Will the centre be user-friendly for people with mobility/sight/hearing difficulties?
Yes! For example, it will be wheelchair accessible and with the right set-up to support people with hearing difficulties. As soon as we have identified a building, we will be consulting with the various affinity groups in our sangha to make sure the centre is user-friendly, accessible and welcoming for all comers.
When will the centre open?
Our optimistic best estimate is that it will be open for New Years 2025/26, but it could be up to a year before or after this date, depending on when we find the ideal property and how much work needs to be done.
Where will the centre be located?
The location will be central within the UK (possibly Midlands, Peak District or an adjacent region). We’re keen for it to be within affordable reach of many people from across the country for both weekend and week-long retreats.
How often will there be retreats at the centre?
There will be an annual programme of organised retreats, courses and workshops. We are currently looking at around 48 retreat per year – half of which would be weekend and half of which would be week-long. Local sanghas would have the opportunity to run their own retreats and individuals will be welcome to join our general practice and themed retreats.
Who will run the centre?
A small community of long-term volunteers will live at the centre for up to 2 years, offering continuity of Plum Village practice throughout the year. Visiting teachers will facilitate retreats. The Trustees will be ultimately responsible for the centre, and there will be a small paid team including a centre manager. There will be opportunities for short-term volunteering at the centre and for an engaged wider sangha community in the region.
How will the centre be funded?
The centre will be funded by retreat fees, as well as donations. Our intention is for the centre to be economically self-sufficient (costs are covered by retreat fees) within the first few years.
Our target of £3.7million includes set up and renovation costs that will be incurred in the initial phase of the centre being open.
We expect that the involvement of the widely respected Plum Village monastics will be a significant draw for people wanting to go on retreat.
When will it become a monastic centre?
This will depend on when Plum Village are able to send monks and/or nuns on a longer term basis. The Being Peace project is formally committed to starting a Plum Village monastery in the UK in the long term, however, realistically this may take a number of years.
Will there be a family retreat?
Yes! There will be family retreats each year. We hope to also offer retreats for teenagers and several Wake Up retreats for young adults each year.
Who will teach the retreats?
Visiting monastics, facilitators and UK and European Dharma teachers, support by the resident practice community and experienced practitioners.
Will there be camping space like there is at Plum Village?
Yes! There will be the opportunity for camping. This will be offered mainly in the summer months, and enables us to open the centre more widely, and for inclusive, affordable retreats.
