The main focus of the courses we offer will be about cohousing, community building and sustainable living. In its broadest sense sustainable living can cover a wide range of topics, from the house you live in to lifestyle choices and personal development. The resident team will offer some courses, and others will be led by guest facilitators.

Programme of events for 2008

Unless otherwise stated, the cost of weekend courses (from 7pm Friday to Sunday pm) is £90 including lunch, tea/coffee & snacks. Accommodation, breakfast and evening meal at the Threshold Centre is £35 per night. A non-returnable deposit of £20 is requested to book a place on a course and £20 deposit for B&B. Concessions may be available, please apply in writing.

February

Creating Cohousing- what cohousing is and how to get started. Whether you are just starting your exploration, or in the perplexing thick of it, and whether you’re an interested individual or already part of a group, we aim to help with your questions. Led by Threshold Centre residents.
Date: 7pm Friday February 8th – 3pm Sunday February 10th

March

Gardening Weekend:- Volunteers needed to come and help us establish a new market garden area. Some accommodation available, food provided. Date: Saturday 15-Sunday 16th Time will include:
Open afternoon:-A chance for visitors to see the Threshold Centre, have questions about cohousing answered and enjoy tea and cake in good company.Sunday 16th March 2-5pm.

April

Creating Cohousing- what cohousing is and how to get started. Whether you are just starting your exploration, or in the perplexing thick of it, and whether you’re an interested individual or already part of a group, we aim to help with your questions. Led by Threshold Centre residents.
Date: 7pm Friday April 18th – 3pm Sunday April 20th

May

Workshop - Getting practical about sustainability:- We are holding a one day workshop in conjunction with Dorset Centre for Rural Skills at their premises at Farrington near Blandford. The day will be spent considering how a household or community can reduce its fossil fuel use substantially and will look specifically at how lifestyle changes and adapting buildings can contribute. The cost will be £35 for individuals and will include lunch. For further information or bookings please contact DCRS on 01747 811099 or visit www.dorsetruralskills.co.uk. Date: Wednesday 14th May 10am to 4pm

Gardening Weekend:- Volunteers needed to come and help us establish a new market garden area. Some accommodation available, food provided. Date: Friday 16th to Sunday 18th

June

Creating Cohousing- what cohousing is and how to get started. Whether you are just starting your exploration, or in the perplexing thick of it, and whether you’re an interested individual or already part of a group, we aim to help with your questions. Led by Threshold Centre residents.
Date: 7pm Friday June 13th – 3pm Sunday June 15th

July

Gardening Weekend:- Volunteers needed to come and help us establish a new market garden area. Some accommodation available, food provided. Date: Friday 11-Sunday 13th Time will include:
Open afternoon:-A chance for visitors to see the Threshold Centre, have questions about cohousing answered and enjoy tea and cake in good company.Sunday 13th July 2-5pm.

September

Creating Cohousing- what cohousing is and how to get started. Whether you are just starting your exploration, or in the perplexing thick of it, and whether you’re an interested individual or already part of a group, we aim to help with your questions. Led by Threshold Centre residents.
Date: 7pm Friday September 12th – 3pm Sunday September 14th

November

Creating Cohousing- what cohousing is and how to get started. Whether you are just starting your exploration, or in the perplexing thick of it, and whether you’re an interested individual or already part of a group, we aim to help with your questions. Led by Threshold Centre residents.
Date: 7pm Friday November 14th – 3pm Sunday November 16th

Gardening Weekend:- Volunteers needed to come and help us establish a new market garden area. Some accommodation available, food provided. Date: Friday 28th-Sunday 30th Time will include:
Open afternoon:-A chance for visitors to see the Threshold Centre, have questions about cohousing answered and enjoy tea and cake in good company.Sunday 30th November 2-5pm.

ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES AT COLE STREET FARM

BREATHING SPACE
If you are at a crossroads in your life, or just need a breather; we can offer space for you. Come and stay for a few days up to a few weeks.
You’ll have your own space and free time, but in the supportive setting of a cohousing community. Our residents’ skills include counselling, healing, career visioning, and mentoring. We have a good library and resources to explore sustainable living, spirituality, green gardening and more. Plus the beautiful landscapes of Dorset.
You can join us for our daily morning meditation, 2-3 shared meals per week, shared gardening and outings. One of our community will meet you each day to offer any help and guidance you’d like. The rest of the time you are free to set your own schedule, and can cater for yourself in our farmhouse kitchen.
The Threshold Centre is in a lovely, quiet, rural setting, but only a mile from Gillingham with its shops, eating places and railway station easily reached on foot or by bike. We encourage car-free travellers and can provide walking maps or a bicycle.
The charge for Breathing Space is £240/concessions for the first week, and £210 thereafter: this includes accommodation, sel- catered breakfast, three evening meals per week, and a daily support meeting. Concessionary rates are available. Because of our workshop schedule, Breathing Space is only available at certain times.

MEDITATION: 8pm – 9pm first Thursday in each month. Open Meditation led by members of the Threshold Centre. Payment by donation.

COHOUSING TASTER WEEKENDS the opportunity for groups to spend time living and organising time together. We would offer:
* Use of the farmhouse on a self-catering basis – kitchen, dining and sitting rooms accommodation.
* An excellent selection of the best books on cohousing, group forming, etc.
* Option of one or two shared meals with members of our core group, eg. Friday supper, Sunday lunch.
* Option of a discussion session with a member of our core group, to help you draw on our experience.
If you are interested, please contact us with an indication of the package you would like, the number in your group, and potential dates.
Dates: Mutually convenient dates can be arranged
Times: 7pm Friday to 4pm Sunday or by negotiation
Cost: £50 per person for the weekend – extra services by negotiation

or contact info@thresholdcentre.org.uk
or 01747 821929 (limited office hours)