Musical Retreat - Launde Abbey, East Norton, Leicestershire

As it currently stands, and after a visit to the venue to see for ourselves, our visit to Launde Abbey is going ahead as planned, but with a slightly different format in terms of singing and musical activities which would allow us to stay within the current  Government guidelines (which can of course change at any given time).  We have been allocated the ‘Stables’ block, which is a standalone building just across from the main building and means we can be largely self-contained for all our activities, apart from meals, which will be served in the main building. Apart from our group, there will only be a few other guests staying.  There is also a beautiful Chapel, fantastic grounds to explore (including a kitchen garden and Labyrinth!) and a fantastic huge old tree which we could potentially all sing around which would even provide shelter from the rain! There are numerous places of interest to visit nearby, including Rutland Water and the lovely town of Oakham, plus endless walking and cycling routes in the scenic surrounding countryside. It is a very idyllic and tranquil place.  We struggled to get a date for Launde Abbey for the last couple of years, and they are already booked up for most of next year, so, if you are happy for Tim to put together a musical programme of activities (which will include singing where possible) then we hope you will want to take the opportunity to join us to spend some time at this really special venue and explore the surrounding area. We also encourage our guests to entertain their fellow guests, so please bring along any 'party pieces' you would like to share.  You only need to pay the deposit of £50 now to secure your place, and we will ask for the final payment in the last week of August. 

We are delighted to secure dates at the most impressive Launde Abbey Christian Retreat House and Conference Centre set in beautiful parkland of 450 acres on the borders of Leicestershire and Rutland in the heart of England. Launde Abbey was founded as an Augustinian priory in 1119 by Richard Basset, a royal official of Henry I. During the first century of its life the community buildings, cloister and garth were built, including an imposing church of which one side chapel still survives, now used as the Chapel at the present-day Abbey. This stunning venue is easily accessed from all areas and there will be time to explore the nearby vibrant market towns of Oakham, Stamford or Uppingham. 

Our aim is still to send our guests away enthused and inspired, with a sense that they have improved their singing, learnt new techniques, musical skills and felt challenged, all within a friendly and welcoming environment with like-minded people in a beautiful location, which is worth coming to in its own right! 

We also accept non-singing partners who may want to come along just to have a break and explore this wonderful area - please enquire as to rates!

Cost: 

£275.00 per person for returning guests 

(ie, guests that have already been on a Tim Knight Music Singing Weekend (2 or 3 night holidays))

£295.00 per person for first-time guests 

Guide to a typical Itinerary (subject to revision): 

Friday - 4pm welcome refreshments, dinner, introductory gathering

Saturday -  Breakfast, musical sessions, lunch, free time to explore area and dinner

Sunday - Breakfast, morning musical session, lunch and afternoon tea, depart thereafter 

Costs includes meals stated in the itinerary above (please note timings and sessions are flexible to suit the groups requirements). A non-returnable deposit of £50.00 per person is required at the time of booking, with full payment required prior to the event as notified by TKM. A full itinerary will be sent in advance of the event. This event is for experienced singers with a good sight-reading ability.