Residential Workshops are essentially musical holidays
where you can combine the thrill of singing with all the elements of a great relaxing break.
With up to 40 people, it’s a comfortable experience whether you come alone or with friends. Singing is still the central aim. Each day has two scheduled workshops where new songs are learnt, developed and consolidated. Spontaneous singing often starts up outside of the workshops and there is time to enjoy other activities associated with a relaxing holiday: walking in the countryside, visiting local attractions, socialising or enjoying the character and atmosphere of the buildings themselves.
The buildings are part of the Singing for Larks experience.
They have been chosen for their charm, unique style, beautiful surroundings and warm welcome, keeping a careful eye on access for disabled people too. None of the venues are hotels; instead Faith has sought out old Abbeys, grand houses and simple country estates in magical places. Rather than conference facilities and modern plumbing, Faith looks for quirky places that seem to celebrate the musical experience, where the atmosphere serves to enhance your holiday.While some of the venues offer five star service and facilities, others are simpler, and you may be asked to help out by, for example, clearing your table or stripping your bed.An essential element in any good holiday is the food, and all the venues offer delicious and plentiful food, with vegetarian and other dietary requirements being well catered for. Faith's aim is to provide you with a choice to fit your pocket and your lifestyle.

RESIDENTIAL WORKSHOPS IN 2010

To find out more about the workshop theme, click on the button next to each workshop.

WHALLEY ABBEY, WHALLEY, LANCASHIRE Friday 16th - Sunday 18th April	www.walleyabbey.co.uk "Singing in Harmony"
Whalley Abbey is a manor house, which was built in the late sixteenth century and restored in the nineteenth century. It is set in its own grounds, amongst the wonderfully atmospheric ruins of an ancient Cistercian Abbey. Whalley village is in the beautiful Ribble Valley. Since 1926, the house has been the retreat and conference centre for the Diocese of Blackburn. After extensive renovations in 2006, this venue now offers comfortable, modern facilities while retaining a strong sense of history and an informal, friendly approach. All of the bedrooms have tea / coffee making facilities, telephone, data connection point and TV. The food is freshly prepared, using locally produced ingredients wherever possible, and there is a bar available. 20 minutes drive from both the M6 and the M65, about 35 miles north of Manchester. Nearest train station:: Whalley, about 5-10 minutes walk. Prices per person for the weekend Single en-suite Twin en-suite 3 Bedded Room Non-resident Sharing Sharing with 2 others £225.00 £210.00 £195.00 £150.00 Single occupancy £240.00 To book: complete the booking form and send it to Singing for Larks, along with a deposit of £35.00.

CHARNEY MANOR, CHARNEY BASSETT, OXFORDSHIRE Friday 28th - Sunday 30th May	www.charneymanor.demon.co.uk "Singing in Harmony"
Charney Manor is a grade 1 listed building, parts of which date back to the 13th century. It has three acres of garden, including a croquet lawn and tennis court, and it is situated on the edge of Charney Bassett, a small village in the Vale of the White Horse. In mediaeval times the manor belonged to the Benedictine Abbey of Abingdon and it is now owned by the Religious Society of Friends. The bedrooms are located in the Joan Vokins Annexe and the Barn as well as in the manor house itself, and each of these buildings has an area where guests can make their own hot drinks. We shall be singing in a light, airy meeting room, which has views of the garden. The food is freshly prepared, and the homemade puddings are often a talking point! There is no bar, but guests are welcome to bring their own drinks. About 14 miles south west of Oxford. 20 minutes drive from the M4 and 40 minutes drive from the M40. Nearest railway station: Didcot Parkway (14 miles). Prices per person for the weekend Single en-suite Twin en-suite 3 bedded room Non-resident Sharing Sharing with 2 others £240.00 £225.00 £210.00 £165.00 Single occupancy £255.00 To book: complete the booking form and send it to Singing for Larks, along with a deposit of £35.00.

