When the hammer finally came down...

On Wednesday evening, on the terrace overlooking the town of Skyros, the last plate and knife and fork were cleared away, the glasses were charged and Lisa Hennessy picked up a hammer...

She was commencing an Auction of Promises and twenty two participants attending a writing course, a life choices course and an art course had offered both to sell and to buy promises. 

Lisa's cry, 'Oh come ON! That's so cheap!' drove people on and she had the habit of letting the audience go silent, letting the moment hang, hefting the hammer, just giving someone the opportunity to sneak in a quick shout as the hammer finally came down...

'Gone... to the man in the corner!'

It was electrifying good fun, and promises appeared out of the woodwork: a painting by Linda Norris, Jules Smith's relationship counselling session, Haley White's tarot reading, Pat Holden's B&B experience in Hampstead, a week in Capetown from Brian Vester and Cat Glennie, a front page of the Financial Times to your own design from Francesca Jakobi, a book cover design from Ruth Bateson, a weekend in Luxembourg from Cornelia Tudor, a weekend in Dublin from Ciara Scott, a set of 6 supervision sessions from Sam North, massages from Bo Borzyskowska, a Reiki session from Greta... wow!

The hands rushed up in the air, and some people were forced to sweat for what they wanted, to the delight of all who watched the battles. When the sawdust, the tears, the blood and the wine were cleared away, over 2,000 Euros had been raised towards keeping Skyros' schools, clinic and nursing home warm this coming winter. 


Last winter, this could not be afforded due to Greece's financial crisis, and the winters here are freezing. This message comes with sincere thanks to all who sold or bought - because on both sides of Lisa's hammer, there was the most generous of spirits.

With best wishes,
The Skyros Team 
Tel: +44 (0)1983 86 55 66www.skyros.com

What's coming up next in Skyros...

Are you looking for a healthy, social holiday which offers the opportunity to learn something new, enjoy the Greek sunshine, beaches and village, and meet new people? Then the Skyros Centre is for you. Located in a stunning hillside village on Skyros island, it has panoramic views of the hills and sea. Here you can step back from everyday routines, immerse yourself in absorbing activities, book a massage or relax in the good company of like-minded, new friends.

At just £625, enjoy a 7 night holiday including half board, twin share accommodation, morning yoga and an in-depth course in either creative writing, personal development or art.

Here's what's on next...

29 June - 6 July: Starting Your Novel...

From creating powerful beginnings to keeping momentum through to the end… Experiment with point of view, create strong characters and unique dialogue, use vivid images that resonate emotionally, and get your work ready for publication. Whatever style of stories you want to write, by the end of the week you will be a more confident, experienced writer.

Your facilitator Steve Attridge has thirteen books published, including adult fiction, psychological thriller, children’s, history, comedy and more. Nine of his stage plays have been produced and Steve is currently touring with his theatre show. He has written a dozen TV Dramas, TV documentaries and Feature Films. Twice a BAFTA nominee, he also won a RTS Award, Best Film Award, 2 Writer’s Guild Awards and TV film awards. As a performance poet, he won an Eric Gregory Award and a slam poetry award.'

MORE INFORMATION

29 June - 6 July: Learn Self-Coaching Techniques...

This workshop is a practical introduction to self-coaching techniques. You’ll use coaching tools to focus on your own life goals and energise yourself. You’ll also explore how self-coaching can help you identify gentle ways to overcome obstacles in life.

Andry Anastasiou is an experienced, qualified coach, coaching trainer, and has been teaching in personal and professional development for 21 years and coaching for 13 years. She'll draw upon her wide background of experience to show you inspiring, energising and reflective coaching techniques that you can use with your peers or by yourself to really make a difference to your daily life.

MORE INFORMATION

29 June - 6 July: Photography...

This is a course for those who have never been taught the art of photography. It won’t confuse you with technical jargon, rather you will be encouraged to look at ideas and approaches to help you take better photographs.

There will be exercises that help you handle and control your camera, but the emphasis is on the creative rather than the gadget and there will be regular viewing and critique of images to help you to extend your skills.

Your facilitator, Kel Portman, is formerly a senior lecturer in printmaking, photography and digital arts; his teaching process is based on working with the individual and helping to expand creativity through projects and exercises with feedback and encouragement. He regularly curates exhibitions and events, working with other artists, groups and communities on projects initiated by his landart collective 'Walking the Land'.

MORE INFORMATION

Contact us ... 

