Gaunts House Summer Gathering

Gaunts House Summer Gathering 2012 Presents...ExperiEssencE

2012-02-24T02:00:00.000-08:00

“Experience beyond belief”

The Summer Gathering at Gaunts House has now been running for over twenty years (this year is our 22^nd) and is recognised as providing a friendly, festival atmosphere where quality workshops, therapies, speakers and inspirational music and a variety of other consciousness expanding experiences are readily found.

This year it will take place from Thursday 9^th to Sunday 12^th August. ExperiEssence 2012 is designed to provide all comers with an environment which encourages a deeper more sacred experience. That’s why we are going vegetarian this year as well as having a ‘dry bar’ – in that way directly supporting a conscious aware space designed to be full of deepening experiences, fun and laughter.

In a move away from commercialism and material gain, we are inviting other charities so that they too may directly benefit from the gathering. For example, the Buddhafield Café, which is part of the Buddhafield community, will be providing the majority of our catering this year.

Perhaps the most positive change we can make within ourselves (and naturally integrate back into the world around us) is to move closer to the truth of our authenticity, to journey towards essence. ExperiEssence 2012 is here to provide a loving and caring environment which is challenging and inspirational, conscious and uplifting – something which sets us apart from the typical ‘bandwagon’ of summer festivals.

This year we are attempting to share what Gaunts House is all about – why we’re here and what we do - to provide everyone with a window for their own profound learning. This sense of change comes directly from the resident community and Heartbeat – volunteers who work together to make this wonderful opportunity an actual reality.

2012 is a time of change. What is awakening in the world is nothing new. It has always been and will always be. The one difference is that people are awakening to the essential oneness of all things in such numbers that conscious evolution is gathering pace.

This is not one person’s realisation but a mass movement arising from consciousness itself. It is no longer confined to specific individuals but has become a worldwide deepening. There is no founder or single point from which this arises for it is a matter of consciousness itself. There is no one Buddha Christ Prophet Messiah, simply ever increasing numbers with a deepening awareness of unveiling the consciousness we-really-are.

If we do not make the necessary changes to evolve, we will likely become the next dinosaurs. We have an immediate and pressing choice - to cling on to the ‘old’ or to let go and merge with the infinite depths of who-we-really-are. This is the route to freedom; to have the courage and certitude to transcend our dependence on ego.

What do you choose?

Now is the time to experience beyond belief.

JH.

WE NOW HAVE A NEW WEBSITE FOR THE GATHERING WHICH WILL BE REPLACING THIS BLOG SITE. Please check it out for up to date information on this years' Gathering: www.gauntssummergathering.com

THERE IS PLENTY MORE INFORMATION BELOW!

2011-07-11T03:53:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. This page is not the total of all posts about the Gathering. There has also been info. written up on many more Workshops, Musicians, Entertainments, volunteering and more. To see these older blog posts, please click on 'Older Posts' at the bottom of the page. Or, see 'Blog Archive' at the bottom right, under the photos.

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING SPEAKERS WHO WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE GAUNTS HOUSE SUMMER GATHERING 2011:

Julian Daizan Skinner

Julian Daizan Skinner is the first Englishman to go to Japan and become a Roshi or Zen Master in the rigorous Rinzai tradition of Zen. About twenty years ago, he gave up a promising career as a scientist in the pharmaceuticals industry, sold his house, gave all the money away and entered a Zen monastery. Over many years of strict training, in Japan and the west, Daizan Roshi received Dharma Transmission in both the Rinzai and Soto lineages of Zen and received inka and permission to teach from Shinzan Miyamae Roshi , with whom he continues to study. http://www.zenways.org

Tim Freke

Tim has an honours degree in philosophy and is an internationally respected authority on world spirituality. He is the author of over thirty books that have established his reputation as a scholar and free-thinker.

He is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking work on Christian Gnosticism with his close friend Peter Gandy, including The Jesus Mysteries, which was a top 10 best-seller in the UK and USA, and a ‘Book of the Year’ in the UK Daily Telegraph. In recent years he has articulated his own ‘lucid philosophy’ in The Laughing Jesus, Lucid Living, and How Long is Now?

He is often featured in documentary films and chat shows broadcast by the global media, such as the BBC and the History Channel. Tim is the founder of The Alliance for Lucid Living, (The ALL), an organization dedicated to our collective awakening. He lives with his wife Debbie and their two children in Glastonbury, England

http://www.timothyfreke.com

Jo Berry

Jo has been on a long journey since her father, Sir Anthony Berry MP, was killed by the IRA in the bombing of the 1984 Tory Party conference in Brighton Sussex.
The following is an excerpt from Jo’s official website: http://www.buildingbridgesforpeace.org

“In the days after the bomb I wanted to somehow bring something positive out of the tragedy and began a journey of healing. The last 25 years have been full of learnings and remarkable experiences.

