Timetable
Activities in bold indicate times when we are all together. More information on certain activities is available further down the page, or by clicking the links in blue.
Tuesday 13 May |
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| 10.30am | Registration | Reception area |
| 11.20am | Gathering worship | Derbyshire suite |
| 11.30am | Opening Eucharist | Derbyshire suite |
| 1pm | Lunch | Dining rooms |
| 1.30pm | Bookstall opens | Lounge |
| 2.15pm | Keynote address - Gemma Simmonds SJ | Derbyshire suite |
| 3.30pm | Tea and coffee | Main house |
| 4.15pm | Workshops and reflection spaces | Various, see below |
| 6pm | Evening prayer in small groups | See your conference folder |
| 6.30pm |
Free wine reception Pay bar open |
Bar area, main house |
| 7pm | Evening meal | Dining rooms |
| 8pm |
Musical portraits with Epiphany Music (booking required) |
Chapel Lounge |
| 9.30pm | Night prayer | Chapel |
Note that some workshops and reflection spaces have limited space available. Sign-up sheets are provided outside the Derbyshire Hall.
Communion is in both kinds throughout the conference. Gluten-free wafers are available and will be consecrated on a separate paten.
Jump to: General information | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday
Opening Eucharist
Location: Derbyshire Hall, 11.30am
Preacher: Bishop Steven
Keynote: Pilgrims of hope
Location: Derbyshire Hall, 2,15pm
Sr Gemma Simmonds brings deep wisdom from a life of mission, chaplaincy, and theological reflection. Drawing on her experience as a Catholic theologian and ecumenical leader, she offers insight into spirituality, ecclesiology, and the theology of religious life. Expect a rich, reflective address shaped by a global perspective, deep faith, and a passion for the life of the Church.
Workshops
Happening on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, be sure to sign up for one of the spaces for exploration. These include workshops, guided conversations, creative arts and prayer and spirituality reflection spaces. They offer a range of ways to engage creatively, deepen engagement or provide space for active reflection.
Sign-up sheets can be found in the foyer area of the Derbyshire Hall, our main meeting space. Please note that some workshops and reflection spaces have limited space available. Sign up promptly to avoid disappointment.
Location: Tissington Room, Lakeside – maximum 50 participants
This practical session introduces the Twelve Habits of Reconciliation, as taught by the Rose Castle Foundation. Reconciliation, as a divine grace, requires intentional practices that can be learned, internalized, and embodied. Through these habits, we are invited to become agents of peace, justice, and healing in our communities.
Location: Derbyshire Hall – maximum 30 participants
An opportunity to experience and enjoy the wordless approach to connection with God which drumming offers. A focussed time of reflection and contemplation. Feel free to use the workshops to seek clarification, inspiration and/or guidance from God. Tim, Paul and Mike look forward to sharing in a moment of connectivity for each of us: with each other and with God, individually and corporately.
Location: Chapel – maximum 50 participants
Step into a peaceful, immersive experience of improvised, classical and Celtic music performed ‘in the round’. A time to pause, reflect and be refreshed as Epiphany shares their ministry of creativity, mission and the power of music to restore and renew in the midst of life’s busyness.
Location: Derbyshire Hall – maximum 20 participants
Experience God’s healing and restoration through hands-on creativity, led by Emma and Pauline of Created Creative. With space to reflect and respond, these workshops use paint, clay, and collage to help relieve stress, refresh the spirit, and draw closer to our Creator. No experience needed—we’re all creative, and God delights in surprising us!
Location: Meeting Room 3 – maximum 20 participants
We all know it: caring for ourselves is essential to helping others. Just like on a plane, we need to fit our own oxygen mask first. In this workshop, Gill, Nick and Susie share resources for self-care and invite you to reflect honestly on your wellbeing, exploring tools like spiritual direction, ministry accompaniment, and ongoing personal development.
Location: Meet in main reception – maximum 14 participants
Join an hour’s reflective walk with pauses for prayer and listening to God through his creation. Led by diocesan partners from South Africa, Sweden, and Oxford, this is a Walk for the Future prayer pilgrimage, a Swedish initiative open to all, to honour God’s gift of the natural world and seek his help in caring for it. There is a garden-based option available for those not walking the full route. Please wear outdoor shoes and dress for the weather.
Location: Butterley 1
Join us for a playful, practical journey into singing with ease and joy. Through bite-sized techniques—breath, support, shaping vowels—you’ll build confidence and clarity. For all levels, led by Ryland Angel, Grammy-nominated singer fusing chant, opera and vocal mastery. Come ready to explore, have fun, and remember: “Vowels carry the voice, consonants carry the text!”.
Location: Meeting Room 2 – maximum 20 participants
Discover how the diocesan learning hub can help your parish grow a vibrant discipleship culture. Explore local challenges and uncover practical tools to support and strengthen lay ministry. With Andrew Hayes (Lay Ministry Enabler) and Phil Cooke (Dean of Lay Ministry Training).
Location: Derwent Room, Lakeside – maximum 50 participants
Bishops Mary and Dave explore the habits that sustain resilient ministry. With stories of quilts, dogs, and beauty, Mary shares how joyful practices shape her rhythm of rest. Dave, whose journey spans atheism to chaplaincy, the inner city to mountain biking and Lego, invites us into the adventure of creative rest—where vibrant discipleship and true fruitfulness flow from abiding, not striving.
Location: Writing Room, main house – maximum 30 participants
Meet Katie Woo, the new National Church Hong Kong Communities Enabler, supporting churches in welcoming and journeying with Hong Kongers. Learn about the Berkshire Hong Kong Resourcing Hub, the Teahouse initiative, and how churches can connect, equip, and encourage full participation and ministry within Chinese-heritage communities.
Location: Meeting Room 7 – maximum 20 participants
‘It is Difficult to Speak of the Night’ (from Jack Gilbert, poet). Join Gary Collins in a contemplative exploration of how art, poetry, and imagination help us approach the unspeakable mysteries of faith and prayer. This gentle session invites you into the wisdom of being, of less, and of not-speaking—where silence speaks volumes.
Location: Reading Room, main house – maximum 30 participants
An opportunity for individuals and small groups to receive prayer ministry offered by Revd John Hughes, retired vicar of St Andrew’s, High Wycombe and St John’s Harborne, and Annie Hughes, co-founder of the Association of Chaplains in Medical Practice (ACGP). Time slots (15 mins) must be booked in advance.
Location: Butterley 2
Reflective activities and time to contemplate and pray into themes, issues and challenges raised during the conference. BeSpace supports local churches to run prayer and reflection spaces in schools and other areas of the community. Their space will be available to all throughout the conference.
Bookstall
Location: Lounge, main house
St Andrew’s Bookshop provides a range of publications written or suggested by our keynote speakers and workshop leaders. Get your hands on some books to help you go deeper with the week’s themes.
Epiphany: Sound portraits
Location: Chapel
Ever had your portrait painted—with music? At various times through our conference, Epiphany will offer unique 15-minute ‘sound portraits’ using improvised music to reflect individuals or small groups they play for. A powerful, moving experience where you may encounter yourself in a whole new way. Booking required - don’t miss it!