For the record... the original invitation! Parishes Weekend
at Noddfa
12th - 14th October 2012 A Parishes Weekend in the beautiful and peaceful centre – Noddfa - situated in North Wales, is planned for Friday 12th - Sunday 14th October, 2012. You can read more about the place and see pictures at www.noddfa.org.uk Noddfa is a Welsh word meaning haven or refuge - a place of peace and welcome a place where you can regain energy. It is the name of the centre run by the sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary in Penmaenmawr, on the North Walescoast. Fr. Colin Oxenforth (who has recently retired to the Waterloo area where he grew up) will lead the weekend which will include liturgy, Bible studies, space for personal prayer, a free Saturday afternoon and a less-serious ‘after dinner talk’ (Fr. Colin recently gave a talk to the Barbara Pym Society!) and, needless to say, plenty of time to socialise..! Noddfa is well situated for visiting the spectacular Snowdonia National Park, the historic town of Conwy and its castle, the seaside town of Llandudno, Anglesey and many more places of interest. At Noddfa there is not just one garden, but many different gardens joined harmoniously into an oasis of peace in the middle of a bustling world. Near the house are the more formal gardens with flower beds, lawns and tree-shaded paths. Behind the buildings are shrub gardens that blend naturally into the woodland that spreads away towards the mountain. On the edge of the woodland there are vegetable gardens, that supply some of the food for the house, and an orchard. You can play croquet on the lawn, sit and gaze at the fountain, wander the paths that meander through the woods, or just relax on an easy chair. Splashes of colour abound around the grounds at the moment. We invite you to come and walk one of our 2 labyrinths. In walking the labyrinth, you simply follow the path to the centre. There are no choices to make and you do not get lost. At the centre, you can stop and reflect and then you turn around and retrace your steps. The return is as important as going in and what you experience at the centre. As well as our grass labyrinth, we have another labyrinth, originally designed and made for us by the Prince's Trust, with beautifully scented lavender bushes. This has recently been renewed with golden coloured stones, which make for easier upkeep and are very attractive. There is a limit of 25 (or a few more if couples come along) for this so please let Geoff Dunn (0151 928 9913)know as soon as possible if you are interested. The cost is likely to be in the region of £50 per person per night (full board) plus the travel costs. |