Parcevall Hall

Literature Appreciation II
2025-09-08 16:00 - 2025-09-11 15:00 UTC
Literature Appreciation led by Hugh Parry
Music in Literature 8-11 September

Music is in debt to literature for the texts which it turns into song and opera; it is equally true that literature is often inspired by music, which is the theme of this course. There will
be a great variety of writing, from many periods, generously illustrated with the music which stimulated it. For those who have attended previous courses with this title, this one will feature completely new material.
Hugh Parry is an experienced teacher of English Literature in adult education specialising in Shakespeare, as well as his wide-ranging interests including detective fiction, utopias, ghost stories, Greek drama, and the pursuit of unfashionable poets. He will be leading two courses at Parcevall Hall in 2025. Previous course participants have really enjoyed his approach to teaching and the breadth of his knowledge of literature.
Cost: £295

Starting the Artist's Way Retreat
2025-09-05 16:00 - 2025-09-07 15:00
Starting the Artist’s Way Retreat 5 – 7 September led by Dr Cathy Brown
We are all creative beings. It is a natural part of being human to express our true self and to live in the flow of life. Often in life, we can become very busy and buffeted around by expectations. We can lose our sense of self and what truly matters. This retreat will help us to reconnect with our true self and to learn how to live a more peaceful, resonant and fulfilling life. The retreat will introduce us to and help us to start ‘The Artist’s Way’, a twelve-week creative and spiritual programme designed by Julia Cameron.
Ahead of the retreat, you will have the opportunity to have a one-hour pre-retreat coaching conversation with Cathy. The retreat experience comprises six guided conversations from the Milner Room, your own copy of ‘The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity’ by Julia Cameron, all meals, refreshments and accommodation in Parcevall Hall.
The retreat is for everyone, as we are all creative beings and is for people from all faiths and no religious faith.

Price: £340

Strength – Prayer and Fitness Retreat
2025-08-29 16:00 - 2025-08-31 15:00
Strength – Prayer and Fitness Retreat
Led by Katherine Hogg
This is a weekend retreat celebrating being active physically and spiritually. The retreat will be led by Personal Trainer and Christian activist, Katherine Hogg, supported by Parcevall Hall Director, Helen Reid. Join the stretch and weights classes, spend time outdoors in the Gardens and the Dales, and take time to reflect on life and faith.
The cost is £225 and eight places are available.

Open Quiet Day
2025-08-29 10:00 - 16:00
Parcevall Hall Quiet Days are gentle days of prayer and reflection. Each Quiet Day has its own theme, and the pattern of each day is designed by the leader to include guided reflection and free time, talking with others and time for silence. Hall staff will serve teas and coffees regularly throughout the day, and all participants bring their own lunch.
Friday 29th August – Gospel of Mark when all participants share in reading aloud the entire gospel and take time for reflection led by Dr Helen Reid.
Arrivals are from 10:00 and the day ends at 16:00.
Quiet Days are Pay As You Feel events and donations can be made on the day by card or in cash.
*For the Creation Quiet Day, we will make a £2 donation per person to the Gardens for the tour, please do include this in your PAYF.
There are 16 places available for each Quiet Day, please do book your place in advance. Parcevall Hall Quiet Days are usually oversubscribed, so if you can’t make the date after all, please let us know and someone else will take your place.

Recorder Players' Workshop III
2025-08-22 16:00 - 2025-08-24 15:00
22-24 August with Conductor Mat Taylor
Whilst being a scientist and supporting mainstream science education, Mat remains ever passionate about music, especially on the recorder. He plays in several groups – including early winds, flutes and recorders. He has been the secretary of York Guildhall SRP for many years, organising meetings, playdays and two SRP festivals. Since 2008, he has been conducting the York branch as well as being guest conductor for others. He aims to provide as wide a range of music as possible from many genres ranging from renaissance and baroque, to modern, film and TV – many arranged by himself.
These residentials are for recorder ensemble playing in an informal and friendly atmosphere. They are aimed at competent adult players who ideally offer at least two instruments [C and F] and are able to swap between them. The ability to hold your own part in a group and good sight-reading skills are key. Expect a wide variety of interesting music provided by the Conductor.
If you would like further details about the workshop and music, please contact Pauline Welch who is a recorder player and Friend of Parcevall Hall.
Pauline can be reached on paulinewelch.moorfield@gmail.com.
All bookings should be made through Parcevall Hall. admin@parcevallhall.org.uk
Price for each residential: £230

Art Appreciation II
2025-08-11 16:00 - 2025-08-13 15:00
Art Appreciation led by Tim Stimson
Victorian Art: Town and Country 11-13 August

The Victorian era was a transformative time for British society and culture due to the effects of intense industrialisation and urbanisation. At this retreat, we will reflect on the art created in the very different contexts of town and country, contrasting portrayals of tranquil beauty and urban dynamism.
We are pleased to welcome Tim at Parcevall again when he will be leading two retreats. Tim is a cultural and art historian specialising in 17th and 19th century art and society, who has also practiced professionally as a painter and ceramist. Participants from previous years have found Tim’s retreats to be inspirational and informative, and enjoy his engaging approach and delivery.

