Autumn Singing Retreat
After the beauty and magic of this retreat in October I'm delighted to have secured a date for 2025. We'll be gathering again 10-12th October 2025.
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Welcome to the With One Voice Autumnal Singing Retreat. Come together to sing our hearts out for the weekend in this stunning location in the Forest Of Dean. We'll sing plenty of folk and community songs in 3 and 4 part Harmony, as well as doing some circle singing, sound bathing and other gentle, non-exposing group improvisation games.
We'll have a campfire sing around on Saturday evening so bring along a song to share, this could either be one with a chorus that people can join in with, a round or short repeatable song, or a song that people would just listen to. (If you'd like any support with this then please just ask, I know it can be a bit scary, and we'll aim to make it as safe and welcoming a space as we can).
This retreat has been designed to be fairly DIY in terms of food prep, with teams taking turns to prepare and clean up from food throughout the weekend. You shouldn't need to do more than one or two stints throughout the weekend. This keeps it affordable and accessible for most people and is reflected in the very reasonable cost for the weekend, which includes food and dorm accommodation.
About the Facilitator
Pearl is an experienced choir leader, workshop facilitator and vocal improviser. She runs Stroud Folk Choir and Sing Ahoy Folk Choir and brings her workshops to festivals including Shambala, Land Skills Fair, Fire in the Mountain and ORFC. She has spent the last few years enveloped in the rich blanket of Collaborative Vocal Improvisation, studying with Briony Greenhill who is one of the pioneers bringing this singing style to the UK from America, where she studied with Bobby Mcferrin and Rhiannon. Pearl is also one third of the trio, The Crooked Penny, who sing folk-inspired songs with haunting harmonies and a feminist twist. Pearl is dedicated to enabling others to connect through singing.
Accommodation
The Wilderness Centre is a country estate nestled within 30 acres of private grounds in the Forest of Dean, with ancient woodland, wildflower meadows and gardens. It enjoys spectacular views over the River Severn to the Cotswolds and the Malvern Hills.
Accommodation is in dorms of 4-8 people in bunks. Most people will stay in these but if you'd really like your own room and there are enough people who'd like to do this then we can book a nearby cottage for an extra £90-£100 per person. There is also space for camper vans so please be in touch if you'd like to bring your camper.
You can check out the Wilderness Centre here:
https://www.wilderness-centre.co.uk/
The Wilderness Centre, Wysis Way, Plump Hill, Mitcheldean GL17 0HA
Food
We will eat vegetarian food (or largely vegan with cheese, butter and other things available) which is included in the price of the weekend. Diet choices, intolerance and allergies will be catered for as much as possible, so please let me know on the form if you have any specific needs.
We will take turns to help out with food prep and clean up and we'll have a sign up rota on the weekend. This is intended to keep the costs accessible.​​​
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Costs
Low cost £140
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Standard cost £170
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Supporter £200
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Saturday only £65
(Including lunch and dinner)
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Own Space + £90-100 per person for 2 nights for a room in a nearby cottage.
*Discount available for Stroud Folk Choir, Sing Ahoy and Harmony Tree members.
The Plan
Friday
16:30-18.30 Arrivals
18:30 - 19.30 Dinner
20.00 - 21.30 Opening Circle - Getting to know each other, a few songs and ease ourselves in and settle into our weekend together
20.30- Time for settling in. We can make a choice about whether we would like to play some games or do some singing or just have a natter, or a combination.
Saturday
7:45 - 8:45 Yoga/Dancing (optional)
8.45 - 9:45 Breakfast
10.00 - 12.50 Warm up and singing games
13.00 - 15.00 Lunch and optional walk
15.00 - 17.00 Learning Songs (with tea & cake break)
17:00 - 17.30 Reflections and check ins
18:30 - 19.30 Dinner
19.30 - Late Campfire Sing Around (The fire pit is sheltered so we should be able to use it regardless of the weather).
Sunday
7.45 - 8.45 Yoga/Dancing (optional)
8.45 - 10.30 Breakfast and empty rooms
10.30 - 13.00 Sound Bathing, Singing and Closing Circle
13.00 - 15.00 Optional picnic lunch and walk in the Forest (Weather dependant)
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