In November 2000 I met Pat Magee, the man responsible for planting the bomb and we have now become friends. For me, the question is about whether I can let go of my need to blame, and open my heart enough to hear Pat's story and understand his motivations. The truth is that, sometimes I can and sometimes I can’t and this choice is always there.

I wanted to meet Pat, to hear his story and see him as a real human being. At our first meeting I was terrified but as soon as we met we talked with an extraordinary intensity. I shared a lot about my father, while Pat told me some of his story. I realised half way through that first meeting that I was at the beginning of another journey.

I still have feelings that are painful. I still get angry but I have learnt that these feelings can be transformed into passion for change. My passion for change starts with me wanting to stop the cycle of violence and revenge in me and has grown into helping create a world in which violence is not seen as a viable way of resolving conflict.

My commitment is to see the humanity in everyone. Building Bridges for Peace is now an umbrella for all the work that I do to participate in creating a peaceful world.”

Tim ‘Mac’ McCartney

From working as a gardener in a management training centre, Tim MaCartney went on to become Head of Consultancy there within three years, and then started a ‘people and organisation development’ company, working with the leaders of multinationals. His inspirational approach to leadership development resulted in him being given Embercombe, a 50-acre Devonshire smallholding, by an appreciative client to develop his vision: a social enterprise which seeks ‘to inspire committed action for a truly sustainable world’. http://www.timmacmacartney.co.uk/

FURTHER CONFIRMED WORKSHOPS...

Becky Hanscombe - Trance Dance

Beckie Hanscombe is the founder of the Ecstatic Empowerment System™ and facilitates regular events, workshops and retreats here and in Europe.

Beckie is passionate about empowering people who would not normally have access to life transforming tools. Her aim is to bring a “practical Spirituality” into the mainstream.

She has over 14 years experience of holding sacred space. A long term student and teacher of Mind Body energy systems including, Ecstatic Dance, Shamanism, yoga, meditation and Qi Gong, she weaves together her knowledge to create events and workshops that are a fast-track to transformation.

Andrea Harrn - Love Workshop

Andrea works as a counsellor, psychotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist and Reiki practitioner in East London. She is an intuitive healer, naturally using energies creatively and sensitively for the highest good. Accredited member of BACP and UKRCP, FDAP and UKRF. For the past 3 years Andrea has run self-development retreats in Glastonbury and now looks forward to sharing her workshops at Gaunts House.

Aspects of Love Workshop

Love means many things to many people. Some say its an emotion, a feeling, others would say affection or attachment. Is it a virtue or an act of human kindness, compassion – or perhaps more than that it is the basis for all being – and can be thought of in terms of divine love, eternal Oneness, god in whatever form you know and believe. You can love many things – like a Chinese meal or a film or a person – it can be romantic, sexual, fulfilling or painful – parental, romantic, platonic or familial. You can feel love from many sources, people, nature, environment, art, music. Love can be an intense feeling but can also be a feeling of calm within.

This workshop is an opportunity to think about what love means and has meant to you. We are going to work together to define love and then think about how we can personally take love forward in a positive way.

Will include a meditation and intention on love.

www.andreaharrn.co.uk

Sangeeta Chohan - Pranayama

During a life crisis in 2005, Pranayama found me and provided the ‘key’ to a positive mindset and triggered a thirst for greater understanding of the mind and body balance that can be achieved through meditation. The technique proved so powerful that I decided to go to India and study under the guidance of Swami Ramdevji in order to teach Pranayama in the UK.

Experiencing Kundalini Yoga has further enhanced my understanding of Pranic energy and my acceptance of my reality as a soul in a human body. Studying level 2 currently, has been a deeper experience of spiritual upliftment and connection.

My passion is to bring yoga back to its true form. Yoga is a lifestyle, as explained in the ancient yoga sutras, an inward journey of remembering our unlimited greatness. As we change our consciousness and become personally empowered, we transform and heal the world.

Opening up to LOVE - Pranayama and Mantra Meditation 6– 7:30am

Breath is ..... life

Pranayama, the science of breath control, is an ancient technique, defined as one of the eight limbs of yoga five thousand years ago by the Indian Sage Patanjali. Through a series of breath exercises, working deeply at cellular level, we detoxify and then re-energise the whole body with cosmic prana. We then move the pranic energy from the base chakra to the third eye and use naad or sound healing, to slow the mind and tune into the neutral or peace channel. This deepening meditation experience can open new doors for your wisdom and self healing.

Transform yourself in the magic of the early morning with Pranayama and experience your sacred breath, your greatest teacher. Open the heart space and unleash the universal current of love to heal ourselves, our loved ones and Mother Earth.

We complete the healing effects with a beautiful ‘Ra Ma Da Sa’ Mantra Meditation to stay with you throughout your day.

