Jan Loughran
Thursday 26th November from 9.30am to Sunday 29th November at 2pm
Suggested Donation £375

The great gift of Advent is hope. It is a time of waiting, of expectation and of preparation. In our weekend together you will have time to focus on the hope of Advent. We promise you twinkling Christmas Trees, the awe-inspiring Advent Processional Service at Durham Cathedral, joyful carolling, mindful Christmas crafting with stimulating company and space to breathe and relax in the warmth of a Minsteracres welcome.

Your soul reset includes exploring some gems of the season, Christmas Wreath Making and crafting with some carolling, time with nature in the Minsteracres grounds, the chance for reflection in the morning peace and the opportunity for engagement with the community life at Minsteracres.

We will visit Wallington Hall and the Pugin masterpiece at Ushaw College bedecked in their Christmas finery, attend the Corbridge Christmas Tree Festival, hear local choirs carolling, perhaps taking the opportunity to buy a present in Corbridge’s independent shops, and be awed by the Advent Processional Service in the most beautiful cathedral in Europe – Durham Cathedral. We will make wreaths and other natural decorations for Christmas and enjoy some space from the business of the season.

Our days will start with an optional attendance at mass or early morning meditation in the grounds followed by breakfast and end with dinner. On Friday and Saturday, we will be adventuring around Northumbria and there will be lots of opportunities for refreshments. On Sunday we will indulge in some Christmas creativity and after lunch return to normal life.

The weekend will be supported by Jan Loughran, our passionate Northumbrian, who is also conductor of St Peters Choir, a member of three other choirs and loves Advent and Christmas music. She is also a keen florist and will share the simple joys of this special season in this special part of the world

The weekend will start on Thursday evening with supper and end with Sunday lunch and cost £375 including all transport and admissions – there is a discount if you are a member of either National Trust or Historic Homes.