Another opportunity for first timers, and regulars to enjoy building a community of gay men who subscribe to our ‘principles and intentions’.

The week aims to be laid back, open, relaxing, supportive and above all fun. We will be sticking to a tried and tested structure, including an opening gathering at the start of the week and a closing gathering towards the end, where all participants will have the opportunity to speak. There will also
be the option of “base group”
meetings, where a smaller number of people meet each day in confidence and to offer mutual support. Beyond this, what happens on the week depends largely upon what the participants bring to it.

The organisers aim to kick-start the process and maintain the week on an organisational level with minimal intervention. Participants are encouraged to take responsibility for events within the week and choose their own level of activity and involvement. This could range from sitting quietly by the fire or enjoying a sing-song at the piano to organising an activity such as a workshop, lighting the sauna, volunteering to help co-ordinate the cabaret, facilitating a base group, overseeing smooth running of the timetable or duty rota, helping first timers to settle in etc. Any number of responsibilities can be adopted by participants, giving the organisers more time to enjoy the space, and just as importantly, giving participants the opportunity to develop organisational skills and take responsibility and credit for achievements.

Past activities and workshops have included meditation, storytelling, singing, poetry, Tai Chi, circus skills, jelly fights, psychodrama, massage, music therapy, dancing, Yoga, drama, shamanic rituals, healing ... the list goes on. This time round, who knows? But you can bet your life someone will organise a cabaret.

NB: This event is now fully booked but there may be places left on the remaining events this year. Our programme for 2009 will be published around January / February and advance notice with brief details and dates will usually be in the December issue of our journal 'Over the Rainbow' which you can get by joining our mailing list.