Pennine Paradise 2024

A welcome return to this moorland venue for another three-night autumn weekend in good company.

The Programme

The organisers will set up opening and closing go rounds, where we can introduce ourselves and take leave of the group, and we expect to arrange some time for smaller groups to meet during the weekend to strengthen the feeling of community and belonging. There will be some sort of ‘cabaret’ or ‘soiree’ where you can share songs, poems, an act, or just be in the audience. Other activities may include circle dance, singing, massage workshops, discussion about the experience of seeking asylum as a gay man in the UK – how can we help to make things better for these men?

This weekend is about building our community through sharing interests and skills; if you want to run or take part in workshops or discussions, we invite you to bring your ideas, or to let us know in advance. Organisers are happy to provide help in terms of materials, advice and support. It would be good to have some indication of men’s ideas before the event – the more variety, the better.

If walking and exploration is more your thing, the centre gives immediate access to walks in the Pennines, and is well placed for visiting the wider surrounding area, including Haworth and the steam railway at Keighley — another opportunity to get to know other men in small groups while discovering the area.

Catering

David Wray will once again be catering for the event. He has established a reputation within ECC as a first rate chef, and will provide us with delicious vegetarian meals (special requirements also catered for). Another aspect of our shared experience will be taking turns at clearing up after the meals!

The Venue

Coldwell Activity Centre is situated in a secluded location in the Lancashire countryside, in the Pennines near to Brontë country, yet only a few miles from ‘civilisation’ in Burnley and Colne and about an hour from Manchester, Preston and Leeds. The nearest stations are Nelson and Colne (about 3 miles each). You will probably need to take a taxi from the stations (and we understand that it may possibly be easier to get a taxi from Nelson), though it may be possible to arrange lifts.

The centre is used by many types of groups for a range of activities; the accommodation receives excellent reviews, and for our workshops there are various spaces; these are of course in addition to the great outdoors, which is on the doorstep. The building is partly accessible (please contact us for more details).  Accommodation is in shared rooms mainly for two to four men; there is a ground floor bedroom with adjoining wet room. Participants  will be limited to 25 men to ensure there is plenty of space.

For more details about the centre, please see their website www.coldwell.org.uk.

Organisers

Peter

David

David

Your organisers are Peter Staite (Bookings), David Wray (catering) and David Thompson who, between them, have attended and organised many ECC events before. For more information about the event, please contact Peter Staite on 07890 063403, staite [at] yourdreamnet.co.uk.