2019 Adventure: Cathedrals of England
Adventures in Mind is an educational travel program for the community. It will appeal to life-long learners who are inquisitive, open-minded and looking beyond the usual tourist experience. It is open to free spirits of all ages: a level of physical and mental fitness is highly advisable; curiosity and a sense of community are essential!
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Location:
Exeter, with day-trips to other cities
Dates (to be confirmed):
September 10 - October 3, 2023 (including travel days)
Group Leaders:
Prof. John Black and Constance Kovalenka
The Cathedrals of England Adventure provides a stimulating yet relaxed exploration of the styles of architecture which have formed the tradition of church-building in the British Isles, and of the styles of music which has been written specifically for church performance.
This is not a religious studies program, as it is concerned only with the secular subjects of art history and music history. We will visit several cathedrals, listen to live and recorded music, and learn about the historical transitions through which music and architecture have passed in the last thousand years. Of central interest will be the myriad connections between these two art-forms.
Under expert guidance, a group of 10-12 participants will encounter the architecture and music of cathedrals through tours, concerts, lectures and seminar discussions, with ample free time for independent activity. Participants are encouraged to share their background knowledge and developing understanding with others, so that all benefit in their learning.
Group Leaders
Dr. John Black coordinated the Liberal Studies Abroad credit program from its inception in 1996 until 2016. He has Master's degrees from Cambridge and Simon Fraser, and a PhD from UBC, all in Philosophy. A devotee of Gothic architecture and mediaeval and Renaissance music, he has travelled extensively in Europe, and has led many study groups to England, Italy and the Czech Republic. He values Exeter in particular because of its proximity to many significant churches, and the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Constance Kovalenka is a graduate of the Liberal Studies program at VIU. A visual artist in her own right, she has a special interest in Gothic statuary, and is knowledgeable about the geography of the city of Exeter, its markets, its cats, and its antiques and junk shops.
Tentative Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Sidbury; settle into accommodation
Day 2
Orientation, Walk and Lunch
Day 3
Free Day
Day 4
Saxon Church & Gloucester Cathedral
Day 5
Church, House or Garden TBA
Day 6
Wells Cathedral; Glastonbury Abbey
Day 7
Exeter Organ Recital
Day 8
Chichester Cathedral and Concert
Day 9
Free Day
Day 10
Free Day
Day 11
Hereford Cathedral & Tintern Abbey
Day 12
Church, House or Garden TBA
Day 13
Exeter Cathedral
Day 14
Church, House or Garden TBA
Day 15
Salisbury Cathedral & Stonehenge
Day 16
Free Day
Day 17
Free Day
Day 18
Worcester Cathedral and Gloucester Concert(s)
Day 19
Winchester Cathedral
Day 20
Free Day, Final Dinner
Day 21
Leave Sidbury, Arundel Cathedral, Drive to Hotel at Gatwick
Day 22
Leave England
The Adventure will begin with optional preparatory sessions in Nanaimo before departure. The schedule below will be updated in light of contingencies. It will however give you a general idea of what to expect.
Inclusive Packages
Package costs include tuition fees, accommodation, all program-related travel within Czechia, tourist guides, educational materials, and admissions to cultural sites and events. Participants must arrange their own air travel to Prague and have adequate travel insurance, including medical. Food is not included, but accommodation is in apartments which have kitchens, so that food costs are minimal.
Program Fee: $4,995 CAD
Accommodation
Our self-catering accommodation in the village of Sidbury consists of a large Georgian house (and if both necessary and p[possible an additional cottage close by) with separate bedrooms, and a spacious open plan kitchen, dining and living area – a flexible mix of social and private space.