Book Review
By Fritjof Capra and Pier Luigi Luisi
This book argues convincingly for a change of thinking from the fragmentary reductionism of popular science (what we learned at school) to integrated thinking in terms of systems. We learn how life has evolved and that living systems (including us) have co-evolved through relationship. Failure to grasp this connectedness is leading humanity towards its demise which is countered by proposals for unifying the web of life.
High Trenhouse, teaming up with Landrover Experience, is in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales providing ‘exclusive use’ for business or leisure: a quality environment, with privacy, seclusion and supportive discreet service. The exceptional facilities include 2 self-contained buildings with well-equipped conference and meeting rooms. Enjoy superb hospitality, beautiful natural landscape, splendid isolation and in a central UK location with easy access.
Land Rover Experience is at the ready to collect and return guests from Skipton railway station or Leeds or Manchester airport. Also they are offering a full program of team exercises on Malham Moor, Dales Tours or Geo-caching team challenges. This excellent offering can enhance any program at any time of year. They have 2 Open Days planned to experience High Trenhouse and Land Rover Experience working together on Thursday 1st June and Friday 14th July. This is a perfect opportunity for anyone interested in exploring the very best venue for their company’s future strategic planning, leadership or team building events
John Varney’s article on personal development, Lessons that cannot be taught is published in The HR Director – read it on line at www.centreformanagementcreativity.com
This new programme is designed for those who want a practical and economic equivalent of an MBA. Instead of theory that people struggle to put into practice, in this programme learning is rooted in experience. We will develop personal consciousness of those who will assume positions of responsibility because otherwise our society is being run with ever diminishing awareness.
The course comprises 8 residential 48-hour workshops at High Trenhouse with practical experience and learning opportunities between. The residential units are based on Centre for Management Creativity’s very successful programmes with the addition of academically rigorous inputs on MBA topics.
“High Trenhouse seems a perfect place for stimulating management thinking. A Master in the Behaviour of Organisations looks well set to meet the future needs of both public and private organisations”.
Dr Meredith Belbin
The first programme is scheduled to commence in the spring of 2017.
For details contact john@centreformanagementcreativity.com
Tao of Democracy by Tom Atlee
Tom Atlee is a life-long activist, passionate about finding a better way to engage everyone in true democracy: something very different from what passes for democracy in any country today. He sets out to equip us to be more democratic, introducing the idea of co-intelligence – that collectively we can be more intelligent than any of us can be independently. He describes a multiplicity of tools and techniques that might enable us to manifest the spirit of democracy and enjoy the wisdom of co-intelligence. Read review
High Trenhouse was delighted to host an audience of 30 consultants, educators and managers to hear 90 years old Dr Belbin talk about the subject matter of his latest book, “The Long Road to Civilisation”. For an hour he held us all enthralled and certainly whetted appetites to buy the book and further explore his fascinating topic. A good time was had by all.
“I was inspired by the venue, and am looking forward to my next visit”
Gary Hetherington, CEO Leeds Rhinos
Buy the book from sue@high-trenhouse.co.uk £20 + P&P
The very capable self-selected group that listened to Dr Belbin was invited after lunch to a Dialogue (of the David Bohm variety). John Varney introduced the process of Dialogue as a search for meaning and set the starting theme, “A Sense of Purpose”. An hour of deep listening and reflective interchange followed. The dialogue was so well received that it is proposed to offer further opportunities. If you wish to be informed contact john@centreformanagementcreativity.com.
Custom courses enjoy exclusive use in four categories.
“Thank you for a fabulous weekend, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay! Loved everything about it and would highly recommend. Would definitely come back again!”
Rubins Family Group
Call us to discuss your requirements – if you don’t know High Trenhouse you have a treat in store – the ideal place to reflect, learn and to grow. Tel: 01729 830322 or email sue@high-trenhouse.co.uk
Centre for Management Creativity is offering two ‘new’ but well proven products at High Trenhouse. Given the uncertainty surrounding Brexit this is the ideal time to build the confidence to succeed.
Based on many such events run successfully for corporate clients these two generic workshops are confidently offered as the means to transform the capability of your senior team. 48 hours is the optimal time-frame to achieve the outcomes and develop the capability required for success.
A Sense of Purpose – A 48-hour programme to enable teams to clarify their purpose, strengthen their identity, agree shared values and align energies.
Shared Vision – A 48-hour programme to develop a clear vision of future success as well as the strategies and capabilities to achieve it.
“People have been amazed that we achieved such an ambitious outcome in the time available. They have been very positive about their time with you”
HR Business Partner, Retail and Pharmacy Operations. Boots UK
Talk to John Varney to explore the possibilities 01729 830322 or email john@centreformanagementcreativity.com
Book Review
By Tim Macartney
Tim Macartney’s book is one man’s testimony to the need for find one’s inner wisdom and to use that to shape your life circumstances to the service of the greater good of the earth. He makes a strong plea for a different way of being and, through his own experience shows how that applies to the work of leadership. Is authenticity anything less than this?