WHALEY HALL, WHALEY BRIDGE, HIGH PEAK, DERBYSHIRE Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th September	www.whaleyhallckl.org.uk "Workshop Leaders Training" Running Your Own Workshops
Whaley Hall is a delightful Victorian country house, set in its own peaceful and secluded gardens, in the heart of the Goyt Valley.The Hall, which is run by an ecumenical community, is renowned for its easy-going atmosphere and it’s delicious, traditional puddings! Whilst none of the bedrooms have en-suite facilities, they all have hand washbasins. NB: It may be possible to find rooms in local Hotels or Bed and Breakfasts if you would prefer an en-suite room. Please contact Faith to discuss this. 5 minutes drive from the A6, about 25 miles from Manchester. Nearest railway station: Whaley Bridge, approximately 5 minutes walk. Prices per person for the weekend Single standard Twin standard Non-resident Sharing £235.00 £220.00 £175.00 Single occupancy £250.00 To book: complete the booking form and send it to Singing for Larks, along with a deposit of £35.00.

DILLINGTON HOUSE, ILMINSTER, SOMERSET Friday 8th - Sunday 10th October	www.dillington.co.uk "Jazz & Swing Harmonies"
A popular venue with many Singing for Larks regulars, Dillington House is a large and very grand manor house, set in seven acres of mature parkland, with gardens and an arboretum, in beautiful South Somerset. All of Dillington's buildings have been refurbished or newly designed and decorated to very high standards, with original artworks throughout. This venue offers first class facilities, excellent catering, with a choice of menu, a bar, and service which shows great attention to detail yet remains friendly and informal. All of the very comfortable en-suite bedrooms have tea/coffee making facilities, T.V., clock radio, phone and free wireless internet access. A small number of ‘superior’ en-suite rooms offer more spacious comfort along with a few extra touches. About 12 miles south east of Taunton. 20 minutes drive from the M5. Nearest railway station: Crewkerne, (7 miles). Prices per person for the weekend Single en-suite Double or twin en-suite Superior double or twin en-suite Non-resident Sharing Sharing £272.00 £272.00 £289.00 £193.00 Single occupancy Single occupancy £296.00 £313.00 For this workshop you need to book directly with Dillington House by phoning: 01460 258613. You can pay your £50.00 deposit by card or cheque.

INFORMATION

TIMES: Friday around 6.30pm to Sunday around 4.00pm DETAILS: When you book, you will be sent further details about the venue, including directions, plus information about the workshops and a timetable for the weekend. ACCESSIBILITY: All of the residential venues have workshop space, bedrooms and toilets either on the ground floor or on a floor with lift access.While not all of the venues are fully adapted, all have arrangements in place to help people who use wheelchairs or who have difficulties with walking. Please phone for further details or to discuss your individual needs. If you need words in Braille or on tape, let Faith know in plenty of time. PRICES: All prices are per person for the weekend and they include: Residential package: tuition, accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 evening meals and hot drinks. Non-residential package: tuition, 2 lunches, 2 evening meals and hot drinks. NB it’s usually possible to add breakfasts if you prefer – please arrange this with Faith in advance. REDUCED RATE: At each weekend workshop, a small number of places will be offered at a reduced rate: £35.00 off the original price for a Singing Weekend and £50.00 off the original price for a Workshop Leaders’ Training Weekend. These places will usually be for a shared room. They are available to people on lower incomes, for whom the prices might otherwise be prohibitive. Please contact Faith to check availability. PAYMENT: For the Dillington House workshop, your contract is with Somerset County Council and not with Singing for Larks, therefore please note the different booking and payment details and the different booking conditions below. You can pay your £50.00 deposit for this workshop by card or cheque. For all other workshops, payment is cheque only. BOOKING CONDITIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL WORKSHOPS (excl Dillington House): Deposits are non-returnable. Deposits are transferable to another Singing for Larks workshop only if you notify the office at least 28 days before the original workshop is due to start. The balance of your fee will be due 28 days before the start of the workshop. After this date, Singing for Larks will refund your full payment, minus deposit, only if it has been possible to re-allocate your place to someone else. BOOKING CONDITIONS FOR DILLINGTON HOUSE: Deposits are non-returnable and non-transferable. The balance of your fee will be due 28 days before the start of the workshop. After this date, your full payment is non-returnable and non-transferable. BOOKING FORM: Available to download here. GIFT VOUCHERS: Why not treat someone to a slice of Singing Heaven with a Singing for Larks Gift Voucher? You can buy a voucher for any amount and there is no time limit.