Holy Rood House

15/10/2026

Today St Teresa of Avila is remembered. She lived in the 16th century, a time of turmoil and reform. She was a contemplative, an active reformer and leader. Her wisdom comes out of her own struggles and her listenings, and informed the books she wrote. One of her quotes is the following - “The important thing is not to think much but to love much; and so do that which best stirs you to love.”
Photo - a creative collage from a guest.

10/10/2026

We have an extra quiet day event in November with Amanda Danells-Bewley https://www.createandflo.co.uk/about-us. Rest, recharge, and rediscover your creative flow - no experience needed! This full-day workshop invites you to settle down, settle into the season and prepare for winter through the gentle practice of slow stitching. As the nights grow longer, we'll explore how slow making can offer rest, comfort and care. Rather than pushing forward, this is a day for staying with the season, stitching slowly and making space for wellbeing. Open to all levels, no experience needed. All materials provided. For more details see our website or email [email protected]

08/10/2026

We’ve had a couple of cancellations for Jan Berry’s retreat ‘Between the Worlds’ so here’s your chance to join us for what promises to be an enriching and enjoyable weekend! (The rooms on offer are not en-suite).
Jan is a poet and writer of hymns and prayers, particularly using feminist imagery, author of the wonderful book ‘Naming God’, a retired URC minister, academic and long-term friend of Holy Rood.
We’re delighted to be able to offer this weekend ❤️

05/10/2026

This weekend we remembered St Francis of Assisi who had such love for creatures, for creation. And today this abundant harvest display has been set up in our chapel- we are so grateful for our beautiful garden, our animals, all who work with and care for the earth … blessings upon all ❤️

Blessing the Animals

You who created them
and called them good:
bless again these creatures
who come to us
as a blessing
fashioned of fur
or feather
or fin,
formed of flesh
that breathes with
your own breath,
that you have made
from sheer delight,
that you have given
in dazzling variety.

Bless them
who curl themselves
around our hearts,
who twine themselves
through our days,
who companion us
in our labor,
who call us
to come and play.

Bless them
who will never be
entirely tamed
and so remind us
that you love
what is wild,
that you rejoice
in what lives close
to the earth,
that your heart beats
in the heart of these creatures
you have entrusted
to our care.

—Jan Richardson

With thanks to Mike and Leti for lovely photos

30/09/2026

This is our latest newsletter for this Autumn season.

'Get your head into that book!  Reading fiction for faith.' Tuesday October 6th 10 - 4pm. A Quiet Day exploring our experience of reading novels for our relationship with the Divine. Led by Tiffany Conlin  'Contemplative Photography' - a Retreat for Women. Friday 16th 4pm -Sunday 18th 2pm October...

28/09/2026

What a wonderful weekend this has been, filled with autumn sunshine, still life and art, creating and simply being. Thank you to the wonderful Phill and Susie Hopkins for leading such a nourishing retreat!

And here’s a poem by Gideon Hough to lead us into

Autumn

And so nature, weary from holding
the summer’s luscious measure,
folds into the ground,
lays her head down,
slows and deepens her breath.

Beloved, would that you learn from her
and fall into the sacredness of rest.

22/09/2026

An Equinox Blessing

May we be warmed by Summer memories of sunshine and swallows
May the falling colours of Autumn be mulch for our soul to thrive
May we be held secure by the safe velvet embrace of Winter dark
May the hidden secrets of Spring whisper promises of hope to come.

Beautiful words by Nel Shallow - with thanks

And photos taken in our garden …