Autumn in the Hills

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

The programme

The organisers are keen for this weekend to be a chance to connect with other men in a relaxed setting.  We will set up an opening go-round, where we’ll introduce ourselves and get to know the group. There will also be smaller base groups to meet in during the weekend to share feelings and help the community to bond.  We will end with a closing go-round.

We would love there to be a ‘soiree’ or sharing evening where those who wish to can bring a song, poem, or story. We hope to encourage and facilitate a range of workshops to take place so that men feel inspired to share skills and interests.  If you want to run or take part in workshops or discussions, we invite you to bring your ideas and creativity. Or perhaps you’d prefer just to support the activities offered by others.  The organisers will welcome any ideas and provide help in terms of materials, advice and support if you let us know in advance. Previous workshops have included circle dance, singing, massage workshops, discussion about the experience of seeking asylum as a gay man in the UK.

We would like this to be an inclusive weekend and especially welcome the participation of trans men.

The centre gives immediate access to walks in the Pennine hills, and there are opportunities for visiting the wider surrounding area, including Haworth, Pendle Hill and the steam railway at Keighley — so many ways to get to know other men in small groups while discovering the area.

Catering

We are hoping that we will have someone to take care of catering but this is still to be confirmed. As usual, all food will be vegetarian and special diets will be accommodated if notified when booking. All participants will be asked to help with food preparation, and there will be a rota for cleaning, setting tables and washing up after meals. Every man should aim to do his bit to help the community run smoothly for the weekend.

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.

www.coldwell.org.uk.

Organisers

Your main organisers this time are Steve Williams and Nick Jackson.