Yoga events in the South West
Read the BWY South West Region booking cancellation policy.
BWY South West Region booking cancellation policy
1 Once we have accepted your booking form with full payment and you subsequently withdraw prior to one month before the event takes place, then 50% of the fee will be refunded.
2 If you withdraw less than a month before the event date, regrettably, no refund can be made, unless there are extenuating circumstances such as serious illness or bereavement, when 50% of the fee will be refunded.
3 If an event is cancelled for any reason, a full refund will be made.
4 Allocated places are non-transferable.
Please note: For IST days, teachers have booking priority at the discretion of the organiser.
Events listed here may include some in adjacent counties of other BWY regions.
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Click the blue postcode hyperlink to open in a separate window a Google map of the venue.
Where relevant, a booking form hyperlink in the top right of the more information panel enables you to print out a pre-populated booking form for that specific event.
Please note
Printing out a booking form via the website does NOT reserve or guarantee you a place.
Your place is booked and guaranteed ONLY when the organiser has received your payment.
You will then be sent email confirmation of your booking.
Events in 2012
- February-November 2012
- DORSET
BWY Foundation Course Level 1 -
Poole Yoga Centre, Denmark House, 35 Denmark Road, POOLE BH15 2DE
Tutor: Wendy Haring
more information
This event is not promoted by BWY South West region
BWY Foundation Course Level 1
Poole Yoga Centre, Denmark House, 35 Denmark Road, POOLE BH15 2DE
February-November 2012 | 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Tutor: Wendy Haring
event fee: £500
For more information, contact
01202 707294
Starting 18th February 2012, the course will run once a month on Saturdays until November 2012. This is a chance to study with Wendy and deepen your knowledge of both yoga theory and practice.
- Saturday 25 February
- GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Gloucestershire Yoga Festival -
Churchdown Community Centre, Parton Road, Churchdown GL3 2JH
places available: 19
more information
booking form (opens in new window) event ref: GLO/108
Gloucestershire Yoga Festival
Churchdown Community Centre, Parton Road, Churchdown GL3 2JH
Saturday 25th February 2012 | 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
event fee: £5
Please bring some veggie finger food, savoury or sweet, to share at lunchtime.
Drinks will be provided.
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Gloucestershire:
01593 834577
This is a fabulous opportunity to spend a day alongside others celebrating Yoga in Gloucestershire for only £5 pre-booked, or £7 on the day.
Local teachers Rachel Mellish, Claire Beeley and others will be offering sessions through the day. Join any of them or spend some time with yoga friends over a cuppa and chat in the market place. The market place will offer head & shoulder massage, ethical handmade jewellery, eco friendly products, and practice CDs. There will be a book swop table as well, so please bring your books to swop. Attend all of the sessions or as many as you want to. They will be suitable for any level of student.
The day's programme:
09.30 Arrival
09.45 Welcome
10.00 - 11.15 Asana with Rachel Mellish (Dru Yoga)
11.30 - 12.45 Asana and Pranayama with Linda Morley
12.45 - 13.45 LUNCH
13.45 - 14.30 Yoga Nidra with Pauline Masters
14.45 - 16.00 Joy of Sound with Claire Beeley
16.00 - 16.30 Questions and Answers (15 mins)
Short Meditation (15 mins)
Karma Yogis are needed to help the day flow smoothly, so if you can offer some time, even only an hour, then it will be very welcome.
- Saturday 10 March
- DORSET
Using the Energy Systems to bring a balance into everyday life -
Poole Yoga Centre, Denmark House, 35 Denmark Road, POOLE BH15 2DE
Tutor: Monty Toplis
places available: 17
more information
booking form (opens in new window) event ref: DOR/089
Using the Energy Systems to bring a balance into everyday life
Poole Yoga Centre, Denmark House, 35 Denmark Road, POOLE BH15 2DE
Saturday 10th March 2012 | 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Tutor: Monty Toplis
event fee: members £20 | non-members £30
Bring your yoga equipment, notebook and pen.
Lunch can be individual or shared.
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Dorset:
01793 534524
This is a Members' day for all levels. We will look at chakras and energy systems and discuss ways on how to bring a balance into everyday life, how different energies can affect the body, and how being ill at ease may lead to disease.
Monty Toplis is a BWY DCTp. His practice over the last 25 years has not followed any traditional yoga school. He is accredited as a Foundation Course Tutor for 1 and 2 also the Prison Phoenix Teachers certificate. He has filled the posts within the South West as County Rep and later as Regional Officer. Monty’s main focus in teaching is balancing and healing of our esoteric bodies. He is also a Reiki Master and holds qualifications in several Holistic Therapies.
- Saturday 10 March
- GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Who Am I ? A day to experience the teaching of Sri Ramana Maharshi -
Churchdown Community Centre, Parton Road, Churchdown GL3 2JH
Tutor: Derek Thorne
places available: 24
more information
booking form (opens in new window) event ref: GLO/077
Who Am I ? A day to experience the teaching of Sri Ramana Maharshi
Churchdown Community Centre, Parton Road, Churchdown GL3 2JH
Saturday 10th March 2012 | 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Tutor: Derek Thorne
event fee: members £25 | non-members £28
Bring vegetarian lunch to share
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Gloucestershire:
01593 834577
This is an opportunity to learn more about the teachings of the great sage Sri Ramana Marharshi within the tradition of Jnana Yoga - the Yoga of Self-Enquiry.
Friends of YogaLiving are welcome to attend this event.
An introduction to Atma Vichara - Self-Enquiry, which will be explained within the context and the philosophy of Jnana Yoga. Also there will be chanting of mantra, readings from The Upanishads and meditation. The afternoon is an opportunity for discussion, questions and answers and further practice of Atma Vichara.
