SPRING & SUMMER SAUNTERS 2024
Mottisfont, nr Winchester, Hants;
choose from:
Spring: Thurs May 9, Sat May 11 or Mon May 13
Summer: Thurs July 4, Tues July 9 or Fri July 12
1pm - 5.30pm; suggested donation £25*
with Brian Draper and Howard Green
*if you are not a member of the National Trust you will also have to pay entrance fee to Mottisfont (£22)
I'm delighted to say I'm back at Mottisfont with my good friend Howard Green for three Spring Saunters and three Summer Saunters!
Howard is co-author of Soulful Nature; he's a botanist, and an outdoor guide for the National Trust at Mottisfont. Together, we'll provide soulful guided reflection within the delightful setting of Mottisfont, one of my favourite 'thin' places in Hampshire!
We'll spend the afternoon (1pm - 5.30pm) sauntering slowly as a group in the grounds - with regular pauses to reflect individually, too, as well as to engage in gentle contemplative practice and to pay close attention to nature as we go.
NB: The Spring Saunters will follow our traditional short route within the grounds of Mottisfont. If you haven't been before, they're an ideal way to be introduced to the place, and it's not a very long walk. The Summer Saunters will go outside the grounds, and are likely to include more walking - alongside a stretch of the River Test, and also to a wooded copse. Both will include some familiar elements, so just come on one, so that as many people can experience this wonderful afternoon as possible.
If you are able to come on a weekday, please do - so that we leave weekends as free as possible for those who work during the week. Thanks!
Places will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Write to me at briandraperuk@gmail.com to request a place. Our groups will usually be no larger than 16 people.
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More details:
* For more details about Mottisfont, and how to get there, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont
* Mottisfont is a 20-minute drive from Winchester, Hampshire. If you don't have a car, I might be able to pick you up from Winchester station, and drop you back there after. Do ask me about it.
* We meet at 1pm. You'll be on your feet for much of the afternoon, so bring a shooting stick or light fold-up camping stool if you think you'll appreciate giving your legs a rest, or be prepared to sit on the ground at times. We'll have a short break halfway through when you can get yourself a takeaway cuppa or head to the loos!
* A word about our spirituality: Howard and I are Christians, and our spirituality naturally flows from that particular well-spring. But any one is welcome, and our practice is accessible to all.
...
"I feel particularly energised and ‘fired up’ coming away from Mottisfont, a completely inspirational place. I can't thank you enough for such a beautiful afternoon." Paul A
"I will treasure the memory of the special places we encountered. I left with a feeling of peace that's impossible to describe." Diane H
“Thank you so much for such a profound and brilliant retreat, and for hosting and leading so amazingly and naturally. It was simply incredible.” Matt C