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Gathering In
Autumn Weekend Retreat
New Forest
27th - 29th November 2026
at The Minstead Centre in the heart of the New Forest
Harmony Singing, Sound Healing, Meditation, & Creativity
in Stunning Nature
with Delicious Plant-Based Fare & Great Company
for Inspiration, Fun & Well-Being!
Event Description
Gathering In
Song, Sound & Stillness
As the year turns towards winter, Gathering In is an invitation to pause, breathe and come home to yourself.
At a time when the wider world can feel noisy, uncertain and unsettling, this weekend offers a warm and nourishing space to step away from the demands of everyday life, reconnect with what steadies you, and remember what truly matters.
Together we will sing, rest, create, laugh, listen and spend time in the beautiful New Forest. There is nothing you need to achieve and nowhere you need to get to. Simply come as you are.
Over the weekend we’ll explore:
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Harmony singing, mantra and voice work to uplift the heart, awaken energy and experience the joy of singing together
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Sound healing and deep relaxation to soothe the nervous system and invite stillness and rest
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Meditation to quieten the noise, return to the present moment and reconnect with your inner centre
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Meditative and intuitive art as a gentle way to explore colour, image and creativity without needing to be "an artist"
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Time in nature to walk, breathe, notice and reconnect with the rhythms of the living world
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Warm-hearted connection, laughter and community, with plenty of time simply to be
No previous experience of singing, meditation or art is needed.
A time to gather in
Autumn naturally invites us to draw our energy inward. Just as the trees let go of what is no longer needed and conserve their resources for the winter ahead, we too can take time to notice what nourishes us, what we want to carry forward, and what we may be ready to put down.
Gathering In is not about withdrawing from life. It is about finding a steadier place within ourselves from which to meet it.
Reconnect with nature and yourself
Surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the New Forest, Minstead Study Centre gives us the space to slow down and live at a gentler rhythm for a couple of days.
There will be two facilitated sessions each day, with plenty of space in between for woodland walks, conversation, reading, resting, or simply doing very little.
We’ll be nourished by delicious plant-based food and have exclusive use of the centre, including the workshop spaces, house, kitchens, gardens and accommodation.
Come for song, sound, creativity, nature, rest and connection.
Leave feeling nourished, replenished and a little more centred in yourself.
The Venue
The Minstead Center is set in 7 acres of beautiful gardens, in the heart of the New Forest.
For accommodation options scroll down.
Our main workshop space is rather like a huge wooden tree house! It is very comfortable, with underfloor heating and a very efficient wood-burner, if needed, making for a cosy space for our singing and sound-bathing sessions. The dormitories are also part of this lovely and unique space.
Supper on Friday evening, and lunch on Saturday and Sunday will be delicious plant-based fare, using local and organic produce, including some from the vegetable garden.
On Saturday evening supper will be at the lovely local village pub. The cost for this is not included in the fee.
You are also welcome to bring your own supper to have at the center.
Nestled amongst the gardens are various stone circles and a newly refurbished roundhouse, based on an Iron Age home. It is made from local clay, rope, straw and wood. It has no door, and a fire inside, ready to be lit for evening storytelling and singing if desired!
Singing
Our singing sessions will include gorgeous harmony songs from around the world, including African, Gospel, Native American and Jazz. We will also have deeply relaxing sound baths with Tibetan singing bowls, and other sacred sound instruments, and mantra singing, in the cosy "beanbag" room, which has a wood burner for colder weather.
Practical Info
Dates
Spring Retreat 27th - 29th November 2026
Fees
£395 on-site residential
or
£345 non-residential, including all workshop sessions, teas and coffees, supper on Friday, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, breakfasts if staying on-site, and basic dormitory accommodation if required. Please note that Saturday supper is not included. The group normally enjoys going to the local forest pub for supper!
For other accommodation options please see below.
To book your place a non-returnable deposit of £150 is payable. Email sarah@lifesong.co.uk for more details.
Accommodation
There are three options:
1.Two spacious basic dormitories on-site, with 9 sets of bunk beds in each, and shower rooms.
2. Four en-suite twin rooms on site. If used for single occupancy the cost will be £40 per night. If used as a twin, it will be £20 per person per night. First come first served!
3. There is a variety of Air BnB options available, from Glamping to Shepherd's Huts, to cute cottage BnB's, from around £60 per night upwards.
This option is not included in the fee, and you will need to book it and arrange payment yourself. It is advisable to book ASAP to avoid disappointment! I can help find suitable Air BnB if necessary.
Camping on-site is also possible!
The programme offers everything that I (now) love including singing, harmonising, chanting, sharing, writing ...all seamlessly directed by Sarah leaving us all wanting more!
- Helen B
To Book
To book your place a non-returnable deposit of £150 is payable.
Email sarah@lifesong.co.uk to book your place and for payment info.
