COVID-19 UPDATE

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Hi Folk of Awen,

I hope you are all keeping well and safe as we live through these unusual times, calling on the Spirit of the Bear for this year's SOA camp seems to have been some how fitting, even if not in the way I envisaged!

I am sure you won't be surprised, but Jamie and I have taken the decision to cancel this year's Spirit of Awen. We are terrible gutted to have to make this choice but we would be foolish to go ahead in the circumstances. We have been advised that the ban on social gatherings and events will not be lifted until the end of Oct if at all, we are so far also unable to secure an events licence and event insurance which obviously is a must.

I feel that even if the ban was miraculously lifted in time, with social distancing and other stringent conditions that would have to be put in place, I think you will agree, it would still not be advisable to go ahead. I feel strongly that people's health, safety and welfare must be paramount and camp, realistically, would not be able to ensure that.

BUT FEAR NOT.....We are committed to camp coming back bigger and better in 2021 and we can't wait to meet up with you all again on the field. Those of you who have already bought your tickets I will contact you, and offered the choice of holding them for next year's camp or to reimburse your money if that is better for you.

This is a terrible sadness and loss to lose something that is so important to all of us. But the Spirit of the Bear was not chosen, it would seem, for nothing. For me it's spirit is about, yes time out and hibernation, but with that the need to rest and nurture. It is a time for regeneration, growth, strength and eventually rebirth. I don't know about all of you but those are the attributes I will be focusing on and working with.

Thank you so much for your understanding, stay strong, stay safe and I am sure we will see each other very soon on the field if not before.

Much Love & Blessings

Michelle, Jamie and the Awen Team 2020