Namaste

2011-06-30T04:01:00.000-07:00

PEACE - TROUBADOUR & SOUND - WEAVER

GABRIELLA KAPFER

Gabriella is a peace-troubadour and sound –weaver, who co-creates sound, songs, music and vibrational healing in partnership with the nature-spirits, devas and angelic helpers to co-create and weave the strands of wholeness into the fabric of reality. She has developed her own sound vibrational healing modality that directly addresses the subtle energetic, emotional and astral bodies. She has travelled The Americas and Europe giving workshops, concerts and one-to-one healing session, following invitations to bring the healing sounds and awareness to different parts of the planet.

Workshop 1: tuning ourselves through our instrument, the voice

We will use the sound of our voices with alignment and intention to tune ourselves as instruments

In this workshop we learn some principles of sound-healing getting to know the voice as our main tool of healing and transformation We work with our voices to explore our own inner space and be the instruments to be sung by creation.

Workshop 2: connecting with the nature spirits

We will hear about the nature spirits and practice our awareness and perception to connect and open the possibility of co-creative partnership with the manifold intelligence of nature.

Workshop 3: Morning Sound Meditation –( together with Heather Cowen)

Attunement through sound with the day, the land, this time on earth and the cosmos.

www.peace-trails.com

Soul Retrieval for Houses
and the
Harmonic Codes of Energy Shields with Christian Kyriacou

Christian Violaris Kyriacou RIBA MCSD Dip BM is an Architect, House Whisperer, Philosopher, Writer, Telepath, Architectural & Environmental Psychologist, Interior Designer, Film-maker, Composer, Musician, Feng Shui - Vastu and Geomancy Consultant. Christian works with the Harmonics of Spatial Energy - the Music of Buildings, and has helped to substantially change and transform peoples spaces and lives. He is an international inspirational speaker. His knowledge and inspiration comes from over 40 years in the fields of Music, Oriental Philosophies, Meditation, Sanskrit, Sacred Sound, Harmonic Resonance, Sacred Geometry, Sacred Architecture, Geomancy, Vastu, Feng Shui and English law.

HARMONIC CODE
A Harmonic Code Energy Imprint is embedded into the soul of a building at conception, giving it a unique Ki Signature.
SOUL FRAGMENTS
The Soul fragments of both people and the buildings leave coded imprints in the energy matrix of space. Events are recorded in the cellular structure of physical materials and in the etheric energy matrix. Thus dreams and emotions are left lingering in the akashic record of the building and overlaid on the original Soul Code. These fragments can span lifetimes owing to a multitude of emotions which distort the unity consciousness.
THE JOURNEY HOME
I will guide you through a visualization journey of your own home. It may take you through Psychic and Paranormal happenings, memories of your life patterns and all those of the previous occupants. There will be the opportunity to see what may be blocking your personal energy, as reflected in your home, and the choice of changing and re-aligning your inner and outer space.
www.KiSignature.com

Leo Rutherford - shaman

will be running workshops with Dawn Russell and Lorraine Grayston. Leo is a renowned shaman, teacher and pioneer of shamanism in the West. He was one of the first people to bring the teachings of shamanism to the UK and founded the Eagle's Wing Centre for Contemporary Shamanism (Now 'College of Shamanic Medicine') in 1987. He has published five books including ‘The View through the Medicine Wheel’ (O-Books 2008), ‘Shamanic Path Workbook’ (Arima Pubs, 2006) and ‘Principles of shamanism’ (Harper Collins 1996)

WORKSHOPS WITH LEO...

BEYOND “THE SECRET” – THE SHAMANS’ WAY TO CO-CREATE YOUR FUTURE

How to co-create your reality and bring your dreams to fruition

THE ENCHANTRESS - THE LOST GODDESS. (A workshop for Women)

With Dawn Russell and Lorraine Grayston

So often in the mythology that we are offered today, the model for womanhood is Maiden, Mother and Crone. We are missing the Enchantress, an archetype of womanhood that is mature, sensual, wise and very much “in” life. She guides us whatever age we are and offers us a mature approach in times of great change.

Come and meet the Enchantress within you

DANCE, MOVEMENT, SOUND, IMPROVISATION AND PLAY

Come and dance, laugh, play, improvise, create, open your voice, celebrate existence and let it all hang out!

SHAMANIC JOURNEYS

With Dawn Russell and Lorraine Grayston

Working with the Drum we invite you to come and met your spirit allies in the form of “Power” Animals and Guides to help you find practical information to help and guide your Earth walk. This workshop is both for beginners and for those who wish to deepen their connection to their Allies.

REMOTE VIEWING JOURNEY THROUGH 2012 AND BEYOND

With Leo Rutherford, Dawn Russell, Lorraine Grayston.