Derek Thorne is the Spiritual Director of the YogaLiving Community and a highly regarded teacher of Yoga who has followed a deep spiritual path for more than 40 years. Inspired by the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, he now leads the YogaLiving Community supporting individuals to live the reality of Self Enquiry in everyday life. For more information, visit the
YogaLiving website (opens new window).
- Saturday 10 March
- SOMERSET
Pranayama & Buteyko as Therapy
IST no. 12/50 7½ CPD points [Teachers and student teachers only] -
Batcombe Jubilee Hall, Back Lane, Batcombe, Shepton Mallet BA4 6HE
Tutor: Sonja Armstrong
places available: 20
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: SOM/075
Pranayama & Buteyko as Therapy
Batcombe Jubilee Hall, Back Lane, Batcombe, Shepton Mallet BA4 6HE
Saturday 10th March 2012 | 10.30 am – 4.30 pm
Tutor: Sonja Armstrong
event fee: members £30 | non-members £40
Bring yoga mat, stop watch if possible, a note pad & pen. Also vegetarian lunch to share.
It would be helpful to have re-read the philosophical references in The Yoga Sutras and The Hathayoga Pradipika beforehand and bring a copy of each with you.
Further information regarding Buteyko practices and resources will be available on the day.
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Somerset:
01458 851699
The course will:
(1) Provide an opportunity for teachers to ‘get back to basics’ with their pranayama practice, and introduce Buteyko breathing techniques.
(2) Provide clear information on how to recognise and help students with breathing related problems such as asthma, COPD, panic attacks and emphysema.
(3) Explore and relate pranayama and Buteyko breathing to some of the philosophical references found in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and The Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
(4) The opportunity for students to explore the therapeutic effect which pranayama and Yoga Nidra can have on the mind and body.
At the end of the day, Students will:
(1) Be able to practise safe and effective pranayama and Buteyko practises and be able use them to help students with breathing problems.
(2) Be able to practise a range of asanas with integrated breathing and understand the effect that different practices can have on the quality of the breath.
(3) Be able to understand the relationship between disordered breathing and breathing problems and the possible effect upon the body and nervous system.
(4) Will have a clearer understanding of the philosophical references to pranayama.
Sonja Armstrong is a BWY and Satyananda trained teacher, a Foundation Course tutor and Buteyko breathing therapist. She lives in Tavistock in Devon. Sonja has recently done further training to enable her to teach people suffering with ME and CFS.
Her interest in breathing as therapy began when she developed asthma at the age of 40 and found that some pranayama practices relieved symptoms. She has been teaching yoga since 1986, and Buteyko since 2003 . The yoga will be taught according to the teachings of Swami’s Satyananda and Niranjanananda Saraswati.
- Saturday 17 March
- WILTSHIRE
Cakras and Nadis
IST no. 12/53 7½ CPD points [Teachers and student teachers only] -
Rushall Village Hall, Pewsey Road, Rushall, Swindon SN9 6EN
Tutor: Ranju Roy
places available: 14
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: WIL/094
Cakras and Nadis
Rushall Village Hall, Pewsey Road, Rushall, Swindon SN9 6EN
Saturday 17th March 2012 | 9.45 am – 4.40 pm
Tutor: Ranju Roy
event fee: members £30 | non-members £40
Bring a shared lunch and your own cup; microwave is available if you wish to bring something hot.
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Wiltshire:
01793 485928
Aims of the day
• To present and overview of the subtle body (nadis and cakras)
• To put the subtle body into the context of Tantra, particularly the text sat cakra nirupana
• To present Krishnamacharya's teachings on spinal movement and cakra alignment
• To teach a bija mantra chant
Remember to bring pen and paper and all yoga equipment that you will need.
Timetable for the day
10.00 - 10.45 Introduction / Session 1: Cakra dharana
10.45 - 11.15 Practice: meru danda
11.15 - 11.30 Break
11.30 - 12.00 Session 2: Tantra and the subtle body
12.00 - 1.00: Practice: dynamic/static; sound; chanting.
1.00 - 2.00 Lunch
2.00 - 3.00 Session 3: Overview of the Cakras
3.00 - 3.30 Practice with chanting (agnir me)
3.30 - 3.45 Tea break
3.45 - 4.15 Session4: How to re-align cakras through asana?
4.15 - 4.30 Review; Closing practice; Feedback
Ranju Roy is a well known teacher from Taunton, Somerset, inspired by the work of TKV Desikachar and his students. He was the Executive Director of the Association of Yoga Studies (aYs) from 2002-2006 and since 2005 has worked with his close friend and colleague Dave Charlton running retreats, workshops, Teacher training and Therapy courses under the name of Sadhana Mala. He has also co-authored (with Dave) a number monographs on different aspects of yoga under the name of the Funky Guru.
- Sunday 18 March
- DORSET
Emergency First Aid at Work [NB: This event is for TEACHERS ONLY] -
Poole Yoga Centre, Denmark House, 35 Denmark Road, POOLE BH15 2DE
Tutor: Pauline Masters
[No further places: Contact the organiser
to add your name to a waiting list]
more information
booking form (opens in new window) event ref: DOR/088
Emergency First Aid at Work
Poole Yoga Centre, Denmark House, 35 Denmark Road, POOLE BH15 2DE
Sunday 18th March 2012 | 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Tutor: Pauline Masters
event fee: members £45 | non-members £50
Bring Yoga equipment, notebook and pen.
Lunch can be individual or shared.
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Dorset:
01793 534524
Three year certificate for Emergency First Aid at Work.
Pauline Masters is passionate about training people to be confident and competent First Aiders so they can give immediate but temporary care to some who has suffered an unexpected illness or accident. Pauline is a qualified nurse, experienced trainer and yoga teacher and has the ability to give you positive and practical First Aid Training whatever your background or occupational environment.
