A Haven of Peace, a Piece of Heaven
The Bield at Blackruthven
Retreat and Conference Centre

Pastoral Team
Valerie Allen
Valerie offers spiritual and retreat accompaniment, listening, pastoral supervision and group facilitation, including HerSpace. Her training embraced a variety of spiritual traditions and approaches, including Ignatian and Reformed. She is particularly interested in feminist spiritualities. Valerie draws upon a variety of creative media and Capacitar wellness practices, encouraging integration of body, mind and spirit. Journaling, photography and music are other interests. She is a member of the Iona Community.
Liz Crichton
Liz is an artist, theologian and Voyager with the Community of Aidan and Hilda, a dispersed, ecumenical body drawing inspiration from the lives of the Celtic saints. Liz is excited by opportunities to create liminal spaces where, for a short time, perhaps the unimaginable becomes possible and the mysteries of God can be revealed through our own creative expression.
Trained in the Ignatian tradition, Liz offers spiritual accompaniment and a listening ear to our guests, one: one and group creative facilitation, and leads creative retreat days throughout the year whilst keeping the art room stocked with an array of inspirational materials and ideas.