With the referendum decision for the UK to leave the EU we are embarking on a new era. Nobody knows what is to come but the early days will surely see the shifting of tectonic plates in the business world. Old structures will crumble and we will need to create new ones to fit the changed circumstances. Make sure you are geared up to make the most of the opportunities thrown up by the chaos.
How should we prepare? How can we be sure we are fit for this new future? How can we prepare ourselves and our organisations to thrive in the new uncertainty?
Take time out to think about what lies ahead and to prepare and strengthen your organisation. Two days at High Trenhouse will prove to be a sound investment in your future.
This must be the ideal time to think through various possible scenarios for your organisation. Scenario thinking opens your mind to new possibilities so that you are able to recognise opportunities when they arise. It prepares your team to cope with the unforeseeable and improves their capability. Out of it will emerge new strategies and the people to deliver them.
Bring your trusted consultants or let us work with you to develop a developmental programme that will give you confidence when many around you are floundering, that yours will be a story of success.
Book Review
By Peter Cook
Peter Cook is a talented jazz musician who brings his love of improvisation into his observations of creativity applied in organisations to drive competitive innovation. This well-written and engaging book is full of useful know-how. The narrative is copiously illustrated with anecdotes and mini case-studies that bring the topic to life. As the title states, the book links leadership to enterprise through creativity and innovation; a continuum of fresh thinking that will benefit anyone in organisation and in life.
It has been an exciting start to the year in the Dales and at High Trenhouse. We had a very mild winter with unusually short spells of snow and ice but an awful lot of rain. Storm Desmond caused a waterfall to cascade over Malham Cove for the first time in centuries.
However the ravages of winter are forgotten as the daffodils bloom and the curlews call, reminding us that spring is here again.
2016 marks the anniversary of many notable people and events;
1066 – Battle of Hastings 950 yrs ago;
1516 – Royal Mail founded 500 yrs ago;
1616 – Shakespeare died 400 yrs ago;
1666 – Great fire of London 350 yrs ago;
1916 – Battle of the Somme 100 yrs ago;
Charlotte Bronte and Beatrix Potter were born 200 and 150 years ago respectively and this is, of course, our Queen’s 90th birthday.
We have our very own anniversary celebrating 40 years at High Trenhouse. So much has changed since John Varney bought High Trenhouse at auction in 1976. Over the years between, countless people have contributed to its gradual evolution into the remarkable residential centre it is today.
High Trenhouse time line 1976 – 2016 →
Book High Trenhouse for your group & enjoy a place of your own with 21 bedrooms, private bar and dining. High Trenhouse is just a 10 minute drive from Settle – ideally placed to watch the finish of the 1st stage and the start of the 2nd stage. With easy access links to the Settle Loop, we are the perfect choice! This is a wonderful location from which to explore the Yorkshire Dales by car, bike or foot. Book Now! Call 01729 830322 or email caroline@high-trenhouse.co.uk
10% discount for corporate bookings throughout August 2016
Don’t miss out – Book Now!
Regular users are those who have come over many years or who book 3 or more events in a year. By way of thanks we offer free day-use of meeting facilities at any time. You only need pay for meals and refreshments. (Can be booked up to three weeks in advance, subject to availability)
It is mind-blowing that, in 2016, Management Development seems to get low priority in some corporate budgets. Why is this? Surely, in a constantly changing world, investment in future capability is of paramount importance. Individual and collective capability, leadership and teamwork have never mattered more.
Apart from the fact that good Management Development aids staff recruitment and retention, how much of corporate busyness is actually effective? And would it not be more effective if people spent a little time to ensure that everyone was in touch and in tune; that everyone was clear about where they were headed and why? The cost of taking time to think is nothing compared to the cost of not doing so!
Can your organisation really afford not to invest? Call us or check out our website to see how we can help you improve your organisation’s future.
As providers it is apparent to us that many people pay scant attention to choosing their venues. Often they leave it all to chance or they allow themselves to be pushed into unsuitable hotels, just because they are cheap. This may not always matter but there are many occasions when having the right venue can make all the difference to the quality of your event. Given that total cost includes executive time, travel time and opportunity costs, the cost benefit of using the most appropriate venue is beyond dispute.
Here we set out a flow chart of the decision process to help you ensure you have the right venue for your event. Comments are welcome.
