About

A DAY OF REST AND NOURISHMENT, FOR MIND, BODY, AND SOUL, FOR DoC CLERGY.

Feedback last year demonstrated how much you enjoyed one another’s company, so our 2024 Wellbeing Day is designed to give you time to slow-down, relax, and consider the correlation between the quality of our relationships and wellbeing. We are gathering once again in the beautiful setting of Ashburnham Place, which will be rich with Autumnal flora and fauna.

Keynote Speaker: Revd Dr Alex Wimberly

Alex Wimberly is leader of the Corrymeela Community, the oldest peace and reconciliation organisation in N. Ireland. During the decades of violent conflict, Corrymeela created a ground-breaking means for people from opposing sides to meet safely, building a network of relationships that played a part in accelerating the N. Ireland peace process. 25yrs after the Good Friday Agreement, the Corrymeela Community continues in its commitment to the question of, how do we live well together with difference? A critical invitation in a world of heightening polarisation and instability in which we are called to be peacemakers (Matt 5:9). 

Following Alex’s talk there will be time for Q&A, and he will be present at lunch if you would like to find out more about the ministry of Corrymeela.

Lunch Provided

No waiting in line for lunch this year! Everyone can be seated immediately with nibbles and drinks, then collect a main course and pudding (let us know your dietary requirements when you book). To offset the carbon emissions of our car journeys, our lunch will be vegetarian and sourced as locally as possible.

Afternoon Options

After lunch guests can choose 1 of 5 inspiring workshops variously exploring the correlation between the quality of our relationships and wellbeing. Optional workshops include: 

1. ‘Bread for the World’ facilitated by Revd. Jess Foster, interfaith relations expert chairing regular conversations around the conflict in Israel-Palestine.
2. ‘Life Through a Loving Lens’ contemplative photography facilitated by Dawn Mead, Spiritual Director, Police Chaplain, Retreat Facilitator.
3. 'Ecological Amnesia’ remembering and restoring relationship with the Earth, facilitated by Tim Young, Land Engagement Lead at Ashburnham Place.
4. ‘Blessed are the Peacemakers, Matthew 5:9’ facilitated by Revd. Steve Gendall, Senior Chaplain of Crowhurst Christian Healing Centre. 
5. ‘What Lies Beneath All Our Conflicts?’ facilitated by The Revd. Canon Dr Earl Collins, DoC Officer for Continuing Ministerial Development and teacher of mystical theology and Jungian psychology.

Or, ‘Sacred Space’ 1:1 listening and prayer, facilitated by Revd Canon Rebecca Swyer and Revd Canon Dr James Clarke.

Further Options:

• Enjoy the Capability Brown-designed gardens and lakes, the path around Broad Water Lake is an accessible 2km/15-30min.
• Find the experimental, straw-bale ‘tiny house’ in the woods; or the Lookout, a quiet ‘folly’ in the upper woods (where you are also most likely to encounter deer).
• Bird-spotting: look out for buzzards, red kites, woodpeckers, marsh tits and fire crests.
• Have coffee, cake, or a cream-tea in the Orangery Tea Room.
• Visit the bookshop, next to Reception.

Café Style Plenary

To conclude, we gather for a café-style plenary in the Great Hall to share the day’s blessings, offer thanks and prayer, led by Revd Canon Rebecca Swyer.

Tickets: Pay What You Can

Tickets are for 9:30am – 4:30pm. (The email you use to book will be used to communicate any further information.) If you would like to incorporate an overnight stay, Ashburnham Place offers ensuite accommodation, to be booked separately to your event ticket, click here for info about overnight accommodation. Please note, this event is for Chichester Diocese Clergy only.

Individual Needs

Please indicate any dietary requirements, allergies, and access requirements in the booking form (next step).

Refreshments are provided throughout the day.

Travel information:

By car

Ashburnham Place, TN33 9NF, is approximately 1hr+ from Brighton, 30min+ from Hastings, 1hr15min+ from Crawley.

NB the postcode may take you to the back gate/farm track which is closed for public access. Please use the main entrance found via the A271 ​​​Kitchenham Road, then follow the driveway around the estate to the main car park.

By rail

Battle Station is about 5 miles and Bexhill Station is about 7 miles from Ashburnham Place. Taxis are available outside both stations and take around 20min (request to be taken to Ashburnham Place reception).

Location

Get directions

Ashburnham Place
Battle, Sussex TN33 9NF

Contact Event Organiser