Using shamanic journeying to see into the probable near future as we move towards the breakdown of one world and the birthing of another.

www.shamanism.co.uk

DOWSING WITH EARTH ENERGIES – THE PULSE OF MOTHER EARTH

With Peter Knight - Dowser & shamanic Drummer

Peter is a dowser, shamanic drummer, and author of six books about ley lines and sacred sites.

A practical workshop by earth mysteries author and sacred sites guide Peter Knight. Introduction to dowsing and ley lines theory, then practical dowsing around the labyrinth and Star Henge.

www.stoneseeker.net

YET MORE CONFIRMED WORKSHOPS (See below for workshops previously listed)

2011-06-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

Sound Baths & Trance Dance with Ant Sauchella & Roz Crampton

Ant has a ridiculously amazing c.v. which is nowhere near as ridiculously amazing as he is. It is too long to list here fully, but includes working in sculpture & fine art & leading workshops as a sound creation artist & in environmental art. Roz (equally amazing as Ant), is the founder & director of 'Earthdance' & has over 20 years experience facilitating spiritual/personal awareness & development through a wide range of workshops & retreats. Roz also works extensively with the healing resonance of sound to facilitate personal change, transformation, & as a way of enhancing people's life energy & their ability to express & communicate.

Resonical Rhythms (Trance Dance)

An invigorating spectrum of global sounds creating powerful trance like rhythms to awaken the body's memory to move & dance, or just sit in the sounds for transformation & well-being.

Release stagnant energy, breathe and really attune to your body... creating space and opportunity for 'self-healing' and a blissful state of being.

Sound Bath

A transformational journey with the ancestral sounds of some of the most resonant, tone-producing instruments known to man. Feel the vibrational tones & overtones of the gong deep within the cells of your body. Ride on the sound-waves of the Himalayan singing bowls & Native American flutes which transcend time & space. Feel the deep resonance of the Shamanic drum & other ancient instruments as they bathe you in subliminal sound. Come to the stream & drink of its waters!!!.....That is the true purpose of the sound journey.

Drumming & Percussion with Julian Franks

Julian Franks began playing the drum kit aged eleven. He then went on to study Indian Tabla & Darabouka, & was the drummer/percussionist in world music fusion group 'Jambience'. He now runs children's workshops in schools & drum circles for adults.

Drumming & Percussion

Julian will have a large selection of drums including Djembes, Dun Duns, Daraboukas, Tablas, Hang, Marimba, various percussion... and more. Julian will give a small demonstration of these instruments & then facilitate a group session, in a drum circle format, showing some basic rhythms, which can be improvised around. He will also be showing some drum percussion techniques. Julian will also be joining Roz & Ant 'Earthdance' for Resonical Rhythms (Trance Dance). www.julesfranks.com

ESSENSE LoveDance and LoveBeam ♥

2011-06-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

Essense produces an inspiring mix of conscious performance and spiritual intention and indulges and uplifts all your senses and spirit, mind, body and emotions in a variety of ways...

LoveDance with DJ's - Uplifting Tribal Ecstatic Celebratory Dance... Get out of your mind, into your heart and let your spirit fly...

LoveBeam - We all unite and beam Love and Light to the area, Gaia and all Beings... This involves guided visualisation and OM with sacred singing bowls... so very powerful... ♥ ☼ ૐ ♥
Infusing spirit and celebration, connecting and raising consciousness, experiencing Unity through Love, Light & Joy...
For more info about Essense : http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=50577340975

The Fairies will be at the Summer Gathering

2011-06-17T05:39:00.000-07:00

Conducting Bubbles Workshops on the lawn the Fairies will be engaging children, teenagers & adults in their workshops. So much fun, loads of laughter guaranteed! Everyone will be led into the magical world of the sweet fairies!

There will also be Rory stories where the fairies will enact stories that will be told by fairy Rory! Be part of the story & become a fairy helper!
www.theseeliecourt.co.uk

FURTHER CONFIRMED WORKSHOPS...

2011-06-17T04:12:00.000-07:00

DANCING POETRY

Jay Ramsay is an experienced facilitator, an acclaimed poet, & psychotherapist in private practice. Herewood Gabriel is a highly imaginative artist working within a mythic & spiritual context.

Dancing poetry is a unique experience of dancing to live drumming opening up a pathway close to the unconscious, a rich fertile ground for creative writing. "We play, and then pause, as you write what comes. You explore your own dance, then with a partner, and then you dance in the group. We create a sharing circle at the end.

MAKING NATURAL SKIN PRODUCTS

Taisha is a long established & highly respected tutor of many therapies & has extensive knowledge of essential oils and skin care. Her belief is that skin care is not separate from health care.