Not only Know Your Self but also Love Your Self. Recharge your batteries with Mindful Practice. Join us for a retreat in the regenerative ambience of High Trenhouse, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Enjoy a balance of guided reflection and Dialogue, combined with the freedom to roam in the wild. We all lead busy lives; we give out at work, we give out at home and we give out between. If you can take only a few hours in the whole year to look after your own soul, let these be them. Three days that can change your world. Fee includes comfortable accommodation, good food, guided interaction and outdoor excursions. Contact John Varney for further information or call 01729 830322.
“Great venue for reflection and team building”
Nikki Escreet – Northern Rail
On Malham Moor, at the very source of the river Aire, we are comfortably above flood level and our sympathies go out to all the people downstream who are suffering the effects of climate change. It has always been obvious to us that draining the uplands carries water to downstream cities all the faster. The current widespread floods will have alerted many to the need for more trees on the uplands; they absorb water and their roots hold the soil. Would it not make sense to use a bit of Quantitative Easing to employ young people to plant millions of trees that would save the cities and create a new industry. Do politicians have any foresight?
At High Trenhouse people have sponsored tree planting over the years to reduce their carbon footprint and we are delighted to be described as ‘the place in the wood’. Happily we have no more room, so we recommend now that you sponsor trees through the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, www.ydmt.org. Sponsoring a tree makes an ideal gift or fitting memento!
Book Review
By Frederic Laloux
Laloux spells out a whole system for understanding the evolution of organisations and describes actual case studies of those he sees as being at the leading edge. Although rather long the book has a wealth of ideas and information of interest to everyone in management today. This is an important book.
© Jim Varney
Chris, the gardener, has been busy weeding and pruning and the grounds are looking great. Lots of baby rabbits are keen to eat the lupins. Our moorhens have hatched their second brood.
It is lovely to have enjoyed Spanish temperatures recently, sitting out on long summer evenings when the valleys have already sunk into darkness. The Yorkshire Dales feels like heaven on earth. Lush green valleys and the wild and lonely hills enable folk from the cities to refresh their minds, rejuvenate their bodies and rejoice in the spirit of adventure. Paradise!
“Everything was superb! The venue, the setting, the food, the welcome, the tools, the hexagons, the LVT methodology…”
Will Allen – Head of Jisc North
For events held between now and 1 September you have a choice of add-ons worth up to £350!
It’s not too late to book! Call Caroline on 01729 830322
There are several opportunities each year for individuals to join personal developmental programmes for which High Trenhouse is ideal. Recess College runs ten-day programmes for either men or for women. Alternatively Jeff Jackson has a five-day Open Personal Mastery Programme coming up 21-25 September 2015.
“To live successfully requires a shift of perception that comes when you truly meet yourself. For that you need the right guide and the right circumstances. Jeff’s programme is heartily recommended”
John Varney, Centre for Management Creativity
Decision makers are welcome to join us at High Trenhouse in September. A short workshop, “Making the Most of Off-site Residential Events”, will be followed by a tour of the facilities. Enjoy a lovely lunch and network with colleagues. We will be happy to discuss your future needs for off-site events. Speak to Caroline to reserve places – 01729 830322
We are inviting Corporates, facilitators and group leaders who bring repeat business to High Trenhouse to become “Partners”.
Benefits – The main benefit of this special relationship is to make High Trenhouse effectively a place of your own – a place that works with you and for you- in effect, your own venue without the hassle of running it.
Let us know if you are interested.
Getting just the right location for your event can make all the difference to its success, especially when you want exclusive use.
Establish the venue’s availability before you check participants’ diaries, rather than setting a date and hoping you can secure your chosen venue.
At High Trenhouse we can hold availability while you negotiate with participants. We even negotiate with other users, adjusting dates to try to meet everyone’s needs. Check with us early to avoid disappointment.
Upstanding freestanderHigh Trenhouse has always pioneered tools for visual thinking and we look forward to delivery of a ThinkingWall® Freestander, a recent innovation from Logovisual. This mobile equivalent of the Thinking Wall whiteboard in our conference room has proven an immediate hit with the BBC, Cisco and Sony.
Contact us if you would like individual or company LVT training (in association with Logovisual Ltd.)
Church roof
We have helped raise funds to re-roof the nave of St Michael’s church in Kirkby Malham. Just as nearly all the funds fell into place, thieves stole the lead off the south aisle and more funds have to be found. With a total cost over £200,000 the fund-raising continues. www.justgiving.com/pcc-kirkby-malham.
Known as “the Cathedral of the Dales” the church is well worth a visit.
New farm shop in Skipton
We are glad to see the former Nicholas Smith garage on the outskirts of Skipton is at last re-incarnated as Keelham Farm Shop (www.keelhamfarmshop.co.uk) – a tempting feature on the journey to or from the Dales. Don’t overlook our local farm shop in Airton (www.townendfarmshop.co.uk), famous for its Yorkshire Chorizo and its fantastic tearoom with homemade cakes.