Past events

Christmas retreat (2009)

Our Christmas retreat was a huge success!

Read Clare's story below...

'As soon as I heard there was going to be a Christmas Retreat, I jumped at the chance not only to visit Brettargh again but to join in the festivities that were such a huge part of what made my Christmas last year actually feel like Christmas for the first time in a long while.

In essence it was just one long celebration in which we all sang our hearts out, danced our feet off, ate like Kings and Queens, chilled as friends, prayed together as family and reflected on the Nativity story, the true meaning of Christmas...

This weekend saw volunteers from past and present from Brettargh, Savio (another Salesian retreat centre), various Salesian projects, and those experiencing for the first time the warm welcome that the people there never fail in giving; all united by one thing.

The retreat began on the Friday evening and once we were all present we played games to help us get to know each other. It wasn’t long before we were all in fits of giggles and making fools of ourselves. Then when making mulled wine. Although usually I’m somewwe’d had our fill and our bellies were full to bursting it was playtime for the musicians and an opportunity for others to make a banner advertising our wonderful newly formed choir! And our night together was drawn to a close with a goodnight from our very own Sr Georgina.

On Saturdays morning anyone would have thought we were running for the X-Factor finals as we practised our songs and perfected our dance moves, featuring for the first year running our new and improved version of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ dance mega mix. Let’s just say I never pictured myself doing impressions of geese laying eggs or maids milking cows in the middle of a shopping centre but strangely enough we had a ball and it’s safe to say we were all in stitches! In an effort to make it to Christmas number one, we went out donned with our Christmas hats, antlers, sleigh bells, best singing voices and instruments that included guitars, flute, clarinet, trumpet, violin, bodran, many many many tambourines and not forgetting to mention a drum kit!!! Oh yes, we entered with a bang and our presence didn’t go by unnoticed. It felt really good to know that we helped to spread a little festive cheer, seeing the faces light up of the masses of busy shoppers, obviously dumbstruck, urm I mean awestruck at the sight and sound of our wonderful carol singing! We mustn’t have been half bad to be joined by Father Christmas himself who bopped along and swayed to the music as we watched from the doorway as the snow fell heavily outside while we sang ‘I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas’ at the top of our lungs.

To top off a great day, we returned to Brettargh to relax by the log fire with a mug of hot chocolate and enjoyed some chill time together while Sr Ella and her four little elves took to hat hazardous in the kitchen, she was a good teacher and we had much fun doing it, it certainly seemed to go down well. We finally watched a film of the Nativity story and finished the night with a prayer. Ending finally and all too soon with a final celebration on the Sunday before we all said our farewells.

I think it’s safe to say the retreat was a wonderful experience. In being made so welcome at Brettargh, we all felt ever more inspired and motivated to take a greater part in welcoming the Lord Jesus back into our hearts and our lives at Christmas, despite our busy lives. Yep Brettargh will always have a special place in my heart!

Clare xx'

Easter retreat (2009)

Our Easter retreat was fantastic! Click here for the form for this year's Easter retreat.

Read Kate's story below...

'I can't now think that I am ever going to have a more moving, fun, and all round amazing Easter ever again.

We went through moving times with newly made lifelong friends by our sides.

It all started with a bit of an akward silence. All new people that you didn't know anything about. But no matter, it was an amazing feeling to be back after previously coming to Bretta for revision days.

Most of the days during the retreat were spent organising for the following day however it was not just organising; it was a special time for reflecting on the Easter events. You don't realize it at the time but every time you are doing something for a mass or are just sat relaxing, you are always thinking and reflecting on the Easter story.

Good Friday was the most moving day of my life. The passion drama was interesting with the lovely Sister Margret playing Jesus but yet moving and captured that whole of the audience. I never expected to cry that day but when we took the walk to the Stations of the Cross it just hit me with the reality of the whole day and what Jesus really did go through. After reaching the final station I could no longer hold in my emotions.

One thing that also made it was the fact as a newly made "family"we all signed the cross and sent our thoughts and worries up to God in the incense.

The most memorable of all the trip has to be the preparation and the Easter vigil on the Saturday night and, as most people will remember, into Sunday morning! The mass was one big celebration. We all sang and clapped and this time cried with happiness. With the mass starting at 9 and finishing about 1 or 2 in the morning it was the most fun I have ever had (and not just the most fun I have had in a mass). And not forgetting the chocolate and quiche (haha) after the mass.

The retreat and Bretta has changed my life. And now I can't imagine life without it or without the people I have met. I have never cried so much in my life, both happy and sad tears and I can't imagine a better way of spending an Easter. Thank you to all at Bretta who made it such an experience and I hope that it will carry on for years to come. I love you all and God Bless.'

Brettargh Holt

Time Out Project