Cost £240

Heart & Soul Singing Retreat III
2025-07-29 16:00 - 2025-07-31 15:00
Heart and Soul Singing Retreat – led by Keely Hodgson
29-31 July;

Combine singing in harmony with rest, nurture and inspiration. No previous singing experience, or the ability to read music, is required. A varied repertoire of songs and rounds are sensitively taught using call and response.

Keely Hodgson is a composer and natural voice practitioner. She leads a number of community choirs, including Ben Rhydding Community Choir, and is a member of a team of composers and arrangers for Choir Community. She belongs to the Bring Me Sunshine Trio, a social enterprise that plays and sings in local Care Homes, and runs The Purple Room evenings of music and spoken word in Ben Rhydding. Keely is committed to sharing the sense of well-being and soulful connection singing with others can bring, and helping those who have not sung before to discover their unique voice.

Conviviality - the Annual Gathering and Friends AGM
2025-07-16 16:00 - 2025-07-18 15:00
16-18 July from 4pm on Wednesday to 3pm on Friday
This two-night stay at Parcevall has a lively programme of social activities including a quiz, walks, poetry and wine tasting, as well as time for personal reflection, worship and prayer. Last year’s Annual Gathering was very well attended and much enjoyed, so this year’s Gathering promises to be another highlight of the year.
Cost for Friends: £144
Cost for visitors: £192

Retreat for Clergy Studying Islam
2025-07-15 16:00 - 2025-07-16 15:00
Retreat for Clergy Studying Islam 15-16 July led by Bishop Toby Howarth
This retreat offers companionship for reflection and renewal for clergy who live out a calling to study Islam and engage with Muslims. There will be opportunities to share the delight of learning and opportunities for spiritual growth, the joy of relationships as well as the challenges posed by context and the political environment. In leading this retreat, Toby will draw on his experience of academic study, involvement in Presence and Engagement, and his love of the people and place of Bradford.
Cost: £99
Bursaries are available if finance would be a barrier to attending. When booking, please raise this matter with Parcevall Hall, and this will be addressed in confidence.

Open Quiet Day - Poetry when times are hard
2025-07-04 10:00 - 16:00
Poetry when times are hard
Open Quiet Day on Friday 4th July 2025
Led by Hannah Stone, author of poetry collections and collaborations
This quiet day offers an opportunity to explore grief through reading, reflecting on and perhaps even writing poetry (no prior experience required).

Retreat for Carers and those who care
2025-06-20 16:00 - 2025-06-22 15:00
Retreat for Carers and those who care 20-22 June led by Revd Henriette Howarth
This weekend offers rest and spiritual nourishment to those who live with or care for loved ones who struggle with physical and mental health challenges. You don’t need to be a ‘recognised’ carer to cone on this retreat. There will be space to rest and time to receive from God, learn from Scripture and other spiritual resources about divine compassion, and use music and creativity as tools to relax and experience God’s Spirit.
Residential cost: £195
Bursaries are available if finance would be a barrier to attending. When booking, please raise this matter with Parcevall Hall, and this will be addressed in confidence.

Open Quiet Day
2025-06-20 10:00 - 16:00
Parcevall Hall Quiet Days are gentle days of prayer and reflection. Each Quiet Day has its own theme, and the pattern of each day is designed by the leader to include guided reflection and free time, talking with others and time for silence. Hall staff will serve teas and coffees regularly throughout the day, and all participants bring their own lunch.
Friday 20th June 2025 – Reflecting on Retirement for those about to retire or newly retired, led by +Paul Slater & Revd David Swales.
Arrivals are from 10:00 and the day ends at 16:00.
Quiet Days are Pay As You Feel events and donations can be made on the day by card or in cash.
*For the Creation Quiet Day, we will make a £2 donation per person to the Gardens for the tour, please do include this in your PAYF.
There are 16 places available for each Quiet Day, please do book your place in advance. Parcevall Hall Quiet Days are usually oversubscribed, so if you can’t make the date after all, please let us know and someone else will take your place.

