2011 WORKSHOPS

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 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.