Radhadesh retreat

22-24 October 2004

Dear ISKCON Member,

Every year members of ISKCON come together for a weekend retreat. A lot of us who live at opposite ends of the country don't get to see each other very much, apart from a brief hello at the London Rathayatra Festival, so its great to meet up and spend time together. We've previously gathered in Oxford, and in recent years at Buckland Hall in the Brecon Beacons. This year we're going international and heading off to sunny Belgium.

All right, it's not sunny, and it may not even be famous for anything except chocolates and amazingly bad Eurovision songs, but the devotees of Krishna over there have a very hospitable community in a beautiful setting. It's in the forested hills of the Ardennes region in a stunning castle in the village of Petite-Somme.

For twenty years the Chateau de Petite-Somme, commanding superb views of the surrounding countryside, has been home to a thriving spiritual community, a gorgeous temple, a well-stocked library, bakery and, over the past two years, a purpose-built guesthouse built in traditional design from local stone.

Our weekend there will be more recreation than contemplation, but its only a few steps from the comfortable guesthouse to the temple and you will be more than welcome to participate in the morning meditation, worship and class. The library, where absolute silence rules, is also a great place to catch up with all that philosophical reading you've been promising yourself.

Otherwise there are some excellent walks, a fascinating tour of the castle, and canoeing if you feel adventurous. There's excellent pizza and other dishes in the restaurant, a variety of home-made breads in the bakery, and a large gift shop. And let's not forget the devotees themselves who will make you feel at home.

The weekend runs from midday on Friday, October 22nd through to Sunday 24th early evening. We will be travelling by coach from Bhaktivedanta Manor in Hertfordshire to Stanstead Airport, flying by Ryanair to Charleroi Airport; then by coach for just over an hour to our destination. The return trip should see you back at the Manor in good time to drive home. You will need a valid passport for this trip.

All rooms in the guesthouse are for three to four persons sharing in either a room with bunk-beds or beds with roll-out box beds. Most rooms have ensuite toilet and shower and are quite bright and spacious with good views. There are also six dormitory beds with shared bathroom for men available.

The price for the trip has not yet been fixed - mainly because the cost of the flight has not yet been published and is variable - but it will be in the region of £100 per person or just over. Unfortunately there can be no reduced rates for children on this trip since both coach and flight charge the same for children as adults. Nevertheless, we expect demand for this trip will be high: on the last weekend there were 120 participants and there is room for 48 only on the October weekend.

If there is a huge demand - at least another 50 - then there is alternative accommodation on a nearby holiday park with A-frame wooden chalets sleeping 5/6 for around £60 a night within ten minutes drive of the castle. Transport can be provided at extra cost.

To secure your place you must send a non-refundable deposit of £45 per person before the end of May. Please make cheques payable to "ISKCON-CDF"

Post form and cheque to:

Kripamoya Dasa, Congregational Development Department, Bhaktivedanta Manor,
Hilfield lane, Aldenham, Watford, Herts, WD25 8EZ

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I wish to reserve____places on the October Retreat to Belgium. Please find enclosed cheque/P.O. to the value of £__________

Name________________________________Address____________________________

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_____________________________Tel:_______________________________________

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