Taisha will give demonstrations on making lavender soap, soap for sensitive skin, herbal infused hair shampoo, & also showing how to create the perfect hair conditioner for all hair types using a variety of cold vegetable oils. There will also be demonstrations on making a fabulous face moisturiser & a nourishing vitamin body lotion.
www.ssct.co.uk

2011 WORKSHOPS

2011-03-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

2011 SUMMER GATHERING WORSHOPS SO FAR...
(programme subject to change)

(For further info. on the Summer Gathering please read the previous blog posts below)

LAUGHTER YOGA

Get laughing with Jay Woods, a qualified laughter yoga teacher & Laughter Therapist.

"I have been fascinated for many years in the concepts of raising people's vibrations through the powerful medium of laughter. I run infectious Laughter therapy workshops in the community and at many events and festivals worldwide, and also organise & run yearly events for World Laughter Day" (Jay Woods).

TREECRAFT - THE MAGIC OF TREES & PLANTS

With Jonathan Huet, a professional storyteller, bushcraft instructor & Lecturer for the National Trust & Wildlife Trust.

Experience the magic of the trees & plants of Gaunts House as Jonathan shares the history, spirituality, poetry & lore of the wooded landscape in his inimitable style. You will be given practical tools to understand and connect with nature, drawing upon authentic Celtic prectices. Each workshop is different & ideal for all levels of experience. http://www.walkwithtrees.co.uk/

DEVOTIONAL CHANTING WITH BELOVEDONE

BelovedOne was formed in 1999 by Christina Wellbeloved & Jonathan Huet. They hold regular chant events, bringing their very down-to-earth & real approach to their joyful & inspirational workshops.

Chant sacred Sanskrit matras with Christina Wellbeloved & Jonathan Huet, who play their own funky & heart-opening rhythms together with harmonium & indian drum. Chanting stills the mind & awakens the heart to its natural state of divine love... a wonderful experience. Plunge into your own heart & discover the bliss within! http://www.beloved-one.co.uk/

SHAMANIC TRANCE POSTURES

With Julie Nicol, a practicing shaman for eleven years & the first certified practitioner of the Trance Postures in the uk.

The process of entering a trance state using the postures could not be simpler. The body is the perfect vessel for experiencing alternate reality, and the postures provide a range of route maps. There is no need for the participant to be familiar with shamanic journeying. As with everything else, you just need a clear intention & an open heart & mind. http://www.trancepostures.co.uk/

LIMINAL PRESENCE

With Nicholas Twilley, who has been performing, teching & accompanying for 30 years. Most notably for: H.H. The Dali Lama.

Liminal Presence is a sound & silence environment that facilitates thresholds of perception to surface into our waking consciousness, restoring emotion, intelligence & community to the whole self.

Nicholas presents 'Liminal Presence' in England, Ireland, Wales & Northern Spain. This

enquiry explores the resonance of mind & body response, when presented & engaged with variations of melodic & rhythmic intervals. There is an encourangement to language these insights which will re-negotiate the identity & authority of each participant. http://www.nicholastwilley.com/

LATIN PERCUSSION, AFRICAN & CARIBBEAN DRUMMING

With Vince, who has been playing drums & a wide range of percussion instruments for many years & has studied many drumming styles & cultures with drum masters from around the world.

Drumming is great fun for adults, teenagers & children. See Vince's website for more details: http://www.palm2soul.com/

RE-BIRTHING - BREATHWORK

With Sally Stonier & Chris D'Cruz. Sally has taught dance, movement & healing for over 20 years. This includes Rebirthing/Breathwork, Relationship healing, Presence Meditation, Reiki & Ecstatic Dance. Chris studied Nutrition/Naturopathy & later, Rebirthing/Breathwork.

Breath work provides enough support to learn to feel & be present. Gradually during the process, breathing becomes a moment-by-moment container for healing & relinquishing control. It provides a non-verbal way to heal & it takes most people way beyond more verbal & cognitive therapies. It enables emotional freedom which releases trauma. This leads to real transformation and an authentic sense of self, moving through the feeling of being trapped by past patterns. This allows relationships to heal. http://www.sacredenergy.co.uk/

TIBETAN STAR HEALING - INNER FIRE CEREMONY

With Seeta Pippa O'Connor, who has been running workshops at Gaunts House for sixteen years. Seeta's CV is extensive & includes over 25 years of teaching meditation, compassionate mind, stress reduction courses, dance, yoga & Chi Gong.

This Tibetan Star Healing group work is literally to lie down, let go & let god. Ancient wisdom from Tibet translated into contemporary spiritual wisdom. The Star Fire Ceremony is an accelerated journey into rejuvination, purification & initiation, working with opening the seven healing levels of love, through sound harmonics, breath & body connection. We pulsate every cell in the body to release the chronic patterns of physical, emotional & ancestral holdings, to bring us into the present moment.

TOUCHING THE EARTH - AN ACTIVE PEACE CEREMONY

With Seeta Pippa O'Connor (see above).

