Upcoming events
At all our residential and day retreats you are invited to join the praying community for times of prayer in the chapel. In between sessions containing Biblical and spiritual input there will be time for reflection and relaxation. Accommodation is in en-suite rooms with sheets and towels and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Quiet Day - Framing the Imagination - led by Rachel-Ann Powers
A workshop encouraging participants to consider the interplay between text, image, and imagination as a way of praying.
Jewels of Creation Retreat - led by Sue Martyr
Unearth your own treasures while making simple jewellery and exploring the treasures of nature at Whalley Abbey.
Jane Austen Retreat - led by Anna Walker
Jane Austen period house party and retreat, what a treat! We will be drawing on the spiritual aspects of some of Austen’s writing as well as enjoying an immersive experience. If you’re a fan, this is not to be missed!
Held in God's Gaze: Angela of Foligno
Bishop Jill and Father Nicholas Heale host this event with a deep dive into the Franciscan spirituality of Angela of Foligno
Quiet Day - Space to be - led by Ann Jepson
Time to reconnect with God. A day of stillness and reflection.
Quiet Day - Paper Angels - led by Hilary Murphy
At this quiet day, we will be looking at the angels who ministered to Jesus and his family, making book art by folding angels out of the pages.
Advent Residential Retreat - led by Bishop of Burnley, Rev. Dr Joe Kennedy
Advent: Living Now in the Hope of Christ’s Return
Quiet Day - Advent Antiphons - led by Bishop Philip
Bishop Philip will be leading this Quiet Day which will explore the great Advent ‘O’ Antiphons using words, music, images and guided periods of silence.
Held in God's Gaze: Mary Ward
Bishop Jill and Father Nicholas Heale host this event with a deep dive into the Ignatian spirituality of Mary Ward.
New Year in Tallinn hosted by the Community of Taizé
We encourage young adults in Blackburn Diocese to travel to Tallinn over New Year for the big Taize meeting. At the end of January we meet at Whalley Abbey to share experiences.
Held in God's Gaze: Richard Rolle
Bishop Jill and Father Nicholas Heale host this event with a deep dive into the spiritual life of Richard Rolle
Young Adults’ Weekend - led by Anna and Andy Walker
Gathering at Whalley Abbey in the wake of the Taizé European meeting, for anyone interested in ecumenism, the challenge of solidarity within the human family and sharing our stories.
For Everything There is a Season
Joanna Lavelle, a Whalley resident and experienced actress, will be leading this Quiet and Meditative Day which will be looking at the seasons of life’s journey through the medium of poetry, prose and music.
Held in God's Gaze: Oscar Romero
Bishop Jill and Father Nicholas Heale host this event with a deep dive into the life and witness of Oscar Romero
Working Retreat
Time to make the Abbey and gardens look great while enjoying good times together praying, eating well and living together as community.
Quiet Day - Knit to Pray - led by Rachael Sterrett and Rachel-Ann Powers
A day to practise the art of prayer and the art of knitting, and to explore the connection between them.
Held in God's Gaze: Teresa of Avila
Bishop Jill and Father Nicholas Heale host this event with a deep dive into the treasures of Teresa of Avila.
Family Day at Whalley Abbey
Families with children are invited to Whalley Abbey for a day of creative prayer, active worship and celebration. Please bring a picnic lunch.
Walking Retreat led by Mark and Gill Ireland
Walking and Prayer - Discovering God’s guidance on life’s journey
Inspired by opportunities to walk each day in our beautiful surroundings, we shall reflect together on Moses’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
Quiet Day - Look at the Birds - led by Simon Skidmore
A quiet day with birdwatching and exploring links between birds in the Bible, our own faith as Christians and the birds around us.
Retreat - God’s Garden - led by Hilary Murphy
The bible speaks of creation and gardens from beginning to end. Jesus uses seeds, trees, flowers, fruit, water, sky and birds to help us think of our own lives within God’s creation.
Quiet Day - I am the Potter
As well as exploring the gardens at the Abbey, we will make and decorate a clay bird feeder as we focus on God the Creator.
Held in God's Gaze: Julian of Norwich
Bishop Jill and Father Nicholas Heale host this event with a deep dive into the mysticism of Julian of Norwich.
Supper Club
A three-course meal will be served in the atmospheric Great Hall with our guest speaker Rev’d Michelle Delves sharing stories in her engaging style about the power of vulnerability and authenticity in the hands of God.
