The following review appeared in Lapidus Quarterly Magazine, Autumn 2007
THE ZEN MONK AND THE RODEO QUEEN
(or, A Writing Retreat at Duncton Mill) by Sarah Jackson
A couple of weeks ago, I was having one (or should I say ‘another’) of those days when I doubted I would every write again. Surrounded by conference papers and journal articles, I had the distinct feeling of needing to ‘get away from it all’, and yet at the same time, the horrible fear that if I did manage to get away, I would be unable to write anything at all. The next day, however, as I delayed the morning’s work by scrolling through junk emails, I clicked open a message from Tonya Blowers of Wordplay, offering me the opportunity to attend a writing retreat at Duncton Mill in West Sussex. I had only three days to cancel meetings, but, of course, I hastily shuffled my papers into my desk drawer, and jumped at the chance.
Stuck behind a tractor on a narrow lane in West Sussex, (heading, as it turns out, in the wrong direction), I wondered where exactly I was going, and what I’d let myself in for. I wasn’t sure what a ‘retreat’ was and, remembering all that work in my desk drawer, I couldn’t help thinking of a military withdrawal – to retire hastily before a superior force. Eventually finding the turning half way down a tree-lined track, and heading down the bridle path leading to the mill pond and the small hamlet nestled in a shallow dip in the South Downs, I was instantly forced to rethink my understanding of a ‘retreat’. The staggering beauty of this place at once overtook me, and a strange feeling of both excitement and immense calm settled over me.
Finding the place was one thing. Living there (and you do really ‘live’) was quite another. Duncton Mill is far more than a place: it is an experience, and an outstanding one. Surrounded by gorgeous lakes and expansive woodland, the hamlet is believed to be a site of ancient origin with natural spring water in the grounds. The accommodation consists of a large farmhouse and three cottages – Cider House, Pool House, and Mill Pond Cottage, each with their own sitting rooms, bathroom and kitchen facilities. I stayed in the eighteenth century farmhouse, and had two large rooms and bathroom all to myself – plenty of space to be alone to write and reflect.
Talking of luxury, the food was quite simply delicious. In addition to the superb breakfast, lunch and dinner (all vegetarian) cooked by an on-site chef, there was cake. Copious amounts of cake! And cream teas, with real, clotted cream! Imagine taking a mid-morning break from the writing and being brought coffee and fresh, just-baked carrot cake. It was a welcome relief there is also an outdoor heated swimming pool, which we were free to use at our leisure, and guided walks across the South Downs, spotting rare orchids. There are also facilities for yoga and meditation at the centre in a beautifully converted Apple Loft. I’m a beginner yogi, still trying to grapple with the difference between the plank position and the downward dog, but combined with the walking and the swimming, the yoga and meditation available on this retreat provided a very unique opportunity to engage with the body and the feeling self as part of the writing process. It truly was a holistic experience and I felt that my mind and my body were being nurtured during the few days I spent at Duncton – not just by wonderful home-cooked food, but fed by the beautiful landscape, the sense of calm and creativity, and the inspirational company of the course leader and fellow participants, which, believe it or not, included a Zen Monk and a Rodeo Queen.
The Wordplay writing retreats are run by Tonya Blowers, a thoughtful and motivating teacher and writer, with over twenty years’ experience of lecturing and researching in university, colleges and schools. Tonya has a PhD in Literature, and as well as directing ‘Wordplay’, she tutors creative writing at the Mary Ward Centre in London, works as an independent editor, and is currently completing a novel and a collection of short stories. Her facilitation skills are excellent, not only giving expert advice on writing, but encouraging us to discuss the writing process and its place in our lives, and offering the real quality of listening necessary to foster such creativity. She works with great humility, knowing how and when to challenge, to support and encourage, and to inspire. The workshops themselves consisted of a variety of fairly directed exercises and free-writing activity, so that ideas for writing were provided, but not forced. In addition to the workshops, there was also opportunity for individual tutorials with Tonya, as well as the time and space to be alone with our own writing.
If, like me, you want the space and the time to focus on your writing, to meet other writers, and to be alone with others and words, then I whole heartedly recommend a writing retreat at Duncton Mill. It is a beautiful place and a wonderful opportunity; I saw people learn and grow through their writing, and felt myself learn and grow too. I came away enriched and motivated, and, furthermore, with new writing completed and more on the way. Driving home behind another tractor, I knew it was back to the office and to those work papers stuck in my desk drawer, but on this journey I carried renewed belief that I can keep writing. Come to Duncton Mill, and like me, you might just find the space within yourself to write, and at the same time meet a group of inspirational people to share the writing process with – people from diverse places and backgrounds: corporate bankers, editors, professional writers, students, not to mention that Zen Monk and that Rodeo Queen.
Sarah Jackson
For more information, see: www.wordplay.org.uk and www.dunctonmill.co.uk