Walking in Wharfedale - Early Summer Rambling
2025-06-03 16:00 - 2025-06-06 15:00
Walking in Wharfedale led by a team of experienced Walk Leaders.
Early Summer Rambling 3-6 June

We can’t promise sunshine as you walk in June, but the hay meadows will be in full flower, the bumblebees will be foraging, and there is a good chance of blue skies to enhance the views.
Wharfedale’s varied landscape is on a reassuringly human scale: wild moorland, wooded vales and boulder-strewn hillsides above the peaty waters of the River Wharfe. Enjoy a retreat with guided walks, time for personal reflection, and the warm hospitality of Parcevall Hall. Packed lunches are provided, but you can choose to eat in the dining room if you prefer a stroll round the gardens rather than a longer walk.
Cost: £325

Recorder Players' Workshop II
2025-05-27 16:00 - 2025-05-29 15:00
27-29 May with Conductor Mary Tyers
Mary’s loves tutoring enthusiastic adult amateur musicians and is well-established in the north of England as both teacher and performer. In addition to teaching at her home studio near Barnard Castle, she has busy schedules in Cumbria and at the Early Music Shop, Saltaire. Mary also teaches online via Zoom. She founded and continues to be the Musical Director of Durham SRP, and is regularly invited to guest conduct at other branches and festivals. She leads workshops for various Early Music forums and tutors at the early music summer schools, NORVIS and HISS. She also performs regularly with Sounds Historical and with the folk duo Hardy Tyers in addition to playing with several period instrument orchestras.
These residentials are for recorder ensemble playing in an informal and friendly atmosphere. They are aimed at competent adult players who ideally offer at least two instruments [C and F] and are able to swap between them. The ability to hold your own part in a group and good sight-reading skills are key. Expect a wide variety of interesting music provided by the Conductor.
If you would like further details about the workshop and music, please contact Pauline Welch who is a recorder player and Friend of Parcevall Hall.
Pauline can be reached on paulinewelch.moorfield@gmail.com.
All bookings should be made through Parcevall Hall. admin@parcevallhall.org.uk
Price for each residential: £230

Heart & Soul Singing Retreat II
2025-05-23 16:00 - 2025-05-25 15:00
Heart and Soul Singing Retreat – led by Keely Hodgson
23-25 May;

Combine singing in harmony with rest, nurture and inspiration. No previous singing experience, or the ability to read music, is required. A varied repertoire of songs and rounds are sensitively taught using call and response.

Keely Hodgson is a composer and natural voice practitioner. She leads a number of community choirs, including Ben Rhydding Community Choir, and is a member of a team of composers and arrangers for Choir Community. She belongs to the Bring Me Sunshine Trio, a social enterprise that plays and sings in local Care Homes, and runs The Purple Room evenings of music and spoken word in Ben Rhydding. Keely is committed to sharing the sense of well-being and soulful connection singing with others can bring, and helping those who have not sung before to discover their unique voice.

The Joy of All Creation Anglican Association Retreat
2025-05-19 16:00 - 2025-05-23 10:00
The Joy of All Creation Anglican Association Retreat 19-23 May led by Canon Andy Hawes, SSC

The Anglican tradition has little to say about the place of the Mother of Jesus in Christian life – or does it? This retreat will look afresh at the Virgin Mary in Scripture, and also the commentary of Anglican thinkers past and present. Is Mary a companion, example, or the ‘Mother of all Christians?’ An opportunity to look, think and pray again about Mary’s place in our personal discipleship.

Services will be in accordance with the Book of common Prayer and the Authorised Version of the Bible. All are welcome to attend, it is not necessary to be a member of the Anglican Assocation to come. Bookings should be made through Mrs Rosemary Hall, who is also he contact for questions and queries. Telephone 0191 2857534 or email hallrosemary36@gmail.com
Price: £384

Retreat for Extroverts
2025-05-15 16:00 - 2025-05-16 16:00
Retreat for Extroverts 15-16 May led by Revd Matt Woodcock
This 24 hour retreat is designed for people who find restoration and renewal in the company of others, and who think a retreat would surely be too quiet. There will be short quiet times, but also lots of time for discussion, bible study and activity. It will be led by extrovert, priest and contributor to Pause for Thought on Radio 2, Matt Woodcock.
The retreat is an opportunity for spiritual growth and inspiration.
Cost: £99

Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer Retreat
2025-05-12 16:00 - 2025-05-15 15:00
Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer Retreat 12-15 May led by Witness Brenda Lofthouse
Jesus invites you to rest in him, lean in and listen to his heartbeat. Contemplative life is an expression of the desire to seek stillness amid the rush of life. When experienced with others in a group, silence is deeper and more powerful than when alone. At this retreat, you can make space for yourself and your relationship with God, giving yourself and him a wonderful gift.
Bookings should be made through Sue Davis, who is the FCP contact for more information as well. Please phone 0774959858 or email susandavies367@gmail.com
Cost: £288

