How to Book
Please book online by using the Book Event button on the relevant event page. If you have not booked online with Othona before, you will need to set up your personal account in the first place.
If you have been before, you’ll be asked for your password. (Remember to save it for next time!) There is a Password Reset facility if you need it.
Once you are logged in the form will auto-fill many of your saved details, though you can change them if they are out of date
When and How Do I Pay?
You don’t pay anything when applying to make a booking. One of us – human not automated – will check availability and then send you a confirmation email with a link to an online invoice.
The email explains the payment needed (deposit or payment in full) and your various ways to pay. We do accept payments by BACS, card and via Paypal transfer.
Full payment is always due six weeks before the start date of the event in question.
But I cannot book online…
If, for whatever reason, you just can’t book in the usual way, please download this form, complete it digitally and then return it by email to bookings@othonawestdorset.org.uk
Alternatively, print this form, complete and post it to Bookings, The Othona Community, Coast Road, BRIDPORT, Dorset DT6 4RN.
My request is non-standard
If you are interested in making a group booking, or exploring a private booking outside our event programme (e.g. during a sabbatical) please contact us on bookings@othonawestdorset.org.uk or 01308 897130
If you cancel, we will refund a varying proportion of your payment. The cancellation date is not the day when you decide, but the day when you tell us!
More than 1 month ahead of the event start date: all but the deposit
Less than 1 month, more than 1 week ahead: 50%
Less than 1 week ahead: 10%
On or after the start date: nil
Many people protect themselves against loss due to cancellations by having appropriate holiday insurance.
Othona is a not-for-profit charity and is known as very affordable.Ā
Our rates include accommodation, three home cooked meals a day and other refreshments, use of all our facilities, and all the input from speakers and facilitators. We think thatās great value.
Pricing Policy
We live in an unequal society, so for most events we offer three rates of charge: Standard, Basic and Benefactor. You are welcome to choose whichever rate suits your situation. You don’t get better or worse treatment or facilities depending on your choice, by the way!
- Standard is the rate we need most people to pay so as to cover our costs. You might choose this option if the event feels worth spending your money on and it will not create hardship for you.
- Basic is for people with limited access to money. It could be the right option if you have little expendable income and paying more would cause you difficulty. It can also suit someone in full time education or training.
- Benefactor is the rate to consider if you are comfortably able to meet your own needs (e.g. own a home or rent a higher end property and travel recreationally) and this would not be the only stay you can afford this year. It allows you to “pay it forward” for others who can’t meet the true cost of their stay at Othona.
We have two rates for children, ages 3 to 10 and 11 to 18 and for many family-friendly events we offer special reductions. See each event page for details. Infants under 3 are always free of charge.
If you come to an event late or leave early, we charge the full rate, unless a reduction has been explicitly agreed beforehand.
Some events cost more than others of the same length, where we pay a facilitator, provide materials etc. Others have bargain rates in recognition of volunteer work.
Bursaries. If your finances mean even the Basic rate is beyond you, we keep some funds to help out. Just contact us for a confidential discussion to see if we can offer a bursary. This can be a significant reduction but not 100% . Usually it means a reduction of up to 25% on the Basic price.
Please donāt be embarrassed about asking! Unlike many organisations, we donāt ask you to prove, for example, that you are receiving state benefits.
We welcome payment in full as soon as we’ve sent you an invoice – it cuts down admin all round.
If the event is less than 6 weeks away, full payment will be due immediately. But if booking further ahead you can just pay the deposit if you prefer. (Ā£30 per paying participant, i.e. don’t include a child 0-2 years, as they come free). The balance will be due 6 weeks before the event starts.
Details of the ways to pay by bank transfer or by card will be sent in the email with your invoice and confirmation of your booking.
If you have any questions, do contact us at bookings@othonawestdorset.org.uk or 01308 897 130.
Please read these carefully before booking. They relate to your financial security (repeating the cancellation details given above) and your personal safety.
By making a booking you will be agreeing to all these terms.
Cancellations
If you cancel, you will be refunded a varying proportion of your payment. The cancellation date is not the day when you decide, but the day when you tell us!
More than 1 month ahead of the event start date: all but the deposit
Less than 1 month, more than 1 week ahead: 50%
Less than 1 week ahead: 10%
On or after the start date: nil
Many people protect themselves against loss due to cancellations by having appropriate holiday insurance.
Recreation and Safety
One of the delights of Othona is its relatively āwildā outdoor environment. We want to keep this open to all and safe for all. Please read this carefully as it constitutes part of your terms and conditions for booking.
By booking to stay at the Othona Community at Burton Bradstock DT6 4RN I am agreeing to all of the following:
Any or all of the members of my family or party listed on the booking form may want to play and engage in other recreational activities in the grounds of the Othona Community, including use of the equipment known as the Treehouse.
I understand that:
a. The grounds include varied terrain on which care is needed to avoid accidental injury. They are largely āundomesticatedā for the sake of wildlife and bio-diversity.
There may be plants growing wild which are poisonous if eaten.
b. As in any wild environment, common sense is needed to enjoy the surroundings and avoid danger.
c. The possibility of injury to myself and others will always exist.
I confirm that:
a. I am aware and accept that there are potential risks to myself and others and I will not deliberately endanger myself or others.
b. I acknowledge and accept the responsibility for the supervision of any child of mine who plays in the grounds, including use of the Treehouse.
c. I will comply – and ensure any child of mine complies ā with the Othona Community guidelines as to use of the Treehouse or any other play equipment.
d. I will only allow my child(ren) to use the Treehouse when I have satisfied myself that it is safe for them to do so.
I hereby release, remise and forever discharge from any claims and liabilities whatsoever without limitation the Othona Community, its employees and volunteer helpers and any other person playing in the grounds who might injure me or my child(ren) howsoever arising, and I make this release on behalf of myself, my heirs, executors and administrators.