Writing retreats don't work for everyone, as writer Max Dunbar points out, and they're certainly not cheap. However, the idea is still quite appealing to me. Enforced writing time seems to work for me - as I plan to do this weekend! Timer will be set, wifi turned off, I WILL be writing like mad!

I've never been on an official writing retreat... I wonder if I'd be more productive if I wasn't at home... 

What springs to mind when I think of these so-called 'writing retreats'?

Peace. Productivity. Creativity. 

That sounds perfect to me. Send me some of these good vibes this weekend, please!

Leaving town, escaping the house/family/work/most recent dilemma to concentrate on your writing. Sounds appealing. Writing itself aside, did you ever think of the kind of accommodation you might be able to find for such a retreat?

A recent acquaintance of mine, John Errington, inspired this post, really. He collects old shepherd's huts and turns them into mini (stationary) caravans, some of which are purchased with the intention of letting them out to writers who want some peaceful isolation. They're kind of like camping (no toilets on board), but with a solid roof above your head, and often small kitchen facilities built in. 
                  
           The original shepherd's hut:                        The magical accommodation John creates:

How cute is that?! I bet you feel closer to nature in these old huts, in the fresh air without the threat of being washed away (says the hardy camper!), and there's no wifi - what an escape!

John started refurbishing these huts around 10 years ago, when he discovered an old one on a neighbour's farm. Aside from the shepherding history this hut had, it had also been used to house Prisoners of War in World War II. Some of the older huts have been found to have poems written by shepherd hand - some more with more raunchy content than others!

"The first hut I acquired was destined for the bonfire," John says. A lucky find then, for him, and a great way to recycle something and preserving a bit of history at the same time. 

The task of refurbishing this hut was bigger than John originally thought: "Everyone thought I was mad, wanting to undertake such a task- even I nearly gave up when I realised how much work was involved," he says, laughing now. "I think it is a primeval instinct we have and knowing these huts had a really valuable purpose in a former life makes them more desirable."

As the first hut slowly came together over five years, it was used for dinner parties for John and his wife, and the occasional sneaky Sunday afternoon nap as it became a more suitable lodging space. Many of the orders John takes now are tailored; he's built garden rooms, huts used on glamping sites, and painting studios. Beds are optional, but what is a retreat if you can't stay overnight? Another bonus of these huts is that they blend in with the natural landscape and don't need planning permission. Huts can also be customised with painted surfaces and external cladding can be installed using the original builds (normally timber or corrugated steel). 

The most impressive improvement to these refurbished huts is that they are insulated, top, bottom and sides. You guys know what it's like sitting still typing all afternoon - it can get chilly! And when you feel like your circulation could do with a boost, you only need step outside the room into the fresh country air and take a stroll to clear your head and perhaps, gain more inspiration. 

"Refurbishing shepherds huts is very important in making sure they are preserved as living proof of part of farming’s history," John tells me. "I am very proud to be able to restore a 100 year old part of history, hopefully for another 100 years."

Peace, productivity and creativity. Those three words sound entirely appropriate for John and his shepherd's huts. Peace - what he creates for people to enjoy. Productivity - a project to be proud of on completion. Creativity - what an amazing use of a piece of history otherwise destined for the bonfire. May many more writers and non-writers find these three words in John's huts for years to come!

If you'd like to know more about John's shepherd huts, please contact him direct on 07530 395152 or email [email protected]. UK orders only. 

If you're looking for a writing retreat to try out, take a look at the following websites. I can't promise they'll have one of John's huts on site, but there are lots of opportunities in the UK and abroad for a peaceful, productive writing escape. 

Writers Online Directory                    The Writer's Compass

Writers Retreat (international)            Urban Writers Retreats (e.g. in London)

That's it for this week! I won't be posting for the next couple of weeks as I'm off to Costa Rica. I may have intermittent internet, but in the main, I'm getting married, so I'll be a bit distracted! See you back on the first week of September. Adios!

Lou x

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Born To be A Tourist

SMASH - Swindon Mentoring And Self Help. It's a fantastic charity based in Swindon, UK. 

Why do you need to know about this organisation? Well, since 1999 SMASH has been 'bringing young people together with willing and committed volunteers who can support, advise and listen to them in a sustained long term mentoring relationship.' The charity gives young people at risk the chance to develop and reach their potential, giving them confidence to grow into responsible and happy adults - sometimes when no one else believes that this is possible. 

How do SMASH do this amazing job? With their amazing volunteer mentors, that's how! This month saw a new intake of mentors who spent a day mixing with their potential mentees and other new mentors. The lively group took on challenges like raft building, archery contests and assault courses, all with the aim of matching up the young people with an appropriate mentor. Kind of like mentor speed dating, they had a fantastic time meeting each other, and word has it, mentors and mentees alike are excited to find out with in the near future who they've been paired with. 

Exciting activities aside, SMASH encourage the volunteer mentors to befriend the young person they're paired with. The idea is to be someone they can trust, someone they can possibly use as a role model, someone they can confide in - if they wish. Mentors are trained to recognise signs of abuse, and they are briefed on child safety (among other important issues). They are told not be step in to cover an absent or disinterested parent, but simply to 'hang out' with their charge and give them something they can depend on. If the mentee chooses to open up about problems they may be having, the mentor is there to offer an ear - but no advice. The mentors are only linked to their young person for 12 months, but the benefits to both mentor and mentee are significant. 

Taken from a recent news article on SMASH:

Luke Withington, 17, was matched with one of the charity’s mentors two and half years ago. Since then he has become a SMASH trustee and a spokesman for the organisation. He is one of the many youngsters preparing for the [10 mile run] challenge in September.

“The charity helped me come out of my comfort zone and I got the help I needed to get my own problems sorted,” he said. “I was diagnosed with depression after they helped me out and it turns out I had had it for four years without knowing it. They taught me not to give up on myself. The service they provide is astounding and I am a living, breathing success story.”

Do you think you have it in you to help a young person discover their confidence?

Can you offer the companionship just one boy or girl needs to develop?

SMASH are looking for Swindon area volunteers who wish to become a mentor for these young people (normally from 13-16 years old), so if you think you could offer friendship and adult role model competencies, get in touch!

Contact SMASH:

Tel: 01793 729748

www.smashyouthproject.co.uk

Find SMASH on Facebook or check out their Twitter page.

Have a fulfilling weekend guys, see you next Friday! 

Lou x

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...And on Twitter
Born To be A Tourist

Images courtesy of SMASH