Feedback from previous retreats
Southwark Diocese Retreat, 22nd October 2025
“The chance to withdraw from the problems & worries of day-to-day living; to appreciate God ‘s beautiful creation; to see God’s hand in plants seen frequently, but now to see their true beauty; to share the day with other Christians.”
“Strolling around Kew Gardens, not in a hurry. Loved the prayers included in the stations. The homilies were thought-provoking & enjoyable. The lunch was lovely!”
“It was a great balance of being outside, quiet meditation, prayer and also fantastic teaching ”
Churches Together in Kew Retreat (KTG), 27th September 2025
For this retreat we used Stations of the Trees, written by Revd Canon Dr Giles Fraser, vicar of St Anne’s. Stopping at 14 ‘stations’ it provides a reflection and a prayer linked to a particular location in the gardens. Feedback was very positive……….
“To reflect with the beauty around and be part of it as we did the stations of the trees.”
“Such a creative idea! And beautifully thought through. Loved the reflections & prayers. ”
“Very good text & prayer - more please in the future! I also appreciate the inclusion of art work.”
“Reflections & the booklet with wonderful writings - the magic of trees as metaphor & loadstar.”
Article from St Winefride’s Newsletter
A Parishioner writes... It is seldom that an experience or activity surpasses your expectations, but the Church's Together in Kew ecumenical day retreat which took place last weekend was one such pleasant surprise! St Winefride's was well represented in those attending from the 3 Kew parishes. The retreat was organised by 'Kew Theology and Gardening' and was based at St Anne's Church. If you think that a retreat has to be silent and based indoors then think again! We spent our morning as individuals or small groups walking in Kew Gardens undertaking a series of spiritual meditations, 'The Stations of the Trees', following in the tradition of the Stations of the Cross. We were well supported by a booklet of 14 reflections and prayers as we focused on the present environmental crisis and 'the crucifixion of the planet'. In the afternoon we were all back together listening to thought provoking reflections from Canon John on ‘Laudato Si’ and from RevdDr Melanie on spirituality and the joy of gardening. The day culminated in a wonderful choral evensong led by Canon Giles and including some St Winefride's choir members. It was a nourishing, provocative day. Certainly, there was guilt about how much we have ignored our responsibility to care for the beauty of God's creation and to act for the legacy we will leave. Participants will have left better able to act for the Common Good. Hopefully, we will have more such opportunities to come together ecumenically, to study together and to grow in friendship and dialogue as we did last Saturday. Thank you to St Anne's for their hospitality.
Clergy Retreat, 4th June 2025
Our first retreat was for Clergy across the Southwark Diocese. This is what they liked ……
“The chance to stop and look at wonder of creation.”
“I was glad to share with others in this experience of facing the reality of climate change of nature.”
“Time for refreshment & stimulation. To be in nature and to have some input (reflection).”
“The blend of worship, teaching, reflection, space & time.”