- Saturday 24 March
- BATH, BRISTOL & NORTH SOMERSET
Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs
IST no. 12/52 7½ CPD points [Teachers and student teachers only] -
Bishop Sutton Village Hall, Wick Road, Bishop Sutton BS39 5XD
Tutor: Anna Semlyen
places available: 13
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: AVO/093
Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs
Bishop Sutton Village Hall, Wick Road, Bishop Sutton BS39 5XD
Saturday 24th March 2012 | 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Tutor: Anna Semlyen
event fee: £30.00
Please bring your own lunch; drinks will be provided. Usual Yoga equipment required.
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
Deputy CR Bristol & N Somerset:
01761 453115
This IST day aims to teach yoga teachers to help students with low back pain within a general class situation and to modify postures for those in pain. Teachers will be informed about current relevant research on lower back pain conducted by the University of York.
There will be the opportunity to purchase Anna's Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs book and relaxation CDs.
Anna Semlyen qualified with the British Wheel of Yoga in 1999. She completed the Integral Ayurveda course in Ayurveda Foundations in 2004, and is on the Steering Group of Researchers into yoga for low back pain with the University of York's Health Sciences Department. Anna teaches 10 classes per week plus private classes for the universities in York. She tutored at BWY Congress 2009 on 'Yoga and Dosha' and the 'Seasons' and at 2010 on the 'Gunas, Self Confidence and Energy'.
- Saturday 24 March
- DEVON
Unlocking Breath & Body
IST no. 12/60 7½ CPD points [Teachers and student teachers only] -
The Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton PL20 6AL
Tutor: Jane Harris
places available: 21
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: DEV/105
Unlocking Breath & Body
The Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton PL20 6AL
Saturday 24th March 2012 | 10.00 am – 4.30 pm
Tutor: Jane Harris
event fee: members £25 | non-members £32
Bring lunch and yoga mat, note books etc
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Devon:
01822 610805
Bandhas are used with the intention of locking and directing prana. The system of Hatha Yoga presupposes that its students are young, fit and healthy and free from worry, able to work without compromise. If you and all your students fit this profile then you need not read any further. However, neither I, nor many of my students readily fit this description. Therefore, this workshop will explore how the practices of locational breath and movement can be used as part of the vinyasa toward bandhas in a way that is suitable for all of us.
By the end of the day all SWBAT:
Demonstrate, in two simple poses (parsva trikonasana & bhujangasana), the way in which locational breathing can bring life/movement to the spine - Psychomotor
Evaluate the strengths & weaknesses of chest and belly inhalation – Cognitive
Demonstrate, during group work, how locational breath and movement techniques can be applied to their own class situation
Describe, in a Q&A session, why locational breath and movement is a safe developmental step towards the practice of bandha’s in a group class - Cognitive
Explain, during a Q&A session, why locational breath and movement is structurally safe - Cognitive
Jane Harris has teaching diplomas from the BWY and cYs/Viniyoga Britain. She also runs Foundation Courses and In-Service Training days for the BWY & aYs, and is also a Diploma Course Tutor for the BWY.
- Sunday 25 March
- CORNWALL
Yoga and Ayurvedic Dosha
IST no. 12/56 7½ CPD points [NB: This event is for TEACHERS ONLY] -
Chacewater Village Hall, Church Hill, Chacewater, Truro TR4 8PZ
Tutor: Anna Semlyen
places available: 7
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: COR/097
Yoga and Ayurvedic Dosha
Chacewater Village Hall, Church Hill, Chacewater, Truro TR4 8PZ
Sunday 25th March 2012 | 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Tutor: Anna Semlyen
event fee: £30
Please bring a packed lunch and any usual equipment used for practice.
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Cornwall:
01637 877208
Aims of the day
(1) To introduce Ayurveda, the science of self healing as the sister science to yoga and consider Dosha or constitutional types
(2) To consider Vata Dosha as applied to postures, breathing, affirmation and meditation.
(3) To work out the appropriate yoga for Pitta and Kapha Doshas
(4) To consider how the Doshas relate to the seasons
Anna Semlyen qualified with the British Wheel of Yoga in 1999. She completed the Integral Ayurveda course in Ayurveda Foundations in 2004, and is on the Steering Group of Researchers into yoga for low back pain with the University of York's Health Sciences Department. Anna teaches 10 classes per week plus private classes for the universities in York. She tutored at BWY Congress 2009 on 'Yoga and Dosha' and the 'Seasons' and at 2010 on the 'Gunas, Self Confidence and Energy'.
- Saturday 19 May
- DORSET
Integrating pregnant women into a general yoga class
IST no. 12/54 7½ CPD points [Teachers and student teachers only] -
Poole Yoga Centre, Denmark House, 35 Denmark Road, POOLE BH15 2DE
Tutor: Wendy Teasdill
places available: 18
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: DOR/096
Integrating pregnant women into a general yoga class
Poole Yoga Centre, Denmark House, 35 Denmark Road, POOLE BH15 2DE
Saturday 19th May 2012 | 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Tutor: Wendy Teasdill
event fee: members £30 | non-members £37.50
Bring food for shared lunch. Yoga mat, book and pen.
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Dorset:
01793 534524
Aims of the Day
1. To identify existing knowledge-base regarding the needs of pregnant women in a yoga class - and to build on it.
2. To address fears about teaching pregnant women and to transform them into a positive outlook and practical experience.
Objectives for the Day
1. By the end of the session, participants should be able to describe the basic prohibitions and precautions for teaching/practising pregnancy yoga.
