Rhythms, Songs and Stories: A Women's Weekend of Connection Through Percussion
About the event:
Join us for a nourishing women’s retreat weekend at Braziers Park, led by Chris Sylla and supported by Jo Macrae. Together, we will use drum rhythms (mainly djembe and dounun), songs, and stories to connect deeply, express ourselves freely, and restore our inner balance.
Open to all women and non-binary people.
Over the course of the weekend, we will explore both taught rhythms in the West African tradition and opportunities for improvisation with drums and other percussive instruments. No prior drumming or musical experience is needed. We will also work with our voices, movement, storytelling, yoga nidra, and guided meditation/visualisation – all set within the beautiful South Oxfordshire landscape.
Braziers Park itself (where Chris lives) is a magical place. The retreat includes delicious vegetarian meals from our kitchen, with time to explore the grounds and surrounding countryside, or simply rest and reflect.
Our schedule will flow gently throughout the weekend, balancing structure and spaciousness:
Friday
Arrival between 4:00–6:30pm for settling in and a sharing session, followed by an evening introduction (7:30–9:00pm) to the drums, stories, and songs.
Saturday
After a leisurely breakfast (8:30–9:30am), we will gather for two morning sessions (10:00–11:30am and 12:00–1:00pm) of drumming, rhythmic conversation, singing, and storytelling. Following lunch, the afternoon offers free time to explore or rest before a yoga nidra session with Jo at 3:00pm, and more drumming and singing before dinner at 6:30pm. The day closes with stories and songs by the fire.
Sunday
The morning follows a similar rhythm to Saturday. We will close the retreat with a final session (2:30–4:00pm) of drumming, singing, storytelling, and sharing.
An optional extra overnight stay on Sunday (bed & breakfast) can be arranged directly with Braziers Park.
About the facilitators:
Chris Sylla is a community musician and resident at Braziers Park, where she also runs the kitchen (though the team will be cooking without her this weekend). She has nearly 30 years of experience teaching percussion and specialises in West African drumming, particularly djembe and dounun. Since 2000, she has travelled frequently to Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea for study and inspiration. Chris has led women’s days, weekend retreats, and workshops across the UK, and especially values collaborative hosting. She and Jo are long-time friends and have worked together at camps and workshops in both the UK and Gambia.
Social media: Hands on Skin · Instagram
Jo Macrae has a long career in psychology and counselling, describing her approach as “a bridge between our personal experience and the recognition of our transpersonal self as pure awareness.” She teaches Yoga Nidra (meaning “yogic sleep”) as a guided meditation practice that brings deep relaxation and calm awareness. Jo is also a djembe drummer and runs a drumming group in Weymouth, which Chris occasionally visits as a guest teacher.
Website: Jo Macrae
Costs:
Residential tickets from £190 per person. Tickets include two nights' accommodation and all meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch, plus refreshments.
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