EVENT REVIEWS – Charney Manor
Tranquillity and Peace on a Yoga Retreat
On Friday afternoon 10th May I travelled with my yoga teacher Paul Blissett and a friend from Buckinghamshire to Charney Manor in Wantage.
Charney Manor is a beautiful thirteenth century grade one listed building set in the beautiful countryside of Oxfordshire. Allocated rooms were single occupancy with the facility to share if you so wished. All rooms had en-suites. We were very fortunate that our weekend had the added bonus of wonderful warm sunny days which meant we could sit in the courtyard or meander through the lovely tranquil garden. Meals were plentiful and delicious, the waft of spices greeting you as you approached the dining hall, often served by a very jolly Yorkshire chef.
I had never been on a yoga retreat so was somewhat apprehensive but also looking forward to a weekend of peace and tranquillity, and of course yoga. From the moment I arrived I was greeted with warmth and friendship. The theme of the weekend was “Finding peace in ourselves in a turbulent world” and indeed I did. With gentle yoga, meditation and the wonderful tranquillity of Charney Manor.
The weekend offered a varied programme, from gentle yoga to more strenuous yoga.
We had the opportunity to be guided through our yoga practice by different teachers, all sharing their individual approach to yoga. Meditation was encouraged as was an opportunity to experience different breathing techniques. We had the opportunity to have a yoga session in the garden; what a delight to lie on the grass and be so close to nature. I could smell the grass, look up to see the beautiful blue sky with white fluffy clouds ever so slowly just drifting by and, amid the silence as we concentrated on our breathing, the occasional bleating of the lambs and gentle birdsong. Absolute bliss.
We experimented with drawing and colouring, a session I particularly enjoyed. We listened to thought provoking poetry and a wonderful selection of music.
That feeling of tranquillity and peace remained with me, throughout the weekend and well into the week, when life with all its trials and tribulations began to invade my world of peace and tranquillity. But the yoga weekend has encouraged me to look at the world in a different light, encouraging me to find peace in myself in this turbulent world.
Charney Manor is a beautiful thirteenth century grade one listed building set in the beautiful countryside of Oxfordshire. Allocated rooms were single occupancy with the facility to share if you so wished. All rooms had en-suites. We were very fortunate that our weekend had the added bonus of wonderful warm sunny days which meant we could sit in the courtyard or meander through the lovely tranquil garden. Meals were plentiful and delicious, the waft of spices greeting you as you approached the dining hall, often served by a very jolly Yorkshire chef.
I had never been on a yoga retreat so was somewhat apprehensive but also looking forward to a weekend of peace and tranquillity, and of course yoga. From the moment I arrived I was greeted with warmth and friendship. The theme of the weekend was “Finding peace in ourselves in a turbulent world” and indeed I did. With gentle yoga, meditation and the wonderful tranquillity of Charney Manor.
The weekend offered a varied programme, from gentle yoga to more strenuous yoga.
We had the opportunity to be guided through our yoga practice by different teachers, all sharing their individual approach to yoga. Meditation was encouraged as was an opportunity to experience different breathing techniques. We had the opportunity to have a yoga session in the garden; what a delight to lie on the grass and be so close to nature. I could smell the grass, look up to see the beautiful blue sky with white fluffy clouds ever so slowly just drifting by and, amid the silence as we concentrated on our breathing, the occasional bleating of the lambs and gentle birdsong. Absolute bliss.
We experimented with drawing and colouring, a session I particularly enjoyed. We listened to thought provoking poetry and a wonderful selection of music.
That feeling of tranquillity and peace remained with me, throughout the weekend and well into the week, when life with all its trials and tribulations began to invade my world of peace and tranquillity. But the yoga weekend has encouraged me to look at the world in a different light, encouraging me to find peace in myself in this turbulent world.
Margaret Palin
Welcoming Weekend at Charney Manor
I really enjoyed the weekend at Charney Manor, great atmosphere, very welcoming, as usual!
My highlights were classes and Oms with David Cosserat, he is quite an amazing tutor and person!!!
The food was excellent very tasty, fresh and well thought out for nutrition.
My room was very clean and comfortable. I think the weekend was value for money and I would definitely go again. I will be booking Missenden in October and would come to yoga retreats 3-4 times a year.
My only very small negative was having to use a microwave almost on the floor, especially as I am recovering from Hip Surgery & Knee injury. I’m not sure health and safety has been thought about?
Thank you for organising it all.
My highlights were classes and Oms with David Cosserat, he is quite an amazing tutor and person!!!
The food was excellent very tasty, fresh and well thought out for nutrition.
My room was very clean and comfortable. I think the weekend was value for money and I would definitely go again. I will be booking Missenden in October and would come to yoga retreats 3-4 times a year.
My only very small negative was having to use a microwave almost on the floor, especially as I am recovering from Hip Surgery & Knee injury. I’m not sure health and safety has been thought about?
Thank you for organising it all.
Sue Fediw
A Magical Weekend
The whole weekend was magical.
As you know it was the first time that I had attended a Yoga for Health weekend.
I very much enjoyed experiencing the yoga sessions with different teachers; all with a unique style of teaching, which was uplifting and helpful.
Charney manor is a beautiful venue. Total peace and tranquillity pervaded this ancient building and the lush grounds were beautiful too.
From a personal point of view, regarding my own experience of the yoga, I came home calmer and more confident and also less worried about everyday life. I hope this feeling will stay with me.
I was made to feel so welcome and although a little apprehensive before I came about finding friendship, everyone was so friendly and kind. This was very important for me.
I look forward to spending time on another yoga retreat.
Thankyou Alison.
As you know it was the first time that I had attended a Yoga for Health weekend.
I very much enjoyed experiencing the yoga sessions with different teachers; all with a unique style of teaching, which was uplifting and helpful.
Charney manor is a beautiful venue. Total peace and tranquillity pervaded this ancient building and the lush grounds were beautiful too.
From a personal point of view, regarding my own experience of the yoga, I came home calmer and more confident and also less worried about everyday life. I hope this feeling will stay with me.
I was made to feel so welcome and although a little apprehensive before I came about finding friendship, everyone was so friendly and kind. This was very important for me.
I look forward to spending time on another yoga retreat.
Thankyou Alison.
Marion Garrett
A Thoroughly Enjoyable Weekend
I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. The atmosphere was great and having a courtyard in the middle of the buildings provided a central place to socialise. The weekend did meet my expectations and, in some parts, exceeded them. I was blown away at times by the experience and knowledge of the teachers. There were so many highlights – in fact the whole weekend was great. As far as the food was concerned it was very good and the chef was so sociable and friendly that it made mealtimes special.
I prefer the more active yoga sessions so all the teachers at Charney Manor should be invited back. I am considering joining you all in October. Yes the weekend was value for money; I just wish it could have gone on for another day. You are doing an amazing job and should be very pleased with yourselves for putting together such a great weekend. Everyone was so friendly and I thought that the numbers were just right.
Thanks again.
I prefer the more active yoga sessions so all the teachers at Charney Manor should be invited back. I am considering joining you all in October. Yes the weekend was value for money; I just wish it could have gone on for another day. You are doing an amazing job and should be very pleased with yourselves for putting together such a great weekend. Everyone was so friendly and I thought that the numbers were just right.
Thanks again.
Terri Oneill