Through the five prostrations of deep relaxation, we gently transform our own inner turmoil; releasing our personal, family & collective pain & angst. This physically active ceremony awakens our hearts through breath, prayer, bowing, chanting & meditation. Bowing down to touch the earth, we surrender our unhappiness, pride, anger & resentment. By emptying our selves out, we allow grace, joy & our Buddha nature back into our bodies, to let its healing power transform cellular memories. This healing touches not only our selves, but our families, friends & everyone we meet.

COMEDY WORKSHOPS

With Gerry Maguire Thompson, a comedian, author & comedy facilitator. Gerry has trained thousands of people to be funny & to develop themselves using comedy & improvisation.

Fun hands-on workshops for anyone who wants to experiment with comedy & improvisation. Great for developing your sense of humour, confidence, creative expression & teamwork. Its all about learning to be yourself & enjoy being in the moment. http://www.gerrythompson.co.uk/

BHAKTI YOGA EXPERIENCE

With Elahn & Radhe, who run Shekinashram, the much loved Bhakti Yoga ashram in Glastonbury.

The Bhakti Yoga Experience is an opportunity to dive into the ocean of nectar, which is the sublime, Yoga of love & devotion (Bhakti). The workshop will be comprised mostly of Kirtan, which is the congregational singing of devotional mantras, and storytelling which is used to share some of the age old secrets & wisdom of the sages from the Bhakti Yoga tradition. Originating from the ancient Vedic tradition of India, this path ultimately leads the individual on a heart-melting journey to become a lover of the supreme beloved. http://www.shekinashram.org/

VEDIC FIRE CEREMONY

With Elahn & Radhe, who run Shekinashram, the much loved Bhakti Yoga ashram in Glastonbury.

The Vedic fire ceremony is an ancient spiritual practice which has been used for thousands of years. It is a form used to pray for auspicious influence at important junctures in life & for purification of the heart & our external environment. Using the medium of fire combined with mantras, offerings & meditation we create an atmosphere of sanctity & clear intention whereby we can return to a state of harmony with the divine. http://www.shekinashram.org/

BUSHCRAFT & NATURE AWARENESS

With Hannah Nicholls, who runs Natural Pathways Bushcraft & Nature Awareness School in Canterbury, Kent and has been teching bushcraft/survival skills & nature awareness to adults & children for the past eight years.

Family Workshop - Bushcraft with Natural Pathways - Debris Shelter Building.

Come with enthusiasm & energy to build your own debris shelter & learn how to keep warm & dry in the wilderness. During this workshop you will have hands-on experience of constructing your won shelter using the debris from the woodland. Bring gloves if you have them.

Family Workshop - Nature Awareness Activities with Natural Pathways.

We'll be playing, having fun & experiencing the woodland in a whole new way. These exciting activities heighten our senses & are a wonderful way to experinece & explore the natural world whilst having lots of fun.

Adult Workshop - Bushcraft with Natural Pathways - Debris Shelter Building & short Wild-food walk. Come with enthusiasm & energy to build your own debris shelter & learn how to keep warm & dry in the wilderness. During this workshop you will have hands-on experience of constructing your own shelter using debris from the woodland. After you've completed your shelter we will take a short walk looking at edible & medicinal plants. We'll find plants that are good to eat, or which to wash your hands with, or a common plant used to stop the pain from a wasp sting; invaluable knowledge if you have young children. Bring gloves if you have them. http://www.natural-pathways.co.uk/

Music line up so far...

2011-03-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

2011 Summer Gathering Music Performers so far...
(To read about other aspects of this years Gathering, please see the older blog posts below)

(Thursday Night)

THE CEDAR (www.myspace.com/thecedar)

Utilizing an assortment of instruments, from ukuleles to clarinets to glockenspiels, The Cedar generate a sound filled with warmth & pleasing tonality, commanding their instruments with an effortless grace that makes them almost as gratifiying to watch as to listen to. They have performed at festivals such as: the Bath International Music Festival, Sunrise Festival, Priddy Festival, Bristol Harbourside and the Melodica Festival in Iceland.

(Friday Night)

RICHARD KENNEDY (www.myspace.com/richardkennedymusic)

Accomlished singer-songwriter & acoustic guitar player who hails from far away New Zealand, via New York city, where he performed & recorded for many years before coming to the UK. His slinky country-tinged style & great material makes for a memorable experience, while his left-handed upside-down technique confounds guitar enthusiasts everywhere & never fails to wow his audiences. He has recorded & toured with many well known artists including; Marshall Crenshaw, Curtis Stygers & the Roches to name a few. Richard recently toured with Dennis Locorriere, lead singer from the famed Dr Hook band. Check him out on youtube.

