Cliff Fest, Derbyshire

Hello there, we've been away last weekend and since arriving home I've been catching up with visiting your blogs, laundry, shopping, unpacking, drying out tents etc. Sadly the sun didn't hang around much in Derbyshire, though some people did wear shorts, it rained a bit but wasn't cold. I know, we always talk about the weather in the UK and I don't like to disappoint.

I've put some photos together a bit randomly that will take you on a whistle stop tour of our camping holiday in Cliff Fest. It's actually Cliff College in Calver, Hope Valley that run Cliff Festival each year. They are a Methodist college that run many courses which if you had a Christian ministry calling, this would be an ideal setting to study. I understand there are both short and long courses available but more than that, I've not looked into. As you can imagine the place is steeped in Methodist history and here is a link if this interests you.

I'm not a Methodist though teen 1 used to attend their kids club when we lived in Tickhill, Doncaster. Later for a short time we also attended that particular church before we moved to Lincolnshire. I'm not particularly any denomination really, we've attended most over the years, Baptists twice, United reformed, C of E, A few House Church styles, our present church is AOG. We've moved churches mainly as we've moved house and not because of bad feeling, though our last church was whilst living in our present house. We'd been there about 10 years and as a family, it felt right to leave and join with another.

It's a weekend of fun, celebration, excellent teaching and some relaxation. I did do a bit of knitting and a little bit of crochet. The teens including teen 1 lovely girlfriend who joined us for her second year, loved it and can't wait to go again. Here is a sample of 'some' of the music we sang. I know modern worship bands that are loud and very lively are not to everyone's taste but (and I have to be very careful here as people can get upset) - organs and hymn singing is not to my taste either. I know that worship isn't for us but for Jesus, having said that it's nice if you enjoy it too.

This year at Cliff the organisers put on a Hope Collective event with live bands who performed throughout Saturday. I saw the first three but The Moment was too loud even with earplugs in! I've since discovered that sitting it the central area of the tent is better - not near the speakers. Teen 2 loved it! Artists included: Lou Fellingham, Lily Jo, Philippa Hannah, The Moment, Rivers and Robots, and Andy Hawthorne.  

Incidentally over 20 years ago my parents bought a tape cassette (not CD) with Andy Hawthorne as the lead singer of World Wide Message Tribe. This is their most famous song, a sort of pre-rap style that I've never warmed to.

Clockwise from top left

Wisteria Harlequin, teen 1 blue tent in front of our awning and caravan, small camp shop and shower block, main celebration big tent housing the gift shop, cafe & various information stands etc. 

Having an electrical hook up this year, a first for us meant that we not only had a fridge... luxury not collecting ice packs! We also had an electric kettle, many times teens (not all ours) popped in for tea, tea and more tea lol. Late after hours the teens visited their own cafe until 1:00 am in the morning. They seemed to have continuous free hot and cold drinks available, as well as charging points for phones. 

Views seen from around the campsite and flowers seen on our walk with teen 1 and Miss E. They wanted to take us on a walk that they'd taken the previous year. It was a lovely walk with open countryside and some woodland. 

Open hillside hosting a small stage where various artists performed throughout the day and evening. The burger bar and Mocktail bar (obviously non-alcoholic as Methodist). Main building where you can buy some or all of your meals in either an indoor canteen or (only) slightly upmarket restaurant. The story telling tent, each year a different Narnia story is told for about 50 mins each day. This year it was The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. I would love to go but can't cope with sitting on the carpeted floor, it's a no shoes and no chairs venue, most uncomfortable. Lastly the climbing wall which is available only when supervised, throughout the weekend.

The archery was available again this year too and capture the flag was run by the youth team one afternoon. Every year they put on a Disney sing-a-long film, last year it was The Greatest Showman, this year it was Mary Poppins Returns. With many other seminars and fun activities there is plenty to do for all ages.

Kickstart each morning at 9:00 am for about 45 minutes, literally kick starts the day before kids and teens go off to their various activities. It is jam packed with entertainment, worship and actions, some prayer and total wall to wall fun. Bob Hartman on the left is an excellent storyteller with many books to his name, though this year he sung his stories, other years he encourages the audience to join in with actions. It was hilarious! He's standing next to one of the 'Play it by Ear' team, they are excellent at getting their message across too. More views both seen from the camp and along our walk with the teens.

The kickstart team also put on Funky Sunday for an hour on Sunday afternoon. Again it was an amazing fun filled time which goes far too fast. With Eddie the Donkey (a puppet) who says he's 'the best donkey in the world' - he's my personal favourite. Teen 2 and his friend D went up on the stage to join in with the dancing.

Walking up and over the hill with the storytelling tent and tree, over the road and heading towards the youth tents - you can experience the quiet contemplation area. The fresh garlic smell was quite overpowering. The labyrinth is marked out each year.

The cross from both sides with tree stumps for seating and the little Poustinia (shed) on the right. This is a good place to sit at the foot of the cross and just offload anything on your mind. 

Stepping inside the little shed, there is an open bible and a few other objects to aid contemplation. 

Some cuteness overload on our walk, the river Derwent and the flaming tree again. 

More views, the Awesome tent (I think) for kids (junior age) and a lamp post - just because I like Narnia looking things.

There was a little awesome tent, creche and several youth and young people's tents with age related worship and activities during the day and evening. Many seminars were available, purely optional to attend, including a drum workshop. It really was an excellent holiday with all ages catered for.

Until next year, when we do it all again... I hope you've liked having a quick look round, in a word it was AWESOME! 
Cathy x