So another weekend in the north passed quietly, mainly as rain stopped play for most of the time I was there. Not, of course, that it is any less beautiful. It simply meant that instead of tramping the moors, getting wind-battered and soaked, we stayed largely undercover and worked. Which means talking. With, perhaps, the occasional glass of wine.
The drive up on Thursday had been a drive through springtime, leaving the cold and wintry weather behind and following the sun. Sheltered banks of daffodils gilded the roadside and carpets of celandine opened their shiny yellow petals to embrace the day. England’s incredible palette glowed green… and I had to leave it for the motorway as time was getting on. Even so, I managed to lose myself temporarily in the hills, just for a short while… the loss being of no great account in face of such beauty and life.
Friday, of course, we had our monthly meeting, with lunch first at the Queen Anne in Great Hucklow, where spring is beginning to unfurl, with perfect timing for April. We called in at the Nightingale Centre where the event will be held in just a few weeks’ time, armed with tape measures and questions in preparation for the upcoming workshop. We have to get it right, of course… and once again we have people flying in from as far away as Europe and America to attend this unique event. We had to smile at the Green Man who hangs on the wall in the corridor there… a half-forgotten friend who winked back at us as if sharing the secret of next year’s adventure, which is already being planned.
The sun decided to oblige and graced the occasion with its presence as we walked up the hill that has become so much a part of our ritual working. We were seeking this year’s landscape, wondering what would unfold for us here. The land itself seems to welcome us and offer whatever we need for the hillside rituals. This year our needs are simple and there was no argument about where we would go when the moment arrived. A few sheep looked on from the field where the lamb had greeted our silent procession with its cries one morning as we brought the School into being. I had to wonder if it was the same one. It is, after all, a very special place.
I recalled the first workshops I myself had attended here, with every room filled with people. Would we want so many? The laughter seems to bubble away throughout our workshops, the intimacy allows old friends to meet and new friendships to be forged. No, I think we have it about right… although there are a couple of possible places still available, should anyone care to join us at the last minute…
We were talking about the workshop for most of the day. The rituals are written, props organised, our guest speaker ready… and now the final push begins to make sure we have everything right. We do it all ourselves as we operate on a not-for-profit basis, keeping expenses low so the workshop can be offered for no more than the cost of a weekend in a bed and breakfast, yet is fully catered and has all the ritual drama, the knowledge sessions and companionship thrown in… and it is set in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales. The vague memory of an old advertising campaign flickered through my mind; the word the company had used for their services was ‘priceless’. It seemed appropriate as I looked across the counterpane of beauty that spreads out around that little Derbyshire village.
April in Great Hucklow
Brochure, price list and Booking Form for River of the Sun 2015
For equiries bout the School or the workshop please email the Silent Eye at rivingtide@gmail.com
Sue Vincent's Daily Echo 
that’s a pretty area. I could spend a lot of time walking around the countryside.
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It is beautiful… and I do 🙂
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I enjoyed my visit there but I was a bit surprised with how cold it got in October. A quick trip to the department store squared me away and made the tour much better.
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England does get a little chilly… even in spring 🙂
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yes but it is pretty in the Fall. I’ve wondered what York would be like at Christmas time. I met a couple nice ladies there and they said it was great that time of year.
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It is lovely.. the tiny streets like The Shambles seem to waltz back in time somehow with the dark nights and the lights.
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I liked all of the different cat figures that I saw on the roofs. I have a few camera shots with them. it was so easy to miss all of the details. I spent so much time wandering around that I missed going into the cathedral.
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That’s a shame. The Minster is an incredible place… but it would take months to see everything in York. It has such a rich history.
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that is what I was told. York was a beautiful place to walk around and I could spend all summer walking around to see who had the best fish and chips or which pub had the best apple cider. but my hotel was haunted so that made up for part of what I missed.
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There seems to be history enough for everyone in my county’s capital city 🙂
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very true. I had a great visit. maybe some day I will return. too many places to see and not enough time and money to see them all.
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I live here and have the same problem 🙂
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…just absolutely knock-out photography, m’Lady, Sue:)
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Easy with that landscape, Seumas 🙂 Thank you!
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The excitement is building! Your photos are so lovely – esp. the first one of the sunrise reflected in puddles. 🙂 Spring is a wonderful time of year!
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I couldn’t quite believe how glorious the damp dawn was today 🙂
Yep, it is all go at the moment… but it will be worth it 🙂
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I love England’s countryside. I could easy want to get lost roaming aimlessly. Beautiful.
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So do I… and although you can’t really get lost in such a small place, I do try my best 🙂
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Sounds totally lovely and looks it, too! Specially love the sheep! xx ellen
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It is a gorgeous place, Ellen 🙂 xxx
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Looks so quaint and peaceful!! The name, Derbyshire Dales, is so fitting! Have a fun workshop!! 🙂
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Oh we will 🙂
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Thanks for sending us the sunny pictures. I loved the green man and that sheep looked so darned contented. I could have plunked myself right down beside!
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We sort of did 🙂 There just happened to be a pub and it sells Stowfords… 🙂
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What wonderful scenery, and gardens are gorgeous..
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It’s a really pretty village, all old stone set in green.
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