UK Playshop Attendees
A very warm welcome to the April 2025 UK Playshop.
Some of you attending this training have been here before and for some of you it is your first time. As with all the trainings we have hosted in the UK since 2002, your group will likely go through a process and come out the other side as a part of a new family and our wider global community.
We will gather at Wiston Lodge on April 3rd for DINNER AT 7PM. You may begin to arrive from 4pm onwards. Please try not to arrive any earlier to allow any previous groups to clear the lodge and give the staff and us the opportunity to prepare for your arrival. The Playshop will conclude after lunch on April 6th at 2pm.
The training team is made up of Dr. Jane Bentley and Ray Watters who will be more than ably supported by the wonderful Michelle Connolly, all of whom have been working feverishly in the background to make this training happen.
Training Venue
Wiston Lodge
Wiston Lodge
Millrigg Road, Wiston Biggar ML12 6HT
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​Wiston Lodge is set in some beautiful grounds, but is fairly remote.
Phone signals can be intermittent at best and virtually non existent at worst, along with any internet connection.
It is highly recommended that you bring everything you need with you, the nearest shops are in the village of Biggar which is a 20 minute drive away. You will be staying in dormitory style accommodation and all bedding is supplied.
By Car from Glasgow
​39 miles, approx. 50 mins
M74 South
Junction 11 take A70 towards Edinburgh
After Rigside turn R onto B7055 to Wiston
Through Wiston Village, Wiston Lodge on left after Primary School
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By Car from Edinburgh​
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38 miles, approx 1 hr, 10 mins
A702 through Biggar
After Biggar, turn Right onto A72, through Symington village
Turn Left onto A73 southbound
Bottom of the hill at the narrow bridge, turn right to Wiston village
Through village, up to the top of the hill and the lodge is on the right next to Primary School
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By Bus Lanark
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There are regular buses from Lanark to Wiston (Wanlockhead – Lanark Number 31, Stuarts Coaches) and back (6 a day each way Mon – Sat, which take about 20 – 30 mins. See the map below: the bus stop for the Lanark bus is on the junction of the A73 / Millrigg Road. N.B. There is NO Sunday service.​
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By Bus Edinburgh
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There are regular buses (6 per day Mon – Sat) from Edinburgh to near Wiston (via Biggar). For this you want the Edinburgh – Dumfries (Houstons, 101 Service). The bus timetable does NOT state Wiston but you want to get off the bus “as near to Wiston as you can” after Lamington but before Roberton. See the map below, which ‘guides you in’ to Wiston village and the Lodge once you get off the bus. You just need to communicate with the driver once you leave Biggar! N.B. There is a REDUCED Sunday service but it is possible to return to Edinburgh on a Sunday.
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By Train
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There is a TRAIN station at Lanark, which connects with Glasgow Central: http://www.scotrail.co.uk/
What to bring...
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​A couple of your favourite bits of percussion. It’s a wonderful chance to play them. You are also more than welcome to bring your own drum, but drums will also be provided.
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Earplugs: It can be helpful to have some earplugs during the training.
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Some stout footwear or wellies should you wish to explore the grounds, it can get very muddy, even in the parking areas.
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Slippers or soft shoes for inside the Lodge itself.
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A water bottle and or a cup with a lid on. Please note that no drinks or liquids will be allowed in the drum room unless they are in a container with a lid.
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The WorkBook. Please download ( Either electronically or physically ) the pre course reading materials, but most importantly The WorkBook. The WorkBook is a useful thing to have with you as we will be referring to it throughout the course, but it really comes into its own when you leave. If you forget, Wiston can print off a copy for you at a cost of £15.
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Notebook and pen you will doubtlessly want to take notes.
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A piece of string or ribbon - around 1 metre, your choice of colour, texture, etc - for the closing ceremony
You will find it really useful to also watch ‘ The Art of Drum Circle Facilitation ‘. Arthur Hull narrates an overview of the ‘ 4 - Step Village Music Circles Drum Facilitation ‘ protocol the model on which this weekend’s Playshop and the whole VMC ( Village Music Circle ) training is based.