In the pouring rain and roaring wind we waded over to the mini-bus and sat in cold darkness
In the pouring rain and roaring wind, we waded over to the mini-bus and sat in cold darkness until the caravan park emerged out of nowhere. “Right – you’ve got an hour.” Like schoolchildren, we scattered.Lawrence Earnshaw and Sylvia Longstaff set up the Pamper Weekend for Ladies 10 years ago. A group of six office workers who had had their pamper weekend paid for by their boss. They were excited and giggly and dying to discover the local talent Then there was a group of four thirtysomethings.
They had known each other for years: a real “let’s-go-away-and-to-hell-with-men” weekend. Then there were the couples: two women from Essex (“our second time”), a local mother and her mother (“here to escape the kids”), two hippie-types from Hull (a break from the council estate women’s centre) and my favourites: Maggie and Sue.We sat round in awkward silence while Lawrence, our bearded, middle- aged host to’d and fro’d offering tea and coffee: “More, girls?” Then it was time for a bit of pampering Time for hours of relaxed sweating and soothing swimming. Guests who had written in the visitors’ book were enthusiastic about previous Ladies Pamper Weekends. “This is a pool of tranquil water amid the roaring gales and stormy seas of life”, wrote one woman. “The most relaxing time I’ve ever spent – and this is my fifth visit”, said another.
Two by two and pack by pack, the rest of the “ladies” arrived. As for the “privately owned” swim, sauna and whirlpool bath, this was owned by the caravan park 20 minutes away
What made me stay? Curiosity, I suppose.
The brochure had promised of a “bygone era” atmosphere, but this “Pamper” retreat was a cross between a youth hostel and a bed and breakfast. My first instinct after arriving at Hartrigg Country House, “a lovely old Victorian building standing in its own grounds in Buckden”, was to go home This was not what I had expected. A contribution of Fr28-37 per day (£3.70-£4.90) for students and Fr77- 104 (£11-£13.85) is recommended to cover meals and accommodation Take a sleeping bag.. Later, on the coach back to Chalon-sur-Saone, I got out my phrasebook and worked out what it meant. He certainly does, and I shall be back to drink again.To book a visit to the Taiz Community, write or telephone three weeks in advance: the Taiz Community, 71250 Cluny, France (00 33 85.50.30.02). Eight hundred people replied, “Al- le-lu-u-ia.”"Toi, tu nous aimes, source de vie” we sang as we filed out 30 minutes later.
The five bells housed in a wooden tower near the Yellow House were quietening. The brothers in their white habits shuffled on to wooden prayer-stools and sat in two long lines, forming a brilliant stripe that divided the church like a glowing central aisle The last chime faded Silence. From somewhere near the candlelight of the alter, a single voice called out “Alleluia”. On Saturday mornings, outdoor stalls and pitches are packed with selections of cheese and sausages.