2. By the end of the session, participants should be able to demonstrate simple ways of integrating pregnant women into a general yoga class in a manner which would benefit the whole class, not just the pregnant woman.
Timetable for the Day
Wendy Teasdill has been practising yoga for over thirty years and is a DCT and a BWY Modules tutor, currently serving on the education committee as Modules Officer. She has a background in Iyengar Yoga and practises and teaches with attention to the pranic flow in asana, encouraging students to think creatively while honouring their own capabilities and limitations. She has spent many years in Asia and has written two books: Walking to the Mountain, about a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, and Yoga for Pregnancy. Wendy lives in Somerset, BA6 9NQ.
- Saturday 19 May
- GLOUCESTERSHIRE
How to plan a well balanced lesson/sadhana
IST no. 12/51 7½ CPD points [Teachers and student teachers only] -
Churchdown Community Centre, Parton Road, Churchdown GL3 2JH
Tutor: Helen Barker
places available: 22
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: GLO/086
How to plan a well balanced lesson/sadhana
Churchdown Community Centre, Parton Road, Churchdown GL3 2JH
Saturday 19th May 2012 | 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Tutor: Helen Barker
event fee: members £26 | non-members £30
Please bring vegetarian lunch to share
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Gloucestershire:
01593 834577
This day will assist you to consider the components of Kriya Yoga (Patanjali's [i[Yoga Sutras 2.1) and the doshas of Ayurveda with respect to personal practice (sadhana) and/or lesson planning. There will be discussion, group work and time for reflection as well as an opportunity to be taught vinyasa from Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy by Mukunda Stiles.
Download the Pre-course information (PDF opens in new window)
Helen Barker (Shakti Bhakti) is a British Wheel of Yoga Diploma holder, BWY Diploma Course Tutor and Structural Yoga Therapist. She has been teaching yoga classes for more than 10 years and training yoga teachers since 2003. She has practised yoga with many teachers and is currently inspired by her teacher Mukunda Stiles to assist students to develop harmony in their lives.
- Saturday 19 May
- SOMERSET
Integrating Mindfulness into your work
IST no. 12/65 7½ CPD points [Teachers and student teachers only] -
Norton sub Hamdon Village Hall, New Road, Norton sub Hamdon TA14 6SF
Tutor: Karen Atkinson
places available: 15
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: SOM/106
Integrating Mindfulness into your work
Norton sub Hamdon Village Hall, New Road, Norton sub Hamdon TA14 6SF
Saturday 19th May 2012 | 10.00 am – 4.30 pm
Tutor: Karen Atkinson
event fee: members £30 | non-members £40
Please bring a packed lunch
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Somerset:
01749 850399
This course is suitable for yoga students, yoga teachers and yoga therapists wishing to apply Mindfulness techniques to their work.
Aims of the Day: the student will
(1) Develop a clear understanding of what Mindfulness is.
(2) Experience Mindfulness practices.
(3) Learn the key ingredients to Mindfulness.
(4) Consider the differences between primary and secondary suffering and how mindfulness affects the two.
(5) Learn the similarities and differences of this approach compared with yoga practice, relaxation techniques, pranayama, hypnosis and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
(6) Deepen their understanding of how Mindfulness practice affects the brain and heart functions.
(7) Understand how to integrate mindfulness practice into classes
Karen Atkinson was trained in the NHS and is a BWY teacher. She has been using Mindfulness techniques in the clinical setting for patients suffering with chronic pain, stress, illness, chronic fatigue, anxiety and depression for 16 years. In 2010 Karen founded MindfulnessUK with her colleague, Dr Maya Spencer. Together, they teach the 8-week Mindfulness courses, one-to-one sessions, SKYPE courses, lecture at conferences and run workshops specialising on integrating Mindfulness into work for professionals. Karen and Maya are currently writing a book on this subject. Karen also lectures at YogaCampus on the chronic pain, grief and trauma modules and founded York House, Centre for Integrated and Complementary Medicine in Taunton, Somerset.
- Sunday 17 June
- BATH, BRISTOL & NORTH SOMERSET - & WILTSHIRE
Two Counties Midsummer Celebration of Yoga -
Marshfield Community Centre, The Hayfield, Marshfield, Chippenham SN14 8PG
places available: 50
more information
booking form (opens in new window) event ref: BAN/112
Two Counties Midsummer Celebration of Yoga
Marshfield Community Centre, The Hayfield, Marshfield, Chippenham SN14 8PG
Sunday 17th June 2012 | 9.30 am – 4.00 pm
event fee: members £15 | non-members £20
Various refreshments will be provided and we would like to ask everyone who attends to bring a savoury/sweet, meat/veggie dish to share at lunchtime. Remember to bring your mats and props
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Wiltshire:
01793 485928
There will be four Yoga practice sessions, led by local yoga teachers, and at the end of the day there will be a short meditation to finish the day.
The day's programme:
09:30 - 10:15 Arrival & Coffee & Cakes
09:15 - 10:45 Session 1 Settling & Meditation
11:00 - 12:30 Session 2 Hatha Yoga followed by Yoga Nidra
13:00 - 14:00 LUNCH
14:00 - 15:30 Session 3 Various Asanas
15:30 - 16:00 Session 4 Meditation & Farewell
- Sunday 24 June
- DEVON
Yoga for the Mature Student
IST no. 12/59 7½ CPD points [Teachers and student teachers only] -
South Brent Village Hall, Station Approach, South Brent TQ10 9PJ
Tutor: Pam Horton
places available: 23
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: DEV/104
Yoga for the Mature Student
South Brent Village Hall, Station Approach, South Brent TQ10 9PJ
Sunday 24th June 2012 | 10.00 am – 4.30 pm
Tutor: Pam Horton
event fee: members £25 | non-members £32
Please bring mat, a block (single and half if possible) and strap. A bolster, and if anyone has a 5kg sandbag please bring. Any books you have found useful. Lunch, pen and paper
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Devon:
01822 610805
The aim of the day is to learnand review practices that will enable those students who may be well experienced in yoga to continue their attendance and practice, and to include older, less physically able people into a mixed ability class. The day is not intended for Residential home teaching although some of the practices could be applied. The basic physical requirement for our students will be that they can get up and down from the floor.
