In this Pre-Christmas Quiet Day at George Bell House, we invite participants to step out of the intensity of this busy period into a day of contemplation using the spoken word and artworks on the theme of the Nativity.
Following an introduction, each session will be followed by a period of contemplation before a time for comment and questions.
The retreat will be guided by John Workman, an art history postgraduate researcher and member of the Cathedral congregation and Earl Collins, the Canon Chancellor.
Itinerary
Friday 11 December
- 09.30 - 10.00am: Registration
- 10.00am: Session 1 - Welcome and introductions followed by a meditation on the Incarnation followed by a time of silence
- 10.45am: Tea and coffee
- 11.15am: Session 2 - Vanessa Bell The Nativity at Berwick Church (followed by Silence and discussion)
- 12.30pm: Time of quiet and Midday prayer
- 13.00pm: Sandwich lunch (please bring your own)
- 15.30pm: Session 3 - Hans Feibusch The Nativity (followed by silence and discussion)
- 16.30pm: Tea and coffee
- 17.30pm: Evensong in the Cathedral and depart
About the facilitators
Reverend Dr Earl Collins leads on theological education and Christian formation as Canon Chancellor. A former Benedictine monk, His ministry has taken him across the globe, with teaching roles in Rome, Ireland, the United States, India, Nigeria, and Jerusalem, as well as for the New York Centre for Jungian Studies. He has also served as Chaplain and Acting Vice‑Principal at Westcott House, Cambridge, and has served in the Diocese of Chichester since 2019, before being installed as Residentiary Canon and Chancellor in 2025.
John Workman is a member of the Cathedral Congregation and an art history PhD research student with the Open University. His research topic is the modernist art commissioned by Bishop George Bell and Dean Walter Hussey for churches in the Diocese of Chichester and Chichester Cathedral. His research includes how viewers can interact with the artworks in these sacred spaces. Based on his research he regularly leads retreats with the Canon Chancellor. He also leads the Cathedral serving team.
Booking
- Cost: Free, donations welcome.
- Booking: Prior booking is essential, as places are limited.
About the venue
George Bell House, 4 Canon Lane is a beautifully restored former archdeaconry set within the Cathedral Close, just a short walk from Chichester Cathedral. It is a centre for vocation, education, and reconciliation, it offers a peaceful and well‑appointed setting for learning and discussion.
Address: George Bell House, 4 Canon Lane, Chichester, PO19 1PX
https://what3words.com/manage.serve.from
Finding George Bell House:
- On foot: Less than a ten‑minute walk from Chichester railway station, with bus stops located at the end of Canon Lane.
- By car: Parking is available via city-centre carparks. There is no carparking available at the venue. Attendees are welcome to be dropped off outside the venue (PO19 1PX).
- Step‑free access: The building has level access at the front entrance, with no steps, and a movable ramp available if required. There is a raised pavement outside of the House, which can be accessed via a dropped curb. This session will be situated on the Ground Floor.
Image header: Berwick Church, The Nativity (Vanessa Bell, c1942)