A RETREAT centre will hold an open day and two musical events this spring.
Minsteracres Retreat Centre is a hidden historical home set within 110 acres of countryside and woodland, featuring an alley of 200-year-old Californian giant redwood trees.
An annual open day will take place on May 1 with exhibitions, tours, moments of reflection, stalls, refreshments and home cooking to sample.
The 14 acres of woodland in north Durham, established more than 200 years ago by former owners of the Silvertop family, contains several rare mature conifers and deciduous trees, hybrid rhododendrons and remnants of ancient woodland and is a natural wildlife habitat.
The first musical event is the Taizé Prayer and Praise Retreat on April 24 from 10am until 4pm.
The meditative music of Taizé has inspired and entertained audiences, both Catholic and Anglican, for over 50 years. Songs are sung in many languages, and have included chants and icons from the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
The second event is Sing a New Song to the Lord – The Music of Estelle White on Saturday, April 29 from 10am to 4pm.
This day retreat introduces participants to the timeless work of Estelle White, a professional musician and nun. White grew up in a musical family on Tyneside, where she learned to play the piano, guitar, clarinet and tenor saxophone.
Lunch and refreshments are included in both events. Enter Minsteracres estate from the A68, and there is free parking.
To book, call 01434 673248.
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