There will be practices to help with concentration, breathing, strengthening the voice, keeping mobility and strength , strengthening the pelvic floor, modifying classical asana, social interaction and partner work, balance and walking.
Download the Pre-course information (PDF opens in new window)
Pam Horton has had her BWY teaching diploma since 1976 and has added to this many qualifications and roles which demonstrate her breadth of knowledge and experience. She was Cumbria county Rep (1979-82) and then Diploma course tutor (1980). She is a written work panel assessor, a verifier of BWY training courses, a Foundation, and Diploma course tutor, a BWY Foundation Course Tutor trainer and designer of course material, a distance In-service tutor, and a national BWY Distance Learning tutor for teacher training. In addition, she has a national coaching Foundation Certificate Level 2. She currently teaches at local and national level as well as at retreats and during tutors’ training weekends.
- Saturday 30 June
- WILTSHIRE
Investigating The Warrior Postures
IST no. 12/61 7½ CPD points [Teachers and student teachers only] -
Rushall Village Hall, Pewsey Road, Rushall, Swindon SN9 6EN
Tutor: Carolyn Blackburn
places available: 22
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: WIL/101
Investigating The Warrior Postures
Rushall Village Hall, Pewsey Road, Rushall, Swindon SN9 6EN
Saturday 30th June 2012 | 9.45 am – 4.30 pm
Tutor: Carolyn Blackburn
event fee: members £30 | non-members £40
Bring your yoga mats, blocks, blanket and pen and paper for notes. Drinks will be provided but bring lunch to share.
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Wiltshire:
01793 485928
The day will assist in the investigating and performing Warrior I,II and III through discussion and practice and review and discuss the anatomy of the Warrior postures.
Through relating the story behind the Warrior postures as told by Alanna Kaivalya
and Arjuna van der Kooij in Myths of the Asana. Mandala Publishing
2010 and to teach Warrior I,II and III with that story in mind.
Outline plan for the day
10am Explain Aims of the day and determine experience of group.
Discuss understanding of origins of Warrior postures and how teachers
currently approach the teaching of these postures.
Discuss how an apparently destructive concept such as the Warrior can be
useful in teaching Yoga.
10.30am Explain and demonstrate the way I want them to approach the
Warrior postures. Discuss anatomy of pose through practical
investigation (handout will be distributed with anatomical details).
11.30am Practice Warrior poses imagining Warrior 1 as a javelin
thrower, II as an archer and III as a catapult.
Practice Warrior II with affirmations.
1 -1.30pm Lunch
1.30pm Introduce "Myths of the Asana"- relate the story of the Warrior
poses as explained in this publication.
2.00pm Practice the postures with this myth in mind noting the
modifications that need to be made to the earlier practice to
accommodate the flow and rhythm when practising Warrior poses in
sequence.
3.00pm Investigate through discussion how this approach relates to
Patanjali I.33. and how it can be integrated into general teaching.
4.00pm Summing up/ completion of Questionnaires /AOB
4.30pm End
Carolyn Blackburn has taught in and around the Swindon area since 1998. She gained BWY teacher's diploma in 2001. She then became a BWY DCT and has taught 2 Diploma courses with Christine Smith, the last was completed in 2007. Since then she has developed and led the HUB- Post Diploma Yoga Teacher Training and Support. She regularly meets with yoga teachers in N. Wilts to discuss issues and share ideas and problems associated with their teaching. Meetings involve revision of some element of the BWY Diploma (philosophy, A&P, teaching skills, asana) through lecture, discussion and practicals.
- September 2012 to June 2013
- WILTSHIRE
BWY Foundation Course Level 1 -
White Horse Yoga Centre, Roundway Hill Business Centre, Devizes SN10 2LT
Tutor: Debby Wilkinson
places available: 16
more information
This event is not promoted by BWY South West region
BWY Foundation Course Level 1
White Horse Yoga Centre, Roundway Hill Business Centre, Devizes SN10 2LT
September 2012 to June 2013 | 10.00 am – 5.30 pm
Tutor: Debby Wilkinson
event fee: £500.00
For more information, contact
07505 142285
This course is for those students wishing to deepen their knowledge of yoga and for those considering teacher training. Applicants must have a minimum of two years yoga experience before starting the course. The course provides a comprehensive grounding in basic practical techniques taught in the context of the philosophy that underpins Yoga.
Debby Wilkinson has experience in many different forms of yoga but likes to teach an eclectic style drawing inspiration from many different sources. Her teaching places considerable importance on good anatomical alignment ensuring that students are safe in their practice and the importance of the use of breath in posture allowing her students to work in a meditative fashion connecting with subtle aspects of themselves. She teaches with fun and laughter and is committed to ensuring that her students work at a level that is appropriate for their individual needs, be they physical or subtle in nature.
- Saturday 8 September
- WILTSHIRE
Yoga and Ayurvedic Dosha
IST no. 12/57 7½ CPD points [Teachers and student teachers only] -
Coronation Hall, The Green, East Grafton, Marlborough SN8 3DB
Tutor: Anna Semlyen
places available: 24
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: WIL/100
Yoga and Ayurvedic Dosha
Coronation Hall, The Green, East Grafton, Marlborough SN8 3DB
Saturday 8th September 2012 | 9.45 am – 4.00 pm
Tutor: Anna Semlyen
event fee: members £30.00 | non-members £40.00
Drinks will be provided but remember to bring a cup. Bring your mat, block, blanket and pen and paper for note taking.
