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How
many people can you accommodate?
We have 14 visitor bedrooms. In our busiest family weeks we
can fit in up to 34. At other times anything between 12 and
24 is normal. The 6 members of the core community live in
separate accommodation on site.
Do
you have single rooms?
Yes - and twins, doubles and family rooms (but no en-suites).
Just tell us your preference on the booking form. Book early
for single rooms - sometimes we will only have space left
if you're prepared to share.
What
time of day do events begin and end?
Residential events usually begin with supper at 6.30 or 7.00p.m.
It helps us if you arrive after 4.30p.m. Departure times are
mid-morning unless otherwise indicated (e.g. Sunday p.m.).
Can
I arrive a day early or stay over an extra night?
This kind of extension is sometimes possible, particularly
to bridge from one event to the next. Please ask us about
the specific dates you have in mind.
Can
I reach you by public transport?
Yes. There is more information, with maps and transport links,
on the Travel and Location page.
Can
I take part in an event as a non-resident?
This is sometimes possible. See the Othona
Locals / Day Events section for more details.
How
do I qualify for a concession?
You don't have to. Our concessionary rate is freely available
to anyone who feels they need it. It is not just for people
receiving state benefits. After all, some pensioners are comfortably
off, while some people in full time work are very hard up
because of their commitments. So we trust your judgment about
your own needs.
An individual can claim concessionary rate for up to 21 days
in the calendar year. We don't quote concessionary rates for
children but are happy to consider a reduction if your family
needs it. Please contact us to discuss.
What
is the distinction between concession and bursary?
Our concessionary rate is available as described above. A
bursary is further financial help for someone who finds even
the concessionary rate too much. To ask for a bursary you
need to contact the warden who will treat your enquiry confidentially.
Can
I book online?
No. You can enquire about room availability online and we
can pencil in a provisional booking. But to confirm that you
must send a booking form on paper.
Can
I pay by credit or debit card?
Unfortunately we cannot process payments by card. You could
use a cheque or postal order. Or you may find a bank transfer
is best. For details see the How To Book page.
Do
you offer individually guided retreats?
This is a service we don't offer. You can find places which
do through www.retreats.org.uk
Do
you offer private retreats, within or outside advertised events?
This is not usually possible outside advertised events, but
see below about sabbatical stays. Many people looking for
a retreat experience find our Quiet Weeks and Open Spaces,
with a balance of chill out and community, meet their needs.
Can
I stay for a longer period?
Our new 'sabbatical stays' can be anything from a fortnight
to a month. During March, June and November 2010 and March 2011 we have some
places available on this basis. Please see Sabbaticals and contact us if you wish to explore
possibilities. Use of our library and/or the art room could
be just the thing for your sabbatical or career break. The
library is particularly rich in spirituality of many faiths
and radical Christian theology. The art room has equipment
for pottery, spinning and weaving, and most visual arts. We
cannot offer prolonged stays where your main needs are therapeutic.
As a rule Othona only has living space for those who work full time
as part of the core community.
Do
you hire out the centre for group use?
Yes, occasionally. We have a few openings each year for 'outside
group' bookings not advertised in our own Programme. We find
this works where you are not looking for 'just another venue'
but want the special ethos of a community. Please contact
the warden to discuss possibilities.
How
do you cater for people with disabilities?
All our communal rooms and two downstairs bedrooms are wheelchair-accessible.
There is a hearing loop in the chapel. Assistance dogs are
an exception to Othona's general no dogs rule.
What's
your food like? Will my diet be a problem?
We cater at all times for vegetarians as well as meat-eaters.
Those on other dietary regimes will find we do our best but
we can't guarantee special meals. You're welcome to bring
supplementary food that suits you. Othona specialises in home-cooked,
healthy, scrumptious meals. We grow some of our own food,
and use a lot of produce that is local (West Dorset is a bit
of a foodie heaven), organic or fairly traded.
Will
I have to do the washing up?
Yes! Community life means we share a few simple tasks such
as washing up and preparing vegetables, usually one each per
day. Approached in a spirit of care and co-operation they
can be more like gifts than chores.
Will
I have access to media?
Othona offers a rest from the chatter of tv, radio etc. except
occasional use for e.g. discussion videos. (If you listen
to radio in your room we ask you not to disturb others). Mobile
phone reception is patchy here but we do have a payphone.
We don't currently have a computer for visitors' use.
Will
my children like it?
Who can ever predict? But seriously, we usually design events
during school holidays to be family-friendly. Most children
adjust quickly to community life and love its freedoms. We ask that electronic games machines are left at home so as to leave room for interaction and creative play. We
have an established child protection policy.
How
inclusive are you?
Othona values diversity and aims to break down barriers of
age, sex, race, ability and background. We were pioneers among
Christian centres in actively welcoming people regardless
of sexual orientation.
What
if I'm not Christian, or not even religious?
You don't have to be Christian to enjoy Othona or to be welcome
here. Many Othona people are Christian, but some are of other
faiths. And many others are reluctant to be identified with
any one religion, seeing themselves on a spiritual search.
Only if you were indifferent or hostile to any such search
would we suggest you think again about visiting Othona.
How
'holy' is the atmosphere in your community?
Spiritual health is about being fully human - which may or
may not include being religious. Othona supports anybody who
takes spiritual health seriously (by which we don't mean solemnly!)
But you won't encounter a lot of pious talk, nor pressure
to share other people's beliefs. We hope you'll find 'soul
nourishment' in our chapel – as well as on the beach, in the
art room, round the dinner table. Our library is a treasure
house of books (and now some audio) to stir the heart and
feed the mind, particularly strong in progressive theology
and multi-faith spirituality.
So
in what sense is Othona Christian?
In a profoundly open sense - open-hearted and open-minded
- which we believe Christianity at its best is. Here at Othona
West Dorset we speak of being "rooted in the Christian
heritage… open to the widening future". We honour
the revolutionary heart of Jesus' teaching, when Othona embraces
and learns from people of all faiths and none. Could a Christianity
evolving for the 21st century settle for less? How crucial
it is that the world's great faiths should relax their defensiveness
and explore common ground. Othona is one tiny step in that
direction.
What's
next for Othona?
We have embarked on a sizeable development
project which will continue in 2009, but should not disturb visitors in our
main house. It will deliver an enlarged car park, better signage and lighting, safety and
access improvements for all, and a new house built with good
green credentials to replace the warden's dilapidated cottage. Thanks to donations and kind interest-free loans we have the cash to proceed, but we still welcome further
donations.
What
does the name Othona mean?
Nobody knows! Except that it was the Romans' name for a fort
they built on the Essex coast. Out of the ruins of that fort
rose a Christian church in AD654. Close by that church is
the other (and first) Othona centre at Bradwell-on-Sea in
Essex. Today the Othona Community is a far-flung network of
people with a love for one or both centres. Newcomers and
non-members are just as welcome as long-established Othona
members.
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