Welcome to the Village Hearth

Ever wondered why you feel the call to sit round a fire and stare at the flames? For thousands of years, the hearth was where people gathered at the end of the day; a place to sit together, share stories, rest, and remember they did not have to carry life alone.

The Village Hearth brings that same spirit into an online space.

A gentle gathering shaped by music, shared silence, and human connection. A space to pause beside others and remember the quiet simplicity of being together.

You don’t need to arrive feeling calm or composed. Through intuitive live music, piano, flute, drum, sound bowls and chimes, alongside shared presence, we create a space where nothing is asked of you. You are welcome to speak or remain quiet, to reflect, or simply rest at the end of the day, held by the gentle rhythm of the gathering itself.

People come for many different reasons: grief, tenderness, tiredness, change, uncertainty, or simply a longing for quiet company. Whatever brings you here, you are welcome as you are.

This is a shared space for slowing down in the midst of life as it is, a place to listen, to soften, and to sit together in the quiet company of others, held by the beauty of music and Circle.

Why The Village Hearth Exists

We are living through tender and uncertain times. Many of us are carrying more than we realise, the weight of world events, personal challenges, quiet losses, and the ongoing effort of simply keeping going.

Modern life rarely gives us somewhere to bring these parts of ourselves. We are encouraged to cope privately, to stay productive, and to move on quickly. Over time this can leave us feeling disconnected, tired, and strangely alone, even when life on the outside looks full.

The Village Hearth was created in response to that feeling.

It is not a space to fix yourself or work on yourself. It is a space to be human alongside other humans. There is no pressure to explain your story, to be insightful, or to have anything figured out.

We simply come together to listen, to slow down, and to share a moment of real beauty, presence and connection.

What Happens During a Gathering

Each gathering unfolds gently, nothing is rushed and nothing is demanded.

Arrival

As you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by the gentle sound of Catherine intuiting live music. Together we take time to land, allowing the nervous system to settle and the day to slowly fall away. There is nothing you need to prepare, no need to arrive calm. Come as you are.

Live Music, Writing & Reflection

Throughout the evening, live piano, and other instruments will weave through the space, offering moments to soften and reconnect with what is present. Music helps us move beyond the noise of the mind and into something more felt and previous participants have loved it.

We may share poetry or a piece of writing that has inspired us, followed by quiet reflection or open dialogue. Each gathering responds to the moment. There may be a journalling invitation, space for personal reflection, and opportunities to connect more deeply as a community.

Ritual

We share simple, guided ritual practices that support connection; to ourselves, to one another, and to the moment we are in. These rituals are gentle and non-denominational, accessible to everyone regardless of belief or background. There is nothing to perform, only invitations to participate in your own way, and perhaps inspiration to bring small rituals into your own life.

Circle Space

There is an opportunity to share what is present for you, if you wish. Speaking is always optional. Listening is an equally valued way of being part of the Circle. We listen without fixing, advising, or interrupting, simply witnessing one another with care.

All are welcome.

Facilitated by

Tanya Forgan & Catherine Holt

Tanya and Catherine create trauma-informed gatherings that weave together live music, circle space, embodiment, and gentle ritual. Their work supports people to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience the quiet support of community.

Next Gathering
26th March · 7:30pm - 9PM (UK time)

We offer a sliding scale, rooted in trust, accessibility, and collective support.

Supported — £22
For those who would benefit from a lower-cost place at this time. This option exists so that finances are not a barrier to participation. Please choose this with ease if it supports you.

Standard — £28
The true cost of the gathering. Choosing this rate helps sustain the work and supports the continuation of these spaces.

Supporter — £35
For those who have the capacity to contribute a little more. Your support helps make reduced-price places possible for others and strengthens the wider community.

We invite you to choose the tier that feels honest and sustainable for your current circumstances.