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Wiltshire:
01793 485928
To introduce Ayurveda, the science of self healing as the sister science to yoga and consider Dosha or constitutional types and to consider Vata Dosha as applied to postures, breathing, affirmation and meditation.
To work out the appropriate yoga for Pitta and Kapha Doshas and to o consider how the Doshas relate to the seasons
iate
Teaching material used on the day wil be a
Dosha Questionnaire,Ayurvedic food advice chart and Vata yoga programme.
Outline plan for the day
MORNING SESSION
10.am
Arrivals, welcomes, names/introductions. Ask participants to complete
Ayurvedic Questionnaire on their Dosha Discuss concerns with anyone who has medical problems. Venue, fire and toilet procedures. Handout from Spectrum, food chart
Background to Ayurveda - science of life. Pairs work on any questions that people want help with answering with a second opinion
Questions and answers on how to complete questionnaires. Place ourselves into three groups according to our doshas, Visual look at the people with each dosha to see qualities of the groups eg height, build, skin, hair colour.
10.45
Practical teaching of yoga asanas and pranayama plus relaxation particularly suited to Vata constitution - the key. Hand out on Vata suited postures and lifestyle Questions and answers on Vata sequence
12.15 LUNCH
AFTERNOON SESSION
1pm
Brainstorm on why knowing which postures suit each constitutional type is useful for yoga practitioners/ teachers - for instance for therapeutically or seasonally appropriate yoga
1.15
Pitta constitution sequence, Asana, Pranayama, Relaxation
Hand out on yoga for Pitta types. Questions and answers on Pitta sequence, lifestyle
2.45
Kapha constitution sequence
Hand out of yoga for Kapha types and lifestyle advice. Relaxation. Questions and review of learning
Sales of Anna’s relaxation CD. Look at books on Ayurveda.
4 pm End
Anna Semlyen qualified with the British Wheel of Yoga in 1999. She completed the Integral Ayurveda course in Ayurveda Foundations in 2004, and is on the Steering Group of Researchers into yoga for low back pain with the University of York's Health Sciences Department. Anna teaches 10 classes per week plus private classes for the universities in York. She tutored at BWY Congress 2009 on 'Yoga and Dosha' and the 'Seasons' and at 2010 on the 'Gunas, Self Confidence and Energy'.
- Saturday 29 September
- DORSET
Introducing sequences to your class
IST no. 12/63 7½ CPD points [Teachers and student teachers only] -
Poole Yoga Centre, Denmark House, 35 Denmark Road, POOLE BH15 2DE
Tutor: Carolyn Blackburn
places available: 12
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: DOR/107
Introducing sequences to your class
Poole Yoga Centre, Denmark House, 35 Denmark Road, POOLE BH15 2DE
Saturday 29th September 2012 | 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Tutor: Carolyn Blackburn
event fee: members £30 | non-members £40
A very physical day so eat only a light lunch.
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Dorset:
01793 534524
(1) To discuss reasons for introducing sequences to yoga classes
(2) To highlight potential problems when introducing sequences
(3) To reinforce the importance of adequate preparation
(4) To teach 3 sequences involving various asana
Discussion during and after practical will cover the following safety issues and modifications, suitability and teaching points.
Sequence 1 -Tree, Warrior 2 ,Wide leg forward bend
Sequence 2 - Kneeling Sun Salute
Suitability- As above except those with knee problems are difficult to modify for so may be excluded. A good alternative to classical Sun Salute for those with HBP.
Sequence 3 - A Moon Sequence
TPs as for sequence 1 plus awareness of drishti is important for neck alignment.
Mods, Knee problems may benefit from having padding under knee.
Balance problems should avoid lifting head in crescent moon.
Back problems may find crescent moon pose unsuitable so be satisfied with lengthening.
Sequence 4 - Cat,Down Dog, Swan, Pigeon
TPs -As for sequence 1 plus instruction on placement on hands and feet when moving into pigeon. Knee problems s may need a modified position for pigeon.
Sequence 5 - Sweeping Warrior 1
TPs as for sequence 1 plus visualise energy movement throughout sequence. Take care when turning to not twist knee (may be better on floor than mat).
Sequence 6 - Shower Breath
TPs as for sequence 1 plus visualise energy moving through various chakras. Finish with hands at heart chakra to reabsorb energy.
Carolyn Blackburn has taught in and around the Swindon area since 1998. She gained BWY teacher's diploma in 2001. She then became a BWY DCT and has taught 2 Diploma courses with Christine Smith, the last was completed in 2007. Since then she has developed and led the HUB- Post Diploma Yoga Teacher Training and Support. She regularly meets with yoga teachers in N. Wilts to discuss issues and share ideas and problems associated with their teaching. Meetings involve revision of some element of the BWY Diploma (philosophy, A&P, teaching skills, asana) through lecture, discussion and practicals.
- Saturday 6 October
- BATH, BRISTOL & NORTH SOMERSET
Balance and Equilibrium - Poise in Body and Mind
IST no. 12/64 7½ CPD points [Teachers and student teachers only] -
Bishop Sutton Village Hall, Wick Road, Bishop Sutton BS39 5XD
Tutor: Andrea Newman
places available: 30
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: AVO/111
Balance and Equilibrium - Poise in Body and Mind
Bishop Sutton Village Hall, Wick Road, Bishop Sutton BS39 5XD
Saturday 6th October 2012 | 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Tutor: Andrea Newman
event fee: £30.00
Guided asana, relaxation and pranayama.
Lecture and discussion.
Pair work. Small group discussion with worksheets.