Open Quiet Day
2025-05-12 10:00 - 16:00
Parcevall Hall Quiet Days are gentle days of prayer and reflection. Each Quiet Day has its own theme, and the pattern of each day is designed by the leader to include guided reflection and free time, talking with others and time for silence. Hall staff will serve teas and coffees regularly throughout the day, and all participants bring their own lunch.
Monday 12th May – Creation with Franciscan reflections and a guided tour of the formal gardens led by Revd Debby Plummer
Arrivals are from 10:00 and the day ends at 16:00.
Quiet Days are Pay As You Feel events and donations can be made on the day by card or in cash.
*For the Creation Quiet Day, we will make a £2 donation per person to the Gardens for the tour, please do include this in your PAYF.
There are 16 places available for each Quiet Day, please do book your place in advance. Parcevall Hall Quiet Days are usually oversubscribed, so if you can’t make the date after all, please let us know and someone else will take your place.

The Book of Nature Retreat
2025-05-09 16:00 - 2025-05-11 15:00
The Book of Nature Retreat 9 – 11 May led by Revd Debby Plummer
This retreat focuses on thanksgiving for God’s creation, inspired by Franciscan spirituality. In the midst of pressing concerns about environmental catastrophe, there will be time to seek peace and hope in nature and faith. Debby will lead sessions of reflection and prayer focussing on creation, destruction, restoration and includes a creation inspired liturgy for the Eucharist.

Cost: £225

Friends of Parcevall Hall - Springtime Afternoon Tea and Tour of the Gardens
2025-05-01 13:30 - 16:30
A chance to gather together with Friends to enjoy an afternoon at Parcevall Hall and each other’s company. There will be a tour of the Gardens with one of the gardeners and afternoon tea in the dining room.

Art Appreciation I
2025-04-22 16:00 - 2025-04-24 15:00
Art Appreciation led by Tim Stimson
How pleasant to know Edward Lear 22-24 April

Edward Lear’s Book of Nonsense has never been out of print, but less well known is that he made his living producing exquisite topographical watercolours from locations all around the world. At this retreat, we will focus on the watercolours, and develop understanding of the cultural context in which the art was created by such a warm and delightful person who expressed his philosophy through timeless humour.
We are pleased to welcome Tim at Parcevall again when he will be leading two retreats. Tim is a cultural and art historian specialising in 17th and 19th century art and society, who has also practiced professionally as a painter and ceramist. Participants from previous years have found Tim’s retreats to be inspirational and informative, and enjoy his engaging approach and delivery.

Cost: £240

Facing the Elements Easter Retreat
2025-04-17 16:00 - 2025-04-20 15:00
Facing the Elements Easter Retreat 17-20 April led by Bishop David Hawkins
At this retreat, we will reflect on the timeless themes of Holy Week and Easter through a green lens, recognising the central importance of creation. Bishop David will focus on the Four Elements of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air, which the Ancient Greeks believed made our blue planet habitable to biodiversity and human life. David will use some of his paintings on the subject as a visual backdrop to the retreat. This Easter Retreat is an opportunity to reflect on the environment in the light of the Easter story and be inspired anew.
Residential Cost: £295
Day guest cost: £150
Extra days accommodation with full board is available for the discounted price of £75 per night

Literature Appreciation I
2025-04-07 16:00 - 2025-04-10 15:00
Literature Appreciation Retreat led by Hugh Parry.
Cleopatra in Literature 7-10 April

Cleopatra is one of the most famous figures from classical antiquity, known and celebrated in art and literature over millennia. She is an ambivalent image of seductiveness and independence, whose story has been retold in many ways. On this course, we will look at a wide range of texts about Cleopatra and consider the themes of love and power.
Hugh Parry is an experienced teacher of English Literature in adult education specialising in Shakespeare, as well as his wide-ranging interests including detective fiction, utopias, ghost stories, Greek drama, and the pursuit of unfashionable poets. He will be leading two courses at Parcevall Hall in 2025. Previous course participants have really enjoyed his approach to teaching and the breadth of his knowledge of literature.
Cost: £295

Open Quiet Day
2025-04-04 10:00 - 16:00
Parcevall Hall Quiet Days are gentle days of prayer and reflection. Each Quiet Day has its own theme, and the pattern of each day is designed by the leader to include guided reflection and free time, talking with others and time for silence. Hall staff will serve teas and coffees regularly throughout the day, and all participants bring their own lunch.
Friday 4th April 2025 – Heart of Nature with Celtic Harp, poetry and prayer led by Julie Darling.
Arrivals are from 10:00 and the day ends at 16:00.
Quiet Days are Pay As You Feel events and donations can be made on the day by card or in cash.
*For the Creation Quiet Day, we will make a £2 donation per person to the Gardens for the tour, please do include this in your PAYF.
There are 16 places available for each Quiet Day, please do book your place in advance. Parcevall Hall Quiet Days are usually oversubscribed, so if you can’t make the date after all, please let us know and someone else will take your place.

