Open Pathway Retreat Centre

24/02/2026

Hello everyone,

I’d like to share something that has been quietly taking shape here. As the Trustees mentioned in their last post, we have been gently rebranding over the past month, and we now have an update for you.

Open Pathway Retreat Centre is becoming Same Roots Collective. This will be the name we use publicly from now on. For the time being, our registered legal name remains Open Pathway Retreat Centre until the formal process is complete.

I feel this new name reflects what this space has been, and will continue to be. People arrive by many different paths, and yet once here, something shared often emerges - a sense of common ground. “Same Roots” speaks to that 💚

The centre will continue to be a peaceful space for retreat, reflection, and rest, while we expand on education, well-being, and community outreach work. We plan to tend to what is already here, whilst allowing it to grow in an authentic way. I will be explaining more about how we are doing this over time.

Our new website is now live, and will continue to evolve as we do. Please use the link below to browse this new online space.

https://www.samerootscollective.org.uk

While we will continue to do some advertising through posters, leaflets, and local magazines, most day-to-day updates and events will be shared through our new social media platforms. If you’d like to stay connected, I'd warmly invite you to follow us below, as this page will be deactivated by the end of February:

🌱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17tRo3iSqa/
🌱 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/samerootscollective/
🌱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/

We will still be registered with the Charity Commission, our purpose will remain the same, and our passion for this purpose is as strong as ever.

I’m deeply grateful for the love and care this place has received over the years, and I hope many of you will choose to journey with us as we move into this new chapter 🙏

With warmth,
Chelsea

Explore Same Roots Collective, a community hub for holistic well-being, healing, and education for the whole family. Join us to foster wellness and connection.

10/02/2026

After many years of involvement with Open Pathway Retreat Centre, the Trustees would like to acknowledge and thank Daniel Francis and Christy for their long-standing contribution to the life of the charity. Over their years here, they have played a significant role in shaping Open Pathway as an interfaith retreat house, offering space for wellbeing, and spiritual practice. We recognise the commitment involved in sustaining such a place over time, and we wish them well as they retire from their roles here.

The Trustees are now pleased to share that Chelsea took up post as the Registered Manager of Open Pathway Retreat Centre on the 1st of February. In the short time since Chelsea has been in role, the Board has had the opportunity to spend time in conversation with her and to see the care, thoughtfulness, and practical work she has already begun. Based on these early days, and conversations that took place in the lead up to Chelsea formally stepping into this role, the Trustees have strong confidence in her leadership and in the values she brings to the charity as it moves forward.

As part of this next chapter, Chelsea is working alongside the Trustees as we start looking ahead to the future of Open Pathway Retreat Centre. Although the charity will be keeping its main focus as an interfaith, spirituality, alternative health, and wellbeing centre, there will be some changes taking place. Over the coming few weeks, we will be undertaking a gentle rebranding, including a refreshed name, website, and social media presence. This work is intended to honour the roots of Open Pathway while also reflecting the direction in which the retreat centre is now growing. Further details, including links to our new platforms, will be shared over the next few days.

We asked Chelsea if she had anything to add at this point, and she asked that we share the following statement:

“I step into this role with a deep respect for the roots that already run through this place, and for the many people who have cared for and shaped it over the years. There’s a strong sense of history here, and I’m mindful of that as I begin to navigate my new role.
Since starting in post, I’ve already had the honour of spending time with some of our trusted practitioners who hold space here, as well as teachers and retreat leaders who are booked to use the space over the coming year. These early conversations have been grounding and reassuring, and I’m grateful for the openness, and shared intention I’ve encountered.
I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting members of the local community, and I’ve been struck by how welcoming people have been, both to myself, and to my family. That sense of warmth and connection has been deeply felt, and it’s helped me to settle, not only into Open Pathway, but into Queen Camel as well.
Over the coming weeks and months, I’ll continue reaching out to those who are booked in, as well as regular users of the retreat centre, to arrange either a call or some shared refreshments on site. Taking time to listen, to sit together, and to get to know people feels like an important and natural part of how I want to care for this space and the community around it.
I’m excited to be moving forward together, as we continue to offer space for wellbeing, reflection, and connection.”

The Trustees would like to thank you all for your continued patience, and for your support of Open Pathway Retreat Centre during this time of transition. We look forward to sharing further updates soon.

04/02/2026

It's been a joy to welcome and serve at Open Pathway Retreat Centre over the years, and now we send you every good wish for the future as we have retired from management. We continue our work with Reiki, Healing, Spiritual Guidance, Meditation and Bones for Life, and can be contacted on Facebook through 'Christy Rose' or 'Daniel Francis Casley'.

With love and blessings to you all,
Christy and Daniel-Francis.

15/12/2025

A quiet morning moment with our feathered friends 🕊️🪽✨

10/12/2025

Just one week to go!

🌕 Open Pathway – Queen Camel Gong Bath 🌕
✨ Year-End Relaxation & Sound Healing Evening ✨

Join us for a peaceful closing to the year a soothing Gong Bath to restore balance, calm, and resonance before the new cycle begins.

🗓 Wednesday 17th December | 7pm
📍 Open Pathway Meditation Centre, Queen Camel

Enjoy a comforting cup of plant-based hot chocolate with vegan marshmallows as part of the evening. ☕💫

💫 £20 standard | £15 for volunteers & retreat guests
🌸 Contact Carmen Sherborne Gongs Sanctuary to book: 07966720007

Let the sound waves wash over you releasing the old and welcoming the new. 🌙✨

02/12/2025

🌲Take a pause this December and gift yourself some calm and renewal at our Christmas Retreat. 🌲✨

We have just a couple of spots left if you feel called to join us. 🌌

01/12/2025

The air has turned cold, as if winter’s arrived early. Earlier this autumn, we admired the changing leaves, captured the gardens as they were glowing with warm, golden Autumn colours and said goodbye to Jackie, a cherished volunteer who comes to help regularly. 🍂

We’re sharing them now with love and appreciation for all they contributed to the Centre over the years.✨💛

22/11/2025

Come and say hi today, we are at the Mind Body & Spirit Fayre in Sherborne. The Digby Hall is situated next to the Library, on Hound Street DT9 3AA

13/11/2025

💛🍁We are really looking forward to being back at the Mind, Body & Spirit Fayre in Sherborne on Saturday 22nd November!

Come and say hi, spend a moment with us and enjoy the warm, uplifting atmosphere of the day.🌞🍂

28/10/2025

It’s such a pleasure to serve wholesome vegan meals made with love to our cherished guests.

10/10/2025

Throwback to a summer garden tea party ☕🍰✨ at Open Pathway Retreat Centre — full of laughter, chats, and delicious treats.

Thank you to those who came along and shared their day with us.💛

As Autumn unfolds, what beautiful memories are you carrying from this summer? 🍂🍃

☀️

01/10/2025

🍃Do you feel called to support the wellbeing of animals in a deeper way? Our upcoming course might be just what you’re looking for...

This is a two day course, held on 25 -26 October, for those who wish to learn how to give Energy Therapy to animals.

Working with love and respect for all animals, the Course shows you how to help enhance the animals' quality of life and to stimulate their body's own healing mechanism.✨

For further information or bookings contact us on 01935 850266 or email
[email protected]