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Bristol and N Somerset:
01275 541424
Aimed at all yoga teachers and student teachers.
Physical practice included will be geared to the needs and level of the group.
Usual yoga gear needed.
Recommended prior reading - Patanjali’s Yama and Niyama II:30-45
Aims of the Day
1. To establish the themes and definitions of balance and equilibrium and the difference between the two concepts.
2. To explore equilibrium and loss of equilibrium in asana. To explore how relaxation practice aids physiological equilibrium.
3. To relate ideas around dynamic equilibrium to practical stress management and Patanjali’s Yama and Niyama.
4. To practise Nadi Sodhana and meditation to develop dynamic equilibrium, flow and equanimity.
Andrea is an experienced DCT and qualified Rolfing Structural Integration bodyworker, and will include aspects of advanced bodywork and functional anatomy within the training.
- Saturday 6 October
- WILTSHIRE
Yoga and the Spine - Awareness, Movement and Posture
IST no. 12/58 7½ CPD points [Teachers and student teachers only] -
Coronation Hall, The Green, East Grafton, Marlborough SN8 3DB
Tutor: Bill Wood
places available: 26
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: WIL/103
Yoga and the Spine - Awareness, Movement and Posture
Coronation Hall, The Green, East Grafton, Marlborough SN8 3DB
Saturday 6th October 2012 | 9.30 am – 5.00 pm
Tutor: Bill Wood
event fee: members £30.00 | non-members £40.00
Bring your yoga mat, blanket and props. Refreshments will be available throughout the day and remember to bring to cup
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Wiltshire:
01793 485928
In the start of the day, Bill will introduce and explain the idea that healthy posture isn’t ‘held,’ but is more a free and animated way of inhabiting our bodies, with a loose and comfortable - and therefore strong - spine at it’s core. Theoretically these ideas will be built around anatomical explanations that emphasise the dynamic, fluid and free nature of a healthy spinal posture. This will be held within a balanced ‘workshop-style’ class, where the practice will be interwoven with explanations, demonstrations and opportunities in pairs to explore the teaching possibilities of each suggestion.
The afternoon session will begin with a group discussion to ascertain what was and wasn’t understood from the morning, and to outline the direction of the workshop for the afternoon. Time will also be given to consider how these ideas might be integrated by participants into their teaching. Practically the session will then expand on what was covered in the morning, but in a broadening range of practices. This will again be held within a balanced ‘workshop-style’, that will continue to integrate the theoretical themes of the day with the participants own yoga practice, and their learning as yoga teachers.
Outline plan for the day
10am Brief introductory talk to outline the content of the day.
10.20am This practical session will begin with some basic asanas such as Chair, Standing Forward Bends, Downward Facing Dog and Bridge, to warm up the students, and for Bill to become acquainted with the strengths and weaknesses of each individual’s practice. The session will then develop towards stronger asanas, which might include some backbending movements, or inverted postures. Bill encourages students to challenge themselves, but always from the safety of asanas, or variations of them, that are appropriate for them. Other asanas that might be included where appropriate would be Half Moon, Side Angle/Triangle, Lunges/Warriors, Up-Dog, Forearm Dog, Handstand, Headstand or Camel.
12.40pm The morning will end with a period of led relaxation lying on the floor.
1pm Lunch
2pm Questions, discussion & enquiry. Bill encourages students to ask questions during the practice sessions, but some broader issues that aren’t specific to a particular asana or technique are best answered during this period. He also demonstrates, explains and describes models of understanding while teaching the practice sessions, so this period can serve as a review of what the group has or hasn’t understood during the morning and what might need more emphasis in the afternoon.
2.30pm This practical session will be significantly shaped by what has just been discussed or requested. Asanas that might be introduced in the afternoon would include Standing Balances, Reverse Side Angles/Triangles/Half Moons, Shoulderstand and Plough variations, and a selection of Sitting Postures, Forward Bends, and Twists.
3.30pm The final part of the day will be spent bringing all the previous understandings into sitting meditation asanas, some simple pranyama techniques, and another period of led relaxation.
4pm Close
Bill Wood has been a yoga teacher since 1994. He teaches during the week in and around Totnes and runs a 2-year teacher training course based in Bristol. Bill’s own practice and teaching have been most inspired by Diane Long, a long-time student of the late Vanda Scaravelli, with whom he has been studying since 1996. He has also trained with Sophie Hoare and John Stirk and is qualified as a Sivananda yoga teacher and as a yoga therapist with the Yoga Biomedical Trust.
- Saturday 3 November
- GLOUCESTERSHIRE
The Living Skeleton
IST no. 12/55 7½ CPD points [Teachers and student teachers only] -
Churchdown Community Centre, Parton Road, Churchdown GL3 2JH
Tutor: Beverley Nolan
places available: 28
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: GLO/098
The Living Skeleton
Churchdown Community Centre, Parton Road, Churchdown GL3 2JH
Saturday 3rd November 2012 | 9.45 am – 4.00 pm
Tutor: Beverley Nolan
event fee: members £25.00 | non-members £30.00
Please bring lunch to share
Participants should also bring
• all their usual yoga kit
• notebook and pen
• favourite anatomy book(s)
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Gloucestershire:
01593 834577
Our skeleton is alive! It provides a light, strong and durable framework for our moving and posture. Joints are spatial connections between our bones articulating a vocabulary of possibilities that lie on the continuum between movement and stillness. Most of the joints we feel when we move our body are filled with synovial fluid and when both the bones and synovial fluid are present to us our moving and posture become imbued with carefree lines of natural alignment, strength and vitality.