Exploring the Enneagram
2025-03-28 16:00 - 2025-03-30 15:00
Exploring the Enneagram 28-30 March led by Cathy Brown
Going on a retreat is an opportunity to slow down and re-connect with ourself. With origins in ancient wisdom and teachings of mathematicians, philosophers and theologists, the Enneagram provides a psychological and spiritual lens for our personal growth.
This retreat will benefit from Integrative’s adaptive, intelligent technology (www.integrative9.com). Ahead of the retreat, you will have the opportunity to complete this online assessment, receive your own 23-page Integrative Personal Enneagram Report and have a one-hour pre-retreat coaching conversation with Cathy.
The retreat is open to people from all faiths and no religious faith.

Price: £375

Recorder Players' Workshop I
2025-03-18 16:00 - 2025-03-20 15:00
18-20 March with Conductor Carolyn Wade
Carolyn is a retired teacher who has played the recorder since the age of 7. She has coached and directed various music groups whilst teaching and has, for over 25 years, arranged music and run workshops for concertina groups. Since retiring she has returned to playing in, and arranging music for, recorder ensembles/orchestras. She has conducted at SRP meetings in West Yorkshire and York, and is Associate Conductor for Rombalds Recorders in Ilkley.

These residentials are for recorder ensemble playing in an informal and friendly atmosphere. They are aimed at competent adult players who ideally offer at least two instruments [C and F] and are able to swap between them. The ability to hold your own part in a group and good sight-reading skills are key. Expect a wide variety of interesting music provided by the Conductor.
If you would like further details about the workshop and music, please contact Pauline Welch who is a recorder player and Friend of Parcevall Hall.
Pauline can be reached on paulinewelch.moorfield@gmail.com.
All bookings should be made through Parcevall Hall. admin@parcevallhall.org.uk
Price for each residential: £230

Open Quiet Day
2025-03-17 10:00 - 16:00
Parcevall Hall Quiet Days are gentle days of prayer and reflection. Each Quiet Day has its own theme, and the pattern of each day is designed by the leader to include guided reflection and free time, talking with others and time for silence. Hall staff will serve teas and coffees regularly throughout the day, and all participants bring their own lunch.
Monday 17th March – Pilgrimage with Taize-inspired worship and small group reflections led by Revd Tom Lusty
Arrivals are from 10:00 and the day ends at 16:00.
Quiet Days are Pay As You Feel events and donations can be made on the day by card or in cash.
*For the Creation Quiet Day, we will make a £2 donation per person to the Gardens for the tour, please do include this in your PAYF.
There are 16 places available for each Quiet Day, please do book your place in advance. Parcevall Hall Quiet Days are usually oversubscribed, so if you can’t make the date after all, please let us know and someone else will take your place.

Balance - Prayer and Fitness Retreat
2025-03-07 16:00 - 2025-03-09 15:00
Balance – Prayer and Fitness Retreat 7-9 March led by Katherine Hogg
This is a weekend retreat celebrating being active physically and spiritually. The retreat will be led by Personal Trainer and Christian activist, Katherine Hogg, supported by Parcevall Hall Director, Helen Reid. Join the stretch and weights classes, spend time outdoors in the Gardens and the Dales, and take time to reflect on life and faith.
The cost is £225 and eight places are available
Additional prayer and fitness retreat dates will become available later in the year. Please ask to be on our mailing list for this information.

Poustinia Spirituality Lent Retreat
2025-03-04 16:00 - 2025-03-07 15:00
Poustinia Spirituality Lent Retreat 4-7 March led by Bishop David Hawkins
The Lent retreat will focus on the Poustinia (oratory or hermit’s cell) in the grounds of the Hall. Together we will explore the spirituality of the Poustinia developed in the Russian Orthodox Church tradition. We will use the cell for periods of personal private retreat, and share corporate prayer and worship rooted in the Orthodox tradition in the chapel in the Hall.
This Lent Retreat is an opportunity for spiritual growth, learning and prayer.
Residential cost: £295
Day guest cost: £150
