Do you fancy Champing?

[carrie]

Heard about this idea, various churches have opened their doors to overnight visitors. You can book to spend the night in an old church, with breakfast next morning.
Not too sure myself might be a bit spooky.

[newcastle]

Interesting idea Carrie. I think it's been around for a few years now and is quite popular. I'm not superstitious, so wouldn't have any issues about 'ghosts' or whatever. I might have to keep quiet about being a militant atheist

Enjoy a Camping Trip to a Medieval Church in England

Champing in Medieval English Churches


All Saint’s Church in Aldwincle, Northhamptonshire (Joseph Casey Photography)

When most people think of a camping trip, they imagine the basics: a campsite, tent, fire, and sweet relief from the bustle of the life. Not much else—certainly no house of worship.

The Churches Conservation Trust in England has put their own spin on that age-old concept, melding the camping experience with visiting England’s historic countryside churches. They’re calling the phenomenon “champing,” and it involves just what you’d expect—sleeping bags and candles set up inside the medieval/historic churches that dot the English countryside. Recent locations have included St. Peter & St. Paul in Albury in the Surrey Hills and St. Mary the Virgin in Fordwich; and the trust tells RealClearLife that 2017 will see 12 churches available of its 350, with reservations beginning on Jan. 20. (The season itself begins March 31st and runs through Sept. 30.) The foundation tells RealClearLife that the oldest church in their 2017 champing portfolio is St. Andrew’s Church in Wroxeter, Shropshire, which dates back to the 8th century.

You’re literally handed the key to the church, so you can leave and return as you please. And the solitude and pin-drop silence of the stone structure’s interior does a good job of mimicking that of the great outdoors (plus, there’s no old lady in the pew next to yours to shush you).


St. Michael the Archangel Church in Booton, Norfolk (Joseph Casey Photography)


All Saint’s Church in Langport, Somerset (Joseph Casey Photography)


Of course, the “champing” experience isn’t just about your unique accommodations. The towns where these churches were built have their own enjoyable outdoor and indoor activities available; and the trust will arrange traditional English meals at local pubs, canoeing trips, and meditation sessions.

A night of “champing” starts at about $23, and includes a country breakfast. It may also be the one and only time you’ll ever get to spend the night in a Medieval abbey.

http://www.realclearlife.com/history/en ... england/#1

[Dusak]

I imagine that if one was to at one of these night gatherings, the acoustics would be outstanding.

[newcastle]

I imagine that if one was to at one of these night gatherings, the acoustics would be outstanding.

At least there's lots of head room for the smell to disperse....and incense dispensers.

In winter, take plenty of clothing

I'd be more worried about the organ blast announcing 'matins'.

Breakfast might be a bit meagre....a bread wafer and sip of Tesco's cheapest. Yum yum.

P.S. If it's an ex-catholic establishment, keep a close eye on your kids.

P.P.S. I hear St. Paul's and Westminster Abbey are fully booked. Special rates for star-gazers avaiable at Whitby Abbey

[Horus]

Special rates for star-gazers avaiable at Whitby Abbey

And not to mention a possible visit from Count Dracula as this was the abbey in Bram Stokers gothic story.

[newcastle]

Special rates for star-gazers avaiable at Whitby Abbey

And not to mention a possible visit from Count Dracula as this was the abbey in Bram Stokers gothic story.

That explains why they don't get many virgins applying....or so I'm told.

[Horus]

Are there any virgins in Whitby?

[newcastle]

Are there any virgins in Whitby?

Apparently so.....


Whitby Virgins

Not everyone has been to the Whitby Goth Weekend for the umpteenth time and we realise that new people can find it a bit daunting. First timers are known as Whitby Virgins.
With this in mind, Loki offers on behalf of WGW this advice for (Whitby) Virgins.

There will be a (Whitby) Virgins meeting in the Spa on Friday at 11am ready for a 11:15am start. Ask at the information desk where to go, there will als be announcements in the Spa Foyer at the time.

At the meeting you will meet a number of staff from WGW, there will be a programme of what’s happing and where, plus you will received a map of the locations you may like to know about.
If you miss the meeting don’t worry as Loki will probably be around the Spa anyway. Don’t be shy and say “hello” he won’t bite!! (but he may ask for a single malt whisky for his troubles ;-)

Some more advice . . Don’t try to drink Whitby dry on the first night; you will surprised how many miss the second day because they tried to do just that.
Like any venue don’t leave bags and drinks unattended, they may not be there when you get back.

Please do not get thrown out of your accommodation for trying to get 20 plus people in your room for a party, it will ruin your weekend and may lead the owner to stop taking bookings for WGW in the future.

If there is something else you need to know ask at the information desk.
Be kind to the WGW staff behind the information desk, they are doing their best and they want to enjoy the weekend as well.

Enjoy the town of Whitby, it has many interesting places to visit and most of the locals are friendly.

At any time if you can’t get an answer from the information desk or you are lost etc. give Loki a call on 07866077394 (warning mobile phone coverage in Whitby is poor).

Have a great time at WGW and remember the WGW staff are there to help in anyway they can.

About Loki: Loki played with Inkubus Sukkubus on the first WGW and has never missed a WGW since. He is now a resident DJ at Slimelight, London since 2002.

http://www.whitbygothweekend.co.uk/virgins.php

Of course these are visiting virgins.

The last local virgin was deflowered in 1987.

[Horus]

The last local virgin was deflowered in 1987.

See! I was right first time