South-West Regional Festival
10th Anniversary
On Sat 17th and Sun 18th July we had our annual festival here in the South West. This year though it was with a difference as it was the first time we had put on a two-day event. The theme of the weekend was Shishya, a Sanskrit word meaning disciple or student and our guest speaker Sarah Ryan spoke eloquently of how we are all students of yoga and life. Sarah’s teachings were inspiration and truly from the heart.
The festival was held in Exeter University – a seat of learning. Accommodation was in the new Holland Halls building as was the dining hall with vast panoramic views of the surrounding countryside around Exeter city. The classes were held in the Roborough Studios, the oldest part of the university which was formerly a library and provided a lovely quiet atmosphere in which to practice yoga. The sun shone (we did put in a request earlier!) and everyone enjoyed the walk between the two buildings through the beautiful grounds of the university campus amongst ancient trees, manicured lawns and colourful flowerbeds.
We were fortunate enough to have a wide range of teachers from many different backgrounds, teaching various styles of yoga and the whole weekend included singing, (with Rajesh and Upasana) dancing, (with Trevor & Glenda) and generally delighting in practicing yoga.. There were also the quieter meditation classes with Dee and Rishiputra and many people took the opportunity to have a massage with our therapists Karen and Tina. We also had a market place selling a range of interesting items including books, mats, jewellery and Indian singing bowls.
There was a choice of 4 classes morning, afternoon and evening on Saturday and on Sunday again a choice of 4 early morning classes, a choice of 4 classes after breakfast and again a choice of 4 classes in the afternoon. Sarah Ryan spoke on both Saturday and Sunday.
Many many thanks go to our Festival organizer Christine Granville and to the rest of the BWY SW Committee for all the work they have put into making this Festival happen. Thanks also to all the Tutors who gave up their time to teach over the weekend and all did this for Free:
Sarah Ryan, Jane Sleven, Helga Gore, Rajesh David and Upasana, Kevin Goulding (Soul Note), Ranju Roy, Jane Harris, Nic Sharpe, Pauline Masters (Prembhava), Glenda and Trevor Huggons, Liz Murtha, Linda Morley, Kathryn Blackie, Dee Cammack, Bob Spedding (Rishibputra), Anjali (Hansmukjh Kaur), Audrey Smith, Ruth Hancock
Thanks also to all of you who attended the Festival.
I am overwhelmed by the number of emails we have received from participants and teachers saying what a good weekend it was. I am greatly looking forward to next year ... watch this space ...
Hari Om,
Linda