An Ecumenical Flute Retreat
Ecumenical Flute Retreat 2025
Tuesday 26th to Saturday 30th August 2025
Repeated Tuesday 14th – Saturday 18th October 2025
‘Praise him with timbrel and dance
Praise him with strings and pipes.”
The now established Hyning Monastery Flute retreats combine elements of a classical spiritual retreat: conferences, time for personal and community prayer – with an opportunity to explore how music can be a path to God. There will be plenty of time to enjoy playing in a group, as a solo player and during the liturgy.
They are particularly suitable for those who use their flute within Christian worship or for flautists who would like to combine the spiritual and musical dimensions of a flute retreat. Each one can work out his or her own balance between the two dimensions.
All abilities of flute playing are welcome, though realistically, about a grade 4 minimum level will be helpful. The retreats are not suitable for complete beginners.
(Will be repeated in October 25).
Morning rehearsal
It is particularly suitable for those who use their flute within Christian worship or for flautists who would like to combine the spiritual and musical dimensions of a flute retreat. Each one can work out his or her own balance between the two dimensions.
All abilities of flute playing are welcome, though realistically, about a grade 4 minimum level will be helpful. It is not suitable for complete beginners
The Spiritual Dimension
Participants are very welcome to share in all or some of the daily prayer of the Bernardine Community at Hyning and the Eucharist. The community is Roman Catholic but all Christian denominations are welcome and we hope all will feel at home with the largely scripture-based liturgy.
At some of the services there will be the opportunity to play during the liturgy. This year we hope to include a Taizé style liturgy on the final evening
There will be a spiritual conference each day and participants are welcome to profit from the silent chapel and beautiful grounds for personal prayer.
The retreat starts with the introductory session at 5.30 pm on the Tuesday and ends after lunch on the Saturday.
Further information and enrolment
For further details or any questions, please contact Sr Mary Helen at sistermaryhelen@hotmail.com or telephone 01524 732684.
Cost : Suggested donation : Full board accommodation £280; Retreat fee : £140, total £420
(Non-playing family and friends sharing a room are also welcome for £280)
To apply, please download the application form, fill it in and return it to Hyning with a deposit of £30.00 (cheques payable to TOBS Hyning Monastery, or see form for bank transfer details.) 12 playing places are available.
““The peace and tranquility of Hyning monastery is the perfect setting for a flute retreat. The week had a lovely balance of flute playing and personal time in the afternoons for prayer, walking or just quiet time. The community of nuns are very welcoming, you can join them in the Divine Office if you wish, and the guesthouse is really comfortable.””
““I’ve attended two ‘Flute Retreats’ at Hyning Monastery and found them them to be a tremendously rewarding experience. It was lovely to be able to share a few days with other flautists in the beautiful, peaceful surroundings. There was the opportunity to withdraw from the mundane ‘busy-ness’ of day to day life and pause for reflection; to join in (as much or as little as one wished) with the Sisters’ prayer throughout the day; to have time to enjoy playing and listening to flute music with like-minded people.
And at the end of the retreat, when we went our separate ways, I think we all felt refreshed after a little oasis of calm.””
Sr. Mary Helen, flute retreat organiser
The Retreat Organiser
Sr Mary Helen is a Bernardine Sister at the Monastery or Our Lady of Hyning and a passionate amateur flautist. She holds the ARSM diploma and the ACertCM (Archbishops’ Certificate of Church Music.) She also plays keyboard. She frequently uses her flute within the Christian liturgy and would love to welcome other flautists to Hyning to share her joy in playing the flute for the Lord!
She will be joined each day by Liz Gilbert, a local flute teacher who will conduct the ensemble practices. Liz has long experience of working with diverse music groups.
The Musical Dimension
Every day the group will prepare a suitable ensemble piece to play after Vespers. Each participant is also encouraged to bring a piece to work on during the week. In addition, there will be time for playing duos and trios. We will also look at what sort of music is appropriate for use in Christian worship.
Whilst there will be plenty of music, the emphasis will not be on technical development.
A Relaxing Dimension
The Monastery of Our Lady of Hyning is in an area of outstanding natural beauty close to Morecambe Bay and not far from the Lake District. Beyond its own landscaped garden, there are many beautiful walks to be enjoyed during the free afternoons.
The Guest House has 12 very comfortable en-suite bedrooms and a further five rooms in an adjacent cottage. Some of the food is home grown and coffee and tea making facilities are available. It is an ideal place to have a break from the busyness of ordinary life and to enjoy playing your flute and connecting with God.
What the retreat is not
Whilst there will be plenty of playing and opportunity to make music, this will not be an intense professional experience with master classes, working on various techniques etc.
““The Hyning Flute Retreat has been one of the highlights of my year since it began in 2023. The Sisters are welcoming and the venue is comfortable and is located in a beautiful area. RSPB Leighton Moss is just down the road and Warton Crags are a short walk away from the Monastery.
My first retreat came in May 2023 following a bereavement. I felt supported at that time by the flexible approach: the mix of thoughtful input, flute playing, worship and free time.
My second retreat was as fruitful, connecting with others and working on beautiful music in an atmosphere of acceptance and space. For me this retreat is all a retreat should be. Nothing intensive and heavy, but gentle offerings that allow one’s own spirituality to flourish.””
““Do you want a peaceful, calm, restful but energising few days in the most beautiful setting of Hyning Monastery playing your flute?
I have been twice and it is a truly wonderful experience surrounded by supportive and inspiring fellow flautists and led by Sr Mary Helen and an experienced flute teacher, Liz.
The highlight of each day is the ensemble playing to support the liturgy of prayers and services. There is also an option to play solos if you wish. Flute playing, although the main activity, is not the only activity, there are time for guided reflection; walks; reading and of course eating. The food is wonderful.
I left the retreat relaxed; energised and inspired to continue my musical journey.””