We always have time for you. Get in touch by:

phone: +44 (0)1983 86 55 66 email: office@skyros.com chatting online: www.skyros.com

Photo left to right: Christine, Michelle, Laura & Gemma

Just like parachutes, by Yannis Andricopoulos

Friends are more important than a flat in Knightsbridge or a Porsche in your garage! Thinking otherwise, Euripides tells us, is nothing less than ‘madness’. For, ‘when joy comes, it’s good to have a friend to share it with. And if sorrow comes – God forbid – the deepest comfort is to see it reflected in the eyes of a friend’. 

Having someone who will be ready to walk in when the whole world seems to walk out of your life is a blessing. Dependable as a parachute, he or she will give you exactly what you most need at the moment: understanding, support, encouragement and help.

But friends don’t come easily when we work hard to earn the money to buy what we ‘need’ except that, by the way, what we really need is so often beyond all our efforts. Capitalism is still far away from ensuring the mass consumption of happiness if the latter is disassociated from what is displayed in its cathedrals!

 Yet, we need one or two people who know all about ourselves and still adore us! We need, actually, a network of friends. But what do you do and where can you go to find such friends? Online searches won’t do! I would suggest you go on a Skyros holiday.


I’ve taken several holidays myself and, although I have occasionally exchanged email addresses with people, I’ve never contacted or been contacted by any! This did not take me by surprise as sending post-holiday letters is nothing like sending or receiving bills!



But Skyros is an entirely different proposition. It’s where we cease to be part-time humans – at least for a while!



People abandon in Skyros the land of superficiality, sign off the roles their professional or social standing is believed to require and stop playing the old games. The latter, just as Agamemnon, as described by his wife, Clytemnestra, are just like a net, full of holes! They allow, instead, their true selves to emerge and this in the certainty they would still be loved, valued and respected for what they really are. Concern, care and love for people rests in the foundations of it all as much as truth, honesty and trust. And this is what real and lasting friendships are based on.


The freedom to be who you are is a truly liberating experience. It’s also beneficial, not only in the short, but in the long term, too. Skyros is, indeed, the holiday you can take home with you – together with your new friends, often friends for life.

The latter will be there to make sure that you no longer need to worry if, for example, you are ageing, taking, in other words, this vital step to a long life, or if you can’t exactly handle the fact that your body is no longer comfortable in your jeans! They will be there, more seriously, if and when you really need them to join you in joy or when you find yourself in a space where pain is the host.


And this is far more valuable than a Stefano Canturi diamond necklace or a Porsche in your garage! 

Skyros is the alternative to our commercialised world, the full-blooded dream of a life that makes sense. Don’t miss it. Join it now. You can do so even from your bed as long as the telephone or the WiFi is within reach!



Tel: +44 (0)1983 86 55 66


www.skyros.com 

Holidays on Skyros island, Greece, will run from 8 June - 21 September. Grab one quick! With courses ranging from writing, art, life coaching, music, dance, abseiling, windsurfing, yoga and much more, there's something for everyone.  

See www.skyros.com for more information, or call Gemma, Michelle or Laura on +44 (0)1983 86 55 66 or email office@skyros.com.

The next Skyros Cabaret at the Map Cafe!

It's official - summer is here, the sun is shining, and to get you all into a sunny summer mood we are holding another Cabaret event at The Map Cafe on Sunday afternoon, July 14th!

In true Skyros style there will be fun, music, singing, comedy and maybe even some drumming.

The Map cabarets started in 2011 and have proven to be a wonderful opportunity for old Skyros friends to reunite and for newcomers to Skyros to make new friends.

For those who’ve been on a Skyros holiday, the elements are the same: great hospitality, like-minded people, a forum for experimental creativity and warm hosting, courtesy of Kate and Alison, two of Skyros’ most experienced facilitators. 

If you’ve not, Skyros at The Map will give you a flavour of this special holiday – where sharing is key, new talents are discovered and great friendships are made. (www.skyros.com)

The Map is a delightful cafe, complete with roof terrace. It serves delicious wholesome food and wine and beer. (http://www.mapmusic.net/cafe.php)

Come along and you can expect a warm Skyros welcome.

Date: 

July 14th 2.30 – 5.30

Location:

The Map Cafe

46 Grafton Rd

London

NW5 3DU

As this event usually sells out PLEASE reserve a place by contacting Kate on katezdaniels@talktalk.net

Tickets cost £10.00  - All profit from this event goes to the Skyros Island Support Fund! www.skyros.com