DAUGHTERS OF ELVIN (www.daughtersofelvin.co.uk/)
They play an exotic array of authentic instruments including Hurdy Gurdy, English Bagpipes, Cittern, Pipe & Salterio, Gothic Harp, Dulcimer & Percussion. They have performed to great acclaim throughout the UK, Ireland, Norway, France, Germany, Holland & Cyprus. At Gaunts House the three core members Steve Tyler, Katy Marchant & Dhevdhas Nair Will be joined by guest Jonathan Shorland (from world electronica dub group Celtic) on oboes, bombards & traditional flutes. Come & dance to an exciting uptempo programme of authentic medieval music & original compositions inspired by historical & traditional music - groove to the sound of our European ancestors.

SONJA KRISTINA & BAND ( http://www.sonjakristina.com/ )

Sonja started her career as a singer songwriter in the 60's folk-clubs & is the face behind the renowned band Curved Air. She is an enigmatic, sensual & soulful performer, who surrounds herself with original & inspiring musicians & produces albums that are emotional statements about her life & times. She has toured internationally & has shared billing with such luminaries as Sandy Denny, Al Stewart & Buffy Saint Marie. Two of her songs from her early years, 'Melinda More or Less' & 'Elfin Boy', are now popular Curved Air classics. This concert will be an intimate acoustic with Acid Folk and Curved Air players - Paul Sax (violin), Robert Norton (keyboards), & Paul Hankin (percussion).

(Saturday Night)

GILLIE NICHOLLS ( www.gillienicholls.com/home)

A prolific songwriter from the Midlands who has been a well known face on the music scene for the past twenty years. She has wroked & written with legendary figures from the British Folk & Jazz scene, such as Ashley Hutchings and holds a place on the roll call of past Albion Band members. Her music has been decribed as evocative & poetic, with her voice sensual...

"Completely transcends the personal into another realm; - brilliant." John Etheridge

PRAYING FOR THE RAIN (http://www.twinarrowsmusic.com/)

A dynamic & compelling blend of contemporary folk, Celtic & world music with irresistible rhythems, memorable melodies, beautifully crafted vocals & inspired musicianship. Their music brings to mind a modern blend of Crosby, Stills & Nash, Robert Plant to the Fleet Foxes & Peter Gabriel, creating a truly uplifting & high energy experience. Internationally recognised, they have toured throughout Europe, Canada, Africa & the Middle East & have performed at festivals such as Glastonbury, Womad & Trowbridge Village Pump & at London's Union Chapel & South Bank as part of a world music series presented by the National Theatre.

CHRIS ELLIS WITH DAVE STURT & ROSIE TOLL (http://www.christopherellis.co.uk/)

As guitarist, pianist & songwriter, Chris has diverse musical roots, ranging from the guitar styles of John Martyn & Richard Thompson to the piano improvisations of Bill Evans & Keith Jarrett. The trio features fretless bass player David Sturt & violinist Rosie Toll - both of whom are mercurial improvisers in their own right. This collaboration for Gaunts House will be focused around Chris' songs & instrumental pieces, however, the music is approached with an ear to what the spirit of the moment may bring.

(Sunday Night)

NIGEL SHAW & CAROLYN HILLYER ( www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk )

Renowned musicians & artists from the the wild moors of southwest England, who between them have recorded nearly thirty music albums & have performed internationally, including concerts in Australia, USA, Japan, Central America, Russia & throughout Europe. Their inspiration comes from the raw beauty & ancient spirit of wild land, & their live performances are a magical tapestry of ancient instruments & extraordinary songs. They use traditional instruments such as: whistles, hand drums, small pipes, Slovakian fujara, piano & Shetland lyre, & move from delicate soul-filled flute melodies, through deep raw chants to powerful tribal dance rhythms.

MARTHA TILSTON & BAND ( http://www.marthatilston.co.uk/)

A captivating performer, an enchanting singer-songwriter blessed with a gloriously clear & seductively beautiful voice. Weaving her magic spell over listeners wherever she plays - from the concert hall to the campfire, from folk clubs to main festival stages - she is a rare gem who has the power to draw an audience into her world & create an intimate space where her words & music dance & delight, leaving all those present with a smail, a warm feeling inside, & a few issues to ponder too.

DANU FOX & BAND (http://www.songbearmusic.co.uk/)

Singer, songwriter & musician of many talents, fusing Jazz, Shamanic & Hindustani influences. Renowned at festivals for her Raag singing & toning workshops, the 2011 set will include songs from her latest albums; Yemaya and People of One Earth, which are collections of Shamanic songs & chants, supported by skin drum, keyboards, flutes, violin & harmonium as well as some newly penned piano vocal tracks. A unique sound.

Lets make our 2011 Summer Gathering magical!