On this day we will review the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal system, including marrow and synovial fluid and explore techniques to acquire a felt-sense of these structures and flows. We will then draw upon them as places of support and initiation for movement and posture. There will also be a practical overview of common pathologies relating to the bones and joints e.g. osteoporosis, osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.
Teaching Methods
• Demonstration
• Workshop
• Discussion
• Pair work
• Self-discovery
• Experiential
• Short Lecture
Beverley Nolan is a practitioner of yoga, movement and bodywork. Her yoga practices and teaching originated in the Iyengar tradition more than 20 years ago. Now an accredited teacher and Foundation Course Tutor with the British Wheel of Yoga, Beverley's work is enriched and informed by the principles of BodyMind Centering, Authentic Movement and Somatic Psychology.
She is a registered Somatic Movement Therapist/Educator, a Graduate Assistant and Faculty Member for the Institute for Integrative Bodywork & Movement Therapy, and is Personal Tutor and Assessor on the Yoga Teacher Training programme offered by CamYoga. Beverley is in continuous study with Donna Farhi, Angela Farmer and Victor van Kooten, Judith Lasater and Richard Miller.
Events in 2013
- Saturday 9 February
- WILTSHIRE
Yoga for ME-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Part 1
IST no. 13/50 7½ CPD points [NB: This event is for TEACHERS ONLY] -
Rushall Village Hall, Pewsey Road, Rushall, Swindon SN9 6EN
Tutor: Fiona Agombar
places available: 25
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: WIL/099
Yoga for ME-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Part 1
Rushall Village Hall, Pewsey Road, Rushall, Swindon SN9 6EN
Saturday 9th February 2013 | 9.45 am – 5.00 pm
Tutor: Fiona Agombar
event fee: members £30.00 | non-members £40.00
Bring your yoga mats, blocks and a blanket. Drinks will be provided but bring lunch to share.
Pen and Paper for writing notes
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Wiltshire:
01793 485928
To give students a clear understand of what Chronic Fatigue/ME is and how it affects the body and emotions from the medical point of view and how it affects the body, mind and spirit from the yoga point of view.
Fiona works to change the autonomic nervous system response back to a healthy pattern so that it no longer chronically hyper-arouses. For many people with CFS, the central nervous system adapts to prolonged stress so that it doesn’t switch back to normal when the stress passes but stays in the fight or flight mode. Those with fatigue are therefore often hyper-stimulated (also known as global high activation), which leads to exhaustion, sleep disorders such as insomnia and anxiety, an over-active, busy mind which won’t slow down and muscle aches and pains.
Fiona Agombar is an experienced yoga teacher who had ME for 15 years but made a full recovery, thanks to a yoga lifestyle. She now teaches Hatha Yoga and Yoga Therapy full-time, and runs regular retreats for people with ME. Fiona was a Trustee of Action for ME for 10 years. She trained with the Yoga for Health Foundation and VYASA in Bangalore. She is the author of ‘Beat Fatigue with Yoga’ and ‘Endless Energy’.
- Saturday 16 February
- WILTSHIRE
Yoga for ME-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Part 2
IST no. 13/51 7½ CPD points [NB: This event is for TEACHERS ONLY] -
Rushall Village Hall, Pewsey Road, Rushall, Swindon SN9 6EN
Tutor: Fiona Agombar
places available: 25
more information
booking form (opens in new window) IST event ref: WIL/102
Yoga for ME-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Part 2
Rushall Village Hall, Pewsey Road, Rushall, Swindon SN9 6EN
Saturday 16th February 2013 | 9.45 am – 5.00 pm
Tutor: Fiona Agombar
event fee: members £30.00 | non-members £40.00
Bring your yoga mat, blanket and blocks. Drinks will be provided but bring food for a shared lunch.
TEACHERS MUST HAVE ATTENDED PART 1 BEFORE THE ATTEND PART 2
Make your cheque payable to 'BWY South West'
Send booking form and cheque to
CR Wiltshire:
01793 485928
Outline of Day Part 2
INTRODUCTION.
Students will be asked to get into groups and work on three things that they learnt about ME-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome from the previous training day.
Review and recap. How and why yoga helps ME-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Stress and its effect on the body. What happens when we are in fight or flight? Symptoms including hyperventilation and how the body adapts.
Pranayama session for ME/CFS including teaching how to breathe healthily and to get out of hyperventilation patterns.
Group work around bringing energy in to the body. The energy system. Prana, apana. Food/air/sunshine/being positive and emotional culturing.
Discussion on Hyper-arousal in the 21st century.The theory of Global High Activation Syndrome. Pratyhara and Patanjali sutra 1:2
Students work in groups of four to develop a twenty minute practise which can be shared.
Question session. Looking at working from the heart. Reading energy levels and helping students to learn to pace and not compete. Are we looking at a state of recovery or acceptance? Changing negative energy in a classroom.
Teaching practise.
EVALUATION:
Wrap up. Key points. Summary. Feedback forms.
Fiona works to change the autonomic nervous system response back to a healthy pattern so that it no longer chronically hyper-arouses. For many people with ME-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the central nervous system adapts to prolonged stress so that it doesn’t switch back to normal when the stress passes but stays in the fight or flight mode. Those with fatigue are therefore often hyper-stimulated (also known as global high activation), which leads to exhaustion, sleep disorders such as insomnia and anxiety, an over-active, busy mind which won’t slow down and muscle aches and pains.
Fiona Agombar is an experienced yoga teacher who had ME for 15 years but made a full recovery, thanks to a yoga lifestyle. She now teaches Hatha Yoga and Yoga Therapy full-time, and runs regular retreats for people with ME. Fiona was a Trustee of Action for ME for 10 years. She trained with the Yoga for Health Foundation and VYASA in Bangalore. She is the author of ‘Beat Fatigue with Yoga’ and ‘Endless Energy’.