These images hardly do justice to the beauty of this rural Yorkshire retreat.

To be honest, I went on this Christian Writers weekend in some fear and trepidation. I’m ashamed to say that now I’m getting older I like my en-suite bathroom facilities (like at home) and with my arthritis, like a very comfy mattress. I needn’t have feared. The nightly visits to the toilet didn’t bother me and as for the mattress, well, I slept really well. The mattress was reasonably comfortable but I believe, that it was the relaxed, friendly atmosphere and the ability to love and accept yourself and others that really relaxed me and won my heart.

The theme of the weekend was ‘Knowing me, Knowing You, Aha’ – yes, the borrowed Abba lyrics. But how apt they were. The weekend was led by our president and writer of multiple books and poems, Adrian Plass, and his wife, Bridget. The question asked was, ‘How do you see yourself?’ We thought about looking in a mirror. Do we see a true image of ourselves or a distorted one? God can use your character just as it is, in the not perfect mess that is you.

“Any complaints about this model, please refer to maker” (Hilary McDowell)

The ‘Knowing You’ part of the theme was about being willing to inhabit the world of others in a non-judgemental stance.

We were then encouraged to write – well it was a writing weekend – for the ‘Aha’ part of the theme on the two ideas – How do I view myself in the mirror? and/or Walking into a room of strangers. Some of the poems and pieces were really remarkable. I did write but chose not to read out what was more like a diary entry between me and God.

All this lovely material was set against the backdrop of this gorgeous Yorkshire scenery, with good weather too until the day of leaving.

The other soothing and wonderful ingredient in the weekend was the wonderful chapel. The house and assorted buildings were older in build but the chapel seemed new with its glorious steep picture windows and quiet, contemplative feel. The day began on the Saturday with a time in the chapel and ended on Sunday with an inspiring communion service, complete with film clips. I’ve even ordered the film that was featured.

What a joy it was, to be in the company of other likeminded people and feel an acceptance and connection. It is life blood to many of us writers who largely lead a solitary writing life.