2011-02-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

This weekend the Heartbeat team have been meeting again, organising things for our next Gathering &
this years' Gathering is going to be a really colourful, magical, fantasy inspired event. Along with all the plans already in place, one idea made by the team is to encourage everyone to participate in creating an amazing atmosphere of fun & imagination. So here is a message to everyone intending to come... Please bring your fantasy/magical/colourful/creative fancy dress costumes and wear them throughout the Gathering. We are also going to be asking all volunteers to wear fancy dress! Also please bring any instruments if you would like to join our parade. Or perhaps you would like to take part in the Open Mic on the Woodland Stage?

If you have any creative ideas for adding some fantasy & colour to the Gathering, please let us know. Do you have any inspiring ideas for our Visuals team?... a light show?, a goblin walkway? etc. Or perhaps you know someone with creative skills or a brilliant imagination who would like to volunteer to help us build, decorate, & create visual delight? Perhaps you have been to a festival where you saw an amazing artistic creation and would love to help us do something similar?
If so, please either contact us here at Gaunts House, email Stu about volunteering: summergathering@hotmail.co.uk or discuss your ideas with us on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/gauntsgathering

Also... does anyone out there happen to have an electric bubble machine that they either don't need and would like to donate, or perhaps lend us for the Gathering? Thankyou :)

A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
Another idea has been to encourage and develop the sense of Community that the Gathering creates... To encourage the wider Gaunts Community (that is everyone who comes here) to feel connected. We hope to do this in a number of ways... One way in which we hope to create a sense of community is through the Woodland Stage. Rob and Ant are hoping to attract musical people who will come together and share their talents. They are hoping the Woodland Stage will be a free and evolving space, where the musicians and the audience will feel connected and inspired.

Another idea along the community theme is to include more hands-on workshops. The raw chocolate making workshop was very popular last year and we hope to invite more workshops that give you the opportunity to get stuck in and maybe learn some new skills. One possibility is a workshop where you can make natural, aromatherapy soaps, shampoos, etc.

Another thing we would like to do is to give you more information about the Community of Profound Learning that already exists here at Gaunts House, and to give you a good idea of what we are about and why we are here. Information on the live-in Community here will be available in the information tent.

We are also going to give everyone who attends the Gathering a chance to get involved with volunteering while you are here. We will be posting information on jobs (e.g. help in the kitchen, litter picking...) on a volunteering board placed in the information tent, where you can come and see what needs doing and give us a hand. This is entirely optional and is designed to promote a Community feel, with everyone working together to make this Gathering special.

Preparations for 2011's Summer Gathering (11th - 14th Aug)

2011-01-05T09:38:00.000-08:00

The Heartbeat team (organisers of the Summer Gathering) have already begun organising for our next Gathering in August (11th - 14th). This will be an amazing event. We will have various inspiring and fun workshops, live music, children's and teens activities, and this year we will also be inviting some very interesting guest speakers.

The Summer Gathering is a fund raiser for the Richard Glyn Charitable Foundation which is an educational charity based here at Gaunts House in Wimborne, Dorset. For more information on Gaunts House and the foundation please see the Gaunts House website: http://www.gauntshouse.com/

(See below for a video of the Gathering).

Stu (community member & volunteer coordinator for the gathering) has painted an amazing picture of Gaunts House and the grounds which we will be using for the flyer and other advertising material.

We have set up a facebook page for the Gathering http://www.facebook.com/gauntsgathering where you can discuss ideas, volunteering, check on updated info on tickets etc, and also meet other people who will be coming to the Gathering.

There is a lot of work going on in all areas; site planning, security arrangements, booking workshops, muscians, guest speakers, planning activities for teenagers and children, health and safety, visuals, advertising ..., ..., ..., ...,

Sara (community member and visuals coordinator) is hoping that some of you may be able to donate any old, unwated decorative fabrics especially indian saris, please? This would be a great help for us in decorating the theatre and making it look magical. Thankyou very much if you can help with this. If you can, please give us a call on the number below.

If you are interested in volunteering please email Stu: summergathering@hotmail.co.uk
If you happen to have any unusual skills, eg circus skills, living statue, children's entertainer, music performer, etc, you may like to volunteer with this in mind. Volunteering is a great way to get to know the Gaunts House community, other volunteers and to have a unique and special experience. Volunteers are asked to help out for 4 hours per day during the gathering which means you have the rest of the time free to enjoy the experience as if you had paid for entry!

And here is a video of our last Summer Gathering made by community member Rob Lockwood...

If you would like to purchase tickets here is the the info you need:
-EARLY BIRD TICKETS (available from 26th Dec until 31st May), £95.00.
-FULL PRICE TICKETS (from 1st June up to & during the Gathering), £125.00.
Concessions:
50% off for senior citizens, incapacity, 13-21 year olds, ex-community members.
50% off for the disabled and carer comes free.
(Concessions to be applied to full price tickets only. Proof of status must be shown).

For tickets and further info please call Gaunts House 01202 841 522.
admin@gauntshouse.com
http://www.gauntshouse.com/