Embracing life in all its fullness – a journey beyond ‘us and them’
With insights from the writings of Dave Tomlinson, Richard Rohr, Brian McLaren and Christian scripture, the day will explore the importance of focusing on Jesus as we grow in confidence to embrace our ‘true self’ as followers of Jesus.
Supper Club
We are delighted to welcome the Bishop’s Chaplain, Sam Cheesman, as our guest speaker in April. He will take us through a light-hearted look at why we make certain decisions and what forces are in play as we do so.
Clergy Study Day
A tranquil setting for individuals seeking a day away from their parish for reading, studying, or sermon preparation.
Quiet Day: Sacred Chanting Music Retreat
Join us at Whalley Abbey for a day of profound peace and self-reflection through the transformative power of Sacred Chanting Music. Immerse yourself in the age-old traditions of Gregorian chant.
Holy Week and Easter
Join us for services on Wednesday or Thursday in Holy Week or the wonderful celebration of the resurrection on Easter morning at dawn
Held in God's Gaze: Henri Nouwen
Brokenness and self-recognition before God
For information and to book by email: beingwitnesses@blackburn.anglican.org
Residential Retreat
“Now that I am free to be myself, who am I?” Change can mean very different things to different people at different times of our lives. It can hold threat or promise for us. This time is an opportunity to pause, take a deep breath and be still.
Supper Club
We are delighted that Revd Michelle Delves will be our special guest and speaker. Her theme will be ‘A Long Journey Home’ and she will be talking about the power of slowing down and allowing ourselves to be authentic and vulnerable.
Whalley Abbey Quiet Day
Keeping a Holy Lent - Ash Wednesday Quiet Day
14th February 2024
Burns Night Supper Club Special
On Thursday, January 25th, starting at 7pm, we would love to invite you to an exclusive in-person event celebrating the joy of food, community and of course, Rabbie Burns!
Keeping the Balance - One Night Retreat for Clergy and their Spouses
Join us for a rejuvenating 25 hour retreat for clergy and their spouses helping to ‘keep the balance’
Held in God's Gaze: Listening to the Mystics
John Climacus and the Desert Tradition: Managing our Compulsions
For information and to book, please email: beingwitnesses@blackburn.anglican.org
Bread of Life - Bread Making Quiet Day
Join us for a day of bread making, reflecting on the significance and symbolism of bread in the bible through the art of baking.
The Consolation of Waiting - Advent Quiet Day with Bishop Cyril Ashton
The Consolation of Waiting - Advent Quiet Day with Bishop Cyril Ashton
Longing for Light - Advent Retreat with Archdeacon David Picken
In a world requiring instant responses and sometimes instant fixes, Advent reminds us of God’s perspective on a plan of salvation.
Christmas Craft and Wreath Making Day
Join us at the Abbey for Advent reflection and Christmas crafting.
Supper Club - November Special
Join us as we extend a heartfelt invitation to an exclusive in-person event celebrating the joy of food and community as well as supporting a fantastic cause. An enchanting evening of great food, warm camaraderie, and impactful fundraising in the stunning Great Hall of Whalley Abbey, BB7 9SS.
On Thursday, November 23rd, 2023, starting at 7pm £30 per person
Whalley Abbey Quiet Day Guests in the World
Guests in the World
Canon Patricia Impey wil lead a day of reflection exploring the Celtic understanding of life lived in the presence of God. As part of the time together guests will be given the opportunity to make a Celtic cross and learn about the intricate patterns worked on them. Absolutley NO artistic skill needed!
A two course lunch and tea/coffee on arrival and in the afternoon will be served.
Supper Club October
Join us at the Supper Club!
Come and join us for an enchanting evening of great food, warm camaraderie, and meaningful conversations in the stunning Great Hall of Whalley Abbey, BB7 9SS.
On Thursday, October 26, 2023, starting at 7pm, we extend a invitation to celebrate the joy of food and community.
Step into the welcome embrace of our candlelit Great Hall and whether you're attending solo or with friends, enjoy a three course meal and engage in great conversation.
To start the evening, Assistant Archdeacon, the Revd. Canon Fleur Green will share a brief, thought-provoking talk setting the tone for inspiring discussions throughout the evening. For those interested, we conclude with optional Night Prayer in the Chapel, adding an extra touch of tranquility.