of people, such as students, lecturers and healthcare workers: others are of general interest. Boarbank Hall is the home of the Canonesses of St Augustine of the Mercy of Jesus.
Among the 2010 events are the following:
THINKING FAITH, 24th-30th July, 2010, for Catholic students and young professionals
A mix of prayer and liturgy, talks and discussions, and trips and leisure activities. The week was begun by a group of Catholic friends who met whilst lay members of the Dominican community in Cambridge, and are now working in a range of professions. Cost: £240, or £190 for students, low paid and unwaged, including full board; financial assistance available for those who need it.
THINKING SCRIPTURE, 20th-27th February and 11th-18th September 2010
This will combine study through talks and discussions, prayer and liturgy and holiday. The focus will be the Gospel of St John. The course will be taught by Dr Geoffrey Turner, former Head of Theology at Trinity and All Saints, Leeds, Fr Richard Taylor, who for many years lectured in Rome, and Sr Margaret Atkins of the Boarbank Community. Thinking Scripture is open to all, but we would particularly like to encourage younger participants.
Cost: single rooms from £280, or £220 for students and low paid, including full board; financial assistance available for those who need it.
HEALTH AND SALVATION, 15th-20th November 2010, a retreat for healthcare workers
This year's theme is ‘health and community'. Topics range from Scriptural reflection to the practical experience of using communities for healing. The multi-disciplinary backgrounds of speakers and participants will lead to lively discussion, with opportunities for reflection, shared prayer, friendship and exploration of the stunning environment. The retreat is open to anyone whose work is connected with healthcare. Cost: single rooms from £260 (or £200 for the low paid).
Further information and application forms are available from: Sr Margaret Atkins, Boarbank Hall, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 7NH; margaret [at] boarbankhall [dot] org [dot] uk. Details of all events are given on the Boarbank Hall website.