Christian Ecology Link Weekend 2010

On the verge of chaos:

Transition living in a time of collapse

12-14 February 2010, Scarborough

Speakers: Rev. Sam Norton and CEL members involved in transition towns.

A weekend to find your head while all around are losing theirs.

Families welcome. All activities are optional.

Eary bird price if booked before 31 October: £104

£120 from November.

A booking form is below. Any queries please contact: CEL Information Officer, 3 Bond Street , Lancaster LA1 3ER. 0845 459 8460 info@christian-ecology.org.uk

The Weekend:

The official prescription in this time of turmoil is to redouble our assault on the natural world. But the only future is to find peace with it. How can churches and individual Christians respond?

By proclaiming a time of transition, a time of faith and doubt, grief and hope, as we discover how to live in a climate-changed world, without the oil on which our society has come to depend.

Join us on the Yorkshire coast as we hear from speakers, share the experiences of those active in 'Transition towns', and learn how to get involved ourselves. We will share worship and good fun - and join the other species who have learnt, where land meets sea, to thrive on the verge of chaos.

The weekend takes place at Green Gables, YO12 4DX, in Scarborough on the North Yorkshire coast. We will find out about the transition town movement in Scarborough and elsewhere, discover what church involvement there is with these initiatives, and explore how our faith fits in with ideas of transition with the Rev. Sam Norton. (See his blog)

What are transition towns?

Transition towns are a response to the two related problems of climate change and peak oil. Groups of people in transition towns seek ways of tackling climate change in their own community and becoming less reliant on oil. They are concerned about the state of the planet and ready to do something right now. Many people are already doing lots of things: recycling, buying locally, using low energy bulbs, growing vegetables, using alternative energy, taking the bus, walking to work and school, going on holiday in the UK . There are many Christians across the UK who are involved in their local transition initiative – either as a member of an organising group or as a participant in the various activities. Visit www.christian-ecology.org.uk/cit-leaflet.pdf for more on ‘churches in transition' ideas.

What will we do?

During the weekend we will have time to explore how our faith fits in with ideas of transition with the Rev Sam Norton. Sam is the Rector of West Mersea in Essex . Prior to ordination he worked in the Department of the Environment. He maintains a blog at http://elizaphanian.blogspot.com where he has been exploring the theological implications of peak oil for some years. We will also get to know the local situation in Scarborough and see at first hand the problems and potential of finding ways to live with climate change and a reduced dependency on oil.

How to book

Contents of flyer and booking form below. Click here for pdf version

The Venue:

Green Gables hotel ( YO12 4DX ) is a former hydro-therapy centre. It is a spacious Victorian building with its own swimming pool. It now offers accommodation and facilities for conferences. There is open country on the doorstep with endless walks, and a 15 minutes walk downhill to a sandy beach. We will be sharing the public spaces with other groups but will have a room set aside for our meetings.

All rooms are en suite with tea and coffee making facilities.

Getting there:

It is easy to get to by public transport --just 15 to 20 minutes' walk from the station on the flat - two stops by bus, every 15 minutes on weekdays. An hourly train service runs to York and the East Coast mainline.

Main Speaker:

The Rev. Sam Norton is the Rector of West Mersea in Essex. Prior to ordination he worked in the Department of the Environment. He maintains a blog at http//elizaphanian.blogspot.com where he has been exploring the theological implications of peak oil for some years.

Cost:

Full weekend, all meals included from Friday night to Sunday lunch: £120 per person (£115 if willing to share a room).

Early bird discount if booked and fully paid before 31 October: £104 per person (£99 if willing to share a room).

Some Bursaries are available. If you are a student or on a low income, please ask if a reduced priced place is still available.

Special prices for families:

Children under five are free. £42 for children from 5 to 12 years. Family rooms available.

Facilities for families:

The hotel is situated next to a park with children's playground, and has an indoor heated swimming pool.

Food:

We have requested vegetarian food. If you are vegan or have special dietary needs, please indicate on the booking form.

Staying on for an extra night:

If you wish to stay on for Sunday night please contact the hotel direct to book. Say you are extending your stay from the CEL conference and the charge will be £27.50 for B&B.

Green Gables Hotel, West Bank,

Scarborough , North Yorkshire YO12 4DX Tel. 01723 361005

www.greengablesscarborough.co.uk

Booking form

CEL WEEKEND: Friday 12 to Sunday 14 February 2010

Name: _______________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

________________________________________________________

No. of places: Adults _____ Children under 5 ____ 5 -- 12 ____

Tel: _______________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________

Dietary requirements: ____________________________________

A non-returnable deposit is required to secure your booking, or you can pay the full amount now.

Full amount for Early Bird discounted price by 31 October.

Full amount without discount by the start of the weekend.

Cheques payable to Christian Ecology Link.

Please send to: CEL, 3 Bond Street , Lancaster LA1 3ER.

Deposit : £20 ....

Totals for full cost:

Single room: £120 per person ....

Willing to share a room: £115 per person ....

Children: 5--12 years £42 per child (under 5s free) ....

Early bird discounted price, single room: £104 pp ....

Early bird wiling to share a room: £99 pp ....

Deposit/Fee enclosed ________