Rookhow 2026

Photo by Steve Radley

Tigger MacGregor

Rookhow. Just saying the name, just thinking the name I find myself taking a really slow, deep breath before letting out a heartfelt sigh of relief and release. Comprising the stone Quaker Meeting House built in 1725, the thoughtfully designed bunkhouse (originally the stables) and 12 acres of ancient woodland including a yurt with wood burner, Rookhow is a wonderful place to take some time out and reflect.

Even better, Good Things have been fortunate enough to benefit from a reduced rate for our residentials for several years, thanks to the Quakers’ generosity. With additional support from our central funds, the per-person cost has been just £40 for two nights’ cosy accommodation and far more super-tasty food than we know what to do with.

My first year I expected an action-packed agenda of workshops and meetings and doings. Jo & the team organising had other, much wiser, plans. The Rookhow weekend is an opportunity to co-create a space, to get to know other collective members better, enjoy everything the site has to offer (including a great campfire) and recharge in whatever way works best for you. Everyone contributes, whether that’s through conversation, offering a skillshare workshop, cooking a meal, keeping on top of the domestics (read washing up and cleaning!) or any number of other ways. 

It’s been an invaluable way to have space and time to connect further with other members of the collective - and to learn about myself. The food is always great. And the magic of Rookhow itself shines bright, even from afar.

This year we had:

• a campfire both nights featuring singalongs accompanied by Ellie on her guitar, marshmallows, the best quiz ever, making charcoal and a cookout for Saturday’s chilli and fire bread supper

• meditative sessions both mornings before breakfast

• workshops on constrictive writing, making dream catchers, singing, mindful photography & wood carving

• …and conversations galore

It truly is such an enriching and valuable experience. 

Diurnal transforms to nocturnal 

In darkening heavens eternal

Pagan sparks from cleansing fire

Witches spells, fireside tales

Breaking bread and supping ales

The stars glimmer through ancient trees

Marking our place in the galaxy

Canada geese migrate through nature's thrum 

As soulful songs entwine with guitar's strum

And in the true dark, the fleet foxes bark.

Nocturnal transforms to diurnal 

In sunlit cosmos eternal

Shaping wood in nature's bellly

Rich in layers and firm of welly

Connecting freely with the wild

Reconnecting with the child 

Now is the time to meditate 

Breathe. Only love, no more hate

Messages of love received subliminal 

As friends chant together, a white winter hymnal.

poem by Jim Lupton, Feb 2026.

As the weekend drew to a close we found ourselves exploring how we might encourage more members to come along - whether for the full weekend or for the day on Saturday. If you’ve thoughts on that, do give Jo a shout: jo@goodthingscollective.co.uk. Really hope you'll be able to join us next time!

Photos from Collective Members

Steve Radley

I have to confess to a little nervousness when I booked my ticket for the GTC annual residential at Rookhow. I know members of the collective are kind but spending a couple of nights together is more intensive. I needn't have worried: it was an experience that left me feeling inspired, grounded, and deeply connected.

One of the most powerful aspects of the residential was the community. There’s something special about stepping away from daily routines and being in an environment where everyone is there with shared purpose. I really appreciated the opportunity to chat to people which meant I got to know members better. Whether during group discussions, shared meals, or quieter reflective moments, there was a strong sense of belonging. 

Talking about meals, these were great and thoughtfully prepared. Food wise my highlight was the chili cooked over the camp fire, with toasted marshmallows for desert. 

In the busyness of everyday life, it’s easy to forget the importance of pause. The residential created space to slow down, and breathe. My own work in contemplative photography encourages this and I found starting the day with a group meditation perfect. The first morning this was led by Tigger and included some mindful movement, the second day by Dale with breathing exercises. I spent the Saturday afternoon with my camera which is the way I find best to be present and attentive to the world. The woods have a strongly peaceful feel. 

I spent time guided by wordsmith, Jim, weaving words together, and writing a story where each subsequent word had to start with the next letter of the alphabet. Jim's workshop was brilliant, got us laughing together, whilst making us think about how we use words.

I'm really grateful to the organisers who held the space so thoughtfully, and for the members who attended and made the experience what it was. If you're unsure about attending next year's residential I wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s more than an event; it’s a reminder of what’s possible when community come together.

Photos by Steve Radley